What's On section:Layout 1
3/23/17
MENDIP TIMES
2:54 PM
Page 108
New tours programme at cathedral
A NEW programme of pre-bookable fixed-date tours is now being offered at Wells Cathedral, with a team of expert guides, giving visitors a real insight into cathedral treasures, including its stained glass, embroideries, gothic architecture, stone carvings and unique chained library. And for those visitors with less time on their hands the cathedral’s free weekly Window and Embroidery walks run until October, taking place on most Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11.10am and 11.40am respectively.
Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk/visit
Festival goes organic
VALLEY Fest is returning for the fourth year to its beautiful location in the Chew Valley, from August 4th-6th and this year organisers are committing to all food stalls being 100% organic. Food, music and good times feature in abundance at Valley Fest, and while delicious local produce has always been a key element of the festival, this year they are upping the game by only inviting traders who offer organic food. And in order for everyone to enjoy this without making their wallets sad, stallholders are being offered hugely discounted space so they can pass on these savings to festival goers. Luke Hasell, who runs the festival on his farm, said: “It’s important to us that organic food is not elitist. As a farmer I care deeply about the land and the provenance of food – and that’s what organic is – we want everyone to enjoy the best food along with the best music.” Festival-goers can expect the usual knees-up with an eclectic mix of barnstorming music, blistering DJ sets in the Yard, plus some gentler acoustic sets offering a more laidback vibe. There are plenty of treats to keep kids happy as well, from honing their DJ skills, to arts and craft workshops, junior discos, a carnival parade and the space to run free. They can even get to know the farm animals and the farming way of life in the Hogsnorts Farming Academy. The Community Farm, which is where Valley Fest is held, is a community-owned social enterprise, growing and selling organic food through a box delivery service. There are various ticket options for the weekend. Details: www.valleyfest.co.uk
Sandford station opens for new season
SANDFORD Station Railway Heritage Centre reopens on Saturday April 1st and will then open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am – 4pm, until the end of October. It’s a rare opportunity to visit an original Bristol and Exeter/GWR station of 1869, one of the only remaining of its type to be open to the public. Visitors can see the former platform, the main, fine stone building and adjacent block house, complete with barge boards, roof and ridge tiles all of which have been transformed into a bright new authentic experience of the great railway era. There’s a fine collection of railway heritage items and interpretation boards tell its story. You can also climb aboard a 1948 Sentinel shunting engine, have a ‘cuppa’ in waggons alongside the platform or step inside a 1950s carriage. You’ll think you’re in Harry Potter land! There’s access from the Strawberry Line path at Sandford (NCN route 26) and it’s close to Thatchers Railway Inn and Cider Farm. Admission is free but donations are appreciated and refreshments are available.
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Details: www.sandfordstation.co.uk 01934 843868.