Issue 1 - Volume 20 - Mendip Times

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Welcome

SUDDENLYit’s summer and Mendip springs into life with festivals, fetes and events. The North Somerset Show shrugged off the rain and attracted huge crowds.

We’ve pictures from there and from young farmers’ events in Wedmore and at the Bath and West showground, as well as pictures from many other towns and villages.

Gardeners are busy and our gardening section reflects that, with Mary Payne praising the National Garden Scheme –we have a guide to local gardens supporting it.

In sport, the rugby season ended in special celebrations in Midsomer Norton and Chew Valley. An extended Riding section includes a preview of the Nunney International Horse Trials.

We preview local D-Day 80th anniversary services and have the area’s most comprehensive guide to What’s On in June.

Is drinking wine good for you? It’s an issue discussed by Dr Phil Hammond. Perhaps we will raise a glass to celebrate our 19th birthday – thanks as ever to the amazing support of contributors, readers and advertisers!

July 2024 deadline: Friday 14th June

Published: Tuesday 25th June

Editorial:

Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk

Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk

Advertising: advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk

Lisa Daniels lisa@mendiptimes.co.uk

What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk

Accounts: accounts@mendiptimes.co.uk

Publisher: Mendip Times Limited

Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG

Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone: 01761 463888 or email: news@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk

Design and origination by:

Steve Henderson

Printed by: William Gibbons & Sons Ltd,

Metal miners memorial project continues to grow

MORE life-sized statues of miners have been installed at sites with strong links to former Somerset coal mines.

Commissioned by the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust, the latest metal miners have been placed at the entrance to Sun Chemicals in Westfield, Midsomer Norton South Railway Station and in Kilmersdon village.

Sun Chemicals is based on the site of the former Norton Hill Pit. A memorial tree and plaque elsewhere on the site commemorate ten miners who were killed in a pit accident there on April 9th, 1908. The trust has donated a smaller version of the sculpture to stand next to the tree.

The metal miners were created by metal worker David Speed, of Shepton Mallet, and brings the number installed around the area to

almost 30. His partner, Kate Powell, has helped to install many of the statues.

Meanwhile, academic and social historian D.P. Lindegaard has published a book about life for miners and their families in the Somerset Coalfields. The central core of her book is an alphabetical list of those men who died in accidents in the pits, often illustrated by contemporary newspaper accounts or reports of coroners’ enquiries.

Smaller versions of the statues are available to buy. For details, contact David on 07974 442553. The book is published by Folly Books

Banner celebrates iconic Mendip landmarks

ARTIST David Lockett has produced a new banner for Mendip Trades Union Council celebrating the local area.

Unveiled at a monthly delegates meeting in Wells, it is part of a long-standing tradition for unions and their branches to commission banners to display at events to identify their trade union membership. It has already been acclaimed as a superb example of a trade union banner painted in the traditional style.

The banner depicts key Mendip landmarks: Cheddar Gorge, Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury Tor, and carries a line from William Blake’s poem “Jerusalem”. It also depicts the miners’ leader AJ Cook, who was born in Wookey in 1883 and became the leader of all the British miners by the time of the 1926 General Strike.

The banner was paid for by donations from the branches affiliated to Mendip TUC. Secretary, Dave Chapple, said: “We wanted a traditional-style banner and Dave Lockett

stepped up to the task and produced this wonderful work of art for us, that will last for many years.”

The Sun Chemicals site. Pictured (l to r) are Bryn Hawkins and Mo Duery, from the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust, and Henry Jelly and Terry Fisher, from Sun Chemicals, with Kate Powell (far left) and Dave Speed (far right)

Railway volunteer Dave Gilson (far left), himself a former colliery electrical engineer, with Bry Hawkins and Mo Duery

Mendip TUC delegates at the Wells banner-launch meeting

Beavers move in

WILD beavers have been discovered at the Heal Somerset rewilding site near Frome. It says they have turned up through natural dispersal rather than a reintroduction programme.

The Beaver Trust, which is advising Heal on the discovery, has suggested that it is likely they are kits from beaver families already established in the surrounding area.

Jan Stannard, Heal’s chair of trustees and acting CEO, said: “Seeing these ecosystem engineers on our land is the most exciting wildlife event since we arrived at the site.”

Heal Rewilding was launched in March 2020 as the UK’s first charity dedicated to being a rewilding landowner and it acquired its 460-acre foundation site, Heal Somerset, in December 2022.

Look out for cranes

WILDLIFE

lovers are celebrating the successful release of 19 cranes on the Somerset Levels and Moors. This is the third such release and the youngsters, brought as eggs from Germany in April and May, will join 33 cranes already out in the wild in the South West.

The releases are being managed by the Great Crane Project, a partnership between the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, RSPB and Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, with major funding from Viridor Credits Environmental Company.

The aim is to restore healthy populations of wild cranes throughout the UK, so that people can once again experience these beautiful birds.

Trust’s 60 year celebrations

SOMERSETWildlife Trust is planning a number of events to celebrate its 60th anniversary this year, including a gala dinner and a photography competition.

It’s also planning a number of initiatives encouraging people to support its efforts for nature recovery.

It started on February 14th, 1964, when 15 people gathered at Taunton Castle for a “pre-formation” meeting at which they paid £1 as initial capital to establish the Somerset Trust for Nature Conservation (STNC), which became Somerset Wildlife Trust 30 years later.

It acquired its first 17 acres of its flagship nature reserve, Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve, at the end of 1964, and by 1982, the trust was responsible for 32 nature reserves, ten of which it owned outright.

Today, Somerset Wildlife Trust manages nearly 2,000 hectares of land across 66 reserves spread across the county. It has more than 23,000 members and more than 300 volunteers.

Georgia Dent, chief executive of the trust, said: “This year we celebrate the genius and forethought of the trust’s original 15 founders, who sought from the beginning to prevent the unnecessary destruction of Somerset’s wildlife and help to preserve places of special natural history.

“They recognised the desperate need to take action to secure the future of wildlife in our wonderful and diverse county and, 60 years later, their ambitions have become reality in important and exceptional ways.

“This year we want to remember and thank everyone involved over the past 60 years and plan for the next 60 plus years to create a Somerset where nature and people are thriving.”

Details: www.somersetwildlife.org/60-years

Amphibious bistort in bloom at Westhay

Coming together to support nature

THE Chew Valley Nature Recovery Network is being launched to support biodiversity, conservation and environmental rejuvenation.

By linking up local conservationists, enthusiasts, and community leaders, it hopes to foster a collaborative approach that effectively identifies and pools resources, expertise, and volunteering opportunities whilst avoiding unnecessary duplication.

Its launch event, Chew Valley NatureFest, will take place on Sunday, June 30th at Chew Valley School, 10.30-3pm. The free event promises to be a day filled with fun, learning, and appreciation for the wonders of nature, including guided nature walks, plant sales, storytelling and a bird of prey exhibition.

The morning will feature stalls, exhibits and activities tailored for children and families. In the afternoon, there will be presentations from Chew Valley School Climate Action Group, Sarah Pitt, Chair of CPRE Avon & Bristol, and local naturalist and TV presenter, Mike Dilger.

The group says: “NatureFest isn't just about highlighting the importance of nature recovery in our region; it's about nurturing a deeper connection to the natural world and inspiring a sense of responsibility towards its preservation.

“By coming together as a community, we can create a brighter future where both people and nature thrive in harmony.”

www.cvnrn.org

AXBRIDGEDistrict Rotary organised repairs to a steep path of over 100 steps and a very loose handrail from the village up to the old Strawberry Line.

Working with Somerset Council and their Adopt a Footpath scheme, members and some locals cleared the steps of debris, cut back encroaching undergrowth, removed low branches, re-exposed the original hard access and repaired a 150-year-old handrail!

New forest

BRISTOL-based tree-planting charity, Avon Needs Trees, has purchased 422 acres of land between Bristol and Bath at Wick Farm, Compton Dando, with funding from Forest of Avon Trust, Triodos Bank and over 1,000 people and businesses who gave to their crowdfunding campaign.

Dave Wood, Avon Needs Trees CEO, said: “The Lower Chew Forest will be the South West’s largest new woodland in a generation and one of huge significance to our region.

“Our plans to create a forest-sized woodland and complementary habitats over 422 acres will bring a huge range of benefits to nature and our communities, including helping to tackle the climate emergency, improving biodiversity connectivity and providing a place for people to volunteer, learn and connect with nature.”

In 2023 the charity teamed up with the Forest of Avon to plant Great Avon Wood, a new woodland of around 40,000 trees, near Pensford.

At the Lower Chew Forest, it plans to establish a new forest of 100,000 trees and shrubs and create a mosaic of habitats, including wetlands, miles of hedgerow, and species-rich grassland.

Defra’s Nature for Climate Programme is funding England’s Community Forests, including five new forests, to deliver the largest environmental regeneration programme in the country.

In praise of the humble snail

SNAILS! Love them or hate them they are part of the natural ecosystem and have an essential role to play in its running. I confess a liking for this rather charming mollusc. Oh dear!

In the 1970s, when I first came to live in Somerset, I was taken to a tiny pub on Mendip called The Miners Arms, near Priddy, now sadly closed.

Cooked snails were on the menu. Locally they were (are) called wallfish but they are the common garden snail. In my county, Rutland, they are called dodmen or chucks. A friend’s husband called his wife Chuck as an endearment! In France of course they are escargots.

The chef, Paul Leyton, cooked snails with batter, herbs and cider (never garlic) but stopped cooking in the 1990s. He kept the snails in a disused swimming pool. There is now a company called Somerset Escargots that carries on the tradition on a snail farm between Wellington and Taunton.

It is owned by Liz Paxman. She keeps between 50,000 and 800,000 snails mostly living outdoors on a vegetable plot so the snails are fresh and succulent. They are supplied to pubs, restaurants, food producers and individual customers.

Gardeners regard snails and slugs as pests in the garden since they have a liking for young plants especially lettuces and strawberries. There are 99 species of snail in the UK. Only nine or so of those eat living plants whilst the rest live on decaying vegetation or almost anything.

Their jaw holds thousands of microscopic flexible teeth called the radula which can rasp and chew a variety of food. The snail is an omnivore.

The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) until recently published a list of the top ten pests complained about by readers. Inevitably slugs and snails topped the list though recently the box bush caterpillar is competing.

Snails live in secluded damp shady places amongst flowerpots or at the foot of walls. They are nighttime feeders possibly thousands of them living in our gardens unnoticed Once, in frustration, I decided to mark each snail that I collected in the evening with a Tippex mark on its shell and then throw it at increasing distances from its home.

In one week, one snail had six Tippex marks! The biggest distance it had travelled was 30 feet. It seems that snails are homeloving creatures. I have no idea how it found its way home since it did not have its usual slime trail to follow.

Snails exude slime from their bodies to make moving on rough terrain easier. They can retract themselves into their shell by hardening the slime across the opening when necessary. The snail has two pairs of antennae. The longer ones are used for sight whilst the lower pair are sensory and used for feeling their way. Are slugs and snails beneficial to gardeners and ecosystems? Most definitely yes! Recently the RHS has dropped the term “pest” from its vocabulary since all living creatures have a vital part in the ecosystem. Slugs and snails are detrivores. They eat anything that is decaying so helping to recycle and circulate nutrients into and throughout the soil by burrowing, their faeces,

dead bodies and shells. They are part of the composting team. They provide food for all sorts of mammals, birds, slow worms, earthworms insects and even frogs.

The snail’s shell is made of calcium vital for health of the above. Thrushes love snails, beating the shells on an “anvil” to extract the meat. These broken shells are used by other birds to make their own eggshells strong and to feed their young when first hatched.

Slug pellets containing metaldehyde can no longer be sold or used in the UK because of unacceptable risks to birds, dogs, and wildlife such as hedgehogs. Other less toxic pellets are available. However, as we understand more and more about the inclusivity of ecosystems it is a choice to use more friendly methods of snail control. Here are some ideas: choose plants that snails tend to avoid; allow some sacrificial plants; grow young plants in pots first before planting out; grow strong smelling, tough herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano amongst vulnerable crops to confuse predators; surround crops with recycled wool pellets; water plants in the morning not the evening; remove snails by hand (if time!); water ground with nematodes; encourage birds and other creatures into your garden so that everybody is happy! Final point

The slime has uses for us too. Way back from Greek times it was believed that a plant or animal had some kind of mark on it that suggested how it could be used to relieve ailments. This theory was called The Doctrine of Signatures.

For example, Pulmonaria (lungwort) has spots on the leaves which suggested that the plant could be used to relieve lung disorders. Snail slime seemed to be a mucus that could also be used to treat diseases of the lungs and throat and also to treat gout. Removing the mucus was a barbaric practice. It still makes an effective skin lotion and healer. In 2007 a well-known health store produced such a product though this does not involve killing the snails.

DIANA REDFERN

How times have changed

With NICK GREEN

IT’Sinteresting to reflect on how input prices, farm income and retail prices have changed since the birth of the Mendip Times in 2005. Whilst we have seen significant price increases to our daily staples over the last couple of years due mainly to the conflict in Ukraine, for many years the price of our food remained relatively cheap.

There is an interesting comparison to be made between input costs and shop sales. Whilst each have increased over the last 19 years it is interesting to note the variation in how much. The key prices on farm are the input costs of fuel, fertiliser, feed and electricity which have increased by about 270%.

The food resulting from these inputs has increased by about 170%. Mark Twain famously said: “There are three types of lies; lies, damned lies and statistics.” And this can be said about the production costs and food prices.

The figures quoted are averages so should be taken in context, but it shows the disparity of the financial share in the food chain. To top it off, using the reported figures from the major retailers, their actual

profits have increased over the same period by 400%.

On the face of it, you could say that the retailers have become more efficient and farmers should pull their fingers out but it’s not that easy. As well as the disparity between costs and income, farmers have had significant pressure applied through increased regulation over the last 19 years.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the next 19 years and how these figures change by 2033.

Moving back to the present, with the lovely warm weather we’ve had recently and moist soil, grass growth has taken off. Dairy cows have had lots of lush grass to graze whilst beef cattle and sheep can pick and choose what they are going to eat.

First cut silage has been completed on many farms, maize has been sown and for those who make hay they will be keeping their fingers crossed for some hot, sunny weather in the next month or so. I’ve seen sprayers out in fields over the last few weeks from first light until dusk applying fertiliser and sprays to the various arable crops on Mendip and this will continue for the next month or so.

After such a horrendous winter we can only hope what has been planted and grown will provide a good harvest. Time will tell.

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

Competitive but fun at young farmers rally

MOREthan 1,500 members of young farmers clubs in Somerset gathered at the Royal Bath & West Showground for their annual rally.

The weekend saw livestock, sheep shearing, handicrafts and shooting competitions along with It’s A Knockout -style challenges between the 22 clubs.

The rally chairman was Lottie Hill, from Wedmore YFC. Her brother, Archie, won the beef championship with a Limousin x Blue Heifer.

Farrington Gurney YFC was well-represented at the weekend

COUNTY RESULTS

Overall Small Club

1st: Williton; 2nd: Wiveliscombe; 3rd: Ilminster; 4th: Brymore School

Overall Large Club

1st: Polden Hills; 2nd: Wedmore; 3rd: Wincanton; 4th:Yeovil

Overall Rally Points Cup

1st: Polden Hills (2143 points); 2nd: Wincanton (1809 points); 3rd: Wedmore (1747 points); 4th: Farrington Gurney (777 points)

Archie Hill prepares one of his cattle entries

Judging the hounds

Farrington YFC ladies tug-of-war team in action

Wells & Glastonbury YFC

Hannah Payne, from Wedmore YFC, with judge Sue Creed and Twilight

Magic amidst the mud MENDIP TIMES

TOP quality livestock and horses, crowd-pulling arena entertainment and plenty of other attractions took visitors’ minds off the challenges of the muddy conditions at the North Somerset Agricultural Show.

Arriving for a big day out

Abi Marshall, with supreme champion Greenaway Thea, owned by Les and Tracy Rockett, of Okehampton, with show president Billy Smith

Bonnie, aged three, who lives near Wells, at the Hunt Forest Group stand

Never too old to sparkle: David Elsey, 83, from Banwell, who was helping out on the Organic Garden stand as a master composter

Tincknells were named best trade stand. Pictured with the certificate is Diana with the team

Stunt rider Paul Hannam in action in the main arena

Members of the South West Drystone Walling Association demonstrating their skills

Muddy underfoot, but that didn’t deter the thousands of visitors

Friends enjoying the day

Enjoying a chat and a cuppa on the WWII military vehicle area ahead of a main arena display of D-Day vehicles

Noise, smoke and mud – the perfect ingredients for tractor pulling

The Bristol-based sea shanty singers The Barnacle Buoys on the RNLI stand

One of the sheep champions in the grand parade of livestock

Recruits wanted

THEMendip Hills National Landscape Team is looking for 15 nature-loving young people to become Young Rangers.

They will work together on a variety of activities each month. The current cohort has taken part in nature documentary making, first aid training, navigation skills, drystone walling, building dormouse boxes, practical conservation tasks and more!

Young people can apply to join the two-year programme if they are starting Year 7 or 8 in September 2024. There are 22 exciting activities, usually on a Saturday each month.

The Mendip Hills National Landscape Partnership subsidises the scheme so places can be offered at only £150 per Young Ranger. This covers all activities, equipment and the Young Ranger uniform.

Details: www.mendiphills-nl.org.uk

New council chair

CLLR Karen Walker has been elected as the new chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, making history by being the first person since the council was created 29 year ago to hold the position twice.

Karen, who was previously chair from 2018-2019, has represented the village of Peasedown St John as an independent councillor since 2015.

She said: “I’m hoping to spend as much time as possible over the next 12 months highlighting much of the wonderful work our community groups and local charities do to support those in need.”

Cllr Liz Hardman, Labour Paulton, was nominated as deputy chair.

Details: Karen_Walker@bathnes.gov.uk

Bringing relief to earthquake victims

HUGO Pike, a member of Chelwood Bridge Rotary, saw their Water Survival Boxes in action during a trip to Morocco.

Last September an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale struck the High Atlas Mountains, resulting in around 3,000 people dying, another 5,900 being injured and entire Berber villages being devastated.

Initially 208 boxes were distributed to four different village communities that had lost their homes and were now living under canvas.

Hugo had booked a short five-day break in Marrakech. In advance of the trip he had sought permission to call at the headquarters of HAF, a foundation which focuses on community-centred development programmes.

Members of the HAF team then drove them to the village of Amizmiz in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains some 60km south of Marrakech. The tented village housing displaced families was scattered on vacant ground between the original Amizmiz homes.

Hugo said: “We were invited into many of the tents to meet survivors who were proud to show us how they relied on the Water Survival Box contents such as the Grifaid Family Water Filter to purify the river water and protect themselves from water-borne disease.

“Our stainless-steel cooking pots, pans and cutlery were used daily as were the various hygiene items. We also noted how the tarpaulin, rope, tools and other survival items had been used to construct further shelter.”

During their two-hour visit they saw the temporary school comprising ten portacabins and an orphanage constructed to provide for children who had lost both parents.

Hugo said: “This was a rare opportunity to meet some of the recipient families and to see how much they valued and appreciated the Water Survival Box aid.”

In total 600 boxes were sent to 12 devastated villages, just the latest disaster area to benefit from Chelwood Bridge Rotary’s Water Survival Box scheme.

Hugo meets the village’s head man

100 projects supported

WE recently reached an amazing milestone. Through our Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, we have now supported over 100 projects across the Mendip Hills National Landscape.

Through the programme, farmers and land managers can be supported to carry out projects that enhance nature recovery, mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide opportunities for people to enjoy and understand the landscape and cultural heritage, or support naturefriendly, sustainable farm businesses.

With the programme in its last year, we're still looking for projects to fund. So far the programme has supported 54 landowners across 539ha of land; funded 2184 trees, 4000m of new hedges and 3500m of hedges restored; created or restored 23 ponds; rebuilt 1100m of

drystone walls; created 6km of new permissive paths; enabled 100 educational events.

Each application, if it's over £5000, is decided on by a Local Assessment Panel. This panel is one of the hidden benefits of the scheme. We gathered a dozen specialists from across the farming sector sitting alongside access and wildlife representatives to decide on the applications. It's fair to say we've all learnt a lot while listening to the opinions of others.

TOhelp support the Mendip Hills Fund a new pin badge has been launched of the Cheddar pink! This rare plant still has a stronghold in the gorge and a few other places across the Mendip Hills.

For a donation of £2 to the fund that helps community and environmental projects you can wear this badge with pride. Did you know it's also the Flower of Somerset?! Please visit the Mendip Hills Fund page on our website for more details.

If you would like to find out more about the grants available please visit Farming in Protected Landscapes –Mendip Hills National Landscape (mendiphills-nl.org.uk)

RNLI celebrations in Chelwood

YFC spring show

THEsun shone for Wedmore YFC’s 90th annual show, which drew large crowds and a fine display of livestock.

The champions were: Baby beef, Harry Stamp; baby dairy, Emily Hector; beef, Liam Hector; dairy, Charlie Hector; best led and groomed, Hannah Payne; lamb, William Willcox;

pig, Charlie Barnet.

During the annual dinner in the evening, Grace Willcox was named best all-round member, with Elizabeth Bell best senior.

Heidi Wall is pictured with her bucket-fed beef calf, Harry.

The showring

Judging the sheep

THEChew Valley branch of the RNLI celebrated the RNLI’s 200th anniversary with a fundraising garden party at Lady Farm, Chelwood.

Mendip Folk Choir and the High & Dry shanty crew

The refreshment crew

Stepping back in time

Time for games inside the tavern

THE gardens of the Bishop’s Palace in Wells were transported back to the 17th Century by the Wardour Garrison living history society.

Their aim is to re-create life as it might have been in England during the period, giving visitors an interactive flavour of both domestic and military life.

Practising their sword fighting skills

Chew Magna duck race

Knitters Harriet (left) and mum Josie

Explaining the workings of a Falconet, a swivel-mounted small artillery piece

BIG crowds supported the Chew Magna Society’s duck race before moving on to the school fete.

Near the finish

Carol Landman of the Chew Magna Society Maypole at the school fete

Some of the decorated ducks

Sun shines on Charter Fair opening

CIVIC leaders attended the official opening of the 822nd Wells May Charter Fair in the city.

Visit revives mining memories

Some of the group who went underground

A GROUP of former Somerset miners went underground –some for the first time in 60 years –during a visit to Big Pit in South Wales.

The trip was organised by the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust and the 30 miners were joined on the day out by wives and widows.

Bryn Hawkins, from the trust, said: “It took us all back to our days working for the NCB all those years ago.”

Bryn recorded several interviews on the day, including one with a Welsh miner who has been volunteering at Big Pit for more than 30 years, for a community radio programme When Coal Was King.

To listen, visit: www.somervalleyfm.co.uk

On the buses

LOCAL people are being invited by West of England Combined authority to turn their ideas for new, local, not-for-profit buses into reality.

WESTlocal gives communities the chance to design and run new transport services in their area. In order to run services from September, groups need to get their applications in by the end of May.

The first WESTlocal services started in April, one designed by a community interest group (Chew Valley) and the other by a parish council (Paulton).

The £2 million scheme is being funded by the Mayoral Combined Authority using money secured from government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Beekeepers busy

BEEKEEPERShave marked the 150th anniversary of the British Beekeepers Association. Ivor Davis NDB, master beekeeper, past president and honorary member of the BBKA, is pictured planting Tilia cordata (small leaved lime) at North Somerset Beekeepers’ Apiary in Langford.

The association was instituted in 1874: “For the Encouragement, Improvement and Advancement of Bee Culture in the United Kingdom, particularly as a means of bettering the Condition of Cottagers and the Agricultural Labouring Classes, as well as the advocacy of humanity to the industrious labourer – the Honey Bee.”

From small beginnings, the BBKA membership today totals more than 30,500 beekeepers with 74 associations spread across England and Northern Ireland.

If you are interested in learning more about beekeeping, the association will have a stand at Portishead Summer Show, Tickenham Flower Show, Clevedon Flower Show and Winscombe Show.

Their next Introduction to Beekeeping ten-week course starts in January 2025.

Details: www.northsomersetbeekeepers.org

Mayor Tanys Pullin (centre) with (l to r) town crier Len Sweales, macebearer Colin Price, fair operator Sean Rodgers and macebearer Graham Woodland

Nursery’s top award

SOMERSET Skills & Learning (SS&L) is delighted to announce an outstanding achievement in the recent Ofsted inspection of Little Discoveries –Nunney, where it received the highest rating across all judgment areas.

The inspection marked a significant milestone as it was the first since Nunney Pre-School became Little Discoveries Childcare Ltd and the first inspection within the Little Discoveries group.

The report says: "The children are at the heart of this childcentred setting," which really captures the ethos of Little Discoveries –Nunney.

Manager, Sadie Marsh, said: "We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful for our team's dedication. Receiving Outstanding just shows how hard the team have worked, and their passion for providing the best possible early education and care."

Little Discoveries Childcare Ltd is owned by SS&L, who acquired several nursery settings in 2020 with the aim of enriching the learning experience for apprentices and learners, while establishing leadership in high-quality early education and care across the South West.

CEO Kathryn Baker, who is Executive Director of Little Discoveries, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have achieved outstanding in this recent inspection. It reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional early years education and care.”

National award

CHEWStoke Church School is celebrating after reaching the finals of the prestigious Modeshift STARS National School Travel Awards in London, as South West winner.

The programme celebrates schools across England that champion sustainable travel options like walking, cycling, and scooting to school.

School head, Ben Hewett, said: “Modeshift STARS has become an integral part of our school culture, and we're proud of the positive impact it has on our students, their health, and the environment."

Pictured (l to r) Freddie, Rhys, Paige and Daisy accompanied by deputy head Vicki Hennessy

New work by Moish Sokal

SOMERSET artist, Moish Sokal, has returned from his extended personal journey to Israel and Australia. His watercolours celebrating 30 years of showing will be in the Malthouse Gallery of East Lambrook Manor Gardens from Saturday, June 1st to July 20th.

The exhibition “Into the Unknown” followed his wife’s sudden death, when he set off for his native Israel.

He said: “I had to touch base with where I grew up, see my family and my old friends.” He said he found moments of peace in painting the familiar sights of his neighbourhood in the old city, but left the country only hours before trouble erupted, saying “the region I just left has changed forever”.

In this personal journey, Australia was his next destination, where he says he spent the best years of his life, with sunrise swims, feeling the ocean’s energy in his body and soul, then painting until dusk.

He also tackled a new subject: flowers. Also included in his new work are many painted scenes of his favourite countryside in Somerset; the seasons marking the passing of time.

Summer scenes at Swan Artworks

SWAN Artworks Picture Framers, based on the Old Mills Industrial Estate near Paulton, are continuing to display artworks by talented local artists over the summer.

The featured artist for June will be Heather O' Brien, from Mells, who paints beautiful lightfilled gardens and landscapes in oils on canvas, of Somerset and the Languedoc region of France.

Heather's artwork will be on show at Swan Artworks from June 3rd28th. Heather said: "For me making a garden is about creating a harmony of colour, shape and texture and watching the changing light add another dimension bringing it all to life. My love of gardens and gardening is primarily the focus of my work here in Somerset.”

Heather’s work can be viewed from 9.30am-3.30pm Monday –Friday, or Saturdays by appointment.

You can see more of Heather's work at: www.heatherobrienart.co.uk

Water & Wisteria

Snowshill Manor

Successful auction kicks off the summmer season

Large 19th century silver gilt model of a hare from the collection of the late George Withers, estimate: £500-£700

THE Fine Asian Art auction on May 20th saw a busy saleroom and international bidding throughout via online bidding platforms and telephone bidding.

Top lots on the day were a large and rare underglaze blue and copper-red “Star God and deer” lantern vase, from The Collection of the Late George Withers, selling for £227,500 followed by a fine gilt bronze figure of Manjushri selling for £221,000 (sold prices include fees). A strong result for a mid-season sale and we now look forward to the Fine Asian Art auction in November.

On June 5th, Fine Silver and Fine Jewellery and Watches auctions will be offered following a four-day viewing exhibition (June 1-4). A large 19th century silver gilt model of a hare from The Collection of the Late George Withers will be offered at £500-£700. JAR, one of the world’s most renowned jewellery designers, features in the Fine Jewellery and Watches auction with a pair of violet earrings from The Collection of the Late Mrs. Henry T. Ford II, offered at £800-£1,200.

Motoring auctions fill the rest of the month with Automobilia on June 11 and Classic Cars on June 22. Highlights will be online soon and as usual, the marquee viewing of cars and motorcycles will be a destination for interested collectors at the Market Yard car park next to the Cheese & Grain in Frome, June 21, 10am to 6pm and June 22, 9am to 1pm.

Mark your diaries for the July 3 Curated Interiors auction which includes Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler furniture and interior items from The Collection of the Late Mrs. Henry T. Ford II, viewing June 29 to July 2.

An exciting programme of auctions is planned for the second half of the year, offering a variety of opportunities for sellers. In particular, the specialist auctions of Fine Silver and Fine Jewellery & Watches in June are a good opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to source interesting pieces.

The team at Dore & Rees can help you understand the value of items in your collection by arranging a valuation appointment at your home or at Dore and Rees auction salerooms in Frome. Contact the team on 01373 462 257 or by email enquiries@doreandrees.com to arrange an appointment.

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

5 June: Fine Silver

5 June: Fine Jewellery and Watches

22 June: Classic Cars – The Summer Auction

3 July: Curated Interiors including The Collection of the Late Mrs. Henry T. Ford II

Take a look at www.doreandrees.com for more details

JAR; A PAIR OF ALUMINIUM 'VIOLET' EARRINGS

ESTIMATE: £800 - £1,200

PROVENANCE: From The Collection of the Late Mrs. Henry T. Ford II

FINE JEWELLERY AND WATCHES

WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE AT 2:00PM

VIEWING

1 – 2 June 11:00am – 3:00pm 3 – 4 June 10:00am – 4:00pm

www.doreandrees.com enquiries@doreandrees.com 01373 462 257

Dore & Rees

Auction Salerooms Vicarage Street Frome BA11 1PU

Sales are all systems go!

APRIL saw Cooper & Tanner Salesrooms’ fifth Jewellery, Silver & Watches sale; since they began a little over two years ago, these sales have gone from strength-to-strength and they are looking forward to their next two sales this year.

They are now preparing for their June 5th Antique, Collectable & Interiors Sale which has an excellent selection of jewellery, a collection of beautiful Victorian samplers and many other items. Afterwards, there will be a second sale of NASA and “Space Race” related items. A single-owner collection, it includes many artworks by the fourth astronaut to walk on the moon, Alan Bean, most of which are also signed by other wellknown astronauts. Additionally, there are works by other

artists, as well as first day covers, a great number of which are signed by both American and Russian astronauts and those in space-related roles.

Meanwhile, Cooper & Tanner will be holding a coin valuation day on Thursday, June 20th at their Standerwick office, from 10am to 4pm, for their September sale. This will take place along with the already scheduled Antique, Collectable & Interiors Sale on September 18th. For an appointment, call the office on 01373 852419 or email: salerooms@cooperandtanner.co.ukhome visits for large collections can be arranged.

Valuation days for the July 31st Jewellery, Silver & Watches sale have restarted with spaces available at most offices, but they fill up fast so contact

them soon to secure an appointment. For dates, visit their website or Facebook page.

Alan Bean, Houston We Have a Problem, 123/1,000, signed by Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, Bill Paxton, Ron Howard, Fred Haise, Jim Lovell and Alan Bean. Estimate £2,500-3,500. To be sold on June 5th

ABBA cause a stir at Clevedon Salerooms

THEworld of antiques and fine art might, at first sight, seem a long way from the high-octane glamour of the music industry. Occasionally, however, worlds collide. From Elvis and rockabilly to The Beatles, Rolling Stones, reggae, and Heavy Metal – die-hard fans have been known to part with eye-watering sums to secure something connected to their idols, with the result that music memorabilia frequently rocks the rostrum.

So it was with mounting excitement that on one of Clevedon Salerooms’ popular valuation days I recently took

delivery of a framed platinum disc of “Waterloo” by Swedish supergroup Abba.

As all fans of Eurovision know, this was the song that won the 1974 Song Contest held that year in Brighton and which set the band on the road to worldwide domination. This year sees the 50th anniversary of that momentous event and a slew of retrospective documentaries and events have catapulted the Swedish songsters back into the headlines.

All in all, a propitious time to sell Abba related memorabilia. This particular disc was issued in recognition of the 750,000th sale of their Eurovision winner and first UK hit single. Arriving at one of Clevedon’s ever-popular Monday valuations, it had spent most of

its recent history in a carrier bag and was being sold to make more space.

The focus of much pre-sale interest, it came to auction almost exactly 50 years after Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn and AnniFrid took to the Eurovision stage in their glitter, sequins and platform boots.

Auctioneer Marc Burridge, eschewing the glitter and sequins (but not the boots), then oversaw a battle of Waterloo sized proportions between two bidders who were willing to Take a Chance, which eventually saw the Winner Take It All, for the extraordinary sum of £1,800.

This impressive result might lead some to exclaim Mamma Mia! but to which we can only say Thank you for the Music.

With CHRIS YEO

With KATY BEAUCHAMP

June is bustin’ out all over . . . with flavour

WE have no control over the weather whatsoever but, as I write this, I’m trying desperately to remain positive that summer IS on its way. So here are some ideas that would work well eaten in the sunshine, with the chicken dish offering something warmer should the evenings turn cool.

EASY COQ AU VIN

I made this dish for 80 people and it was very well received, so I thought I’d share. It’s not a true coq au vin but a simplified version, that’s easy to make in large quantities.

METHOD

In a large pan fry the chicken skin-side down, on a high heat, for about seven minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy. Remove to a plate. In the same pan, fry your onions, carrots, celery and garlic and salt and pepper for ten mins. Add the alcohol and stir for

INGREDIENTS

(Serves ten)

20 skin-on chicken thighs

2 medium peeled chopped onions

500g peeled and chopped carrots

150g chopped celery

3tsps garlic granules

60mls red wine

60mls brandy

200g lardons (or chopped thick cut bacon)

200g button mushrooms halved

1tbs cornflour

1 pint chicken stock

RASPBERRY MUFFINS

INGREDIENTS

(Makes 12)

130g softened butter

40g caster sugar

100g raspberry jam

2 eggs

130g self-raising flour

80g fresh raspberries

An easy version of a traditional Coq au Vin

another seven mins.

Mix the flour with some of the stock to make a paste and then mix into the rest of the stock. Pour into the pan with the vegetables and cook until thickened (about five mins) and pour into a casserole dish or baking tray. In the same pan fry the lardons and mushrooms, then tip in the resting chicken juices. When cooked, stir them into the vegetables and then lay the chickens pieces on top, skin-side up. At this stage you could cover it and freeze it or put in fridge. To cook, cover and place in a 180˚C oven for 20 mins and then uncovered for a further 20 mins. I served mine with potato dauphinois and cabbage, but crusty bread would be just as good.

CHEESY ONION RINGS

These were a bit fiddly to make, but worth it. The cumin seeds make for an exciting crunch and taste.

METHOD

I thought I’d better keep this last recipe short and sweet as the last two recipes were a bit long and I don’t want to get into trouble with the editor!

METHOD

Cream the butter sugar and jam together until smooth, beat in the eggs (I used a hand whisk), fold in the flour and then, using your hands, break the raspberries into pieces and fold into the cake mixture. Divide between 12 muffin cases and bake for 15 mins at 180˚C.

Unroll the pastry and sprinkle the cheese and onions on half of the sheet. Sprinkle 1tsp of cumin seeds over and season. Fold the other half of the pastry over the cheese and onion to cover it. Use a rolling pin to squash the sides together. Cut the lamination into ten strips (cut those in half again if you want 20). Now the fiddly bit: take each strip and try to roll it into a sausage shape. When done, make it into a round and pinch the ends together, lay them on a baking tray and brush each one with mayonnaise. Sprinkle the rest of the cumin seeds over, add a pinch of salt and bake in a 180˚C oven for 12-15 mins. Lovely to take on a picnic or to nibble with a gin and tonic!

INGREDIENTS

(Makes ten big ones or 20 little ones)

1pack ready-rolled puff pastry

1 bunch spring onions, finely chopped

50g grated cheese

Salt and pepper

Two teaspoons cumin seeds

A blob of mayonnaise to glaze

Cheesy rings: Fiddly but fab

OPEN:

Noon-11pm (Mon-Sat) • Noon-10pm (Sun)

Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faukland, Radstock, BA3 5XF.

T: 01225 962669

E: info@tuckersgraveinn.co.uk

W: www.tuckersgraveinn.co.uk

LIVE MUSIC IN JUNE

Sat, June 1st

Brit Pop Revolution: 8.30pm

Sat, June 8th Junkyard Dogs: 8.30pm

Sun, June 9th The Silvertones: 2pm

Sat, June 15th Fortunate Sons: 8.30pm

Fri, June 21st Elevator: 8.30pm

Sat, June 22nd Trash Casino: 8.30pm

Sun, June 23rd Eddie Dean: 3pm Sat, June 29th The Cleyhill Stompers: 8.30pm

Parlour/Café: Baguettes, locally produced pasties and sausage rolls available Friday 8am to Sunday 5pm

Breakfasts Saturdays and Sunday 9-11am Friday/Saturday evenings 6-9pm – Fish and chips, gourmet burgers, freshly made pizzas and more. Look out for the specials board!

Venue Hire • Camping • Holiday Cottage

Eddie Dean

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

Meet Clot Burr

MUCHto someone’s annoyance, I let this enormous plant grow in our veg patch. I appreciate this is not food from the wild in the traditional sense, it is growing in the garden after all, but it is self-seeded and not considered a domestic herb/vegetable, so in my book burdock from the garden sneaks in as “Wild Food”.

Believe it or not, this giant herb is a member of the daisy family of plants and gets its common name from the Velcro like burr covered fruit and dock look-a-like leaves.

Also known by local Somerset names as: Bachelor’s Buttons, Cockle Buttons, Cuckold Buttons and Clot-Burr, all no doubt referring to its fruit dispersal mechanism.

Rather than being windblown or consumed by birds and deposited far and wide, they are covered in distinctive hooks which grip passing animals fur or indeed people’s clothing.

Historically, burdock was used to cleanse the blood reputedly having mild diuretic and antibacterial properties which may explain the “Clot Burr” name. I can’t for the life of me see how “Bachelors” or indeed “Cuckolding” fits in as the two seem to be mutually exclusive.

Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa) has very large, generally heart-shaped (as wide as they are long) leaves, covered in a light down. It’s a biennial plant, 1m to 1m 30cm in height.

The purple-red fruits covered in spiny burrs appear June through to September. It’s located throughout the UK with the exception of the Highlands of Scotland. Be aware: do not confuse the leaves with those of the poisonous Foxglove!

For the forager, burdock is one of the best sources of wild starchy carbohydrates and along with dandelion root forms the main ingredients of the famous Dandelion and Burdock drink. Let’s just say it’s not my cup of tea.

As you can see from the picture, I have trimmed off all of the smaller rootlets from the main body.

They can be eaten uncooked in the spring, but I prefer them roasted (in their skin) or peeled and cooked into a soup or stew. The roots can be very difficult to excavate as they can go down a long way (up to 1m) and seem to like impossibly hard ground. Except in the veg patch of course, where it was all too easy to dig up.

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

GARDEN FOOD

Time to sow

I AMconcerned by the lack of decent growing weather during spring and hope that June can excel. Be “on it” as much as you can, such as being timely with plantings to maximise the growing season.

Weeds

Controlling weeds is a big story now, keep on it! Hoe lightly if you see masses of new weed seedlings and lever out new shoots of perennial weeds every week. At least with no dig, there is a time saving. I can “clear” bindweed completely within two years, without digging out the main roots.

Instead, keep removing the new shoots, until the old ones run out of energy and stop growing.

No dig ease

Using mulches of compost makes everything easier. That is the essence of no dig, resulting in clean soil all the time, with no more need for cardboard. Two other great qualities of no dig are that soil drains nicely, a bonus in summer storms, and holds moisture. You win in all weathers.

Sowing

During June you can sow under cover: beetroot, swede, lettuce, leaf beet, chard, kale, cabbage for winter, purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower for autumn, calabrese for autumn harvests, cucumber, and basil.

Why undercover, even though it's quite warm outside? It's because there are many fewer pests, no damage from storms, and faster growth. I sow only carrots direct in the ground from mid-month, because then there is no damage to the taproot we want to eat.

Make compost

Your compost heap(s) should be filling nicely, thanks to new growth of green materials. Add to them about a quarter in volume of small and soft, old woodchip.

Plus you can bulk the heap and increase temperature by using a rotary lawnmower to cut and collect hedge trimmings. This reduces them to a compostable size, and the new wood has a nice balance of green and brown matter.

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

With ADRIAN BOOTS

With CHARLES DOWDING

New cider house now open

TOM and Jo Vowles have decided on an interesting retirement project – they’ve opened Hedgers Cider House on Tom’s family farm at Redhill.

Tom, who was a builder and stonemason for 30 years, built it himself, next to the house he built alongside that of his parents Norman and Maureen.

He says his grandfather, Percy, used to make cider in Wraxall. He takes part in hedge laying competitions – so the name Hedgers.

There are more than 40 different apple varieties on the farm from which the cider is made. The bar also has a full range of other drinks, including Cheddar Ales and 1936 lager.

Jo is gaining a reputation for the quality of her food, including pizzas and specials like moussaka and cassoulet. She was

South West manager for Marie Curie when she retired, after nursing for 33 years.

The couple’s other claim to fame is their band the Redhillbillies, which has been

playing since 2006. They have live music on the first and third Saturdays of each month plus bank holidays. Camper vans are welcome, with camping coming soon.

New market attracts big crowds

HUNDREDS of shoppers packed the centre of Shepton Mallet for the launch of a brand-new Sunday market.

Organised by residents and business owners in the town, the event featured more than 20 traders – from food and drink to crafts and gardening – with live music. Many shops also opened especially for the day.

There are plans for three more markets in 2024, on the last Sunday of July, September and November.

Stalls stretched from the top of Town Street to the Market Place

Some of the organisers at the opening of the first market

Gill Sakakini (left) and Chloe Kennedy who were promoting a new eco-arts festival taking place in the area in July and August

DJ-ing on the Market Cross

Maya Makin, aged 12, (centre) ran her own art stall with friends Cooimh McGuire (left) and Martha Cheshire

Celebrating Somerset Day –Saxon-style

RE-ENACTORS Draca Beordor brought 9th Century history to life at Avalon Archaeology at Westhay as part of countywide Somerset Day celebrations.

The group – based in and around Somerset – specialise in portraying the lives, customs and technologies of Viking Age people.

Somerset Day marks Alfred the Great’s call to arms to march against the invading Viking army of 878 AD.

Avalon Archaeology, part of the Avalon Marshes Visitor Centre, is run by South West Heritage.

Eliza (left) grinds corn as Inga, the Draca Beordor chef, looks on

Making music – playing a type of Anglo-Saxon lyre

Ivor, a scribe, reproduces a section from the Book of Kells, the illuminated manuscript and Celtic gospel book

Dvain (left) and Sindri, apprentice and blacksmith

Standing guard over the Somerset flag

Non-court dispute resolution

WITHIN a divorce both parties can apply to the court for a financial remedy order to sort out the division of the family assets. More recently the average cost of such an exercise has been put at around £15,000 per party. Leaving aside the cost, there is the stress arising from the court process itself and the dreadful delays in getting a case heard due to lack of court resources.

At the end of April 2024 there were important changes made to the Family Procedure Rules which apply to both financial remedy and private law children cases. Those changes relate to “non-court dispute resolution” (“NCDR”).

NDCR means “methods of resolving a dispute other than through the court process, including but not limited to mediation, arbitration, evaluation by a neutral third party (such as a private Financial Dispute Resolution process) and collaborative law”.

The court can now require parties to file and serve in a time period, specified by the court, a form setting out their views on using non-court dispute resolution as a means of resolving matters raised in the proceedings. Further, the court will now be encouraging the parties to undertake noncourt dispute resolution where the timetabling of proceedings allows sufficient time for these steps to be taken, which in reality will be in the majority of cases.

In financial remedy cases the court usually does not make any order for costs, irrespective of the outcome of the case, but now things have changed and a court is

more likely to make a costs order against a party who has unreasonably failed to engage in non-court dispute resolution.

In a recent court case the Judge said “the parties should understand the court’s expectation that a serious effort must be made to resolve their differences before they issue court proceedings and, thereafter, at any stage of the proceedings where this might be appropriate”.

What are the options through which a settlement might be achieved?

Mediation

The parties can agree to the appointment of a mediator. That individual would usually be a solicitor or barrister with extensive experience in the area of law concerned. The process might, for instance, involve an opening meeting and then the parties going to separate rooms and the mediator shuttling between them and trying to find some common ground which might form the basis of a settlement. Experience suggests that where both parties are willing participants there is a significant likelihood of a compromise being reached.

Arbitration

Here the parties agree on the appointment of an arbitrator (who would in effect take the place of a Family Judge) to hear the case and make a decision which would be binding on the parties. Usually both parties would be legally represented and also have to pay the arbitrator’s fees. A significant advantage is that a private arbitration is likely to take place far more quickly than a court hearing and can be fixed for a time and place to suit the parties’ convenience.

Private Financial Dispute Resolution Appointment

In the court process there would be a Financial Dispute Resolution Appointment. The focus on that appointment would be to try and encourage the parties to reach a settlement. However it can takes ages to obtain such an appointment. That could be avoided by the parties agreeing to a private appointment before a solicitor/barrister selected by them. They would have to pay for it but it could save time and money in the long term. Again, experience suggests that a private appointment very often results in a settlement.

Finally there is nothing to stop the parties from collaborating directly with each other or with the aid of solicitors in trying to resolve the issues between them.

In deciding on the most appropriate route to take it is usually sensible to take some legal advice.

EDWARD LYONS

Station car park expanded

A MUCH-needed new car park at Castle Cary station has been officially opened for rail users.

The project, with land purchased by the railway, more than doubles the previous capacity and provides 193 new spaces, four electric vehicle spaces, new lighting, a new accessible route linking the car park to the station and improvements to the existing forecourt and bus stop. It marks the start of a series of improvements at Castle Cary, including the installation of a temporary footbridge for this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

EVERY DAY 9.30am-4.30pm Serving Breakfast, Ice Creams, Cakes, Lunches and Cream Teas All our profits go to The Frankie Howerd OBE Trust

Sevier Road, Loxton, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2XE

Arthur David –recruiting now for a variety of roles

DO you know someone looking to earn some extra money this summer? We are excited to announce temporary order fulfilment roles, perfect for school leavers, university students, or anyone seeking seasonal work.

As a member of our team, you’ll enjoy a friendly atmosphere, flexible working hours, and the chance to be part of a company with over 60 years of excellence in the food industry.

Our temporary order fulfilment roles are an excellent way

to kickstart your career and earn some extra cash at the same time.

As well as temporary order fulfilment roles, we also have some great permanent roles available at Arthur David, from credit control, driving, and working with our friendly technical team, there is plenty of opportunity for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to join Arthur David, apply today and become part of our dedicated team.

Lindsay’s memory honoured at new RUH centre

THEmagnificent new Dyson Cancer Centre at the RUH in Bath has one of its biggest treatment rooms named after Lindsay Game from Chew Stoke.

Lindsay died on June 21st, 2017, aged 60, after spending nearly half her life with cancer. For the last two years of her life she worked tirelessly to raise funds towards the new centre.

The fundraising was continued by husband Nigel, relatives, friends and businesses to raise £25,000, described as an awe-inspiring amount by appeal organisers, who named the new suite after Lindsay.

One tribute after her death said: “To know Lindsay Game was to know defiance; seeing the strength, zeal and sheer

determination that Lindsay used every day to live her life to the fullest was an inspiration.

“Often when the word inspiration is so commonly used its significance has become watered down, but Lindsay was one person who reaffirmed the true meaning.”

The £50million centre has now started accepting patients.

Dyson Cancer Centre reception area

New CT gamma scanner, which allows patients to have two specialist scans at the same time Fundraising for it started in 2012, bringing together major donors including the James Dyson Foundation, Medlock Charitable Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support and the local community, with 11,000 donors.

The charity said: “It’s your moving legacies (gifts in wills), events, cake sales, walks (especially our flagship Walk of Life), runs, skydives and many more amazing acts of kindness that have created this extraordinary new facility for the future community. We’re proud of your achievement!”

To read more: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lindsay-game

Nigel Game with Jan Witt from RUHX (the Hospital’s Official Charity) at the Lindsay Game Treatment Bays 16-29

Prostate testing

THEBrue Boys choir has presented a cheque for £2,580.22 to the Somerset Prostate Support Association, following its sellout concert in Keinton Mandeville.

Roger White, concert organiser, and John Longman, chairman, are pictured with SPSA chairman, Peter Hopwood.

The donation will help fund a testing event that SPSA will be holding on Sunday, October 6th in Glastonbury Town Hall.

SPSA has already facilitated three events this year. In addition to the one in Glastonbury, they have events with Yeovil Lions Club/Yeovil Round Table on June 22nd, Mendip Rotary on September 28th and Radstock & Midsomer Norton Lions Club on October 12th.

SPSA said it would like to thank the Brue Boys Choir for instigating the concert, carrying it through and inspiring others to support the testing event.

Quartet head leaves

SUZANNE Rolt, chief executive of Quartet Community Foundation, has announced she will be leaving this summer after three years to seek new opportunities in the arts and cultural sector.

Last year Quartet distributed grants to 900 organisations worth a total of £4.7million. It attracted £5.5million in donations, making its endowment fund now worth £62million.

She said: “I couldn’t be prouder of this organisation and the people who support it in so many different ways.”

New nature trail

DOROTHYHouse Hospice has now launched its free interactive nature trail, which overlooks the stunning Wiltshire countryside and showcases both the preserved calcareous grassland meadow and a stunning Bruce Munro Art Installation.

It says the circular trail in Winsley is the next step in its ambition to open up the estate to anyone wishing to find a wellbeing space to reflect in nature, or to find serenity in grief.

Golfers’ big drive to help children

THE Somerset-based charity Help the Child has received a £35,800 boost from Burnham and Berrow Golf Club.

Symon Clifford, the 2023 club captain, chose the charity, which supports children and young people with disabilities, to benefit from his year in office.

The charity, based in Burnham-on-Sea, had approached the club to ask for its support. Symon said: “As the 2023 club captain, I was eager to identify a charity which would tick a number of boxes – to be locally-based and integral to the community, to make an immediate impact on the lives of people needing support.

“When Help the Child approached me and asked for our support, the decision was both easy and instantaneous.”

For details about the charity, visit: wwwhelpthechild.org.uk

Charity walks and rides

CURRENTLYin its 23rd year, the Circuit of Bath Walk is a 22mile challenge to raise awareness and vital funds for Julian House, which supports rough sleepers and people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, refugee resettlement and more.

This year’s event will take place on Sunday, September 22nd and entries are now being invited. More than 500 people took part last year.

After a successful first year, the charity’s Bath Beast cycle challenge returns on July 7th with distances of up to 100 miles.

Details: www.julianhouse.org.uk

Help the Child receive a cheque outside the Burnham clubhouse

DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched its latest fundraising initiative, “Brew for the Crew”, encouraging people to get together for a catch-up, a good old cup of brew and some lovely treats, whilst fundraising to help the charity.

It’s free to sign up and they promise you will get everything you need to promote your event, with a number of downloadable resources to help. Save lives –have a tea party

Details: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/brew-for-the-crew

Hospice golf day

WESTONHospicecare’s annual charity golf day will be on Friday, July 5th at Mendip Spring Golf Club.

Teams of four can enter the event which includes coffee and breakfast butty on arrival, 18 holes of golf, a delicious twocourse dinner after the game, refreshments at the Halfway House, team and individual prizes, putting competition, silent auction and tombola, in what will be a wonderful golfing day!

Last year’s event raised over £10,000. Tee times are allocated on a first come first served basis at a cost of £200 per team.

Details: nicola.slark@westonhospicecare.org.uk

Thank you –from the bottom of our hearts

AN afternoon cream tea and cakes event has raised £3,000 for a charity raising awareness of the signs and symptom of bowel cancer.

The Tucker’s Grave Inn at Faulkland hosted the party organised by The Bowel Movement, set up in memory of Benji Millard, who was diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer aged just 33 and died less than a year later.

The Bowel Movement, based in Frome. was founded in 2021 by Abigail Morris, her mum, Josephine and her sister Stephanie. The Bowel Movement began back in 2018 after Benjamin Millard was diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer at the age of just 33. It came as a complete shock to friends and family, especially considering Benj was young, fit and healthy.

As well as raising awareness of the disease, The Bowel Movement awards hardship funds up to £2,000 to young people in the UK affected by a bowel cancer diagnosis.

For details, visit: www.thebowelmovement.uk

Sophie was selling homemade craft items in aid of the charity Family and friends gather at the start of the fundraiser

Boxes of cakes were also on sale

Canal walk

ABOUT300 walkers took on the RUHX Walk of Life in support of Bath’s RUH hospital, raising around £50,000.

They faced either a marathon 26.2

Access all areas

mile walk from Bishops Cannings or a ten-mile walk from Bradford-on-Avon into the centre of Bath on the Kennet and Avon canal.

Ellie Wilkinson, Events & Community

Details: fundraising@ruhx.org.uk

CHARITY patron Annie Maw has successfully climbed Glastonbury Tor in a wheelchair in a huge fundraising “push” for Festival Medical Services, the Somerset-based charity which delivers nursing and medical care at Glastonbury Festival and other outdoor events around the UK.

Annie, the former Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, had never been to the top of the 158-metre iconic landmark – even before she had her horse-riding accident in 2002 which led to her becoming a wheelchair-user.

Annie was helped to the summit by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service in the attempt, billed as AAA – standing for “Annie’s Assisted Ascent”. The acronym is also used in the music world as Access All Areas.

Her efforts – she has raised £13,000 in sponsorship so far –were to support other wheelchair-users who face challenges in everyday life and to raise money on behalf of FMS for two other charities, Motivation and Humanity & Inclusion.

Officer, RUHX said: “It was the hottest day of the year so far which made the 26.2 or ten miles even more challenging, but our walkers took it in their stride and brought so much positivity!”

Motivation is an international disability and inclusion charity, based in Bristol, providing wheelchairs, training and support to empower disabled people in Africa and India to gain independence, improve their confidence and transform their own lives. Humanity & Inclusion work alongside disabled and vulnerable people around the world – particularly in countries affected by conflict, natural disaster and poverty. Motivation provided the wheelchair Annie used in her ascent.

Annie said: “I always wanted to help someone with the same injury as me somewhere else in the world because there are 100 million people in the world who need wheelchairs who haven’t got them. Even if we only put enough money together to get a few people a wheelchair, that’s better than none, so I feel elated.”

Money raised by FMS’s work goes to other medical charities in the UK and around the world. Throughout their 45-year existence, they have raised nearly £1.5m.

Annie’s sponsorship page is still open for donations at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/access-all-areas

Some of the FMS team on duty at the North Somerset Show, their first event of 2024

Annie at the top of Glastonbury Tor

A great big thank you

is

Jo

MIKEMacCallam and his family and friends have raised more than £8,000 for the Dorset and Somerset Air ambulance as a thank you for saving his life.

In August 2023, Mike, had a sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest at Frome Sport & Fitness, where he is a member.

The team at the centre carried out emergency treatment, before the crews of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Wiltshire Air Ambulance arrived to take over care and transport him to hospital in Bristol.

Mike has made a full recovery and wanted to give back to the people who helped him. He organised three teams of friends and family to complete a challenge at the leisure centre. Throughout the day Mike's family and friends made cakes that raised £1,000 of this total.

FROME’S Missing Links charity received a massive boost in their efforts to raise funds to complete a new active travel path, when Frome and District Wheelers donated £5,000.

It will go towards the surfacing of a new 1.3km path, which connects the end of the Colliers Way path at Great Elm to Elliots Lane.

Chair, Richard Ackroyd, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this important donation. It’s fantastic that Frome and District Wheelers have helped us in this way. Hopefully we can soon make a smoother route for them and other path users.”

The new path makes use of an old GWR railway track that ran between Radstock and Frome. The plan is to eventually connect Frome to Radstock and beyond. Frome’s Missing Links is working with a range of Active Travel organisations in the area and together the aim is to create a 76-mile traffic free “Somerset Circle” of active travel paths that will connect towns across Somerset using the old railway network as a framework.

Details: www.fromesmissing links.org.uk

Korea, here I come!

Lynda in Capability, her beloved 2006 Land Rover FROM Lynda’s Loaf to The Little London Bakery and from Chewton Mendip to Korea – the artisan organic baker is heading for the Far East!

Lynda – Linda Dixon – is preparing to set off on a journey of the lifetime to pursue a new life in the Korean capital of Seoul, having fallen in love with the people and the country several years ago.

But the trip won’t be a matter of a plane ride or two; Lynda will be travelling overland and by sea with her trusty Land Rover. The trip will include driving across the United States, accompanied for part of the way by son Jake.

Lynda, who has been taught some Korean by a teacher in Ubley, hopes to set off in either June or July and is currently trying to raise £15,000 to help fund a non-governmental project working with troubled young people in Korea and to open an authentic British bakery in the capital.

She said: “I just fell in love with the country when I went there to visit and always felt moving there would be the perfect thing for me to do and now the time is right.”

For details and to donate, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/somerset-to-seoul or scan the QR code

Mike

pictured with centre manager,

Morgan (left) and Anita, an air ambulance volunteer

Lynda at her bakery in Chewton Mendip

(Photo courtesy of Jacqui Ackroyd)

Cheddar community awards

Pictured back row (l to r) John Pimblott, Adrian Male, Derek Bradley-Balmer, Chris Masters; front row Sandi Male, Rosa Kell

CHEDDARParish Council announced its community awards at its annual parish meeting, given for outstanding service to the parish.

Adrian and Sandi Male received an award for leading health walks in Cheddar; Chris Masters for his contribution to youth and adult sports development; John Pimblott on behalf of The Space Team, that supports local children and young people; Rosa Kell –for her work in achieving the resumption of the 126 bus service for Cheddar.

Chairman, Derek Bradley-Balmer, said: “It is a real privilege to be able to recognise some of the unsung heroes in our parish. The work and commitment demonstrated by this year’s recipients is inspiring and very much appreciated. ”

Charity climb

BLAGDONfirefighter

Luke Groves took on the “10Y Fan” challenge, aiming to climb Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons in South Wales ten times in just 24 hours.

Through difficult conditions, Luke achieved an incredible nine climbs, raising funds for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Luke said: “This was a really tough experience, but I’m pleased to say that I managed nine climbs, totalling 7974 meters, and with a descent distance of over 35 miles.

“I really appreciate all the support and any donations big or small will go towards supporting the vital work of such an important charity that so many of us have benefitted from.”

Details: www.justgiving.com/page/luke-groves

Museum’s new season

AXBRIDGE Blackberry Carnival princesses, Remy and Phoebe, with flower girl, Milly, helped launch the King John Hunting Lodge Museum’s new season on April 6th. It was attended by the Town Crier, Nigel Scott, and Axbridge Mayor Cllr Frankie Mitton plus Pauline Trapp and John Page of the museum and some children in Victorian attire.

The museum is a treasure trove of all things Axbridge with lots of activities for children.

The new landlords of The Oakhouse Hotel in Axbridge, Marina Czyzew and David Rogers, donated £200 to the carnival from an Easter egg draw.

The Axbridge Blackberry Carnival is on Saturday, September 21st

Sowing the seeds of the future

Some young shoots and parents at the start of the sale

A PLANT sale in Leigh-onMendip Memorial Hall has raised almost £800 towards the village first school.

The annual sale – featuring mostly home-grown vegetable plants, house plants and outdoor plants – was held by the Friends of Leigh School to help fund activities for the pupils.

Supermarkets Tesco, Sainsbury, ASDA and Morrisons – along with Wickes – provided prizes for the raffle.

Welcome to our brayground!

FRIENDLY donkeys Wilma and Charlie Brown were amongst the start of the show at Stoke St Michael Primary School’s May Fair.

Despite the rain, the pair – firm friends from the Twinnies Petting Farm at Stoney Stratton, near Evercreech – delighted the children who rode on them.

The fair coincided with the 40th anniversary of the opening of the school buildings.

Blagdon church and village fete

Donkeys Wilma (left) and Charlie Brown in the school playground

Bev and daughter Tilda (aged five) making paper flower crowns

Preparing to welcome visitors to the cake stall

Sue Curtis and Tigi Higgins

Pictured (l to r): Adam Roach, Jeremy Best and Ross Fairley, helped by Ken Parsons on the horn

Alan Boyle and Brian Barton

Stepping back in time Flower power

GLASTONBURY Abbey hosted a medieval fayre with reenactors camped across the grounds with the weekend offering everything from jousting to music, archers to jugglers.

THE sun shone on a very successful open day held by the Mendip Society at its Slader’s Leigh flower meadow near Winscombe.

There were various activities for both young and old to enjoy. President Les Davies led the dedication of a bench to the memory of former chairman, Paul Harley, and members Dorothy Sage and David and Pat Addison.

How to build a dry stone wall

The seat in use

Flower printing with Sue Ivens

Amneh and her children were amongst the visitors

What a Palaver –jester Rob Sim

D-Day landings 80th anniversary

PAULThorner, a veteran from Paulton of the 1st Battalion the Light Infantry, will be taking his boots to France for his next mission to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Various events are also planned across our area.

Paul met up with his comrade Richard Davey in August last year and he suggested marching from Utah Beach to Pegasus Bridge to raise funds for the charity Care for Casualties – The Rifles Trust.

The last time they were on the beach in France was 40 years ago as serving soldiers on parade for the 40th anniversary, when they were there as teens in the presence of the Queen and Ronald Reagan.

Paul, Rich and 28 of their comrades from the 1st Battalion, will set off for France on Monday, June 3rd and will take the same route along all the beaches as their heroes, arriving at Pegasus Bridge by 12noon in time for the D-Day Landings celebrations on June 6th.

Several sponsors have backed the mission by donating funds for the ferry crossings and mini-bus hire, as well as local companies and shops donating their services, food and water. The team will be marching 125 kilometres over the three days.

They hope to raise £30,000 for Care for Casualties, which was launched in 2009 to help members of the Rifles and their families, after operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They say PTSD – post traumatic stress syndrome – kills as

many troops through suicide as those killed in war.

Pegasus Bridge was taken by Major John Howard’s six platoons from D company the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry 2nd Battalion, who were supported by the Royal Engineers who captured the bridge after a 15-minute skirmish.

The code name for this mission was Ham & Jam – the name that Paul and Richard have given their march.

They will be attending the memorial service on Sword Beach at 6am on the morning of June 6th before the march over Pegasus Bridge. The few remaining veterans and their families are also expected to be there.

Back home there will be beacons lit across the country. In Long Ashton there will be a Royal Marine Guard and service at the cenotaph and events in Peel Park.

Winscombe and Sandford Millennium Green Trust will be lighting a beacon on the Millennium Green at 9.15pm.

The Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society will be lighting a beacon on Thursday, June 6th at the Shepton Mallet Showground as part of an evening of celebration. Entrance is free. Beacons will also be lit on Glastonbury Tor, on Holcombe Playing Field and Leigh-on-Mendip Recreation Field.

On Saturday, June 8th, Wells Town Hall will host an exhibition Somerset at War from 10.30am. There will be live music at 2pm from the 1940s-style singers The Berkeley Bluebirds.

Paul Thorner (left) and Richard Davey

Stay positive and work together for wildlife

By CHRIS SPERRING MBE

WOW – where has the time gone? I’m now entering my 20th year of writing this wildlife article for Mendip Times each month. We conservationists love the doom and gloom; we talk the talk of this species declining and that habitat being destroyed and, yes, it's all true, but as I like to do at my lectures, let's try to leave people with at least some hope. Over the last 19 years there’s been a whole raft of species and areas for nature becoming smaller. I think it's fair to say that the whole of our natural world is in decline, but we, as a species, are not yet ready to accept the implications of this on our own lives and so, within this everdecreasing circle, some species are being affected more than others. Now how about that for doom and gloom? Marks out of ten please . . .

However, there are species doing much better, bucking the trend, so to speak. How many of us in 2005 would have been talking about red kites across the Mendip landscape? Well, actually I did look back and, yes, we were talking about them but with great excitement that they

were even being observed.

But now those sightings have increased to a point where we now know this as a breeding bird of the area. It’s arguable that the kites should have always been here and been successful. They play an important part within the ecosystem and, like buzzards and crows, are the closet things we have to the vulture.

Of course, they can take live prey as well and it was just two weeks ago that I observed a Mendip red kite hovering over rough grassland at Priddy hunting for voles and mice.

Goldfinch is another bird that, 20 years ago, we would have noted because of its small decline. Now, of course, winter flocks have increased in size and, with more landowners and gardeners leaving areas as rough or wild, there’s more opportunity for feeding which leads to increased spring numbers.

A few good breeding seasons then means more of us are seeing this gorgeous small member of the finch family. And there are other examples of plants and animals responding positively to conservation measures.

One that I do personally miss though, and that’s not to say it’s gone, just declining ever faster than before, is the

song thrush. One of my everlasting memories as a very young child growing up in an urban area was the sound of song thrushes, not just their beautiful song repertoire but also that 5am summer sound of them smashing snail shells on their pre-selected stone anvil. Sadly, these urban song thrushes have long gone. But we do have hope even with this species, because if collectively, our gardens really did have wild space within them with a little scrub running alongside the more formal parts, then this would help greatly, not just providing somewhere to nest but also some important food as well. Nature does respond quickly and positively to conservation efforts.

So what’s in store for the next 20 years? I’m optimistic that we can all work together, especially as the effect on us starts to deepen.

l Visit the Hawk and Owl Trust Somerset Barn Owl webcam webcam –www.hawkandowltrust.org/livecameras/barn-owl-cam-live-somerset –and you will see that, despite the awful weather and flooding last winter on the Somerset Levels which left the nest site as an island, the owls have bounced back, laid six eggs and now have five owlets.

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

Red kites are now a common sight over Mendip

A meander around the area of Marksbury

AN historic small village nestling in Duchy of Cornwall land, an Iron Age hill fort, the ancient defensive earthwork, the Wansdyke, and glorious, peaceful views across the undulating landscape mark this out as a very special circle from Marksbury. Walking is on field footpaths, tracks and quiet lanes. To reach the top of the hillfort involves a climb and something similar when descending the other side. Apart from that the going is fairly flat.

PARK: In Marksbury village situated on the A368 between Chelwood and Corston, west of Bath. Find somewhere safe and suitable in the village, maybe

With Sue Gearing

START: At Marksbury church which is in the village on the main A368. Go up to the church and turn left (church on your right) and shortly, after the end of the churchyard, turn right on the marked footpath. It leads to a kissing gate in the field.

1. FIELDS

Head initially towards the electricity pylon and then the path bends left and continues across the field. Go through a gap in the hedge and on. Already, you can see the church of Stanton Prior ahead surrounded by beautiful undulating hills. There’s another hedge gap before you head down the left side of the field. A kissing gate in the corner leads into a field where you go across to a track and then turn left to reach a bridle gate onto a lane in Stanton Prior.

2. STANTON PRIOR

Its name is from the Old English Stantona (meaning Stone Town) and is reputed to be one of the smallest villages in Somerset, consisting of two farms and about 20 houses, a small village hall and church. It is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall and has a very peaceful unchanging feel.

Don’t turn left. Continue through the village past a large farm barn.

The wooden beams are reputed to have

been shipped from Canada, showing the great importance given to dairy farming in this area at the time.

The church of St Lawrence is on your right.

It is Grade II listed, dating back to the 12th century, but is mainly 15th century and underwent heavy restoration in 1860. The village was the property of Saxon Kings who gave it to Bath Abbey before the Norman Conquest and it was held by the Prior until the dissolution of the monasteries. It was then granted to Thomas Horner, who sold it to General Erington in 1544. If you visit the church, by the wooden doors into the porch, look left on the stone to see the old graffiti marks – maybe some of them were marks to keep the witches away!

To continue, from the lane just before the phone box, go down the footpath on the left. It runs between stone walls and joins the lane again at the end. Turn left. You may spot an ammonite on the wall down here. This is a prime area for fossil hunting because of the oolitic limestone of the region.

Ignore a lane left and soon see a gate and footpath ahead. Follow the path ahead across the field and a gate ahead takes you on up to the wooded hill. The track bends right along the top of the field and then leads left up into the woodland through a kissing gate. This is the steepest part.

near the small play area and village hall.

3. FORT

Stantonbury Camp Iron Age hillfort which rises 60m over the surrounding lane would have had extensive views across country before the woodland developed. They would take in both Maes Knoll in the west and Odd Down to the east, but also the Avon valley and the Cotswolds to the north. Another landmark is nearby conical Winsbury Hill. Did this perhaps have a religious focus for the people using the fort? There is very little information about the use of the hillfort, other than the fact that the ancient earthwork the Wansdyke goes over it. You come to this soon.

Reach the open top area of the fort and follow the footpath signs, right and then left, so you are going round the edge. Then the path bears off to the right still on the edge and at the end the path drops down right. Soon see you are walking in a ditch. On your left is the ancient Wansdyke.

4. WANSDYKE

Stretching for 35 miles through the countryside of Wiltshire and Somerset, this large defensive earthwork was built some 20 to 120 years after the Romans had left Britain. Aligned east to west it is thought that whoever built the dyke was defending themselves against invaders from the north. The Somerset/Wiltshire area would have been the frontier of where native Briton lands met Anglo-Saxon territory.

This part of the dyke – West Wansdyke – runs 9 miles/14 km from Maes Knoll, a hillfort south of Bristol, to Odd Down, south of Bath, embracing this hillfort

along its route. Some stretches are no longer evident. Overall, its size is impressive but in many ways the dyke still remains a mystery.

Cross a track and carry on down still following the Wansdyke for a while. Leave the wood and go straight across the field to the main road. Cross with care and turn left on the pavement for a couple of minutes to a toll house. Cross the side road and go on into Cross Post Lane which is fairly quiet and gives pleasant views across country. Join another road and after another 2-3 minutes go left on the footpath/drive through a gate by a cattle grid.

5. DRIVE

The drive, which leads to Tuckingmill drops downhill. Our walk doesn’t actually go ahead into Tuckingmill. So, after crossing the cattle grid, turn up left through a gate onto the footpath.

6. BROOK

Follow the edge and below right is Bathford Brook which you come close to further on. And basically you continue in this direction following the line of the brook all the way. So, go through a kissing gate and maintain direction following the brook. Reach a hedge corner and just continue on with the brook a little further away now. Soon come alongside a hedge and follow it on. Go through a kissing gate and just keep on in the same direction. Just before large farm barns, turn up left on the track which bends. Bend right with the barns on your right and then go up left on the marked track through a Bristol gate. Now it is right, walking above the barns on your right. At the end a gate leads to the lane.

7. LANE

Turn left and the lane takes you uphill into Marksbury and the start.

OS Explorer Map 155 Bristol & Bath, grid ref: 656 624, postcode

What3words drift.breakfast.gladiators. 4.4 miles, about 2.5 hours walking

West Countryman’s diary

HEREcometh the middle of the year, which in the old Latin calendar was the fourth month. Receiving its name from the Goddess Juno, others have attributed it to the Roman rule of Junius Brutus. The Anglo Saxons had another name for it, calling it the “dry month”. However, it probably had an agricultural significance, being the month in which crops grow to ripeness.

This is also the month of the summer solstice and the month it is said when “Mist in May and heat in June brings all things into tune”. Time to wait and see?

Our summer visitors have arrived in the form of swallows, martins and swifts. Is it me, are they becoming fewer each year? I stood in the garden on one of the more pleasant evenings recently and spotted a swift in the sky, only one and I wondered how much longer they can hang on as numbers decline.

For the swallows and martins, things are the same. Nesting sites have declined as redundant farm buildings are put to new use as residential properties and access to them for nesting birds denied. It will however not all be doom and gloom and I have seen artificial nesting sites established on new builds, so I live in hope.

As always, the world continues to turn and change is inevitable; memories however still remain of a slower more diverse way of life... I’m getting old!

Birds do manage to survive the changing world and choose the most unusual of nesting sites to adapt. I’m sure that we are all aware of a bird nest in the most unusual of locations. Places such as the underside of a trailer that hasn’t been moved for a while, or that old tractor sat in the shed playing host to the blackbirds’ nest on the engine.

I have recently seen one that “takes the biscuit”. In a car park, amongst other traffic cones, was one that had a collar around the outside on which were written the words: “DO NOT MOVE”. I’m not one who would pull a lever that had written upon it “THE END OF THE WORLD” just to see what happened, but I was curious.

Slowly lifting the cone as if it were an unexploded bomb, I was greeted with a mass of open beaks looking up at me from a nest. At first I thought it must be a practical joke, with some kind of “dummy” nest, but it was real. The cone was gently replaced and I moved on. I hope the outcome of such bold nesting is successful!

On June 6th, 1944, the biggest amphibious landing the world has ever seen took place on the beaches of Normandy during WW2. Operation “Overlord” was the long-awaited invasion that started the liberation of Nazi occupied Europe. Much is known about the years leading up to 1943 and Mendip’s role in it.

The Decoy sites, Auxiliary units and so on, who defended this country in those dark days when Britain stood alone. Not quite so much is known however about preparations for this reversal of the 1066 Norman invasion.

With America now in the war a massive amount of military hardware and supplies could be amassed. Mendip became an

arsenal that filled fields with stacks of munitions and explosives. The roads were lined with vehicles and tanks awaiting movement to the channel ports. Mendip top became a military exclusion zone, with locals needing a permit to get in and out.

From the top of Burrington Coombe to the Miners crossroads vehicles were parked close together with only a single access route between them. Covered by camouflage nets they waited patiently for their departure date 80 years ago this June 6th.

With them went many young men who would never return home, British, Canadians, American, and soldiers from countries overrun in Europe who were determined to hit back.

The evidence of those dark days that were filled with hope still exist if you have the eyes to see them. The Nissan hut on the Cheddar crossroads on the B3134 has been damaged by recent storms, but is the last remaining example of the military exclusion zone. I worry about how much longer it will last in its dilapidated state.

Perhaps it’s too late in the day, but I feel this should have been preserved as a monument to all those who never returned. Concrete slabs in the ground are all that remain of other guard posts at the Miners crossroad, near the cottages at Stockhill forest and on Townsend crossroads.

They have become part of the Mendip story that has been unfolding for thousands of years. A story that is still traceable in the landscape and still, (just about) in living memory.

One of those people who helped to keep the memories of those involved in Mendip’s wartime role was the late Donald Brown, ex-Mendip Ranger and the author of Mendip V Hitler. It’s out of print but you might be lucky in a second hand bookshop.

Don’s legacy has been continued by Mike Chipperfield, again an ex-Mendip Ranger who led Don’s War Walk. Taking over most recently is Mike Harvey from the Mendip Society. Mike Harvey now leads the guided walk, so check out the society’s website www.themendipsociety.org.uk

Finally, this month’s photo is that old Nissan hut on the B3134 at Cheddar crossroads. Passing motorists probably won’t even notice it and why should they, especially keeping an eye on oncoming traffic. It’s certainly not a beautiful building but remains as a Mendip memorial to all those who never came home.

With LES DAVIES MBE

Stonemasons

carve out a name for themselves

THE Wells Stone Carving Festival – featuring a competition between around 20 craftsmen – has raised almost £3,800 for Young Lives vs Cancer.

Held over three days, the public vote was won by David Bean, the peers vote by Jem Hobbs and the third prize –chosen by The Worshipful Company of Masons – went to Alex Waddell.

The event, held on Wells Recreation Field, was organised by Bath-based mason Paul Roddan.

Jem’s finished work – Sheltering

Marie-Claire Homerton, a student at Bath College’s Somer Valley Campus and an apprentice at Gloucester Cathedral

Celebrations held underground

THISyear marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Mendip Caving Group (UK Charity Number 1197325). To mark the occasion, the MCG held a dinner for 94 members, former members and their partners at Wookey Hole.

We had a fantastic night. First a drinks reception in Chamber Three of the show cave, followed by a tasty dinner provided by the Wookey Hole events team.

We held a raffle that raised over £500 for MCG funds, with prizes kindly provided by Warmbac, Starless River, Wookey

Hole, Cheddar Caves, Mendip Outdoor Pursuits, the Castle of Comfort and Thatcher’s Cider amongst others.

We also auctioned a lovingly crafted survey of Upper Flood –MCG’s major discovery on Mendip –by embroiderer Jane Baldwin.

We had a most enjoyable after-dinner talk from Martyn Farr about the wonders of caving in the UK and beyond. You will find more information about the MCG on our website.

Bill Chadwick MCG secretary

Jem Hobbs at work

Monkeys

The masons made visitors very welcome

(Photograph by Martyn Farr)

June is busting out all over . . .

AFTER so much rain, followed by a couple of days of glorious sunshine, our gardens are bursting at the seams with fresh foliage and flowers.

June is the month when most gardens look at their best and the majority of those brave folk who agree to open their gardens in aid of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS), tend to opt for June openings.

Submitting your garden to the scrutiny of other gardeners is a daunting prospect, but there are advantages in having a deadline date to work towards, the equivalent of a family wedding or anniversary.

I opened my own “postage stamp” of a garden for the NGS for ten consecutive years, as a result of which I am the proud possessor of an NGS engraved stainless steel trowel, which has never seen earth!

Visitors had to book a time slot in advance – long before this became the norm during Covid. I could get four folks in the front garden and four in the back, before swapping them over. I soon learnt to produce a list of plants that looked good to give out on each day, as spelling plant names is a tedious occupation.

However, most visitors are exceptionally kind and appreciative and do not mention that they have spotted a dandelion. On one occasion a visitor managed to fall into my so-called pond – more of a puddle really!

To prolong the flowering season of your garden we need to think in six seasons rather than four, starting with plants for the depths of winter in December and January. Then pair off the months, Feb/March etc. List the plants you have in each area under their appropriate two month heading and it will clearly show where you need to concentrate.

It is so tempting to rush out in the spring and plant things that are about to flower, leaving no space for late bloomers. Roughly one third of the plants in your garden should be evergreen, to give interest in the winter months, but that does not

mean that they have to be enormous shrubs.

There are plenty of evergreen perennials, such as bergenias, hellebores, epimediums and liriope that are ideal for the front of the border. A smattering of coloured stems from willows or dogwoods contrasts well against the persistent flowering stems of ornamental grasses.

Spring bulbs come into their own for the months of February and March, and their dying foliage can be concealed by the emerging foliage of herbaceous perennials, such as hardy geraniums or ladies’ mantle.

April and May are covered by the attractive shades of green or gold foliage of perennials, interspersed with a generous dash of tulips, followed by alliums. June and July are easy, which is why so many gardens are open at this time.

August and September are more challenging, but if perennials are rigorously dead headed, many will perform again. Dahlias and tender salvias are ideal, if you are prepared for the extra work involved in winter protection and slug/snail patrols.

If not, then fall back on the stalwarts of the late summer garden – Japanese anemones, rudbeckias, and asters, especially “Little Carlow” and the New England types that are disease free.

Most shrubs flower earlier in the season, but buddleja, lavatera and Ceratostigma are ideal, along with hydrangeas which offer an exceptionally long flowering season. One of my favourites for this season is the ivy leaved cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) that starts flowering in late July and goes on into October.

Plant these as growing plants (not dry tubers) around the base of deciduous trees and they will know what to do – flower and then produce a carpet of attractive leaves that last all through the winter months. Ants will disperse the seeds, which are covered with a sugary coating and spread these delightful plants around.

In October and November, we rely on autumnal tinted foliage for interest, both from shrubs such as acers and Ceratostigma, but also from many perennials. We need cold nights and sunny days to encourage good foliage tints which accounted for the poor display last autumn.

Prunus incisa “Kojo-no-mai” can be guaranteed to put on a good show and deserves to be in every garden. The bare twig structure is attractive all winter before flowering in March. The seed heads of many perennials are attractive and a good source of food for wildlife. The flower heads of ornamental grasses add to the winter scene.

Plants with attractive fruits are good to see and great for the birds. Pyracantha festooned with yellow, orange, or red berries can be trained onto a fence or wall. Our native spindle also gives good autumnal tints and pink fruits.

Working in six seasons will ensure that your garden fulfils your expectations all year round, except there is always some bug or disease that seems to revel in destroying your creation. Visiting open gardens is a pleasure. You will get ideas for your own and meet new plants and people.

Most gardens have a stall where plants from the garden are on sale and will become memories of your visits. It is especially worthwhile visiting those gardens that open in August or September, the challenging months.

Apart from viewing the gardens there is always the allure of wonderful tea and cakes. Check out www.ngs.org.uk (or see page 56) to find gardens open near you and support the many health and wellbeing NGS beneficiary charities. In 2023 a record £3,400,960 was raised by garden owners.

With MARY PAYNE MBE

Aster "Little Carlow"

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

• Put up hanging baskets for colour and scent all summer.

• Winter flowering pansies and spring flowering wallflowers should be replaced with summer flowering bedding plants now.

• Lift and divide clumps of primroses and polyanthus. Heel them in a shady place for summer and they can be replanted in your borders again in autumn.

• Continue planting out summer flowering bedding plants. Long flowering traditionals like Pelargoniums, Busy Lizzies, Petunias and Begonias are hard to beat!

• New shoots on any climbers, but Clematis in particular, should be tied to supports to prevent them breaking. Old early flowering Clematis can be cut back hard if necessary.

• Check your roses regularly for greenfly, black spot and mildew. Multirose is very effective if applied early and regularly enough.

• Make certain that newly planted trees and shrubs are getting enough water and that it is actually reaching the roots! Trees need a minimum of two gallons a week.

• Many indoor plants will benefit from the summer outside! Make sure that they are put in a shady spot and watered well.

• Softwood cuttings of a very wide range of varieties can be taken now. Difficult to root varieties could be propagated by layering.

NORTON GREEN

GARDEN CENTRE

FABULOUS SELECTION OF SUMMER FLOWERING BEDDING, PATIO & HANGING BASKET PLANTS READY NOW! PLUS A CHOICE OF PLANTED PATIO POTS & HANGING BASKETS FOR GLORIOUS INSTANT COLOUR!

VEGETABLE PLANTS READY NOW!

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GARDEN STATUES & ORNAMENTS, TERRACOTTA & GLAZED POTS, TROUGHS & PLANTERS

NGS GARDENS OF THE MONTH

Frome gardens group

WELCOMEto six differing town gardens, including two new ones, wisteria-clad 46, Nunney Road, and Highclere, a large garden, created by the owner’s parents.

There are two returning gardens, 9, Catherston Close and 1, Tucker Close and two seasoned openers, 61, Nunney Road and 84, Weymouth Road.

They are all very different, with unusual and interesting styles of design. The planting complements each other in these six exciting secret town gardens.

Address: Frome BA11 4LE.

Contact: Sally Gregory: 46, Nunney Road.

Opening date and time: Sunday, June 16th, 1-5pm. Combined admission: £8, children free. Cashless payment is only available at 46, Nunney Road. The other gardens are cash only.

Saturday June 1st and Sunday June 2nd

Stoberry Garden, Wells BA5 3LD. Five acre family garden with views over Wells cathedral, wildlife ponds and walled garden. Open 1-5pm. Teas. Adults £5, children free.

Details: 01749 672906 or www. stoberryparkgarden.co.uk

Badgworth Court Barn, Nr Axbridge, BS26 2NQ. An old courtyard leads to an acre of trees, meadow areas and an oak pergola walk. Open 2-5.30pm. Teas. Adults £5, children free. Details: www.instagram.com/ theoldbarngardeners

Sunday June 9th

Milton Lodge, Old Bristol Rd, Wells BA5 3AQ. Grade II terraced formal gardens with views over Wells Cathedral and the Levels and a seven acre woodland garden. Open 2-5pm. Adults £5, children free. Teas.

Details: 01749 679341 or www.miltonlodgegardens.co.uk

Wednesday June 12th

Kilver Court Gardens, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5NF. Formal and informal gardens, an old millpond and a replica of a rockery that won a gold at Chelsea, with the backdrop of Charlton Viaduct.

Open 10am to 4pm. Café open – payment by card only: Adults £7.50, children free. Details: 01749 705279, enquiries@kilvercourt.co.uk or www.kilvercourt.com

Saturday June 15th

Batcombe House, Batcombe, BA4 6HF. A garden of two parts – one a riot of colour through kitchen terraces to wildflower orchard; the other calm and contemporary with large herbaceous borders, trees and shrubs. Open 12-

5.30pm. Adults £7.50, children free. Teas. Details: 0207 931 9996, libby@ mazzullorusselllandscapedesign.com or www.mazzullorusselllandscapedesign.com

Saturday June 29th and Sunday June 30th Group opening: 53 Lympsham gardens, nr Weston. Entrance to all gardens initially from main gates of Lympsham Manor, Church Rd, BS24 0DT, where cream teas and directions will be available. Open 2-5pm, combined adm £5, children free.

165 Newbridge Hill, Bath, BA1 3PX. With garden sculptures, unusual and exotic plants, a vegetable garden, wildlife pond, treehouse and fabulous views with a terrace overlooking the garden for teas or light lunch. Open 11-5pm. Adults £5, children free. Details: 07793 085267 or thefragrantlife@hotmail.com

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

“Passionate and professional about paving”

The Showroom, Tarnock, near Axbridge, BS26 2SL

Call us on 01934 740163 Email info@perfectpave.com

Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat

Garden groups

AFTER 14 years of opening their garden at Rose Cottage in East Harptree for the National Garden Scheme (NGS) on a Sunday in April, Jenny and Bev Cruse opted instead to open for groups by arrangement in April and June.

Jenny said: “The National Garden Scheme, which supports hospices, nursing and many health charities, benefited by £478 from the group visits and the teas with homemade cakes and plant sales raised nearly £300 for St Laurence Church, East Harptree.”

She said she and Bev would like to thank all who supported the open garden and said that they hope to continue to open for groups next year.

Plant sale

THE annual plant sale at St Laurence’s Church in West Harptree raised £900 for Christian Aid. Elaine Avery (left) and Hilary Hill are pictured on one of the plant stalls.

A colourful competition

Competition winners (l to r): David Turner, Marilyn Vernon, Nicola Stoate, Juliet Pollock and Sandy Earner

GOLDEN daffodils brought the colours of spring to the first in-house competition of the year for members of the Frome Selwood Horticultural Society.

Competitors had all been handed bulbs for them to nurture ahead of the competition. First prize went to Marilyn Vernon, second was Juliet Pollock, third Sandy Earner, fourth Nicola Stoate, and fifth David Turner.

The society meets for talks, teas and socialising on the second Tuesday of the month at Critchill School in Frome at 7.15pm for a 7,30pm start. New members and visitors always welcome.

Pictured (l to r) Jenny Cruse (standing) with Ros Anstey, Janet Parsons with Shadow, Linda Quinn, Carrie Urry and Penny Cross with Ghost

Open gardens

COMPTONDando’s Blooms and Beyond event, on June 9th, 26pm, will have 12 gardens to visit, £6, with proceeds going to Compton Dando Community Association and the village’s St Mary’s Church.

Tickets can be purchased by cash or credit card on the day from the village hall and the car parks located in Compton Dando and by cash from the participating venue.

Details: Facebook or http://compton-dando.org/

For the design, build and maintenance of ponds and water features

Diamond anniversary

MID-Somerset Flower Club celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. They meet on the second Wednesday of each month in February, March, April, September, October, November and December.

They will have a diamond anniversary open night on Friday, June 7th, 6.30 for 7.15pm at Evercreech village hall, with a demonstration by Lucy Ellis. Tickets are £15 with light refreshments, all welcome.

Henton

festival

HENTONheld a busy and enjoyable flower festival weekend, representing various groups from around the area, raising funds to help revitalise the village church.

It was organised by Anna Vincent (left) and Ruth Wood who live in the village.

Ian and Mo Collings with their garden at Church View

Keith’s bin gardening

KEITHBrooks, aged 77, has developed an alternative way of gardening since being seriously injured in a 40-foot fall from a tree.

Unable to bend or dig, he collected 60 black dustbins, when the council introduced wheelie bins to Yatton 13 years ago.

He says growing plants in them is not only easier to manage but they are far more productive than using open ground. He says bins would be ideal for wheelchair users or places like hospices, with limited space.

He was brought up in Stanton Drew, one of 13, and started working on neighbours’ gardens when he was six. His father, George, who farmed at Clutton, enjoyed a pint of cider with Acker Bilk at the Druids’ Arms!

Gardening remained a passion, while working, sometimes on motorways and as a bulldozer driver for 25 years on a landfill site on the edge of Yatton. He moved to Wakedean Gardens in Yatton with his wife, Jan, 40 years ago.

His unusual gardening technique earned him a prize in a competition from BBC Points West – and the productivity he achieves is astonishing.

He fills the dustbins with hedge and grass cuttings and garden waste, with compost on top and drainage holes about eight inches

Margery Fish republished

THE English Heritage Grade 1 listed cottage garden at East Lambrook Manor was created between 1938 and 1969 by the undisputed doyenne of English cottage gardening, the plantswoman and gardening writer Margery Fish.

Her first book, “We Made a Garden” is the charming story of how she and ex-newspaper editor husband Walter, moved from London and, after restoring the house, set about turning a derelict chicken farm into a garden.

First published in 1956, this endearing book is being republished for the umpteenth time in June, making it also one of the most enduring gardening books of all time.

Since first being sold by her family in 1985, this much-loved garden has had three independent owners who have all restored and nurtured it, with current owner Mike Werkmeister and his late wife Gail arriving in 2008.

Mike, now in his 70s, is hoping to retire and the property is currently on the market seeking new owners to continue the story. No trip is complete without a visit to the gardens’ excellent nursery which specialises in interesting perennials, including a host of cottage garden favourites.

from the ground.

He said: “The heat and moisture generated mean I can plant and harvest earlier than usual. While the black bin also generates heat, I can put the lid on if there’s a danger of a frost.

“I also plant flowers in succession so I’m feeding the bees and myself very cheaply.”

He also encourages ants “marching up and down like Roman soldiers” who remove whitefly and blackfly without pesticides.

Keith Brooks

June –a month so full of promise

BEAUTIFUL bouquets and delicious-looking seasonal vegetable boxes are flying out of the Root Connections packing room at Manor Farm, Stratton-on-the-Fosse.

Proceeds from the home delivery sales of the flowers and veg are invested in tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. Next door to the polytunnels, vegetable and flower beds – where plenty of room is left for wildlife to thrive – is the Dairy House which provides accommodation and education for former rough sleepers. Root Connections – a Community Interest Company – also works closely with the Elim Connect Centre in Wells.

Rachel Kehoe, one of the team caring for the market garden, said:

“After all the wet weather, this month is so full of promise.

“The carrots are sticking their noses out of the ground, the sunflowers will work ever so well in the bouquets and we’re growing vegetables and salads such as fennel, aubergine, peppers and purple sprouting broccoli which have added value in our boxes – as will ever-so sweet baby corn.”

l New volunteers are always welcome to help with cultivating perennials, weeding flower beds, sowing, planting, harvesting and general tasks. For details, email: Sue.crossbourton@rootconnections.co.uk

To order bouquets or veg boxes, visit: www.rootconnections.co.uk

Poppy, Tim and Rachel gather the last of the leeks

Iris growing in abundance

A bee feeds on Cerinthe – a form of honeywort – in one of the polytunnels

Bouquets awaiting delivery

A little libation . . .

By DrPHIL HAMMOND

THEY say, “a little of what you fancy does you good”. But how much is a little? And do you know when to stop? The phrase comes from a song by Fred W. Leigh and George Arthurs that was made famous by the music hall singer, comedian and actress Marie Lloyd in 1915, when the world was doubtless in need of some laughter and pleasure amidst the pain.

“Now I like me drop of stout as well as anyone, but stout, you know's, supposed to make you fat. There's many a lawdy dawdy madam wouldn't dare to touch it, 'Cause it might spoil her figure, the silly cat. Now, I always hold with having it if you fancy it. If you fancy it, that's understood. And suppose it makes you fat? I don't worry over that… 'Cause a little of what you fancy does you good.”

Lloyd was a great entertainer who delighted in innuendo and double entendre, earning her the soubriquet "Queen of the Music Hall”. She was in frequent dispute with Britain's theatre censors due to the risqué content of her songs.

It’s always struck me that “a little of what you fancy does you good” is sound health advice, along with “variety is the spice of life” and “moderation in all things”. However, there’s a new generation of health gurus out there who eschew anything that might possibly be bad for you, such as alcohol and sugar, in the hope of living a long life (or failing that, a life that seems a lot longer).

I don’t quite buy total abstinence, unless you have an addiction problem. Indeed, if you ask people to define what gives them most pleasure in their lives, they will often cite social occasions where a few light libations were served.

The poet John Keats claimed that heaven for him meant books, fruit, French wine, fine weather and a little music out of doors played by somebody he did not know. For journalist and author Auberon Waugh it was playing bridge on a summer’s afternoon with agreeable companions while drinking crème de menthe frapée through a straw.

The writer Iain Banks said that his idea of what heaven would look like was the wine cellar of the Champanay Inn at Linlithgow in Scotland.*

Alcohol was invented long before the wheel, at least 8,000 years ago, and we show few signs of abandoning it for health reasons. So why is it still with us? In his history of wine, Hugh Johnson acknowledges that “it was not the subtle bouquet of wine, or a lingering aftertaste of violets and raspberries, that first caught the attention of our ancestors. It was, I’m afraid, its effect”.

The 19th century French gastronome Jean-Anthelme BrillatSavarin was of a similar opinion: “Wherever human society has existed, we find that men were provided with strong liquors, which they used at their feasts, sacrifices, marriages, or funerals, in short on all occasions of merry-making or solemnity.”

There’s a widely held belief, particularly amongst wine drinkers, that it’s good for the heart. This was based on findings from a 2006 study that a substance found in the skins of grapes (and in red wine), resveratrol, extended lifespan in overweight mice.

The alcohol industry seized on this and there were countless articles and TV documentaries about this amazing molecule that might allow you to enjoy red wine and live longer. For nondrinkers, resveratrol supplement sales sky-rocketed.

But a hallmark of science is not to rely on one trial, but to reproduce the findings in other trials before it is accepted as fact. And, alas, in better, larger mouse trials, the same benefits weren’t found.

There is however a J-shaped curve if you plot life expectancy and alcohol consumption. Those who consume a little alcohol live longer than teatotallers, until they reach a level where it does more harm than good and the drinkers die sooner.

The same curve exits for weight – slightly plumper people live longer than thin people but at a certain weight, mortality rises again. The trouble is these graphs don’t prove cause and effect. Nondrinkers and very thin people may have other medical reasons for not drinking or being thin that increase their risks independent of their alcohol or food consumption.

The best studies we have show that alcohol doesn’t make you live longer, even small amounts of the best red wine. What makes you live longer is being able to afford the best wines (and by extension, a decent house, diet and less anxiety).

What alcohol does do – if you are able to drink it wisely and know when to stop – is give you great moments of social interaction and laughter, as well as the lovely taste and pleasantly euphoric feeling. And if you want to engage your brain even further, you can learn all about the grapes or grain that went into it.

To this end, I’m greatly looking forward to the opening of the Wine Rooms in Chew Magna. My friend Mike Gough is a hugely entertaining wine educator and I’m sure it will become the go-to place for all sensible people wanting to pleasure themselves in a safe and sustainable way with the grapes of their choosing.

There’ll be a vast range of wines to taste and buy, vintage cider, non-alcoholic refreshers and a whole lot of laughter and grape facts. And – if you ask nicely – Mike has the best singing voice south of Dundry. Good luck, mate.

l For more examples, see Sex, Drugs and Chocolate by Paul Martin.

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

Vaping exposed

FILM-MAKER,

Bryson Petty, aged 16, from Compton Martin, has gone under cover to expose the problem of vaping among young people.

During secret filming in Bristol, he twice bought vapes without question, although the minimum age is 18, and then confronted the shopkeepers involved. Most did ask him for ID.

He also filmed a mother buying vapes for her young daughter and a young boy vaping in the street, who objected when he took the vape off him.

Bryson said: “Vaping is a problem I am passionate about stopping. They are poisoning our youth.”

He was a winner of a Young Film Makers award organised by Chew Valley Films with Mendip Times two years ago.

He’s now studying at media specialist, boomsatsuma, in Bristol.

Details: https://youtu.be/9lfrYlhsxmA

Bryson (left) and a friend

Singing for health

SING2BREATHE(a singing for lung health group) has been encouraging participants to improve their breathing through a variety of exercises and songs.

As well as enjoying socialising, they've been kazoo-ing, strawphonating and moving the breath through a series of different activities.

Participants suffer with a variety of conditions (asthma, COPD, ILD) and have been giving positive feedback on their experiences. Groups meet in Cheddar on a Wednesday afternoon and Wells on a Thursday afternoon.

Details: Kate vocalkate@gmail.com

Cycling for good health

GREEN and Healthy Frome is urging people to take advantage of the summer and the free Cycle Together scheme to get on their bikes to improve their mental and physical health.

The initiative provides a range of options for budding and experienced cyclists in the Frome area, including an e-bike loan scheme, adult cycle training, group cycle rides and bike maintenance classes, all completely free. The new scheme is also running a series of events with Dr Bike where locals can get a free safety check from an experienced bike mechanic and access active-travel advice, including information on local cycling groups and events.

Green and Healthy Frome is a National Lottery-funded project with a remit to improve the health and sustainability of Frome and its residents. The Cycle Together project aims to build a community around cycling and empower people to improve their confidence, and physical and mental health by joining the two-wheel revolution.

For details, visit: www.fromebikeproject.org/cycletogether/

Grand reopening of hall

RESIDENTS of Castle Cary and Ansford are about to celebrate the completion of a major extension to Caryford Community Hall.

Glastonbury Festival founder Sir Michael Eavis is due to formally open the extension on Saturday, July 20th at 2.30pm. After the opening, residents will be able to view the new rooms and meet organisations which run activities in the hall.

The scheme has cost around £600,000 and forms the second of a three-phase project to expand and improve Caryford by providing a larger kitchen, meeting rooms, store rooms and upgraded toilet facilities.

The extension has been funded by local fundraising and with grants from the National Lottery, Somerset Council, Castle Cary Town Ansford Parish Councils, the Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Improvement Fund, the Bernard Sunley Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Elmgrant Trust. Grants from the Nine Square Trust, the Cameron Mackintosh Foundation, the Leonard Laity Stoate Charitable Trust, The Persimmon Community Fund and the Orrin Trust have helped to equip and furnish the new rooms.

Church fundraiser

PUBLOW’S monthly coffee morning raised £679.15 for All Saints’ Church’s general fund. The next will be on June 1st, 10-11.30am.

Details: 01761 490324

Successful sale

MEMBERSof Temple Cloud in Bloom held a successful plant sale at the Temple Inn which will pay for more plants around the village in their tenth anniversary year.

They are planning a recycled plant pot sculpture trail from July 29th to August 17th, with some of the proceeds going to Cameley School.

Details: tcibinfo@yahoo.com or Facebook

Photo competition

A FESTIVAL of Nature Photography will be held in St Andrew’s Church, Chew Magna over the weekend of September 14th and 15th.

The brainchild of the rector, the Rev Richard Greatrex, it will have displays of photographs by established photographers and a competition which is open to everyone. There will also be talks in the church on June 6th with naturalist, Mike Dilger, and on June 26th by Justin Morris, chief executive of the Bristol Zoological Society.

Details: chewvalleynpf@gmail.com

New branch president

Robert (left) and Peter

PETER Daulby, a recently-retired Royal Air Force group captain, has succeeded Geoff Wilson as president of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock branch of the Royal British Legion.

A recently joined member of the branch, Peter was presented with the branch’s “President’s Jewel” by county chairman, Robert McDonald. Geoff, who had filled the role for the past ten years, will continue as secretary.

The new extension will open officially on Saturday, July 20th

Cook & Eat equals food and friendship

A DEDICATED cookery group based in Midsomer Norton is stirring up more than just pots and pans.

Cook & Eat, an initiative supported by Age UK Bath & North East Somerset, is offering a unique opportunity for older residents of the

area to come together and hone their cooking skills while enjoying a rich social atmosphere. Held at Orchard Vale Community Hall, the group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 11.30am to 2pm.

A small fee of £7 per session covers all ingredients to cook two-course meals such as sausage and vegetable casserole and jam and coconut sponge with custard. People are guided on how to cook healthy nutritious meals but also with a view for people to leave feeling confident to cook them again at home.

The sessions are more than just about learning to prepare meals. They serve as a community hub where older people can form friendships and support each other in a safe and welcoming environment.

One participant said: “This is a small friendly group who care about me. It's a lifeline for me as I live alone.”

Feedback from the group consistently highlights the positive impact on their

Cheddar songsters

CHEDDARValley u3a has been kept busy, first with their Singing for Pleasure group entertaining the Lions’ Senior Citizens Tea Party.

The following week saw their “Vintage Cheddar” rock band host another highly successful evening, with all the tickets taken.

cooking skills, confidence, and overall well-being. Another member added: “Since starting at the group, I've learnt so many new cooking skills, developed confidence, and I now frequently cook at home.”

This was free to members, with a retiring collection in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The popularity of these dances continues to increase with proceeds contributing to local charities.

Looking ahead, the next speaker meeting on June 6th at 2pm in the village hall, will feature a display of Elizabethan costumes by Rosemary Griggs.

First cook . . .

Singing for Pleasure

Cheddar u3a rock band

Fair showcases area’s volunteers

AN afternoon of stalls, workshops and talks was held in Glastonbury Town Hall to highlight the work carried out by many of the town’s local volunteers.

It was held to reignite support for the Glastonbury Support Network, which brings together a range of organisations behind some of the town’s volunteer-led projects.

The event, organised by town mayor Indra Donfrancesco, was attended by Rob Beckley, the High Sheriff of Somerset, who presented his first three High Sheriff Awards of his year

in office: to Love Glastonbury, the team behind the community fridge and pantry; to the Growing Happiness Allotment which works alongside younger people, and Seed of Hope, which works with those with mental health challenges.

Indra said: “This event served as a platform to help reignite the network and encourage attendees to consider how, as a community, we can gain control of our resources, take on responsibilities, supporting our vulnerable, freedom to grow food and explore new opportunities.”

Change of menu

PLOUGHMAN’Swill replace soup lunches in Pensford’s Old School Room until October, on Wednesdays, 12-2pm, followed by games, cards, tea and chat until 4pm.

One of the organisers, Eilish McNickle, said: “We’re a cheery

team and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support as we look forward to serving ploughman’s lunches through the summer months.”

Pictured (l to r) Binnie Flower, Helen Curtis, Beattie Jones and Ann Hunt

Pictured (l to r) Catharine Miller, Pam King, Eilish McNickle, Jenny Gully and Sally Bonner

The high sheriff and mayor with (left) Gina Ty-Wharton, the founder of Love Glastonbury, and (right) Carol Talbot, from the group

Rob Beckley (far left) with (back) his predecessor, Robert Drewett, Scott McMillan, from Seed of Hope. Front: Indra Donfrancesco, Lucie Foley, from the Growing Happiness Allotment, and Deb Lovell and Carol Talbot, from Love Glastonbury

Anyone for bridge?

KILMERSDONBridge Club have recently moved into Kilmersdon Village Hall where they meet every Monday afternoon, 1.30-4.30pm.

They are a social, friendly club which encourages less experienced players as well as being very welcoming for those with experience, with or without a bridge partner.

They change partners throughout the afternoon to encourage the social aspect and give people experience of learning from more experienced players.

Currently they play rubber bridge, but intend to include duplicate bridge when numbers allow, so they are seeking new members. They charge £3 for the three-hour afternoon session which includes a cup of tea and biscuits.

Details: Jill Eade 07813 555205 • FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558032668992

Rotary golf

THE Rotary Club of Mendip is holding a golf day on June 19th to raise money for a prostate cancer testing day in Cheddar in September this year.

The 20 teams will compete at the Isle of Wedmore Golf Club in a fun day of golf, fellowship and food!

The main sponsor of the day is Worle Glass and Joinery, but it says there is still space for more individual and corporate sponsors.

Details: mendiprotaryenquiries@gmail.com

Percy’s party

A 99TH

BIRTHDAY

party was held for Percy Lambert, former Oakhill resident and long-standing churchwarden there, who now resides at The Glen Nursing Home, Evercreech.

His archaeology friends sprang the surprise party for him. Whilst a well-known and much-loved character on Mendip, not everyone knows of his long-standing passion for archaeology.

As an honorary member of CAMP (Community Archaeology on the Mendip Plateau) he has taken part in many digs on their important archaeological excavations in Chewton Mendip, continuing well into his 90s. Obviously the exercise has kept him in fine fettle!

He is pictured with Pip Osborne, founder of CAMP and fellow members.

All aboard the school train special

Volunteers with staff and pupils from Chilcompton

CHILDREN and staff from St Vigor and St John Primary School in Chilcompton enjoyed a classroom with a difference –on board a train at Midsomer Norton South Railway Station. Volunteers from the Somerset and Dorset Railway welcomed the youngsters for rides behind a diesel loco as well as tours of the heritage attraction, including the signal box, museum and WWII pill box. The line regularly welcomes school visits.

Rockers raise hundreds

Pictured (l to r): Eve Loring, Wells Lions; Steve Abbott, Loose Ends; Tracey Sage, sponsor Peter Douglas Menswear; Maggie Charlesworth, Lawrence Centre; Mary Ellis, president Wells Lions; Phil Lukins, Loose Ends and Ian Williams, Wells Lions

THE Lawrence Centre in Wells, a community-based charity providing day opportunities for older people, including those living with health issues and memory loss, has received £500 from a fundraising rock ‘n’ roll gig by local band Loose Ends. Wells Lions organised the event, at St Thomas’s Church in Wells.

Health and wellbeing ideas showcased in Street

VOLUNTARY groups with an emphasis on health and wellbeing took part in the latest Discover Your Community event in the Crispin Hall in Street.

Organised by the parish council, the day offered activities and information for visitors as well as a chance to network.

Nutrition, fitness and mental health – as well as community-led initiatives such as the Somerset Bus Partnership campaign group and Street and Walton Men’s Shed – were all part of the day.

The Friends of Merriman Park, who are fundraising to create a new sensory garden, were also at the event. Mike Escott, the manager and Ryan Foster, assistant manager, of the village’s Fondo Lounge venue, were also there to promote their walk from Street to Yeovil as part of their efforts to raise £1,000 for the project.

Bus is best: (l to r) Rosa Kell, Emery Taylor and Jean Howard (also a parish councillor) on the stall run by the Wells Bus User Group, part of the Somerset Bus Partnership

Not just for men! The Street and Walton Men’s Shed is open to all.

Pictured (l to r): Brian and Veronica Bastaple and Aubrey Bufton

Some of the Merriman Park friends with Mike (second left) and Ryan (fourth from left)

Parish council clerk and event organiser Danielle Price with Hendrina Sterling-Rodriguez, who runs Mind Empower Therapy

Lions’ tea party

CHEDDAR Vale Lions revived their Senior Citizens Tea Party after five years collecting more than 70 people on community buses for the event in Shipham village hall.

Lions and friends were busy all morning setting out the tables for a delicious tea of sandwiches, cakes plus scones with jam & cream, all supplied by a local café owner.

Entertainment was provided with a quiz, bingo and singing by the U3A choir.

The Lions had been running this event for many years before Covid. It is now firmly back on the calendar.

Car boot sale

NAILSEA carnival on July 6th will feature a giant car boot sale. You do not need to book – just turn up at Millenium Park on the day, any time after 10am.

Cars will cost £10 and vans or cars with a trailer, £15. Entry to Millenium Park will be via the vehicle entrance on Nailsea Park.

The carnival usually attracts a crowd of several hundred people.

Details: www.nailseacarnival.org.uk

Villagers prepare to party

RESIDENTS of the Charlton villages, between Castle Cary and Somerton, will be celebrating on Saturday, June 8th to mark the completion of a five-year-long project to breathe new life into their community field.

Party in the Park will be a free event for all the family and is being held in celebration of the new facilities in Charlton Adam, serving the village and its neighbours Charlton Mackrell and West Charlton. Local MP Sarah Dyke will be opening the event at 1pm.

In total, villagers raised approximately £140,000 and have installed an accessible children's play area including a zipwire, a sensory garden, a basketball shooting area and a whole range of picnic tables and benches.

Funders for the project include Viridor, The Charltons Parish Council, Wessex Water, Big Lottery Community Fund and G. Morris Quarry with many donations from local individuals.

Help for the homeless

BISHOP Sutton and Stowey WI held a spring fayre, which raised £440 for the Julian Trust, the Bath-based charity which tackles homelessness.

The hall was busy

Some of the fundraising team with youngsters enjoying the basketball shooting area

Kitchen refurbishment

is a piece of cake

RESIDENTS in Litton have celebrated the £40,000 upgrade of their village hall kitchen with cake – and a curry!

The work marks the centenary of the hall being presented to Hinton Blewitt and Litton WI by the Middles farming family and 50 years since the hall was put in trust for the local community.

The hall committee started planning for the project three years ago to update the 30-year-old kitchen. It now boasts an expanded kitchen space, with separate food and bar areas, new worktops and serving facilities.

The project was supported by The Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund, The National Lottery, Clark Foundation and Litton Parish Council with donations from Litton villagers.

For details about the hall, email: info@littonvillagehall.co.uk

Claverham beer festival

YEO Valley Lions’ beer festival will be held over the weekend of Friday, June 28th and Saturday, June 29th at their usual venue, Claverham Village Hall.

This will be their 21st annual festival since the first one in 2003. They have now raised more than £116,000 for local good causes.

There will be about 25 different beers and a selection of ciders, a gin bar and BBQ along with stage acts on the Friday and Saturday nights and a family friendly focus on Saturday afternoon –with suitable entertainment for children.

Details: http://www.yeovalleylions.org.uk

Top brass

GENERALSir Peter Wall, former head of the British Army, was guest speaker at Wrington Vale Rotary Club. Topics included Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Japan, Israel, Palestine, China, Taiwan and of course defence spending. The event was organised by member Lieutenant Colonel Bob Preedy (retired).

Sir Peter is pictured with club president, Angie Biggs.

Morris side is 90 years not out

BATHAMPTON Morris took to the Market Place in Nunney to celebrate St George’s Day ahead of their 90th anniversary on May 1st.

The side was joined in Nunney by the all-female side The Bounds of Selwood, based in Frome, who were taught their dances by Bathampton.

Both sides dancing together

The Bounds of Selwood

The curry night in full swing

Café’s birthday

STANTON Drew Community Café has celebrated its tenth birthday with a special cake and continues to raise money for the church and local good causes.

One of the organisers of the monthly café, Anne Bennett, said: “Most of the original volunteers continue to give their time, along with several of the new families to the village.

“It is a super venue to meet and get to know people that we live alongside.”

The café is held on the second Saturday of each month, 10am12noon, at St.Mary’s Church in Stanton Drew.

Grant funding

WINSCOMBECommunity Association is close to raising the funds needed to extend the village’s community centre.

Close on the heels of a Community Ownership Fund Grant of £300,000, they have obtained £200,000 from the National Lottery.

They say: “With 89% of funds identified it’s going to happen soon.” But they still need to raise the final 11%.

People can use the donation station at the centre or go to https://winspace.org.uk/support

More mural magic

NEW murals have been appearing in Glastonbury as the town’s mural trail continues to expand.

Meanwhile, the first group of aspiring young street artists have completed their fourweek course run by professional artist Tommy Sturgess at Whitelake Park in Pylle, near Shepton Mallet.

A section of local artist Jon Minshull’s striking work on the side of the Art of The Tribe Gallery in Glastonbury High Street

Pictured (l to r) Liz Richardson, John Hudson, and Colin Bennett

Xenz, from Bristol, works on a fantasy mural on a property in Benedict Street . . . . . . home to Rubie and daughter Lyra

Graeme, the artist known as Xenz

BISHOPSutton and Stowey WI members arranged a special birthday lunch for member Marian Mason (centre in blue) to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Good causes share £5k from Holden Gardens’ housebuilder

EIGHTlocally focussed good causes in and around Wedmore have each received a windfall from the specialist retirement housebuilder behind the collection of new houses designed for the over 55s in Wedmore.

Holden Gardens developer, Blue Cedar Homes, has announced the local good causes who have been awarded funds from the developer’s Project Community Fund.

The fund has made £5,000 available for community-nominated projects situated within a three-mile radius of Holden Gardens in Wedmore – a collection of ten luxury detached freehold homes, comprising a mix of two and threebedrooms, exclusively for the over 55s.

The beneficiaries include: the 3C’s, Committee of Wedmore Harvest Home,

Green Wedmore, Wedmore Festival, Wedmore First School – PTA, Wedmore First School Academy – General and Pool, Wedmore in Bloom and Wedmore Men’s Shed.

Blue Cedar Homes offers the Project Community Fund with the new developments it undertakes. Chris Fayers, Sales and Marketing Director, at Blue Cedar Homes, said: “We are delighted to be able to support these worthy causes which are all local to our Holden Gardens development in Wedmore.

“The Project Community Fund has been created because we believe in being a good neighbour and a responsible community member. This fund is entirely separate from any S106 commitments we

made for Holden Gardens, which included a contribution of over £330,000 to Somerset Council.

“We are proud our development can help locally and look forward to seeing how each organisation will utilise the funds to strengthen their community-led cause.”

There are two luxury homes now available at Holden Gardens. These stylish new, energy-efficient, ageexclusive properties can be found at: Holden Gardens, off Cheddar Road, Wedmore, Somerset, BS28 4EQ. Please note viewings are by appointment only.

For more information or to arrange an appointment contact Copper and Tanner on 01934 713296 wedmore@cooperandtanner.co.uk or visit https://www.bluecedarhomes.co.uk/development/holden-gardens-wedmore/

Property market is heating up

A COUPLE of months back I suggested that people thinking about selling their houses should wait until the weather improved before coming to the market and I predicted that once the clocks moved forward and we started to enjoy longer evenings, we would see a flurry of buyers who wanted to share the brilliant lifestyle in the Chew Valley.

Well, I am happy to say that both those things have happened. As a result, you will be seeing a good number of our “For Sale” signs outside some superb properties over a wide price range as sellers are coming to us as the agent of choice.

They are trusting us with their most valuable asset because of all the hard work

we have put in to achieve an outstanding reputation based on the platform of the three words which sum up our service – Dedication, Imagination and Delivery.

Not only have we got the cream of the properties, we also have a number of people registered with us who are serious buyers and who are keen to find their dream property. They remain price conscious, but our sellers are realistic and they take our valuation advice, which is based on years of in-depth understanding of local market conditions. As I result, I am confident you will soon be seeing “Sold” going up on those signs.

Some sellers are moving elsewhere in the locality, but

quite a few are empty nesters who have enjoyed bringing up their family in the Chew Valley but have now reached the time when they decide to move away for lifestyle reasons, such as living by the sea, somewhere abroad or to be closer to family. That means new families join our communities, providing fresh energy to keep things like our village events going across the summer.

I should just remind you that another of the services we provide is off-market sales, for those who don’t want a sign in their garden and who prefer not to draw attention to the fact they are selling their home. We are very happy to work discreetly if that is your preference, or we can provide

high quality publicity if you’d rather make a big splash – the choice is absolutely yours. We are flexible enough to work with you to achieve the desired outcome in whichever way you want. Please take a look at our website and you will see more details and examples of the high quality photography which will show your house at its very best. www.joannatiley.com

JOANNA TILEY

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Local riders do well amongst the eventing greats

BADMINTONHorse Trials provided us with a thrilling weekend in May, full of surprises. It had thousands of us perched on the edge of our seats either at the event or at home watching it on the telly, waiting to see who would win this iconic competition, which is probably the most prestigious equestrian event in the world, ahead of Burghley and Kentucky.

I walked the course the day before cross country and just could not imagine how any rider could sleep the night before having to think of facing those gigantic fences.

The twists and turns, the combinations, all made for seemingly impossible obstacles and yet come the day, some of them at the top of their game made it look like a walk in the park.

Local riders Selina Milnes and Alex Bragg were magnificent in the 5-star competition. Alex came 3rd, having jumped double clear in both show jumping and cross country, picking up only a few time penalties.

Selina who had a nasty leg injury in January and couldn’t manage to run with her horse in the trot up inspection, came a very respectable 29th. There were 67 starters from 11 countries and only 37 completed, so that in itself tells the story.

It was tough and hot . . . the sun shone all weekend. It takes years of hard work and dedication to produce a horse that could reach anywhere near the level which would take it to any of the 5 star events or even the 4 star and advanced classes.

It all starts much further down the line with unsung heroes who might not make the headlines but are just as dedicated and have enormous talent. Over at Yatton, Jason Hobbs is one of those people. Jason runs a very busy yard at Ham Farm, which is owned by Mr and Mrs Crossman.

He buys and sells horses as well as training, producing and giving lessons, and is also competing successfully in his own right. Riding for Gillie Bulmer, Denise Crossman and for himself on three different horses Jason was riding at Badminton in the Young Burghley Event Horse Qualifier this year, and was respectably placed 18th on Tillington Cocka Gee, in a competition which attracted 63 entries.

Quick on the heels of Badminton came Tweseldown One day Event where Jason came 4th in the Intermediate on his own Shanbeg Legacy, who he hopes to take to Advanced level later in the year.

Visiting his yard on a working day, you are assured of a warm welcome from all the team, as well as various little dogs including Reggie, Piggy and Mojo who spend their time either chilling in the tack room or following Jason out to the arena to keep an eye on what is going on.

Also working at Ham Farm, are two more eventers, Tom Sloper and Catherine Fear. Tom came 2nd at Tweseldown in the Novice

in May and is working towards Intermediate. Cath is busy with her horses and ponies and will be out competing later in the season.

She also breaks in and schools ponies, both for clients and herself, so there is always plenty to do.

National Hunt racing seems to go on throughout the summer more these days, but the last Wessex Point to Point race was at Cothelstone, attracting a good number of entries.

Paul Nicholls sadly lost his title of National Hunt Champion Trainer to Willie Mullins this year, but his top stable jockey Harry Cobden won Champion Jockey for the first time, giving Team Ditcheat yet another cause for celebration, so all was not lost.

The Irish have dominated the racing scene this year, with trainers having multiple entries in all the big races which are the ones with the massive prize money. If the competition for Champion Trainer was judged on the number of winners and not the most prize money won, it would have been a different story . . . but there’s always another year.

As I write, we are now waiting for the Equestrian Olympic teams to be announced and in all the disciplines, dressage, show jumping and eventing, the selectors are facing very hard decisions, there are so many great riders to choose from.

Not only do they all have to be on top form, but they have to stay that way and get to France. Can you just imagine the logistics? It’s going to take teamwork to a whole new level to get everything in place, and we wish them all the best for a safe and successful experience.

The times and how to view are not out yet but it looks as if the equestrian events will all be at the end of July and beginning of August. Definitely best watched from the armchair I reckon, with sandwiches ready and glass in hand, naturally!

Pony Clubs are gearing up for summer now, with lots of training and practising going on in readiness for shows, camps, and mounted games. At last it’s warmer and drier, and the lovely light evenings are making it all much easier.

An almost non-existent spring has made preparation difficult for everyone, but now that summer seems to be much nearer, we can be more optimistic for good times ahead.

With JANE PATERSON

Jason riding Shanbeg Legacy

Everyone’s a winner

DIVOKY Riding School at Downhead, near Shepton Mallet, hosted its first in-house pony show for beginners to allow youngsters to show off their skills.

The day-long event – using the school’s own ponies – attracted more than 20 competitors aged six to 14-years old in either lead rein or showing classes, with a big crowd of family and friends going along to support them.

Sharna Corse, aged nine and from Baltonsborough, was named supreme champion riding Brook; reserve was Paris Campbell, aged eight and from Timsbury and who rode Nobby. Classes were sponsored by Trisha Smith and by Jamie Sharkey, of Quality Cobs Carmarthen.

H Half days and full days | 6 days a week all summer

H 10am-12.30pm & 1-3.30pm

H All ages from 5-16yrs | All abilities

H Half day £50 | full day £100

H Booking essential

Summer for the Minis

H Half hour lead rein lessons for under-5s daily

H Children must be able to be fitted with a safety helmet to ride

H Booking essential

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

H Ride and coffee mornings

H Adult group lessons

H Quiet Hacks

Some of the riders at the end of the day

One of the morning’s lead rein sessions

Best in show Sharna Corse with Brook and (l to r) judge Sally McMillan, Divoky owner Pat Bishop and judge Sam Moody

A double success

CAROLQuantrill, from Weare, has a double reason to celebrate. She was the novice winter dressage champion at Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre, riding her maxi cob Cormoy Lad. She thought she would never ride him again after serious injury but nursed him back to health over a year with the help of Tim Randall, from Stables Equine Practice.

More recently one of her two Exmoor mares, Zara, produced a foal, Weare by Northern Lights, as the aurora borealis made an appearance. She supports the programme to protect this endangered pony.

Nunney gallops into action

FROM top-tier international riders to local favourites, Nunney International Horse Trials celebrates talent within the equestrian community.

It’s all systems go for the trials, now in their 13th year, taking place from Friday, June 14th to Sunday, June 16th at Southfield House on the edge of Nunney. Organised by Bridget Parker, this year’s event, in Olympics year, promises to be an unforgettable experience for both competitors and spectators alike.

Bridget, a former Olympic gold medallist herself, said: “Running an event in an Olympic year is always incredibly exciting as all sports come under the spotlight, including eventing. I’m rooting for our country to bring home a good haul of medals once again.”

Nunney IHT continues to thrive, attracting more than 800 competitors across three days of thrilling competition. From grassroots riders to seasoned international competitors, the event showcases the best of equestrian talent against the picturesque backdrop of Southfield House. Entry is £10 per car on Friday and £15 per car on Saturday and Sunday.

Bold, audacious and daring –try the audax!

I HAVE a friend who got into regular cycling, after retiring a few years ago. Last summer he told me that he had cycled along the Avon Cycleway for his longest ever ride. With a few unintended detours he had cycled over 93 miles and was quite rightly pleased with himself. After congratulating him, it did cross my mind as to why he didn’t do a few more to rack up his first “100”.

Maybe I shouldn’t have asked him, but I did. His answer was that he was happy enough with what he’d achieved and also that he had no lights to be able to ride in the fading light. Even so I thought, 100 is a 100!

That memory came back to me recently when I read about some fairly epic bike rides, known as “audax” by members of the cycling club I belong to.

An audax ride, also known internationally as a randonée, is a cycle ride that has to be completed within a set time frame, including any stops to eat or rest. It is non-competitive; individual riders times are not published, and success is measured by its completion.

However, riders need to maintain an average minimum speed of 15 km/hour in order to reach the pre-determined control points along the route. Riders are also expected to be self-sufficient. Unlike a sportive, there are no direction markers, no support to fix any mechanical problems or a broom wagon to pick up stragglers.

That means riders have to sort out any problems themselves or make their own way home. Some events will offer food along the way but it’s more than likely that the rider has to find their own source whether that is village shops, service stations or cafes.

Distances are typically 200km or 300km but can be as long as 1,400km

which will involve an element of night riding. The longer the distance the harder it is to maintain the average minimum speed.

Yet this challenge seems to be appealing to an increasing number of cyclists each year. There are also shorter distances which are a good introduction to “randonneuring”.

Audax pre-dates almost all organised cycling events with the exception of racing. In the late 19th century, day-long challenge rides became popular in Italy. Participants aimed to cover as much distance as possible and prove themselves audax (meaning bold, audacious or daring).

The first recorded audax cycling event took place in 1897, when 12 Italian cyclists attempted to cycle 230km, in daylight hours, from Rome to Naples. Similar events became popular elsewhere and in 1904, Henri Desgrange (founder of the Tour de France) formalised the rules and regulations for audax events.

Probably, the best-known feature of audaxes is the brevet card. This is a small card which must be stamped at each checkpoint to prove that the rider completed the preceding section within the time limit.

Not all controls involve a stamp.

Details: www.audax.uk

Sometimes the rider will need to get a receipt from a café or cash machine to prove the time at which it was passed.

In other cases, there will be an “information control” which asks a question about something at the location (for example a road sign or landmark) and the answer is written on the brevet card.

At the end of the event, the brevet card is handed in to the organisers who will check and certify the results.

The majority of audax are relatively small in terms of participants and are locally organised, meaning that there are plenty of events for enthusiasts. One coming up soon on July 7th is “Mendip Transmitter” a 100km ride from Bath across the Mendips and back.

There are, as well, some noteworthy events here in the UK that attract riders from around the world.

The Bryan Chapman Memorial is a 607km ride from Chepstow to Anglesey and then back again, in 40 hours. Legend has it that Bryan Chapman would cycle the length of Wales to go and see his mechanic!

London-Edinburgh-London is a 1,500km event that takes place every four years and the blue riband event in the global audax calendar is Paris-BrestParis, a 1,200km out and back course.

A precious “pizza” silverware

MIDSOMER Norton Rugby Club have won the Papa John’s Community Cup for their region with a last-gasp 39-38 victory over Ashford RFC.

In the 79th minute, Scott Anderson skipped through to put Norton within a

point with the highest pressure of conversions to follow. Tom Rideout kept his cool and slotted home and Norton survived the final kick-off for a famous victory, handing them the Counties 1 South Shield.

They had reached the final – held at Dings Crusaders RFC in Bristol – after a convincing 36-16 win at home over Combe Down RFC.

Juniors provided a guard of honour at Norton Down ahead of the semi-final.

Heading to the Euros –hopefully

TWO teams of young players from Frome Town United’s youth squad are fundraising to attend a mini-European football tournament at Frome’s twin town of Murrhardt in Germany in July. The 18 youngsters, from the club’s U15 boys and U14 girls sides, will join teams from Frome’s other twin towns, ChâteauGontier-sur-Mayenne in France, and Rabka-Zdrój & Rötha in Poland for the seven-a-side tournament, which is timed to coincide

Frome Town United under-15s

with Euro 2024.

The teams from the four twin towns will also have the opportunity to travel to Stuttgart Stadium and visit the fan zones/Euro Cup event areas within Stuttgart City Centre.

The tournament takes place between July 4th and 8th and the youngsters are now busy fundraising to raise £8,000 to pay for their travel costs.

The under-14s girls side

The Frome Town United teams’ fundraising page is at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/FTU-Murrhardt-EuroTournament

The victorious Norton team

(Photo courtesy of Will Nicol)

Successful year for Chew Valley

CHEW Valley RFC is riding high as its teams clinched victories across multiple competitions, marking a historic moment for the club.

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Chew Colts have secured both the U-18s Somerset Cup and the U-18s Somerset League titles for the first time in the club's history.

Not to be outdone, the senior men's team claimed both the Somerset Cup and the Bristol Combination Cup for the first time, after finishing third in their league.

The ladies' team, the Valley Cats, won through to the first Women’s Bristol Combination Cup, losing out to Winscombe 12-70. They finished the league in 3rd position.

Race comes of age

WELTON Church Runners celebrated their 21st free 5k run in Midsomer Norton town park on May 4th. First place was taken by local runner Victoria Ratcliffe.

Volunteers have started work on a new path in the wild meadow which will make the course more accessible to runners than previously.

This event takes place every first Saturday of the month. All abilities are welcome and it is free to take part. There is also a free café after the event in the Somer Centre.

1st XV

Colts Valley Cats

Trail race is a runaway success

THE second Runaway Train race around Shepton Mallet attracted hundreds of entries from serious runners to families walking the route to simply enjoy the views.

The Runaway Train celebrates the Windsor Hill railway path, with a rugged trail race followed by a feast in Shepton Mallet’s market place.

The 8½-mile and three-mile running races took in woods, valleys, distant hills, dark tunnels and high viaducts, finishing right in the heart of Shepton Mallet. One of the highlights for runners and onlookers was the reopening for the event only of the Bath Road Viaduct, known locally as the Waterloo Road Viaduct, over the A37. Any profits will be donated to local community groups who supported the event.

Gathering for the start of the main race

Gathering for lunch at the end of the event Preparing to meet the runners at the finishing line

Finding time for a wave

Somer Valley AVC runners posing for a photo on the Bath Road viaduct

Simon (left) and Dominic at the drink station in Croscombe

The trail race awards

Boules at the palace

Entries are now open for teams of four to take part

SUNDAY, June 30th sees the return of the Wells Annual Boules Tournament at the Bishop’s Palace.

The fun event for families and clubs is organised by Wells Rotary and funds raised will be used to support the Wells Defibrillator and High Street First Aid projects.

Entries are now open for teams of four to compete against one another in the glorious Palace Gardens, with time to enjoy a picnic on the lawn accompanied by music by the Panama Jazz Band.

For details visit the Wells Rotary website or email Chris at: rotary.boules@outlook.com

Chew Valley 10k

CHRISSIE Wellington OBE, four times Ironman Triathlon World Champion, will be the official starter of this year’s Chew Valley 10k race.

There are 550 runners already registered for the race on Sunday, June 9th and entries will close at 9am on Wednesday, June 5th. Chrissie said: “This is a fabulous local event with a huge heartraising much-needed funds for some important local charities whilst also giving people the opportunity to run, jog and walk around our beautiful countryside.”

Details: www.chewvalley10k.co.uk

Helping golf’s young hopefuls

ALMOST 90 Wheathill Golf Club members took part in the Mary England Trophy, which is the fundraising competition in support of the junior membership.

In its second year, the event – with 88 players – raised £218 to help fund entry into the Somerset Junior League events and to provide keepsake trophies to be awarded for the Junior Club Championship taking place in June and the Junior Open in August.

Elliott Tuck (junior) along with his dad, Dave, and fellow team members Mal Green and Simon Nicholls were the outright winners scoring 119 points in a Bowmaker format.

Lifetime best

ANDYLittler of Pensford has achieved a 60-year ambition by rowing the Shah, a Cornish pilot gig built in 1873, at this year’s World Pilot Gig Championships in the Scillies.

His son, Myke, was in the same crew and they finished a likely 86th out of 128. Andy, 74, has been competing in the championships for over ten years.

He said: “The rows were exhausting and exhilarating and all of our heats developed into tightly fought races, and yes, I loved it, it was a highlight of my life and the pinnacle of my rowing career.”

Pictured (l to r): Elizabeth England, junior captain, with Dave Tuck, Elliott Tuck, Mal Green and Simon Nicholls

Andy (left) and son, Myke, with the Shah

Charity celebrates 300 years

THE Draycott charity of John and Joseph Card, known locally as The Card Trust, celebrated its 300th anniversary in May.

Established in 1724, John Card, the eldest brother, had six children who all died before him. When John died in 1724 his wife was unable to inherit, as women were not allowed to, so John left his land to the hamlet of Draycott and his money to his brother Joseph Card.

In 1728, Joseph died in very similar circumstances, all his children having died before him, and he also left all his money and land to the hamlet of Draycott. Both John and Joseph Card are buried in Cheddar Churchyard.

Today, the land is tenanted and the money invested in a stocks and shares portfolio. The current tenant’s family have been farming this land, situated on Mark Moor, since 1911. None of the land is in Draycott or Rodney Stoke.

The charity has 12 trustees and a clerk. The wording of the Will specifically states that “the money shall be doled out to the Second Poor”.

The Second Poor were those just above the poorest, who would have been put into the workhouse. In the late 17th and early 18th century if you went into the workhouse at least you would get fed and clothed.

The Second Poor were those struggling to pay rent and

working long hours to make ends meet, often unable to afford to feed their families. Originally, the grants were for older people in the form of a pension but also a part of the charity was for “need, hardship or distress”.

These were often for a “one-off” payment where the applicant had to approach the trustees for consideration. As schooling became important the trustees decided that money should be put aside for education.

This became The Card Educational Foundation, a separate charity, providing money to enable children to learn to read and write. The vicar of St. Leonard’s Church, Rodney Stoke, the Rev Cobley, died in 1856, leaving money to the charity called The Cobley Trust.

He was concerned about the health of the children of the village, especially those working in the lead mines. In 1840, he observed that many children were buried in Cheddar Churchyard aged between six and ten, dying from lead poisoning, disease and malnutrition.

He left money to buy the Draycott Recreation Field and for teaching children Religious Education.The Cobley legacy enabled the charities to give money for: pensions, hardship, religious education and education.

The administration of these separate charities had become complicated so in 2016 all three charities merged into a single charity known as The Charity of John and Joseph Card.

Anyone living in the village of Draycott can apply but the grant is assessed on need. Twice a year application details will be published in the Draycott & Rodney Stoke Parish Newsletter and on the Draycott Facebook page.

Grants are based on the trust’s income from the previous year. Applications are to be made to the secretary of the trust, who will supply an application form. People can apply at any time of the year if in hardship or need.

The trust is non-judgemental and discreet.

The memorial as it looks today

The start of the construction of the Card memorial, Draycott, which was unveiled on December 31st, 1901

Mendip Tour was a classic

AROUND 170 classic and historic vehicles – including a 100year-old car – arrived on a hot and sunny Cathedral Green in Wells at the end of the annual Mendip Tour.

Organised by the Classic and Historic Motor Club, the event also raised funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Peace, love and a 1966 VW Variant: Simon (lying down), Debbie, Chris and Juliet

Italian Job: Roxanna and Wessex Purchase brought a rare Italianbuilt Ford Anglia Tourino; less than 20 of 10,000 built are thought to survive

A Lanchester Coupe arriving at the end of the tour

Matt Cardy arriving on the green

Marie and Geoff in their 1960 AC Ace, fitted with a Bristol engine

Celebrating 50 years

THEWest Mendip Orchestra, formerly Winscombe Orchestra until 2012, was founded in 1974 when ten players were brought together by its first conductor, Ronald Clarke.

He was succeeded by Arthur Baines who conducted a series of concerts. The principal cellist of the orchestra, Rupert Bottomley, then took over from him. He was the conductor from 1982 until 2003, when unfortunately he died aged only 51.

The leader at the time, Christine Gladwin, took up conducting duties from 2004 to 2009. Mark Gateshill was the next one to take up the baton until 2013. Dennis Simons served from 2014 to 2015 when Nicholas Bromilow took over.

He left to study in the USA in 2021. The current director is John Johnson who has recently retired from a long career in school music. He also conducts several other groups in the area.

The orchestra has grown in numbers over the last 50 years and now has around 25 regular players, from a wide local area. They currently rehearse each Friday at the

Lynch Chapel in Winscombe.

They perform three concerts a year from the classical repertoire in various venues, including Uphill, Weston-super-Mare and Yatton. Their concerts sometimes feature well-known local soloists.

Their next concert is on Friday, July 5th, 7.45pm at All Saints Church, Westonsuper-Mare BS23 2NL. It will include some items played at the first concert in October 1974 and other popular audience favourites.

Details: www.west-mendip-orchestra.org.uk

New project

WINSCOMBE-based family company, Soap Soup Theatre, have launched a Crowdfunder to bring Minny Stynker , their brand-new project, to children with long-term health conditions across the South West.

It involves a theatre production, a picture book and an augmented reality experience. The project was dreamt up by artistic director, Tomasin Cuthbert, after spending one month in Bristol’s neonatal intensive care unit when her son was born in February 2020.

The project has been developed alongside families caring for children with serious illnesses and is endorsed by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust.

The theatre show is set to premiere at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol May 29th-June 1st, ahead of a UK-wide tour.

The Crowdfunder will mean children unable to access theatre due to serious illness will be able to experience the project from their hospital or hospice.

Donated to care settings across the South West, pop-up units will include an iPad and headphones, and a sloping desktop complete with a drawer full of art supplies so children receiving care can enjoy the story through AR. The project says it offers an invaluable resource for reducing anxiety, supporting self-expression and providing a much-needed distraction for children and their families.

Details: https://www.soapsouptheatre.com/

The Octopus is reaching out

MUSICIANS and performers are being offered the chance to audition for a chance to appear at one of the most relaxed and intimate venues at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

But there is a catch – success does not mean free entry to the three-day Worthy Farm spectacular; anyone invited must have secured their tickets already.

The venue is the backstage area in the Theatre and Circus Fields, where performers can be found relaxing on an assortment of sofas in the middle of which is a stage, draped in flowers and hanging baskets and surrounded by rugs. Called the Octopus Stage, it is run by the people behind Octopus Studio, a community-focussed rehearsal and recording studio and venue on an industrial estate in Bruton.

Throughout the festival, the Octopus Stage hosts everything from early morning – Glastonbury-time, that is – yoga, to spoken word, DJs, singers and musicians, until around 6pm. The area is run by Gary and Meru, professional musicians who

Heading for Glastonbury

JAMAICAN-Irish rapper and singer JayaHadADream was named the winner of Glastonbury Festival's 2024 Emerging Talent Competition, which is supported by PRS for Music and the PRS Foundation and which was held at Pilton Working Men’s Club.

JayaHadADream recently quit her job in a sixth form to pursue music full-time and wins a slot on one of the festival’s main stages, plus a £5,000 Talent Development prize from the PRS Foundation.

She said: "I am honestly so grateful and overwhelmed – in the best way – with all the love and support. I am so excited to share the stage with my live band and show Glasto what we do! I am also buzzing to see the site and immerse myself into the world of Glasto.”

The judges – who included Emily Eavis, Glastonbury stage bookers and music business professionals – gave the two runnersup places to singer-songwriter Nadia Kadek and soul singer Caleb Kunle. Both acts receive a £2,500 Talent Development prize from

founded Octopus Studio five years ago.

Gary, a drummer but who also plays a number of other instruments, said: “The thing about backstage at Theatre and Circus is that you never know who might be chilling out on one of the sofas and listening to whatever is happening on the stage.”

the PRS Foundation.

While announcing the winners, BBC 6 Music’s Huw Stephens also confirmed that all eight acts on a night of powerful performances will be given slots at this year’s festival, meaning that The Ayoub Sisters, Bryte, KID 12, Olivia Nelson, and Problem Patterns will also be playing.

JayaHadADream on stage at Pilton Working Men’s Club

Gary in the Octopus Studio. His band, Sock, has supported several big name acts, including George Benson and the Kings of Leon

The Octopus Stage

A recent community jam in the studio

Wells Italian Festival

FARM, SILVER STREET, WELLS BA5 1UH

To order tickets online: www.wellsitalianfestival.co.uk

Or by phone:

Tony D’Ovidio 07770 994652

Sandra Guidi 07948 453409

Wells Self Storage 01749 683111

Gates open 12.30pm

Tickets:

£15 adults

£10 children (10-16); under-10s free

Let’s party –Italian-style!

TICKETS are now on sale for the annual Wells Italian Festival –one of the most family-friendly parties in the city. Also known as the Fiesta Italiana Romulus & Remus, the festival celebrates Italian life and culture with music, food and drink throughout the afternoon.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday, July 14th from 12.30pm at Palace Farm, with music by saxophonist Tim Fulker, singers Tim Pitman and Marvin Muoneké and entertainers Lui and Mimmo. There will also be a bar and food stalls, with many taking picnics to share with friends and family.

Established more than 20 years ago, the event is an important fundraiser for local charities and organisations. Last year’s fiesta made donations to groups including Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Wells First Responders, St John’s Ambulance, Heads Up and Wells RFC.

For details, visit: www.wellsitalianfestival.co.uk or find them on Facebook

New attraction in Cheddar

A NEW immersive multisensory visitor experience at Cheddar Gorge & Caves uses state of the art lighting, music, animation and colour to tell the story of how the caves were formed and evolved by the power of water. It is believed to be a UK first for the use of animation inside a cave.

The caves were created over hundreds of millions of years with the River Yeo – from which the experience gets its name – now flowing through under the cave.

Fenia Vitali, general manager, who led the project, said: “Without water we would not have the caves we have today, we wanted to celebrate that natural wonder.

“Working with our partners, we have introduced imagery projected against the cave chamber walls, brought ‘Yeo’ to life to narrate the story and used state-of-the art lighting and sound effects to create a unique attraction.”

Welcome to the fiesta

PALACE

The beer is almost here!

AFTER a great deal of planning, the Rotary Club of Midsomer Norton & Radstock is very excited to be reintroducing the Wessex Beer Festival following an absence of several years.

This year’s festival takes place at Chilcompton Sports Ground, on Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th. Club president, Kevin Chard, said: “We couldn’t have accomplished this without the tremendous support we have received from our sponsors and it’s incredible how members of our club have once again rallied to get this project successfully off the ground.”

Festivities begin on the Friday at 1pm with a terrific lineup of bands. More great bands will perform on Saturday, again commencing at 1pm until late. There will be an array of beer and cider on offer, alongside a prosecco and gin bar and a hog roast, burgers and hot dogs will be served on both days. Free parking is available next to the site at the Chilcompton Sports Ground, which is also on the Bath –Wells bus route.

Monies raised will go towards supporting Dementia UK, Dorothy House, and Rotary charities. So come sporting your fun festival gear and join in the party!

WESSEX BEER, CIDER & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Fantastic line-up of bands and performers through the day

Gin & Prosecco Bar also available

FOOD: Burgers, Hotdogs, Hog Roast

Parking adjacent to site (also on bus route)

Tickets from:

Midsomer Norton and Radstock

Buffet open 10.30 to 15.30 every Sunday in the season

Sunday, June 16th –Father’s Day Diesel Driver Taster Sessions

Summer at the station

PREPARATIONS are well underway for celebrations in July to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of Midsomer Norton South Station.

A gala event featuring all of the charity’s engine power and rolling stock will take place on

Saturday, July 20th – the actual date on which the station opened on the Somerset and Dorset line from Bath’s Green Park Station to Bournemouth.

Saturday, June 22nd –Steam Punk Day, 11am-4pm

Forthcoming highlights:

* Saturday July 6th & Sunday, July 7th – Wickham Weekender

* Saturday, July 20th – Midsomer Norton 150 Years Anniversary Gala

Check out operating days, future events and booking at www.sdjr.co.uk

Before then, there promises to be an exciting line-up of events in June to herald the start of the summer season. If you're stuck for a present for Father's Day, why not bring dad along on Sunday, June 16th, for a driver taster day?

Everyone is looking forward to the Steam Punk Day on Saturday, June 22nd, followed on Sunday, 23rd by a diesel hauled day.

June closes with a Diesel Multiple Unit Day on Sunday, June 30th but the fun continues in July with a Wickham weekender on July 6th and 7th.

Free outdoor arts event

Dizzy O'Dare

FOLLOWING last year's hugely successful Radstock Fayre, another fantastic event is planned this June. There will be plenty of theatre shows and live music, as well as havea-go creative workshops and stalls from local organisations.

The Radstock Co-operative sponsored community stage will also be showcasing the very best of local talent and the Swallows Cafe will be open all day serving delicious food and drink.

Radstock resident and creative producer of the fayre Mark Bishop said: “It's going to be another great event hosted by the Natural Theatre Company. We had such a great day last year with such positive feedback that we have made it an annual event.”

Details: www.naturaltheatre.co.uk

OPENING OF STATION 1874

Midsomer Norton Railway Station is situated in the beautiful Mendip hills of North Somerset being part of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway which operated from Bath Green Park to Bournemouth. It opened on July 20, 1874, and played a crucial role in connecting passengers from the valley floor to the highest point of the line at Masbury. In celebration of this fact the S&DJR will be holding a Gala Event on:

SATURDAY 20thJULY 2024

All motive power will be available ‘on-the-day’ along with Wickham rides. There will be a separately priced evening DMU charter offering a pasty and a pint included within its ticket price.

To learn more about this exciting event visit our website www.sdjr.co.uk for ticketing information.

When you purchase your tickets online you will be entered into a free prize draw of a *OO scale ‘Station Pilot’ configuration which consists a LNWR Webb Coal Tank and three Mk 1 Maroon coaches, an oval of track with an AC mains wall transformer and controller. RRP £274.95 * This prize covers online bookings only and not ‘on-the-day’ purchases.

T HE M ENDIP T IMES W

We’re happy to list entries for non-profit community groups and charity fundraisers free of charge. Please send them written as a succinct single paragraph, in the format below, to annie@mendiptimes.co.uk

Entries sent in as posters or which take time to re-write may be charged for at the commercial rate, £25.

Wednesday May 29th

Wells Folk & Barn Dance Club 7.30-9.30pm

St Thomas’ Church Hall, BA5 2UZ. All welcome: 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wed every month. Details: 01749 674920 or www.wellsfdc.co.uk

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

Thursday 30th May

West Mendip Walkers moderate 9m circular walk starting 9.30am East Harptree Woods BS40 6DA. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk

Draycott Art Club meets 10am-1pm and 2pm-4 every Thurs except school holidays at Draycott Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. All welcome. Details: draycottartclub.mendip@gmail.com

Thursday May 30th to Saturday June 1st

Royal Bath & West Show: www.bathandwest.com/royal-bath-and-westshow

Friday May 31st

Mendip Morris dancing at the Bath & West Show at various spots throughout the day. Radstock Folk Dance Club every Friday 8pm-10pm St Peter's Church Hall, Westfield. Country dancing at a steady speed. Beginners welcome, partners not essential. £3/night incl refreshments. Details: heather.m.leverton@gmail.com

Saturday June 1st

Norton Down cream tea in the garden, 2-4pm Methodist Church. Mendip Brass Band and stalls. All welcome.

Sunday June 2nd

Stowey: Garden Party in aid of Safe Haven for Donkeys. Stalls, cream teas, live music, 2pm-5pm Hollowtree House, Folly Lane, BS39 4DW. All welcome, entry by donation. Ten Secret Gardens of Castle Cary 1pm6pm.Teas in the Market House.Tickets £10 from www.caryfordhall.co.uk

Wells Oxfam Quiz Night new venue: St Thomas's church hall, Bath Rd. 7 for 7.30pm. Teams up to six, £5pp. No bar so BYO. Raffle prizes welcome. To book: 01749 672342 or email terryricketts1948@gmail.com

Radstock Fayre, Natural Theatre Company, St Nicholas Church field, 11am-4pm, free entry. Compton Dando Church Summer Teas 2.30pm-5pm every Sunday. Details: Jenny 01761 490727.

Monday June 3rd

Chew Valley Flower Club flower arranging demonstration 7.30pm Compton Martin Village Hall. Visitors welcome £5. Cheddar Valley Singers: Mondays 7-8.15pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details on Facebook or cheddarvalleysingers@gmail.com

RAFA meeting 11am Wells Golf Club, BA5

3DS. Talk by Robert Turner about Westonzoyland Air Museum, plus 80th Anniversary of D Day. Optional lunch. Details 01458 224057 or email

Lunchrafa.midsomerset@gmail.com

Tuesday 4th June

Backwell Sequence Dancing: 7.15pm-9 every Tues, Backwell WI Hall, BS48 3QW. Couples always welcome. Details: Paul 07710 460550 or email backwellsequencedance@gmail.com

The Arts Society Mendip: “Gloriana: Elizabeth I and the art of Queenship” with Siobhan Clarke 11am Croscombe Village Hall and Zoom. Guests welcome £10. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk

Joyful Voices: Fill your afternoon with song! Tuesdays 1.30pm-3. Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Contact joyfulvoicesafternoon@gmail.com

Wells & District Wildlife Group walk, RSPB Ham Wall 7pm- 9pm. Details: www.wdwg.org.uk or 07415 350062.

Wednesday June 5th

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

Thursday June 6th

D-Day 80th anniversary. Various events across the area. See P48.

Chew Valley Death Café 12 to 1.30pm Community Library Bishop Sutton. A safe supportive space to talk about life, death and loss over tea and cake. All welcome. Details: bryonyhuntley2019@gmail.com

Irish Set Dancing 8pm-10 every Thurs Dinder Village Hall BA5 3PF. £3 incl refreshments. Fun, friendly, no need to book. Details 01458 210051 paulrharper@btopenworld.com

Bath Railway Society AGM then a talk by Peter Bamber “The Western Locomotive Association” 7.30pm the Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Rd, BA12RH. £5.

Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society: “The Stones of Wells”, a walking tour led by Doug Robinson. Details: 01458 851443. Cheddar Valley u3a meeting, Rosemary Griggs’ display of Elizabethan Costumes, 2pm Cheddar Village Hall.

Claverham Ladies’ Guild talk on Paper Craft by Gill Taylor, 2pm village hall BS49 4GG. Refreshments & charity sales table. Visitors welcome, £3. Details: 01934 838017. Chew Valley Festival of Nature

Photography, talk by naturalist Mike Dilger, 7pm St Andrew’s Church, Chew Magna. Details: chewvalleynpf@gmail.com

Friday June 7th

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

Last lunch until September so please come and join us!

Adolf and Winston by Living Spit, 7.30pm

Bishop Sutton Village Hall. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

Friday June 7th and Sat June 8th

Wessex Beer, Cider & Music Festival, Chilcompton. Details: www.wessexbeerfestival.co.uk

Saturday June 8th

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

Stoke St Michael evening of easy listening live music in the War Memorial Hall. Details: sarahstewart1488@hotmail.co.uk

Brockley Open Garden at “Little Bucklers” in the grounds of Brockley Hall BS48 3AZ. Refreshments, plant stall. Disabled parking. Details: jenem46@gmail.com

Burrington Village Fete 2pm-4.30pm in the village square and Parish room. Car park via field gate from the lower end of Burrington Combe.

Litton Village Fete 11am-2pm and evening street party from 7.30pm, music from The Salvage Crew. Bar, BBQ. Tickets £7.50, U16s £3, Family £20 (2+2) from 01761 241285 or jgorme@btinternet.com

Collett Park Day from 10am Shepton Mallet. Music, food & entertainment celebrating the wide range of local groups. Free. Details: www.helloshepton.com

Peasedown Party in the Park. Details: www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk

Charlton villages’ Party in the Park, 1pm. Sunday June 9th

Chew Valley 10k starts 9.30am from Bishop Sutton. Details: www.chewvalley10k.co.uk/ Open Gardens Compton Dando 2-6pm. Twelve gardens, plant sale, teas, cake. Tickets £6, kids and parking free. Details: Facebook or http://compton-dando.org/

New Orleans jazz with Dart Valley Five 4pm6pm Caryford Hall, Castle Cary. Tickets £10 from www.caryfordhall.co.uk or £12 on door.

Monday June 10th

Congresbury War Memorial Hall Club

Friendship evening with bingo from 8pm. Visitors welcome.

Tuesday June 11th

Shipham, Rowberrow & Star History Society: talk by Teresa Hall “Winscombe Settlements”. 7.30pm Shipham Village Hall, BS25 1SG. Members £2; guests £4. Details: Jan 01934 260784.

Wednesday June 12th

Wells Folk & Barn Dance Club 7.30-9.30pm

St Thomas’s Church Hall, BA5 2UZ. All welcome: 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wed every month. Details: 01749 674920.

O N G UIDEFOR J UNE 2024 WHAT’S ON

Mendip Storytelling Circle: stories for a grown-up audience, 7.30 to 9.30pm Ston Easton Village Hall, BA3 4DA. Details: www.mendipstorycircle.com

Blagdon Local History Society talk by Peter May, “Blagdon Water Gardens; the story” 7.30pm Court Lodge BS40 7TQ. Visitors welcome. Details: www.blagdonlhs.com Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers: WI Hall, Backwell 2-3.30pm Carers’ Week free Cream Tea & Plant Sale. Everyone welcome.

Kilmersdon Gardeners talk by Baz Hamblin “Lavender, the Forgotten Herb” 7.15 for 7.30pm village hall, BA3 5TD. Visitors welcome £3. Free refreshments. www.kilmersdongardeners.org

Thursday June 13th

Chew Valley Gardening Club: ‘Shrubs for all Seasons’ by John Tucker, 8pm Stanton Drew Village Hall.

Dicken’s Great Expectations by Quantum Theatre, 7pm Yeo Valley’s Organic Garden. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

Saturday June 15th

Old Farts Tractor Club tractor/4x4 charity run. 10am Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faulkland, BA3 5XF. £10/vehicle. For Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and Diabetes UK. Yatton Schools summer carnival, Hangstones, Yatton.

Ubley Village Fete 2pm-4pm, The Old Manor, The Street. Stalls, games, bouncy castle, BBQ, bar. Entry £2. Claverham Market 10am-12pm Village Hall. Butcher, veg. crafts books, jigsaws etc. 01934 830553.

Music for a Summer Evening 7pm St Andrews, Compton Bishop with King Alfreds Concert Band. Tickets £15 incl refreshment, from 01934 732083 or 732735.

Sunday June 16th

Shepton Mallet Open Gardens 1-5pm. Raising money for Shepton Snowdrops. Eventbrite tickets £6 or £5, cash only, from Dredge & Male, 10 High St, Shepton. Details: www.sheptonsnowdrops.org.uk

Monday 17th June

Chew Valley Flower Club practice class 7.30pm. All welcome. Details: Caroline 01275 835711.

Tuesday June 18th

Wells & District Wildlife Group: walk around the NT reserve at Collard Hill looking for Large Blue butterflies. 10am to 12. Details: www.wdwg.org.uk or 07415 350062. Wrington Local History Society: “Famine & Plague in Early Modern Britain” Prof Ronald Hutton, 7.30 for 8pm Wrington URC Chapel, Roper's Lane, BS40 5NF. Visitors welcome, £2.50 incl tea/coffee. Contact osmansteve@yahoo.co.uk

CPRE Somerset, the countryside charity, talk at Wells & Mendip Museum, 7.30pm, on West

Country Myths & Legends with Tony Painter. Details: www.somersetcpresomerset.org.uk Parkinson’s NW Somerset Support Group meeting, 10.30-12.15, St Francis Church, Nailsea. Coffee and talk about Ability Net, their association with PUK and how they provide home IT support to people with Parkinson’s.

Saturday June 15th

Bleadon Village Market: 30+ stalls, 9.30-12 Coronation Halls, BS24 0PG. Details: 01934 812370.

Somerset Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers Fleece Fair, 9.30-1.30pm Hatch Beauchamp village hall, TA3 6SG. Details: Facebook or www.somersetguildwsd.org.uk

Jenny Peplow Singers concert 7pm Chilcompton Village Hall BA3 4EX. Free, donations for Romanian Dog Rescue charity. Refreshments. Details 01373 812093

Tuesday June 18th

Open Mic Music Night 7.45pm The Pony, Chew Magna. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

Thursday June 20th

Mendip Morris with Mr Wilkins Shilling Dancers, 8pm the Rising Sun, Pensford. Friday June 21st

Stanton Drew: Wild Things Voices singing at sunset around the stones. All welcome to join them there, at Wild Things Farm beforehand, or in their rehearsals over the next few weeks. Details: sallyinthewild@gmail.com

North Somerset Quilters: Sew Social evening 7.30pm Backwell Village Club, 12 Backwell Hill Rd, BS48 3PL. Visitors welcome, £1. Details Karen 01275 463119.

Saturday June 22nd

Chew Magna Traditional Church Fete 2 to 5pm in and around the Church Hall BS40 8RE. Details: Richard 07742 729056.

Congresbury Singers Summer Concert: “All American Program” 7.30pm War Memorial Hall. Tickets £12 inc. refreshments, from the PO, Re-store Congresbury or on the door.

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

Sunday June 23rd

Butcombe Village Fete, 2pm in the Old Rectory garden.

Monday June 24th

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

Tuesday June 25th

Chilcompton Garden Club: talk “Plant names, common & binomial (more fun than it sounds!)” by Brian Jaques 7.30pm Village Hall, BA3 4EX. All welcome.

Wednesday June 26th

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

Chew Valley Festival of Nature

Photography, talk by Justin Morris CEO of Bristol Zoological Society, 7pm St Andrew’s Church, Chew Magna. Details: chewvalleynpf@gmail.com

Thursday 27th June

Mendip Morris with Somerset Morris, dancing 8pm the Red Lion, Bishop Sutton. Draycott Art Club meets 10am-1pm and 2pm-4 every Thurs except school holidays at Draycott Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. All welcome. Details: draycottartclub.mendip@gmail.com

Wellow Outdoor Theatre: “Love Riot” 6:30pm picnic, show 7:30pm. Tickets: Wellow village shop or online at Bath Box Office.

Friday June 28th

Radstock Folk Dance Club will meet every Friday in July then take a break until October, 8pm-10pm St Peter's Church Hall, Westfield. Beginners welcome, partners not essential. £3 incl refreshments. Details: heather.m.leverton@gmail.com

Friday June 28th and Sat June 29th

Yeo Valley Lions beer festival, Claverham village hall. Details: www.yeovalleylions.org.uk

Saturday June 29th

Timsbury Village Market 9.30-11.30am

Conygre field BA2 0JQ. Locally produced food, plants, refreshments and more! Details: Facebook or www.growtimsbury.org.uk

The Handlebards’ Comedy of Errors: mistaken identity, music and manic costume changes a plenty! 7pm Yeo Valley Organic Gardens. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

Mendip Male Voice choir with Chippenham MVC 7pm St Stephens Church, Lansdown, Bath. Details: www.mendipmen.co.uk

Congresbury Village Fete from 1.30 pm.

Sunday June 30th

Wells boules tournament, Bishop’s Palace. Details: rotary.boules@outlook.com

Pensford Church cream teas and plant stall, 2-5pm in the churchyard and old school room. Details: sarahb4077@gmail.com

Compton Dando Church Summer Teas

2.30pm-5pm every Sunday. Details: Jenny 01761 490727.

Saturday July 6th

Rickford: Plume of Feathers Duck Race, from 5pm.

Compton Dando Village Fete 2-5pm: stalls, BBQ, teas, duck race and more. Free entry and parking. Details: Facebook or http://compton-dando.org/ Chewton Mendip’s Olympic Fete! 3-6pm. Adults £2, children free. Dancing, games, brass band, stalls, teas, Pimm’s and bar. Details: anna_jenkins@mac.com

Nailsea Carnival. Details: www.nailseacarnival.org.uk

Big news from Valley Arts

VALLEY Arts is thrilled to share some exciting news regarding their upcoming outdoor community performance “Rising Waters” which is now in the final stages of production. This momentous occasion represents the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and collaboration from local people.

From actors to writers, prop makers to musicians and of course an amazing team of volunteers, the Chew Valley community has come together to create a truly unforgettable experience for all on Saturday, 13th and Sunday, 14th July.

In June and July, Valley Arts will be holding a series of creative workshops across the Valley to appeal to all ages. These include workshops with the ‘Rising Waters’ creative team around music making and design and several “fish scales” art sessions.

During these sessions, participants will make colourful fish scales that will adorn a giant fish puppet to be used in the performance! They are also partnering with the Arts Hub in East Harptree to offer illustration and sculpture sessions with their professional resident artists.

Other opportunities include a talk entitled “Change in the Chew Valley” hosted by Bristol and Avon Rivers Trust, a screening of the environmental themed film “Nixie” and a creative writing and storytelling workshop in Bishop Sutton Library.

Keep an eye on their website for upcoming creative workshops. Midsummer Magic season returns!

Get ready to be swept away by a wave of enchantment as Valley Arts announces the return of the highly anticipated Midsummer Magic season of events, set amidst the serene beauty of Yeo Valley Organic Garden.

The Midsummer Magic season will once again offer a captivating lineup of performances, from Great Expectations on Thursday, June 13th to The Comedy of Errors from The Handlebards on Saturday, June 29th. Music lovers will be treated to a Gig in the Garden with the hugely talented Beth Rowley on Thursday, July 4th.

STANTONDrew stone circles will see a gathering of singers at sunset on Friday, June 21st. The event is being organised by Wild Things Voices, based at Wild Things Farm, in Stanton Drew. They want to encourage people to “fall in love with nature”.

l Details: Sally Jenkins 07866 748193, sallyinthewild@gmail.com

The Handlebards