Mendiptimes Volume 11 - Issue 3

Mendip Times

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B I G GE S T I S S UE EV E R !

FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

AUGUST 2015

IN THIS ISSUE: SUMMER EVENTS • FOCUS ON PETS • HISTORY • WHAT’S ON • SHEPTON SHOW • AXBRIDGE • RIDING Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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MENDIP TIMES

CONTENTS

Welcome

IN our farming section this month Mary James recounts the story of a young boy attending North Somerset Agricultural Society’s Countryside Day who said he had never walked on real grass before.

He was one of 2,700 children, many from Bristol and Weston, who spent a day in the country, thanks to the society and its small army of volunteers.

It makes you realise how lucky we are to be living in such a beautiful and vibrant area.

The numbers at the Countryside Day were impressive, but couldn’t compare to the multitude at Glastonbury – we have pictures from there, as well as Priddy Folk Festival and from many of the dozens of events and shows held across the area.

We also preview the Mid-Somerset Show and Frome Cheese Show, which are coming up in the next couple of months, and give you the chance to win tickets to the Glastonbury Extravaganza.

We hear how Chilcompton is adding the name of a man missing from the village war memorial and how Mells is planning to remember its dead from the First World War. With the heat of summer upon us June MacFarlane has advice on how to make ice cream while Adrian Boots tells us how to make cherry brandy! With all of our usual features and contributors enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer with us.

September 2015 deadline: Friday, 14th August 2015.

Published: Tuesday, 25th August 2015.

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

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

Front cover: Emily Eavis and friends at Glastonbury – see page 82.

Photograph by Mark Adler.

12

How our food is grown – Julie’s advice to youngsters

65

Three is the magic number – barn owls thrive on Mendip

113

Let’s go round again – Maypole dancing at Norton Fayre

92

High fives – Laura’s half-marathon success

Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Food & Drink...............................14 Arts & Antiques ...........................28 Business ........................................36 Internet and Crossword..............52 Charities .......................................54 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......65 Walking Sue Gearing....................66 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........68

Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......70 Health Dr Phil Hammond.............86 Community...................................90 Homes and Interiors....................96 Music...........................................102 Caving Phil Hendy......................108 Motoring .....................................109 Sport............................................110 Riding..........................................114 What’s On ..................................122 MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 3

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Tel: 0800 097 8611

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

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

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MENDIP TIMES

Wartime memories at railway station

Volunteers Annie Davenport and Zaida Hawarth invite visitors to sample wartime ration cooking …

. . . before hitching a ride along the platform on a miniature railway

VOLUNTEERS at Midsomer Norton South railway station turned back the clock to the days of wartime rationing and nostalgic songs at their new Midsummer heritage weekend.

Its annual wartime event usually takes place in September to coincide with the national Heritage Weekend. But the team at Midsomer Norton decided to switch dates to make September’s event more transport-related.

A model boost for lifeboat appeal

MEMBERS of the Burnham and District Model Railway Club have donated almost £500 to the appeal fund for a replacement for one of the town’s lifeboats.

The crew and volunteers who run the lifeboat station must raise £41,000 for a new D Class lifeboat to replace “Puffin” which will end its operational service next year.

Left to Right: Vince Bardell, senior helm Nick Edrich, John Langley from the model railway club, lifeboat chairman Ashley Edwards, Phil Counsell and Lyndon Baker

Potted plants for Saint Peter

NEWS

CHURCH parishioners in Evercreech celebrated St. Peter’s Day by decorating the village cross with potted plants.

The tribute was the idea of the Rev. Rosie Lunn, priest-in-charge at St. Peter’s, who is pictured (right) with church warden Michele Hole.

Station chairman Ashley Edwards said: “We welcome this donation for, although we have a long way to go, I am confident that with the support of the community, we will reach our £41,000 target.”

Puffin has been in service for ten years and operates alongside the station’s Atlantic 75 lifeboat Staines Whitfield. Since 2010, Burnham on Sea’s volunteer lifeboat crew have launched 88 times and assisted 53 people in trouble at sea.

G Mike Hiles, president of Mendip Rotary club, visited Burnham-on-Sea RNLI Lifeboat station to present a cheque for £1,200 towards the appeal. It was Mike’s last official engagement before handing over the presidency of the club.

A D Class lifeboat in action MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 5

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MENDIP TIMES

Ground control to . . .

MIDSOMER Norton’s award-winning Silver Street Nature Reserve was the launch pad for an ambitious ten-year project by two art students from Bath.

Families joined reserve volunteers to launch a weather balloon from the site’s meadow as part of A Decade With Mars in which Ella Good and Nicki Kent will look at people’s lives today and in ten years’ time.

The balloon took off with a camera attached to record scenes over the countryside. Ella and Nicki have been staging similar launches elsewhere in the country.

The next events being organised by the Friends of Silver Street include: G A Day in the Woods – Sunday August 2nd G Bat Walk – Saturday September 5th G Storytelling in the Woods – Thursday September 10th We have lift-off

Ella and Nicki (centre) with some of the Silver Street volunteers

Protective gloves are needed as the balloon is inflated

To follow their work, visit: www.ellaandnicki.com or join their facebook group: A Decade With Mars.

Young rangers wanted THE Mendip Hills AONB Unit is recruiting 15 young people between the ages of 12 to 14 to join its popular Young Ranger programme for 20152017.

The two-year programme provides a fantastic opportunity to find out about protected landscapes through a variety of activities that take them out and about in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Starting in September, the young

rangers meet one Saturday per month (except July, August and December) to learn about the special qualities of the Mendip Hills, participate in outdoor activities and to have the opportunity to gain a number of recognised qualifications such as First Aid, navigation and the John Muir Award.

The AONB Partnership subsidises the scheme for the AONB Unit to be able to provide places at £100 per young ranger for the two-year programme. This

covers all activities and provides a young ranger uniform.

Sarah Jackson, Mendip Hills AONB manager said: “Working with our partners such as the National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Wells Museum we are able to offer a diverse programme which provides a unique experience to a group of young people who we hope to inspire to have a continuing interest in the Mendip Hills.”

Details: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk or contact Nichola Penn npenn@somerset.gov.uk

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ENVIRONMENT

Canal comes back to life

By Mark Adler

THIS may look like people messing about on a river, but a little piece of history is in the making – the first “barge” is travelling along a section of the Somerset Coal Canal in more than 100 years.

Canal enthusiasts have been working for several years to restore stretches of the historic waterway, which brought wealth to the owners of the North Somerset coalfields but whose downfall was caused by the railways.

The boat was launched during a Canal Festival at Radford Mill Farm, near Timsbury, which celebrated the impact industry has had on the area. The canal runs through the middle of the farm.

The festival also celebrated the 200th anniversary of the publication of the first

geographical map in modern history.

Known as the “map that changed the world”, it was the work of surveyor William Smith, who lived at High Littleton whilst working on the canal project alongside John Rennie.

The canal dates back to 1794 when the mine owners sought a cheaper and more

efficient way to transport coal to Bath and beyond. Smith became known as the father of English geology for his pioneering work. The canal closed in 1898 but members of the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society have been campaigning for its restoration, with work parties reclaiming sections of the waterway.

Radford Mill owner Richard Fox congratulates Martin after a ribbon cutting ceremony

Peace and quiet – one way to enjoy the restored stretch of canal

William Smith aka local history enthusiast Martin Horler

A horse pulls the barge along the canal, followed by enthusiasts

Avocets breed in Somerset

AVOCETS have bred in Somerset for only the second time in over 170 years. The fluffy grey chicks hatched on a specially-designed island at the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust’s Steart Marshes, near Bridgwater.

WWT reserve manager Alys Laver said: “Steart Marshes was only finished last September, so for avocets to choose to breed here is quite a blessing and we’re absolutely delighted!

“We created the islands as a place for birds to nest in safety and they have proven really successful. As well as our avocet family, they’ve also been used by two families of little ringed plover and two families of oystercatcher.”

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 7

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Chance to see a Secret World

ENVIRONMENT

(Photograph courtesy of Secret World Wildlife Rescue George Ridell)

SECRET World will hold a Nature’s Hunters wildlife weekend on August 29th - 31st giving visitors the chance to learn about foxes and birds of prey and to meet the resident animals and birds at this national charity in East Hunstspill, Highbridge.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and eventual release of injured and orphaned wild animals. Based at a lovely old 17th century farm close to the Somerset Levels and North Somerset coast, Secret World only opens to the public on selected dates each year.

Admission is free, though donations towards the work of Secret World will be gratefully received at the entrance.

No booking is required and it will be open from 10am to 4pm each day.

M E N D I P

W E A T H E R

S C E N E

Details: Secret World can be found at New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 3PZ.

I’ve got a (humid) kind of feeling

DURING the summer months, the humidity of the air can play a big part in how you actually “feel” in respect with DAVID of the air MAINE temperature.

This can be measured from a “wet bulb” thermometer – a thermometer with its bulb covered with a muslin cloth and kept moist. The difference between the wet bulb temperature and the ordinary “dry bulb” one, determines how moist the air is, as it measures the rate of evaporation, so the greater the difference between the two the drier the air is.

For example, take a warm summer’s day with the temperature around 25˚ Celsius. If the wet bulb thermometer reads only, say, 17˚C, the air is quite dry and it would feel very pleasant. If, however, for the same temperature, the wet bulb thermometer reads 21˚or 22˚ then it would feel quite uncomfortable and sticky, more like a sauna in fact!

I am actually writing this during a period of damp, humid weather.

PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

In response to my request last month to any readers who might have witnessed a funnel cloud, here’s a photo of one taken over The Quantocks back in May. Roger Redman, who lives on the Polden Hills, above Moorlinch and Greinton, said the funnel lasted for several minutes – enough time for him to get a camera and telephoto lens and take several pictures. You are unlikely to see a much better funnel (unless it becomes a tornado of course)! But keep looking!

Although the outside air temperature is only 16˚ or 17˚ it feels quite humid and muggy, as there is only

about a one degree of “separation” between the wet and dry bulbs.

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

Curiosity is a fundamental part of human nature and from the moment we learn to talk, we start asking questions. Many of us spend our lives trying to resolve life’s philosophical questions, but finally you can stop asking yourself, where do solicitors come from? Now we, Lucy and Paige, are here to provide the answer.

We are trainee solicitors with the firm and having completed four years of university study, we will spend two years gaining practical experience before qualifying as solicitors. Lucy is currently in the conveyancing department of our Shepton Mallet office and Paige is developing her probate skills in our Glastonbury office. Working under the supervision of the Partners, we have been putting our skills into practice and for many of you we are now familiar faces when you come into the office.

Becoming a solicitor is certainly challenging but there is great fun in learning, and what better way to learn than to pick the brains of our “fount of all knowledge” Partner Bill, or to stand behind Robin in court?

We are also grateful to clients of the firm, who have been equally encouraging. Many have happily agreed for us to be involved and with so many kind comments wishing us well in our careers, we are quite surprised not to have made the Partners’ photograph already!

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Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

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MENDIP TIMES

Children enjoy a day in the countryside IT was a great day.

North Somerset Agricultural Society organised a Countryside Day at Wraxall on July 8th which 2,700 primary With MARY schoolchildren JAMES MBE attended.

There was no cost to parents or the schools. Money had been raised to pay for the coaches and a huge numbers of volunteers were on hand to give the children a lovely day.

Stewards, who had been fully briefed, met the teachers and children from each coach and escorted them around the exhibits. I was allotted to a school from Weston. Timings had been carefully collated and I had to get my group to the ‘farm yard’ for 10am.

Here they could touch some dairy cows, beef animals, sheep and lambs, ducks, pigs and chicken and listen to farmers talking about them. Then it was off to the hand washing station followed by watching two Guernsey cows being

milked.

The live demonstration of cutting grass, turning, baling and wrapping greatly impressed the boys declaring “aren’t those tractors huge” but the girls were most impressed by a girl driving one of the big tractors. Another little lad said it was much better watching the tractors in real life rather than on his simulator which I later discovered is something he plays on an Xbox!

From then on they tried their hands at making butter into pats using ‘scotch hands’ (wooden spatulas) learnt about vegetables, moving on to the Sheep Show which was a great hit. You may have seen the Sheep Show perhaps. It is a huge trailer on which a talented young man displays different breeds of sheep and gets them to ‘dance’.

Finally he shears one and talks about wool. The children had a picnic and their final visit was to the craft tent where they could cuddle some Springer spaniels, learn about hawks and owls, bees and honey and talk to some police officers about their horses.

Mendip Rural Services Ltd.

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

Mendip Rural Services, Springfield, Haydon Drove, Haydon, Wells, Somerset BA5 3EH. E-mail: aaroncole80@hotmail.com Website: www.mendipruralservices.co.uk PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

When the stewards compared notes at the end of the day we heard that an eight-year-old boy had never walked on real grass before, which is really quite sad, and all the children had loved their day out. It made it all worthwhile.

Finally this month, readers will remember that I often comment about the power of supermarkets and how they squeeze their suppliers, but proof has not been so easy to find because suppliers are often afraid to challenge.

Along comes the Groceries Code Adjudicator who is currently investigating the fact that Morrisons sent an email to its suppliers asking for impromptu payments to fund recent investments in the business!

The GCA code states: “A retailer must not vary any supply agreement retrospectively, and must not request or require that a supplier consent to retrospective variations of any supply agreement.” Will the GCA rap them over the knuckles I wonder?

G See our coverage of Countrysde Day on page 12.

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Busy time for Aaron

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FROM festivals to fencing, Aaron Coleman from Mendip Rural Services has certainly had a busy summer.

Aaron offers an all-round contractor service from his home at Haydon, near Wells, catering for the equestrian and smallholder markets as well as landowners.

Project in recent weeks have ranged from helping to prepare an off-site campsite for Glastonbury Festival goers to installing secure fencing for the owner of a herd of llamas.

But with one eye on autumn, Aaron is now offering a firewood removal and processing service to complement the logs sales he already provides.

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From Downton to Pilton

FARMING

GLASTONBURY Festival founder and award-winning dairy farmer Michael Eavis has been installed as president of the Royal Bath and West of England Society.

He succeeds Lord and Lady Fellowes, who ran the presidency jointly over the past 12 months.

Best known for Downton Abbey, Lord Fellowes said the couple’s year in office – attending events including the Royal Bath and West Show and the Dairy Show – had inspired their own farming ambitions at their home in Dorset.

Michael will wear just one of the president’s badges during his year as president

Lord and Lady Fellowes were presented with a book of photographs of their year in office by society chairman Robert Drewett

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 11

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MENDIP TIMES

Co u n t r y s i d e Da y a t t r a c t s t h o u s a n d s

THE third Countryside Day, staged by North Somerset Agricultural Society, saw 2,700 youngsters pack its showground at Wraxall to learn more about food production and country skills.

It involved 28 schools and 92 separate groups of children, as well as 150 volunteer stewards from the society itself, teachers, parents and dozens of experts demonstrating farming, food production and rural crafts.

The society holds the day every two years and reckons it costs £25,000 in marquee hire and other costs.

EVENTS

Children from Burrington C of E Primary School are shown how Rosie produces milk

Children from Dundry C of E Primary School learn how to make butter Heavy farm machinery was in action, described by James Bardwell

Chris Sperring from the Hawk and Owl Trust was kept busy

This Ryedale from Butcombe and her 12day-old lambs were a great attraction

Children from Winford C of E Primary School meet the police horses PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Children from Blagdon Primary School with day-old chicks

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MENDIP AONB

Mendip Rocks!

THERE are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the geology of the Mendip Hills that has resulted in the distinctive landscape features and sites.

The limestone geology has created the highest inland cliffs and gorges in the country and some of the most beautiful caves.

This valuable rock has also been quarried for centuries and many of these disused quarries of the Mendips are a perfect place to examine the huge period of geological time. step in stone is a collaborative, multi-stranded art trail around two disused and one working quarry in the East Mendips, illuminating these spectacular, hidden landscapes.

Fourteen artists are creating a series of site-specific, temporary artworks for a curated trail in response to the nature of quarries and their place in the cultural and industrial heritage of the region.

Contemporary sculpture, land art, photography, textiles, painting, drawing, sound, spatial poetry and printmaking will be installed within these environments. Black Swan Arts, Frome Museum and Somerset Earth Science Centre will host indoor exhibitions by the featured artists, culminating in the finale during Somerset Art Weeks Festival 3-18th October 2015.

Throughout August and October there are variety of workshops, performances, walks and talks with the artists including wire work with Fiona Campbell, wet felting with Suzie Gutteridge, poetry with Ralph Hoyte, sculpture and sound installation with live performances in Fairy Cave Quarry (not normally open to the public).

View from Crook Peak

Cave story telling with Michael Loader

Mendip Rocks! Festival 1st – 31st October 2015, funded by the Mendip Hills AONB Partnership and coordinated by Somerset Earth Science Centre includes guided walks, family activity days, quarry tours, talks, and practical conservation activities. It’s a great chance to see some of Mendip’s best kept geological secrets with many events being held at sites that are not usually open to the general public. The festival launches with the “Rocky Roadshow” at the Somerset Earth Science Centre on Saturday 3 October.

Geological walks – The Mendip Hills AONB series of downloadable walks include several that will take you to the AONBs most dramatic geological features including Ebbor Gorge and Wookey Hole (4 miles) Blagdon and Burrington Ham (3 ¾ miles), Cheddar Gorge (5miles).

For further information visit: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk

Walkers on Black Down

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 13

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Ice cold in August

With JUNE MACFARLANE

COME on, you only make ice cream about once a year, so make it fabulous! And you don’t need a machine. Honestly.

These delicious recipes prove it.

Turkish Delight and Rosewater Ice Cream

Bramley Apple and Basil Sorbet

TURKISH DELIGHT AND ROSEWATER ICE CREAM INGREDIENTS And yes it is full of Eastern promise! This is a delicate and perfumed ice cream, lovely to round off a summer dinner. Use the best rosewater you can find but don’t overdo it.

METHOD

In a heatproof bowl beat the egg yolks and sugar with an electric whisk until pale and thick. Put cream and milk in a

TOASTED MARZIPAN AND APRICOT ICE CREAM

saucepan and scald. Slowly pour over the egg mixture, whisking constantly.

Pour mixture back into saucepan and stir in all but 30g of the Turkish Delight. Cook over low heat until the Turkish Delight has melted and the custard has thickened. Press cling film over surface and leave to cool, then chill for at least an hour. Stir in remaining Turkish Delight and rosewater. Freeze in

This is the best year ever for English apricots and the richness of the marzipan complements them marvellously. Make this in a large loaf tin and serve in slices, or scoops.

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180˚.

Spread the marzipan out on baking paper on a baking tray. Cook for 10 minutes until liquid and toasted.

Allow to cool completely, then break into small pieces.

With a hand-held mixer whisk together eggs, yolk and sugar in a heatproof bowl over, but not touching, simmering water in a pan, until thick and pale. Set aside to cool for 10 mins. Whisk cream to soft peak stage and fold through egg mixture, adding vanilla, apricots and marzipan. Line a large loaf tin with cling film and spoon in mixture. Wrap in cling film and freeze for at least five hours. Serve with a poached fresh apricot and scatter with toasted almonds.

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INGREDIENTS

150g natural marzipan, chopped into 1cm cubes 3 large eggs 1 egg yolk 200g golden caster sugar 500ml double cream 1 tsp vanilla extract 4 ripe apricots

3 egg yolks 75g golden caster sugar 300ml double cream 400ml whole milk 150g rose Turkish Delight, chopped 1 tbsp rosewater an open round container and beat once an hour for about three hours. Cover and allow to freeze fully for four hours.

BRAMLEY APPLE AND BASIL SORBET INGREDIENTS

1 large Bramley apple juice of half a lemon 200ml water 100g sugar bunch of basil leaves

This is the most delicious refreshing sorbet with a hint of basil. Take out of the freezer about 15 mins before you serve it.

METHOD

Core, peel and chop the apple roughly. Put into a pan and toss in lemon juice to coat. Cook gently, covered, until soft. Whizz in a liquidiser, pour into a container, cover and cool. Bring water and sugar to a rolling boil then turn off heat. Chop basil and immerse in syrup. Allow to cool completely.

Sieve to remove basil and stir flavoured syrup into apple mixture.

Freeze for about two hours in a round open container, stirring every half hour to break up ice crystals.

For the final stirring I use an electric hand mixer. Cover and freeze until needed.

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FREE ENTRY

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ava Men u i 5pmlable f Thu rom & F rs ri

when ordering from our new fish & chip evening menu

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Bowdens of Harptree Bowdens rings the changes

More space • SPAR choice The same quality service Peter, Judy and John Bowden welcome you to their new-look store Their family business for 50 years

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 15

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MENDIP TIMES

Competition time in Weston

WESTON Super Food Festival will be held on September 26th and 27th and is running several competitions in advance this time.

These will include the Weston super Bake Off, the Weston super Knitting Competition and the Edible Garden competition with some great prizes on offer.

Details: www.westonsuperfoodfestival.co.uk

Passionate about food?

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01275 333042

ENJOY SUMMER WITH US Lunch and evening menus and a selection of Sunday roasts available Daily specials also available

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EXTENDED OPENING HOURS! Monday - Thursday 12-3 and 5-11 • Open all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

THERE is a passion for food you can almost touch when you visit Hartley’s Kitchen – a stylish café bistro at Rookery Farm, Binegar.

It was started some seven years ago by Paul Hartley, famed for his series of 12 iconic cookery books for major brands like Marmite, Guinness, Tate and Lyle, Heinz Tomato Ketchup and more store cupboard delights.

Lynda, Paul’s wife, is the head chef at Hartley’s with an amazing repertoire of both traditional English country dishes and classic worldwide cuisine. The couple spent three weeks in India this year so you’ll know the curry, with spectacular home made Indian chutneys and pickles, will be full of authentic flavour.

Hartley’s can seat up to 80 guests with a dining room perfect for breakfast meetings, celebration parties or just lunch with friends. As you would expect, Hartley’s keeps a selection of local beers and ciders and a great wine list.

Every weekend they field a “special” breakfast like Piperade Basquaisse, Kedgeree, Devilled Kidneys, Breakfast Kebabs, King Scallops and Bacon or that classical Indonesian brunch, Nasi Goreng (a delight of rice, fresh coriander, peanuts, chilli, prawns and chicken).

Lunch celebrates everything local from milk, butter, vegetables, fruit, meat, game and fish. The vegetables are all cooked fresh and the array of desserts is enough to make your mouth water.

At Hartley’s the ambience is informal, after all it’s an old converted cowshed! The staff are welcoming and very friendly and mention must be made of the Labrador called Bentley who is on “meet and greet” – well, someone has to!

A U G U S T D AT E S Sa t 1 s t Su n 2 nd

A x b r id g e a n d M i d s o m e r N o r t o n S F M @ T h e Fr o m e I n d e p e n d e n t (10am-3pm)*

Sa t 8 t h Sa t 1 5 t h Sa t 2 2 n d Fr i 2 8t h

F r o m e C h e es e & G r ai n a n d Ke y n s h a m C r e w ke r n e G l a s t o n b u r y a n d Ye o vi l (9am-2pm)* B u r n h a m - o n - S ea

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Whatʼs new from Myrtle Farm

FOOD & DRINK

Picnic time

A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford

Help us celebrate this great Somerset tradition of cidermaking

Our open day tours take in our 150 year old oak vats

OUR Thatchers Cider Family Open Day takes place at Myrtle Farm on Saturday 12th September when we’ll be celebrating the start of harvest and our great Somerset tradition of cidermaking.

If you’re interested in finding out how our Somerset Cider is made, then this is your chance to see behind the scenes.

The Open Day starts at 11am and will finish at 3pm at Myrtle Farm in Sandford.

It’s a free entry event and no advance tickets are required.

The day includes: • Guided tours of the cider mill including the Thatchers Jubilee Building • Tractor tours of the apple orchards • Cider tastings • Hand pressing of apple juice with the Forgotten Fruit project • Entertainment from the Mendip Morris Men • Plenty of music • Face-painting and children’s activities • Craft stalls, refreshments and displays

IT’S summer! That means one thing, a delicious picnic accompanied by a chilled glass of smooth, refreshing Thatchers cider.

Matthew Hampshire, the Railway Inn’s new head chef, has come up with a delicious recipe for a very special Pork and Thatchers Vintage Pie that will grace any picnic hamper.

You can find the recipe for the Pie, together with a tasty Pear Chutney, on our website – www.thatcherscider.co.uk

We have been making cider at Myrtle Farm since 1904, and our family open day has become a regular part of the company’s calendar as well as the ‘Made in North Somerset’ Festival that takes place across North Somerset from September 12th to October 4th.

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

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 17

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MENDIP TIMES

Award winners

THE team at Lye Cross Farm Shop, Redhill are delighted to have been named the Best Local Farm Shop in this year’s Bristol Good Food Awards.

Voted for by local people and judged by some of our best local and national food experts, Bristol Good Food Awards are completely independent and seek to recognise the efforts of restaurants, delis, pubs and cafés to create wonderful food, as well as shining the spotlight on the local producers who provide their delicious ingredients.

The Lye Cross Farm Shop boasts butchery and delicatessen counters as well as the Bus Café right next door to the shop.

They’re a menace – but delicious!

Ivan with two of the early morning’s catch

THE CRAYS Live Crayfish Deliveries Fresh live crayfish caught from the clear waters of Somerset Ivan Stinchcombe Serving the catering industry, private functions and corporate events

Environment Agency Approved Trapper: EE076-J-189

Tel: 07929 071960 Email: ivanthecrays@outlook.com

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

LOATHED by anglers but loved by chefs, the alien signal crayfish is threatening the waters of Somerset’s rivers and lakes, attacking native species and damaging banks.

All of which makes them possibly the best food of all to forage and why a former maintenance manager from Chilcompton has started a new career as a crayfish trapper, selling the live creatures to some of the top hotels and gastro-pubs in the Mendip area and further afield.

One of the few people in the south west to be licenced by the Environment Agency to trap crayfish, Ivan Stinchcombe has set up The Crays, working six days a week to bait and lift the traps before setting out on his deliveries to an increasing number of discerning chefs at places including Goodfellows, the Lunch is served Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath, the Oakhill Inn and the Pony and Trap.

Ivan, who was made redundant earlier this year, is a passionate foodie and forager and he and his wife Siobainn love to cook for family and friends. Trapping crayfish has led to researching recipes from around the world, especially from the United States.

Ivan said: “The whole trapping process is very eco-friendly. I am removing a pest which is eradicating our native white-clawed crayfish and decimating our fish population.”

The new business is proving so popular that Ivan is now planning to offer corporate days with a difference, inviting people to see how the trapping process works before cooking up the morning’s catch for people to enjoy during an informal lunch.

Ivan added: “The response since I started in June has been so positive that I’m already looking at ways to expand.”

If you have a problem with signal crayfish in lakes or ponds, give Ivan a call.

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GARDEN FOOD

Discover Black Velvet

I HAVE noticed over the years that people tend to pick their gooseberries and, for that matter, many other currant species under-ripe. I think this is because usually we cook them.

But if you have never had a gooseberry sweet enough to eat raw before, then I With JAKE urge you to leave your gooseberries for a WHITSON few days or a week longer than you usually pick them – they should be soft and yielding to the touch and edible raw in quantity, almost like grapes (but not quite).

This variety is Black Velvet, which is actually a gooseberry/worcesterberry (Ribes divaricatum) hybrid and this is my first crop of them (which was eaten off of the bush shortly after this picture was taken). The fruit have a deep and complex flavour and the bushes themselves are extremely vigorous and heavy bearing.

I think they will also be a good addition to stock-proof hedging as Black Velvet, along with its parent the worcesterberry, are both extremely thorny.

Having recently tried some home-made strawberry cordial which was overly sweet, it occurred to me that strawberries really need a little acid to set them off. So I have devised this nicely seasonal gooseberry/strawberry cordial, which makes a delicious summer drink.

Firstly de-hull 500g of strawberries and add to 500g of gooseberries and 500ml of water in a liquidiser. Blend thoroughly for a minute or so, then leave to strain through muslin (preferably overnight). Put the juice in a clean pan and add 600g sugar. Bring to the boil and simmer for three minutes, stirring all the time and skimming any scum.

Pour the hot liquid into sterilised bottles and seal immediately. These can be kept in the cupboard for a year or more, but once opened they should be kept in the fridge and used within a couple of weeks – having said that, no harm has ever come to me from drinking slightly fermented forgotten cordial from the fridge!

Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire, and runs the business jakeswildfungi.co.uk, making specialist mycorrhiza products for tree planting.

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

Icing on the cake

THE summer is an exciting time of the year for wild food foraging. We’ve past the doldrums, the point at which the spring foods have gone over and the summer fruits are not yet ripe unless the birds get to them first which is much more likely.

They’ve already had most of my red and With ADRIAN blackcurrents so I feel a trade in some wild BOOTS fruits is only fair. The real challenge is to find ones that the birds haven’t noticed, yet. Oh we do love a challenge!

Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) is a large tree with some examples up to an impressive 30m. They have reddish-brown bark with horizontal rows of raised pores that peel giving it a rather translucent quality. The oval leaves alternate and are toothed like a saw.

The wonderful spring blossom has five white petals in clusters, appearing April to May. The fruits are smaller and darker than cultivated cherry up to 2cm with a depression on their apex, at their best July to August. Look for them in woods and hedges all over the UK. The final treat wild cherry offers us are splendid splashes of red and yellow leaves, colours to liven up the autumnal landscape.

It really is a bit of pot luck whether they are bitter or not too bitter so are best either cooked with sugar to mitigate any unpleasant cherry pie disasters or put in booze. And the booze of choice has to be brandy.

Fill a bottle with your wild cherries, add 2-3 tablespoons of sugar and top up with a good brandy. Give it three to four months and you will have a delicious nip, perfect to enjoy on an autumn walk or use it to flavour fruity puddings such as the classic party favourite: trifle.

Just use a normal trifle recipe but soak the sponge base in your cherry brandy. It really is the icing on the cake without the cake, and the icing. But don’t forget the finishing touch, a cherry on the top!

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

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 19

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Realising its potential

THE end of July saw a significant landmark for Dawn and Mike Corp and their family who run the historic Waggon and Horses coaching inn at Doulting Beacon, near Shepton Mallet.

Five years have passed since they bought the business having managed the 17th Century inn for the previous two years. Today the family says the Waggon and Horses is now realising the potential they spotted seven years ago.

Their most recent achievement has been to open the Beacon View caravan and camping park in the paddock at the back of the inn, which has proved popular with visitors from all over the world.

Regular events such as the Friday night Bike Night – Mike is passionate about motorbikes – attract customers from a wide area and the Waggon and Horses has also become a regular meeting place for members of classic car clubs.

Dawn runs the kitchen which concentrates on home cooked food wherever possible. Sunday lunchtimes are

The Waggon and Horses at Doulting Beacon

especially busy and diners happily share tables with each other, adding to the friendly atmosphere.

Dogs are welcome, although Dawn and Mike prefer them to sit with their owners in the snug bar area, especially

A freehouse at the heart of Mendip

Dawn, Mike and family welcome you to their 17th Century coaching inn and Beacon View Caravan and Camping site

Home cooked food served seven days a week: Lunch 12-2pm weekdays, 12-2.30 weekends.

Evening meals 6-9pm (8pm Sundays). Christmas menu available soon Real Ales Skittle alley Beer garden Families welcome Dog friendly Wheelchair accessible 13 caravan pitches (eight with hook-ups) plus brand new toilet block with showers with easy disabled access Closed for the day/night on Saturday 15th August for a family wedding Closed for the night on Saturday 22nd August for a private party celebrating Mike’s 50th birthday

Old Frome Road, Doulting Beacon, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4LA Tel: 01749 880302 • E-mail: waggon.horses09@gmail.com www.waggonandhorsesinn.co.uk PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

at busy times.

Dawn said: “The Waggon and Horses is a family-run business but this is also our home and customers appreciate that we put everything we can into making it a welcoming place to visit.”

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FOOD & DRINK

New Inn gets a new lease of life THE New Inn at Farmborough has seen a transformation, with investment by owners Greene King, and a new general manager Stuart Buzza, who says trade has doubled since they reopened recently after refurbishment.

Every part of the inn has been updated. There’s a new lounge bar and soft seating area in the restaurant, where the lay-out has been improved and the previous raised areas have been taken out.

The function room, which is available for weddings, anniversaries and other functions, has been updated. There are new patio areas outside and new play equipment in the huge garden.

But the bar is retained, with a new door separating it from the restaurant, with a selection of ales including the inn’s own brew Farmborough Fault, IPA and guest ales including Abbot and Speckled Hen. There’s also Thatchers cider and a selection of fine wines.

Stuart said: “It’s been themed all the way through with a country feel. We’ve made the place more comfortable, lighter and airy and our customers are appreciating it. There are more of them and they are staying longer.”

The pub retains its popular menu but has done away with its former carvery and now has plated Sunday roasts, including topside of beef at £9.49 and children’s roasts at £4.29.

It offers all-day meals from £4.99, such as bangers and mash or chilli and rice and serves food from 12noon – 10pm midweek and 12noon – 9pm on Sundays. Popular restaurant dishes

include fish and chips at £8.99 or beef and ale pie at £9.39.

Wines start at £10.99.

Stuart moved from a Greene King pub in Cardiff and previously worked for the company in London and Bournemouth. Before that he spent 10 years as a wedding organiser at several hotels.

He said: “We can cater for our local regular customers in the bar, but offer a much more comfortable atmosphere and excellent food in our restaurant or outdoors, and we have excellent facilities for functions. We are are pub that can cater for everyone.”

Newly refurbished

Lounge • Restaurant • Function Room • Bar

Large garden with play equipment New patio areas

Extensive menu Meals from £4.99

New Inn, Bath Road, Farmborough BA2 0EG 01761 470350

Choice of real ales, cider and fine wines Food served all day 12noon – 10pm and 12noon – 9pm Sundays

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 21

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Reaping the fruits of their labours

FOOD & DRINK Country shopping at its best

North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW

MEAT SUPPLIED FROM OUR OWN FARM

CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH US!

SANDY Luck, managing director of Aldwick Court Farm, has congratulated the grape pickers who have contributed to the success of their wines.

He said: “It is really important that our dedicated teams of volunteer harvesters share in the success of our 2014 vintages – Mary’s Rose and Buteo. Inspired by our vineyard manager’s passionate pre-harvest brief that Aldwick needs sorters in the field – not just pickers – our crews of family, friends and supporters painstakingly gather only the finest quality grapes.

“The results of their efforts were acknowledged when together we launched these wines with an evening celebration in the New Barn on June 21st.”

Pete Perry was awarded a bottle of 2013 sparkling Jubilate, having attended four out of ten 2014 harvests, equating to 22 hours field-work. Jan Gibbs ran a very close second with 18 hours.

A surprise guest at the party was Dr Richard Smart, internationally famous ‘Flying Vine Doctor’, while on his way from Cornwall to a viticulture conference in Bordeaux. After a restful night in ‘The Forge’ and prior to his flight from nearby Bristol Airport, Dr Smart conducted an exacting appraisal of the vineyard, concluding with a thumbs-up for progress made over the past four years.

The Cellar Door, where you can try and buy wine directly from Aldwick Court Farm, is open Monday to Thursday 10am – 5pm or by prior arrangement on Friday and Saturday.

Alternatively, wine can be purchased through their website www.aldwickvineyard.co.uk/wines and there is free delivery on all orders within five miles.

Local Stockists are Blagdon Butchers, Blagdon Post Office, Budgens, Langford, Buglers, Wrington, Lye Cross Farm Shop, Redhill and The Wine Shop, Winscombe.

IT’S BARBECUE TIME! COME AND SEE WHAT WE HAVE ON OFFER!

Tasty Cheddar strawberries and our own cream!

Enjoy a good Sunday roast

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

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

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

Opening times: Farm shop: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9.30am - 5.30pm

Wheelchair access, children welcome, free parking, coaches by appointment

Farm Shop: 01761 220067 Tea Rooms: 01761 220172

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 23

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MENDIP TIMES

New look to Woodborough in Winscombe THE Woodborough in Winscombe has been refurbished, opening up the skittle alley and improving the bar to create a contemporary village pub.

A new log burner provides an imposing focal point in the bar and of course will really earn its corn in the winter months.

The bar itself has been replaced and the new backfitting seems to give more room for staff and customers alike. The wooden floor and contemporary fabrics and wall colours give a fresh but cosy atmosphere.

The skittle alley has been made more welcoming and heavy curtains between it and the bar ensure that the occasional function in the skittle alley that requires privacy, can have it.

Outside there is an enlarged raised decking area at the front, which should provide the ideal place to watch the world go by. The rest of the pub inside and out has been decorated to give it a lighter fresher feel.

The Woodborough is set right in the centre of Winscombe within easy reach of

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Cheddar, Weston-super-Mare, Bristol Airport and the A38 to Bristol. It’s popular with locals, visitors and walkers on the Strawberry Line.

As well as the comfortable bar and skittle alley, there’s a separate restaurant and seven en-suite, well-appointed bedrooms. It’s the ideal place to stay, hold a function or enjoy a snack or a full meal.

Details: www.woodborough-inn.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Watch out for a revised menu coming soon. All food is home-made, with locally sourced ingredients, and with a reputation for quality.

The Woodborough also prides itself on its wide choice of real ales, including Tribute, Otter, Butcombe and Proper Job and a selection of lagers and ciders, including Thatchers full range and speciality ciders.

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MENDIP TIMES

Timsbury Fun Day

Norton Radstock Classic Vehicle Club had an impressive display.

Pictured (l to r) are Stan Gibbs, Richard Hawkins and Dave Gibbs

Timsbury under-8s (blue) in action against Midsomer Norton under-8s

Call The Shots – one of the bands playing

Timsbury Theatre Group had a colourful stall

Laura Hilton from Timsbury spent the whole day cycling to raise funds for the new cancer centre at the RUH in Bath PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Timsbury Cricket Club members Ann Sage, Austin Sage and Steve Hoddinott on the barbecue

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EVENTS

Rowberrow Village Fete

Mendip Morris in action

Carol Gibson on the plant stall

The line-up of classic cars was impressive

Paulton Party in the Park

Paulton Infants School performed a scene from Jungle Book

Paulton Concert Band

Paulton Rovers netball team serving cakes MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 27

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Mells showcased in new art exhibition ANYONE who missed the hugely successful Corners of Mells exhibition by artist Heather O’Brien in April will have a further opportunity to enjoy her work.

Heather, who lives in Mells, will be taking part in the Bradford-on-Avon Arts Festival in September.

As well as her Mells paintings, Heather will be exhibiting the full range of her work including English gardens and French landscape, as well as some still life, during the first weekend of the festival on Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th. There will also be examples of her paintings of children in garden settings for which she takes commissions, as well as commissions in general.

Heather will also be donating a couple of pictures to the small and beautiful exhibition as part of the festival which, along with other artist submissions, will be shown and sold for the Dorothy House charity.

Heather, who studied at Rochdale and Corsham College of Art, has exhibited Colours of Stourhead

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widely in the South West and London. Corners of Mells is an intriguing body of work of hidden corners in and around the historic village where she has lived for the past 18 years. Her studio sits in the beautiful garden she has created.

Heather said: “For me, making a garden’s about creating a harmony of colour, shape and texture, and watching the changing light adds another dimension bringing it all to life. It’s these uplifting qualities I aim to capture in my paintings.”

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ARTS AND ANTIQUES

Wise owls flock to Clevedon

CLEVEDON Salerooms next quarterly specialist sale will be held on Thursday September 3rd. Among items already consigned are this charming set of four 102-year-old silver menu or place name holders.

Measuring a mere 3cm tall, the set of four owls were crafted by Mordan & Company and carry a Chester hallmark for 1923. Housed in a velvet-lined case these owls only tend to come out in the evening for the occasional dinner party.

Estimated at £400 – £600 they represent a wise investment but if two bidders really want them, they might just take off.

Clevedon Salerooms are accepting entries for the sale at their free valuation days on August 3rd, 4th and 5th, 9.30am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm. They are also holding a specialist jewellery, watch and silver valuation day at the salerooms on Tuesday August 11th, 1am – 4pm. No appointment is necessary and there is ample free parking.

Fancy heading south for the winter?

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS

£23,500

3 4 5 August 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary

£5,150

£69,000

Free Jewellery, Silver & Watch

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

Valuation Day At the Salerooms Tuesday 11th August 10am – 4pm

Next Specialist Sale Thursday 3rd September MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 29

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MENDIP TIMES

Quarry art project is groundbreaking AN arts project exploring the eerie beauty of Mendip’s quarries has been launched with a stunning display of work at the Somerset Earth Science Centre at Stoke St. Michael, near Shepton Mallet. step in stone is a collaborative, multi-stranded art trail around three disused and working quarries in the East Mendips. In all, 14 artists are creating contemporary sculpture, land art, photography, textiles, painting, drawing, sound, spatial poetry and printmaking which are being installed within the environments, aiming to surprise, delight, challenge, fascinate and inform.

A programme of workshops, guided walks and artist talks has begun in collaboration with Somerset Art Works, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Earth Science Centre and Mendip Hills AONB. Step 1 was launched at SESC with the unveiling of an awardwinning sculpture by arts student Charlotte McKeown, of Wanstrow. The centre is open every Wednesday from 9am-4pm and for special events.

Step 2 begins on Saturday, August 15th when Halecombe Quarry and Westcombe/Asham quarry, near Chantry, will open to visitors. Step 3 takes place in October and will include events at Frome Museum, the Black Swan Arts Centre and Fairy Cave Quarry, near Oakhill.

See the AONB page 13 for more details.

Wildlife enjoying project curator Fiona Campbell’s “diatoms” on the lake at the Somerset Earth Science Centre

Duncan Elliott’s impressive sculpture Age of Stone

The launch of step in stone: (l:r): young sculptor Charlotte McKeown, Sarah Jackson from the AONB and artists Duncan Cameron and Fiona Campbell

Charlotte (left) jokes with Dr Gill Odolphie, from the Somerset Earth Science Centre, as they try out her award-winning sculpture PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Tamlyns’ new valuers

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ARTS AND ANTIQUES

TAMLYNS auction rooms have increased their pool of experts recently with two new full-time valuers joining Claire Rawle at their Bridgwater base.

Chris Marks has a specialist interest in 20th century decorative items including furniture, ceramics and glass and will be holding his first auction dedicated to 20th century design on November 24th.

Ed Bailey is a books and maps specialist and will be building up the book section in the antique sales held every six weeks.

Chris and Ed are also experienced general valuers, so will be available to carry out home visits and will soon be arranging a new series of valuation mornings throughout the region – watch this space for details on those!

Tamlyns will have a stand at the Mid-Somerset show on August 16th where there will be refreshments and a warm welcome to anyone who visits the stand. One of the auction room valuers will be there on the day and would be very happy to speak to anyone about selling or valuing items.

There will also be a member of staff representing each of Tamlyns’ professional departments. They will all be pleased to give you advice on any aspect of property and land sales, lettings, auctions, planning and rural professional services.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 31

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MENDIP TIMES

Salvaged chest pays off

MENDIP Auction Rooms’ Antiques, Fine Art and Collectables sale on July 18th saw 500 lots offered with plenty of new faces in attendance.

The star lot of the show was a pair of 20th century Chinese porcelain vases that met with exceptional interest from the room and internet in addition to six telephone bidders. They eventually sold to a Chinese buyer for £3,800. A pair of cloisonné incense burners achieved £1,200 and a delightful 19th century oak refectory table sold above estimate at £1,100.

A George III mahogany chest of drawers had been destined for the tip but the man instructed by a client to do the deed felt it was worthwhile trying to sell it at auction. It was a wise decision as the client is now better off with the chest having achieved £850.

Other items selling to advantage included a charming William IV mahogany cellarette (£550), a large collection of antique silver spoons (£540) and an

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

Edwardian salon suite (£680).

There will be a specialist valuation day of jewellery at the auction rooms on August 18th with experts present from 10am to 4pm and able to give free valuations. The team will also be present at the Mid Somerset Show on a stand with their colleagues from Killens, so do please go along and seek advice or to take refreshment.

Entries are being sought for future sales including the next Country House Sale, which will include carefully selected items and will be promoted widely and held in September.

The next sale will be the antiques sale on Saturday August 15th starting at 10am. A further general sale will be held on August 25th.

The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770 or log onto www.mendipauctionrooms.co.uk. Nicky Houston BA (Hons) MRICS GA Cert and Gareth Wasp undertake valuation days every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am – 5pm or are content to undertake a free home visit.

PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Society celebrates

AS part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, members of The Mendip Society had a climbing/abseiling day at Fairy Cave Quarry near Stoke St. Michael.

Undertaken with the control and assistance of Terry Gifford, local climbing guru and his band of helpers, the members had an exciting day More anniversary events are planned later in the year.

Details: www.mendipsociety.org.uk if you want to join in.

Mardons new club

Jacky takes the chain

Jacky wearing the chain of office and Avril with gifts from members

JACKY Emm has become the new president of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel.

She succeeds Avril Leat who led a busy programme of guest speakers, outings, celebratory meals, friendship, fun and fundraising. During the year £3,200 was divided between eight charities.

Musical youth

IT may have taken several years, lots of negotiations and a great deal of patience, but Mardons Social Club have officially opened their brand new building. It’s on the Nightingale Estate, opposite Norton Hill School.

The old club, like the former Mardons factory, is now part of a housing development. The purpose-built club has been fully furnished and fitted out by the committee at considerable expense and features lounge-style seating, new tables and chairs and a much-improved, dual-sided bar.

Details: www.mardonsclub.co.uk

NEWS

Schools out: Alex and Ford with pupils and staff

PUPILS from Priddy and Westbury-sub-Mendip village schools were treated to an exclusive performance at their end-of-term fun day by folk duo The Drystones.

Fresh from playing both Glastonbury and Priddy Folk festivals, the pair – Ford Collier and Alex Garden – entertained the 137 youngsters in Priddy Village Hall before a barbecue for children, staff and parents.

The schools share staff and resources and the day celebrated the success of the Ford (left) and Alex play an acoustic set in the village hall federation.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 33

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MENDIP TIMES

Compton Martin Village Fete

Teas were popular

Tea in the garden

Catching ducks

Pensford Fun Day

Connie, aged four, took part in the fancy dress competition

The cake stall sold out

obert and Margaret Bailey, Jo Beedell and Lesley Harris watching the Bristol Ukelele Band

A guest Mineon poses with (l to r) Nathaniel, Leo and Loris PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

One of the organisers Kate Croker with head teacher Lorna McIsaac and a guest Mineon

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Wedmore Street Fair

Members of Wedmore PTA were in charge of Pimms

The sunshine brought out the crowds

Wedmore Harvest Home committee members looked after the hog roast

EVENTS

The Village Hall committee looked after the bottle stall. Chairman David Summers-Cooke is pictured (centre) with Tony and Carol Edmunds

Will Jonas (left) and Youcef Kouidri were raising funds for earthquake victims in Nepal. Will was on a gap year in Nepal when the earthquake struck and stayed on to help.

Wedmore cubs were cooking pancakes. Pictured (l to r) are Robert Smith, Freddie Lamb and Charlie Rant MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 35

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MENDIP TIMES

CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY

Duvets & Bedspreads washed & dried Sheets and Duvet covers washed and pressed Professional efficient service Collection & delivery service in the Chew Valley

Tel 01761 451787

www.cameleylodgelaundry.co.uk

PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Reading the small print – what the budget means to small businesses

THE year is flying by with a speed which would have been impressive in Concorde and here we are in August. The year has been very lively for those of us who work with business clients.

A new government, two budgets and a host of new t's and c's for us all have kept things going at a lively pace. Luckily for me, a number of my colleagues (and you may say they should get out more!) thoroughly enjoy (?) reading their tax up-dates and magazine articles about financial rules and do so regularly!

It's just as well they do, as there are a couple of wrinkles which appeared in the latest budget which may have passed you by amongst all the headlines about welfare cuts and higher personal allowances.

Ever wanting to keep business people in the Mendip area up-to-date, I donned my oxygen mask and entered the rarefied atmosphere of the office of one of our senior experts and this is what I found out.

The abolition of Dividend Tax Credits may not sound significant and may, indeed, have passed you by un-noticed. For anyone who relies on income from a share portfolio, however, perhaps as their income in retirement, it could mean a nasty increase in their tax bill. This is because you could be paying tax at 7.5 % or even higher on income which was previously treated as if it had been taxed at source.

This will come into effect from April next year, so you do have time to be prepared. This change will also affect all those small business owners who pay themselves by dividends from their companies.

If you have any concerns about how this might affect you, talk to your accountant! It is at this point you will realise how glad you are that they ever so slightly obsessive about the small print!

Jane Bowe Probusiness

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Puxton fights planning refusal

PUXTON Park tourist attraction has criticised North Somerset Council after it made a dramatic last minute Uturn and rejected plans for 120 holiday lodges.

The Hewish-based attraction says it wants to create an on-site log cabin holiday park to improve the lack of tourist accommodation on offer in Westonsuper-Mare.

Planning officers recommended the scheme for approval, as did ward councillors and the planning and regulatory chairman.

However, councillors made a dramatic U-turn some 72-hours later Alistair Mead with the log cabin plans and refused the scheme. Puxton has referred the decision to the planning inspectorate and to the council’s standards board.

ECATCHER MOL

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

BUSINESS

Helping kids in hospital

TINCKNELLS in Wells are holding a fundraising day on August 29th for the charity Time Is Precious, which was set up by Neil and Nicky Halford, who spent a lot of time in hospitals with their son Ben, who sadly passed away aged five after a three and a half year fight against a brain tumour.

They work closely with local children’s hospitals and wards, purchasing equipment requested by the staff, to make the lives of the children and their families that little easier, as well as bringing the family together.

This could mean anything from televisions, microwaves, games consoles, sensory equipment to larger projects such as refurbishing rooms etc. Since it was set up in June 2011, TIP has donated over £155,000 to improve the facilities and environment in our hospitals for children and families.

Nicky said: “We do this charity because we genuinely want to help others who find themselves in a similar situation to what we were in. No matter what you are in hospital for, whether it is cancer, heart, kidneys, appendix etc when you have an ill child it is extremely stressful and worrying.

“We aim to relieve this, even if just little. We really appreciate every bit of help and Tincknells organising the Kid’s Day is absolutely amazing and will help so many families. We never know when we will be in this situation.”

Details: www.timeisprecious.org

YOUR OWN MODERN-DAY BUTLER Cleaning the house, garage or car. Gardening, picking up your groceries, prescription, or online shopping. Dog walking, running you down to the shops, doctors or library.

All the little jobs around the house.

Tel: Andy for a reliable, trustworthy and punctual service 01761 239045 or 07929 336129

Based in Axbridge and covering surrounding Somerset villages and towns CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTE

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 37

Photo by Ignyte Limited, Radstock.

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MENDIP TIMES

Strawberry Line Cycle Ride Answer our questions along the way and you could win a £150 voucher towards a Dawes bike of your choice!

Plus • Dawes bikes on display • Product displays from POWERTAP, ORRO BIKES, FUNKIER clothing and lots more!

• 20% off Funkier clothing throughout August!

Plus lots more!

Prize Draw • Make a purchase in August to be entered into our Prize Draw • All purchases count (apart from cycle hire), big or small!

1st Prize: £200 voucher for a Dawes Bike!

2nd Prize: Rechargeable lightset worth £90!

3rd Prize: Kodiak Portable Powerbank Charger worth £40!

PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Cheddar Cycle Store – celebrating 10 years in the saddle

BUSINESS

OWNER Paul Baker established Cheddar Cycle Store in December 2004 and they are pleased to be celebrating over 10 years of helping their customers get out on their bikes.

They pride themselves in providing trustworthy advice with a no pressure no nonsense approach. They don’t sell anything they wouldn’t use themselves so you can rest assured their bikes and accessories have been tried and tested.

They stock a great selection of quality new bikes in their showrooms at the start of the Strawberry Line cycle path on the Valley Line Industrial Estate, in Cheddar from big brands such as Dawes, Kona, Genesis and Ridley.

With a full range to choose from – including children’s bikes, hybrid, electric, touring, mountain and road – it’s the place to buy your new bike.

Alongside accessories and clothing they also offer a complete workshop service. At Cheddar Cycle Store they love their machines and yours will be treated exactly the same.

Fully Cytech qualified, their mechanics have the highest work standards. Build ups, wheel building, repairs, punctures and adjustments are all taken care of. From custom builds and unique frame assembly – they have worked on bikes after years of neglect through to thoroughbred carbon frames.

Paul alone has over 50 years of riding and workshop experience – so you are in very safe hands. So go and try your local bike shop – call in today at Cheddar Cycle Store or visit their website at www.cheddarcyclestore.co.uk for more information.

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EVENTS

Barton St. David Carnival

Steam train and engine rides provided by model enthusiasts from Weymouth

Shepton Mallet Big Band made the carnival go with a swing

That’s my trophy: King Arthur (the seven-month-old really is called Arthur) took first prize in the fancy dress competition

Barton in the sun: friends relax by the bar

Village hall secretary Jean Winn is presented with a bouquet by chairman Peter Farrant; Joan has organised bookings for the hall for more than 20 years

Indi tackles the agility course which was part of the dog show MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 39

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MENDIP TIMES

Axbridge showcases what it has to offer

Fresh, Silk & Dried Flower Specialists

The Square, Axbridge BS26 2AP

06767 144423

www.thesecretgarden-florist.co.uk

thesecretgarden-florist@hotmail.com

FREE family fun and games for all are promised at this year’s Axbridge Showcase on September 5th from 9am – late, with free all-day parking.

The event shows what Axbridge is all about, be it business, social or voluntary. Axbridge Chamber of Commerce works hard to raise funds to put on the showcase so they can show what a wonderful place Axbridge is to work and socialise in.

It prides itself on putting on a good show. Everyone is catered for on the day with attractions for children, families and adults. This year is extra special celebrating VJ day with a trip down memory lane featuring a 1940s theme.

The day’s event focus around the medieval square and the proceedings kick off at 9am with the award-winning

Mon - Thurs 11.30am - 11pm Sat 11.30am - midnight • Sun 12midday - 11pm 01934 732253 • lamb@butcombe.com

PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

farmers’ market.

After the official opening at 10am, the morning will include a brass band, Morris men, sea cadet parade, Punch and Judy and much much more.

Food is available all day with the focus on the Churchill Café, in the Town Hall, especially at lunchtime where they will be hosting music from the era. Axbridge Museum will also be open with other activities in the church.

The afternoon will offer more entertainment, which will include a Details: www.axbridgechamber.co.uk

meet of classic and vintage cars as well as a guest appearances by the local Axbridge Community Players young and old.

Messy church will be available for the youngsters with a continuation of music in the afternoon featuring the Grammy Brothers and live band The Lost Sheep.

The entertainment carries on well into the evening with the bands Mayhem and Screw Loose to help dance the night away.

Mother and daughter start business

LINDA Richards and her daughter Jessica opened the Secret Garden florist and gift shop in Axbridge’s medieval square last November.

Linda had been a florist for 30 years before she went into teaching. After moving into the Old Station House on Axbridge by-pass they noticed the former butcher’s was empty.

Linda said: “My daughter has got me out of retirement because she is training to be a florist.”

The shop specialises in flowers for weddings and funerals, as well as gifts, and is now the in-house florist for the Webbington Hotel.

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Cycling in the sun

FOCUS ON AXBRIDGE

Give yourself a treat

New seating areas have been created in the square

THE Coffin Lane Campaign for a safe route from Axbridge to Cross, along the old coffin route, held a family bike ride to demonstrate the danger to cyclists and walkers using the road.

Campaign co-ordinator, Tess Gill, said: “It will be much better for both cyclists and motorists if we can move all bike and foot traffic off the A371 onto a dedicated path and cycleway. It is only a question of time before there is a serious injury or fatality, so we want to see a safe route in place before that happens.”

New local MP James Heappey supported the event.

Ni c k y i s a wi n n e r

THE Almshouse Tea Shop which is found just off Axbridge Square really is a treat and offers a much larger selection of food than the name might suggest. In addition to the usual teas, coffees, cakes and scones there is an all-day breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea menu together with a specials

board to choose from.

The business, previously The Almshouse Bistro, was purchased in July 2011 by partners John Lintern and Nicky Frewin after being empty for three and a half years. After a delay for renovations, staff training and various permissions to be sought The Almshouse Tea Shop opened its doors on March 1st 2012.

The business grew quickly and has continued to be one of the most popular restaurants of its kind in Somerset and is often found in the Top 10 on the customer review site, Trip Adviser.

Set in an original listed 15th century almshouse, it oozes character and has a fantastic atmosphere both inside and out in the walled courtyard garden.

Children are welcome and there is a children’s menu offering a good selection of tasty bites at very reasonable prices together with an area upstairs stocked with a range of books, pencils and games to keep them busy. The Almshouse Tea Shop is also dog friendly.

Buy local

MOORLAND Farm Shop in Axbridge is long established and is a great supporter of Axbridge Farmers’ Market and the Corn Street Market in Bristol. As well as wonderful naturally bred beef they sell chicken, pork, duck and lamb.

At this time of year they also sell barbecue packs. You can order out of hours if you can’t get there when they are open. check us out on

Trip Adviser

AXBRIDGE, SOMERSET BS26 2BA

Naturally bred, traditionally reared, Aberdeen Angus beef from the farm, also Chicken, Duck, Pork & Lamb (Free range & naturally fed)

See us every month at Axbridge Farmers Market

Shop open: Thurs, Fri 10am–4pm Sat 9am–1pm

0 1 93 4 7 33 3 4 1

moorlandfm@btinternet.com www.moorlandfarm.co.uk

We accept cash, cheques or BACS payment

The Almshouse Tea Shop Breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea in an historic, medieval setting

NICKY Frewin, who runs the Almshouse Tea Room in Axbridge, has added to her tally of sea angling records after winning gold with the England Ladies’ Team at the Home International Sea Angling Championships held in Co. Wexford, Ireland. See Sport page 110.

e Square, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2AR

01934 733720 www.thealmshouseteashop.co.uk Wednesday-Friday 9-4pm (Closed Mon & Tues) Weekends 10-4pm

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 41

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MENDIP TIMES Axbridge Carnival Queen Katie Wright, aged 11

George

House

Antiques, curios and collectables George House, The Square, Axbridge BS26 2AP Tel: 01934 733939 Mob: 07979 994126 email: b.hamblin2@btinternet.com

Lavender Gifts & Crafts Shop

SINGLE ESTATE LAVENDER FIELD

George House, The Square, Axbridge BS26 2AP

Email:info@lavenderandco.co.uk Tel: 01934 733939/0781 866 5729 www.lavenderandco.co.uk PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Lavender is so versatile

LAVENDER and Co single estate lavender is grown on the Mendip Hills above the medieval town of Axbridge. Over time they have perfected the art of making pure lavender oil and their different varieties of lavender are also used for drying and cooking.

They grow fresh lavender for weddings and are always happy to discuss requirements and choose the lavender straight from the field.

Lavender is such a versatile herb that it is difficult to keep the products they make from it to a manageable number. All their skin products are SLS and Paraben free and where possible are certified organic bases.

Did you know that lavender is an herb and you can cook with it? Have you cooked with olive and lavender oil? It is sweet! Their lavender fudge, jams and marmalades are yummy.

The pure lavender oil last year was beautiful which means that their products have the most glorious perfume. Carole says she always leaves pure lavender oil in the kitchen as it is brilliant on burns.

Axbridge’s treasure house

GEORGE House has an amazing selection of antiques, curios and collectables and owner Baz Hamblin is confident that whatever your interest you will find something to catch your eye.

They have a superb collection of glass, ceramics, silver, crockery, pottery and cutlery. If you collect stamps, coins, cigarette cards, butterflies or ostrich eggs they have something for you.

If you are interested in militaria they have medals, photographs, badges, buttons, items of uniform and all sorts of odds and ends.

They have chandeliers, table lamps, chairs, tables and other items of furniture. Their walls are covered with pictures; paintings in oils and watercolours and a whole range of quality prints at affordable prices.

Baz says the absolute joy of his job is that he never knows what will come through the door next. It could be an original oil painting, beautiful ceramics or an item of “trench art” made by a soldier in World War I. It could be 50 years old, 100 years old, 200 or 400 hundred years old. Go and see what they have – you will not be disappointed.

PS Just in: Edwardian roll-top desk (a real cracker) and some Victorian church pews.

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FOCUS ON AXBRIDGE

Global leader – based in Axbridge SITUATED in the middle of Axbridge, Enable Promotional Marketing is the leading, expanding and globally recognised company that make creative promotional concept ideas come to life, through compliant, secure and logistical procedures.

For over 21 years, they have specialised in implementing awardwinning sales promotions for worldwide iconic fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands.

Promotions today, whether digital or traditional ‘Willy Wonka Golden Ticket’ ideas, are more difficult to control, are more creative, are global and higher profile. Therefore they say, getting it wrong, can have an adverse effect on your brand reputation and accumulate high financial risk.

They say: “The risks are high and rewards are low for carrying out in-house procedures and protocols without thorough thought and considerations. We don’t enjoy hearing about promotions going wrong, and neither will you as a brand or marketing manager; therefore, use the services of the leading international expert in this field, Enable Promotional Marketing.”

The company sees promotions in their totality and offers a variety of services to ensure brands achieve optimum ROI on their promotional spend, reduce the risk involved and enhance their brands’ value. Since 1993 they have evolved and developed processes, procedures and systems to provide a fully integrated management framework, guaranteed to deliver the best results for you and your brand whatever the challenge.

They pride themselves on their high standards and on-time delivery, which is why their clients’ loyalty and retention rate is

exceptionally high all over the world.

So, if you’re considering a promotion for your brand, whatever the mechanic, they would love to hear from you.

Carnival time Axbridge Fun Day

AXBRIDGE’S traditional Blackberry Carnival will be held on Saturday September 19th. This year’s theme is Awesome Adverts, with people being encouraged to dress up and join the carnival procession.

The town’s medieval square will have its usual funfair.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 43

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MENDIP TIMES

Mendip’s historic landscape

AS part of the Festival of Archaeology in July, the Mendip Hills AONB launched a new Historic England publication on the archaeology and architecture of the Mendip Hills.

The Historic Landscape of the Mendip Hills is written by Elaine Jamieson. She has been an archaeological investigator with English Heritage for over 14 years, specialising in analytical earthwork survey and landscape investigation.

Looking north-west along the Ashen Hill barrow cemetery, Priddy

Cheddar Gorge towards Brent Knoll

Stream Farm and traditional farm buildings in the Old Ditch area of Westbury-sub-Mendip

Historic England is delighted to offer readers of Mendip Times 20% discount and free post and packing on the new book The Historic Landscape of the Mendip Hills by Elaine Jamieson (rrp £35.00). Please telephone 01235 465577 or email direct.orders@marston.co.uk and quote reference number 7220150009 to take advantage of this offer.

Deep under solid rock – but thieves target nuclear bunker

The stolen equipment

PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

ENTHUSIASTS who maintain Mendip’s best preserved Cold War memorial have been shocked to find someone has broken in and stolen some of its equipment.

Royal Observer Corps Bunker 67 sits on a hill at West Harptree overlooking Chew Valley Lake. Until 1991 ROC observers were prepared to report any nuclear attack on Bristol or the airport.

Mendip Times first featured the bunker in 2007, with its collection of original equipment, including an air pressure dial, designed to show the strength of any nuclear bomb.

A hand-cranked siren and generator, featured in that report, were stolen. Whoever broke in had to climb a stile and cross a field; climb over a barbed wire fence; cut through a metal

trap door with an angle grinder; feet underground into the bunker solid rock.

One of the volunteers, Mike P the last Chief Observer, said: “It senseless, what possible use can anyone? There are just six of us to preserve this important piece o century history and we can ill aff this.”

The volunteers each make a m donation to maintain the bunker annual barbecue there to raise fu also happy to show groups round Mike said: “Obviously we are older and we are worried about w maintain it in the future.”

Details: Mike Parfit

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HISTORY

Wartime Spitfire recovered

A SPECIALIST recovery team has unearthed the remains of a World War Two Spitfire aircraft from a field near Draycott.

The rare MK 2 version of a Presentation Spitfire – socalled because the money to pay for them came from donations from the public and businesses – crashed after a mid-air collision in July 1942.

Named The Black Horse in honour of staff at Lloyds Bank who raised £7,000 to pay for it in 1940, the aircraft was being used for training purposes when it came down.

Historian and television presenter Dan Snow joined the excavation, which coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. A Spitfire staged a flypast to commemorate the day.

The Black Horse was being flown by Irish volunteer pilot Sergeant William J. Johnston when the collision occurred. He parachuted to safety and later flew in numerous squadrons, serving in Nigeria, Sicily and France.

His son, Richard, arrived from Ireland in time to see the team dig 20 feet down to retrieve sections of the aircraft, including the engine. That will now be cleaned and presented The Black Horse

Richard Johnston (left) and Dan Snow inspect the engine from Sgt. Johnston’s crashed Spitfire

to Lloyds Bank to be displayed in their head office, possibly

by September.

Richard said: “It’s been a fabulous day and rather emotional, especially when the Spitfire flew overhead.”

Dan Snow said: “This aircraft played such an important role during World War II, and this excavation, at such a poignant time marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, symbolises that we will never forget, and will continue to educate others and commemorate the efforts of those involved.”

Visit: www.historyhit.com

The carefully preserved interior

nder; and climb 14 unker, built into

ike Parfitt, who was d: “It’s utterly e can these be to of us left now trying iece of 20th ill afford losses like

e a monthly nker and hold an se funds. They are round. e are all getting bout who will

Parfitt 01749 672998

Mike Parfitt (left) and John Biggs at the entrance to the bunker

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 45

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MENDIP TIMES

Shipham Village Fete

The winning 80% baleout team

Wacky races were fun

One of the prize winners

Members of Shipham, Rowberrow and Star WI had a cake stall. Pictured (left to right) are Lyn Wood, Rose O'Neil and Madge Chalwin.

Anyone for Pimms? Friends of Shipham School (l to r) Tess Menhennet, Valerie Cocks and Rebecca Downton PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Bangers and burgers courtesy of John Wines (left) and James Wilson

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Haydon Village Day

Winners of the fancy dress competition

HUNDREDS of visitors enjoyed a day of live music and attractions at the annual Haydon Village Day. Local bands performed throughout the day and there was a wide range of stalls from fresh pizza to clothing, jewellery to handicrafts.

Porsha (left) and Sasha enjoy one of the fairground rides

Chewton Mendip Fete

EVENTS

Independence Day was the theme on July 4th. Cathy Lee (left) and Julia Howlett dressed for the occasion

Chewton Mendip School's folk dance group

Matt Homeyard, from local covers band Homebrew

Some 30 bands played during the day

Unity Brass Band provided entertainment MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 47

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MENDIP TIMES

Here to help

BATH Canine Academy (BCA) says it’s here to support you in understanding your puppy or dog and creating a long-lasting relationship with your companion that provides many years of fun and enjoyment for you both.

BCA is a school you can trust. They use methods of training that are completely force free as studied at The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT). At BCA, they use positive reinforcement in all of their training to ensure a safe, friendly and trusting work environment. They offer a range of services including puppy and dog classes covering positive behaviour, skills and socialisation, canine first aid, dog walking, pet feeding and house sitting.

Top dog

Champion hound Duckett with trophy

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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

THE annual Mendip Farmers’ Hunt Puppy Show took place at the hunt kennels, Priddy. The champion hound, Duckett, was walked by teenager Lilly Clothier of Chewton Mendip. Duckett was returned to the kennels at the end of May from Lilly’s family home.

Lilly has hunted with the Mendip for 12 years and the family have walked puppies for eight years. Having just completed her GCSEs Lilly hopes to study sport and maths at A level.

Reserve champion hound was Damage which had been walked by Kent Lock, huntsman at the Mendip.

Lilly Clothier, Jason Somerville, Master of Mendip Farmers’ Hunt, and Nancy Clothier

PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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E m i l y l a u n c h es t h r i v i n g n e w b us i ne s s EMILY Howell has moved her business, One Waggy Tail, specialising in dog grooming, to Farrington Farm Shop.

She had been running the business from her home near Oakhill for two and a half years, but decided it was a bit too far off the beaten track to attract new customers.

The move has certainly paid off. She said: “Since the day I opened it’s been manic, absolutely jam-packed.”

After completing her A-levels at Sexeys School in Bruton, she had considered going to university, but decided against it.

She said: “I didn’t want to end up in debt and potentially not getting a job at the end of it. I’ve always loved animals, in particular dogs, and might have considered being a vet, but couldn’t deal with the blood.”

She worked in a kennels and cattery before enrolling on a course in dog grooming at Canine Design in Evercreech. After qualifying, she started her own grooming business, which has been building steadily since then.

The certificates on the wall of her new base include qualifications in dog massage, first aid and a host of other skills.

She currently has two dogs of her own, Peggy and Heidi but plans to get a third in September.

She said: “I just love dogs and working with them. I’m pleased the business has grown so well that I’ve been able to move it here, where there’s so much more potential.”

The services she offers include bathing, clipping, de-shedding, breed specific grooms, nail clipping and creative styling.

On Facebook, one satisfied customer wrote: “Emily you are

PETS & VETS

amazing! You have done a fantastic job turning my scruffy old hound into a posh pooch. Alfie really enjoyed visiting your shop and came out looking youthful.”

One Waggy Tail Dog Grooming

Farringtons Farm Shop BS39 6UB Telephone: 07794 237488 www.facebook.com/onewaggytail MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 49

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MENDIP TIMES

Ashley wins top prize

ASHLEY Smith, aged six, a pupil at Bishop Sutton Primary School made history at the annual fun day held by the West of England & South Wales Branch of the Bearded Collie Club at Hollow Tree House in Stowey, He won first prize in the class for best handler and was also the youngest handler there.

This was the 11th year the fun day had been held thanks to Janet Parsons, who has hosted the show there every year, along with her late husband Brian. She has a five-year-old Beardie called Bramble.

Ashley, had never walked a dog before, but was so enamoured with Bramble that when the competition for best handled dog came up, he wanted to take part. He couldn't walk Bramble, who wasn't entered in that class, but was offered eight-year-old Lola, who is Bramble’s mother.

Young Ashley completed all the tests and Lola obeyed his every command, earning them first prize. Mrs Parsons said: "We had a lovely afternoon and everyone said what a great day it had been.”

Day care and holiday care for your dog/s

Springfield Haydon Drove Nr Wells BA5 3EH find us on facebook: Wells & Mendip Dog Day Stay

PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

It’s a dog’s life!

All doggies great and small

A BIG, safe area for running around with friends, lots of toys and a sofa or two on which to snooze – not bad if you’re a sociable dog whose owners have to leave you for a day or two.

Wells and Mendip Dog Day Care offers all this and more for well-behaved canines of all shapes and sizes. It has been set up by Emma Green, who runs the Paws and Claws pet grooming salon at Rookery Farm, Binegar.

Aimed mainly at owners who need to leave their dogs for a day, Wells and Mendip Dog Day Care is based at Haydon, near Wells, at the home of Emma’s parents. There’s a big paddock with high fencing, a purpose-built shelter complete with sofas and plenty of love and attention.

Emma is licensed by Mendip District Council for ten “day care” dogs and three who can stay overnight – they’ll have the use of the family living room; Emma calls it “a slumber party.”

She said: “The most important thing is that dogs must be able to get on with each other. Every dog will have to undergo an induction to make sure they will be ok.”

Emma believes the new venture will appeal not just to people who might face having to leave their dogs unattended at home for longer than usual, but also to tourists visiting the area. She said: “People might be visiting the Wells area in their caravan and want to tour the cathedral where dogs aren’t allowed. We’re just a few minutes from the city centre.”

Emma with Suggsy, her Jack Russell

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PETS & VETS

Town mayor officially opens newly refurbished practice SILVA House Veterinary Centre in Midsomer Norton celebrated its new makeover and the launch of state-of-the art veterinary facilities on Sunday July 12th with an open day for the local community to enjoy.

Midsomer Norton Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Myers joined in the festivities by officially opening the refurbished practice alongside new practice owners and veterinary surgeons, Richard Killen and Robert Dawson of Highcroft Veterinary Group.

Over 200 visitors eagerly attended the

open event and were certainly not short of things to do. Children and adults alike enjoyed themselves taking part in the many activities available, including stitching up Snoopy, practising their bandaging skills, keyhole surgery (on a selection of vegetables) and finding out how a busy veterinary practice works behind the scenes.

There was also a surprise guest greeting visitors outside, Highcroft’s WOW Gorilla, Cheeky Charlie. Cllr Myers jumped at the chance of a photo opportunity with him. The event raised over £200 for Happy Landings Animal Rescue, with raffle prizes donated by local businesses, and there was face painting and cup-cakes.

Silva House became part of the Highcroft Veterinary Group last October following the retirement of its previous owner, Chris Cawood, who was with Silva House for 43 years and is much loved and respected by the local farming and pet-owning community.

Highcroft Veterinary Group is an independently owned veterinary practice

with 12 surgeries across Bristol, Bath and Somerset, including a 24-hour specialist hospital. Owner, Richard Killen said: “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to take on the Silva House Group as Chris retired.

“Chris and I have known each other for many years and having grown up on my family’s farm in Ston Easton, it’s wonderful to be involved in a practice in the area again.”

Visitors from the open day are welcome to view the number of photographs taken via the Silva House Veterinary Centre Facebook page.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 51

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INTERNET

Windows 10 shortcuts

I TALKED about Windows 10 in a previous version, but there’s an update to the situation, in that you can reserve Windows 10 for a free download now if you wish – you may have already done this, but I thought a quick overview might be helpful. And just to be slightly more confusing, there are two versions – Home and Pro. You will need to pay for the Pro version, but the Home version is free and should be fine.

If you have Windows 7 or 8, and have your computer set to automatically update, you will have an icon in the Notification Area (bottom right corner of the screen – next to the clock).

Click on it, and you get “Windows 10 is coming. Get it for free”.

This free upgrade is available for the first year (from 29th July, 2015 to 29th July, 2016), but if you haven’t already reserved it, then the free upgrade will still be available for the full year and you can download it any time within that time frame.

If you have reserved it, Microsoft will automatically download it, and then you can choose when to install it.

Should you change your mind and wish to cancel the reservation, just click the Get Windows 10 icon again and click the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner to display the menu and click the link for View confirmation. Then click the link to Cancel reservation and click the button for Cancel reservation to confirm your choice.

But if you do want it, but haven’t reserved it (some people prefer to wait to let it settle down a bit), the upgrade will be available for the full year for free. After 29th July 2016, there will be a charge, but once you have it, the free version should remain free until Windows 11, and Microsoft have said they won’t be starting on it for at least three years, but will continue to update Windows 10 on an ongoing basis.

Windows 10 has a similar look to Windows 8, but the start menu is back (do I hear a cheer?) but it doesn’t say Start (of course) but is an icon the same as the one mentioned in the second paragraph above.

And what will Windows 10 cost you if the miss the free upgrade window? Microsoft has revealed the various prices.

Windows Home will retail for $119 (around £77 at the moment).

Windows 10 Pro will sell for price of $199 (£130). And the Windows 10 Pro Pack, which lets you upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro, will cost you $99 (£64).

Windows 10 upgrade offers the full version of Windows 10, not simply a trial or limited version. It also ensures that you can run Windows 10 on your specific device for free "for the supported lifetime of your device," according to Microsoft.

The free upgrade applies only to Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1. So if you haven't upgraded Windows 7 to SP1 or Windows 8 to 8.1, you'll have to perform those tasks first.

For those who like techi details – the specs for Windows 10 is the same as Windows 7 – • Processor: 1 GHz or faster • RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) • Free hard disk space: 16 GB • Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver Submitted by IT for the Terrified : The Old Cowshed, Station Road, Cheddar BS27 3AG 01934 741751 • www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com

PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 7. Washington mired in web of debt and lies makes for tasty reading! (9) 8. Promise a variety of wares (5) 10. Controversially the duels were investigated (8) 11. Animals are found in a pet shop and a storeroom (6) 12. New age rock outfit (4) 13. And holds job secured (8) 15. No relation to a West African conflict (7) 17. Buy coat and wear for town if only it were a bit bigger (7) 20. Fittest parts do a conundrum solve (8) 22. Ancestor follows notion to give back body part (4) 25. Lands of enchantment where troubles envelope the start and close of day (6) 26. Couple on wild goose chase around Geordieland returned to find stupendous riches (8) 27. Mix of yellows after all (5) 28. Suit is ready after shortcomings in measurement (9)

DOWN 1. Unusual smell in rural parts (5) 2. Record time (6) 3. Academic summit (8) 4. Shoot first to sketch better (7) 5. Sad weak boy garbled farewell (8) 6. Join Alan, jungle-dweller, and his backward son for hot food (9) 9. Crumble... pie... crumble... it’s a long story! (4) 14. Locked latter in seat to dash off (9) 16. Christmas is back after a short break offering a great leader (8) 18. Until GIs produce translator... (8) 19. Noise at rowdy place (7) 21. Replace educational hub with simple technology (4) 23. Lines go after writer (6) 24. Viewer without TV, for example, has options (5)

Answers on Page 129

Compiled by Felkov

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MENDIP TIMES

NEWS

We will remember him VILLAGERS in Chilcompton will gather around their war memorial on VJ Day in August to remember finally a man who was killed in the Second World War, but whose name was never recorded amongst the fallen.

Several residents turned detective after it was pointed out that the name of Captain Willian Hollwey was missing.

Cpt. Hollwey was born in 1920 and was the son of a colliery engine driver; his mother ran a sweet shop in the village. Hollwey won a place at Cambridge in 1939 after attending school in Midsomer Norton and was later called up to the Royal Indian Army Service Corps.

All that is known is that he died in Burma in 1943; there is no known grave.

Hollwey is listed on the war memorial in Rangoon and also at Norton Hill School and Selwyn College, where he studied English.

Former parish councillor David Richardson-Aitken decided to start researching Hollwey’s life after the late village historian Dave Strawbridge pointed out that his name was missing from the memorial.

David tracked down relatives and won the parish council’s support to have Hollwey’s name inscribed and to organise a rededication service on Saturday, August 15th. David said: “I’ve found out so much about his life that I feel I have always known him; it’s been a fascinating journey.”

The afternoon will begin with a special service in the village’s St Aldhelm’s Catholic church before the rededication of the memorial outside and a 1940sstyle tea party in the village hall. Up to 17 relatives of Cpt. Hollwey are due to attend, including his niece, Helen Hollwey, from Wellingborough, who said: “I was absolutely amazed and shocked when David contacted me; we had assumed his name was on a war memorial somewhere.”

Cpt. Hollwey was establishing himself as a poet and Helen will read one of his pieces at the service which will be attended by civic leaders, representatives of the Royal British Legion, the Royal Army Service Corps and Selwyn College.

David added: “I can’t emphasise enough how much of a team effort it has

Helen Hollwey (seated left), David Richardson-Aitken (seated right), and parish councillors Martin Stanford and Marlene Pickford at the war memorial

been to arrange for Cpt. Hollwey’s name to be added to the memorial and in organising the day itself.”

G All are welcome at the service, rededication and tea party. The event begins at 2pm. The organisers request that people should park at the village hall and walk to the church.

Captain William Hollwey

The war memorial in Chilcompton

William Hollwey (left) as a schoolboy in Chilcompton MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 53

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Group aids MSS

WELLS Tangent ladies decided to celebrate an £800 surplus in their accounts by making a donation to the Mendip branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Following an enjoyable supper at the George Inn at Croscombe the cheque was handed over to Brian Duffel, the local collections co-ordinator. Peter Graham, chairman of the Mendip branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, is the landlord at the George.

Linda Bolton who was chair of Wells Tangent at the time is pictured handing over the cheque to Brian, with local campaigner Jane Shakespeare, who is affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

Page 54

On the road again

Paul leads the procession off the A37 towards Chilcompton

MORE than 60 vintage tractors – and a couple of other vehicles – took to the Mendip roads for the third Gerald Sage Memorial Run. The event – which also featured live music and a bingo night at Temple Cloud – is held in memory of Gerald, who died from cancer, and this year raised more than £1,600 for Cancer Research and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Birthday fundraiser

PENNY Dallimore asked for donations to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance instead of presents for her 70th birthday and raised £540. She and husband Keith are pictured at the party at Midsomer Norton Social Club – a great time was had by all.

Alice bids farewell

QUARTET Community Foundation has announced the retirement of Alice Meason, who had been grants director for 28 years. She joined in 1987 when the organisation started life as the Greater Bristol Trust.

Alice said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the foundation over the years and have been privileged to meet and work with a huge number of people across the whole of our area, involved in all kinds of fantastic work, both our fund holders and organisations that we have funded.

“It has also been a very exciting to see the development of community foundations throughout the country and PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Gerald’s widow Marlene with sons Paul “Buster” (left) and Anthony

see them becoming a significant factor in the development of philanthropy in the UK.” Robert Bourns, chair of trustees said: “Alice has contributed enormously to Quartet Community Foundation and there is very little she doesn’t know about the organisation and those it seeks to serve, whether grant recipients or fund holders. Therefore while we wish her well for her retirement, we will miss her knowledge and wisdom.”

Ronnie Brown, who has been involved with QCF for many years, has agreed to lead the work previously undertaken by Alice and assumes the role of Philanthropy Director.

Nicola Sage arrives at The Old Down Inn at Emborough

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Rugby players line up for charity

MEMBERS of the Impact Charity rugby team will battle it out once again in aid of local children’s charities Jessie May and Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). After the success of last year’s charity match which raised £11,000 for the two causes, 36 players have signed up to play at Whitchurch on Saturday August 8th.

Organised by Bristol Barbarians’ Bob Barnes and Olly Slym, the Impact Fun Day sees participants of differing abilities sign up to a 10-week training programme before putting their skills to the test with a matchday battle against Bristol Telephones RFC. This year each player will represent a different family cared for by the named charities, proudly displaying the child’s name on their backs. A special meet and greet was held to introduce mum Charmaine and her little boy Ollie, who are supported by Jessie May nurses, to the players.

Bob Barnes said: “Each Impact player received an envelope which contained details of the family they will be playing for, either a family receiving help from Jessie May or CHSW or a family which has been bereaved.

“This element of the event has made the match even more poignant. By assigning a different child to each player it brings home the importance of our fundraising and we’ve all realised how easy we’ve got it compared to what these families are going through. The players meet the families and get sent video messages from them, it’s really touching.

Impact Trojan player Nathan who has been paired with Ollie said: “After meeting Ollie I ran on to the pitch a little faster, trained a little harder and walked a little taller. Knowing that all the help is appreciated by the charities, the nurses and Ollie’s family will definitely make me improve by game day when I walk out with Ollie’s name on the back of my shirt. I’m very proud.”

Taking place at the Bristol Barbarians RFC in Whitchurch the event will also include live music, a DJ, bouncy castle, face painting, BBQ, hog roast and outdoor bar.

Julian Withers, from Jessie May said: “We are so pleased to have been chosen again by the Impact Rugby. They are great lads and we’re thrilled to see them getting behind what we do. The match itself is going to be fantastic and we’re very grateful for any funds generated by the team for both ourselves and Children’s Hospice South West.”

Jessie May cares for children with terminal illness within their own homes in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. It costs around £820,000 to provide this care yearly and as the charity is almost entirely dependent on public support fundraisers like this are essential. Children’s Hospice South West provides care and support for life-limited children and their families at Tyntesfield. Tickets to the Impact match and fun day cost £5. Gates open at 12pm and kick-off is 12.30pm.

Details: www.facebook.com/ImpactBarbarians or call 07469 942368.

CHARITIES

Company’s charity total

L&F Jones are proud to announce that they have raised a staggering £17,888 for their 2014 charity of the year, the British Heart Foundation.

Throughout 2014, L&F Jones organised an exciting array of charity events that included a charity walk, a golf day, a charity run, as well as their annual gala dinner, all with a single goal in mind – to raise as much money as possible for this worthwhile cause.

L&F Jones say they would like to thank everyone involved with their fundraising efforts including all who helped organise these fantastic events and those who supported them.

D o n a t i o n t o bl o o d b i ke s

THE Worshipful Master of the Forest of Mendip Lodge of Freemasons, Ian Angell (left), and Charity Steward Brian Newman present a cheque for £300 to Steve Brooks of the Freewheelers blood bikes organisation. The donation by the lodge, based at Rickford, will fuel three bikes for a week allowing them to carry out more than 80 deliveries.

Help for heroes

THE Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell together with the Inner Wheel Club of Nailsea have presented the Help for Heroes charity with a cheque for £6,261.64 following a very successful concert in Bristol Cathedral featuring Treorchy Male Choir and the Royal Marines Corps of Drums.

Pictured are Gay Broughton, president, Inner Wheel Club of Nailsea, Richard Lupton of Help for Heroes and Roger Smith, president of the Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 55

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MENDIP TIMES

Nailsea walks for charity Nailsea air cadets

OVER 200 people braved the wind and rain to walk or run 5km, 10km or 20km around Nailsea and Backwell to raise money for local charities.

The number taking part was the highest ever and early signs are that money raised for many deserving causes will also be a record, exceeding last year’s total of £18,500.

The Nailsea Charity Walks have been organised by the Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell for the last four years and are now firmly established in the Nailsea calendar.

Hospice fundraiser

FROME Friends of Dorothy House are holding a Music and Merriment event on Monday August 10th at Emblems Farm, Friggle Street, Frome, starting at 6pm, when the garden opens, with entertainment at 7pm and food from 8pm.

This will be an evening of light music and entertainment with a pig roast roll and dessert, raffle, auction and a cash bar.

Details: Tickets are £12.50 each available from Terry Aldous on 01373 464333 or e-mail terryaldous313@btinternet.com

Mendip man is Rotary district governor

BOB Acland, a member of the Rotary Club of Mendip, has been inducted as a district governor. He will lead the 52 clubs in the Rotary District 1200 which includes Somerset, and parts of Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire for the next year.

Bob trained as a teacher at Loughborough College, before volunteering with VSO to Bihar, India. A career in local government followed and he held service director District Governor Bob Acland with posts in three local his eight-week-old granddaughter authorities spanning 20 Jessica, daughter Lucy, and wife Sue. years.

Bob joined Rotary in 1987, becoming president in 2000. Bob and his wife Sue have been involved in Rotary friendship exchanges both as participants and hosts.

Party for Pete

Simply Health get in to the Party for Pete spirit

Mendip walk

Hillary Holdman, Erin Benson and Chris Benson

THIS year’s annual St Peter’s Hospice Midnight Walk saw its biggest ever turn-out with well over 1,000 women stepping out in Bristol to support the city’s only adult hospice. The event is expected to raise about £100,000.

PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

ST. PETER’S Hospice Party for Pete campaign is gathering momentum as it urges people in the area to make September one long party month to raise money for the hospice.

Fundraisers are pictured at the 2015 campaign launch and the charity is reporting an influx of registrations as supporters put on their party hats to raise money for the cause.

Community fundraiser Louisa James said: “The great thing about this campaign is that everybody can take part. From small garden parties which raise £30 to large village hall celebrations which make £300, we just want to get as many people as possible involved and any donation is greatly received.”

Details: If you would like to hold a Party for Pete call the fundraising office on 01275 391400, for a registration form, email community@stpetershospice.org or register online at www.stpetershospice.org.uk

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College aids charity

Year 10 students organise successful fundraising for PAC

FROME College students, Chelsea Lacey, Emily Vining and Shannon Tackle, organised several fundraising events in the college raising funds for local charity Positive Action on Cancer.

They included cake sales and a ‘mufti’, non-uniform day. The whole school took part and generously donated to the charity.

Helen Sprawson-White, from the charity collected a cheque for £724.90p from the three students and college principal Ball.

She said: “We receive no central government funding and rely entirely on voluntary donations, trusts and grants, so community support is vital in keeping the service going. Each counselling session comes at a direct cost of £33; therefore the money that Frome College raised covers the cost of 22 sessions! We currently offer around 50 sessions a week to adults and children.”

New president for Frome Inner Wheel

Royal praise for Wessex Walkers

CHARITIES

Princess Anne arrives at Wells Town Hall to be met by local dignitaries

PRINCESS Anne has visited Wells to meet a group of volunteers who have organised an annual charity walk since 1966.

Her Royal Highness is president of Save the Children, which has received £3 million from The princess meets Chris Stafford, one of Wessex Walks the 100 volunteers and students at a over the years. reception to celebrate Wessex Walks Hundreds of children from schools and youth organisations take part in the event each year. This year’s walks – either five or ten miles – take place on Sunday, October 4th.

Bras and brass

Yvonne (left) and Margaret

YVONNE Covill has succeeded Margaret Holmes as president of the Inner Wheel Club of Frome.

Yvonne’s charities of the year will be Sight Savers and Adult Education in Frome. Her first major function will be the Farmers Harvest Festival and Auction on Thursday, October 1st at the Standerwick Conference Centre.

DO you have any old bras? If so, 4th Frome Guides are currently trying to collect any old or unwanted bras to be sent off to developing countries.

For every tonne of bras collected, a textile company is promising to donate £1,000 to Breast Cancer UK. The guides hope to collect over 500 bras.

Details: Please email 4thfromeguides@live.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 57

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MENDIP TIMES

Rose Prince to give talk at Yeo Valley to support Horatio’s Garden

COOKERY writer and broadcaster, Rose Prince, will be giving a talk on The New English Kitchen to raise funds for Horatio’s Garden on Tuesday September 22nd.

The day will begin at Holt Farm, Yeo Valley’s idyllic base in Somerset, with coffee and homemade biscuits followed

by Rose’s talk which will be looking at seasonal eating and clever ways to make food go further.

Rose is the author of four cookery books including Kitchenella and The Pocket Bakery and has a weekly column in the Telegraph magazine.

The team at Yeo Valley will then be hosting a hearty, homemade lunch packed with locally-sourced, organic ingredients before taking guests on a tour of their stunning garden.

Sarah Mead and her team at Yeo Valley have spent the last 20 years creating a beautifully diverse, seasonal patchwork of ornamental and edible planting areas. It is one of very few ornamental gardens in the country to be certified organic by the Soil Association.

The day is being held to raise funds for Horatio’s Garden – the charity that builds beautiful gardens for patients at spinal injury centres in NHS hospitals.

Rose said: “The loveliest ideas just grow and grow. I’m so happy to support Horatio’s Garden. Their gardens are peaceful sanctuaries for patients and their friends and relatives at a difficult time.”

Bikers in lycra ride for charity

Riders gather for the start of the day

A 30-MILE bike ride in fancy dress around Mendip – which included more than a dozen pub stops – has raised £3,200 for local causes.

Organised by friends Rob Crew and Mark Walton – who called themselves the Two Fat Hairy Lycras – the ride benefited Dorothy House Foundation and Wells RFC’s minis section.

The ride began and ended at the Queen Victoria in Priddy, where Mark is landlord.

Mark (front) and Rob

Fancy dress was compulsory

Details: For more information and to buy tickets, visit http://shop.horatiosgarden.org.uk/rose-prince-daytuesday-22nd-september/ PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Inspired to help

Historic house restored by YMCA

An afternoon of music, dance, poetry and magic was held in Wells to launch the charity. Pictured is Inspire founder Norman Taylor (kneeling centre) with musicians Seona Pritchard, Alan Marchant and Fiona Clogson, magician Matt Fraser and poet Jim CellanJones

A NEW charity has been set up in Wells to offer support and guidance to people with end-of-life care needs.

Called Inspire, the organisation says it’s committed to offering holistic healthcare. Based at North Lodge at The Horringtons, Inspire’s services include free drop-in support and guidance and it can call on specialists in individual palliative care.

For more information, call 01749 836329 or 0771 3030694.

Family fun day for Charity

CHARITIES

Barley Wood House in Wrington, which has been empty for seven years, is due to reopen in September as a base for YMCA Somerset Coast, providing accommodation for 20 homeless young people and with two new social enterprises offering training and employment opportunities.

The house dates back to 1801, when it was built for Hannah More, the poet, religious writer and philanthropist.

Chapman Harrison, regional manager of Charity Bank, which has provided a £1.8million loan to the YMCA, said: “It is serendipitous that a house built for Hannah More, the great social entrepreneur of the early-19th century, is coming back into social purpose usage under the management of YMCA Somerset Coast.”

G The charity’s fundraiser, the British Lawn Mower Racing Association’s championships, are at Cross from August 29th – 31st.

Details: charlotte.grant@ymca-sc.org or www.mendipmowing.co.uk.

THE Centurion Hotel at Westfield hosted the annual Time is Precious family fun day with its grounds given over to games, demonstrations and activities.

Time is Precious supports children in hospital and their families and was set up by the parents of Ben Halford, of Coleford.

Barney on Coco (left) and Dermot on Ralph with Kim Fourmy from Mike’s Donkeys who offered rides around the grounds

Adrian and Abi were helping to raise funds for the charity

For details, visit: www.timeisprecious.org

Lewis enjoys a hug from George Pig, one of the many popular children’s characters who visited on the day

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 59

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MENDIP TIMES

Some serious fun

Diane Abernethy, Jim Knight and Pat Peel

Lindsay Game from Chew Stoke raised about £5,000 for the Forever Friends Appeal at Bath’s Royal United Hospital by organising various events for Wacky Wig Week.

Lindsay, who runs Geni Printing with her husband Nigel, is currently receiving treatment for breast cancer at the RUH. One of the events, a coffee morning at Chew Stoke Church Hall, was full as people arrived in wigs and funny hats to enjoy a coffee and cake and be entertained by the village's Hall Singers.

CHARITIES

Rotary rises to the challenge

A CHANCE meeting has led to the successful completion of the Rotary Club of Wrington Vale's biggest ever single fundraising project - and resulted in the handing over of new heart simulator equipment worth £60,000 to the cardiac team at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.

The equipment, Heartworks, trains cardiac clinicians in the interpretation of ultrasound heart scans and gives trainees or researchers a concentration of experience that is not possible from learning on real-life patients.

Rotarian Peter Roswell from Sandford, who has a history of heart problems, met Professor David MacIver, the lead consultant cardiologist based at Musgrove Park Hospital, at a garden party and heard that the simulator equipment was badly needed.

Inspired to help, Peter shared his thoughts with fellow Rotary members and they set themselves a challenge of raising a massive £60,000 for the equipment, which would benefit the whole of their District 1200, which covers Somerset and parts of Wiltshire and Dorset.

Charity is a winner

Nigel and Lindsay Game

Kevin Slater and Andrew Troup

Details: www.justgiving.com/lindsay-gam

PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

CHARITY, Heads Up, which provides adult learning opportunities for individuals recovering from mental health issues, won the prestigious Adult Learners Award for the South West best project category.

The group, based at South Horrington, have been invited to be a lead partner in the national pilot Mental Health Project to research the impact of learning in the rehabilitation and prevention of mild to moderate mental health issues.

Bridget Harvey the service director for the charity said: “This is a major achievement and reward for all the hard work and dedication of our team of staff and volunteers involved at the charity. We are all looking forward to researching and measuring the impact of our work in this new national project.”

Details: If you are interested in volunteering at the project contact Lynne Staniforth 01749 670667 or email lynne@headsupsomerset.org.uk

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Writhlington’s new display

PUPILS from Writhlington School have helped create a major new orchid display, with more than 50 different species, in the botanical glasshouse at Bristol Aquarium on the city’s Harbourside.

The display is the brainchild of the aquarium’s resident horticulturist Wendy Desyllas who initially approached the school after hearing about their international orchid conservation work in Rwanda at various RHS shows.

She said: “I am completely in awe of the work carried out by the pupils at Writhlington School. In just a few short months of planning they have identified over 50 species of orchids from tropical forests around the globe that tell stories about conservation and ecosystems and then planted them in this new display. All the plants have been raised by the students at the school.”

Simon Pugh-Jones, Enterprise Manager at Simon Pugh-Jones, Enterprise Manager at Writhlington School, Writhlington School with Bristol said: “In time the Aquarium's Wendy Desyllas

EDUCATION

Students Charlotte Limond (left) and Charlotte Serle with a selection of their orchids

orchid display here at Bristol Aquarium will be incredible, with huge flowering orchids filling the whole wall and I cannot wait to see it grow over the years.

“The most significant part of conservation is always education and linking plant conservation with marine and river inlet conservation. What we are able to do at Bristol Aquarium is share this message with a wider audience.”

Writhlington School has won numerous awards for its pioneering orchid project including a gold medal at the 2009 Chelsea Flower Show. The school is working with communities in Africa, Asia and the Americas to develop orchid conservation through education.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 61

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MENDIP TIMES

Blagdon Primary School pupils took part in a splendid performance of The Pied Piper at the end of the school year.

PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Pupils celebrate success

EDUCATION

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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

IT’S been another great year for St. Benedict’s pupils as Key Stage 2 SATS results exceeded expectations.

The school, at Midsomer Norton, says the children have worked extremely hard throughout their time at St. Benedict’s and their efforts, particularly in the last year, have helped them reach their full potential.

Year 6 teacher, Mrs Croker, said: “The whole school are extremely proud of all the children in Year 6. They have worked hard throughout their time at St. Ben’s and it has been great to see them really flourish in their final year.”

The Y6 children celebrated their results with a leaver’s barbecue.

Details: For more information about St. Benedict’s School see www..stbenedicts.info

St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School Charlton Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 4BD ‘Growing Together Through Christ’

Where every day is an OPEN DAY

Please call 01761 418594 to make an appointment We are a smaller than average school and pride ourselves on our caring approach and our ability to meet every child’s needs, helping them develop and ensure they reach their full potential, whilst growing in the love of Christ. We welcome children of all faiths. We also offer wrap-around care as well as an independent on-site Nursery Come and see for yourselves what the St Benedict’s experience can do for your child.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 63

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Westbury-sub-Mendip Summer Fete

EVENTS

A LOVELY day was had by all at the Westbury-sub-Mendip summer fete, with beautiful weather and a brilliant turnout.

Events included a cake bake-off judged by the WI, raffles, tombola, food and drink stalls, three excellent bands, bouncy castle, lucky dip, hook a duck, face painting to name but a few.

Adult tug o' war

Rachael and Hiede in the stocks

Burrington Village Fete

Maypole dancing

Villagers serving teas (l to r) Liz Green, Mo Taylor, Norma Gray and Nicky Parsons PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Junior tug o' war The gardens at Bourne House were an idyllic setting

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WILDLIFE

T he So m er s et ba r n o w l s

A barn owl in flight

be high. The other thing in their favour is that grass growth has been so good this year that there’s more than most farmers need, so there isn’t as much cutting happening.

As well as working with farmers, my passion is inspiring people to enjoy and, ultimately, look after their local wildlife in any way that they are able. Supporting community groups is a wonderful way to do this.

One such group in Glastonbury bought 27 acres of land behind their homes to protect it from development. I visited them in February, gave habitat advice

Photography courtesy of Chris Sperring

AS the summer rolls on there’s no time for us barn owl “warriors” to kick back and enjoy the sun (or lack of it); this is our manic

By CHRIS time.

SPERRING I visit more than MBE 200 nesting boxes each year, spread right across Somerset, and so far 2015 is looking superb. Last year was a bumper one for barn owls, helped by the fair weather early in the year which kick-started them into nesting early.

The huge losses of the previous two years left lots of empty territories and vole numbers grew to such levels that barn owls were able to raise large broods and, in many cases, second broods as well. This year the breeding season is later than normal due to the cold start so I haven’t finished monitoring yet, but it looks as though there will be at least as many successful nest sites as last year, if not more.

Brood sizes are down slightly on last year, averaging three per nest, probably caused by a spell of bad weather at the end of May which made hunting difficult and caused the youngest owlets to perish.

Smaller broods mean stronger owlets though, with more food for each, so fledging success of the survivors should

Barn owlets near Priddy

and a barn owl box funded by our fantastic group of volunteers known as “Give 2 Hoots”. Visit: http://swp.hawkandowl.org/projectpartners/give-2-hoots/ I was in the area in mid-July and thought I’d drop in to see how things were going. Though the box had only been in place for five months I was overjoyed to find that a pair of barn owls had already taken up residence – the lady who had first contacted me about the site was almost in tears. It is these human/nature moments that really motivate me!

East Mendip (around Frome) is always a fairly good region for barn owls, but the population of west Mendip (around Cheddar and Priddy) fluctuates much more and there are many years when we only record a handful of successful nest sites.

This year, however, west Mendip has really come up trumps and there are nest sites all around the area – certainly due to the amount of standing grass that has not been cut yet. This is a really good time to get out and watch barn owls because they are busy feeding hungry offspring, many of which will now be on the wing too. Look for areas of rough grassland and watch from around 8pm onwards.

Seeing a barn owl hunting is a truly inspiring sight which I recommend everyone try to experience!

Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 07799 413 918 or via chris.sperring@btinternet.com MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 65

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MENDIP TIMES

Following in Wordsworth’s footsteps

A DAY out walking on the Quantocks – a great outing for the summer. It takes only a little time to get there and the rewards are immense. Amazingly this is the first time I have been up Holford Combe, in the northern edge of the Quantock Hills, passing idyllic cottages in the back of the village, a hotel with a fine old steel mill wheel and then a well graded and glorious walk following the brook in the combe

With Sue Gearing PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

in sessile oak woodland with a carpet of whortleberries. You can see why this area was so loved by the Romantic poets, Coleridge and Wordsworth. Then turn up Frog Combe to get to the top to the great contrast of open gorse and heather with amazing vistas. You can stop for refreshment in the combe near the start or at the end go to the 16th century Plough on the main road.

PARK: The free car park at the back of Holford. Turn off the A39 Bridgwater to Minehead road and go down the side of the Plough Inn following signs for car park. You will find it next to an open green area known as Holford Bowling Green. The Bowling Green was registered as a village green in 1980. It has over the years been used for activities such as meets for stag and fox hounds, fetes, evening dances and barbeques. Occasionally local people enjoy boules – a game played here by the French Huguenots when they settled in Holford in the 16th century and started the cloth trade, hence the name of Bowling Green.

START: Walk back out the way you came in crossing the Holford Brook on a bridge, where if you look left over the wall you can see down in woodland

the crumbling 18th-19th century remains of the old Holford silk factory and mill. It was saved from redevelopment when it was bought by Holford village. The site featured in Bryan Adams’ music video for his hit song ‘Everything I do, I do it for You’.

Turn right at the finger post labelled Holford Silk Mills and signed to Holford Combe passing pretty cottages in the back of the village.

1. HOTEL Continue to Combe House Hotel happy to welcome walkers. It’s address is actually Butterfly Combe. The hotel was once a tannery in the 1820s. Oak bark is an essential for the tanning of cow hides to produce leather. The tanners harvested bark from the oak trees in the combe and harnessed the power of the fast flowing Holford Brook. The combe was in fact once known as Tannery Combe.

Look to the right down between cottages and see the old metal waterwheel put up here in 1893. When the tannery shut, the wheel was still used – for cracking stone, wood sawing, grinding wheat and chopping apples for cider. It apparently even powered a machine for polishing the shoes of hotel guests! It finally stopped turning in 1953.

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2. HOLFORD COMBE Go through a large wooden gate and carry on up the combe following the Holford Brook as it bubbles busily down over pebbles. There are also open, sun-dappled glades carpeted with soft green grass and the slopes covered in trees – broad-leaf woodland, with predominantly western sessile oak. You may spot birds such as the grey wagtail, dipper, nuthatch, tree creeper, common redstart, wood warbler and pied fly catcher or maybe a sparrowhawk or woodpecker. The woodlands are part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Nature Conservation Site. Another celebrity filmed in these woods – Kevin Costner for scenes in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Film producer Julien Temple lives in the area.

You may wish to cross the brook from time to time but basically stay with it, later very gently rising. After about 0.75 miles reach a point where a side valley comes in on the right – Frog Combe.

3. FROG COMBE So cross Holford Brook and head up the combe, rising more steeply at the top and bending gently to emerge into the open.

4. TRACK Continue to a wide crossing sandy and stone track and turn right.

Up here on Black Hill a Wellington Bomber crashed in October 1942. The pilot who was injured was carried down to Combe House and treated by military

WALKING

OS Explorer 140 Quantock Hills & Bridgwater, grid ref: 154410 6.75 miles, about 3.5 hours walking.

medical units. At a fork, stay left (straight on). You can stride out here enjoying the magnificent views and the open top with gorse and heather and maybe some Exmoor ponies.

5. HALSWAY POST Reach Halsway Post and keep straight on, keeping to the main track. Pass above the head of a couple of combes – Somerton and Slaughterhouse.

6. BICKNOLLER POST After about 1.5 miles, reach Bicknoller

Post on your right with amazing views across to Minehead and towards Exmoor. Turn right alongside the post (on your left) passing a small pond (unless the weather is dry!) and bend left a little to take the mud and grass track heading up Longstone Hill.

7. TUMULUS At a small grassy tumulus (mound) over left, fork right on a slightly lesser track.

Continue and you will find you have swung round, with the Bristol Channel and Hinkley Power Station left. On your right is Hodder’s Combe. Start to ascend heading directly now for Hinkley and see ahead a clump of pine trees, planted in memory of all those from Holford and Kilve who served in World War II. 8. TRACK Turn right, heading for the edge and then follow the stony path right which winds down into Hodder’s Combe.

9. FORD At the foot, cross a ford (you may get your feet wet) and on the other side of the Holford River, turn left on the path all the way back to the start.

Combe House Hotel, Holford, 01278 741382 The Plough Inn, Holford.

01278 741652

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 67

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MENDIP TIMES

OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s Diary

THE middle of July and I have no idea where the past months have gone. Everything is so busy and summer seems to be flying by. Even I who has a ‘holiday’ every day is thinking of taking a break from the hectic occupation that I call ‘work’.

As I mentioned in last month’s Mendip With LES Times, I’m off with students from the DAVIES MBE University of Georgia, USA on their UK tour.

It started by being given a whole load of new place names that I had difficulty in pronouncing, let alone finding on the map.

I set about a map study of Bronte country in the Pennines, together with the Lakes of Wordsworth. Add to this the Roman fort at Birdiswold on Hadrian’s wall, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle and it adds up to a lot of study. While this gave me a feel for the landscape, it was going to be followed by a definite need to put boots on the ground. Scotland was too far away but the Pennines and lakes were possible, so I set off in the VW van up the M5.

My VW was trying to tell me something, because I had to turn back at Birmingham with an engine fault at the first attempt.

Having sorted it (or so I thought) I attempted to set out again the following week only to have the same problem again. Having made a phone call for technical support, I made the decision to go ahead and do my reconnaissance. The first night was spent in a lay-by just off the M62 and by now I was well into Yorkshire.

Day two dawned with reasonably dry conditions as I set out towards Haworth and Bronte country. My first encounter with the people was at a filling station where I took on fuel. I was greeted by a smiling attendant behind the counter.

“Eeee it’s camper van man,” he exclaimed in a slow and pronounced Yorkshire accent. When I spoke he looked at me with an enquiring look. “Where are you from then?” The scene was now set for a pattern of similar encounters throughout the county.

I found everyone to be friendly and helpful. My normal quip of telling them that I had come up as a ‘missionary’ was invariably met with amusement and laughter that helped to open many conversations.

The home of the Bronte sisters, Haworth, is now a visitor attraction and far removed from those desperate days of the 19th century when they grew up there. In those days life expectancy was 25 years and nearly half the children did not reach their fifth birthday. It was a heavily industrialised site and the water supply was contaminated by the graveyard.

Tuberculosis was rife, claiming the lives of many, including some of the Bronte family. The novels the sisters wrote at the time are now classics and the inspiration for the location of Wuthering Heights was where I was now heading.

It’s a hard landscape of gritstone and moor. I found it quite desolate compared to the diversity of Mendip, but here the sisters found their inspiration to write, or was it to escape the world in which they lived? Top Withens, which is said to have been the place that Wuthering Heights was based on, is a deserted ruin on the side of a bleak moorland hill.

Well-trodden paths lead the way to a place I just had to explore and wonder just how anyone could have scraped a living from this land. It was farmed up until the 1920s and I wondered what hopes and dreams, happy and sad events had been played out in the

rooms of this house. How the wind must have howled around the chimney tops in winter, it would have been a tough life based on about 20 acres and a few cows.

On my way back down, I could not help but stop and look back at this site. Desolate as it was, it had somehow captivated me. It is not the first time that I have felt such a ‘draw’ from isolated farmsteads or deserted farmland. My return trip over the Bronte Bridge, and past the waterfall where they are said to have visited, gave me a better understanding of their lives and of the area as it is now.

The next stop was to be the home of Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter in the Lake District, which is a bit like the Yeo Valley with attitude. More next time about the trip with the University of Georgia.

Closer to home we had a wonderful evening with Blagdon Brownies around the Yeo Valley arable unit at Priddy Hill Farm. I was asked by Nick Fowler who works for the company if I could help with an evening walk, which I was very happy to do. It was a warm summer evening when everything that wanted to sting and bite was out and about.

I always enjoy the concept of the ‘nature walk’. I remember them as a child, although my junior school trips were not very inspirational. That inspiration was to come from those who were around me as I was growing up and the friends that I had then.

There is so much to see and to talk about on one of these trips, it’s a return to simple pleasures, tales and anecdotes with countryside pastimes.

I have found that children are all the same in their joy of new knowledge and experiences when it comes to the countryside. As I have said many times before, it was the old men who showed me the ways of the countryside, how it lived, worked and died. Now I‘m the old man it’s my turn to do the same for others and we certainly had a great evening, the end of which was captured by this month’s picture.

Finally is was with great sadness that I learnt of the recent death of Mary McEwen-Smith in Tickenham, North Somerset. Mary was the mother of my childhood friends Elizabeth, Elaine and Robert from Hales Farm. She was one of the people who had such an influence on my formative years as I grew up in what was a very small community (almost extended family) on the farm.

Her life was dedicated to others through her family, the church and her work as chairman of Woodspring District Council in the county of Avon days. She would always put a hand-written note into my mother’s copy of the Tickenham church magazine, enquiring after her wellbeing and offering any help she could.

Another chapter in my life has closed, but for those who knew her, the memories will remain.

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

PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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YEO VALLEY

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MENDIP TIMES

No time to stand and stare AUGUST can be one of the least satisfactory months in the garden as the summer flowers fade and the autumn ones are yet to bloom.

With MARY However, there is still PAYNE MBE plenty to do in both the flower, fruit and vegetable gardens.

Plants in pots and containers are vulnerable at this time as they have produced masses of foliage and hopefully flowers, but any rain that falls fails to get into the containers because of the foliage.

It is vital to keep camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons very well-watered at this time of year as they are producing next year’s flower buds.

Failure to do so may result in the buds dropping just before flowering next spring. Containers also need to be fed to be able to keep up a good display well into autumn. A high potash tomato feed is ideal for this.

Dead-heading spent flowers keeps the flower garden looking trim and prolongs blooming of many species. When lilies have finished flowering, simply cut off the flower spike leaving all the foliage and allow this to die down naturally.

Watch out for a second generation of the scarlet lily beetle.

If you have not already summer pruned your wisteria there is still time. Select any new growths that are required to extend the framework and tie them in, removing the immature tip. Then reduce all other shoots to about 15 inches (38cm) cutting to a leaf joint. These shortened shoots should be further reduced to four to six buds next January.

Lavender has finished flowering, so the dead heads can be trimmed back. Further pruning is best delayed until late spring.

Pruning of late flowering shrubs should also be left until spring.

Now is an excellent time of year to spray a glyphosate based herbicide to control persistent perennial weeds such as bindweed, couch grass and ground elder.

It is important that any areas that are infested with perennial weeds should be cleaned before any autumn planting is undertaken. Pulling the foliage of any of these perennial weeds away is really a waste of time, as the underground roots will sprout again.

In the vegetable garden many crops are coming to fruition. Sweet corn cobs are PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

ready to harvest when the silky top fades and a milky juice exudes from the cob when pierced with a finger nail.

Maincrop potatoes can be dug once the foliage starts to die back.

Regular picking of runner and French beans will encourage further production.

To keep runner beans under control the tips can be pinched out when they reach the top of their support. This will encourage lateral growths and more beans.

Likewise tomatoes can be stopped at four to five trusses to encourage the even development of the fruit. Remove some of the lower leaves of tomatoes to let light in to encourage ripening.

Brassica crops, such as cabbage and sprouting broccoli should be protected from the dreaded cabbage caterpillars by covering with a fine net to stop the butterflies gaining access. Ensure the net is supported well above the plants.

After harvesting, any vacant plots of land, can be sown with a green manure to overwinter and help improve the soil structure. Grazing rye (Secale cereale) or winter tares (Vicia sativa) are both suitable for an August sowing and can be dug in after the winter.

Maincrop strawberries have finished cropping by now and can be cut hard back and the straw removed. Rooted runners can be planted out and watered well. Blackcurrants that were not pruned during picking can be done now. Remove approximately one third of the bush, selecting the oldest wood. This encourages the development of new wood, and opens up the bush to encourage better ripening of the current season’s wood and a better crop next year.

Maincrop raspberries can also be pruned now. Remove the old canes that have fruited and tie in the young (green) canes that will bear next year’s crop.

Autumn fruiting raspberries have started cropping and may continue well into November if the weather allows. These should be pruned once they have lost their leaves in the autumn or next spring.

Leaving a few of the canes may give you an early crop next season at about the same time as the maincrop is fruiting.

It is safe to cut ornamental and wildlife hedges now that the birds have finished nesting. Ideally cut formal hedges so they are wider at the base than at the top. This allows light to reach the lower parts of the hedge and helps to keep them green to ground level.

In the greenhouse keep up with the watering and damp down the floor to keep the humidity up and deter red spider mite. Tomatoes will be ripening and may need shading from intense sun. This is one of the causes of “greenback”. The shoulders of the fruit fail to ripen and are hard. Varieties that show resistance to “greenback” are now available.

Finally, if you have any time to spare, your lawn should not be forgotten.

Towards the end of the month raise the height of cut and give it an autumn feed.

This has higher levels of potash than the spring and summer feeds available and toughens up the lawn for the winter months ahead. Any ant activity should be brushed away before mowing. This helps deter them as they dislike the regular disturbance.

Now sit down and relax with the seed and bulb catalogues and start to plan for the following year.

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GARDENING

AUGUST GARDEN TIPS

Cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts and other Brassicas get a multitude of pests at this time of year. Use Agralan Enviromesh to protect vegetable crops against flying pests, it is particularly effective against carrot and cabbage root fly and caterpillars.

Fill spaces in the veg patch by sowing quick maturing items such as turnips or, better still, varieties that will provide tasty winter salads.

Prune fruit trees that have fruits containing stones rather than pips now. Plums, cherries, apricots, peaches and nectarines are best pruned during the summer when they are less likely to get infected with the incurable silver leaf disease. Immediately paint any large cuts (over 1” diameter) with Prune & Seal wound healing paint.

Sow seed of autumn onion (sometimes called Japanese onion) now for the earliest crop of next year.

Keep picking runner beans and courgettes regularly. If you don’t they will stop producing more. Both can be used to make excellent chutney or can be given to neighbours and friends.

Dig up your potatoes; dry and store undamaged tubers in a dark frost-free place for winter. Late maincrop and winter salad potatoes will need a little longer in the ground and may put on a lot of tuber growth in the next few weeks. First early and most second earlies will be ready to lift now. Keep spraying with Bordeaux mixture to protect against blight (tomatoes too).

Courtesy Cleeve Nursery

Flower show tradition

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Nunney and District Flower Show: a village tradition

ENTRIES are now open for more than 150 classes at the annual Nunney and District Flower Show, the oldest institution in the village apart from the church.

The show was first held in 1884 and always takes place on the first Saturday in September. It is centred on Nunney Village Hall and covers everything from vegetables and flowers to cakes and home crafts.

Following a successful trial run last year, organisers are again holding a Garden Challenge. Two teams have to create a garden in 90 minutes, using materials and plants provided by the committee.

This year’s show takes place on Saturday, September 5th.

Classes cost 50p each to enter, or three classes for £1. Cups, rosettes and certificates are awarded for best in class, best in section and best in show. Schedules are still available at the Spar Shop in the Market Place, Nunney.

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Tel: 01934 626093/813261 www.westongarden.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 71

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MENDIP TIMES

Show urges you to have a go

NAILSEA and District Horticultural Society’s summer show will take place in the atrium of Nailsea School on Saturday August 1st and will be open to the public at 12 noon. Admission for an adult is £2 and children are free.

The presentation of prizes will be at 4.30 pm. As well as all the usual show entries there will be music from the popular Filton Brass Band, refreshments, a book sale, a tombola and a numbers of craft and charity stalls.

Schedules are available from Nailsea Library or PS Travel and the society is urging everyone to have a go at growing, creating, painting, photographing, cooking or even fermenting an entry. There are classes for children of different ages and even a fruit cake class for men only!

Details: Show secretaries Jane Knight 01275 855342 or Martyn Davies 01275 855563.

LOVE YOUR GARDEN

SUMMER CLEARANCE SALE

You’ll love this deal . . . 20% OFF HONDA IZY mowers until the end of August! and also . . .

17.5% OFF selected STIHL machines

www.mendipmowers.co.uk • 01373 832965 Green Farm Industrial Estate, Chapmanslade, BA13 4JJ PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH

Babbs Farm on the Levels

SINCE moving in 1990 to their three windswept acres of thick limey clay on the Somerset Levels, Sue and Richard O’Brien have gradually created a garden in the three-quarters of an acre nearest the house, a haven for themselves and a variety of wildlife.

Through extensive soil conditioning with manure and grit they now have several interconnected formal and informal areas, for plants with diverse requirements. Those which flourish in rich damp conditions, including Aruncus, Hostas, Rheums, Siberian Irises, Cimicifugas and Thalictrums, seem particularly to appreciate their efforts.

Although there are plenty of flowers to enjoy throughout the year, they have chosen shrubs and herbaceous perennials for their shape and foliage, in bold, flowing borders.

A conservatory of shade-loving tender plants looks onto the south facing patio and Round Lawn, a sanctuary sheltered on three sides and featuring large structural shrubs. The more formal Round Pond has sun-lovers on the house side, and Rodgersias and Rheums in the damp shade under the willow.

Through an arch in the privet hedge is the formal Box Garden of four rectangular beds. The Woodland Bed, where they are establishing a middle canopy of Cornus kousa under the ash trees and over ferns and other shade-lovers, leads on to the recently planted Field of Trees and their latest project (still in development), a wildlife pond and bog garden.

NGS opening details: Sunday August 30th and Monday August 31st, 2pm – 5pm. Visitors are also welcome by arrangement until the end of September.

Admission: £3.50, children free.

Contact Information: Sue & Richard O'Brien, 01278 793244. Westhill Lane, Bason Bridge, Highbridge TA9 4RF. OTHER GARDENS OPEN FOR THE NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk

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School supports local show

Pictured (l to r) Grace Davis winner, Hannah Smyth, teacher, Katie Carlisle, 2nd equal and Graham Nicholls chairman of Timsbury Horticultural Society.

PUPILS at St. Mary’s School in Timsbury have been busy creating a design for the front cover of Timsbury Flower Show’s flower show schedule. The show is due to be held at Conygre Hall and the recreational field on August 15th.

Last year 17 pupils submitted designs but this year there were 91 designs to choose from. This made the judging extremely hard but eventually the judges came up with a winner but had to award two second places as the standard was so high.

The winning design was submitted by Grace Davis and the two second places were by Eve Murphy and Katie Carlisle. The chairman of the society, Graham Nicholls, is pictured presenting prizes to Grace and Katie – Eve could not be present.

The society hopes by involving the children at the school during the runup to the show that it will encourage them to enter some of the 19 children's classes, ranging from photography to cooking and art and perhaps encourage them to become society members of the future.

Schedules for the show with Grace's design on the front cover are available at the shops in Timsbury and can also be found on the society website www.timsburyhorts.webplus.net

GARDENING

Gardeners aid hall project

CONGRESBURY gardeners surpassed themselves when 15 of them opened their much-loved gardens to public scrutiny, and the public loved them.

Ideal June weather encouraged hundreds to walk the trail from High Street and Brinsea Road to Park Road, Weir Road, Venus Street, Silverstone and Stonewell, raising some £2,600 for Congresbury’s proposed new village hall/community centre.

Organiser Liz English is pictured (right) with (l to r) Pam Biffen, Val Hodgson and Julia Koblicek.

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MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 73

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MENDIP TIMES

Westfield winners

Stump Grinding and Tree Services, throughout the South West

See our website at www.groundlevelcontractors.co.uk or e-mail us at info@groundlevelcontractors.co.uk Prefer to talk to us?

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Mr and Mrs Holcombe receive their trophy from Robin Moss, chairman of Westfield Parish Council

SUE and Pete Holcombe are winners of Westfield’s Front Garden competition, which attracted more entries this year and a very high standard of gardens.

The competition, organised by Westfield Parish Council, was judged by experts Rupert Horsey and Dave Vallance, from the department of Horticulture at Bath College’s Somer Valley campus.

Mr and Mrs Holcombe, from Waterside Road, received an engraved trophy and a voucher donated by Norton Green Farm Nursery.

Organisers said their immaculate, colourful front garden wowed judges, councillors and neighbours alike with its healthy blooms and well-placed containers.

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

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

Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm May – September plus Bank Holiday Mondays Admission is FREE

Enjoy a visit to the aromatic and peaceful setting of the Somerset Lavender farm in Faulkland.

Our café serves teas, homemade cakes and light lunches, all made with local produce. Choose from a range of lavender products in the shop and buy lavender plants. Children will love our willow run and duck pond, while you explore our wonderfully fragrant lavender fields, rose arbour and healing herb garden.

Somerset Lavender, Horsepond Farm, Faulkland, Somerset BA3 5WA 01373 834893 www.somersetlavender.com

PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Floral festivities at Bishop ’s Palace

GARDENING

A CELEBRATION of the Great British garden attracted hundreds of visitors to the Bishop’s Palace in Wells.

Its first five-day Garden Festival was opened by gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh – a good friend of the Bishop of Bath and Wells – and featured expert speakers, demonstrations and tours of the 14 acres of palace gardens.

Plans are already underway for another festival in 2016.

The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt. Rev. Peter Hancock and Alan Titchmarsh cut the ribbon to welcome visitors to the festival.

The festival attracted hundreds of visitors to admire the gardens and to buy

Wells on Wheels – this display was staged by the city’s In Bloom committee

Stained glass artist Andrew Patch at work

Alan Titchmarsh plants a commemorative tree – an Indian bean plant

In the pink: Chris Spanton with his range of Mandevilla tropical climbing plants

To buy, or not to buy? That was the question facing this visitor MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 75

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MENDIP TIMES

GARDENING

Stanton Drew Flower Show Four year old Dylan officially opened the show at Stanton Drew, watched by (l to r) flower judge Mary Payne, ward councillor for Clutton, Karen Warrington and Chris Mountford

Anne and Sam Budd and Ron and Marilyn Ford with their classic cars

Stanton Community Choir

Tea and cakes were popular

Inspecting the produce

One of the stalls (l to r) Sharon Croucher, Di Farmer, Chris Mountford and Jim Farmer PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Carole Reed, Phylis Chambers and Sue Cowley on the local preschool stall

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Time to celebrate

A chance of a lifetime

NEWS

BLAGDON WI marked the 100th anniversary year of the National Federation of Women's Institutes with a photograph of their own members. Their institute is only in its 60s but is still going strong. The photo was taken by Barry Dimond, a professional wedding photographer from Rickford.

Boogie night at Chewton Mendip

THE Orchard Vale Trust will be holding its fourth disco for adults with learning disabilities at the village hall in Chewton Mendip in August.

The trust is a charity providing homes in Somerset for adults with learning disabilities.

Disco organiser Cathy Judge says the previous three discos have been such successes that the trust is hoping that these might become a regular occurrence. They aim to bring adults with learning disabilities together with their families/carers from all over the area.

Cathy said: "This disco provides a safe, fun environment where new friendships can flourish and much fun will be guaranteed.”

The disco takes place on Saturday, August 29th. Entrance is £5 (£2 for carers) and runs from 7-10pm. Tickets are available in in advance only from Cathy on 01761 241235.

Get ready to walk

Ramblers at the start of a previous festival walk

MENDIP Ramblers group has chosen the area around Charlton Adam, near Keinton Mandeville, as the focus of this year’s annual walking festival.

Taking place from Saturday, August 29th until Monday, August 31st, there will be 12 guided walks over the three days, with distances ranging from four to 12 miles. The festival will be based at Charlton Adam Community Hall and everyone is welcome.

Close to Charlton Adam is Green Down, managed by the Somerset Wildlife Trust, which is home to the largest number of large blue butterflies in the world and many wild flowers including various types of orchid.

For more details contact Martyn on 01761 471891 or Mary on 01373 474530 or visit: www.mendipramblers.co.uk

STUDENT Rosie Skuse is facing a race against time to take up what she describes as the opportunity of a lifetime – a place at one of the country’s leading schools for the performing arts.

Rosie, 18, who has just left Norton Hill School, successfully auditioned for a year-long foundation course at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in North London. With Dame Judy Dench as its president, the school is renowned as one of the best of its kind in the country.

Rosie, who lives in Kilmersdon, combined her ‘A’ Level studies with a course at Bath Dance College, which is supporting her efforts to raise enough funds to pay for the course. Rosie said: “Unfortunately the course does not attract any government funding, despite it being a course which enables students to further their educational pursuits.”

As well as appealing for sponsorship, Rosie is organising several events to showcase her wide range of performing arts skills, including a show on Saturday, August 22nd at the Victoria Hall, which will be open to the public and will also feature other students from Bath Dance College.

Rosie has worked with the Party Company, based at Center Parcs, and is hoping to stage a “character” day for youngsters at the Playbarn at Farrington’s Farm Shop on Tuesday, August 18th from 10am–2.30pm.

Anyone who can help Rosie should contact her at: rosieskuse@live.co.uk

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Doulting Village Fete

YOUNG actress Maddie Harris, who stars in the Paddington Bear film, was the guest of honour at Doulting Village Fete.

Maddie, who attended St Aldhelm’s school in the village and who is now a student at nearby Whitstone School, played Judy Brown in Paddington. She’s next due to appear on television in January in an episode of the drama series Father Brown about a crime-solving priest.

The fete raised funds for St Aldhelm’s church and the school. ol

Maddie with a gift of a teddy bear wearing a St Aldhelm’s School t-shirt

(l:r): Cara Veater, Jim Parker and Paul Lawrence, from the Hazelgrove Archers. Paul, who is the school’s coach driver, organises the annual Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre Head teacher Tess Kaunhoven agrees to go in the stocks …

Kate Knowles, a member of the school’s PTA, ran a bottle tombola PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

… and receives a direct hit from a wet spong

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EVENTS

Holcombe Gala and Dog Show Ben the collie enjoys the shade with owner Colin Light and their historic car

Games on the village green

Waiting their turn – dog show classes ranged from the shiniest coat to best veteran

This toddler relaxes alongside her watchful pets during the dog show

Last, but not least ...

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M em o ri e s o f “ de l i g ht ” A PROJECT is underway to research and share the impact of World War One on the village of Mells.

Called Home of our Delight, which refers to part of the inscription on the village war memorial, the team hopes to explore the names and stories of the men listed there and their family, social and cultural connections at home.

Alongside gamekeepers, gardeners and colliery workers from Mells and neighbouring Vobster, the men also included Edward, last son and heir of the Horner family and Mells estate, and his brother-in-law Raymond Asquith, son of the World War One Prime Minister.

Rook Lane Arts Trust, from Frome, has received a grant of £46,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out the work. The trust will work with local organisations, volunteers, and local schools and colleges throughout 2015 and 2016 to investigate the Mells stories, share local knowledge and learn new heritage skills in the process.

Project coordinator Jo Plimmer said: “We are keen to hear from anyone with a Raymond Asquith’s grave

The launch of Home of our Delight: (back row l:r) Andrew Davies (Head of Humanities at Frome College), Martin Bax, Pamela Lea, Linda Boss (Rook Lane trustees), Raymond, Earl of Oxford & Asquith and Gavin Ball (Head, Frome College). Front row (l:r): Mervyn Clingan, Sally Somers (Rook Lane trustees), Jo Plimmer (Project Coordinator), Sue Bucklow (Project Curator) and Martin Wade (Rook Lane trustee)

connection to the men named on the Mells village memorial.”

Home of our Delight will culminate in an exhibition, heritage trails and online archive in September 2016, on the anniversary of the death of Raymond Asquith and three other servicemen

named on the Mells memorial at the Somme.

A launch event for people to find out more will be held on Tuesday, September 15th at Mells Café from 3-5pm. For details, visit: http://www.homeofourdelight.org.uk/

Details from the archive from the Mells estate PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

The Edward Horner memorial

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HISTORY

Mendip remembers T H E G R E AT WA R 1 9 1 4 - 1 8

Raymond Asquith as portrayed in the Rothenstein murals, currently at Taplow Court

Art and Mells

The inscription which inspired the name of the project

To find out more, visit: http://www.homeofourdelight.org.uk/

MELLS, through the Horner family, welcomed artists, writers, politicians and diarists of the time before, during and after the war.

They included Edwin Lutyens, Hillaire Belloc, J.M. Barrie, Diana Cooper and, as a result, the village retains a unique

The unveiling of the war memorial

archive of WWI-related correspondence, diaries and estate documents providing a fascinating glimpse of life both at the front, but also the impact of war at home.

These associations also resulted in some of the finest WWI memorials in Somerset, created by artists and

designers then at the peak of their careers: Edwin Lutyens, Eric Gill and A.J. Munnings.

Home of our Delight will explore the process of commissioning these monuments through researching county and national archives.

The war memorial in Mells today MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 81

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Sunday best for festival goers?

George Ezra on the Pyrami

The Drystones, from Priddy, made their main stage debut, playing to a large crowd at Avalon

Emily Eavis and friends at the festival launch party on the Thursday night

Lionel look-a-likes at the cider bus

Elle and the Pocket Bells entertained on the bandstand

Coralie Nash with daughters Saffie and Jazmyne Hogg – relatives of Michael Eavis

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Photography by Ma

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GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 2015

a on the Pyramid Stage

Front stage at West Holts

The Shires at the Acoustic Stage – they’ll be appearing at the Glastonbury Extravaganza on Saturday, August 8th

Ready to party – fans wait for the arrival at West Holts of The Mothership, featuring George Clinton, Parliament, Funkadelic and Family Stone

aphy by Mark Adler

Oxfam campaigners were highlighting issues around debt and poverty

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Pic 1: Members of The Bureau of Random Acts Pic 2: Friends from Frome at The Beat Hotel Pic 3: A sign outside one of the cafes Pic 4: Angie Mack gets a lift from two members of the audience Pic 5: Maurice Day, from Wells Pic 6: Community spirit – one of the senior officers on site with a festival goer Pic 7: Rainy like a Sunday morning Pic 8: Climate change brought into focus by this fridge-based sculpture

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 83

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MENDIP TIMES Pic 1: Baby blue – one of the many strange costumes worn by festival goers Pic 2: Let the party begin!

Pic 3: Security won much praise for their friendly approach Pic 4: Every face tells a story Pic 5: Footballer Rio Ferdinand was amongst the celebrities enjoying the backstage atmosphere Pic 6: Flossy and Boo Pic 7: Gracie, from the New York Brass Band Pic 8: Ex-Squeeze man Glen Tilbrook signs a poster watched by Simon Foy, The poster was amongst items raffled backstage at Theatre and Circus to raise money for the Children’s World charity

Lemmy from Motorhead

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Party in the mosh pit

Having a superhero time

Burtle Silver Band perform on the Sunday morning Wells Rugby Club once again ran a busy food stall in the main market area

Somerset WI on a high after their café selling homemade cakes proved a big hit in the Green Fields PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 2015

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Access all areas: different wristbands were used across the site

Band perform on the Pyramid Stage on orning Love is all you need at Glastonbury

The Honkytonks, from the Midsomer Norton area, made their festival debut, playing at the Back Garden Café

Lionel Richie was taken aback by the reaction from the thousands of fans who went to see him The Who closed the festival with an explosive performance

proved a

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Patients as part of the team

WHEN you have NHS care, do you feel part of a team? Are things done to you or with you? Participatory medicine is all the rage these days. Patients are now supposed to be ‘copilots in their care’, sharing power, responsibility and all those really tough decisions with healthcare professionals.

It’s not a model that fits easily into 10 minute consultations when you barely have time for two questions.

By Dr PHIL But in the 30 years since I first ventured onto an NHS ward, HAMMOND there has been significant progress in patient empowerment.

When I was a medical student, patients weren't routinely told if they had cancer. We would collude with the relatives and hide information that we thought patients weren't able to handle. Cancer was described as ‘the big C’, ‘a little bit of a problem down below’, ‘a bit of inflammation in the liver’ or ‘a warty growth’.

Patients were told they might ‘get a little bit worse before they got a little better’ – the little better meaning death.

Patients aren’t stupid and never have been. People know when they’re seriously ill because they feel awful and their clothes fall off them. And as technology advances, it becomes impossible to get informed consent for chemotherapy or radiotherapy if you don't tell patients they have cancer. How you’re given bad news, however, is absolutely crucial.

If it’s done kindly, people never forget. If it’s done harshly, they never forgive.

One London consultant who shall remain nameless used to tell patients they had ‘so much cancer they'd metastasised to the person in the next bed’. And I'll never forget a BBC film of a Japanese consultant breaking news of breast cancer to a patient and her relatives by emptying the pot with the cancerous pathology specimen onto a table in front of them.

There always has to be a balance between transparency and humanity. Telling patients everything may not always be kind, particularly if it's done in a brutalising way. But not telling them enough to make intelligent decisions is equally harmful. Patients used to be like the small frightened boy with a football who was always last to be chosen on the team, and then only reluctantly because he was the owner of the ball.

Now you’re supposed to be the first person on the team sheet. Indeed, one American website describes patients as ‘captains of the team’.

I think that's taking it a little far. Patients rarely have the authority to order tests or allocate resources (although personal budgets are changing this) and it's not always easy as captain to get the whole team working together behind you or understand the nuances of medical statistics when you're very sick or struggling just to survive.

To me, patients are more like the star player who can choose to participate fully in the game, or decide to leave everything to others depending on how he or she is feeling on the day.

Overall, there is growing evidence that patients who are more involved in their care get better care and that patients who have a good experience of their care get better outcomes. You don't need a medical degree to know if you've been treated kindly and competently. Patients can spot poor teamwork, chaos, defensive body language and unwashed hands. They can also spot those wonderful little expressions of kindness that happen in the NHS every day.

Perhaps the most important role they can play is to write the match report.

Patient feedback, honestly given, is priceless. It tells us what we did well, what didn't work and what we might do to improve it. Patients should always be encouraged to do a match report.

It's the best way to provide a balanced view of how good the NHS is and to signpost great care to other patients. And even if the result goes against you, the ‘game’ of health care must always be played with kindness and respect all round.

Dr Phil’s bestseller – ‘Staying Alive – How to Get the Best from the NHS’ is out now

PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

From the family album

IN a family album there is a photo of myself and the children. I am cradling a four-week-old baby in my arms and beside me sit the girls aged seven and three years.

We are windswept atop the rocky outcrop on Burrington Ham. I love this photo because it holds special memories of a magical summer when youngest son was just born and the girls were little.

I couldn’t drive following his birth so this weekend outing where we sat on top of the rocks enjoying the view over Blagdon Lake and the Bristol Channel was especially exciting.

This photo is followed by others over the years, in the same place but marking the passage of time. The last photo shows me with a teenager (middle child). We have taken a “selfie” and are laughing into the camera.

The trouble is the last photo is locked in my phone along with 400 other photos. It’s been years since we put a physical album together and the photos are now hidden away on various digital cameras, hard-drives and telephones.

It’s a job that will have to wait and now that we’re into the summer holidays we’ll be storing more digital images in various locations.

I have breathed a sigh of relief that the school year is over. It gives a welcome break from the frantic pace of activities that seemed to increase as the term drew to a close.

In one week alone I have helped eldest child pack for an expedition involving a four-daytrek, watched middle child compete in a gymnastics competition (all day in Taunton), made a cake for and encouraged youngest child to write to his teachers (including punctuation), remembered to provide a plate of food for the school disco and fill out the forms to register for the after-school club, accepted youngest son’s place at various clubs and activities, designed and distributed his party invitations and finally researched and provided the ingredients and utensils for youngest son’s bread-making endeavours before retrieving a dough be-spattered sweatshirt from the school cloakroom - alongside the full-time day job.

Inspired by an impending Mediterranean holiday, youngest son decided to bake olive bread. He had already declared that he was looking forward to “discovering artefacts.”

“And I think you could have a career as an artisan baker,” I declared.

“Hmm, an artist and a baker sounds interesting,” he pondered, looking slightly confused. Maybe we can picnic with a homebaked loaf to celebrate ten years since that memorable photo was taken on top of Burrington Ham. MENDIP MUM

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Say hi to Heidi

AWARD-winning hair salon Hair by Suzanne Elizabeth is inviting new and regular clients to meet its newest member of staff.

Heidi Walters, 19, has joined owner Suzy Brodrick at the Heidi (left) with Suzy, owner of Hair by Faulkland salon, Suzanne Elizabeth which has been open for 16 months. Heidi, who grew up and still lives in Rode, was recommended to Suzy by her tutor at Trowbridge College, where she was named overall hairdresser of the year.

Heidi said: “I have always been interested in hair and I just knew that I wanted to become a hairdresser; it’s my passion.”

Suzy has once again entered Hair by Suzanne Elizabeth in the Salon of the Year competition run by her local series of newspapers and believes Heidi will be a big success with clients, who come from as far afield as Wells, Bath and Devizes.

Suzy said: “I know Heidi’s tutor and she’s come here with a very strong recommendation.”

To claim a 15% discount off ladies’ cuts and colours with Heidi please quote Heidi15 when making an appointment.

The overlooked adventure

SUMMER time invites us all to be a little more adventurous – whether that’s exploring new islands and taking in different cultures on our summer holidays, diving into the vibrant underwater world of the sea or gliding beneath the clouds.

These exciting adventures lift us from our everyday experiences, refreshing us with a sense of freedom and hope.

However, the most rewarding and sustaining adventure anyone could ever undertake is inward. To explore your emotional world is to discover a rich inner wisdom and knowledge that can guide you on your journey in relationships, careers and family.

If you wish to tip the pebble out of your shoe to enable you to take a more confident stride on your life’s path, then book yourself in for a complimentary session of Emotional Freedom Technique with Jane Ross-Wheatley to gain a different and encouraging perspective.

Quote Mendip Times. See advert for details.

HEALTH & FAMILY Hair By

Suzanne Elizabeth • bridal hair • extensions • unisex/children • colouring T: 01373 834671 High Street Faulkland Radstock BA3 5UX www.suzanneelizabeth.co.uk hair@suzanneelizabeth.co.uk

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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

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

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

For more informa on go to www.singleprofessionalassocia on.co.uk email: wellsandmendip@yahoo.co.uk Or contact Anne – 01934 743139 Veronica – 01749 330455

E m ot io n a l We ll -Bei ng Cli ni c

Sample a 50-minute complimentary session of Emotional Freedom Technique

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 87

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Retreat to the tranquility of the Somerset countryside to strengthen your core, improve your posture and prevent injuries.

Due to increased demand, The Pilates Garage is very happy to announce the arrival of an additional STOTT Pilates Instructor who will be teaching at the Studio on Tuesdays from September.

All other classes are detailed on the website wwwthepilatesgarage.co.uk The Pilates Garage is also excited to announce the launch of Lululemon Fitness apparel (the only stockist in the South West) from mid-June.

Beautiful top quality .itness garments to make your class even more comfortable.

• Quali.ied STOTT

Pilates Instructors

• Small group classes • Caters for all ages and .itness levels Please contact Jackie Cunningham on 07511 568 985 or email her at Jackie.thepilatesgarage@gmail.com to book classes and information about Lululemon.

The Pilates Garage, Stone Allerton, near Wedmore

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HEALTH & FAMILY

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Memories of school days

IT seems that the phrase ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ is as true in some quarters today as it was when it was first coined. At least for the people who attended or entered Midsomer Norton Grammar School in the 1950s and early 1960s.

For the past 10 years, many former pupils in this category have come together annually from near and far at one or other of the hotels or inns in the district, and every year there is no lack of topics to talk about.

So, if you qualify for this reunion but have never been along, or have lost touch with the organisers, then this is your chance to bring a smile to your face when you meet up with old school friends and talk about the ‘good old days’.

The photograph shows how much some people enjoyed one of these reunions. If you haven’t already registered and want to have a thoroughly enjoyable evening too, the next reunion is on Saturday September 12th at the Old Down Inn. Details: Trevor Dury trevor.dury@gmail.com or phone Tony Tompkins on 01327 857480.

Farewell postman Paul

RESIDENTS and parish councillors of Trudoxhill gathered in the function room of the White Hart in the village to say a fond farewell to their postman of 25 years, Paul Uphill or Postie Paul as he is affectionately known to his customers.

He was always willing to “keep an eye” on the homes of those residents who were away on holiday and quickly got to know newcomers to the community. Paul and his wife Wendy exchanged memories of his experiences during his time delivering in the village.

Paul was presented with a thank you gift by parish councillor Patrick Twigger.

Villlagers say they wish Paul a long and happy retirement – he will be missed.

PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Paulton says farewell

Pictured (l to r) are Simon Gisborne, volunteer, Liz Hardman, June Brassington, Mary Piper, volunteer and John Bull

THE Hub in Paulton has said goodbye to June Brassington, who has spent nearly 42 years in the BANES library service. She said the Paulton library had led the way for other community ventures.

She said: “We are so pleased that there is such community involvement with the Library here in Paulton and that it is located here right in the centre of Paulton.”

It was five years ago that the idea of combining a library and Internet café was hatched when local councillor Liz Hardman and June first met.

Liz said: “Paulton owes such a debt of gratitude to June.

Without her drive, commitment, vision and enthusiasm, the library would have stayed where it was in a side street and The Hub would never have happened. It has transformed the centre of Paulton.”

The Hub library is looking for volunteers as at least six of their volunteers have gone on to take up paid employment. If interested pop into The Hub for a form or contact BANES voluntary services.

More village agents

THE Community Council for Somerset has announced seven new additions to the Somerset Village Agent team, following its successful funding award from The Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund.

The new team members will work across 74 new parishes enabling the project to cover just over 56% of the county. Since the start of the project the agents have supported 1404 people. It hopes to cover the whole county eventually.

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COMMUNITY

Rescue exercise all adds up for accountants

STAFF from Old Mill were put through their paces by a team from Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue when they gook part in an exercise on Mendip.

ASSAR revealed some of the techniques they use, teaching navigation and search skills to the Old Mill workers alongside putting specialist stretchers together and handling them safely.

The exercise took place at Mendip Snowsport in Churchill during which they were tasked with finding and rescuing one of their colleagues from a tricky situation in woodlands. To add pressure ASSAR added another casualty into the scenario!

Andrew Moore, partner at Old Mill, said afterwards that it was a “superb day” and that the event had had a “universally positive response” from the staff attending.

ASSAR is an emergency service staffed by volunteers on call around the clock, working on behalf of Avon and Somerset Police. Old Mill made a generous donation of £1,250 to ASSAR. A spokesman said: “The rescue team relies completely on donations and this sum will go some way towards upgrading the team’s vehicles and communications equipment.”

Old Mill staff and ASSAR volunteers at the end of the day

Ferrying a “casualty” to safety

If your company would like to spend a day with the ASSAR team please contact communication@ascrt.com

Wild west comes to Chelwood

Some 180 cub scouts and 60 leaders enjoyed Wansdyke Cub Scouts fun weekend camp on a Wild West theme at Chelwood.

Among the activities on offer were crate-stacking, shelter building, fire-lighting, catapulting, fishing, face painting, making leather pouches and dream catchers, horse-shoe throwing, archery, line dancing and much more.

Organiser Tina Curtis said: “The weather was brilliant and

everyone had a great time!”

One of the cubs, Alexander from Chew Stoke said: “I thought camp was amazing and really good fun and enjoyed all of it.”

Holly from Peasedown St John and Carys from Radstock won the best cowboy and Indian costumes. Tully from Peasedown and Orin from Clutton won the crate stacking competition.

Peasedown pack won the best decorated sub-camp.

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Midsomer Norton Fayre

THE second annual Midsomer Norton Fayre stayed true to its ambition to celebrate tradition in the town, from maypole dancing to homemade cakes and community groups running stalls in Gullock Tyning.

The day began with the annual duck race along the River Somer, organised by Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Club.

But anyone seeking more excitement was not disappointed with award-winning skate park hosting competitions throughout the day.

The Lions selling ducks before the start of the race

Welton primary school won the maypole dance competition for the second year running. Prizes were presented by local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg

Crowds line the River Somer for the duck race

John Hayhoe took first place in the Men Only competition to bake a Victoria sponge cake PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Mow, Daisy and Lawna Turf, from the Gobbledygook Theatre Company, on their way to entertain youngsters

Anne White won the prize for the best floral arrangement in a cup and saucer

Action in the skate park

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EVENTS

Congresbury Village Fete

Cadbury Wind Band

The flower show was popular

In charge of the sweet stall Eva, Gabriella, Emily and Louie

Congresbury Evening WI were selling cakes

Pimms anyone? Tennis club members (l to R) Natalie Perry, Pam Biffin and Liz Greaves

Some of the team behind plans for a new village hall (l to r) Ian Sheppard, Lester Biffin, Derek Biles and Ron Hall

Prince and Princess Cameron Fog and Hannah Bennett, both aged 11

Congresbury Horticultural Society members (l to r) Jane Hares, Ann Gunner and Judy Brook

Fun run winners Megan Hutchings, aged seven and Oli Langley, aged nine MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 93

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House moving “made easy”

THE chance to move up to a spacious new home in a matter of weeks is being offered to buyers at Horsehill Meadows in Shepton Mallet thanks to Barratt’s popular part exchange scheme.

Record numbers of homeowners are looking to move up the housing ladder and part exchange is helping an increasing number of buyers looking to make a move this summer.

“We’ve been offering a part-exchange service for more than 30 years but we’ve never had so many people looking to take advantage of it,” said Barratt sales director Andrea Pilgrim.

With its part-exchange exchange service, Barratt will buy your old home when you purchase one of its new homes at Horsehill Meadows. That way you can buy and sell in one easy move and know you’re getting fair market value for your old home.

There are no estate agents’ fees to pay, you side-step most of the hassle and cost usually associated with selling a property and – best of all – you’ll have no worries about the dreaded house-buying ‘chain’ breaking.

“It’s just like part exchanging a car,” Andrea added.

“We’ll consider buying your current home so that you are free to buy one of ours.

“We arrange for the property to be valued by two independent surveyors and make a fair offer based on the valuations. We are a guaranteed cash buyer, there’s no chain, no agents’ fees or last minute price haggling.”

Barratt owners who have recently used the scheme with the five-star house builder include Nigel and Rumbai Sutcliffe who said that part exchange meant their move could not have been easier.

“The sale of our old house had proven difficult, with a house sale falling through at the last minute,” said Nigel.

“We’d looked at the Barratt development and were really excited but didn’t know how we could proceed. We needn’t have worried though – because Barratt stepped in with part exchange.

“It was absolutely hassle-free – and Barratt even offered us more than we were asking for our property,” added Nigel. “It meant we could move into our new home with the minimum of fuss.”

Details: For further details about Horsehill Meadows and current availability call Barratt on 0844 5710 385 or log onto www.barratthomes.co.uk

Prices on the rise again – latest survey shows HOUSE price growth increased again in the South West in June, pointing to renewed acceleration in house price inflation during the second half of the year, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

In the region, it says 50% more surveyors expect house prices to rise over the next three months, which is the highest proportion since April 2014. As new instructions continue to fall in the region, 25% more surveyors saw a fall rather than rise in the last month, demand continued to edge upwards despite the more cautious attitude of lenders, with 26% more PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

surveyors seeing a rise in buyer enquiries in the South West over the last month.

RICS says one reason for the slight recovery in buyer enquiries is likely to have been a further drop in mortgage rates which is accompanying the ongoing strength of the labour market. Across the UK, the West Midlands and London saw the strongest increase in potential buyers during the month.

Despite the lack of stock coming on to the market in the South West, 44% more chartered surveyors have seen a rise in newly agreed sales over the past month and 41% more surveyors expect sales to

continue to increase in the region.

Across the rental sector in the region, the demand and supply imbalance is also visible and new instructions from landlords are at growing odds with the rising demand from would-be tenants – putting further upward pressure on rents. Some 35% more chartered surveyors are seeing a rise rather than fall in demand with 10% more chartered surveyors seeing a fall rather than rise in new instructions.

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PROPERTY

David James & Partners celebrates 25 years

OVER 600 clients, friends and fellow professionals joined the partners and staff of David James & Partners at two venues in South Gloucestershire and at Barley Wood Stables in Wrington to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the company.

A marquee in the stable yard at Barley Wood hosted the Wrington celebrations, where staff are pictured before entertaining some 250 guests.

Local North Somerset producers were well represented with wine from Aldwick Court Vineyard, cider from Thatchers and native flower arrangements from Wrington. Local musicians provided entertainment while delicious canapes were served.

Speeches were opened by Richard Nancekivell who thanked the many clients and farmers present, as well as his colleagues. A similar event took place at Kingcote Barn, near Tetbury. Both were attended by founding partner David James.

He explained how the firm had evolved during the past 25 years and how the business had started with the amalgamation of two long-established firms of Alonzo Dawes and Hoddell and Pritchard and Co., with a client base dating back to 1860.

In 1990 David James & Partners set up in Congresbury with a staff of two and has now expanded to a staff of 38 with offices in Wrington, Old Sodbury and Wotton-under-Edge offering a bespoke and specialist service to land owners, home owners, farmers and landlords.

EASTON-IN-GORDANO, NORTH SOMERSET

A superb equestrian property offering all the facilities a keen horse rider could require.

Detached Family Home, Four Double Bedrooms, Three with En-suite Facilities, Sitting Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Study & Utility. Formal Gardens, Yard of Six Stables, Floodlit Riding Arena, Hay Barn. In all 5 Acres. EPC: E Ref: 24398 PRICE GUIDE £950,000

W NE

WEST HARPTREE, CHEW VALLEY

A very tidy light and airy three bedroom detached bungalow with large garden and lovely views – close to the village centre and offering loads of potential for extension (subject to pp). The well presented accommodation has views to the front up to the Mendip Hills and to the rear over the large garden to countryside.

EPC: D, Ref: 24909 PRICE GUIDE £399,950

MENDIP HILLS, NR. BLAGDON

Farmhouse with 55 acres and miles of far reaching views over the Mendip countryside. A detached house with well proportioned, high ceilinged rooms over two floors. Two principal reception rooms, conservatory, office, utility and cloakroom, four double bedrooms and family bathroom. EPC: F ref: 24834 PRICE GUIDE £1,000,000

CLEEVE, NORTH SOMERSET

Period stone cottage with cottage garden, outbuildings and 3 acres of land. Three double bedrooms, two reception rooms, snug and porches on each outside door. Long driveway from road to the rear of the house with extensive parking and large outbuildings backing on to a beautiful meadow with an abundance of wildflowers and wooded aspect. Woodburner and Rayburn. EPC: Ref: 24908 PRICE GUIDE £485,000

W

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STOP PRESS . . . KINGSTON SEYMOUR – DETACHED PERIOD FARMHOUSE, YARD, OUTBUILDINGS AND 33 ACRES!

Wrington Tel: 01934 864300 MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 95

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HOMES & INTERIORS

The journey from pit props to summer houses WITHIN the readership area of Mendip Times there must be few if any businesses that are still family owned and managed with the fifth generation now working in the business. Yet that is the case with timber company AJ Charlton & Sons Limited, who started off over 100 years ago supplying props to the Somerset Coalfields.

Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength. Charltons, with their sawmills based at Buckland Down, is now one of the country’s leading manufacturer of gates and fencing products. They also have a thriving and successful furniture division based in Midsomer Norton.

Rustic sleepers

PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

However, most readers of Mendip Times, will know Charltons as the Timber Store, on the A362 between Radstock and Frome, from where the public are increasingly buying a range of landscaping and fencing products. One of the team at the Timber Store, and a member of that fifth generation is Tom Charlton. Tom’s grandfather is the company’s CEO and chairman ‘AJ’ Charlton.

“You could say that we Charltons really do have timber in our blood,” says Tom. “What it does mean is that with all our experience, we are trusted to get it right by our many customers. Increasingly, the Timber Store is also now being favoured by members of the public whatever their interest in landscaping and fencing whether it be design or installation.

“Over the years we have changed and expanded our product range as we respond to what our customers want – particularly in their gardens. As well as being big suppliers of fencing, trellis and garden furniture, we are leading manufacturers and suppliers of contemporary rustic sleepers which have been a huge hit and

Tom Charlton

automated gates.”

The Timber Store’s Funky Sheds campaign launched earlier this summer has also proved a big success.

Tom said: “Customers want to buy garden and related products that are of excellent quality and value for money.

With a great range of sheds, decking, gazebos, sleepers, gates, planters and summer houses that is exactly what we aim to provide. With our increased sales and customer footfall we are obviously getting it right!”

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RH

Windows THE CHEW VALLEY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED WINDOW COMPANY WITH A REPUTATION BUILT ON QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS AND DOORS IN HARDWOOD OR UPVC

HARDWOOD JOINERY SPECIALISTS www.rhwindowsltd.co.uk

Telephone: 01761 452171 Fax: 01761 453342

PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Soft furnishings – with over 25 years’ experience YVONNE Reed has been making bespoke curtains and other soft furnishings in this family-run business for over 25 years.

She operates in and around The Mendip Hills where she is based, and covers the Bath and Bristol areas. In more recent years Yvonne’s daughter has joined her in the business.

All their work is hand-made to a high standard and covers a wide range of interiors, discussed with you in your home, where they can help you to achieve the look you want. Whether that is a single window with a Roman blind or a whole house including a matching loose cover for your sofa.

Yvonne also makes bespoke soft furnishings for cushions, bed covers, blinds and

curtains, fitted at affordable prices with an extensive range of fabrics and styles. Fabrics include Romo, Villa Nova, Nouveau, Sanderson and Linwood.

Call them now for a quote and to discuss your requirements.

HOMES & INTERIORS

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

YVONNE REED SOFT FURNISHINGS

Hand Made & Made To Measure Extensive Range of Fabrics at Affordable Prices

Please Contact: Yvonne Reed 01761 241141 or visit our website: yvonnereedsoftfurnishings.co.uk

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

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 99

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Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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

Page 100

D.R. CARPETS

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

Showroom 1, Evercreech Junction, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6NA Like us on T: 01749 831578 www.dr-carpets.co.uk

Garden classics

SHEPTON Classic Stone was started in 2004, with a view to producing decorative garden stoneware/stone garden ornaments of the highest quality, but not at the high prices normally seen at garden centres.

The majority of the items that they produce are various types and styles of stone garden planters, such as stone tub planters, stone trough planters and classic urn planters. They do, however, produce a range of other items of garden stoneware that fit in with our range of garden planters. Among these items, all made in drycast stone, are – bird baths, seats/benches, ball finials, piers, plinths, and pedestals, and of course, classic stone balustrade.

Chunky Reclaimed Furniture Bespoke, handmade furniture made exclusively from reclaimed wood Office desks, garden furniture, bookcases, dining room tables all made to your specifications Visit www.chunkyreclaimedfurniture.co.uk or call Guy on 07789 381989

Tony Hucker TV Service – Sales – Rental

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Satellite Installations Aerial Systems TV wall mounting Custom Installations Networking Signal Solutions

01275 332888 www.tonyhuckertv.co.uk Email: tony@tonyhuckertv.co.uk Unit 4, Fairseat Workshops, Chew Stoke BS40 8XF Open: Mon – Thurs 9.00am – 6.00pm Fri – 9.00am – 5.30pm

PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

FAMILY BUSINESS BASED IN THE CHEW VALLEY FOR OVER 100 YEARS

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JACKSONS

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

Our Hampton Court Show Garden update . . .

ANY of you who are regular readers of this page, can’t help but have noticed that I’ve mentioned that we had a show garden at RHS Hampton Court Flower Show this year. It would be remiss of me not to let you know how it all went now it’s all over. I must admit to saying that with more than a little relief – it’s been an amazing experience, very busy and pretty exhausting, but all in all very positive.

The build-up started on 10th through to 28th June and what was just a green piece of parkland was transformed into a stunning (even if I say it myself!) Show Garden. It was fascinating seeing our garden take shape over the weeks, and of course all the other stands, exhibits and show gardens as well.

I got a bit nervy the closer we got to the show opening, the media appeared, we had a few interviews and even Monty Don was filmed in the garden and said some very complimentary things about our Jacksons Secret Garden Party. And then in the afternoon of Monday 29th the medals were announced. I’m delighted to say we got an RHS Silver Gilt medal, which I’m told is just a shade below a Gold – not bad going for a first attempt and if I’m honest a huge relief that we didn’t end up with egg on our faces, with no medal awarded or one that wasn’t quite as shiny!

I’ve put lots of photos up online for you to see, especially for those who didn’t get a chance to visit the show, or see any of the many programmes on the TV that week. If you go to your local

Monty Don filming for the BBC in the garden.

Jacksons Secret Garden Party Show Garden at RHS Hampton Court Flower Show

page: www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/bathlocal there is a link.

There are also instructions on how to vote for your favourite garden – if you remember our garden featured six smaller gardens within our one big garden – you will be able to view gardens one to six and then email with which is the one you like best. Someone will be picked at random from these emails as the winner of £300 of Jacksons vouchers.

And talking of winners, we ran a draw over the last few months to win pairs of tickets to Hampton Court – we gave away five pairs of tickets in all and I’m pleased to say most of you dropped by the show garden to say hello and pick up your goody bags, great to meet you and sorry we were so busy at times that it made it a bit tricky to spend much time getting to know you better. www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal or call 0800 408 4733 to talk to your local Jacksons Fencing Centre. louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk

A view inside the garden showing the colourful planting.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 101

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Harmony on the Tor

Trek success

OVER £7,500 has been raised for the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust, thanks to a sponsored trek along the Mendip Way by Wells Cathedral Organist and Master of the Choristers Matthew Owens and his five-year-old chocolate Labrador, Elsie – £2,500 more than the original £5,000 target.

The trust is close to raising £1million towards a £2million endowment fund to give bursaries to future choristers.

FIVE music therapists from Somerset, Bristol and Dorset carried instruments to the top of Glastonbury Tor for a musical improvisation event to kick-start National Music Therapy Week, which ran from June 22nd-28th.

It is an initiative by the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) to help raise awareness of how music therapy can improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities across the UK. The therapists provided a range of easily accessible percussion instruments and at 11am started to play, sparking interest amongst the many tourists and locals gathered on the Tor. As the music continued, passers-by were invited to choose an instrument and join in. Some walkers on the Tor had bought their own instruments. As the music continued the numbers swelled until there were 25 individuals, therapists and non-therapists, friends and strangers from countries including Sweden, Czech Republic and Germany as well as local residents all playing music together.

Music therapy is a clinical intervention which is delivered

by HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registered music therapists. It aims to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness, disability, trauma or emotional crisis through supporting their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs.

Music therapists work in a range of settings including schools, hospitals and care homes and current public health priority areas such as maximizing opportunities for vulnerable children, improving adult mental well-being and caring for the growing number of people affected by dementia.

They are all areas where music therapy has been shown to have an important contribution to make.

Details: www.bamt.org

PAGE 102 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Graduates under spotlight

Weston College students who took part in the Somniatis performance

MUSICAL theatre graduates from the Wessex Academy of Performing Arts at Weston College have had their talents put in the spotlight in a show written by their lecturer and watched by a London audience.

Show business agents were among those who attended the performance of Somniatis at the New Wimbledon Studio Theatre, which was staged by Sylvia Lane, who has her own production company called J-Starr Productions.

Nine graduates – eight from the BA musical theatre course and one from the foundation course – took part in the show, with the support of three first-year musical theatre students.

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Timsbury celebrates

The Wizard of Oz. Pictured (l to r) Peter Buchanan, Jean Gibbs, Peter Crooke and Claire Bramley

Roger Bird as Max Miller

The company

TIMSBURY Theatre Group gave two performances of their 1945 Concert Party commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of WW2.

With the Conygre Hall decked out with Union Jack flags, seating arranged to resemble a victory street party and entertainment including comedy, songs and music of the era, there was a truly 1940s feel about the whole evening.

Timsbury Theatre Group’s next production will be their annual pantomime. This year they will be performing Cinderella by David Maun from December 9th – 12th.

The group are always keen to recruit new members, not only as actors, but also to join the awardwinning backstage team who make such a vital contribution to the group’s productions.

Details: www.thettg.org

Singers welcome

MUSIC

CONGRESBURY Singers are looking for new members to join their choir. They do about five concerts per year covering a wide spectrum of musical styles, including beautiful choral pieces, extracts from light operas and musicals and an eclectic mix of carols and readings at Christmas.

Their concert this November will include battlefield songs that helped Britain through World War II. No audition is required although a very basic knowledge of music might help.

They meet on Tuesday evenings for rehearsals with their next term commencing on September 8th.

Details: Liz Sampson 01934 876104 or Paul Adams 01275 878740.

Chew Valley seeks new members

SINGING choral works by some of the world’s greatest composers is both challenging and rewarding. Chew Valley Choral Society will be 40 years old next year and is already planning a special year, as usual being joined on concert days by a range of skilled professional soloists.

The society’s musical director for the past 12 years David Bednall and regular accompanist and organist David Whitehead make a very strong team, getting the very best from the choir.

The choir’s 2015 autumn season of weekly rehearsals starts at Chew Stoke Hall on Tuesday September 1st at 7.30pm.

The choir will be singing the Dvorak Requiem which will be performed on November 28th at St Andrew’s Church, Chew Magna.

New members are always welcome, both experienced and novice.

Details: www.chewvalleychoral.org.uk or call Helen Boyde on 01275 333014.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 103

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Folk on the hill – Priddy Festival

The queue outside Swildon’s for the Leveret concert

The Harry Browns and the Roaring Trowmen shanty singers from Bristol

Jamming outside the Queen Victoria

Cheddar-based Holly Gray played in the Fringe Tent alongside Rob Thomas as Beside the Gray The Fireside Collective

Fun inside the Queen Victoria PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Fe Sc to

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PRIDDY FOLK FESTIVAL 2015 Jez Hellard in Swildon’s Marquee

Scott and Sophie beside the hurdles on the village green

Des Dobson and Carolan Burke came from Bournemouth for the festival – and vowed to return!

Impromptu gig at the Queen Vic

Festival chairman Dean Collier: “The Blue School project shows how the festival is helping to create a musical legacy”

Village green picnic Priddy style MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 105

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Compton Dando Village Fun Day

Page 40

Plume of Feathers Duck Race

Not only ducks took to the water

The event, raising funds for village charities and MS, attracted big crowds

Harriette Dottridge and Caroline Coombs with some of the produce on sale in the hall

Crowds outside the Plume of Feathers Lin Palmer, Wendy and Gary Pearce on the vintage Geest banana truck

Oliver, Keiran and Luke, wearing stickers which proved that they had been to the top of the tower in St Mary's Church PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Some of the ducks were decorated

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Clutton Fun Day

Angie facepainting Samuel

EVENTS

East Harptree Village Fete

Winners of the first skipping race

John Newcombe and Adrian Jay provided the entertainment Princess Elsa with Lyra, aged two, and ( left to right) Evie and Lily

Hazel Rider, with 94-year-old Marion Tucker, a great supporter of local events

Abigail, Niamh and Phoebe fetching water for the stocks

High Littleton Football Club youngsters (l to r) Harry, Owen, Finlay and Bert, with coaches Gary Coombes and Phil Smith MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 107

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CAVING

Finding caves the high-tech way

A COMMON question from noncavers is: “How many caves are there left to be discovered?” After all, a mass of With PHILIP limestone like the HENDY Mendip Hills can only support so many underground cavities before it collapses under its own weight.

The glib answer is 42, as Hitchhiker fans will know, but in truth we do not know – and how can we?

Thanks to enthusiastic teams of cave diggers, a few new caves and some new passages are discovered every year, but the search gets harder. Thanks to our knowledge of geology and hydrology, we have a greater understanding of where caves might be found.

The swallets, where water sinks underground, tend to be at or near the boundary between the impervious sandstones of the Portishead formations, which outcrop on the major hilltops, and the pervious limestones which are found lower down. Between these two rocks is the Lower Limestone Shale, which can confuse the issue.

At the foot of the hills, the water reappears at springs or risings. All of these are well-known and have been investigated by cavers and where necessary by cave divers. Some have proved to be impenetrable, but many others have given us some of our bestknown caves, such as Swildon’s Hole, Charterhouse Cave, Wookey Hole and Gough’s Cave.

Aerial photography can play a part in cave location, as images taken with oblique light, in the early morning or late evening, can reveal dips and hollows, or abandoned stream courses, which may reveal the presence of a choked cave entrance which would not be visible from the ground.

The technique can be used not just along swallet or spring lines, but on the closed basins and depressions of the Mendip plateau. However, to my knowledge, aerial photographs have proved more useful to archaeologists

Resistivity survey above Lamb Leer, 1938

than to cave hunters.

Many years ago, when satellites were new and exciting, it was suggested that imagery from space might be used for cave location. Satellites have proved useful for locating oil and mineral deposits, but so far they have been of little or no use to cavers.

Another archaeological technique which has been used has been ground penetrating radar, known to all Time Team aficionados as ‘geofizz’. Radar beams are sent down into the ground and the reflected signals are recorded and monitored. According to the density of the ground, a map can be drawn showing areas of high and low reflectivity.

These may indicate ancient walls, ditches or postholes, which help the archaeologist decide where to dig. The problem with ground penetrating radar from a caver’s point of view is that it does not penetrate far enough into the ground to be of use.

My one experience of the technique was at Charterhouse, when the GPR showed a regular rectangular grid pattern close to the known Roman settlement.

However, excavation revealed bedrock less than half a metre under the grass, with a system of water-worn joints in the rock.

Above West Harptree lies Lamb Leer Cavern. There are no surface indications of its existence, so had it not been found by 17th century lead miners, it would remain undiscovered to this day. In 1938 the University of Bristol, under Prof. Leo Palmer, conducted a geophysical survey of the area above the cave.

Electric pulses were sent down into the ground and the resistance of the underlying rocks was measured.

Extremely high resistance could indicate an air-filled space or cave. The students were able to locate the main chamber of Lamb Leer, but the results seemed to indicate that another large void lay nearby.

Extensive digging both in the known cave and on the surface has so far failed to penetrate this so-called Palmer’s Chamber, if indeed it exists. It is known that ore bodies can cause anomalies in ‘geofizz data’, suggesting things that are not actually there.

The art of dowsing goes back for centuries, and using Y-shaped hazel twigs, bent wires or pendulums its practitioners claim to be able to locate hidden objects, treasure and water – even caves. I have seen several fanciful surveys of undiscovered cave systems made by dowsing, some of which fly in the face of geological knowledge.

Personally I am a sceptic, but have to admit that I once saw a caver, with a hastily-gathered twig, locate a spot at the bottom of a small rock face where he assured everyone that a cavity existed. A small stream was diverted to the place and to everyone’s surprise the water vanished underground without backing up.

While these techniques are interesting in their own right, at the end of the day there can be no substitute for groundwork, locating a concealed cave entrance by good luck or judgement, and then digging it open.

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

PAGE 108 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Flood work completed

The re-opening of the road at Beer Wall

MOTORING THE second stage of major flood protection works at Beer Wall, near Othery, which should guarantee that the main A372 remains

open, has been completed.

Four culverts, measuring two metres tall by three metres wide, have been installed under the road across the Somerset Levels to allow water to pass under at times of severe flooding, as well as paving the way for Environment Agency works to increase the capacity of the Sowy.

The road had been closed since April to allow the works to take place. During the winter floods of 2013/14 it was shut for several weeks due to flooding at the Beer Wall stretch and then to accommodate emergency pumping. As well as keeping the A372 open, the three-stage Beer Wall scheme is designed to reduce flood risk in the Sowy and Kings Sedgemoor Drain river systems. The Environment Agency will soon be starting Phase Three of the scheme which won’t require further road closures.

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Our shop stocks a full range of accessories and equipment

Sales – Service – Parts – Repairs ALL MAKES SERVICING – VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, AIR CONDITIONING, MECHANICAL & BODY REPAIRS Collection/Loan Car by arrangement

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Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 109

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School leavers hop to it

Race is a winner

Youngsters before the start of a race

PUPILS leaving Leigh-on-Mendip primary school had a spring in their step at their end-of-term sports day.

Space hopper races and other fun events for the whole school were held in the grounds of The Lighthouse at Tytherington, near Frome, before a swimming gala was held in The Sound Foundation conference centre and community space next door.

And they’re off Space hopper fun

THIS year’s Chew Valley 10k race enjoyed near perfect running weather conditions with patchy sunshine and a cool breeze. The race was a sell-out with runners enjoying the undulating course with the notoriously steep Coley Hill halfway through, giving both novice and experienced runners alike a serious challenge.

The first ever children’s 1km Rainbow Run heralded a riot of colour and excitement as 250 budding runners ran the triple circuit, and more, with enthusiasm and gusto.

With the previous years both posting race wins for Wells City Harriers Running Club, this year it was Bristol & West Athletics Club who won first place. Jack Millar, 19, came in first in 36:12, closely followed by Annabel Granger, 42, the fastest female at 38:07. The quickest local runners were Neil Rasburn from Chew Magna (39:41) and Rachel Anderton from Bishop Sutton (46:33).

England ladies are champions

THREE women from Somerset were part of the England Ladies’ Team who won gold at the Home International Sea Angling

Championships held in Co. Wexford, Ireland.

The matches were fished in The Barrow Estuary under challenging conditions with mainly flounder and eels being caught, measured and then released back to the water.

The England Youth and Junior teams also brought home the gold with the Men’s team winning bronze.

The ladies’ team are pictured (l to r) Heather Lindfield, Wirral, Rachel Jarman, Bicknoller, Somerset, Kay Brown, Holt, Norfolk, Wendy Metcalfe, Holt, Norfolk, Becky Adams, Muchelney, Somerset, Lolly Perry, Hampshire and Nicky Frewin, Axbridge, Somerset.

Details: The England Sea Angling teams are self-funded. If anyone would like to sponsor any of the teams contact the Angling Trust Competitions and Events Manager, 0115 9061 301.

PAGE 110 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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SPORT

Toucans play at that game!

By Mark Adler

COLOUR, fun and some outstanding rugby were once again the highlights of the annual Frome 7s tournament.

More than 400 players and supporters enjoyed the atmosphere at the fourth annual tournament at the Gypsy Lane ground.

With three competitions – Open, Social and Ladies – running at the same time, there was no shortage of action across the four pitches.

Newcomers, the Ponty Butchers took the men’s title, beating tough opponents Oxfam Crusaders in the final. The Swifts retained the ladies’ cup with victory over Cardiff Met. And the Toucans, a side made up of players mostly from Keynsham RFC, took the Men’s Social title, beating tournament regulars The Godfathers 26-22.

Frome 7’s event organiser Mike Rutt said: “The festival has evolved so much over the last few years and has become a top date for some of the best teams in the 7’s calendar. “Frome RFC has such fantastic facilities at Gypsy Lane and were able to showcase everything great

that the club has to offer, we are very fortunate.

“The weekend-long festival would not be as successful as it has been without all the great volunteers from the club and Frome RFC family so a huge thank you to them.”

The Swifts go over for a try on their way to victory against Cardiff Met

Marlon Dorsett scores for the Toucans in their final

West Country Cavaliers (in pink) in action in the plate final against eventual victors Shredded Ducks

The Toucans celebrate victory in the social competition

Godfathers score in the final against Toucans but lose 22-26

It was the fourth year of 7s rugby at Frome

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Who needs the south of France . . ?

Members of the Harris and Harris and Boules de Feu teams

Pete Ross, from the Rock House dental practice team

… WHEN the sun shines – as it always seems to do – on the annual charity boules tournament in Wells.

Organised by the Rotary clubs of Wells and Avalon, the contest this year attracted 48 teams, including some new faces, for a day of competitions and the odd glass of wine.

With sponsorship from local companies for each of the boules “pistes”, the tournament raises funds for a Rotarybacked Nepal Trust project in Nepal, especially poignant after the earthquakes which brought devastation to large parts of the country.

The winners of the 2015 competition were solicitors Chubb Bulleid.

Chew Stoke win rugby world cup FORGET the Rugby World Cup being played later this year – Bristol’s Clifton Downs was where the real action was happening, with the primary schools’ World Cup in a Day rugby tournament.

Over 20 teams from across Bristol and Somerset played some hard fought tag-rugby, under the watchful eye of former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio.

After playing five pool matches, semi-finals and a tense final, the worthy winners of the much coveted trophy were Chew Stoke Church School.

The excited children were treated to tee-shirts signed by the England star and by players from Bristol Rugby Club, as well as the delight of seeing Lawrence kick a rugby ball through the Clifton Suspension Bridge towers, which was closed especially for the event.

As if that wasn’t enough, the real rugby world cup, The Webb Ellis Trophy, was on site as it toured the country ready for the real World Cup later this year.

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Adrian Lawrence, Peter Ayton and Mike Love, three of the original Rotarians who set up the Nepal Trust project

The tee shirt says it all

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SPORT

Road runners pound the streets THE fourth Frome Half Marathon – complete with 10km, 5km races and a 1km dash for youngsters – attracted around 1,000 runners of all ages and abilities.

Starting and finishing at the town’s football club and organised by Frome Athletics Club and the Rotary Club of Frome, the street races have become a firm fixture on Frome’s sporting calendar.

Frank Tickner, a member of Wells City Harriers, flew home in the half marathon with a time of 01:11:14 to finish two minutes ahead of George Gurney, of Avon Valley Runners. The first woman home was Frome-based Laura Holton, from Affinity Wellbeing in 01:33:26.

Adriana and Ivan Escobar were on holiday from Bogota in Colombia and decided to enter the event

Frank Tickner powers home in the half marathon

Host club Frome AC before the start of the event

All the runners in the main races set off at the same time

The start of the 1km race for young runners MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 113

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Not-so-old Coleplay is king of Nunney

By Mark Adler

SAM Jennings was the resounding winner of the top event at this year’s Nunney International Horse Trials.

More than 800 competitors took part in the three days of dressage and jumps at Southfield House at Whatley, near Frome, which attracted an impressive number of visitors.

Sam, from Tonbridge in Kent, was competing in her second Nunney event with Coleplay and, like all the competitors in the prestigious CIC2* class, said: “It’s a challenging course, but the organisers have done the most fantastic job with the ground as it rode really well.”

Coleplay was a bargain purchase as a three-year-old from Cavan Sales in Ireland by Gill Johnson, who hails from Brent Knoll but now lives near Gatwick. Sam said: “He was bought as a project and he has a really great attitude.”

Gill said: “We love coming to Nunney. Coleplay was ninth in the two star two years ago. It’s always a really friendly atmosphere.”

Event organiser Alisa Hunter-Gordon said: “It was three

Coleplay owner Gill Johnson with Sam Jennings and the stunning winner’s sculpture

Guests with Roger Penny (second left), one of the sponsors

Harry Dzenis on Fernando VIII tackle the Morris and Perry jump on the cross country course

PAGE 114 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

fabulous days of competition and we’re delighted with all the positive comments we have received from competitors. Visitor numbers were up quite considerably to the point where we had to print off extra car passes and we were pleased that Friday, which is free, attracted plenty of spectators.

“Our title sponsors, Hopkins Concrete, who won the sponsorship through our Nunney 200 Club, had a wonderful weekend enjoying hospitality. There are so many people to thank, including all our volunteers and committee member Sam Griffiths, who is incredibly busy as a professional rider but provides us with so much help and advice.”

Abigail Walters, on Perfick Miss Amber, take the water jumps in their stride

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RIDING

Where there’s a Willberry, there’s a way

Visitors stroll amongst the trade stands around the showjumping arena

Sasha Hourigan and Themis in the showjumping arena

RELATIVES of Hannah Francis are joining in a fundraising campaign after the talented young rider from Hemington was diagnosed with cancer.

They ran a stall at the horse trials to raise awareness as well as money after Hannah, 17 and a pupil at Norton Hill School, began a course of Hannah’s grandmother June Clothier, from chemotherapy.

Hornblotton, and aunt Sandra Clothier, Hannah was from Holcombe, at their fundraising stall given a toy horse – called Willberry – which was bought at Badminton Horse Trials, which she was due to attend before the diagnosis, to provide a bit of cheer during the treatment.

Willberry and Hannah have become a big hit on social media with more than 11,000 hits on Instagram alone.

To read Hannah’s blog and find out more about her fundraising campaign, search for: willberrywonderpony or hanfranciseventing

New manager at Wincanton

Am I in hot water? This terrier takes advantage of a cattle trough on the course to cool down

HUW Williams has been appointed the next General Manager of Wincanton Racecourse.

The 52-year-old will be moving from a similar role at Warwick Racecourse, which he has held for the past ten years.

Both tracks are part of Jockey Club Racecourses, which also includes Cheltenham in its stable.

Prior to working for Jockey Club Racecourses, Huw spent six years working at racetracks in America. He will succeed Steve Parlett after his move to another Jockey Club Racecourse, Kempton Park, again as General Manager.

Huw said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to move within Jockey Club Racecourses to Wincanton. After nearly 10 years at Warwick Racecourse, I will be sad to leave, but equally I look forward to taking on a new challenge in the heartland of National Hunt racing.”

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Busy times at equine practice

Equine fair will soon be here

Brazil this year for the preparatory “test event”.

Thereafter are trips to the Junior European Championships in Poland and then, as part of Team GB, the Senior European Eventing Championships which this year will be a “home” fixture at Blair Castle in Scotland.

Closer to home, James Macintosh is stepping up preparations for his “Iron Man Challenge” and welcoming further sponsorship in aid of Macmillan – donations received at our recent Open Day have already given a great boost towards his anticipated total! Alice Thomas’s preparations for the Berlin Marathon continue apace. Meanwhile, Practice Manager Dawn Stubbs will have returned from her fundraising skydive in aid of “Make-a-Wish Foundation”.

G Anyone who missed the practice’s Open Day is always welcome to call in for a cup of tea, meet the team and tour the state-of-the-art practice.

Rebecca Holloway, from Parelli, with Katy

Tim Randle

THE team at Stables Equine Practice are preparing for a hectic August and not just at their base at Conkerfield at Wookey.

One absentee from the practice for much of the month will be Tim Randle who has been engaged to lead the Veterinary Commission at the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 and travels to

Putting your horse’s health in the hands of the experts

# Based in Wells and covering Mendip and throughout Somerset # Providing a personal and professional service for all horses at your home or at our purpose-built equine clinic # 24 hour emergency cover – our team is available at the end of a phone # A fully mobile service with state-of-the-art equipment, dentistry, pre-purchase examinations, fertility work (including AI) Follow us on Facebook

Stables Equine Practice, Conkerfield, Pennybatch Lane, Wookey, Wells BA5 1NH Tel: 01749 830666 • website: www.stablesequinepractice.co.uk

PAGE 116 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

PREPARATIONS are already well underway for the specialist Westcountry Equine Fair, taking place in December in Exeter.

Amongst the attractions at the two-day event will be demonstrations by the team from Parelli, who specialise in teaching natural training techniques. The methods used are suitable for all horses, regardless of age, size or breed and can be useful in a range of disciplines from dressage and showjumping to hacking and hunting.

Based on respect for and empathy with horses, Parelli focuses on understanding horse nature and psychology to enable anyone at any level, whether a beginner or international competitor, to have fun with horses and achieve their best possible results, with a natural approach.

The Westcountry Equine Fair takes place on Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th at the Westpoint Centre, Exeter. Tickets are now on sale via www.westcountryequinefair.co.uk or call 01392 421500 (office hours).

Fun ride success

A FUN ride around Wellow attracted 90 riders and raised almost £2,500 for charity.

Riders enjoyed routes ranging from three to ten miles, much of it over private land kindly opened up by local landowners, many of whom allowed jumps as an extra challenge. The event’s success was due to months of planning and work by Lyn Doman of Ford Farm and the Saxon Dressage Group.

Among the charities to benefit from the ride will be Wellow Riding for the Disabled and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

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RIDING

All horses great and small

THE Emborough Horse Show certainly lived up to its reputation as a mixed disciplined show for all ages and for all horses and ponies.

Held at Manor Farm, the day featured show jumping, showing and novelty classes.

Seven-week-old foal Lily-Mae with mum Jemima. Owner Faye Cary (left), from Farmborough, bought the 19-year-old at a sale infoal. Pictured with them is Kirsty Wiltshire

Ava Galloway, who will be two years old in September, riding Flair with mum Pippa alongside. The family are from Clevedon Elegance in the showing ring

Lucy Harding, from Oakhill, on Fergil on their way to success in the 75cms show jumping class sponsored by Tincknells Country Stores. Lucy and Fergil hacked from home to the event

MRI scanner for horses

A NEW MRI scanner has been installed at the University of Bristol’s equine centre at Langord. It says the centre provides some of the best facilities in the region and confirms the University’s School of Veterinary Sciences as a centre of excellence for the treatment and care of horses and farm animals, the training of undergraduate and postgraduate veterinary surgeons and for advancing knowledge through clinical research.

Evita Busschers, senior teaching fellow and orthopaedic surgeon in the equine centre, said: “We are very grateful to the trustees of the Alborada Trust and the Langford Trust who have provided generous support for the MRI facility.

The new imaging facility will enable us to provide an even better and more complete service for our equine patients and completes the diagnostic imaging facilities available at the centre.”

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Encouraging people to ride GIVE Horses a Go Day on September 13th is Hoof’s first celebration of the horse and aims to encourage everything that horse riding and being around horses has to offer.

Supported by the British Equestrian Federation Hoof aims to encourage more people to ride. The day is open to people of all ages and abilities

giving them the chance to get involved for free and have a go.

Hill Farm Equestrian is hoping to have this as an annual event at the same time every year to encourage more people to get closer to horses, make people aware of their local centres and the fantastic opportunities that are on offer locally.

There will be lots of riding

Even more at Mane Event!

FROM hamsters to horses – Mane Event Saddlery at Pylle, near Shepton Mallet, is the place to visit for all your equine and pet requirements.

Earlier this year, owners Debbie and Chris decided to expand the business to include an impressive range of dog and cat foods along with accessories. It has proved to be a big success and has led to a revamp of the shop interior to make

RIDING displays, including musical drill ride, Western riding display, show jumping, free horse and pony rides for everyone, including mums and dads, plus a barbecue, cake stall, horsey tombola and lots more.

Discount vouchers will be given to everyone who books their first lesson with them on the day.

more room. Mane Event Saddlery now caters for rabbits and hamsters as well.

Mane Event Saddlery, next to John Thorner’s on the Stockwood Business Park, is well-known in the horse riding world because of its extensive range of goods and services, which include a full leather workshop courtesy of qualified on-site saddler Jo Baker.

Telephone: 01749 830706

A one-stop shop for all your horse and pet needs NOW STOCKING:

# A wide range of cat and dog food, including Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved, Autarki and Dr John’s # Toys and accessories, including beds and crates, leads and collars # Rug washing and repairs # Clipper blade sharpening and clipper servicing # Hat and body protector fitting # Full leather workshop (onsite saddler) Jo Baker

Unit 5a, Stockwood Business Park, Pylle, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6TA. www.maneeventsaddlery.com

PAGE 118 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

Summer Holiday Activities Monday 27th July Flat & Show Jump day 10am – 5pm £38 ursday 6th August Pony Day, open to anyone, you don’t have be a rider, come along and have a fun day and meet some new friends. Ages 6yrs – 13yrs.

10am – 3pm. £33 Bring your own horse/pony or ride ours.

Wednesday 12th August Show Jump Day 10 – 5 ( Must be able to ride) 10 – 5 £38 Tuesday 18th August Pony Day, open to anyone you don’t have be a rider, come along and have a fun day and meet some new friends. Ages 6yrs – 13yrs. 10 – 3. £33

Mums, Dads & Kids Friday 21st August Have a go at a Dressage Test: ½ hr. Dressage practice Lesson, then take your test in front of a Judge, and take your score sheet home with you. £30 including test. Bring your own Horse/Pony. Or ride one of ours (must have ridden here before) Normal Lessons available throughout the Summer Mums Why not have a Girly get together and a coffee during the summer.

Special Group booking rates, Birthday Present Rides and Vouchers available Indoor & Outdoor Arenas available for Hire. Hourly, ½ Day or Full Day. ( Parking in the field through the summer)

Contact: Haley 07891 555151 or Shelley 01278 723415 or Find us on Facebook Hill Farm Equestrian, Hill Farm, Burtle, Bridgwater, Somerset TA7 8NB www.hillfarmequestriancentre.co.uk or email: hillfarmequestrian@hotmail.co.uk

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Every dog has its show!

OWNERS who enter their pet in the Best Rescue Dog class at this year’s Mid-Somerset Show will have a chance to meet actor and animal lover Martin Clunes.

The class is a qualifier for the Best Rescue/Rehomed Championship which is held during the annual Buckham Fair at the actor’s farm in Beaminster in Dorset in August.

This year’s Mid-Somerset Show – known affectionately as the Shepton Show – takes place on Sunday, August 16th at the showground at Shepton Mallet and attracts thousands of visitors with its high quality agricultural entries, showjumping and the British Cheese Awards amongst other attractions.

This year’s event will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Shepton Sheep, created by local sculptor Jeff Body, who will be exhibiting in the Rural Crafts Field and offering youngsters the chance to try their hands at stone carving. The original sheep are an established landmark on the roundabout at Cannard’s Grave.

MID-SOMERSET SHOW 2015

Happy days! Jeff Body at work in 2005 on the first of the now-iconic Shepton Sheep sculptures

Elsewhere on the showground, the Heritage Tent will feature a cider competition, local cider bar and cider heritage display. South West Heritage, which runs the Somerset Rural Life Museum, will be having a display alongside Glastonbury Abbey.

Started in 2012, the Buckham Fair rescue competition attracts the best dogs from qualifying classes held at local shows throughout Dorset, Somerset and

Devon and is open to every dog/bitch whether pedigree or cross-breed. Judges take into consideration the condition of the dog, depending on time of ownership, problems faced by the new owners, any retraining that has been undertaken, and what the dog has brought to both owner and their family.

Martin Clunes will present prizes and rosettes to all the finalists during the show on Sunday, August 23rd.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 119

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Family baker supports local shows

DENELA’S Bakery is a traditional bakers and confectioners run by the Marsh family for the last 30 years.

They pride themselves on the quality and freshness of their products, with everything baked on the premises through the night and in the customary way so that it always arrives fresh in their shop.

Bread and cakes, a tea shop/coffee lounge and a wide selection of filled rolls and sandwiches for lunch are available at very reasonable prices.

Denela's award-winning walled garden is also available for private functions too, where you can eat inside or outside with full use of the coffee lounge and a marquee, with a music licence for your entertainment.

They also specialise in outside catering, hog roasts and full buffet services for all occasions tailored to your requirements Denela’s bakery are heavily involved with Glastonbury Festival, the Mid-Somerset Show, the Royal Bath and West Showground, the Shepton Mallet Carnival and with various shops, pubs, clubs and catering establishments and frequently support local charities.

Details: For more information or to make a booking contact the Shepton Mallet shop on 01749 342308.

PAGE 120 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Come and meet us!

MID-SOMERSET SHOW 2015

DELAWARE Veterinary Group will be at this year’s MidSomerset Show on Sunday, August 16th in Shepton Mallet.

Their stand (R10) can be found in the Upper Showfield and will represent all the areas of expertise that the Castle Carybased practice provides, from small furries to cattle and horses.

With their own staff on hand to answer your questions and refreshments and games too, go and find them, meet the team and have some fun. They look forward to seeing you there!

For information about Delaware Veterinary Group, call 01963 350307 (Castle Cary) or 01935 474690 (Yeovil), email: info@delawarevets.co.uk or visit: www.delawarevets.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 121

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A fete with feeling – Annette’s story

THE Rodney Stoke Inn will host a fabulous day of events on Saturday, August 15th to raise money for a cause which means a huge amount to landlady Annette Sinclair.

Here she explains why.

“THIS March saw the beginning of a scary journey after a recall mammogram showed that I had a small breast tumour.

“Within a very short time I had a lumpectomy and was told that all of the tumour was out and the lymph nodes were clear. The breast care centre at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital was incredibly efficient and very caring. Six weeks later I had a three-week course of radiotherapy at The Beacon Centre which is where all the cancer treatment takes place.

“What an amazing team and so well run. I felt like I really wanted to do something for them in return. I discovered a voluntary fund raising group called SURE – Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment – who have provided funds for the purchase of much of the equipment used at The Beacon Centre. By fund raising at our fete at The Rodney Stoke Inn we will be helping them to achieve yet another of their goals.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support for this event from friends and suppliers. Please come along on the day and have some fun for a very important cause.”

G As well as many of the usual attractions, the event – which runs from midday-11pm – will feature pop-up shops, a beauty parlour and a special Real Women Fashion Show by Anna Perra, of Shepton Mallet-based Anna Perra Fashion.

Anna holds regular Real Women fashion shows for charity.

Her show at the Rodney Stoke Inn – which features Channi B Shoes by Design – takes place from 4-6pm and includes afternoon tea and a glass of prosecco. There will also be a raffle with prizes (generously donated by the inn’s suppliers and the local community) including a short break at Strawberryfield Park, a Bristol Airport Executive package for two people and a £100 gift voucher from Sense. Fashion show tickets cost £10 and are available now from Anna Perra on 01749 343945 or the Rodney Stoke Inn on 01749 870209.

All proceeds will be donated to The Beacon Centre.

FANTASTIC FUNGAL FORAY with Adrian Boots

Join me on a fantastic wild food foray enjoying the best wild edibles the autumn season has to offer!

Sunday 1st November 2015 9.30am to 1.30pm £40 per person Please call 01761 462162 to book your place or for more info visit: www.gowildactivities.co.uk PAGE 122 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Summer fun at the Bishop’s Palace

WHAT’S ON

Bowlore Girls with Owl

THIS summer the Bishop’s Palace in Wells will be holding a huge range of different events designed to keep children and families entertained throughout the school holidays.

Every Wednesday the palace will host Family Activity Days which are held in the Stable Yard Activity Room. These themed events are based on a different subject each week and will encourage little ones to explore the natural environment and they’ll even be able to take their craft projects home with them.

The weekly themes include: Wells and Water, Dastardly Dragons, Palace Games, Medieval Life, Colour and Life and Animals at Wells and the activities are included with a standard admission ticket – children under-5 are free.

Each week there will also be a different trail to take budding explorers through the gardens and palace to discover more about the weekly theme.

The Community Garden will be also holding activity days where little ones can get down in the dirt and closer to nature, with themes from Wildlife to Herbs, and Colours in the Garden.

These will be on July 24th and August, 14th and 21st.

On August 22nd there will be a Stop Motion Animation family workshop with the chance to help create a stunning animated film inspired by the gardens and wildlife at the palace – the film will them be available to watch and download online after the workshop.

Finally on August 8th there is a Story Telling Day with accomplished storysmith Michael Loader who will entrance and delight children with his tall tales.

The Bishop’s Table café also has a great selection of children’s menus at £4 if you want to stay on for lunch and make a day of it!

STEAM TRAINS DAILY UNTIL OCTOBER 4th EVERY WEDNESDAY & SUNDAY: DUNSTER CASTLE EXPRESS AUGUST 29th & 30th: LATE SUMMER WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 12th & 13th: SOMERSET CAMRA REAL ALE & CIDER FESTIVAL OCTOBER 1st & 4th: AUTUMN STEAM GALA

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Backwell gets the crowds jumping CROWDS of festival-goers flocked to Backwell Festival enjoying an eclectic mix of culture in the beautiful natural amphitheatre at the village junior school.

Stages were opened by impressive young musicians, The Oscillators and Nina Sundstrom. The festival then moved into dance mode with two swing sets, reggae, afrofunkbeat, latin jazz – perfect for a glorious summer afternoon.

One of the magic moments this year was a Bollywood dance workshop with Grace Willow – the audience of all ages, leapt to its feet, learning a famous Hindi movie dance routine!

The Home Keys, Rosie Southern and the Backwell Belles

delivered some beautiful sets from the bandstand; hip hop artist Dizraeli, aka Rowan Sawday, a former Backwell School pupil appeared with world champion beatboxer Bellatrix; two talented young songwriters, Mike Dignam and X Factor finalist Luke Friend graced the main stage, with heart-throb Luke’s teen fans joining in their favourite numbers.

Balkan music aficionados Sheelanagig leapt and twirled their way into the crowd’s heart in the late evening – their infectious rhythm and energy forcing everyone to jump up and down! And legendary Fun Lovin’ Criminal and BBC 6 Music Host, Huey Morgan closed the festival with a brilliant DJ set, earning himself many new followers.

Earlier in the day, Huey chatted with Bristol City Host, David Lloyd, about his book, Rebel Heroes, in the new Literature Tent.

BBC Springwatch presenter, Martin Hughes-Games also gave a talk about the global filming adventures featured in his book, A Wild Life.

This year Backwell Festival’s international charity is the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust.

Peppa Pig steams in

CHEEKY little piggies Peppa Pig and brother George will be appearing at the East Somerset Railway during a special holiday fun event on August 15th and 16th. Peppa, a great favourite with children will be visiting the heritage steam railway at Cranmore for a great weekend and between trains will be greeting the children and making sure everyone enjoys the fun.

There will be lots of things to do and rides to go on as well as the chance to meet Peppa and George and listen to their stories – but watch out for the muddy puddles!

Children can enjoy making their own cupcakes and let off steam on the activity trail.

There are bouncy castles and an activity tent, face painting and the miniature railway as well as steam train rides. Parking is free and you just pay once and then all the rides are free! There’s also the chance to drive a steam engine with “Driver for a Fiver” which will be running at the engine shed.

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New and familiar faces at cheese show

WHAT’S ON

The grand parade of livestock in the main arena

THIS year’s Frome Cheese Show promises new and exciting entertainment appearing alongside some equally popular familiar faces.

Organisers of the one-day event on Saturday, September 12th always ensure there is something for all the family. One of the highlights will be an appearance by Ready Steady Cook celebrity chef Paul Rankin, who will be demonstrating his culinary skills along with many other special guests such as the Bolddog Lings Freestyle Motocross Display team and a return visit from Titan the Robot.

But the true heart of the show, at the West Woodlands Showground, still lies in the world-famous cheese competitions Judging of the cheese entries takes place during and the quality of the the trade day on the eve of the show itself livestock entries.

Trade stands in both the Local and Fine Food Halls are completely sold out already, part of the show society’s commitment to promoting and supporting British produce.

G Advance tickets for the show are now on sale from tourist information centres in Frome, Shepton Mallet and Wells as well as from some local businesses. There is a new ticket hotline – 01373 455420 – and they are also available through the show website: www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 125

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Summer at the abbey

THE ruins of Glastonbury Abbey have plenty of stories to tell – but this summer the grounds will be setting the scene for tales of a different variety.

Theatre companies from across the country will be performing in the atmospheric surroundings of the ancient site, while a series of open-air cinema screenings will offer film lovers the chance to watch some classics under the stars.

On Saturday, August 22nd, it’s the turn of four somewhat reluctant adventurers to step forward and lead a quest as the Famous Five go down with a cold, the Swallows and Amazons have flown the nest and Just William is now plain Bill and is all grown up. Gloucestershire-based IK Productions’ Rip Roaring Summer Adventure recalls the classic childhood tales in which plucky youngsters spend the school holidays thwarting villains and generally saving the world while having a jolly nice time. The journey begins at 7pm.

Lovable rogue Sir John Falstaff takes centre stage in a two-hour adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts I and II on Friday, August 28th. The all-male company re-enacts his adventures with Prince Hal, the future King Henry V, bringing to life the history, humanity and humour of medieval Britain. The show begins at 7.30pm. Film fans will see a number of classic films in a different light as Backyard Cinemas hosts a series of open-air screenings.

Feelgood singalong Grease will start the season on Friday, July 31st (but is sold out). It is followed by period drama Sense and Sensibility on Saturday, August 15 and Kevin Costner as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves on Saturday, September 19th.

James Stone, Events Officer, said: “We are thrilled to have such a busy programme for theatre lovers and cinema-goers to enjoy.

The beautiful, atmospheric setting of Glastonbury Abbey really lends something extra to these events and we look forward to welcoming the many visitors who have enjoyed these special performances and screenings before and those who will be experiencing them for the first time.

“We are delighted to be welcoming productions from these energetic and well-received theatre companies, and also Backyard Cinemas, which makes each screening a real celebration of summer. We have all the ingredients for some memorable evenings.”

Free camping offer

FREE camping is to be available to those attending this year’s Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza, Michael Eavis has announced.

The event, which is in its 19th year, will see Ray Davies, Joan Armatrading and The Shires performing at Glastonbury Abbey on Saturday, August 8th for the traditional summer evening which ends with a spectacular firework display.

This year Michael has arranged camping for those with an Extravaganza ticket but it is advisable to book in advance. He said: “It will make a perfect weekend – the site we have earmarked is a lovely setting, in the shadows of the Tor in which to camp before attending what will be a fabulous concert with wonderful music.”

A bus will take Extravaganza-goers to the abbey and back for the concert. The campsite will have security and toilet facilities and will be available from Friday, August 7th until Monday August 10th.

G Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Please email extravaganza@glastonburyfestivals.co.uk. Advance tickets for the night cost £35 for adults and £20 for children aged five to 15 and are available from the abbey shop or online at www.glastonburyabbey.com/extravaganza2015

WIN TICKETS

WE are offering one reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to this year’s Glastonbury Extravaganza. But hurry – entries close on Wednesday, August 5th!

To enter, please answer the following question: how many years will the event be celebrating in 2015?

Please send your answers on a postcard to: Glastonbury Extravaganza Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, BS40 7RG. The first correct chosen entry will win.

The editor’s decision is final.

G Please note: The winner will need to collect their tickets on the night, Saturday, August 8th. They do not include camping.

PAGE 126 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Beer festival here soon

WHAT’S ON

THE countdown has begun to the annual Wessex Beer Festival being held in September in Chilcompton and organised by the Rotary Club of Somer Valley And this year a call has gone out to local musicians to entertain the crowds who flock to the huge marquee in the grounds of the Court Hotel over the weekend. This year’s festival, on Friday, September 4th and Saturday, September 5th, will follow the now well-established format.

This year there will a selection of 28 beers from around the country from light to dark ales, along with 30 ciders – and this year there’ll be no danger of running out! A selection of fine food and a hog roast will complement the drinks, along with free parking and free soft drinks for designated drivers.

And there is still a chance for local businesses or individuals to sponsor a barrel at a cost of £100.

Tickets for the Wessex Beer Festival cost £8 in advance and £10 on the day. They are available on line at: www.wessexbeerfestival.co.uk or from Norad Travel and Geoffrey Smith estate agents in Midsomer Norton, Geoffrey Smith estate agents in Shepton Mallet, The Court Hotel in Chilcompton and Phil Day Butchers in Radstock.

G Any musicians interested in performing over the weekend should contact Martin Bown on 07971173809 or via: sales@wessexbeerfestival.co.uk

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Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.

Saturday August 1st Mendip Society walk, Banwell, meet at 2pm in the car park opposite the school on the main road (BS29 6DB). A four to five mile walk with a steep hill to start. Details: Mary 01934 843789.

Have a Field Day, 2pm on the Millennium Hall Playing Field, Water Street, Seavington St Michael TA19 0QH. Dog agility display, wacky sports and fete fun. At 7pm Proms in the (Car) Park with The Caravan Club of Great Britain Concert Band. Details 01460 249522.

Family Fun Day in aid of Jessie May Trust, 4pm-11pm at Clutton Hill Industrial Estate, BS39 4QQ. Children’s bouncy castle, facepainting, hog roast, BBQ, bar and live band. www.jessiemay.org.uk Nailsea & District Horticultural Society Summer Show, Nailsea School.

Nunney Street Market and Fayre. To be opened at 10am by David Warburton, MP for Somerton and Frome. More than 120 stalls, live music, food and drink. www.visitnunney.com Sunday August 2nd Somerset Wildlife Trust, north east branch, wildlife walk in an unspoilt Somerset Valley, with Tony House, 1.30pm, meet in the car park of the King’s Head, Coleford, BA3 5LU, £2.50/£1 students and children. Not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility.

No dogs.

Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Lord Chamberlain’s Men present Twelfth Night, 7pm. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk or call 01749 988111 ext 200.

Dundry Church Tower open 2pm – 4pm, sorry no children under eight years, don't forget your binoculars. Details: Jane 0117 9642245.

Romulus and Remus Italian Festival, Beech Barrows, Hill Grove, Penn Hill, Wells from 12.30pm, tickets £12.50 adults, £5 children available from R & T’s fish shop Street or call Tony D’Ovidio 07770 994652 or Tony Guidi 01749 343217. Proceeds to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and other charities.

Thursday August 6th West Mendip Walkers – leisurely circular walk of 8.8mi/14.1km from Combwich around the River Parrett estuary, 10am, park in Combwich riverside carpark. Details: Tony PAGE 128 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2015

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Strange 01934 733783 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Tremendous Trees around Burrington Commons, free with the Discovering Black Down project. Details: Stuart Bardsley 01761 462338 sbardsley@somverset.gov.uk Friday August 7th Yeo Valley ‘Summer’set Night pop-up diner in Yeo Valley Canteen, from 7pm.

Booking essential. Details: Call 01761 461425 or email events@yeovalley.co.uk Paradis Palm Court Trio: 'Sea Fever'.

Jacquelyn Bevan (piano), Lisa Betteridge (violin) and Linda Stocks (cello) present the latest in their first-Friday-lunchtime series, with a programme of pieces inspired by the sea. 12.30-1.30pm, Midsomer Norton Town Hall. Entrance by donation.

Saturday August 8th Mendip Society walk, Ponter's Ball Dyke and Glastonbury Tor, meet at 2.pm in Breteneux Rd, Glastonbury (BA6 8DS). A five mile walk to Havyatt, an ancient earthwork, and Glastonbury Tor. Details: Brian 01749 672457.

Clutton Flower and Village Show, Rudges Field, BS39 5SJ, brass band, funfair, magician, dog show, various displays, stalls, bar as well as the floral marquee, 1pm.

Details: Roger Snary 01761 453063 or Pat Williams 01761 452183.

Bishop’s Palace, Wells, story-telling day with Michael Loader, 11.30 – 4.30. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk or call 01749 988111 ext 200.

Mark Harvest Home, traditional lunch, followed by family games and free children’s disco; evening entertainment. Details: Mel 07875 058525 or mel.allen321@yahoo.co.uk Farrington Gurney YFC Willberry Wonder Pony fundraiser, Clutton Flower showground, 8pm, £8, dance the night away, raising funds for Teenage Cancer and Little Princess Trust. Details: 07964 271207.

Draycott and Rodney Stoke Village Show, 2pm at The Memorial Hall, Draycott.

Exhibits include: Vegetables, flowers, photography, handicraft and housecraft.

Refreshments available.

Sunday August 9th Lions Club Bradford on Avon Art Exhibition, Westbury Gardens nr the Town Bridge, in aid of local charities. Details: 01225 863404.

Tuesday August 11th Demi Demo Days – half-day cookery experience, Yeo Valley Canteen, 9.30am1.30pm, £45 per person. Details: 01761 461425 or email events@yeovalley.co.uk

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Wednesday August 12th Yeo Valley Experience Day, Moo, Chew, & Poo, Yeo Valley Organic Garden, with morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea, £65.

Details: call 01761 461425; or email events@yeovalley.co.uk Thursday August 13th West Mendip Walkers – easy circular walk of 6.75mi/10.8km from Herons Green (west side of Chew Valley Lake), 1.30pm, park on Causeway at Herons Green Bay. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Still in the Stone Age, Gill Odolphie and Juliet Lawn from Somerset Earth Science Centre with hands on activities for all the family with the Discovering Black Down project. Details: Stuart Bardsley 01761 462338 sbardsley@somverset.gov.uk Saturday August 15th Mendip Society walk – Emborough, meet 2pm outside the Old Down Inn (BA3 4SA), Park nearby in the old road, not the pub car park. A 4.5 mile walk with a gentle climb.

Details: Peter 01761 221995.

Bishop’s Palace, Wells, The Pantaloons present Pride and Prejudice, 7pm. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk or call 01749 988111 ext 200.

Timsbury Flower Show, Conygre Hall and field. Details: www.timsburyhorts.webplus.net VJ Day Poppy Picnic Fun Day, Whitchurch and Pensford RBL, Staunton Lane, Whitchurch, free entry, drumhead parade assembly from 10am, includes BBQ, tombola, face painting, cake stall mini beer festival and other attractions, plus evening entertainment.

Sunday August 16th Mid-Somerset Show, Shepton Mallet. See page 119.

Open garden, cream tea and entertainment at Hill View, Greenhill Lane, Sandford (between the GAB store and the ski slope), 2pm-5pm, a delightful garden, with hens and geese, so no dogs please, teas, stalls, tombola, entertainment from The Somernotes, free entry, all proceeds to Children's Hospice South West.

The Davey Piano Quartet. Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 5-6pm. Juliet Davey (violin) Lucy White (viola) and Keith Tempest (cello) are joined by Barbara Murray (piano) for an all-classical programme: Beethoven String Trio Op.9 no 2 and Mozart Piano Quartet in E Flat K 493. Entrance by donation.

St Mary the Virgin, Orchardleigh patronal

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festival, 6pm, with music by Charles Wood and Antonin Dvorak, supporting the work of HelpMusiciansUK. Details: www.helpmusicians.org.uk Thursday, August 20th Reading group, 10.30am to 11.30am, Wells Library, Union Street, Wells. Group meets third Thursday of the month. More information from the library.

Cheddar Valley U3A Meet & Greet Coffee Morning, Church House, Cheddar, 10.30am to 12noon. Visitors welcome. Details 01934 744241 or www.cheddarvalleyu3a.org.uk Redhill Classic Car and Motorcycle evening gathering, on the recreation field.

All car and motorcycle enthusiasts can park up for a chat and meet other like-minded people, FREE entry, BBQ & bar open, Church Road, Redhill, BS40 5SG Tel: 01934 862619.

West Mendip Walkers – moderate circular walk of 9mi/14.4km from Ash Lane, Wells, 10am, park on Ash Lane Bristol Rd, A39 end.

Details: Ken Masters 01749 670349 ken@kenmasters265.plus.com Friday August 21st Wedmore Harvest Home. Details: www.wedmoreharvesthome.com Saturday August 22nd – Monday August 31st Clevedon Art Club 59th open exhibition, Science Atrium, Clevedon School, 10.30am – 6pm, entry £1. Details: www.clevedonartclub.co.uk Saturday August 22nd Mendip Society walk around Congresbury, meet at 2pm in the car park off Gooseham Mead (BS49 5BX), by Congresbury bridge.

A four to six mile walk with meadows and some hills. Details: John 01934 842868.

Tuesday August 25th Backwell Sequence Dance Club celebrates its 70th anniversary with a special evening of social dancing at the W.I. Hall, Backwell, 7.30pm – 10.30pm, all past members welcome. Details: Pat Pearce 01275 463186.

Wednesday August 26th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support, Backwell W.I. Hall from 2pm. Details: Sheila at 01275 462107.

Thursday August 27th West Mendip Walkers – moderate circular walk of 6mi/9.6km from Oakhill Village Hall, 1.30pm, park village hall car park.

Details: Roger Mead 01934 743088 or rogermead1941@hotmail.co.uk Saturday August 29th – Monday August 31st Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Bowlore Medieval

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weekend. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk or call 01749 988111 ext 200.

Harriet Sandys’ new collection of oriental carpets, kilims and decorative items from Central Asia and India, tribal jewellery, quilts and clothing. The Barn at The Manor House, West Compton, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PB, 2pm – 5pm. Details: harrietsandys@freeolamail.com 01749 890582.

The 39th annual Whitchurch Village Fete three-day event; barn dance Saturday night; car boot sale Sunday morning; Bank Holiday Monday, the fete will be opened by Laura Rawlings from BBC Radio Bristol at 1pm.

There’s a great line-up of arena events and stalls as well as the flower/produce/arts and crafts marquee. Details: Ashton Broad on 01275 832148 or whitchurchvillagefete@hotmail.co.uk British Lawn Mower Racing Association’s championships, Cross, in aid of the YMCA. Details: www.mendipmowing.co.uk Clevedon Flower Show and Festival.

Salthouse Fields, Sea Front, Clevedon (Sat: 1pm-6.30pm, Sun: 10am–5pm). More than 300 classes, entertainment, companion dog show, classic cars, free face painting and children's competitions, trade stands, refreshments and lots more. For details, visit: www.clevedonflowershow.co.uk Saturday August 29th Brent Knoll parish hall, local singer Jay Jerome, 7.30pm, tickets £8 from the village shop or Eddie Fuller on 01278 760308.

Sunday August 30th Rodney Stoke horse show, companion dog show and teddy bear show in aid of Save the Children, 9.30am. Details: Amanda Holmes 01749 870467.

Butterflies Bugs and Beasties, free minibeast safari around Burrington Ham with the Discovering Black Down project. Details: Stuart Bardsley 01761 462338 sbardsley@somverset.gov.uk Coleford Village Day, starts midday.

Organised by the Coleford Revival Group.

Coleford Playing Field. Events, games, music, stalls, dog show, classic car show, flower and craft show and more. Now taking booking requests for stalls and pitches. Ffi: Chris Edgell: 07707 759959 Bank Holiday Monday August 31st City of Wells Moat Race, stalls from 11am, first race 1.30pm – to participate & raise money for your charity contact Jane Miller 07708 468269.

Tuesday September 1st Chew Valley Choral Society starts new

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season of rehearsals at 7.30pm in the Church Hall in Chew Stoke, singing Dvorak Requiem. New members welcome. Check the website www.chewvalleychoral.org.uk or call Helen Boyde 01275 333014.

Saturday September 5th Axbridge Showcase. See page 40.

Dundry Drama Group present ‘Allo, Allo’

by Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft, followed by songs and fun on a French theme, tickets £10, to include a light supper, proceeds to Dundry Church Roof Appeal, BYO and fancy dress encouraged! Tickets from any DADS member or phone 01179465552.

Chew Stoke Harvest Home and horse show. Details: www.chewstokeharvesthome.org.uk Sunday September 6th Redhill Village Harvest Fair, Flower & Produce Show, 12.30pm – 5pm, entry forms from Redhill Club, stalls £10. Details: Hazel 01275 474973.

Friday September 11th – Saturday September 12th Chew Valley Beer Festival. Details: www.chewvalleybeerfestival.co.uk Friday September 11th – Sunday September 13th Stogumber Festival. Three days of superb classical music, folk and jazz concerts plus over 15 hours of free performances. Full programme at www.stogumberfestival.com Saturday September 12th Thatchers Open Day. See page 17.

Frome Cheese Show. See page 125.

Somerset Plant Heritage Group, autumn plant fair, 10am – 3.30 pm, Moor Plants, Ashcott TA7 9QT. Free admission, refreshments.

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Glastonbury Brocante Fair

ON August 30th Glastonbury will host the largest Brocante Vintage Fair in the South West, a festival of vintage and modern retro design heaven with over 100 stalls in the Town Hall, Assembly Rooms and the major streets of Glastonbury.

It will be jam-packed with hand-painted furniture, vintage clothes, kitchenalia, antiques and tons of cool and wacky artisan-made goods.

Organisers say that contemporary vintage buyers take inspiration from the best of classical mid-century design then combine that look with the modern, contemporary, retro and neo vintage aesthetic. It a difficult look to pull off but get it right and your home will look stunning!

They say vintage is also good for the environment and that some things are just better by design if they have lasted 60 years and will last another 60 years and some!

You may have to use a little more energy to grate, chop, mix and make the things you love, but that is what makes these thing so precious to the generations that follow. It promises to be a shop ‘til you drop day with delicious food and fun entertainment for all the family.

Details: www.glastonbrocante.net

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Festival of nostalgia

THE annual Somerset’s Festival of Transport is always a mecca for fans of vintage vehicles and heavy horses, but this year’s show will have an ever bigger emphasis on nostalgia.

The event, at Wincanton Racecourse on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23rd, will feature a 1940s styled tearoom and restaurant, adding to the atmosphere.

On show will be a great selection of vintage, veteran and classic cars, commercial vehicles, tractors and farm machinery, heavy horses, steam engines, stationary engines and motorbikes. Also, there will be a good variety of trade stand and an impressive craft and model marquee. To add to the fun, Wild West displays will be held and the Wincanton Silver Band will be playing.

The organisers say: “Bring the family for a good day out or even the whole weekend thanks to the camping facilities on site. There will also be a licensed bar and live music. So come and enjoy this lovely area of Somerset within easy reach of Wincanton.”

For details, visit: somersetsfestivaloftransport.webs.com

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

Starts Friday 7th August

COMING UP:

Fantastic Four (cert tbc) The Legend of Barney Thomson (15) Song of the Sea (PG)

Starts Wednesday Pixels (12A) previews Sat 8th Sun 9th 12th August Starts Friday 14th August Wednesday 26th August

The Man From U.N.C.L.E (12A) LIVE: Othello (12A) 7pm RSC

G Book in person G Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk G Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

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