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Dream Doors ad:Layout 1
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Welcome
TO our biggest ever issue. What a way to celebrate our 13th birthday – we are in danger of becoming a Mendip institution. When we first launched the magazine, many thought we should be locked up in one! Thanks, as always, to our readers, contributors and advertisers for their support. This means that once again we’ve been able to devote more pages than ever to our community and charity pages, as well as bumper sport and what’s on sections. We saw scores of readers at our stand at the North Somerset Show and have a picture special from there, as well as pictures from May Day and other events across the area. Our Great Flood series this month takes us to Pensford. We’ve been out on exercise with the Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue team and met some of the stars of disabled sport, who will be at the Royal Bath and West Show. We also celebrate another special birthday – a 110-yearold who certainly knows her onions. Phil Hendy has some stunning pictures from Fairy Cave Quarry, while June MacFarlane tempts us with the first fruits of summer. We’ve also spotted a rare swarm of bees in Blagdon. With all of our usual contributors and features, let’s celebrate our teens in style! July 2018 deadline: Friday, 15th June 2018. Published: Tuesday, 26th June 2018. 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 montage by Steve Henderson.
CONTENTS
12
57
It’s a family affair – North Somerset Show in pictures
Pilton parties – banging the drums for charity
A right royal day – Evercreech May Fair
80
116
Cider with hosiery – fun runners work up a thirst Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Food & Drink ...............................16 Business.........................................32 Internet and Crossword ..............48 Arts & Antiques ...........................50 Charities........................................56 Education ......................................67 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......69 Walking Sue Gearing ....................70
Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........72 Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......74 Caving Phil Hendy ........................84 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............86 Community ...................................92 Homes and Interiors ..................106 Sport ............................................115 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE...124 Music & Theatre ........................126 What’s On...................................130 MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 3
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CLEANING | RESTORATION | VALUATION
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Belltower stalwart retires
BANWELL Ringers and their friends staged a surprise retirement party for Wally Rice, who has spent more than 60 years maintaining the clock at St Andrew’s church as well as being an active bellringer. Wally, the steeple keeper at St Andrew’s, thought he was attending a social event at Banwell Bowling Club but the gathering was staged to pay tribute to his years of Wally (right) with fellow bell ringer service. It was Mike Hebden calculated from the height and number of steps in the tower that, in winding the clock twice a week for more than 60 years, he had climbed roughly 18,000m (about 59,000ft) – more than twice the height of Everest. The current ringing chamber was installed in the 1960s, with much of the work co-ordinated by Wally and other members. The tower originally had eight bells, but due to fundraising through a grant and a magazine subscription scheme, enough money was put together to purchase two new trebles. With very little modern safety equipment, these extra bells were installed and the originals rehung and restored to working glory. Next, the old organ loft above the vestry was cleared out. From a dustball of unwanted pews and paintings, it became a light and airy ringing chamber, crowned by the cast iron metal spider with inscriptions dedicated to the team. Now ringing can be seen behind a glass tower screen donated by Wally. Wally was presented with a certificate of recognition from the ringers, a glass bell, silver inkwell with quill and a cartoon of himself.
Safe and welcoming
A POPULAR youth club serving the Pilton area has achieved Somerset County Council’s “Safe and Welcoming” award. Pilton Youth Club offers a relaxed environment in which to socialise and unwind with a range of activities and opportunities such as sports, music, cooking, games and group discussions. The youth club is supported by grant funding Somerset County Council’s Youth and Community Service. The benchmark scheme accredits the club’s safe practice and appeal to young people. The club was required to build a portfolio containing witness statements, policies, health and safety practice and building safety details in order to obtain the award. Naomi Wilson, youth club leader, said: “Pilton Youth Club is very proud to have achieved the Safe and Welcoming award, thank you to committee members that have worked hard throughout the year to ensure that Pilton Youth Club can continue to support the children in the local community.”
School in running for top honours
NEWS
Brookside Academy in Street
BROOKSIDE Academy in Street has been shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious Times Education Supplement School Awards, which recognise the most outstanding individuals and institutions from both the private and public sectors across the UK. Brookside is shortlisted among seven other schools for its work as an alternative provision school, providing specialist education, plus short break care, for up to 30 children aged four to 11. If successful in this category the school will go forward to be considered for School of the Year. Brookside is Somerset’s largest primary academy, educating more than 600 children. Within the heart of the school is the 30-place specialist provision facility, providing education and year-round “wrap-around” and short break care for children with complex and profound learning needs. It has also been shortlisted for Community and Collaboration School of the Year for its extra services for families with disabled children; providing new training and employment opportunities for the local area and opening up facilities to host community events. Headteacher Brian Walton said: “I am so proud of the Brookside team for all they have done over the last few years to build such an inclusive school. We are lucky to be part of something so special. This recognition is also about our amazing families and children. They teach us new things all the time and we have learnt so much from them.” The winners will be revealed at a gala awards evening on Friday, June 22nd.
Young people at the youth club
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 5
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(Photo courtesy of Tim Stenton)
Bittern numbers are “booming”
A bittern – Somerset is a stronghold for the bird
NUMBERS of male bitterns recorded booming on the Avalon Marshes have reached an all time high, according to the annual spring count by Somerset Wildlife Trust volunteers. They recorded 11 males on Westhay Moor, Westhay Heath and Catcott nature reserves, bringing the total to 50 on the marshes and 55 for the county. Mark Blake, SWT’s Senior Reserves Manager, said: “It seems unimaginable now that there was only a total of 11 males across the whole of the UK when the population of this elusive bird’s population reached its low point in 1997 – with most in East Anglia and Lancashire and just one other pair found in the Chew Valley for a time in the 1990s. “It is fantastic that the numbers of these heron-like birds continue to remain strong and is testament to the incredible amount of work that has invested by us and others in the Avalon Marshes partnership (who also report excellent numbers on their reserves) over the years to ensure that the feeding and nesting habitats that support them are kept in perfect health and remain resilient. Somerset really is the stronghold for this amazing bird.”
New moves to recycle plastic
THE biggest change to plastics recycling in Somerset in almost a decade is underway at the county's 16 recycling sites. Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) has announced that every recycling site is now taking plastic food pots, tubs and trays – the rigid plastic containers for yoghurt, margarine, fruit and other foods – as well as all plastic bottles. The partnership works on behalf of the six councils in Somerset. From 2020 it hopes to end the landfilling of rubbish with a phased roll-out of new “Recycle More” weekly kerbside collections taking extra bulky but light plastics, with three-weekly collections of the far emptier refuse bins. The move to take rigid plastic food pots, tubs and trays – known as PTT – at all 16 recycling sites follows successful trials of taking extra plastics in kerbside collections and at a small number of sites to check the quality and monitor levels of contamination from unwanted materials. The plastic bottle and PTT skips will take black plastic food trays, but residents must: • Remove all foil, film covers, and cardboard attached to or enclosing the PTT. • Discard all lids, flip-caps and trigger-tops from plastic bottles.
Changing face of Mendip
HOW does the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty compare to how it was in 2009 when a similar survey was done? A new report has information, maps, charts and tables from different sources on the condition of the scheduled monuments, nature reserves and even the areas receiving different types of farm payments and much more. Some of the interesting headlines show that Sites of Special Scientific Interest have stayed roughly in the same condition despite the national picture showing a decline in the condition of habitats. Of the 28 parishes covered by the AONB, 23 have seen a population increase. Even the “tranquillity” of the area has been mapped thanks to CPRE. Jim Hardcastle, Mendip Hills AONB manager, said: “This is a really important report that shows how this beautiful landscape is coping with modern life, it’s also a great snapshot for researchers of the future to use. “We’ve produced the report as we’re starting to review the Mendip Hills AONB Management Plan that will last for the next five years. The report will help the consultation process and the subsequent policies in it.” Details: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk
• Rinse out food residues or other contents, and squash items to fit more in each skip. They must also exclude: • Thin plastics, such as cling film, carrier bags, black sacks, or bubble wrap. • Plastic plant or paint pots, with or without any contents. • Other plastics, such as plastic toys, CD cases, garden furniture or car parts. Earlier this year, 12 of Somerset's 16 recycling sites began taking single use coffee cups, with their layers of plastic and card, in the same skips that already take beverage cartons, such as Tetra Pak and other brands. SWP is also launching a Schools Against Waste programme across 90 primary schools, promoting free water refills in local food outlets, and launching a plastics pledge card with simple tips and information. A SWP spokesman said: “Taking plastic food pots, tubs and trays at all recycling sites is a big step forward. We are working with councils, companies, campaigning groups and schools to help people cut their waste by using less plastic and recycling far more of the plastic they buy when shopping.”
Details: https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling/centres/
PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
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Protecting Somerset’s environment
THE first Somerset Festival of Nature, aimed at celebrating Somerset’s natural environment, was held at Fyne Court, near Taunton. Driven by Somerset Wildlife Trust, it involved Mendip AONB, the National Trust, RSPB, Somerset Rural Life Museum and several other groups. The chief executive of Somerset Wildlife Trust, Simon Nash, led a passionate plea for the county as a whole to work together for the stronger protection of Somerset’s natural environment, launching a new vision document for the county, Our Natural Advantage. He said: “It is now that we have to communicate, in no uncertain terms, the hard reality of what we stand to lose if we continue to take our natural environment for granted. What our children lose in terms of their health and wellbeing. “More so than many other counties in the UK, Somerset’s natural environment and remarkable landscapes are fundamental to the county’s economic health and for the growth of its business communities – in fact they underpin 12% of the county’s economy. “Yet these natural resources are under immense strain. We have to acknowledge that nothing short of a collaborative approach and united passion and most importantly, action, will bring back from the brink what we should most value about
ENVIRONMENT Simon Nash
our wonderfully rich county. “There is a danger that we take our natural environment for granted. We need that to change, and bringing this group of people together to bring the debate to the fore is a really significant step forwards.”
Details: https://www.somersetfestivalofnature.org
New guide to a low carbon lifestyle
WELLS-based environmental scientist, Angela Terry, has launched a new project to encourage people to make five simple changes to their lives to help combat climate change. She says eating less red meat, driving an electric car, holidaying in the UK, insulating your home and installing solar panels are the most important actions you can take to reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions and benefit your quality of life. Her new website One Home is a not-for-profit site which encourages people to take action on climate change by giving practical solutions and is the only website currently available in the UK that offers a “one-stop shop” on sustainable lifestyle choices. Angela, who has 20 years’ experience working in the renewables industry and was one of the first pioneers of community wind farms, said: “The subject of climate change is a difficult one. Most people accept it is happening but are sometimes confused and overwhelmed by what they can do about it. “Having worked in the green industry for many years, I saw a real need for one platform which brings together accurate, practical information into one place that equips people with the know-how on what they can do to make a difference and how to adapt to climate change. One Home fills this crucial gap. “We want to give options that offer the best quality of life while reducing carbon emissions. Making these choices doesn’t mean making sacrifices – in fact, a low carbon lifestyle is healthier, more affordable and more comfortable. “For the biggest impact, it’s all about saving energy to reduce
carbon dioxide – the main greenhouse gas that causes climate change – and that’s why we’ve developed these five clear ways to do just that.” For example, she says holidaying in the UK rather than flying, is one of the most important changes people can make. A family of four driving from Somerset to Cornwall on a return trip emits 92kg of carbon dioxide. The same family making a return flight from Bristol to Alicante in Spain produces 1,142kg – that’s 12 times more than the Cornwall trip. A long-haul return flight to Orlando, Florida, emits 2,780kg, which is 30 times more than driving to and from Cornwall. One Home is being piloted in Somerset and across the West Country first before being promoted nationally later this year. It covers a wide range of topics designed to act as a guide for anyone looking to move towards a low carbon lifestyle. Angela Terry with electric car
Details: www.onehome.org.uk
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 7
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Litter ye not!
The clean-up underway around Stoke-St-Michael
QUARRY companies across Mendip joined forces for a coordinated litter pick along 13 miles of public roads. The clean-up was initiated by Wainwright Quarry at Stoke-StMichael and involved other members of Mendip Quarry Producers – Aggregate Industries, Hanson, Tarmac, and Morris & Perry – with the companies taking it in turns to provide volunteer staff each day. More than 550 bags of litter were collected throughout the week, which could become an annual event. Peter Barkwill, Wainwright’s Chief Executive, said: “Littering is an issue that I feel very strongly about.”
ENVIRONMENT
Interest rate rises at bank
A budget to help the environment – Andy Williamson (holding an imitation budget briefcase) with Sandy Darling (left) and Claire Gainard-Turnell, one of the founders of Sustainable Shepton (centre)
NEWLY-formed environmental group Sustainable Shepton generated a lot of interest at their official launch inside a former bank in the town. The ex-HSBC branch is home to the Rubbish Art Project for the next six months at least and they welcomed the fledgling group to the building for a launch attended by dozens of people. Speakers ranged from Nick Cater, from the Somerset Waste Partnership, to Brian Outten who spoke about the campaign by Surfers Against Sewage to rid areas of singleuse plastic.
Staff said they enjoyed being involved in the project Pukka tucker – the launch of Sustainable Shepton was celebrated with locally-made food and drink Brian Outten addressed the audience in the former bank
Some of the rubbish collected from 13 miles of verges PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
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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
Our Services Include: Commercial and Residential Property Wills and Probate Litigation and Personal Injury Criminal and Family Law Agricultural, Business and Commercial Employment Shepton Mallet: 57 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AQ. Tel: 01749 330330
Glastonbury: 11 Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DL. Tel: 01458 832510
THE really hot weather may have ended but it’s still warm and mostly dry. Spring is most definitely here. We’re seeing more hours of daylight and the gardeners amongst us are able to get outside for a couple of hours in the evening. The Boat Race and the Grand National are behind us and the cricket season is well underway. Sadly, no Glastonbury Festival to look forward to this year. Time certainly seems to move more quickly as we get older, but none of us can believe that the Royal Bath and West Show will soon be upon us again. This year the show runs from 30th May until 2nd June. As usual we shall be sponsoring the Power of the Past section which will be located towards the southern end of the showground. The featured photograph was taken last year and shows the newly refurbished Chief Steward’s Caravan looking very impressive with our logo displayed. As usual various members of our team will be there so please visit our tent for a glass of wine. The weather has been remarkably good for the past few years and we’ll be taking sunscreen in the hope that we’ll be lucky again. Castle Cary: Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AW. Tel: 01963 350888
Cheddar: Bath Street Chambers, Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA. Tel: 01934 745400
Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk
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Aldwick Court Farm – a lesson in diversification
FIRST of all my apologies to an old farming colleague, Ellis Lippiatt, for forgetting that he had a lovely herd of Ayrshires at Pressbarrow Farm, Bath in my article last month. As I mentioned you can see all the dairy breeds, and the beef ones of course, at the local agricultural shows. With MARY The North Somerset Show was a perfect JAMES MBE sunny day and drew crowds of people. Livestock numbers were slightly down due to such a wet winter. Now it’s the turn of the Royal Bath and West Show at Shepton Mallet from May 30th-June 2nd. Have you bought your ticket yet? There is a great offer right up to May 29th. Two children go FREE with advance adult ticket at £22. Spend the day there, with so much to see and do with livestock, horses, great local food, machinery, sheep shearing, trade stands, bees and honey, railway and so much more. Have you bought any delightful English wine yet from Aldwick Court Farm and vineyard? Perhaps you have been to a wedding in the beautiful venue there. Here is the story of a young lady, Sandy Luck (nee Watts), who was brought up on the farm, but did not make a career in agriculture, only to find that after a tragic accident she was in the hot seat and took over the management of Aldwick. Sandy’s brother Chris, who had succeeded his father Dennis, was a real entrepreneur. As well as having a pig herd and arable crops he diversified, buying old military vehicles, especially tanks, that companies could hire for the staff to drive around a special course on “away” days. Chris could turn his had to anything and he began a further barn conversion and planted the first vines just before he so tragically died in 2011. Now, in 2018, with help from family, friends and a dedicated workforce, Sandy says: “Things are going from strength to strength with our vines now winning international acclaim.” She has four and a half hectares of vines consisting of six varieties. Each year the focus is to produce only the best quality grapes. No fertiliser is used, just a special mix of organic chicken muck and wood shavings. There are now tours of the vineyard on Sundays with refreshments so do look at the website
Sandy Luck
for further information. There is stiff competition out there, with 24 vineyards in Somerset alone, but with Sandy’s courage and marketing initiatives I am confident Aldwick will succeed. The barn conversion was completed in 2013 and has become a popular wedding venue and conference centre, with its beautiful garden and plentiful supply of wine making it an ideal choice. Sandy is a keen environmentalist so it was no surprise to see a biomass boiler burning wood from sustainable sources heating all the buildings. Old pigsties have been converted into stables with an outdoor arena, while 220 acres are rented by well-known local shepherd Andy Wear. Work has just started on the conversion of an old garage into accommodation for wedding guests. With diversification on the menu for many farms, Sandy Luck shows what can be done. Don’t forget Open Farm Sunday on June 10th. There may be one near you. Check the website https://farmsunday.org/
Young farmers donate to charity CHEW Valley Young Farmers have had a busy year so far starting with the 25th Snowball which was held at The Webbington Hotel. This was a great success and well attended by young farmers from across Somerset. Funds raised from this and previous events have recently been donated to a range of local charities. A total of £7,500 has been shared between The Great Western Air Ambulance, Hannah's Willberry Wonder Pony, Pounds for Porge and the Somerset County Young Farmers Club. Activities so far this year have included ice skating, gokarting, tours of Langford Veterinary Hospital and Lye Cross cheese factory, trampolining and club nights. Members of the club have joined regional and national events such as The Three Counties' Ball, the national AGM
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at Blackpool and the Somerset rally. The club always welcomes new members.
Details: on their Facebook page or by ringing 07762 321059
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It’s all about the grass
FARMING
This visitor is dwarfed by the machinery in the John Deere display area; the company won the award for best trades tand display
THE three-yearly specialist farming show Grassland UK attracted thousands of visitors to the Royal Bath and West Showground and neighbouring fields at Shepton Mallet. Many millions of pounds worth of state-of-the-art machinery was on display during the one-day event.
Royal Bath and West Show president Mary Prior (far right) during a visit to the Oliver Seeds stand. The Lincoln-based company was one of the sponsors of the show
This raffle prize made a change from the usual bottle of wine – proof that Grassland really is a specialist show
The purple-dyed Mohican sported by John Williams, from Reading, may have clashed with the pink bale. Pink wrapping is used widely to promote a cancer charity’s awareness campaign
Best in show: society chairman Robert Drewett and president Mary Prior present the trophy for the best trade stand to two of the team from John Deere Machinery
A silaging demonstration underway
Many of the trade stands will return for the show society’s annual Dairy Show in the autumn
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Phew, what a scorcher
THE 159th North Somerset Show enjoyed one of its hottest days ever with umbrellas and hats needed to offer protection from the sun, rather than last year’s downpour.
A 1908 fire engine from Downton
Shylah Caines, aged eight, of Midsomer Norton, took part in the young handler competition for the first time. Shylah’s family are friends of regular show exhibitors, the Limond family
The Barnacle Buoys in action
Shetland yearlings on parade
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Hollie Williams, aged eight, of South Petherton, with Bilbo Baggins, a North Ronaldsay sheep – the Ronalday’s favourite food is seaweed
Smoky the alpaca gets a trim from owner Phil Davis from South Wales
Russ with Martha and Reuben, seek some shade under an umbrella; the family are from Portishead
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Emily Jury
THE NORTH SOMERSET SHOW 2018
Motorcyle stunt rider Flying Ryan thrills the crowds Rose Smith with Tiny Tim, a Shetland lamb, won the young handler class for children aged under eight Pet lamb handlers Ailana Jones, Rosie Smith and twins Harry and Charlie Bougourd
Led by this magnificent trio, a train of nine heavy horses pulled a Land Rover around the main ring to show their power and skill at working together
Howard Dunne (left) and Edward Howe, of Somerton, enjoy an ice cream
Sabina Westlin was part of the Dig for Victory WWII re-enactment team
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NEWS
All’s fair in politics
JOHN North, the outgoing mayor of Wells, took to the wheel of a dodgem car at the civic opening and blessing of the city’s 817th Charter Fair. Fellow councillors and guests joined in the celebrations, although it was unclear whether the ride offered anyone the chance to settle an old score or two. The 2018/19 mayor is Celia Wride. The opening ceremony begins
John North in action Town crier Len Sweales
Nancy Dodd, a freeman of the city, is escorted by Maurice Day, president of Wells Carnival
For the love of words
WRITERS of all genres have until the end of June to enter the Wells Festival of Literature literary competitions. For 2018, a new category has been added – Young Poets, for writers aged between 16 and 22. It will be judged by Miriam Nash – a poet, performer and educator. The Short Story judge is Helen Stevenson, author of three novels and a
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Richard Green, a champion of the charter fair, was recently made an honorary member of the western region of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain
memoir. Poetry judge Terry Gifford is visiting research fellow at Bath Spa University and Profesor Honorifico at the University of Alicante. Founder of the Bath Kids Lit Fest, Gill McLay, will be judging the Book for Children. In addition to cash prizes for first, second and third places, there are also prizes for local authors. Winning young poets will receive cash prizes as well as
membership of the Poetry Society. All four competitions close on Saturday, June 30th. The festival takes place from Friday, October 19th to Saturday, October 27th. Meanwhile, organisers have launched a new blog celebrating people’s love – or hatred – of particular words. Visit www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk or email contributions to the blog to loveofwords@outlook.com
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The tastes of summer are here at last
With JUNE MACFARLANE
Home-grown strawberries are here!
AT last, bright fresh colours and flavours; salads and seasonal fruit; eating outside; a breath of fresh air. Say goodbye to slow cooked stews and hello to delicious simplicity, savour and crunch. The month of June brings agricultural shows, cricket, country fairs and Wimbledon. Let’s make the most of it!
TOMATO TOAST
When you have fresh, juicy tomatoes this is the thing to make with them. It’s a Catalan dish called pa amb tomaquet but it’s tomato toast to you and me and it’s fab.
Grilled sourdough toast 1 clove garlic per serving Fresh tomatoes Olive oil Sea salt
INGREDIENTS
METHOD Rub a cut clove of garlic over the hot toast, then a cut tomato, then a splash of oil and finish with a sprinkle of salt. Simple. Offer the ingredients for people to assemble their own.
STRAWBERRY AND BASIL ICE
Strawberry and basil are the tastes of summer for me. This combines them in the achingly fashionable gelato. I serve mine with fresh strawberries soaked in strawberry syrup.
METHOD Wash and hull the strawberries. Blend with all the other ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Churn in an ice cream maker (you may need to do this in two batches). The vodka stops it freezing really hard.
CAESAR SALAD INGREDIENTS
(For four) 2 cloves garlic 4 thick slices bread 150ml olive oil 2 anchovy fillets 1 egg yolk Juice of ½ lemon 4 Red Gem lettuces Large handful freshly grated Parmesan
Simple ingredients; delicious results – a Spanish-style tomato toast
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500g strawberries 300g sugar 300ml milk 300ml whipping cream Big handful basil leaves 2 tsp vodka (optional)
INGREDIENTS
A confession: I hate frondy bits in green salads. I like something to bite. My Caesar salad has wedges of lettuce as well as chunky croutons. Anchovies are optional, but I like them. You can serve this with shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
METHOD Crush garlic and infuse in oil for one hour. Preheat oven to 200°C. Tear the bread into chunks and toss in a little oil. Bake until golden and crisp. Mash anchovies in a bowl. Mix in egg yolk. Add rest of oil gradually to make a thick dressing. Stir in lemon juice and taste for seasoning. Cut the lettuce into wedges. Toss with the dressing and cheese. What did the Romans do for us? The recipe for Caesar Salad is attributed Arrange on plates to an Italian émigré restaurant owner with croutons. who worked in Mexico
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What’s new from
Myrtle Farm
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FOOD & DRINK
A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford
Netball inspiration!
KEEPING fit in later life and learning new sporting skills come together in Walking Netball, a sport that’s enjoying a growth in popularity. Kelli Coxhead, a Trustee of The Thatchers Foundation, donned her netball kit to present a cheque for £800 to The Trailblazers Ladies Walking Netball Club, based at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre in Weston-super-Mare. The grant from the foundation was in support of the great work the club does in helping women in their fifties and over rediscover sport and the health and social benefits that brings. The club used the donation to purchase new sweatshirts and mesh bibs for the players, as well as ongoing club running costs. “This is a really inspirational group, and The Thatchers Foundation is delighted to support them with the purchase of new kit,” says Kelli.
Somerset Day 2018 at The Railway Inn
WE didn’t let a little bit of rain put us off celebrating Somerset Day on Friday 11th May! The Mendip Morrismen braved the elements to put on a fine performance at The Railway Inn, whilst inside the pub there was a very tasty cheese and cider sampling. Lucy, the pub’s pastry chef, had been busy in the kitchen baking a selection of delicious cakes which were in hot demand – over £160 was raised from the cake sale going to the St Margaret’s Hospice Great Somerset Tea Party appeal.
Sue Millard (front) and Ryan Hedges (back centre) join in the cider and cheese tasting with the Mendip Morrismen and pub manager Dan Townsend.
Sidcot School down on the farm
Rain didn’t dampen our spirits!
CHRIS Muntz-Torres, our farm manager, recently showed a group of year eight pupils from Sidcot School around some of our new orchards, as part of a project to understand more about life on the farm. The pupils all had the opportunity to plant an apple tree, and will pay a return visit to Myrtle Farm in the autumn to see how the new trees are developing.
Cheers from us all at Myrtle Farm
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
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Fun Day at Burrington
THE Burrington Inn is holding a Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 9th, supporting the Pounds for Porge campaign. Landlords Sharon and Jason Buxton’s daughters Amie and Georgia went to school with Georgia “Porge” Bryant, the Chew Valley ladies rugby player at the centre of the campaign to raise funds for her to have pioneering leukaemia treatment. Two of her friends, Victoria Walker and Katherine Rodriguez are helping to organise the event, which will include a barbecue, skittles, live music, bouncy castle, face painting and much more. It will run from 2pm until 11.30pm.
The Burrington Inn Burrington Combe in the Mendip Hills
Family Fun Day, Saturday, June 9th
Restaurant • Bar • Function Rooms • Live music
The Burrington Inn • Burrington Combe • Nr Blagdon North Somerset BS40 7AT 01761 462227 • Email: enquiries@theburringtoninn.co.uk
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Blagdon’s orchards
WITH the help of a grant from the Mendip Hills Fund, Blagdon Orchard Group have launched a book drawn on their first eight years encouraging their local community to grow and use orchard fruit. The book Of Apples and Orchards covers the heritage of orchards and cider production in Blagdon and throughout Somerset. Chairman, Suzanne Wynn, who compiled the book, said that orchards attract people for many different reasons: their value to wildlife, as a focal point for village celebrations, the arts and crafts that derive from them, as well the wonderful food and drink they provide. All these aspects are reflected with written and photographic contributions from many villagers. The beautiful cover is from a painting by Blagdon resident Martin Bentham RWA. The book is being sold at events throughout the area priced at £9.95 or can be posted. Details: Suzanne Wynn 01761 463964 email sjwynn@aol.com
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GARDEN FOOD
Peruvian black mint
THIS herb, Tagetes minuta, also known by its Peruvian name huacatay, is something I've grown for the first time this year and it's rapidly becoming a favourite at our house. A close relative of marigold, it is easily grown in our climate – indeed With JAKE it thrives with the same care you WHITSON would give to normal marigold. The flavour of the leaves is simply wonderful – very minty, but with hints of tropical fruit and zesty coriander-like overtones. It's lovely almost anywhere you might use coriander, and indeed it's a great substitute for those who can't stand coriander! It's delicious finely chopped and added to tomato salsas or ceviche. I also really enjoy it as a tea – brewing the leaves for a few minutes in boiling water, just like for a mint tea. In Peru, it is most`commonly made into a sauce called aji de huacatay, which is served with rotisserie chicken. There are lots of quite different versions, but I use the one suggested with my packet of huacatay seeds from the Real Seed Catalogue: First, add a large fistful of huacatay leaves, along with a couple of de-seeded chillies (ideally aji and rocoto chillies, but any will do), four or five cloves of garlic and the juice of a couple of limes. Blend this all together and then slowly stir in olive oil, as if you were making a mayonnaise. Add 100-200ml, until you have a smooth, mayonnaiselike sauce. Add salt to taste. This sauce is absolutely fantastic poured over rice, anything deep fried, and barbecued chicken, pork or veggies. In Peru it is also common to have this sauce over a kind of salad of boiled potatoes, hard boiled eggs, a little fresh cheese, olives and lettuce – and very tasty it is too. 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. Details: www.chaosfungorum.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
WILD FOOD
Mowing one’s alliums
I WAS mowing the front lawn at the weekend. It is rectangular in shape and not very big. On the opposing short sides are the drive and a hedge (with a couple of yew trees) respectively. One of the long sides is next to the house which has a flower border containing a couple of rose bushes, a small With ADRIAN holly, cornflower and poppies. BOOTS As a result there are some nice colours in the summer. Opposite there are a ribes and elder shrubs and some other unidentified garden hedge material next to the wall and boundary with the lane. As I said, a small rectangular front garden the cutting of which can only take ten minutes maximum. So I was mowing along the hedge next to the wall and lane when my nasal cavity was assaulted by an invisible force. It was not something unpleasant and before you jump to any conclusions we don’t have a dog believe it or not. I just borrow my friend’s when canine company is needed. The only problem is that he doesn’t want to go back and sits in our house whilst his owners leave after “collecting” him. It’s rather amusing, they joke that there may be a custody battle. Anyway, the pungent aroma was that of garlic. I thought ah-hah I’ve mown over some wild garlic that’s spread into the garden from the lane. Excellent news for a forager, I don’t even have to leave the property to get a snack. Yet after some investigation it was clear that wild garlic was not present. Instead all I could find was what looked like bluebells except the bell-shaped flowers were white. Most confusing, a white bluebell-like flower with an overpowering smell of garlic – I had discovered three-cornered garlic in my front garden! Three-cornered garlic (Allium triquetrum) is a member of the allium family along with the aforementioned wild garlic, chives, leeks, crow garlic and indeed garlic. As described it has bluebelllike appearance but with nodding white flowers and triangular stems thus the three-cornered description. The flat leaves appear in the autumn, the flowers April onwards. It is a native of the western Mediterranean region, has naturalised in warmer coastal regions such as the South West and prefers protected hedges and roadsides. I assume that it must have been planted by the previous owners of the house for the beautiful white bell-like flowers in the spring through to summer. They are delicious chopped up finely and sprinkled over rich scrambled eggs on hot buttered toast, which is what I did immediately after I finished mowing the lawn. Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.
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Showcasing Somerset food and drink SOMERSET’S first food trail event, Taste the Landscape, will take place this summer from Friday, July 20th to Sunday, July 29th, with dozens of food producers opening their doors to the public. Taste the Landscape celebrates the best of locally produced, delicious and sustainable food by showcasing Somerset’s farmers and producers as well as its retailers, cafés, pubs and restaurants. Participants range from goat herders, cider makers and dairy farmers to cheesemakers, pubs, vineyards, artisan bakers and vegetable growers. Modelled on arts trails such as Somerset Art Works, the food trail will see farmers and food producers opening their doors to the public at set times during the ten-day period (similar to artists taking part in Somerset Art Works). Participating pubs, cafés and restaurants will offer a special menu featuring locally sourced food during the event. There will also be a series of activities such as picnics, vineyard and mill tours and pizza making. The event is mostly free to visitors, with a modest charge for some special events. Taste the Landscape is a fantastic opportunity for food-lovers to gain a better understanding of exactly how their favourite bites and tipples are produced, as well as discover some of Somerset’s most exciting producers. It is organised by a group of community organisations that are passionate about local sustainable food. They include Wells
Food Network, Reimagining The Levels, Somerset Community Food, Somerset Food Direct and Green Wedmore. Wells Food Network chair Stewart Crocker said: “Food and farming have always been a vital part of the life of Somerset, shaping both our landscape and our economy for generations. Taste the Landscape celebrates the great work being done by so many small-scale Somerset producers who are working hard to produce the best product they can while also enhancing our landscape, protecting biodiversity, farming to high welfare standards, reducing food miles – and, of course, producing delicious food and drink.” This first food trail mainly focuses on Mendip and surrounding areas, ranging from Wells, Wookey and Wedmore to Shepton Mallet, Bruton and the Brue Valley. However, if the event is as successful as the organisers anticipate, it will become an annual event, expanding to other parts of Somerset. Stewart Crocker said: “Taste the Landscape is, we believe, the first food trail event of its kind, in which producers open their doors to the public for a limited period. While there are other food trails elsewhere, they are mostly found in urban areas and often focus on shops or cafés and restaurants. “Our ambition is for Taste the Landscape to be a permanent fixture in Somerset’s annual calendar of events, raising the profile of local producers and restoring food and farming to their rightful place at the heart of our community.”
Details: www.somersetfoodtrail.uk
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The King Alfred is now open! FOLLOWING an extensive refurbishment, The King Alfred, Street – formerly the Two Brewers – has been taken back to its roots with a new name for this historic pub. Located in the heart of Street, The King Alfred has been treated to a refreshed new look inside and out. A new bar, lounge and restaurant is now family friendly, warm and inviting. A new menu and wide range of real ales, ciders and guest drinks compliment a selection of tea, coffees and non-alcoholic options. A spokesman said: “Itʼs fantastic to see the finished result after weeks of work on the place. New floors, decor, furniture and finishings give a completely new, fresh look thatʼs comfortable and inviting. “Weʼre excited to have launched an extensive menu, some amazing dishes with something for everyone including our Åí6 lunch menu, childrenʼs menu and by popular request weʼre bringing back the roast every Sunday from 12 noon.”
The outdoor spaces havenʼt gone untouched, with a great space to enjoy the sunshine this summer. New furniture and entrance make it ideal for couples and families alike. Easy parking and a central location make it a great place for refreshment in Street. To celebrate the re-launch The King Alfred are offering readers of Mendip
FOOD & DRINK
Times the chance to receive 20% off their food bill throughout June. Use the voucher below for full details and terms. See more of the transformation and keep up to date with their news and events online or on social media – just search for ‘King Alfred, Streetʼ.
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The Star at Star – new opening and new owners PUB grub is among the most popular form of food in the UK. What could be better than a cold pint, a hearty warm meal and an inviting atmosphere? And the newly renovated pub The Star Inn, off the A38 past Winscombe, provides exactly that. A colleague had the opportunity to test out the home-made cuisine at this delicatessen and could not be happier with what she received. Her party were greeted with warm smiles by the new owner James Willis-Boden, who already runs two successful businesses in the centre of Weston – and his friendly and attentive team. While they waited for their table they enjoyed a drink at the bar, manned by two charming and attentive bartenders, and struggled to choose from the array of drinks which were on offer. This gave them the chance to take in the newly-refurbished surroundings of the pub. It is amazing what a fresh lick of paint, new furniture and decorations will do to a place and The Star Inn screams inviting. Now on to the most important aspect of a dinner out – the menu. Diners can expect fresh fish, the best cuts of meat and a wide variety of dishes on offer with this menu which is all about homecooked food done well. One member of the group, who is celiac (gluten intolerant) was overjoyed at having so many choices for a change. She said: “Normally I am restricted to two dishes to choose from, maybe three if I am lucky, but to have more than ten is unbelievable.”
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She dug into cod and chips while her partner munched on the classic burger – which was cooked to perfection. Pair that with proper chips and a creamy coleslaw and you have the makings of a pretty enjoyable meal. The menu offers something for everyone, including children’s deals, pasta, burgers, steak – which another member of the party enjoyed and commented on the good quality of meat – as well as a plethora of starters and desserts to sate even the biggest of appetites. Booking in advance is definitely recommended for this eatery. Check out the full menu and book a table at www.thestaratstar.com and head over from noon to 9pm Monday to Saturday or from noon to 8pm for a Sunday dinner. It is well worth the journey.
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FOOD & DRINK
Charlotte’s Tearoom celebrates its fourth anniversary
NESTLED amongst the village shops in the busy fairtrade hamlet of Winscombe, approximately eight miles from Bristol Airport and five miles from Weston-superMare, Charlotte’s Tearoom is the perfect place to meet friends for morning coffee, lunch, cream tea or afternoon tea. The tearoom is just off the popular Strawberry Line cycle route which runs from Yatton to Cheddar and makes for a great pit-stop or re-fueling station. In summer the back garden is a delight to take in the taste of those fabulous home made scones and cakes, with pots of tea served with bone china cups and saucers for the real taste of English afternoon tea, or watch the village life from the front terrace if you prefer. The menu comprises locally sourced breads, meats, fruit and salads which are turned into tasty sandwiches, ploughmans, jacket potatoes and other tempting meals. Charlotte bakes all the mouth watering cakes and scones in the teashop kitchen which draws you into a wonderful aroma. The menu caters for dairy free, gluten free and vegan dietary requirements, as well as old fashioned recipes and delicious cakes to satisfy the most discerning taste buds.
All the items on the menu are available as a take away if you don’t have room or time to fit everything in in one visit. We also welcome well behaved dogs in the tearoom. A warm welcome awaits you Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm. Private parties catered for by arrangment.
Charlotte’s Tearoom, 16 Woodborough Road, Winscombe BS25 1AD • Charlottestearoomwinscombe.co.uk • 07555 470822
Country shopping at its best North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW 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
TEA ROOMS
Hot & cold meals Delicious cream teas Full English breakfasts Function room available for hire
Tasty Cheddar strawberries and our own cream!
Enjoy a good Sunday roast
COME AND ENJOY OUR FRESH BARBEQUE MEATS
Emma Bridgewater China & other gifts Geoff’s fresh fish every Friday
Farm Shop: 01761 220067 • Tea Rooms: 01761 220172
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Summer wine walkabout in Wells
INDEPENDENT wine merchant The Grape and The Good is once again organising a summer wine tasting evening in Wells in June. The evening at the Crown Hotel is billed as an informal “walkabout” with a chance to sample more than 40 different wines hand-picked by expert Andrew Kinnersley, who runs the shop in Priory Road. Discounts of ten per cent are available on any orders placed on the night. The East London Liquor Company will be there with their gins and rum. ● Tickets (£20) are now on sale at The Grape and The Good.
SUMMER WINE TASTING 40+ WINES TO TRY 10% OFF ANY ORDERS ON THE NIGHT
TICKETS £20 FROM THE GRAPE AND THE GOOD 2 PRIORY ROAD, WELLS BA5 1SY Tel: 01749 938180 • www.thegrapeandthegood.com
Come and join us at The Plough for a very special experience this Summer
SUMMER MENU
High Street, Wrington, North Somerset, BS40 5QA Tel : 01934 862871 www.theploughatwrington.co.uk eat@theploughwrington.co.uk
● Delicious Country Bistro ● Cuisine prepared by our team of top chefs ● Award Winning Ales ● Extensive Wine and Spirits Menu ● Second to None Service in Beautiful Surroundings Please Inform a member of staff of any allergies
STARTERS & LIGHT BITES ( v ) Soup of The Day (See Specials Boards) £4.95 Creamy Smoked Haddock with Spinach, local Cheddar & Poached Egg £6.50/£12.95 Thai Spiced Fish Dumplings, Pho Broth, Asian Salad, Chilli, Coriander & Mint £6.95 Crispy Calamari, Garlic Mayo, Fresh Coriander & Chilli £6.95 Ham Hock Rillette, Pear Puree & Pickled Spring Salad £6.95 ( v ) Goats Cheese Bon Bon, Red Onion Chutney, Frissee & Candied Walnut Crumb £5.95 ( v ) Peri Peri Mixed Bean Salad, with Peas, Spring Onion & Coriander £5.95/£10.95 - Add Chicken £1.50/£3.00 - Add Chorizo £1.00/£2.00 Pan-Fried Wood Pigeon Breast, Roasted Beetroot, Fresh Blackberries & Blackberry Emulsion £7.95 FOR TWO TO SHARE ( v ) A Selection of Breads, Olives, Houmous & Homemade Pesto ( v ) Baked Camembert Fondue, Studded with Garlic & Herbs with Pickles & Bread Mixed Charcuterie Board with Crusty Bread, Pesto, Olives & Houmous Fish Board, Crispy Calamari, Smoked Salmon, Smoked Mackerel, Citrus Mayo, Crème Frâiche & Breads
MAINS Char- Grilled 10oz Pork Chop, Sauté Potatoes, Spiced Apple Puree, Black Pudding, Spring Greens & Jus
£7.95
£13.50 £13.50 £14.50 £16.95
Pan Fried Fillet of Seabream, Saffron & Pea Risotto, Fried Carrots & Chilli Oil Duo of Lamb, Braised Neck & 4oz Rump Almond Croquette, Pea Puree, Spring Vegetables & Jus Pan Fried Chicken Breast, Fondant Potato, Pancetta Crisp, Butternut Squash Puree, Kale & Jus Pork & Leek Sausages, Spring Onion 7 Cheddar Mash With Onion Marmalade Gravy Char-Grilled 8oz Gammon Steak, Hand Cut Chips, Two Fried Free Range Eggs & Bois Boudran Homemade Beef Burger, with Coleslaw, Hand Cut Chips
• Add Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Bacon, Onion Marmalade 80p, or Pulled Pork £1.50
£18.95 £13.95 £12.00 £10.95 £12.00
Braised Featherblade of Beef, Celeriac & Horseradish Puree, Buttered Mash, Roasted Root Vegetables & Jus £16.95 Butter Fried Gnocchi, Wild Mushrooms, Fresh Sage, Baby Spinach, Blue Cheese Sauce £12.95 Linguini in a Sun Blushed Tomato Ragu, Mixed Olives, Balsamic Reduction, & Crispy Basil £12.50 Char Grilled 10oz Rump Steak Served with Hand Cut Chips & Salad £20.50 Char Grilled 8oz Sirloin Steak Served with Hand Cut Chips & Salad £22.50
EXTRAS Hand Cut Chips £3.50 • Skinny Fries £3 • Spicy House Chips £4 Café De Paris Bread £4.50 • Bread 75p Side Salad or Side Vegetables £2.75. Sauces: Pepper Sauce, Cafe De Paris Butter or Blue Cheese £2.50
We look forward to seeing you soon! PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
£15.95
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A L D W I C K V I N E YA R D
All about Eve
SPRING Bank Holiday weekend signals the start of English Wine Week. A flurry of activity animates Aldwick as I write, particularly with preparations underway for our first-ever Vineyard Open Day on Sunday, the 27th of May. Heightened awareness of the UK wine industry has With ramped-up demand for pre-booked ELIZABETH places on Aldwick’s bi-weekly Tour, LAVER Taste, Toast experience. Treated to a guided ramble through the vineyards, visitors observe the development stage in the seasonal cycle. Most of the vines have already attained Eichhorn-Lorenz 12: five to six leaves unfolded, inflorescences clearly visible. Amidst the thousands of vines, an often solitary figure can be discerned bobbing up and down, moving slowly along the row, tending each plant in turn. To the uninitiated, this might seem an idyllic, even romantic scene. Perhaps unappreciated is the magnitude of focus, dedication, and toil needed to nurture a crop of grapes for each vintage. Eve Sinclair recently returned to assist with summer tasks, to my delight. She ably demonstrates the mental grit and physical stamina required to persevere, where lesser mortals drop out after a few days’ work. Rubbing buds and emerging shoots from vine trunks is an essential task, and Eve has delivered impressive results in record time. Aldwick needs another Eve!
FOOD & DRINK
E OF FEATHER M U S PL
DUCK RACE SATURDAY 7th JULY
Starting at 5pm. Great family fun evening with a local band playing, best dressed duck competition, duck racing, BBQ, pig roast, face painting, ice cream stall, 3 bars open. Come and get your ducks from the Plume, decorate at home or at the Plume from 5pm and enter them before 6pm. All monies from the duck racing, best dressed plastic duck competition and car park goes to Burrington primary school, Blagdon cubs and to get a defibrillator for Rickford village.
Rickford, Somerset BS40 7AK
01761 462682
Visit www.theplumeoffeathers.com
Elizabeth Laver is Vineyard Manager For wine & vineyard tours visit www.aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 25
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Honour for Percy
OAKHILL and Ashwick Local History Group has awarded an honorary life membership to Percy Lambert for his services to the group over a very long period. Percy is now almost 93 – but you wouldn’t know it! Chairman, David Thorley, said: “This award is long overdue. Percy was a founder member of the history group in the early 1990s and has been active in it ever since.” The photograph shows Percy and David seated, plus a number of members.
New base for drop-in advice
Daisy knows her onions
NEWS
GLASTONBURY resident Daisy Bastin recently celebrated her 110th birthday – and puts the secret of her long life down to eating onions! A party was held at Glastonbury Town Hall to celebrate the landmark for Daisy, who lives in a sheltered housing complex in the town. Daisy at her party at Glastonbury Town Daisy, Hall originally from Devon, used to be a “Nippy” waitress at one of the famous Lyons Corner House tearooms in London. She says the keys to a long life are good friends – and cooking with onions.
Summer fundraiser is vital for school’s future
Here to listen: Fay Smithurst (left), one of the regular advisers, with organiser Lucille Simms
AN informal community advice centre in Street has a new home to allow it to develop and expand. Community Connect Talking Café has relocated from the Bear Inn to the Wessex Hotel. The café is one of a number across Somerset which offers a low-key and relaxed atmosphere in which people can talk to professional advisers about any issues affecting them, friends or neighbours. The advisers act as signposters to a range of support networks which are available across Mendip. It will continue to operate from 10am until 1pm every Monday except Bank Holidays. Organiser Lucille Simms, the Mendip community agent from Somerset Community Council, said: “After some deliberation and a little investigation, we feel that this will be a better fit for the concept of an advice Talking Café and will allow the drop-in to evolve and can accommodate for future growth e.g. community lunches, multi-agency knowledge exchange etc. We would like to express our gratitude to the Bear Inn for accommodating us and for their support over the last month or so.” For details, visit: www.somersetrcc.org.uk
PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
A Maypole dance at the school for Laurel Farm children and their families and also for children and families at the parent and child offshoot called Greensprouts
VISITORS are being invited to enjoy a summer fete at a kindergarten at Carlingcot, near Peasedown St John, which is facing a funding crisis. The fair takes place at the Laurel Farm school on Saturday, June 23rd. It comes as parents at the school – a charity – have launched a crowdfunding drive to try to ensure the school can attract more youngsters and remain open. Laurel Farm offers free open-ended play, forest school activities, adult-led song circles and story time four mornings a week for children aged four to seven years old. For details, visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/savelaurel-farm-Kindergarten-school
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Dear Mendip Times, I have carried on running the family farm here in Wrington, the seventh generation, and on the very day in 1968 I had just come home for the summer exeat from agricultural college. The weather in recent weeks had been good and my late father and workers were steadily making hay up until July 10th. It rained non-stop all day long and during the afternoon our fields were starting to go underwater from the River Yeo and at tea-time water was running down the streets. At 8pm the water in Wrington was about 2ft deep, coming off the hill, and my father and myself were helping people to move carpets and furniture upstairs in their houses for safety, as water was going through their houses. We had a flock of 200 ewes close to the river in the night and because of the flooded fields we could not get them safely back to the farm. Thankfully, in the morning, we waded down to find them safe, marooned on a small area of the field and thankfully none were lost. Also, the day before the flood, my father cut a 20-acre field for hay. Next morning the whole field of hay had been washed down the River Yeo to Congresbury. Instead, we had about 20 hay bales in the field that had obviously been washed down from the Blagdon direction. For months, and years, you could see old hay still caught in the trees above the river. I hope my recollection is of some use to your magazine. Chris Clark, Court Farm, Wrington
Saved by the floods
COMMUNITIES along the Chew Valley and Keynsham are busy planning events to remember the Great Flood of 1968. Saturday, June 30th Bridge over the Flood – a revival of the Keynsham Flood commemoration musical with singers, musicians and a spectacular display, with gala concert later. Details: info@keynshamfest.co.uk www.keynshammusicfestival.co.uk Throughout July – Compton Dando will have a small exhibition at St Mary’s Church, which will be open to visitors every day. On Sundays 2pm-5pm, tea and homemade cakes will also be served. Thursday, July 5th – Chew Magna remembers the Great Flood, photos and audio reminiscences, Old School Room, 3pm-7.30pm followed by a talk by Tony Coverdale on the mills and industrial heritage of the Chew Valley and Keynsham. Saturday, July 7th, 10.30am – 5.00pm – Woollard Remembers 1968, a day of film, walks, teas and testimonies of the Great Flood that damaged Woollard Bridge beyond repair. Details: woollardinfo@gmail.com 01761 492916 Sunday, July 8th Pensford Tea Party, 2pm, around the village, exhibitions, films, music, Remembrance Service on old bridge with guests who were part of the rescue effort and launch of new heritage trails. Details: 01761 490234. Details are being collated by the West of England Rural Network, who would like to hear from people with memories of the flood. Details: ruth@wern.org.uk
Nigel Brown explains how, by a quirk of fate, the 1968 floods saved an important part of our local industrial heritage. THE Somerset and Dorset Railway was closed in March 1966 and, by early February 1968, demolition contractors from Derbyshire had been busy ripping up track, working north from Blandford Forum, reaching Evercreech Junction. All the lifted track was being removed by rail through Radstock via a connection between the S&D and the ex-GWR North Somerset line to Bristol. The method of working was that an engine bringing in empty wagons on one day would remove the full wagons that had been loaded the previous day. As the contractors reached a station they simply knocked it down and, by the end of June, this fate had befallen Binegar and Chilcompton stations. By early July, the track had been lifted to a point just south of Midsomer Norton station. When the floods hit on July 10th an embankment near Pensford on the North Somerset line was swept away so Bristol Railways were unable to deliver or collect any wagons to where the contractors were working. PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Nigel at Midsomer Norton South station
The contract was terminated and, within a matter of hours, Midsomer Norton station was saved and, although derelict and vandalised, it survived long enough to be restored as the home of the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust. ● Nigel, 59, who lives near Chippenham, has been a volunteer on the Permanent Way team at the railway for more than four years, helping to build the newly-opened extension to the line. He has spent 45 years working as a volunteer on various heritage railways and is currently researching the history of World War Two pill boxes along the S&D line.
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THE GREAT FLOOD
Gerald Young
ON the evening of the tenth we were stocktaking in the shop and worked until about 9pm-10pm. We had two vans in those days, a Mini, and a Bedford, which we kept at Chew Stoke. I drove the Bedford and the Johnson brothers were in the Mini. When we got to Chew Stoke I could see a lot of water as we were going down towards Brains Garage and we stopped. I got them into the Bedford and told them to keep towards the middle of the road. I followed in the Mini and it started to sway as I crossed the bridge. We parked up at the Stoke Inn. As I went up to the top road, where I lived with my dad, Frank, and mum, Mary, water was running through the front door and out the back. Within half an hour the petrol pumps outside the garage were under feet of water and the Stoke Inn was an island. It was amazing. The next day you could still see people in The Street at their bedroom windows. I went to Chew Magna and helped people to start to sweep up. Gerald worked at the Co-op in Chew Magna for 58 years. Dear Mendip Times, I had left school ten years before and was working at Rhodyate Farm at Two Trees with my father, Frank Watts, who lived there 85 years. It was a cloudburst and it rained solidly for hours, with us holed up in the house. A young cat, Timmy, curled up in a chair but was not asleep, not happy with the weather either and didn’t want to go out. The yard was swimming in water coming from Leaze Lane and the fields farther up. My mum, Kathleen, was checking the bedroom fireplaces to stop water coming in to the rooms. It rained for six hours and it was very dark for the time of day. But our place was always safe, the water continued downhill. The next day Dad said he would look at Score Lane. The Tarmac was gone to the school, several feet of earth too, down to rock just before the stile. The power of water will move anything. When they were going to build a new covered reservoir at Swancombe side, the firm wanted to put a wall across the hollow on top of Score and fill it up with earth. Dad told landlord, Wills, not to allow it; the next storm would take it all away down there. He really knew the land. He said a bad storm in 1928
washed hay into a ditch. Now to see two of them in a lifetime. Daphne Watts, Churchill.
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 29
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Exciting weeks followed a terrifying night
AS a ten-year-old girl, on July 10th 1968, I walked home from Pensford Primary school in the rain and was awestruck by the colour of the sky – it was fluorescent green. My home on Stanton Lane bordered the river Chew and we had had some flooding in the garden and cellar in the past, a few inches. My mother realising flooding was likely again took the precaution of putting important possessions into an old bath down there. Little did she know how futile her efforts would be. We constantly watched the river with concern as it rose throughout the evening and as the daylight faded focused on the Georgian windows of Church Street cottages, counting the disappearing panes. To our horror the water suddenly began to rise up the windows until a light bulb disappeared beneath the water! The sudden surge of water reported by many around 9.30pm was upon us and we realised we must quickly get out of the house. My mother had rescued our welly boots from the cellar and as she sprinted up the steps to our front door the water followed her up. In the kitchen the lino began to float and there was such a panic to put on our coats to get out that my little brothers of eight and three put on each other’s. We giggled about it later with the eldest in a “straight jacket” and the youngster’s trailing the floor. My elderly grandparents, who were visiting, helped us children out up to the lane as my mum stayed inside to rescue as much as she could upstairs. I was hysterical as she wouldn’t come out and the water was rising. The roaring noise of the river and the pitch black conditions made it very frightening. Eventually she freed herself from the living room window, nearest the lane and I calmed down. We had alerted our elderly neighbours The Taylors and they joined us escaping in our cars up Stanton Lane to higher ground to wait for the dawn, uncertain what we would find on our return. At daybreak we cautiously drove back down. The river had dropped leaving massive destruction in its wake. Our downstairs was full of smelly mud and debris. Everything ruined. The piano had moved 12 feet across the lounge.
Next door’s shed was propped up against our apple tree. What was left of my Dad’s prized veggie patch was inedible. But we were safe. My Dad who was away from home in Birmingham at a conference and was alerted by the police arrived home and we all breathed a sigh of relief. The big clean-up operation began for the grown-ups but for us children it was an exciting time – school was cancelled. We learned of heroic rescue tales. We were stunned by the damage to Bridge House. My father’s runner beans ended up under Charlie Flower’s bed! We tucked into hot meals taken in the village hall and met royalty with the flying visit by Prince Phillip. National and international TV crews arrived – we were on the telly and famous! Emergency phone calls were taken from worried Australian relatives – Pensford was headline news in NSW! Then came the arrival of the royal engineers and building of the Bailey Bridge. I was lucky enough to have my memories of that terrifying night printed in the Bristol Evening Post following an appeal for firsthand recollections. Now 50 years on I am doing just that all over again. Sarah Bishop
Church Street awash with flood water
Remains of the old bridge
PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
(Photograph courtesy ocourtesy of John Watts)
Sarah on the old village bridge which lost its parapets
We want to hear your stories. Write to: The Great Flood, Mendip Times, Coombe Lo
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The night my home was washed away
July 1968 – rain had fallen for days – nothing unusual about that. We had our family supper in the kitchen with a neighbour. The river was high but there was no undue concern. Then the noise increased as the river outside the window was crashing into the little bridge unable to get through the arches and swirling up against the house. The stream which goes underneath the house was at bursting point and the drains started overflowing. My young sister was very frightened and wanted to get out of the house so my father took her to friends – just in time. Suddenly a huge wall of water flooded down and followed him as he ran into the house and up the stairs – there was no time to rescue anything; all trapped in a bedroom and water continued to rise. Remember, there were no mobile phones and no way of knowing what was happening. My grandmother was alone in the house across the road. She went upstairs and was terrified as she listened to everything crashing about downstairs. The lights stayed on throughout the night but no one seemed to worry about the risk of electricity and water! My mother watched little roses on the wallpaper until the water
Jane’s house was rebuilt
Bridge House has half its walls torn away
THE GREAT FLOOD – PENSFORD
Church Street the morning after
stopped rising. They waited and waited, then suddenly, in the early hours of the morning, Mum said “it’s going down” as the level on the roses fell. The main road bridge had collapsed allowing the dammed water in the village to escape. Firemen came to the rescue, with mum saying “Oh no, I’ll stay to clear up” and the fireman saying “well, you don’t have much left to clear up” because he knew that the other side of the house had collapsed and wooden floors had been torn away shedding everything into the flood. My father lost everything – home, butcher’s shop, cars and delivery vans. Mother lost all her most precious things – wedding gifts, furniture, antique pieces lovingly collected. She never saw these again, even though people went searching along the river as it went down. Probably some things “found new homes”. My Grandmother never recovered from the shock of watching our house being washed away thinking that her family were swept away too. The sadness was compounded when insurance companies declared “an act of God” and refused to pay compensation. The cat, meanwhile, sat on a shelf above a fireplace upstairs and then walked across the old bridge to stay with Ken Gill in the shoe shop but kept visiting us to be fed! Jane Flower, Bridge House, Pensford
Main bridge washed away on A37
be Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG, email news@mendiptimes.co.uk or call 01761 463888.
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 31
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Cricket fans alert
NEPINSRI Travel is offering to combine cricket itineraries to Sri Lanka for England's tour in October and November with sightseeing to historic sites, botanical gardens and temples and private jeep safaris looking for wildlife and birdwatching in various national parks. Imagine relaxing on a beach and drinking tea in the country which is one of the largest producers of tea in the world. Seven to 21-day trips area available to suit your requirements for the five ODI matches, three test matches and T20 match. Nepinsri specialises in tailor-made holidays to Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Bhutan and more. It is a registered "Elephant Friendly Tour Operator".
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The Mendip Molecatcher hangs up his traps
“NO MOLE NO FEE” the iconic advert that has featured in The Mendip Times for almost ten years may be looking for a new owner. Bob Woodbury has been catching Mendip moles for over 12 years. Based in The Chew Valley, his website boasts a coverage “From the Bristol Channel to the White Horse of Westbury, from South Bristol and Bath, from Warminster to Weston-super-Mare and everything in between”. Bob spent 40 years working for H.M. Customs & Excise and for many years was a customs investigator putting drug smugglers behind bars. He then swapped that existence to pursue a different kind of “vermin” and The Mendip Molecatcher was born. Over the years he has built a customer base of hundreds of happy gardeners, has many satisfied farmers and customers include a significant local sporting venture, wedding venues, stately homes and playing fields. Two years ago the business became so busy that Linda joined full time and that continues. However, Bob said: “I’m now entering my 70th year and as a country boy by upbringing, I have had a very enjoyable past 12 years. “The fresh air and activity has kept me fit and well and we have met some really lovely local people, but perhaps the time has come to enjoy the West Country and the Mendips, plus a bit of seaside at leisure. “So, we are looking for someone who may be interested in taking over. However, customers need not be concerned because we will not walk away until a successor is found. We would like to thank, sincerely, all past and present customers.” Details: www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk
MOLECATCHER NO MOLE – NO FEE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Offers are invited to take over this successful countryside operation.
01934 261 598 info@bristolexecu'vetravel.co.uk PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Contact 01275 332966 or www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk
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The blessings of GDPR
WELCOME to June! Hopefully as you read this, you have spent some time strolling around the delightful Royal Bath & West Show, perhaps slurping on an ice-cream, or tucking into one of those delicious venison burgers . . . but I digress. You will note that the title of this piece is “GDPR”. As much as I might wish that these initials stood for the Great Dorset Piddletown Railway, sadly, they don’t. GDPR actually stands for General Data Protection Regulations (exciting!), and they have actually been in force since May 25th. Many of us who have to initiate policies and train staff to ensure that we comply with the new regulations may be groaning slightly from the extra work involved, but actually, it’s not a bad thing. Not only should we all be saved many of those irritating emails and phone calls from organisations we know nothing of and aren’t remotely interested in, but also, we should be able to rest a bit easier in our beds, in this time when our personal data is vulnerable to annoying people who mess around illegally in our online world. It’s always a shame when what should be a perfectly straightforward and uncomplicated way of doing things is messed up by a few, but it is far wiser for us to be prepared. We could complain that we are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but in a worst-case scenario, we may lose a lot and find our lives utterly upended if our important data is not carefully stored and
BUSINESS protected. In a way, as a friend recently pointed out, it seemed much the same with our blessed Health & Safety regulations. To a very small business, they seem completely “over the top”, but how many thousands of lives have been saved in factories and on building sites since they have been a part of our working lives? Thus, it is with – er – enthusiasm and cheerful determination that we have been setting up our safeguards and writing our policies. We are as confident as possible that nothing that we send to our clients on the Magical Inter Web and nothing that we save on the big Cloud that is our IT server now, can be hacked into by someone with a bright mind, a computer and too much time on their hands. These regulations are also designed to put you in the driving seat with those who hold your details so that you have some sway in what they do with them. It is definitely worth your while to get to know a bit about GDPR, and to ensure that you are happy with how your information is being looked after. If you have any concerns, as usual, my advice would be to contact your professional advisers and ask them for help. After all, looking after you, our clients, is the reason we exist. Enjoy this lovely month, and I wish you many, many hours of sunshine! Jane Bowe Probusiness
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 33
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Balloon flights over the Chew Valley, Mendips and Somerset Levels
✗ Frome based, affordable ✗
Skylark (SW) Ltd
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high quality aerial photography in the Mendip area with prices from £120 + VAT Property photography and video for estate agents and private owners Aerial inspections of buildings, structures for building inspectors and private owners Solar panel inspection Event photography and video High resolution photography and 4k video Site survey and risk assessment prior to flying
Pilot accredited by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for commercial operations CAA approved third party insurance
Please visit www.skylark.ltd for more information and enquiries
PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
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Investing in solar
BUSINESS
IF you haven’t installed solar panels yet, 2018 is the year, according to Solarsense. Solar panels have been used by homeowners, landowners and businesses for years. However, with the impending closure of the government feed-in tariff next April, grants still available and the significant drop in panel prices (90% in seven years), they say there has never been a better time to invest in this smart technology (ROI up to 16%). A typical system will generate savings for more than 25 years, payback in year seven and protect you or your business from the volatile energy market. There are also a number of finance routes available to aid initial funding. Solarsense has completed more than 10,500 residential, commercial and industrial renewable energy installations and is responsible for powering some of the UK's leading organisations. They place great emphasis on the quality of their installations and are proud to have won 18 regional, national and international awards in recognition of their expertise, customer service and pioneering projects. For a free, no obligation desktop survey simply call 01275 461 800 or visit www.solarsense-uk.com for more information.
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • 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
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RUBBISH CLEARANCE SERVICE
Licensed Waste Carrier Single items to whole houses, garages and gardens cleared For a free no obligation quote, please call
John: 01761 410424 or mobile 07919 584737
Classic Records Wanted
Top prices paid for clean Classical Music vinyl LPs (Beethoven, Mozart etc.) from the 1950s onwards.
Labels include Columbia SAX, HMV ASD and Decca SXL.
PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
We are a local company based in Chew Valley and Frome, with access to Bath, Bristol and other surrounding areas. We specialise in:
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BUSINESS
Inheritance Tax – transferring property over your children IF the two great certainties in life are death and taxes that is not a reason to unnecessarily gift your hard earned wealth to the taxman unless you choose to do so. So why not reduce the value of your estate by gifting your property to the children particularly as it is increasingly difficult for them to get on the property market nowadays? An entirely understandable thought but you need to be careful as you could fall between two stools if you don’t watch it. If you give your property away there is no inheritance tax to pay on the gift, provided you survive it by seven years. However, if you occupy the property any time after your gift you are then exposed to to the “gift with reservation of benefit” (GRB) rules. The effect of these rules is to prevent the seven-year clock from running. So on death, the property would be treated as remaining in your ownership and so trigger off the very Inheritance Tax liability which had sought to avoid – a clear own goal. One way to get around this is by paying rent to your children. But you will have to pay market rent to take it out of the Inheritance Tax net. You also need to bear in mind that your children will then be liable for income tax on the rent you pay them. Beware! You will no longer be the legal owner of the property. Your children could throw you out! You could be forced out if they decided they want to rent or sell the property – or live there
themselves. Further if you transfer your home, you need to consider the possibility that your child may divorce. If this happens, they may be forced to sell. If your son or daughter had an issue with bankruptcy, the property would form part of their estate. This could then potentially be claimed by creditors seeking to claw back money from their estate. Before making a transfer you will also need to bear in mind Capital Gains Tax where the property is not your “principal primary residence.” This could apply if, for example, your child is not living in the property when it is transferred into their name but has increased in value when they come to sell it. Another word of caution if you are thinking about making a transfer of property to try and avoid/reduce care home fees. As a parent, you need to tread carefully before passing your property on to your children as the local authority could argue that it was a “deliberate deprivation of assets” to avoid residential care home fees. If that argument was successful, the local authority could reverse the transfer of ownership. This means the home is switched back to you, the parents, and will form part of the assessment of your means. All that said sensible financial planning can result in huge reductions in Inheritance Tax liability but tread carefully and take advice. Edward Lyons Solicitor
Please contact Barbara Calcutt (Bristol Office 0117 950 6506) or Anna O’Hara (Kingswood office 0117 967 5252) to discuss this further.
Email: enquiries@lyonslaw.co.uk Website: www.lyonslaw.co.uk Telephone: 01275 332168 An established and progressive law firm providing a personal and cost-effective legal service for commercial and individual clients. ● Family & Divorce Law ● Co-habitation disputes ● Inheritance disputes ● Wills and Living Wills ● Powers of Attorney ● Administration of Trusts ● Property – sales and purchases Chew Magna 01275 332168
OFFICES AT: Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506
Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 37
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BUSINESS
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www.radstockcarpetandbeds.co.uk 01761 432808 The Old Cinema, Coombend, Radstock BA3 3AW
Mendip Gazebos
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EVENTS
Winscombe May Fayre
1st Winscombe Scouts on the barbecue
The Sandford WI stall
Fun in the fairground
North Somerset Samba Band made themselves heard
Maypole dancers from Winscombe Primary School
Crowds enjoying the sunshine
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Face painting Lizzie Griffiths and Tyler Lawrence
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• Clothing and Accessories • Cycle to Work Schemes • Quality New Bikes • Spares & Repairs • Cycle Hire
TOPSOIL AND STONE SUPPLIES Dry high quality screened or unscreened Topsoil. Recycled aggregates and quarry stone supplies, road planings and building stone.
DEMOLITION AND STRIP OUT
• Follow us on facebook for our latest news and offers
All types of demolition works. From small household to main contractor projects, including rail, schools and city centre redevelopments. Complete range of specialist equipment and services available.
ASBESTOS Asbestos removal and collection. Roof sheets, tiles and guttering. Call for information.
TRANSPORT 4,6 and 8 wheeled tipper Lorries for hire and muck away. Low loader, beaver tail and road brush hire.
PLANT HIRE Wide range of plant. 360 excavators, Dumpers, Bulldozers and Crushers.
EXCAVATIONS Large and small excavations. Specialist works include Equestrian all weather surfaces, drainage and bulk excavations.
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Welcome from chief executive Rupert Cox
I LOOK forward to seeing as many local people as possible at our wonderful show, which is the largest in the south of England. The Royal Bath & West Show is a truly regional show of national significance that features the British Cheese Awards, the British Cider Championship as well as international sheep shearing and horse shoeing. Add to this some amazing family entertainment, fantastic livestock and horses with one of the most varied food and drink offerings in the country. Highlights in the main ring this year feature a unique display organised by our friends at Redlynch Tractors called the “Farmer’s Big Ball Challenge” – it is hard to explain, so must be seen to be believed. High quality international show jumping, Pony Club games and the heavy horse displays add an equine feel to the day that culminates in the grand parade of livestock – the biggest and the best parading around the ring. Music also features heavily this year with the Band of the Gurkhas and the Rainbow Steel Band holding court on the bandstand as the effervescent Bristol-based Ambling Band entertain visitors with their unique brand of music on the Friday and Saturday. The new jewel in the crown however is the Pilton Tent that features live music all day from a plethora of local artistes. There’s plenty for everyone at the Royal Bath & West Show.
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Celebrating 100 years of service
WILLMOTTS Transport Ltd is celebrating its centenary this year! In 1918, following the end of WWI, George Willmott used the experience of driving heavy vehicles for the Royal Army Service Corps to set up business in Wells with one single vehicle running mainly between Wells and Bristol. Over the years, (and despite WW2), the company gradually expanded and in 1981 moved to the current site at Waterlip, just to the east of Shepton Mallet. The Willmott family later sold the business and it is now operated by Stotts Group Ltd with very much the same ethos of quality service and family values. Today the company has a large site at Waterlip with offices, a brand new maintenance workshop, a freight handling centre and five ambient warehouses providing 100,000 sq.ft. of food grade storage in the local area. Willmotts store and distribute for a number of well-known manufacturers and fast-moving consumer goods brands and deliver into all the national retail outlets and distribution centres. The Willmotts’ brand is strong and clean with the vehicle livery clearly identifiable and a fleet list that includes both rigid and articulated vehicles with tail-lifts and truck mounted forklifts or other combination to suit almost every transport request. All warehousing and distribution services are backed up by the latest technology, from electronic data transfer to vehicle telematics to give customers real-time reporting and ensure that vehicles are operated in a responsible and environmentally-aware manner. The company has focused on gaining accreditations that ensure consistently excellent performance levels, including BSEN ISO 9001:2015, British Retail Consortium (BRC), Soil Association certified and FORS Bronze and Silver and in forming partnerships, such as being part of the Palletforce network, and these strengths continue to give options for further growth as Willmotts drive onwards into a second century!
C OMPETITION W INNERS
WE had a huge response to our competition for tickets to the Royal Bath and West Show, which runs from May 30th-June 2nd. The first correct entries drawn were from Mrs E. Powell, Wells, Z. West, Trowbridge, Victoria Price, Frome, Tim Fletcher, Yatton and Kay Greening, Radstock.
ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2018
Start off the new season and invest in the best! Kubota machinery offers outstanding value for money with market leading reliability and performance.
COME AND SEE L US AT THE ROYA OW BATH & WEST SH 18 ON THE 30/05/20 AND 02/06/2018, ST NUMBER 616.
Cash back options avai lable on the GR an d Z122R serie s T&Cs apply
Your main Kubota dealer for Somerset and South Gloucester Main Road A370, Hewish, Weston-super-Mare BS24 6SE
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 43
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Agricultural & Hor cultural Machinery Dealers
STANTON WICK FARM PENSFORD • BRISTOL • BS39 4DB
Zero Turn Mowers
Heavy horses set to thrill the crowds
Shredders & Chippers
Mounted Equipment
Lawn Mowers
Telescopic Handlers
Compact Tractors
Landrollers
Harrows & Aerators
All Terrain Vehicles
Garden Power Tools
sales@hcur s.co.uk @hcur s H. Cur s and Sons
Telephone: 01761 490372
THE heavy horse classes always enthrall visitors at the Royal Bath & West Show and though some are intimidated by the size of these animals, their handlers know these are gentle giants. It takes a lot of time to not only prepare an animal for showing, but in training them from the very beginning – and horses require a lot of continual work to keep them fit and in shape. Head of shows, Alan Lyons, said: “Horse competitions always bring in the crowds and the heavy horse classes this year are expected to show off some of the biggest and finest animals the country has to offer.”
NAILSEA PATIO SUPPLIES
The ultimate one-stop Garden Shop Paving slabs, stepping stones, edging and ornaments, plants and composts FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL OFFERS Calor gas 7 days a week
PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Nailsea Patio Supplies are proud to support
The Coalyard, Station Close, Backwell, BS48 1TJ Contact us – Tel: 01275 851706
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ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2018
Ice cream, teas and cake – down on the farm CHEW Moo’s have opened an ice cream parlour and coffee shop next to where they make their ice cream at Graylands Farm, in Dundry. While enjoying a tea or coffee, with a home-made cake, you can see the Guernsey cows that supply the milk – and buy some if you like – as well as goats, with some Tamworth pigs arriving soon. The old storage room has been turned into a charming café and the views outside are spectacular. It’s six years since the Parfitt family decided to diversify into making ice cream from their milk – watch out for them at shows this summer. They now have 36 outlets locally and produce around 30 different flavours, including rich toffee fudge and cherry and dark chocolate. It’s a family business, run by Suzanne and brother, Simon, with mum Nic and dad, Nick. Suzanne said: “The parlour has helped the business. Some people had no idea that artisan ice cream was made here on
the farm. Some children had no idea where milk came from.” It’s open 10am-5pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at other times during school holidays and by appointment. Schools, scouts and young farmers have
been among the visiting parties. Chew Moo’s Facebook page has details. The café also shows a video made by Richard Cornock, the Funky Farmer, showing the ice cream making process on the farm.
Find us at the Royal Bath and West Show Stand 497 in the Food Hall
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 45
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Come & see us at the B&W Show on Stand 88, Avenue A
New Builds | Extensions | Renovations Conversions | General Building Our new landscaping team are trained in fitting Astro turf and receive a 20% discount when you mention this advert
0117 332 0079 0788 968 6668 Unique Design & Build SW
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Unit 16, Tome Price Way, Bishop Sutton, Bristol BS39 5EH. PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
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ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2018
Forty years of expert advice and service MENDIP Fireplaces will celebrate the 40th anniversary of it being incorporated as a company in July – and it is continuing to fulfil its aim to be at the forefront of technology and innovation in the industry. With new EU regulations on emissions coming into force in 2022 and an announcement by the government that it too is cracking down on older, more polluting woodburning stoves, open fires and fuels, it has never been more important for anyone thinking of installing a woodburner to seek expert advice. The team from Mendip Fireplaces will once again be at the Royal Bath and West Show, featuring some of the latest industry designs and innovations including a feature range of outdoor firepits and stoves which are not only stunning to look at, but will stand the test of time. Jeremy White, director of Mendip Fireplaces, based at Windsor Hill on the edge of Shepton Mallet, said: “We are at the forefront of meeting the new emission standards. Our range is already eco design-ready. “We have 40 years of experience, which is unmatched in this area, and can advise people on everything from the most suitable woodburner to the correct flue and, just as importantly, the correct fuel.” Mendip Fireplaces is already signed up to Woodsure, a quality assurance scheme recommending wood fuel producers who have achieved Ready to Burn status. One of the biggest pollutants is wet, unseasoned wood.
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of our company
Ahead of the curve – Mendip Fireplaces’s Jeremy White in the showroom near Shepton Mallet
Wood must be seasoned for up to two years to achieve Ready to Burn status. After 2022, woodburners must produce no more than 40 micrograms of particulates per normalised cubic metre – some of the products available at Mendip Fireplaces have been measured at levels of just nine mcg. Jeremy added: “We were incorporated on Thursday, July 13th, 1978 and we’re planning a massive celebration to mark our 40th anniversary from Friday, July 13th to Sunday, July 15th this year.”
Introducing “The Outdoor Fire Company” with its amazing range of outdoor firepits, BBQ’s and efficient glass fronted fires, burning wood or gas
Visit us on Stand 84, Avenue A at this year’s Royal Bath and West Show. We are ahead of the game with eco design-ready stoves for both indoors and outdoors A premier Charnwood distributor, we are at the forefront of meeting new low emission targets
Made from corten steel, our Quaruba range will grace any garden or patio for years to come (model shown Quaruba XL with up to four glass panels)
www.mendipfireplaces.co.uk Tel: 01749 344015 • E-mail: sales@mendipfireplaces.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 47
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INTERNET
iPad tips – part five
Messages If you have typed a long word and misspelled the first letter, autocorrect is unlikely to work out what it should be and it appears the only way is to retype the whole thing, which can be very annoying. So just tap and hold to the right of the mistyped letter, which should take away the highlight and put a cursor next to the letter, so just backspace and retype.
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
Test your knowledge of people and places belonging to Mendip and surrounding areas
WhatsApp If you want to emphasise a word in WhatsApp, you'll have to put a shortcut around the words you want to stand out. For bold, you need to put an asterisk on either side of the word, like *this*, while italics need an underscore on either side of a _word_. You can even combine commands for *_bolditalics_* On iPhones, you can get Siri to read your messages to you. Just say "Hey Siri, read my last WhatsApp message. Or "Hey Siri, read my last text message”. Add to calendar from messages If you get a text with a date in it, just press and hold on the date and a box appears, so just tap Create Event and it will add it. If you’ve tapped send and instantly realise you’ve made a mistake, you may be able to delete the message before it’s been read, provided that it was within a seven-minute time frame. Just select the message, tap the bin icon, and choose 'Delete for everyone'.
If you want to personalise a photo before you send it: On WhatsApp – with a conversation open, tap the camera icon next to the text field and select an image from your gallery. Then choose one of the new icons at the top right of the display to crop the picture, add a sticker, enter text or draw a doodle. When you’re happy just tap Send. On a text – add the photo, then tap it and tap MarkUp. Tap the pencil you want to use, then draw on the photo. But remember – it’s not very polite to text while in the company of others! However, if necessary, explain why you have to do it. Submitted by IT for the Terrified: Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF 01934 741751 (usually goes to answer phone) www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com I.T. for the Terrified – for all your computer training needs. A skill-sharing, community project. Run by a Committee – Staffed by Volunteers Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600 This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us. We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones. Or if you would like to share basic skills with others, please get in touch.
PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
ACROSS 1 ___ Hope, world-famous comedian who spent his infancy in Weston-superMare (3) 5 & 23A Local born comedian who grew up in Cheddar and has recently appeared at the Wells Comedy Festival (7,7) 6 Somerset civil parish comprising the villages of West ____ and East ____ (4) 7 and 20D St. ________ ___. A civil parish completely surrounding the city and parish of Wells (8,3) 8 See 17 down 12 See 22 across 14 See 7 down 15 Village north-east of Frome (7) 16 Civil parish close to Leigh-on-Mendip and five miles north east of Shepton Mallet (8) 18 Chalice ____, tourist attraction situated at the foot of Glastonbury Tor (4) 21 & 4D Weston-super-Mare born film, television, and
theatre actor as seen in BBC’s Sherlock (6,6) 22, 19D & 12A Somerset _____ ____ _______ can be found in Glastonbury (5,4) 23 See 5 across
DOWN 2 Marston _____, a small village near Nunney and three miles south of Frome (5) 3 Village two miles east of Wells (6) 4 See 21 across 7, 11D & 14A The road on which you can find the site for this year’s MidSomerset Show in Shepton Mallet (8,5,4) 9 Westbury ___ Mendip (3) 10 Village found in Tellisford civil parish, six miles north-east of Frome (9) 11 See 7 down 13 See 17 down 17, 8A & 13D _____ ___ ______ Museum found at 8 Cathedral Green (5,3,6) 19 See 22 across 20 See 7 across
Answers on page 138
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EVENTS
Cathedral welcomes hundreds of revs – the engine type, that is AN estimated 150 cars filled Wells Cathedral Green at the end of the annual Mendip Vintage and Classic Cars Tour. The tour – organised by the Classic and Historic Motor Club – began near Brent Knoll and took in the Haynes Motor Museum at Sparkford on its way to Wells. Pat and Tina Bridgeman, of Shepton Mallet, with their fully-restored Bentley sports car
Richard and Sue Leworthy won the award for best-dressed driver and passenger, along with the Eileen Giles award for the Mayor of Wells’ favourite car; their 1924 Belsize Picnic time amongst the daisies on the cathedral green
Sue Slade was one of the volunteers collecting money for We Are Macmillan Cancer Support, the tour’s chosen charity
Wells Cathedral reflected in the wheel of an historic Rover
Christine and Gerald Tanner, plus their Spinnini Tazia from Priddy, with their 1986 Citreon 2CV
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 49
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Locally-made gifts and souvenirs of exceptional quality
23a Broad Street, Wells BA7 2DJ Open 10–4 except Sundays www.somersetguild.co.uk • 01749 671112
Annual Exhibition and Sale of Miniature Art at e Town Hall, Wells, Somerset Saturday 2nd June – 9th June 10am – 5pm (Closed Sunday 3rd June) Daily Demonstrations • Admission Free • Wheelchair access
Dave Appleby – a passion for wood
DAVE Appleby worked in the financial sector but took early retirement to take up the passion which he had since he was 14; to become a full time professional wood turner. Based at Long Sutton, near Langport, Dave said: “I love creating forms that bring out the grain in wood.” He works in a wide variety of woods, from ash to walnut, and also Somerset bog oak, preserved in peat on the Somerset Levels, which may Dave Appleby makes regular be as much as 5,000 years old! appearances at wood turning Dave has just completed an exhibitions and demonstrations interesting commission for the British Cheese Awards for the Royal Bath and West Show, opening on Wednesday, May 30th. When first cut down, the individual cells in a tree contain a large amount of moisture so processing a suitable piece of timber and allowing it to season is imperative to the process. It normally takes about 12 months to air dry one inch of thickness of wood: “Even then the wood sometimes cracks as the cells dry out!” Dave added: “One question is in deciding whether to make a beautiful functional piece, such as a yarn bowl or a platter, or an artistic piece which looks good but has limited practical use. I like making both. “I am inspired by the individual characteristics in a piece of wood. With experience you know how to use the lathe to highlight these and also when to keep cutting and when to stop.” By Christopher Bond You can see Dave’s beautiful work at the Somerset Guild Shop in Broad Street in Wells.
Cheddar arts
Artists Lindy Paul, Issy Emeney, Tina Dodd and Juliet Arnison
A workshop will be held on 2nd June, 10am – 4pm Contact: 01749 674472 or Email: hilliardsociety@aol.com PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
CHEDDAR Arts Fringe Festival CHAFF featured over a dozen local artists displaying their painting, sculpture, textiles, silverware, multi-media and laser cutting crafts at nine venues in the village, with live music performances, as well as willow and plant displays.
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Oriental box leads to Chinese battle A VERY good entry of some 800 antiques and collectables went under the hammer at the Mendip Auction Rooms on May 5th and in spite of the warmer weather there was a good attendance of buyers with particularly strong interest over the internet. Oriental items were in demand and a Chinese cinnebar lacquer lobed box and cover, the lid carved with a dragon among clouds, led to a competition between Chinese buyers eventually selling for £1,500, well above estimate. A watercolour and gouache from the 19th century Chinese School of a lady seated also met with keen interest realising £850, well above the estimate of £150 – £200. Another excellent good entry of jewellery was on offer with strong prices achieved. A spectacular
modern white metal pair of single stone diamond earrings made £2,700. A delightful 18ct gold hunter pocket watch with an attached curb link albert chain sold for £1,700, again well above estimate. There was an interesting entry of ceramics leading to many specialist buyers being in attendance. A rare Meissen porcelain coffee pot and cover made £1,300 and a 19th century Meissen porcelain figure of a cherub £650. A late 18th century Sevres cabaret set achieved £600 and another set £400. Collectables are always in demand and make an auction room interesting and there was good demand for all on offer. A pair of black basalt busts of St Vincent and Duncan made £800, well above the estimate of £250 – 350. There was also increased interest for quality furniture with an impressive early 20th century oak roll top desk from a local farming family realising £550, a 19th century oak pokerwork coffer £500 and a small 17th century oak joint school £480.
ARTS & ANTIQUES
The next sale of Antiques & Collectables will be on Saturday, June 9th and entries are invited. The auction rooms are open every weekday morning between 10am and 1pm or contact the team to arrange a free home visit. The auction rooms can also arrange professional and trusted house clearances ensuring items that can be sold are!
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Special guest
New exhibition
ARTIST Jane Hall had a very special guest join her at the Cam Valley Arts Trail Group spring exhibition and sale at the end of April – her mum! Margaret, who celebrated her 100th birthday in March, was keen to support her daughter and see all the wonderful artwork produced by local artists. Jane, who has been a member of the group since 2015, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the spring exhibition and met some lovely people – having my mum there as well was the icing on the cake." Their next event will be at the Midsomer Arts Festival on Saturday June 23rd at the Hollies Gardens, Midsomer Norton. Details: www.camvalleyartstrail.co.uk or call 07763 218176.
Towards Mt Cook from Lake Pukaki Watercolour (detail) 17” x 30”
TRAVELLING watercolour artist Moish Sokal has returned from his adventure trip to New Zealand’s South Island. He brings back a new and exciting collection of work from this and his earlier trips to the Lake District and Scotland. His new exhibition In the Open at the Malthouse Gallery, East Lambrook Manor Gardens, Silver Street, TA13 5HH, opens on Tuesday, June 5th and runs until July 22nd. He said: “The diverse and inspiring landscapes of one of the world’s last frontiers, settled by humans only 800 years ago, always fascinated me.” The exhibition is set in the beautiful Grade 1 listed East Lambrook Manor Gardens, closed every Monday. Admission to the exhibition is free (this also includes café and nursery). Details: www.moishsokal.co.uk or on 07812837825.
Arts day in Radstock
ARTISTS from all over the Somer Valley will come together on Saturday, June 2nd in a celebration of all things artistic for the Somer Valley Family Arts Day. From 11am-4pm, the field at St Nicholas Church, Radstock will be filled with something for all the family to enjoy – including an interactive visual arts trail, food, music and street theatre performances. Local artists will display a giant recycled fish created from plastic found in the river, there will be performances from local musicians, and local actors will be trained by The Natural Theatre Company to appear in a hilarious performance of The Chain. There will also be the chance to experience some of the best street theatre in the country as The Naturals and Bath Fringe bring the brilliantly entertaining Bedlam Fair to the event. The Natural Theatre Company has continued its work with DNA Arts to provide opportunities for local artists to develop their skills and showcase their work. There will be plenty more Arts workshops and events in the Somer Valley throughout the year. Details: www.naturaltheatre.co.uk
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ARTS AND ANTIQUES
New recruit at Clevedon Salerooms
CLEVEDON Salerooms have recently appointed Mark Huddleston to strengthen their valuation team. Having previously been a head of department at Bonhams in Chester and at Fellows Auctioneers of Birmingham, Mark brings over 20 years’ experience to the firm. With a breadth of knowledge ranging from clocks and works of art to furniture and ceramics, he also undertakes valuations for probate and insurance. Mark has overseen two specialist dispersals of Blue John in the past three years, as well as handling several high-value clock collections. Mark said: “I am
delighted to join a friendly team with a strong ‘antiques’ ethos. The idyllic location of the saleroom made the decision an easy one on both a business and a personal level and the reputation of the saleroom within the area is unparalleled. I look forward to contributing to their continued success.” Clevedon Salerooms’ Quarterly Specialist Sale on June 7th includes many interesting items. A collection of effects, originally part of the estate of the celebrated architect and designer C. F. A. Voysey (by descent) have their own section in the sale and include Voysey’s own desk-top brass postage scale, to his own design, estimated at £400 - £600. The fully illustrated catalogue is available to view online now.
For more information contact the salerooms on 01934 830111.
Every lot in every auction, illustrated and sold with live internet bidding Three Stone Diamond ring (3ct) £5,000 - £7,500 Art Nouveau after Zsolnay pottery vase £1,000 - £1,500
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS 11th, 12th & 25th, 26th June 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary
Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery Thursday, 21st June
Sale starts at 10.30am On view day before 10am – 6.30pm
Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789
The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com
George III silver and glass fruit bowl £1,500 - £2,500
Arthur K Maderson, oil – ‘From the shadows, River Wye’ 96cm x 117cm (one of 10 Madersons in the sale) £2,000 - £3,000
Quarterly Specialist Sale Thursday 7th June at 10.30am
Viewing Days: 5th June – 2pm – 5.30pm and 6th June – 10am – 6.30pm – Sale Day from 9am On line catalogue available now MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 53
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Paint jam is pure style
SOME of the area’s most talented artists gathered at Glastonbury Skatepark for a summer “paint jam” – with some stunning results. The pop-up street art gallery on temporary boards was also child-friendly with music provided by local DJs.
Flo, from Shepton Mallet, gets to work on a portrait
Freestyle fantasy art being created in the skatepark . . .
. . . whilst others worked from a sketchpad PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Youngsters enjoy the skatepark as the artists work around them
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ARTS AND ANTIQUES
Jewellery prices continue to soar CONTINUING the success of their specialist online antiques sale on March 21st, Cooper and Tanner had received a private local collection of jewellery from a deceased estate that was entered into their sale in May. This collection included a number of interesting Victorian pieces and later early 20th century jewellery; this included a beautiful Edwardian pink tourmaline and seed pearl bracelet that sold for £400. Another piece from the collection, and the star of the sale, was a stunning fancy yellow diamond cluster ring that sold for £3,200 on the hammer. Other pieces of jewellery that sold well were two guard chains that sold for £550 each; a traditional diamond five stone diamond ring that sold for £420; and a charming aquamarine and diamond cluster ring that sold for £460. Jewellery has been selling very well at the Cooper and Tanner saleroom at Standerwick recently as gifts for others, engagement rings and as treats
to the buyers themselves. They always have a good selection and are constantly looking for vendors with jewellery to sell to include in their future sales. Appointments for jewellery valuations are available by appointment. Cooper and Tanner’s antiques sale on June 13th will have another private collection of local jewellery, including a lovely diamond solitaire ring. All of their antiques sales have an online catalogue through thesaleroom.com where buyers from all over the world can view each lot, request additional information and bid live. Cooper and Tanner hold their antiques sales every six weeks and accept entries every Thursday and Friday; and they are now accepting entries for their July 25th sale. The closing date for this sale is July 11th. Gareth Wasp is available for specialist jewellery valuations by appointment; please contact the office to book.
This sapphire and diamond ring sold recently for £28,000
SALE ROOMS ENTRIES NOW INVITED FOR OUR SPECIALIST JEWELLERY AUCTION £4
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A five stone diamond ring, stamped “18ct”, the graduated old cuts totalling approximately 0.8 carats
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A light fancy yellow and white diamond cluster ring
£4
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A Cartier diamond ring
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A sapphire and diamond ring
Free specialist jewellery valuations available by appointment, please contact the office to book Gareth Wasp Telephone 01373 852419 The Agricultural Centre, Standerwick, Frome BA11 2QB Gareth.wasp@copperandtanner.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 55
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A model way to fundraise
A model performance (l:r): Ellie Box, Maxine McCluskey, IW president Jackie Emm, Trisha Nash, Erica Palfreyman and Beryl Appleyard
VOLUNTEER models took to the catwalk for a charity fashion show organised by Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel. Held at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton, the evening raised almost £1,000 for the Children’s Air Ambulance, the chosen charity of club president Jacky Emm who was also one of the models. The models’ outfits were provided by the Travelling Trends fashion company with clothing on sale to guests on the night.
Bikers for charity
Pupils pose for Porge
Staff and pupils at East Harptree school show off their odd socks
YOUNGSTERS at East Harptree primary school donned odd socks for the day as part of a £150,000 fundraising campaign in aid of a former pupil. Family and friends of Georgia Bryant – known as Porge – are trying to raise enough money for the 28-year-old to undergo pioneering treatment for leukaemia. Georgia is best known as a member of the Chew Valley Cats ladies rugby team and sides from across the south west – along with other sports clubs and organisations – have been wearing odd socks to raise awareness of the Pounds for Porge campaign. The youngsters’ efforts at East Harptree raised almost £150 for the appeal. For details, visit: www.gofundme.com/poundsforporge
Shoe shiners
Dom Yates (left) and Sindy Ryall with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance CEO Bill Sivewright
THE Double Trouble Rally is a popular annual weekend biker rally in North Somerset held at Court Farm Country Park. The event is attended by around 600 bikers who enjoy a weekend of great bands and lots of beer. Each year money is raised for a chosen local charity. Sindy and Dom who have been running the rally since taking over in 2013 recently presented cheques to two of the charities chosen to benefit from the rally’s charity raffle. A total of £515 was raised for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and £410 for Avon Owls in Banwell. This year’s event on May 18th/19th raised money for Bristol Stolen Bike recovery. PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
CRISPIN School in Street has been collecting for the ShoeShare campaign, a partnership between Unicef and Clarks Shoes, which collects old or unwanted shoes, which are sent for re-use, with a donation to Unicef, which goes towards education programmes around the world. Pupils are pictured with staff from Unicef and Clarks.
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Bhangra beats in Pilton
The band, organisers and visitors
THE Working Men’s Club in Pilton was packed for a charity dance and music event led by one of the country’s leading Indian bhangra bands. Eternal Taal, from Birmingham, had everyone on their feet for
Eternal Taal – the band are regulars at the Glastonbury Festival
Emily Eavis and her family were amongst those enjoying the occasion
a dance class before performing some traditional music. The event was held in aid of the charity White Ribbon Alliance UK, which campaigns for women’s rights to safe maternity care across the world.
Follow my leader – the band soon had the audience on the dancefloor
Everyone was encouraged to join in
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Trucking for charity
A GIANT truck will be doing the rounds of local events this summer raising money for Cancer Research. It means the village of Peasedown St John will see two summer celebrations! As well as the tenth annual Party in the Park Festival on Saturday, June 9th, people are being invited to a second celebration a week later. The Caribbean Beach Party Night will support Reversing for Cancer, set up by Paul Smart Transport, of Felton. Reversing for Cancer fundraisers, Chloe and Craig Gill, said: “Cancer effects everyone at some point in their lives. Whether it’s themselves personally, or a friend or family member. The impact cancer has is devastating, and despite years of fundraising we still have a long way to go to beat this terrible disease. “Reversing for Cancer aims to raise £250,000 this year at various events and festivals and so we’re really excited to have teamed up with Peasedown Party in the Park and Sevy’s Sports Bar at Peasedown Cricket Club to host this event on June 16th.” With the help of Scania, Reversing for Cancer launched their brand new awareness tool – a Scania XT G450 8x4 Tipper Truck – in Peasedown St John. Party in the Park has committed £1,500 from its budget to cover the cost of the June 16th event, all of which has been raised over the last decade of summer festivals. The Caribbean Beach Party Night will be held at Peasedown St John Cricket Club on Saturday, June 16th at 8pm. There will be live music with The Rainbow Steel Band, plus a disco, raffle, fancy dress, beach games and a BBQ. Tickets are £10 each and are available to buy at Peasedown
Pictured are charity fundraisers Chloe and Craig Gill and Gordon Veale along with the vice chairwoman of B&NES, Cllr Karen Walker, the chairman of Party in the Park, Nathan Hartley, and local volunteers.
Cricket Club, by emailing events@reversingforcancer.com or through Karen Walker at 34 Church Road, Peasedown St. John.
Details: www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk or www.reversingforcancer.com
Regatta on the horsepond
CASTLE Cary’s famous horsepond was transformed into a boating lake for the town’s annual charity regatta, organised by Shepton Mallet Drifters Model Boat Club. Members of Brue Valley Rotary Club sold refreshments on the day, raising £145 for the RNLI – a 50% increase on last year’s takings. ● Burnham-on-Sea lifeboat station is appealing for volunteers to join the existing crew. Anyone interested should call into the station during their Wednesday evening training session.
The Brue crew selling refreshments PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Charity ride is a winner
THE Great Weston Ride, the mass-participation West Country cycling event taking place on Sunday. July 15th has been recognised for its significant contribution to health and wellbeing at the prestigious Bristol Life Awards. As well as coming away as the overall winner in the Health & Wellbeing category, it was also in the running for the title of Best Event for the second year in a row. Darren McKimm, the Great Weston Ride organiser, said: "The valuable contribution that cycling can make to people's health and wellbeing is well-documented and it's a message that we're always striving to convey to potential participants, so it's fantastic to see the Great Weston Ride getting public recognition for its contribution in this area." The event is in its ninth year and its reputation is firmly established – the ride appeals to cyclists of all abilities with its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and significant numbers of people travel to the area each year to take on this delightful West Country challenge. The ride also actively encourages charity fundraising and to date riders have raised over £275,000 for charitable causes, with much of this going to support the ride's official charity partner Prostate Cancer UK. Details: www.greatwestonride.com
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Record funding from Quartet Charity bake-off
QUARTET Community Foundation has given out more than £3 million in grants in the past 12 months – a recordbreaking amount. It says needs across society are growing and becoming more complex and it’s grateful to those channelling more donations through them to help local people and communities. Based in Bristol, the foundation also covers North Somerset, B&NES and South Gloucestershire. Director, Sue Turner (pictured), said: “From giving young people the chance of a good start in life to supporting people struggling with mental health issues and helping older people feel less isolated, every penny of that £3 million is changing lives for the better. “For the year ahead we’re making larger grants that help small charities and community projects figure out how they can survive – and thrive – in these challenging times.” She said they have been entrusted with more large funds, sharing their knowledge of issues facing people across the West of England with more funders. Details: www.quartetcf.org.uk
Bikers battling prostate cancer FORMER policeman, Paul Dear, from Glastonbury waved off over 60 riders on his charity Bike Ride Out, as they set off from the town’s Abbey Moor Stadium on their journey to Lynmouth, helping to raise money for the Prostrate Cancer UK Charity. Paul, who has been diagnosed with the cancer, can no longer receive treatment for the condition and is in palliative care. He is a vociferous campaigner for men to get themselves checked for the condition. As well as organising support for this second annual event, Paul has also signed up for a second two-day run from London to Holland. Although not physically able to take part, he says he will do his very best to make it to the start line to cheer the riders on, in spite of hospital treatment.
CHARITIES
A BAKING competition in aid of Stand Up To Cancer will be held at Wells Methodist Church on Saturday, June 30th. There will be three categories: Open; Men and under 15s. Entries will be received on the Friday evening and early on the Saturday; judging will take place between 10am and 12noon and the public will be admitted from 2pm to view the entries and have afternoon tea. Winners will receive Star Baker aprons at 4.30pm. Entry forms will be available from local shops, including The Cancer Research Charity Shop; the library and Millicans Opticians or from organiser, Norman Cowell. Details: norman.cowell35@talktalk.net
Charity cut
Alex Wasmuht said that having heard the news that more men are dying from prostate cancer each year than women are from breast cancer, he decided to have his head shaved to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK, raising over £400. He’s pictured with Clive Mullins at Minskys in Street.
Organiser Paul Dear and Glastonbury Town Crier David Greenway, who was the official starter
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In memory of Maggie
Pete Wells ( centre) with some of those who joined him for his sponsored ten-mile walk round Chew Valley Lake.
PETER Wells from Bishop Sutton has been busy fundraising for Meningitis Research after losing his wife Maggie to meningitis in January – and has now found a new way of raising more for the charity. He was persuaded by his sons that he needed a dog for company and agreed so long as it could be called Maggie and it was a Golden Retriever, their favourite dog breed. He said: “She is now nearly four months old and, apart from being with me every day in my gardening business, she will be helping in the future to raise funds for Meningitis Research. “I would like to let her visit schools, pre-schools and care homes, where she will be a real asset in cheering OAPs and making children like dogs, instead of being afraid of them, and generally bringing happiness into people's lives. “For this I would like to charge a small fee per visit for my time, and all of this will go into Maggie's donation page for Meningitis Research.” He’s also hoping to have a fundraising dog walk at some point. After a ten-mile walk, which Pete and several friends did around Chew Valley Lake, the Just Giving page is still open.
Peter with Maggie Two, who looks completely at home in Peter's arms
Pete's late wife Maggie
Details: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/remember-maggie
Pigs fly for charity!
FROME Town Rotary Club joined forces with The Warminster and District RUH Community Group to raise £2,300 for the Royal United Hospitals Bath Cancer Care Campaign. Beckington village hall was buzzing with excitement as preparation was underway for the now renowned toy Pig Race Night. Organiser, Terry Hickmott, spent three months building the race track, which has since brought so much fun and joy to people all over Wiltshire and Somerset. The next pig race will be held on June 30th at The George in Longbridge Deverill. PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Details: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk
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Lottery grant boost
CHILDREN’S hospice charity Jessie May has received £10,000 from The Big Lottery Fund for their “Let’s Talk Transition” programme of work. The charity provides nursing care at home for Fiona (left) and Helen from the fundraising team at Jessie May terminally ill children and young people. The programme is dedicated to supporting life-limited children who outlive their initial prognosis and need help in the transition period from Jessie May to adult services, across North Somerset, North East Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The funding will enable “Let’s Talk Transition” to bring young people together for a number of events where they can connect with each other, share stories, and be part of a supportive community. The programme will also run a number of graduation days to mark the phenomenal achievement of young people transitioning from Jessie May’s care. For details, visit: www.jessiemay.org.uk
Dog days of summer
CHARITIES
THE Weston Rotary Dog Day was a very successful event attracting about 2,000 dog lovers to the Beach Lawns for a fun day out and raising about £4,500 for Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary and other local Rotary charities. A lucky draw from the entry tickets was won by Jade from Worle who collected her £100 prize from Rotary president Marian Barber (pictured). Jade actually has six dogs and works with dogs so she was a very worthy winner. Details: www.westonrotaryclub.org.uk and www.facebook.com/westonrotaryclub or telephone secretary George Horsfield 07900 160111
Do you have time to share? Sheila is a toy library sponsor
FROME’S outgoing mayor Sheila Gore has chosen Frome Toy Library as the final recipient of her mayor’s grants, awarding £244 to help them continue their work in the local community. And Sheila has also become the library’s first sponsor as the charity aims to expand the services it offers. The library reduces the need for families to buy lots of toys for their children and also supports families by helping to provide a well-used sharing resource. They have a wide selection of high quality toys to borrow and also games, books and dressing-up clothes. There are also twice weekly stay-and-play drop-in sessions and a healthy snack shop. Toy Library sessions run on Tuesdays at Portway Church from 9.30am to 3.30pm and on Wednesdays at Frome Library from 1.30-3.30pm. For details about becoming a sponsor, visit: https://localgiving.org/charity/purpleelephant/toylibrary
LOCAL charity Time2Share, which has been working throughout Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset for over 40 years, is looking for volunteers. It offers short breaks to families caring for a disabled child or young person and relies on a group of enthusiastic volunteers to help deliver the service. Isabella Spotswood and her son Christian have been using the service since 2009 and have had several volunteer befrienders during this time. Isabella said: “My son, like other teenagers, has a need to socialise. “Unfortunately, it is not so easy for him to do so. Time2Share has made a huge difference in his confidence, in his independent skills and in his level of happiness.” Jo Phillip, Time2Share’s Bath area co-ordinator, said: “I like to think that volunteering for Time2Share can make a huge difference, not only to the life of a family with a disabled child but to the volunteers as well. “Volunteering can help to boost your confidence and happiness – and you get to have fun hanging out with some amazing kids!” The charity’s befriending service currently supports over 50 families in B&NES and Bristol but there are still lots of young people waiting for the right volunteer to come along. Details: Jo 0117 9415868 or email bath@time2share.org.uk
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PROMISEworks does just that A MENDIP-based charity which offers a mentoring service to young people who are having problems in their lives is appealing for more volunteers to join them. PROMISEworks provides a network of mentors across Somerset who commit to spending time with a young person on a one-to-one basis, helping to build their confidence and broaden their horizons. The charity’s name comes from the promise they give to young people that each relationship lasts a minimum of two years. The charity established its own mentoring service in April last year and estimates there could be 500 young people in Somerset who could benefit from mentoring. Its target is to reach around 150 of them by 2021 – there are currently around 50, supported by 40 highly-trained mentors. It is not just a matter of cost. Robert Peto, the charity’s chairman, says the service currently works on a budget of around £2,100 per year per young person. That compares with costs of £60,000 to £300,000 per year if a child enters the care system, and up to £150,000 per year if the child enters the criminal justice system. In addition to numerous personal donations, some from the trustees and staff, the charity has been supported strongly by clients of the Somerset Community Foundation, the SCF itself, the Ninesquare Trust, Hazlegrove School, the Mactaggart Third Fund and BBC
Keeping their promises. Some of the PROMISEworks trustees (l:r) Robert Peto, Kev O’Donnell, Ali Hart and Maddy Conway
Children in Need. PROMISEworks is based in an office at Robert's home in Baltonsborough. It was born as a result of the county's mentoring project changing direction to become the Route1 Advocacy service. Robert said: “We need £4,200 just to take on one mentee as we are committed to supporting them for two years, but we are also looking for more potential mentors as well as charity ambassadors. “All the evidence points to mentoring working which is why we all believe so strongly in the charity.” Training for mentors is extensive. It draws on the years of experience of the staff team, and some of the trustees, in
For details, visit www.promiseworks.ork.uk
A dignified campaign
FROME Inner Wheel held a very successful cream tea and cakes afternoon in Chapmanslade Village Hall as part of a campaign to help women in disaster-hit areas of the world regain some dignity. Members of the club’s International Committee, led by Mary Darville and Renee Cole, organised the event to raise funds for Mission 20:20, Restoring Dignity, a project set up by IW to send sustainable sanitary wear to disaster areas where women, through no fault of their own, have lost everything due to flood, earthquake or any other natural disaster. By supplying the sustainable sanitary goods to existing charities Water Survival Boxes, School in a Bag and Akamba Aid, the network for distribution is already established and the three charities were happy to embrace the idea and include items in their shipments.
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CHARITIES
social work with vulnerable children. Kev O’Donnell, the charity’s treasurer, became a mentor after taking early retirement from his management career in the aerospace industry. Kevin said: “Mentoring is a two-way process; you can get out as much as you invest in a young person. “We might go out to the cinema or sit in a McDonalds and have a chat for a couple of hours. “It might not sound much, but a trip to McDonalds can be a special treat for some young people and even going out of Somerset to see a film in Bristol can be an opportunity they have never before experienced.” Tea and dignity at Chapmanslade
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EVENTS
Chew Magna Society duck race
Admiring the ducks
Congresbury Brass entertained
By George, but no dragons, in Wookey
Somerset Morris in front of the village church
Crowds lined the river bank
Tanya Thorne with her prize-winning duck
FAMILIES in Wookey celebrated St George’s Day with an afternoon of fun and games based around the village’s hub centre.
Just kidding: Ian and Sarah Davis with sons Edward and Ali and goat kids Charlotte and Jude, from Wookey Farm dairy goat farm
Making a splash – Henry takes aim at Annette
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Agility classes – fun and mental stimulation for dogs and their owners! IT’S a sunny evening in May and half-a-dozen or so dogs are, more or less patiently, waiting their turn on the agility course in the paddock of a farm at Green Ore, near Wells. They’re largely youngsters and playing is all they are thinking of. One-by-one, instructor Amie Matthews leads them through their paces as their owners follow as best they can. Not only are these early days for the canine participants but for Amie also, who began a course in dog agility training last August. The veterinary nurse is close to completing her British College of Canine Studies diploma in Fun Dog Agility Coaching. Her friend and experienced trainer Jan Sage, of Midsomer Norton, who is Kennel Club-qualified, also teaches more advanced classes. Any dog is welcome at Manor Farm. The six-week agility courses for beginners – followed by classes monthly from preagility to intermediate – are ideal for chihuahuas as well as akitas, along with spaniels, collies and cross-breeds. And, just as any age of dog can enjoy the classes, so can owners, however old they might be. Amie said: “We’ve got dogs and I’ve always been interested in agility and I decided I wanted to do something on my own. “It’s about owners and dogs bonding; developing their understanding and co-operation in a fun way. It offers mental stimulation and exercise.
“Hopefully some will go on to compete in agility classes, but I want to give owners the opportunity to see if they and their dogs enjoy the experience and learn together.”
Mendip Agility We offer small classes of fun, relaxed agility for all sizes and types of dog. Private lessons also available. We also cater for reactive dogs. Please get in touch for more class details: Amie Graves Manor Farm Green Ore Wells Somerset BA5 3HN Tel: 07791 220980 Email: amiegraves@live.com www.mendipagility.com
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Amie (right) with Jan Sage
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Oh yes, every dog has its day in Shepton
THE third annual Festival of Dogs in Shepton Mallet’s Collett Park attracted canines and their owners in their hundreds for a free day of showing, agility, demonstrations and fundraising.
Oh yes; Hugo the bulldog tries out his Churchill impression
Milo, a six-month-old rare Huskie x Lagotto Romagnolo puppy, was first in the best cross-breed class. He is pictured with owner Debbie Fouracres, of Street
Isla with Bella the poodle
Waiting their turn in the show ring
Willow, the spaniel, clears one of the fences in the agility ring with ease MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 65
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Olympic hero visits Shepton Mallet
A city for our future?
NEWS
Archie Agabani gives his talk flanked by the other speakers and watched by Paddy O’Hagan, who chaired the debate
TEENAGERS stole the show at a forum in Wells to discuss ideas about the future of the city. The Wells You Want evening started with five brief talks by sixth formers and adults representing different aspects of life in the city. The speakers were Blue School sixth formers Rosie Jones and Jo Woodlock, Cathedral School student Archie Agabani, playground campaigner Kirstie Harris, businesswoman Judith Ludovino and Edgar Phillips, artist-in-residence at the Bishop’s Palace. The 60-strong audience then took part in a lively discussion on a wide range of local issues. The event, at Seager Hall, was organised by Wells Independents, a non-party political group of volunteers. Daley prepares to visit the production line
EVEN a double Olympian like Daley Thompson has to dress like this when visiting the production line at Shepton Mallet-based food company Framptons Limited! Daley, the decathlete who won gold in 1980 and 1984, was visiting the company to see his new range of DT10 protein drinks being packaged and to present an Employee of the Month award to engineer Steve Williams. Steve, of Bridgwater, was proud to tell Daley, aged 60, that he had recently completed the London Marathon.
Hospital beds to reopen
MP James Heappey – who campaigned for the hospital beds in Shepton to be re-opened – cuts the ribbon to celebrate the refurbishment and expansion of Burcott Road Stores in Wells
Steve (centre) with Framptons Ltd. managing director Rob Brearley and Daley
PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
HEALTH officials have confirmed they will re-open inpatient beds at Shepton Mallet Community Hospital in July. It follows a campaign by local people who feared Chard and Dene Barton wards would be closed permanently after a temporary closure was announced last October. Local MP James Heappey, who secured a debate in Parliament about the closures, said: “This is just brilliant news. We have fought so hard to get the Shepton beds re-opened and I am delighted all that hard work has paid off.” The beds will re-open on July 9th when new staff rotas come into effect. The news came as the MP attended a ceremony to celebrate the refurbishment and expansion of a shop in Wells.
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Grant means more places in Chewton Mendip
RED Room Preschool say they are delighted to have been awarded a government grant to refurbish their kitchen. They can now welcome more children under the government’s extended (30 hours) funded programme for three to fouryear-olds. Funded places are also offered for eligible twoyear-olds. All children in England get 570 funded childcare hours per year. Most nurseries offer these hours as 15 hours a week over the 38 term-time weeks. The 30 hours is an extension to this, mainly for working parents. Full details are at www.gov.uk in “Help Paying for Childcare”. Red Room Preschool’s “Outstanding” (Ofsted) provision includes forest school and music and movement sessions along with free-flow play within their own grounds. The preschool is situated in a rural location within the grounds of Chewton Mendip Primary School. A highly qualified and experienced team support children aged between two and five years old to become competent, confident and independent through a play based and creative curriculum. Their fun activities ensure there’s never a dull day at Red Room. Red Room is open from 8am-4pm during school term time. Details: 01761 240700
EDUCATION RED ROOM PRE-SCHOOL School House, High Street, Chewton Mendip BA3 4LL
Ofsted EY313518 • Reg. Charity No. 1053784
Learning through fun and free flow play in an “Outstanding” preschool. 8am-4pm Monday - Friday during school term times. Highly qualified and experienced staff. ● Free 30 hours funded places for 3–4 year-olds and 2 year-old funded places available. ● Forest School sessions for 3-4 year-olds on Friday morning with a Friday morning session dedicated to the needs of our 2-3 year olds. ● We also run a Breakfast Club for Chewton Mendip Primary School children from 8am to 8.45 a.m. ● We are attached to Chewton Mendip Primary School with parking available by Chewton Church.
For more info contact Elaine Blackmore 01761 240700 elaine.blackmore@outlook.com www.redroompreschoolannex.org
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Blagdon Church and Village Fete
EVENTS
THE sun shone down on the crowds visiting Blagdon Court, home of Mary Mead, which once again hosted Blagdon's annual church and village fete. This year's event was being held in aid of Team Rubicon, RNLI Weston-super-Mare, and St Andrew's Church in Blagdon.
John and Emma Proctern, Hazel Parfitt and Maddie Clark selling tickets for the Fizz Draw
Liz Davis trying to pick a winning number from the tombola machine, manned by Charles and Penny Crawfurd
Sea shanty singers High and Dry
1st Blagdon Brownies treasure hunt, Chris Burton with (l to r) Abbie, Grace and Scarlett.
Blagdon's new vicar the Rev Simon Lewis with Mary Mead PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Skittles being run by Helen and Steve Barnes, with Jack and Reuben
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WILDLIFE
So, how was spring for you?
AS flaming June arrives, the spring birdsong begins to fade. Many resident birds are finishing their breeding season and beginning the process of moulting their worn-out feathers. But how were the birds singing for you this spring? For me, they seemed much quieter By CHRIS than normal. It wasn’t that the birds weren’t SPERRING there, because clearly they were, but those MBE that should be blasting out their songs seemed quiet or very intermittent. Gardeners and farmers will know only too well that the growing season has been slow after winter’s late bite. Though flowering plants seemed to have caught up by May, there was one big thing missing from them, and that was large numbers of pollinators. Amongst those that should have been present were the bees. Though they aren’t the only pollinators, they are vital and their absence in my own garden has been noticeable. The goat willow flower and wild cherry that normally hum with bees of all kinds has been largely devoid of any observable, or audible, life. So, if plants are slow to grow and flowers late appearing, and insects either slow or just not present, then it stands to reason that birds won’t be far behind. The willow warbler is one bird worth highlighting. It comes to us in the spring after spending the winter in central and southern Africa. While here it lives in scrubland or open woodland, feeding predominantly on insects, and towards the autumn will feed up on berries. As a small bird measuring around 12cms, with predominantly olive-green plumage, this warbler is hard to spot and will literally disappear into the undergrowth, but what makes it stand out is its beautiful song of descending bubbly notes. Throughout 2017, and again during May 2018, I have heard little willow warbler song in places where they should be common. Now, a first observation of this kind would lead me to believe that they are just not present, however by looking deeper into the foliage I have found that they are present, but just not singing. This same scenario has also been noticed by my Scandinavian friends. In Sweden, the willow warbler is very common, with some suggesting 1,100 pairs per square kilometre, yet as with my own observations they have just not been singing.
Little to sing about
The song thrush – have they been subdued where you live this spring?
The implication of birds not singing could be very significant, because the chances are if you’re an insect feeder you’re singing because of the amount of good quality food you’re able to consume, which means you’re inspired to defend an area against rivals and attract a mate at the same time. Like many other birds of this size willow warblers are not long-lived and endure long migrations, so to maintain numbers they must reproduce. Lack of song suggests lack of successful breeding. But, what about our resident birds; species such as the song thrush, blackbird or dunnock? These regular songsters seem quiet as well. Though I have heard them singing at “crazy o’clock” in the morning they also seem subdued, and the usual dawn and evening chorus is definitely quieter than normal. But let’s never underestimate nature’s power to recover or adjust to changing circumstance. Take tawny owls, for example. Already this year I’ve seen pairs start breeding early in response to the mild winter, only then to suffer nest wipe-out during the “Beast from the East One and Two”. Other pairs of tawny owl didn’t start nesting until later to coincide with the mass movement of amphibians, however these movements themselves were affected by the late cold snaps and the amphibians started and stopped movement in accordance to night-time temperatures. Small mammals like wood mice have had a slow start to the spring which has also impacted on the owls, but just this week I found a tawny owl nest with two very healthy five-week-old owlets which have come through it all, because their parents changed tact and started preying on grey squirrels and jackdaws. ● I will be leading owl walks during the summer and autumn, please contact me for info.
Blackbirds have also seemed quieter, says Chris
Could a lack of food have led to a quieter dawn chorus?
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him via chris.sperring@btinternet.com
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Weare windmill walk has stunning views
ASHTON Windmill, a unique 18th century flour mill, is a highlight of this rural ramble through Somerset fields on the Isle of Wedmore ridge with commanding views across to the Mendips, the Somerset Levels and Brent Knoll. Well maintained, it sits in a peaceful spot now in a field with benches and picnic table. Another highlight is the
pub at Stone Allerton which is well and truly up and running after being closed and restored and here also is a smokery and a shop selling teas and coffees. Our circle starts at Weare church in Weare village, just south of Cheddar. Walking is through fields which may have long grass and can be uneven underfoot. There is only one modest climb up onto Brinscombe Hill near the start. Expect stiles and cattle grazing in some of the fields. PARK: In Weare village near the church. From the A38 at Lower Weare, take the turn to Wedmore. Pass Weare School and fork left. Park somewhere suitable and safe near St Gregory’s Church, but not in the small church parking lay-by.
START: Walk past the church and shortly fork left on the No Through lane. Go to the end and past Homefield Cottage and an outstanding sculpture of a willow lady. Pass a garage and continue straight on into a field. Join the footpath which stays along the top of the field with beautiful views across to Mendip, Fry’s Hill and Cheddar Gorge. Go through two fields.
With Sue Gearing PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
1. STREAM FARM Come out by Stream Farm at a Bristol Gate, with pedestrian access built into it. This kind of gate was developed by footpath wardens in Bristol some years
ago – hence the name. Then there’s another gate. Pass in front of the farmhouse, cross a stream and turn right up to the lane. Turn left, climbing gently. Just as you reach houses in the hamlet of Brinscombe, look right for a footpath signpost into a field.
2. BRINSCOMBE HILL Head uphill across the field to the top left corner and a stile. Once over follow the path with the hedge on your right, getting better views all the time across the Levels to the Mendips, Nyland Hill, Crook Peak and beyond. Go through a Bristol Gate and continue along the hill with the hedge on your left. Ignore a footpath left. You have views now across fields to your right and to the Quantocks in the distance. Carry on through fields and gates and then drop down and reach a large metal gate leading to a grassy hedged track.
3. TRACK Turn right up this pretty route, flanked by banks of wildflowers and butterflies when I came. At the top walk ahead through gates (the second one is rather tricky – push it down). Cross a stile and head across to the left hand edge of the hill. Follow the hedge as it bends and cross a stile left. Carry on with the hedge on the right, and even better views. Go through a Bristol Gate ahead and on along a low hedge. Leave the hedge and
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WALKING
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cut across the field corner to visible gates ahead up in the corner.
4. FIELDS Once through, go up a grassy track and into a field. The footpath route as marked on the map is diagonally across the centre to the far corner but it may be easier to go round the left edge. Don’t go through the gate in the corner. Instead, turn right along the bottom and then go through a gate in the next corner by a pond. Keep straight on along the left hedge and left through a gate halfway along. Turn right down the field passing close to a hedge corner with a wind turbine over left. Go through a metal gate (rather stiff) and straight ahead down the left hedge. Near the end take the stile/footbridge/stile on the left. Turn right down the field and on through a low brambly hedge and continue on towards houses. Go through a clear opening and over the Wash Brook. Head for the garden wall corner and then follow the wall ahead to a marked gate onto a lane in the hamlet of Washbrook.
5. WASHBROOK Take the lane right for a few minutes and then go left into a field through a Bristol Gate by the footpath marker post. Ahead is Ashton Windmill. Aim across the field, over a stile and on towards the windmill, coming alongside the left hedge. Gates lead onto the lane by the windmill. 6. WINDMILL The first recorded mill here was in 1317. The present mill was built around 1760. The cap atop the mill was thatched until 1900, then it was converted to an iron frame and a pair of spring sails were fitted. The mill ground corn for flour and beans to feed livestock. Sacks of grain were hoisted to the top floor and fed down through
5.25 miles, about 2.75 hours walking. OS Explorer map 141, Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West, grid ref: 413 526. Postcode for Weare church BS26 2LE.
hoppers to the millstones. The mill ceased work in 1927 and stood derelict for 30 years, though it did briefly serve as a Home Guard post during WW2. It was restored in 1958 and is now operated by Sedgemoor District Council. Coming from the mill, turn left on the lane for about 12 minutes (there may be light traffic).
7. PUB Reach the Wheatsheaf at Stone Allerton. After being closed for several years it has had a transformation and is now a popular pub and restaurant and also has a smokehouse and shop and serves teas and coffees. For some reason it is not marked on the OS map. Just past the pub, cross a stile on the right. Go up the left edge of the field, past a house and through a gate ahead. Continue on, cross a stile, and continue on to a corner where you turn left. In the corner cross a stile and follow the bottom field edge and through a large gate in the corner. Turn up right along the hedge and then aim for a kissing gate in the top left corner. Maintain direction diagonally across the next field to the far top corner and come onto a lane.
8. COTTAGES Turn left past cottages. At the next bend, continue ahead on a short track and into a field along the right edge. At the hedge corner, carry on and then turn right through the second seven-bar gate on the right. Go down the right hedge heading towards the Mendip Hills. Go through the gate ahead continue in this direction through fields and gates. 9. COMBE Come alongside a wooded combe on your right. Follow this all the way, through a gate and on down to a kissing gate in the corner as you near houses in Weare. Go down steps and join the end of Coombe Lane which leads to the church and lane in Weare. ● Ashton Windmill is usually open Sundays and Bank Holidays 2.30pm to 4.30pm (between Easter Sunday and end of September), Wednesdays 2.30pm to 4.30pm (July and August). Admission to Ashton Windmill is free and group visits are available by arrangement. Please contact a member of the Friends of Ashton Windmill on 01278 789859. The Wheatsheaf, open TuesdaySundays. Tel: 01934 444333.
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 71
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OUTDOORS
West Countryman’s diary
THIS month I am going to talk about a period in the mid-1990s when the “Wild West” of Mendip was won and just how much effort and personal risk on the part of many went into creating a safer environment for everybody, be they resident or a visitor to the Mendip Hills. With LES When I came to Mendip there were still DAVIES MBE occasions when farm livestock went missing and sometimes they were stolen. This was not Montana in the 1880s, it was Mendip in the 1990s and such things still take place today. There has always been poaching in the countryside and in a wild area such as Mendip, those who followed such an occupation could often do so out of sight, unless they were stumbled upon by the landowner. Much of this activity came from outside the area and although it could be looked on as only a few rabbits going missing, there were other issues concerning the security of property and possessions for those lived and worked here. This poaching was not just confined to rabbits; it involved game birds and deer as well. The deer poaching was particularly nasty, in that any means possible was used to bring the animal down, be that a dog, gun or snare. The poacher is not the lovable rogue of the countryside you will see in the Giles cartoons and they are certainly not in it to feed a starving family. Dealing with the problems in the countryside was just one of the warden’s jobs and it was expected by landowners and farmers in the area that we would take action to deter and prevent what came to be termed “wildlife crime”. The information that came into the warden’s office was much and varied, but it was often possible to piece together a pattern of activity concerning those who were intent on carrying out a little free enterprise with the local game and wildlife. Most would only need a few words of advice and they would leave with no trouble at all, but others needed a little more in the way of encouragement before they got the message. Working with the police was vital, and constant contact with them led to a lot of vehicle stops being carried out for checks on the occupants. It didn’t take long for the message to go back – Mendip was a place better left alone. Theft from cars was the single largest crime problem on the Hill in the early 1990s. I would expect to see at least one suspect vehicle per day within the Charterhouse area. These opportunist thieves left misery and despair in their wake. Broken car windows, damaged doors and the loss of a handbag, luggage or valuable equipment were often the result. We even came to recognise some of these would-be thieves by sight and were able to identify the vehicles they drove and the routes they took to come in and out of the area. Local farmers were also a great help; they knew who fitted in and who didn’t. They knew the stupid questions asked by those they surprised on their property, as opposed to those who were genuinely lost. All in all, they became quite good at spotting these people and information didn’t take long in reaching the wardens, nor did it take us long to call in the police. The tide started to turn against
the thieves as the vehicle stop and arrest rate began to rise. This close co-operation with the police proved to be the answer and it soon involved everyone playing their part in keeping Mendip safe. The rangers worked ceaselessly with us, as did the cavers, walkers and riders, to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. The organisation we named “Hill Watch” was born and its success was mirrored in other rural areas that were suffering similar problems. The pressure was kept up by the police, who on many occasions were assisted by the wardens standing alongside lone rural police officers, whilst the vehicles of often known and violent criminals were searched. The chief constable of the day recognised the immense turnaround in the situation by signing and presenting a personal letter of thanks to the wardens for the part played in achieving this success. In two years, the amount of vehicle related crime had been reduced by 58 percent. This success was only possible because of the trust that had been built up over a period of time between the wardens and the police. Most of Mendip was then under one police division working on the same radio frequency and able to monitor anything that was going on. Thus on many occasions they were able to close the “back door” before thieves left the area. It was a big team game, but one man stood head and shoulders above us all in this struggle and that was PC Ray Bradley. On many, many occasions he turned out, whilst off duty, acting on information we had supplied to him, to carry out vehicle stops and arrests. His dedication to duty and high success rate in dealing with crime, quite rightly led to him receiving the Queen’s Police Medal. Hill Watch kept going and a lot of goodwill had been won. Later initiatives were to see the Mendip Hills AONB take the lead in rural crime reduction with the police. “Hill watch” became “Countryside Watch”. It encompassed a wider range of crime reduction work to include a marking and identification scheme for farm machinery and equipment, together with another programme for horse rider’s saddles and harness. The success was immense, but the levels of awareness had to remain constantly high if the community effort already expended was to remain effective. It was being recognised that landscape protection wasn’t just about looking after the walls, hedges and land. It was also about protecting those who lived in, worked in, and visited this specially protected area. This month’s photo shows the two Mendip wardens, myself and Tina Bath, receiving the chief constable’s personal letter of thanks from David Shattock – gosh that was a long time back!
You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk
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June is busting out all over . . .
THE UK is renowned worldwide for its roses and rose gardens and they really come into their own in June. When grown well they can be With MARY magnificent but so PAYNE MBE often they are left to grow and end up as leggy bushes with bare “ankles” and diseased foliage. It is for this reason that I rarely use roses in designs, especially where a low maintenance scheme is required. Roses prefer a reasonably well-drained heavy clay soil and do not do well in sandy soils. They rarely do well in pots for any length of time and require constant feeding and watering. Another reason for avoiding roses, especially in this area, is the growing numbers of deer whose favourite food, without doubt, are roses. The old-fashioned Hybrid Tea roses (now called Large Flowered), and the multiheaded Floribundas (now called Cluster Flowered) appear to be taking a back seat in preference to the English Rose group developed by David Austin. These were bred by hybridising the oldfashioned strongly scented types with the modern repeat flowering roses, and have become very popular with the claim that they are disease resistant, strongly scented and repeat flowering. In my experience looking for that elusive variety may lead to disappointment. The fully double flowers can get saturated with rain in a wet season and turn into balls of mould. Climbing roses may be assumed to be suitable for growing up pillars but in reality, many are too vigorous, and I usually recommend a more vigorous bush variety. These can easily be tied in to the pillar and the growth controlled. Climbing roses are best against a wall or fence and tied in regularly. Arching the new growths will encourage the production of more laterals with more flowers. There are plenty of repeat flower climbers to choose from, in catalogues and online. These flower on current season’s growth, so any new growth not required to extend the framework can be cut back Bush roses, including Large Flowered (Hybrid Teas) and Cluster Flowered (Floribundas) also flower on current season’s growth, so pruning consists of PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Rose 'Bonica' Clematis 'Arabella'
removing dead, damaged and diseased wood and then pruning hard to 100 to 150mm (4-6”) if flower show quality blooms are required, or less hard 300 to 400mm (12-16”) if an abundance of flower is preferred. Failure to prune hard enough eventually leads to tall straggly bushes. Vigorous oldfashioned bush roses can have their branches arched outward over a support to encourage more blooms from laterals, as described for climbers. Rambling roses are often too vigorous for anything other than growing into trees. In which case the rose should be planted outside the canopy of the tree and trained into the start of the canopy. It is vital that the tree is man enough to take the vigour of the rose. I once saw a vigorous rambler planted 150mm (6”) from a newly young planted apple tree. I would happily put my money on the winner! Paul’s Himalayan Musk is a delightful pink, scented rambler that can easily reach 40 feet, while the notorious Kiftsgate can even reach 60 feet. Ramblers are well adapted for tree work as they have backward pointing thorns which enable them to grip onto branches rather as a cat can climb so well. Cats are rarely adept at coming back down a tree and pieces of rose, if cut off, will dig their thorns in and be equally reluctant to be removed. Ramblers usually only flower once in the season and if grown against a wall take a lot of maintenance. The growth that has flowered should be removed immediately after flowering and the new growth, that will flower next year, tied in – a prickly job. Less vigorous ramblers such as the red flowered Rambling Rosie are more suitable and this variety has the added advantage of repeat flowering. Of the thousands of roses on offer these
days it is hard to make your choice, so what varieties do I recommend? My first thought is to look for dark green shiny foliage as this is usually more resistant to black spot fungus spores. The waxy surface of the leaf seems to resist the fungus spore germination better than foliage that is not shiny. Then I look for not too many petals to avoid the balls of mould in wet conditions. Scent is important but only if the rose is planted near enough for you to get to it. Continuity of flower is vital so look for repeat flowering varieties. My current “Best Buy” has to be Bonica, a mid-pink cluster flowered rose with good foliage, repeating semi-double flowers which lead to red hips in the autumn and above all A WILL TO LIVE. Sadly Bonica has no scent but its other qualities set it apart. Close runner-up would be a single flowered white rose named Kew Gardens. One of the strongest fragrances comes from Gertrude Jekyll with deep pink fully double blooms. Although sold as a bush rose she is quite happy to be trained as a climber. Bonica’s lack of scent could be overcome by planting the white double flowered Dianthus Memories, a worthy improvement on the old-fashioned Mrs Sinkins. Clematis are often teamed up with roses and if carefully selected will flower when the roses are between flushes. My “Best Buy” clematis for this purpose would be Arabella, a blue medium flowered type that has no ability to cling so happily scrambles through rose bushes. Arabella can be pruned to the ground each spring and the old stems easily pulled away to facilitate pruning the roses. Now all you have to do is keep dead heading!
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JUNE GARDEN TIPS
GARDENING
Put up hanging baskets for colour and scent all summer. Continue planting out summer flowering bedding plants. Long flowering traditionals like pelargoniums, busy lizzies, petunias and begonias are hard to beat! Pick sweet peas regularly so that they are not allowed to set seed. As soon as seeds form the flowers will get smaller and there will be less produced. Regularly remove side shoots from tomato plants, unless you have a bush variety, and gradually increase watering and ventilation as they grow bigger and the days get warmer. First early potatoes should be ready for lifting now! If there are flowers showing and the leaves are starting to go yellow, that’s a sure sign that there are big enough tubers underneath to lift. Prune plums and cherries. If wall trained, new shoots can be pinched back to encourage more branching. Tie and support new shoots. Heavy crops can be thinned next month if necessary. Mulch strawberry fruits as they develop. Straw is good if you can get it. Remove unwanted new runners or ‘lay’ some of them into the rows to root to form new plants. Autumn planted winter hardy onions and shallots may be ready to harvest. Let the skins ripen thoroughly in the sun as they store better then. Don’t be tempted to cut your lawn too low! Raising the blades slightly now will give a harder wearing surface that resists dry periods better. Courtesy Cleeve Nursery
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MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 75
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Show fundraiser is blooming
A PLANT sale held to raise funds towards the cost of Castle Cary Gardening Association’s annual show just keeps on growing. Organisers began the sale around ten years ago and since then the event, at the historic Market House, has blossomed into a real community event, with hundreds of plants on offer alongside stalls and demonstrations, cakes, coffee and raffle.
So much choice on offer at the annual plant sale
Association chairman Erica Holt (right) with other volunteers on one of the stalls
Although not members of the gardening association, Maureen Higgins (left) and Bridget Laver, always volunteer to run the raffle
Members of the local branch of the charity Tools For Self Reliance sell refurbished hand tools and other items. The charity collects hand tools for a variety of trades and crates them up for enterprises in a number of African countries. Cary’s volunteers meet on Tuesdays at Ansford Academy to renovate the tools
This year’s show takes place on Saturday, August 4th. For details, visit: www.ccga.btck.co.uk
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Hidden Wedmore
GARDENING
THIS is one of the ten gardens which will be open in Wedmore on June 23rd and 24th raising money for St. Mary’s Church. The gardeners are Anne Blandford, Gillie Mewes and Anna Allott, admiring the cherry blossom in Gillie’s garden. The gardens will be open from 10.30am – 5pm, entry to all £8, children free. Details: Anne Blandford anne@blandford.me.uk
Somerset Garden Day
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PEOPLE across Somerset downed tools and celebrated their gardens with friends, family and neighbours – and some wore flower crowns – for Somerset Garden Day on Sunday, May 13th. The event, held for the second year, aims to promote the benefits of gardening. Bruton-based no-dig grower, Charles Dowding, said: “In this age of convenience and consumerism, we have become disconnected from nature – especially but not only if living in cities. “My organic vegetable garden is not only my oasis and sanctuary, it provides us with healthy organic fruits and vegetables, and a beautiful place just to enjoy.” Details: www.gardenday.co.uk
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ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES – MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 77
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Young gardeners
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PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
STANTON Drew primary school's gardening club has been busy preparing their allotment in the grounds of Stanton Court, ready to grow all sorts of food for the year ahead. Their produce is sometimes used at school by the school's cookery club or can be taken home by the children. Gardening Club teacher, Mr Paul Schofield, said: “We have had a busy first few sessions – lots of weeding, digging and planting as well as harvesting a few leftover treats from last year. “The children have worked really hard preparing the allotment and are now planting seeds, starting with a few rows of seed potatoes."
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GARDENING
How to avoid digging
THE residents of Ditcheat are hosting an open gardens event on the afternoon of Sunday, June 17th, including an illustrated talk by Charles Dowding, the innovator of “nodig” gardening on how to have healthy soil and enjoy easier harvests. Charles will explain how he makes, buys and uses compost of different kinds; how to clear perennial weeds and how to maintain the plot, all with no back breaking digging! A variety of style and size of garden will be open as well as plant sales in the centre of the village, with delicious cakes and refreshments on offer. Proceeds from the event will be shared between the Jubilee Village Hall and Friends of Haddon Wood. A combined talk and garden ticket is £10; gardens only £5 (advance booking for the talk is advised). Details: www.ditcheatvillagehall.org.uk
Show success
Britain in Bloom winner
PORTISHEAD is gearing up for Britain in Bloom. It’s entered South West in Bloom for the last 21 years and has been awarded Gold every year since 2008. Last year in the national competition it was also awarded Gold in the Champion of Champions category. They support their volunteers’ work throughout the year with a number of fundraising events of which the Open Gardens weekend is their biggest of the year. Their 16th event will be held on the weekend of June 2nd and 3rd with 13 varied and beautiful gardens open to visitors, including three new gardens including Court House farm and two gardens on the Marina. Programmes cost £5 per adult with accompanied children free. Details: www.portisheadinbloom.org.uk
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
FROME Floral Art Society members Elizabeth Wright, Susan Ruddick, Sue Garnon and Sandra Gillson representing the National Association of Flower Arrangers (NAFAS) South West Area were awarded an RHS Silver Medal in the Area Class entitled "The Great Exhibition" with their arrangement titled "The Crystal Palace 1851".
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Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 79
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EVENTS
Evercreech School May Fair
A sparkling day: Anne-Marie, Kate, Jessica and Jen open the Prosecco on the drinks stall
Circus skills from the Bullzini Family, who live in the village. Pictured are Phoebe and Chris Bullzini (holding nine-month-old baby Nephele) and Eve Everard Archie in the royal wedding-themed dressing-up area
Where’s Meghan? Jessica and Kenya from Evercreech primary school’s Oak Class who came up with the idea of a royal mystery trail around the grounds
Pitcombe Rock Falconry staged a display of birds which visitors could hold. Pictured are James with Guinevere, a tawny eagle owl, and Natalie with Gladys, a tawny owl PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
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PROPERTY
Rarely does such a gem of a property come to the market! DUNNETT Cottage has the lot – a superb south-facing location, gardens, orchard and paddock, 5* accommodation, studio, stables and sun room. Beautifully presented throughout and thoroughly modernised, the period features have been retained and enhanced. It is only a reluctant relocation that brings this house to the market this year. Dunnett Cottage is a detached period house located in a “no through lane” on the edge of Compton Bishop, just two miles from the A38 and about seven miles from M5 (junction 7) and 20 miles south of Bristol, making it a superb country location for the commuter. On the southern lea of the Mendip Hills with Crook Peak and Wavering Down (National Trust) behind it, the house has a sheltered south-facing position. The present owners have enhanced and improved the house with their exacting standard of decoration,and with a “green oak” extension to the open-plan kitchen and living room with four oven “racing green Aga”. There is a modern side extension which has been cleverly designed to complement the house beautifully, whilst adding a contemporary touch. The floor to ceiling working shutters in the principal reception rooms have been renovated, along with the sash windows, panelling and window seats. The cross-beamed drawing room with stone fireplace inset with wood burning stove overlooks the garden and the dining room with walk-in inglenook fireplace does the same. The formal hall has stairs to the first floor, whilst a second
hall leads into a large contemporary study with French doors onto the garden and staircase to the first floor with guest bedroom and en-suite. This area could easily be used as separate accommodation if required. Beside the kitchen there is a laundry, cloaks and boot room, as well as a large walk-in pantry fitted with original dresser – a room the size of many kitchens! On the first floor there are four double bedrooms, the master of which is very large with a double en-suite shower room with contemporary fittings. One of the guest bedrooms has an interesting floor area with raised dressing/study area and there is a large family bathroom again fitted in contemporary style. Dunnett Cottage is approached via double gates onto a wide open turning circle drive leading beside the Studio – which is detached from the cottage and used at present as an art studio – it could offer all kinds of alternative accommodation – gym/office etc. The gardens to the south and west have sweeping level lawns and a spectacular Copper Beech tree. Beyond the garden is the stable yard with four stables and a concrete yard. In addition there is a sun room which has been converted from a former Victorian style greenhouse. The views from both the house and garden are uninterrupted over adjoining countryside, and on a clear day reach as far south as the Quantock and Exmoor hills. A wide paved terrace runs along the house elevation – the perfect place to watch the sun go down after a busy day!
W
NE
Compton Bishop, Somerset • Guide Price upon applica+on
A stunning and superbly presented detached period house with south facing garden and land with views over the valley to the Quantocks and Exmoor. Three principal recep+on rooms, U+lity, boot room, cloaks. Large kitchen and living room, pantry room, front and side halls. Two staircases to four bedrooms, en suites and dressing room. Annex, Studio, stables and sun room. Gated drive to turning circle. Landscaped gardens, paddock and orchard. EPC: F. Ref: 25451
Winscombe, North Somerset • Guide Price £500,000
FOR SALE BY AUCTION – JULY 24TH 2018 A substan+al Georgian country house circa 1800 located in rural valley, approached over a long drive and requiring total renova+on. Some 7580 sq of floor space and 3.82 acres of former walled garden and land. Coach House and stables also requiring renova+on. Ref: 23922.
W
NE
Loxton, Somerset • Guide Price £675,000
Charming detached five bedroom village house, with lovely gardens to front and rear, two drives and plenty of parking, garage and outbuildings. Large family kitchen, u+lity. Three recep+on rooms, beams, inglenooks and woodburners. Two cloakrooms, en suite and family bathroom. Easy access to M5. EPC: F. Ref: 25537
Li,leton, Nr Chew Magna • Guide Price £440,000
Secluded loca+on on the outskirts of Chew Magna and Winford in a hamlet se-ng of just four proper+es. A detached barn converted to a high standard with si-ng room, garden room, kitchen/dining room, two double bedrooms and shower room, pre,y south facing gardens and triple bay garage. EPC: D Ref: 25534
Wolvershill Road, Banwell • Guide Price £650,000
A large, detached, tradi+onally built, five bedroom family home set within a generous plot of approximately 1.3 acres (including a pony paddock with stables and tack-room). It benefits from gas central hea+ng and double glazing, ample parking and a large detached double garage. EPC: D. Ref: 25535
Contact the Wrington Office: 01934 864307 MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 83
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Wonders of Fairy Cave Quarry
TWO of the bestdecorated caves under Mendip, indeed Britain, lie within the disused Fairy Cave Quarry near Stoke St. Michael. The quarry With PHILIP was named after the HENDY nearby Fairy Cave, which probably derives from an earlier name for the area, Fairy Rocks. This cave has probably always been open; Iron Age pottery has been found there. Quarrying began in the 1920s and intensified twice, with the need for building materials after the war, and after 1963, when the quarry was acquired by Hobbs (Quarries) Ltd. The quarry lies between Withybrook Slocker, a large swallet on the road between Oakhill and Stoke St. Michael, and St. Dunstan’s Well, a capped rising once used as a water source by the Bristol Waterworks Company. Over the years, quarrying operations have led to the discovery of at least 27 caves, all forming part of a two-branch system between the swallet and the resurgence. Continuing operations led to the loss of most of them, through quarrying, or blockage by overburden or sediment. For many years the Cerberus
Shatter Cave – Formations
Speleological Society had its headquarters in one, then three, of the nearby quarrymen’s cottages. The quarry manager, Ted Garlick, was a keen member of the club, and so members enjoyed free access once work had stopped for the day. Ted also reported any new holes which had been exposed, so allowing them to be explored before they were lost. One of the first significant caves to be discovered was Hillier’s Cave in 1954. Tortuous passages lead to the decorated Cambridge Grotto, but for many years the entrance was blocked by quarry sludge. Access was regained from Fairy Cave in 1972, although the sludge has now been dug out, providing a through trip.
Shatter Cave – Helictites
Six years later Fernhill Cave was found, with a gallery hung with multi-coloured striped stalactitic curtains. Bulldozed overburden led to its loss in 1964, until members of the ATLAS digging group reopened it in 2008/9, after much work including the use of a JCB. They found that the formations were still in pristine condition, although one large stalagmite had mysteriously disappeared. The most important discovery was made in 1961, when the magnificentlydecorated Balch Cave was found. It was so beautiful that it was named in honour of H.E. Balch, the pioneer of Mendip caving, but sadly, within five years, despite desperate lobbying by cavers, most of it had been blasted away, leaving only a few fragments which give a scant idea of the wonders it once held. Because the quarry lay above a Bristol Waterworks water source, planning permission to extend the quarry was withheld. Gradually operations declined, until work ended for all time in 1972 – too late to save Balch Cave, but giving cavers the opportunity to investigate further sites. They were not to be disappointed. W/L Cave is short but beautiful, with a Pink Pool Chamber and calcite “waterlilies” in shallow crystal pools. In 1969 and 1972 two decorated caves were found in the south face of the quarry – Shatter Cave and Withyhill Cave. In the latter is the celebrated Green Lake Grotto, reached by a very tight vertical squeeze upwards. The effort of passing the constriction is
Phil has been caving for more than 50 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing severa
PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
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(Photograph by Phil Hendy)
well worth it, because although small, the grotto is exquisitely decorated, with long pom-pom tipped straws dipping into the water. It became clear that there were two converging cave systems in the quarry. Neither contains a large stream, although there are short, sometimes intermittent, streamways near the entrance to Shatter
W/L Cave – Lily Pads
Cave and Hillier’s Cave, and also in Conning Tower cave, which is a fragment of Balch Cave. They are clearly part of the original conduit between Withybrook Slocker and St. Dunstan’s Well. More evidence was uncovered in 1972, when Hillwithy Cave was found opposite Withyhill Cave. This single-passage cave is unlike the other, in
CAVING
that it is very muddy and devoid of decoration. It ends in Norton Chamber, from where in very dry conditions it is possible to continue, and enter Hillier’s Cave via the muddy West Sump. After the quarry ceased operation, cavers continued to explore the caves, but although it was fenced, it was often broken into and used by off-roaders, ravers and others; a few clandestine caving trips no doubt took place, and some climbing occurred on the rock faces. Eventually, an agreement was reached between cavers and the Hobbs family, who generously helped to fund a secure fence and a clean-up of the quarry. Caving, controlled by a caver-led Fairy Caves Management Committee which administers access on behalf of the owners, was able to continue, and more recently, under the auspices of the British Mountaineering Council, climbing is allowed on the quarry faces. The site is a recognised conservation area, for the geology and also for wildlife; some of the caves are important bat roosts. The area has the protection of being an SSSI and Special Area of Conservation, but can be enjoyed by enthusiasts both above and underground.
everal caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 85
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Daydream believers
IS a wandering mind good or bad for us? Scientists differentiate daydreaming (disappearing inside your imagination when you have nothing better to do) with mind wandering (going intellectually AWOL when you have a task to do, such as listening to your spouse’s difficult day). Even the most rational minds spend a lot of time By Dr PHIL in fantasy mode, imagining how much better or HAMMOND exciting their lives could be. Most people keep their fantasies a secret, unless they’re having therapy. Sharing them with your partner can be a life changing moment, and not always in a good way. Whatever you think about Janet in accounts or Roger in sales is probably best kept inside the confines of your skull. Some experts believe daydreaming can make us unhappy by focusing on what might have been, rather than living in the moment, being content with what we have and enjoying the beauty of reality. And mind wandering also has its risks, particularly if you’re behind the wheel of a tractor or performing root canal surgery. So is the wandering, fantastical mind restless and unhappy, or does it serve some useful purpose? A study in the journal Neurospsychologica recruited over a hundred volunteers to fill in a (highly subjective) questionnaire on how much they thought their minds wandered. They were then asked to lie in a brain scanner and focus on a dull, stationary point for five minutes while their brain function was analysed to see how much wandering went on. And then they were tested for intellectual and creative ability. I don’t fully understand how as the research is very turgid and my mind wandered whilst reading it. I think they found that efficient mind wanderers have better “functional connectivity” in their brains, score higher for intellectual and creative ability and can zone in and out of conversations or tasks, find new solutions to old problems and then naturally tune back in without missing important points or steps. Whether it helps you live longer depends on whether your spouse spots you doing it.
Dr Phil Hammond is on tour with Happy Birthday NHS? at Arnos Vale Cemetery on July 12th. www.drphilhammond.com https://arnosvale.org.uk/events/dr-phil-hammond-happy-birthdaynhs/ PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Plop the Raindrop
THERE are lots of special places in the world and I think Scotland is one of them because you can see we water droplets in all of our wonderful forms. Up there they say that if you can’t see the mountains, it’s raining and if you can see the mountains, it’s going to rain. They are right. It can be a very soggy place. In my view it’s a watery paradise. Cloud, ice, rain, tinkling stream or loch – I can take my pick of where I want to be. Or I might end up being inside a salmon if I’m unlucky. One of my earliest memories was basking in an idyllic Scottish loch high in the mountains. There was nothing to do all day but laze around and dodge the fish. But at night there were rumours that monsters invaded the loch to steal us away. By the light of the moon I saw the huge jagged antlers of a magnificent red deer stag coming down for water. There are worse fates than being drunk by a deer. But to avoid him, I rolled into a stream and went cascading down the mountainside. I know people go to Scotland to go skiing down the mountains, but that’s so boring compared to riding a mountain torrent. Skipping past the boulders and tufts of heather, I could see clear to the coast and the Western Isles dotted like whales in the dark ocean. Of course I still had fish to avoid, as well as thirsty dippers and millions of midges. What’s the point of midges – and wasps? They should be abolished along with homework. Of course, it isn’t all fun. I was once stuck in snow on the top of Ben Nevis for 47 years. After the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, I was trapped in a peat bog for over 600 years. Then one day a hiker came past and I jumped onto his sock to escape. Big mistake. The sock smelled worse than the bog and was full of salty Sweatties, those things that roll off your forehead when you have been running, and they like nothing more than a wee dram of fresh water to drink. That reminds me of the time I spent ten years in a barrel of Scotch whisky. That’s another story. I don’t think it was too bad, but can’t remember too much about it to be honest. Why do humans drink something that looks and smells like bog water? You are a strange lot. You also invented bagpipes, which make a sound like seal with toothache. I prefer the sound of mountain streams and waterfalls, ringing like bells, or roaring like lions. I bet you didn’t know I can sing. Mendip Grandad
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HEALTH & FAMILY HEALTH & FAMILY
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Counselling training
KATHY Raffles Counselling Services (KRCS) has been offering a range of counselling training for over 20 years. They offer a suite of annual CPD workshops. At KRCS they have a range of dedicated teaching professionals who contract to deliver on behalf of KRCS. All tutors are BACP/NCS accredited practitioners abiding by these respective professional bodies ethical codes. This autumn KRCS is delighted to be offering the following two courses: • Certificate in Counselling with Bereavement & Loss Awareness (NCS ‘Quality Checked’ course) in three geographical locations – Derby/Guernsey/Weston-super-Mare • Advanced Diploma in Counselling Supervision (NCS Accredited course) – Bridgwater The above courses are scrutinised by the National Counselling Society (NCS). KRCS are a small organisation based in Taunton. In addition they offer a low-cost counselling service, provided by trainee therapists (2nd Year Diploma Students) who volunteer their time to offer this benefit to the community. Consequently session costs can remain low. Their trainee therapists are members of a professional body and have undergone a rigorous recruitment process at KRCS. This service is managed by Dr. Kathy Raffles. Details: kathyraffles@krcs.uk.com 01823 253141 www.krcstraining.com
Certificate in Counselling with Bereavement & Loss Awareness This 90 hours flexible learning (individual and classroom style) course offers a maximum of 6 months for completion. Our combined learning model includes:
Distance Learning Course Materials Workbook On-line Tutorials 5 x Face2faceTraining Tutor Assessment Counselling Skills Practice
Venue: The Campus, Weston-super Mare Training Dates:
15th September 2018 29th September 2018 20th October 2018 17th November 2018 8th December 2018
Trainer: Dr. Kathy Raffles
For detailed course information & application form contact:
? (01823) 253141? kathyraffles@krcs.uk.com or visit www.krcstraining.com
COURT HOUSE A beautiful Georgian Retirement Home set in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset. You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word
The Manager – Chris Dando 01934 742131 chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 87
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Attention all men over 45
THE Somerset Prostate Support Association have partnered with Cheddar Vale Lions Club to run a free PSA testing session on Saturday, June 30th in Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF, from 9.30 to 12.30. This will be a chance for men aged 45 and over to take advantage of this generous offer – around 40,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually, with approximately 10,000 deaths resulting.
Margaret’s special birthday
Details: To make an appointment call Tim 01934 842513 or email tim@shipham.plus.com or call Cheddar Lions Club on 0845 833 7402. Alternatively you can drop in without an appointment on the day.
MARGARET Reed celebrated her 108th birthday on April 20th with a wonderful birthday cake, card from the Queen and party at Priory Court Care Home in Burnham-on-Sea. Margaret was also treated to lunch out with her family at the Tudor Hotel and Restaurant in Bridgwater. Born on April 20th, 1910 in Ireland, Margaret was one of nine children. During World War II she was part of the Royal Air Force at Farnborough, where she served in a secret establishment. After she married she moved to Cornwall and has one son, David. She has lived at Priory Court Care Home since 2015. Margaret is a very independent lady and an active part of the community in Burnham-on-Sea and still attends Roman Catholic Mass once a week. Home manager, Raji Sunil, said: “Margaret is an amazing lady and a wonderful part of our family here at Priory Court – all the staff and residents would like to wish her a very happy 108th birthday. Margaret had a great day and it was a pleasure to celebrate this milestone with her.” Priory Court Care & Nursing Home is home for up to 71 residents, providing high quality care for those with nursing, dementia and residential needs. As with all Country Court Care homes, there is a busy social life a wide variety of activities and events on offer.
• Headed by an experienced Home Manager with a dedicated Care Team • We offer permanent and respite nursing and residential care, set within picturesque surroundings and beautiful gardens • Daily activities program including movement and art-work • Home cooked meals, desserts and cakes – special dietary requirements catered for • For further information or viewing please call us on 01761 241626 or email admin@clarehallnursinghome.co.uk PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
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Adopters wanted
HEALTH & FAMILY
LOCAL voluntary adoption agency and charitable trust, Families for Children, is questioning why there are no adopters coming forward in Somerset. As numbers of children waiting to be adopted has grown by eight percent since last year, Families for Children are urgently appealing for people to come forward to adopt. Jim Fitton, Somerset practice manager said: “We are at a loss as to why we have so few enquiries about adoption within the county. We are reminding people that whilst local authority agencies are regionalising their services in the South West, people still have a choice as to who can take them through the adoption process. “Families for Children is the alternative to local authority and we need adopters today.” This year also marks two special milestones for the charity. One is 25 years since the charity began and the second is celebrating 70 years of adoption records which are held by the charity, relating to children placed in the South West. During that time, Families for Children has placed over 750 children with adoptive families in Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset and wants to continue that success. Details: www.familiesforchildren.org.uk
Be sociable
S.P.A. Single Social Group, Wells and Mendip branch, is an outgoing, sociable and lively group of single people who enjoy organised events, including a weekly social evening in Wells. They do so much: meals out, skittle evenings, music nights around the area and dancing. They often go for walks to suit all tastes with either lunches/brunches, National Trust visits, cinema, weekends away and longer holidays; along with many more events and activities throughout the year. There’s no need to be lonely, go and meet them – they extend a very warm welcome to anyone interested in the S.P.A. Pop in to their free no obligation branch social evenings at Tramways, West Street, Wells. Details: Jackie 07908864914 www.spasinglesocialgroup.co.uk
Single and looking for a social life . . . then join Wells & Mendip Single Social Group
An enthusias c and friendly group of single people who enjoy organised events For more informa on go to www.spasinglesocialgroup.co.uk email: spasocialgroup@gmail.com Or contact Jackie – 07908 864914
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 89
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*At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. With Solutions PCP. 18s+. Subject to availability and status. T&Cs and exclusions apply. Applies to new orders from 04/04/2018 - 02/07/2018 and registered by 31/08/2018. Indemnities may be required. Not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of print 05/2018. Freepost SEAT Financial Services. Official fuel consumption for the Arona SE Technology 1.0 TSI 95PS in mpg (litres per 100km): urban 46.3 (6.1); extraurban 67.3 (4.2); combined 57.6 (4.9). CO2 emissions 111 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are obtained under standardised EU test conditions (or, in cases of vehicles with WLTP type approval, are the NEDC figures provided pursuant to Government guidance until further notice). These figures facilitate direct comparison between different models from different manufacturers, but may not represent the actual fuel consumption achieved in ‘real world’ driving conditions. Choice of wheels and other options may affect fuel consumption and emissions data.
We’ve got it covered Mendip Times Distribution Points
= Mendip Times Distribution area
Mendip Times is available from over 800 outlets across the Mendips from superstores to village stores and post offices, farm shops, supermarkets, garden centres, pubs, inns, hotels and restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, libraries and tourist information centres. ALHAMPTON AXBRIDGE BALTONSBOROUGH BACKWELL BANWELL BARROW GURNEY BARTON ST. DAVID BATCOMBE BECKINGTON BISHOP SUTTON BLACKFORD BLAGDON BLEADON BRENT KNOLL BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BROCKLEY BRUTON BUCKLAND DINHAM BURCOTT BURRINGTON BUTLEIGH CAMERTON CASTLE CARY CHARTERHOUSE CHEDDAR CHELYNCH CHEW MAGNA CHEW STOKE CHEWTON MENDIP CHILCOMPTON
CHURCHILL CLANDOWN CLEEVE CLUTTON COCKLAKE COLEFORD COMPTON DANDO COMPTON DUNDON COMPTON MARTIN CONGRESBURY COXLEY CRANMORE CROSCOMBE CROSS DITCHEAT DOULTING DRAYCOTT DUNDRY EAST HARPTREE EASTON EAST PENNARD EMBOROUGH EVERCREECH FARMBOROUGH FARRINGTON GURNEY FAULKLAND FELTON FROME GLASTONBURY GREEN ORE GURNEY SLADE
PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
HALLATROW HIGH LITTLETON HINTON BLEWETT HOLCOMBE HUNSTRETE HUTTON KEINTON MANDEVILLE KILMERSDON LANGFORD LEIGH on MENDIP LITTON LONG ASHTON LYDFORD ON FOSSE LYMPSHAM MARK MARKSBURY MASBURY MELLS MIDSOMER NORTON NAILSEA NETTLEBRIDGE NORTON MALREWARD NORTON ST PHILIP NUNNEY NYLAND OAKHILL PAULTON PENSFORD PILTON POLSHAM PRIDDY
PYLLE RADSTOCK REDHILL REGIL RICKFORD RODE RODNEY STOKE ROOKSBRIDGE ROWBERROW SANDFORD SHEPTON MALLET SHIPHAM SOMERTON STANTON DREW STANTON WICK
STOKE ST MICHAEL STON EASTON STRATTON ON THE FOSSE STREET TARNOCK TEMPLE CLOUD TIMSBURY TRUDOXHILL TYTHERINGTON UBLEY UPHILL VOBSTER WALTON WANSTROW WEDMORE
WELLOW WELLS WEST HARPTREE WEST PENNARD WESTBURY SUB MENDIP WHITCHURCH WINFORD WINSCOMBE WITHAM FRIARY WOOKEY WOOKEY HOLE WRINGTON WRITHLINGTON YATTON
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MOTORING
Caravanners’ golden weekend
For servicing, repairs and sales of all makes of caravans and motorhomes
Bailey approved body shop and workshop
A drone’s eye view of the 50th anniversary gathering
MORE than 100 members of the Caravan Club helped to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organisation’s Somerset centre with a mass rally on the Frome Showground site at West Woodlands. The 116 members came from all over the country for a weekend organised by Kim and Gary Dyer of Chilcompton, which included a fun dog show, bring-and-buy sale and a craft and memorabilia afternoon followed by live music and entertainment in the evening.
SHIPHAM MOTOR COMPANY
● Caravan Servicing ● Annual Habitation Checks ● Alu-Tech Bailey Approved Repairers ● Warranty Maintained ● Damp Repairs ● Accident Repairs ● Insurance Repairs ● Accessory Fitting
Our shop stocks a full range of accessories and equipment
Turnpike Road, Shipham, Winscombe BS25 1TX
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VOLVO
Volvo Warranty Compliant Independent Servicing on New Cars Volvo Accredited Master Technician Specialist Volvo Diagnostics and Software Downloads 01934 842350 Air Conditioning www.shipham.co.uk MOT Testing Volvo Parts & Accessories
With a vast experience of old and new models, you can be sure that your Volvo will receive the highest quality service but without Main Dealer prices!
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UBLEY MOTOR SERVICES Sales – Service – Parts – Repairs
ALL MAKES SERVICING – VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, AIR CONDITIONING, MECHANICAL & BODY REPAIRS Collection/Loan Car by arrangement MOT TESTING STATION
COMPETITIVE PRICES ON TYRES, BATTERIES AND EXHAUSTS
ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY SERVICE
QUALITY USED CARS Your peace of mind is our priority
CLEEVE HILL, UBLEY. TEL: 01761 462275 (24hrs) www.ubleymotors.co.uk
BEFORE
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Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 91
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Weaving their magic in Frome
CHATTING and laughing in the classroom is normally frowned upon, but the members of Frome Textile Workshop, which is currently changing name to Frome Weavers Spinners and Dyers, are hardly typical schoolchildren. It’s not that they aren’t concentrating on the work in front of them – the classroom and another next door are full of looms of various sizes, boxes and shelves of wool and other materials and even a library. Some of the members are working on large floor looms, weaving rugs and throws; others concentrate on looms mounted on tables – there is even a loom called an inkle loom in action; it looks a little like a wooden cat’s cradle maker. The workshop was founded in 1993 from the ashes of an adult education class in spinning, weaving and dyeing. Having been based at Frome College, the workshop moved to the former United Reformed Church before settling in 2015 in the classrooms in the craft block at the Steiner Academy in Park Road. Sadly, their time at the academy appears to be coming to an end as the school requires the space, so now the search is on for new premises – in Frome with access to public transport and some parking. Perhaps surprisingly, there are no tutors and no formal classes. Beginners – men and women of all ages – are more than welcome and novices will be guided through the basic techniques. Members work at their own pace – the classrooms are open every day to members, although the main – social days – are Tuesdays and Thursdays; hence the chatter! The group’s eldest member is Marion Gore, who is in her 90s. Marion is a firm believer that staying active is a key to staying healthy; community-based activities such as the textile workshop have been highlighted as one of the ways in which Frome, as a town, is leading the way in seemingly preventing hospital admissions, according to the Compassionate Frome project. Others, such as Veronique Segura, juggle time at the workshop
Gina Tay
Veronique Segura
Workshop members in one of the classrooms at the Steiner Academy
A beautiful rug made by Marion, one of the members
with childcare and helping to run Frome’s recently reinvigorated toy library service. Funds are raised by regular sales of work, monthly membership subscriptions and a £2 day fee – tea, coffee, biscuits and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere included.
Marie-Louise MacLeay at work
For further details or to help in finding a new permanent home, contact Frome Weavers Spinners and Dyers, visit: www.frometextileworkshop.co.uk
PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
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Hari rasai – Camerton’s Sri Lankan adventure
COMMUNITY
Community groups helped by freemasons
The hall is packed for the night
MORE than 70 people enjoyed an authentic taste of Sri Lanka at a fundraising night at Camerton Community Hall. Sri Lankan chef Sam Gunaratne, from Bristol, prepared a traditional meal whilst committee members decorated the hall with flags and posters. The night was the idea of Mayra Turner whose husband, Clive, is chairman of the hall committee. Hari rasai means “delicious”. One of the diners said the night offered: “great food and great company we all had a great time. Lovely to see so many friends from local villages together, that’s what a community hall should do and it was done very well. The hall looked amazing the sun shone showing the field off to its best.” ● The next event is a Sunday lunch on June 3rd, followed by a rock and roll night with The Flames on Saturday, July 7th. For details and tickets contact any committee member or call 01761 471350.
Chef Sam with guests
Stuti (thank you) as supper is served
Worshipful Master Noel Town with representatives of the organisations who received donations
MORE than £5,000 has been presented to a number of charities and community organisations by members of Glastonbury’s St Dunstan’s Lodge of Freemasons, with a further £2,000 coming from other lodges. Amongst those to receive cheques were Avalon Boxing Club, Somerset Youth Carers, Somerset Trust for Arts and Recreation, the 4th Glastonbury Scout Group, St Margaret’s Hospice Care and Somerton Scout Group.
Lions beer festival
YEO Valley Lions Club plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary in style with a range of beers and ciders all from within 50 miles at its 16th annual Claverham Beer Festival. The event will be held from Friday, July 6th to Sunday, July 8th at Claverham Village Hall, Bishops Road, BS49 4NF. There will also be food and entertainment at each session. Entry for the Saturday and Sunday evening sessions, which commence at 7.30pm, will cost £10 on the door, but advance tickets priced at £8, which include a souvenir glass and your first pint, are now on sale. Entry to the Saturday and Sunday lunchtime sessions, which commence at 12.30pm, is free. This year the proceeds will help support Penny Brohn UK and Young Minds as well as local voluntary organisations and other local Lions projects. Advance tickets are available in Yatton from either AB’s Motorcare or Yatton Newsmarket, in Cleeve from Bishops Stores, in Congresbury from Hodder’s Family Butchers or in Claverham from the village hall. Details: www.claverham-beer-festival.org.uk
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 93
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Cakebakers and troublemakers – the WI celebrates HUNDREDS of members of Women’s Institutes from across Somerset paraded through Wells to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the WI federation in the county. Dozens of branches took part in the parade of WI banners, led by a brass band. The county boasts 129 institutes and around 4,000 members – 450 took part in the procession from Wells Cathedral to St Cuthbert’s Church for a celebration tea.
Leading the procession – Wells WI
Cheddar WI boasted two banners – they celebrate their 70th anniversary in 2019
Somerset Federation vice-chairman Sandra Ford (left) with county chairman Julia Statton, from the Coxley and District institute PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Follow the band
One of the newest institutes – members of the Strawberry Line WI from Cranmore
Teresa Hemms from Woolavington WI
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COMMUNITY
Walton WI
Compton Dundon WI prepare to leave Cathedral Green
Jan Warne, Natalya Wills and Annette Wills, from Rodney Stoke and Draycott WI – they call themselves “the cakebakers and troublemakers”. Natalya (centre) wore the hashtag #IamWI on one leg
Shapwick Starlets make their way down the High Street
Jean Kay, of Glastonbury WI, was originally a member of Wye WI in Kent – one of the oldest branches in the country, founded 100 years ago
Angela Bunting (left) carried the Binegar WI banner
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 95
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Putting the “fun” into funding
TEN community projects based in the Radstock and Westfield area will share £5,000 after presenting their bids to judges at a Dragons’ Den-style event. The Radstock and Westfield Big Local funding scheme has now supported 60 groups in the area. Supporters packed Victoria Hall in Radstock to see representatives from 17 projects present their cases and trying to convince the judges and audience in just 90 seconds. Amongst the successful bids were Trinity School pupils who want to improve their outside space, Norton Radstock Amateur Boxing Club, two youth theatre groups (Confessions of the Youth and Exit Stage Left), the SWALLOW charity – celebrating its 25th anniversary – and a community project to clear rubbish from Wellow Brook and turn it into a piece of sculpture.
Norton Radstock ABC have won funds to refurbish their gym at Clandown
Two of the youngsters from the successful Confessions of the Youth theatre company
Dragons are all smiles: (front) Claire Wynne Hughes, from Quartet Community Foundation, Anna Parry from The Loft music business and Becky Brooks, editor of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Journal with (back) Big Local committee members Ron Hopkins, Robin Moss and Sarah Westell
The audience were asked to vote on the projects
Trinity School pupils brought along an unusual prop to support their bid for a giant slide for their play area
To find out more about the Big Local visit: http://radstockwestfield.org.uk/category/dragonsden/
PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
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Hutton’s floral memorial
A CASCADE of poppies and RAF roundels have been installed at the front of Hutton Village Hall to celebrate 100 years of the RAF and to commemorate 100 years since the end of WW I. These have been installed by the Hutton in Bloom team as part of the village displays in preparation for planting out for South West in Bloom. Steve Cope, chairman of Hutton village hall, said: "The Hutton in Bloom team have produced a wonderful display to celebrate the formation of the Royal Air Force and to commemorate the end of the First World War. “Thanks to all volunteers who make up the Hutton in Bloom team and to Elizabeth and David for putting together the wonderful display of poppies. Additional thanks should also go to all those who contributed bottle bases for making the poppies. “The planting out of the summer displays, which will be primarily red, white and blue, will further enhance the display."
Community support
THE two latest groups to benefit from the Somerset Social Enterprise Fund (SSEF) are We Hear You, based in Frome, and GrassRoots Power, based in Taunton. We Hear You offer free, professional counselling for anyone affected by cancer or other life-threatening illness. They have been awarded a loan of £25,000 and grant of £12,500 and intend to invest in the development of their art gallery in the centre of Frome, expanding their current premises. Hannah Culff, interim director at We Hear You said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been awarded this funding from the Somerset Social Enterprise Fund. By expanding our WHY Art Gallery we can promote our free counselling service and also generate long-term, sustainable funds for the charity.” GrassRoots Power CIC, who specialise in delivering support services to sports clubs, helping them become more sustainable, has been awarded a loan of £50,000 and grant of £25,000 from SSEF. If you run a local community project and would like to find out more about funding for social enterprises or grant funding in general, call Somerset Community Foundation. Details: 01749 344949 www.somersetcf.org.uk
COMMUNITY
Men’s Shed open for business
THE Street Men’s Shed has been officially opened by Councillor Val Appleby the chair of Street Parish council, with demonstrations of wood turning, stained glass making and displays with details of the shed’s history and projects that they will be doing in the future. They are now fully open for members to pursue their own projects or to help with various community based projects, with a full range of woodworking tools including three lathes and power saws of various capacities and hand tools. There are plenty of workbenches for projects to be worked on and if you don’t want to make projects in wood, they have a dustfree “craft working” area suitable for just about anything from textile work to electronics. There are other amenities such as a fully-fitted kitchen with a microwave, tea/coffee and usually biscuits. They have an accessibility toilet suitable for less able members. New members are always welcome, pop in for a coffee or tea and find out how this venture is progressing. They are open Tuesday 9am to 1pm and Thursday 12.30 to 4.30pm. If there is sufficient interest, they will be looking at opening on a Saturday during the summer months (June to September). The shed can be found at Unit 10, The Tanyard, Leigh Road, Street, BA16 0DH. All major bus routes to Street stop outside The Tanyard in Leigh Road and there is limited parking on site. A Men’s Shed is a larger version of the typical man’s shed in the garden – “a place where he feels at home and pursues practical interests with a high degree of autonomy”. A place where members share the tools and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing at their own pace and in a safe, friendly and inclusive venue. The Street Men’s Shed originated from a local need to help the older male who may be isolated in the community. Isolation and loneliness can lead to mental and physical illness so the idea of a “Shed” came about to fill that need for men to have somewhere to go to for a chat or to work. They are an equal opportunity shed and are open to members over the age of 18 of any gender; they also operate an Adult at Risk Safeguarding policy. All their power tools are safety tested and risk assessed in line with the UK Men’s Shed Association code of best practice, of which they are a member. Details: Brian Bastable on brianbastable123@hotmail.co.uk www.streetmensshed.btck.co.uk check out their Facebook pages or: www.menssheds.org.uk
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Lions’ tea party
THERE were smiles and laughter all round at the Cheddar Vale Lions Senior Citizens Tea Party which entertained about 100 people. A coach was laid on to pick up around the Cheddar Vale area, together with minibuses and cars, to transport the party-goers to Shipham Village Hall. The Lions had been busy all morning preparing a delicious tea with sandwiches, homemade cake and jelly, fruit and cream. Entertainment was laid on with a quiz, bingo, sing-a-long and music from “Grey Dogs”. Everyone had an enjoyable afternoon which was evident from all the smiling faces, clapping and laughter. Cheddar Vale Lions Club have been running this event for over 30 years and it is still a highlight in their calendar each year where the members enjoy themselves as much as the attenders, bringing them so much pleasure to see everyone having such a good time.
New playground
Guild celebrates
PENSFORD held an Alice in Wonderland fun day to celebrate the opening of a new playground behind the village hall. Playground volunteer, Laura Baxter, said: “The committee would like to thank everyone who has made donations to the project and all of the many people who have volunteered in so many ways by building paths, scraping paint, digging holes, raising funds, making cakes, giving advice and for their support for Pensford playground.”
SOMERSET Trefoil Guild held its 75th anniversary celebrations at Glastonbury Town Hall. The guild, for former guides, began in 1943 and the theme was How Life was Then, with an exhibition of memorabilia and wartime posters, and a discussion on rationing.
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Bigger servings at new venue for SOUP
COMMUNITY
“Brothers” in Farmborough
Ready to serve the lunch at Wells SOUP
A WELLS-based group which works with homeless people and rough sleepers was the main winner at the latest Wells SOUP charity event. Connect Community Outreach received £350 after representative Rachel Inman made a presentation to visitors who voted on who should receive a grant. The event has moved to a new base at the city’s Elim Connect Centre as the audience had outgrown Seager Hall. Three other organisations – Freewheelers Blood Bikes, Mid Somerset Tinnitus Self Help Group and Wells City Band – shared £350. Wells SOUP has raised £5,500 for local charities since it launched two years ago. It is organised by Wells Independents whose Ross Young said: “We were delighted with the big room and support of the Elim Connect Centre. Also that so many found the new venue and enjoyed it. “We are particularly grateful to Probusiness for sponsoring the event to the tune of £350.” Four more will benefit at the next Wells SOUP on Saturday, July 14th.
Big breakfast
WRINGTON Vale Inner Wheel Club’s Big Breakfast was once again a great success, with proceeds going to Springboard, a charity for young people which helps the unemployed into work.
The Elderly Brothers with club member Bob Sennington (in plaits) who helped out as Sue at Number 22 in their rendition of Benny Hill’s Fastest Milkman in the West
SINGING comedy group The Elderly Brothers entertained a packed Farmborough Memorial Hall for a meeting of the area’s Goodwill Club for the elderly. It was the third time the act had visited the club and they had members singing along to favourites such as “Roll Out the Barrow” and “On Mother Kelly’s Doorstep”. Club members have recently visited Liverpool; in October they will be heading to Hayling Island on the south coast. A day trip to Cheddar and Weston-super-Mare will be followed by a trip to Poole. New members are always welcome.
Coffee mornings
A NEW weekly coffee morning has been established in East Harptree, meeting at the Waldegrave Arms, thanks to new landlords Lucy and Gary Clarke. It’s been set up by Gwenda Gage, Jane Whitconbe and Jane Eagon, following the death of Madge Atkinson, who organised the club until February.
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Church teas
Volunteers (l to r) Jill Harman, Sylvia Box and Betty Penny enjoying a welcome cup of tea at the end of last year's final Sunday tea event.
AFTER the success of last year's fundraiser, St Mary's Church in Compton Dando has decided to serve teas again every Sunday, 2pm-5pm, plus Bank Holiday Mondays. There will be a different table top display each month on different themes, the first one being on Suffragettes. Last year the teas raised £1,214.30 for church funds. The teas will start on Sunday and Monday May 27th and 28th and continue until Monday, August 27th.
Bluebell walk
Festival supports food bank
Somer Valley Foodbank Volunteers with Lord Hylton, who recently visited one of the local distribution centres
THE Somer Valley Foodbank has been named as the official partner for this year’s Peasedown Party in the Park festival. With more than 100 volunteers collecting and transporting food, helping in distribution centres, and providing support to those in need, the Somer Valley Foodbank is one of the biggest volunteer-led projects in Bath and North East Somerset. In five years it has given out a total of 7,267 food parcels to people living in Peasedown St John, Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Paulton and the surrounding villages Nathan Hartley, chairman of Peasedown Party in the Park said: “The Somer Valley Foodbank has done fantastic work over the years to help those who need it the most. “We’re delighted that the Somer Valley Foodbank has accepted our invitation to be our oficial partner for our tenth event. It makes this year’s festival even more special.” The festival is on Saturday, June 9th at Beacon Field, Peasedown St John, 12noon–7pm. Details: www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk
GPs farewell
ON a grey, chilly late April Sunday about 40 villagers and friends met at St Mary’s Church, Compton Dando for the annual walk to their lovely bluebell woods. Ages ranged from eight weeks to mid-eighties, with dogs of all sizes and breeds. The walk was led by villager Ron Waker and with bluebells and wild garlic out, it was a most enjoyable walk. They returned to St Mary’s Church for tea and home-made cakes which were most welcome. The bluebells are really at their best when the sun shines but they were still a joy to see.
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WINSCOMBE is preparing to wish a fond farewell to two longserving doctors, Dr David John and Dr Kathryn Ruddell, who have been caring for local people for more than 65 years between them. Their last working day will be Wednesday, June 13th and the following day a tea and cakes party is being held for them in St. James’s Church Hall, 2.30pm-4.30pm. Details: banwellwinscombeppg@gmail.com
Recycling event
SUSTAINABLE Wells are running another FREECYCLE event in Wells on Sunday, July 1st in the Priory Road car park. It's a good opportunity to clear out those things you no longer need and find something for free. Typical items include bicycles, books, toys, bric-a-brac, clothes, appliances, and gardening tools.
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One hundred – and out
COMMUNITY
A beeline for Blagdon
Pensford and Publow WI members along with guests from other Chew Valley WIs
PENSFORD and Publow WI, which has just celebrated its 100th birthday, will be closing at the end of the year because of falling numbers. Club member, Linda Quinn, said: “Membership has been falling for some time, but we promised our former president Sylvia Baber, who sadly passed away a couple of years ago, that we would keep going until our 100th birthday which we have done in her memory.” The Woodford on Chew Valley Lake was the venue for the celebrations, with guests from several WIs round the Chew Valley also attending. WI Federation chairman Jean Sims As she presenting the 100th year certificate to presented the club president Jill Johnson 100th certificate, federation chairman, Jean Sims, said: “To celebrate 100 years is an amazing achievement, and it's not been that easy either. It takes a lot of hard work stretching life out to maintain this birthday, but you did it!”
Club president Jill Johnson sitting, with (l to r) the rest of the club's members Avril Ford, Linda Quinn, Audrey Ashton, Janet Dando, Pam Webb and Jo Beedell
AN unusual swarm of bees has landed in Eldred’s community orchard in Blagdon, thanks to an anonymous group called Blagsaey, named after the famous
Bristol artist Banksy. The first the village knew about the group was when they awoke one morning four years ago to find the apple trees covered with crocheted flowers. This time 200 crocheted bees have appeared headed by a beautiful crocheted queen bee. A Blagsaey representative said: “It's supposed to be a surprise, a moment of magic that takes you out of yourself and so it happens when it happens.” One villager, Mary Taviner, said: “We say a big thank you to Blagsaey for all the hard work in making all these lovely things for us to see and enjoy.”
Trash? No, cash!
Mendip Auction Rooms valuer Nicky Houston (second left) with some of the museum’s volunteers who were involved in running the Trash or Treasure event
A VINTAGE, antique and collectables valuation day at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton has led to Somerset Coalfield Live at Radstock Musuem receiving a cheque for more than £1,000. Last October, the museum’s Bygone Days Talks team held the Trash or Treasure event in conjunction with Mendip Auction Rooms. Experts were on hand to value items at £1 each, raising £500 on the day. The auction rooms them donated a further £500 as a donation from their commission on sales of the items. The money will go towards the cost of installing historic local photographs on the museum’s shop windows. Another Trash or Treasure Day will be held at the Somer Centre on Saturday, October 27th.
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This was an exercise . . . but tomorrow? Volunteers from the Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue team staged a cliff rescue exercise in Sandford Quarry, putting students from the University of Bristol’s Wilderness Medical Society through their paces. Mark Adler joined them.
THE cliff rescue service is staffed entirely by volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day throughout the year and attend around 40 incidents each year. They rely on grants and donations. On their wish list is a new support vehicle for their technical equipment.
The students discuss the best way to proceed – teamwork is a key factor in their success
Safe at last – volunteer Josh Bell, aged 17, reaches safety. The teenager hopes to emulate his friend and neighbour, helicopter paramedic Pete Sadler
Instructors and students before setting off in groups to tackle simulated emergencies, including a fall, suspected heart attack and a diabetic seizure
The students take a breather as they carry the injured man to a location where the (imaginary) air ambulance can land – to the surprise of a dog walker. The term for the aircraft is HEMS: helicopter emergency medical service
After a search around part of the quarry face, this group finds someone who has fallen and has suspected pelvic and head injuries – their task is to assess his injuries and work out how to get the patient to safety. They were being assessed by helicopter paramedic Pete Sadler (top left) who works with the Great Western Air Ambulance
For details, visit: www.assar.org.uk To find out more about the Wilderness Medical Society, visit: www.galenicals.org.uk
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COMMUNITY
Bishop’s barn in the spotlight
A SERIES of events is underway to encourage more people to visit and use the medieval Bishop’s Barn and surrounding recreation ground in Wells. Art installations and workshops, an International Workers’ Day fair and a stone carving festival have been held as part of a project called Into the Barn. The aim of the project is to open up the building and recreation ground for free to community-based organisations. In the longer term, there are plans to refurbish the interior of the building. Other events in the pipeline include a beer and cider festival, a professional theatre production of Macbeth and a live music event.
Cathy, Geoff and Rhianna, from the Orchard Vale Trust at Wookey, with some of the artwork on show in the Bishop’s Barn as part of a Craft Unit exhibition by people from Mendip with learning difficulties
● An arts project which premiered at the barn is to be presented again on Thursday, June 21st, this time at the Heritage Courtyard Gallery in Wells.
Ruth George, Labour MP for High Peak, was the keynote speaker at the IWD event
Sculptor Paul Roddan, organiser of the Stone Carving Festival which attracted craftspeople from across the country. The theme was Medieval England: Knights, Bishops and Kings
Bodies of Water, by Helen Ottaway and Melanie Thompson, features their residencies in Sri Lanka and Denmark.
The May Day parade passes through Wells on its way to the fair in the Recreation Ground
Orchard Vale Trust artist Matt. Other artwork came from Banwell Pottery Artists, Avalon School, and Artbox Frome. There were also sessions by the Open Storytellers
Alex Waddell with the maquette from which he was working
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RNLI gets a boost
THE Weston Hotels and Restaurants Association decided to wind up and to give their residual funds to Weston RNLI. The advent of online bookings and such facilities as TripAdvisor meant there is no longer a need for the association. Members visited the temporary lifeboat station and presented a cheque for £7,000 towards the planned new station. Keith Fearn, association president, said: “We wanted the money to go to a local charity and we felt the local RNLI certainly deserves it with all the lives they save. We toured their temporary facilities and they are in desperate need of a new station. We hope this will help towards paying for that.”
Bishops in Africa
Bishop Ruth shares fresh maize
THE Bishop of Taunton, the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley, has visited Kapyanga West in the Lusaka diocese of Zambia, a community supported by the charity Send a Cow, based at Newton St. Loe. Bishop Ruth spent time with women in the village sharing food and hearing their stories. She also met Send a Cow project facilitator, Caleb Mwambela, who is helping to provide training in nutrition, hygiene and agriculture to 4,800 households in the area. Both Bishop Ruth and the Rt Revd Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath and Wells, are travelling with a group of 30 parish representatives from across Somerset to celebrate 40 years of the link between the Diocese of Bath and Wells and the five Anglican dioceses of Zambia. Details: www.sendacow.org.uk
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COMMUNITY
It’s all about community
The May Day parade passes through Wells on its way to the fair in the Recreation Ground
CHURCHES in Frome and the surrounding villages have joined forces to create a new community initiative aimed at worshippers and non-religious people alike. HOPE Frome and Villages wants to improve the sense of community for everyone with a series of events and a new social media campaign called (Dis)connection. The project is a progression from HOPE Frome, which runs the Hope Caravan, offering hot drinks and a friendly face Some of the paintings in the exhibition in Frome town centre on alternate Friday nights. It was the idea of Father Clive Fairclough, priest-in-charge of the Mells group of churches. HOPE Frome and Villages was launched at St Andrew’s Church in Mells to coincide with an exhibition of paintings from around the world called Jesus Laughing and Loving. The exhibition will move to St Michael’s church in Buckland Dinham in June. Buckland Dinham church also hosted a live screening of the royal wedding for villagers thanks to its newly-installed wi-fi link.
The HOPE Frome caravan with some of the volunteers who staff it
For details, visit: www.hopefromeandvillages.uk
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Civic leader’s first duty – litterpicking!
Sponsored bike ride to Le Mans
NEWS
(l to r) Esther, Rachel, Mary and Piers Dyer pictured back in 2000, ahead of their first Le Mans challenge. A guard of honour from members of the 3rd Wells Brownies for mayor Celia Wride
CELIA Wride, the newly-installed mayor of Wells, joined members of the 3rd Wells Brownies on a litterpick around the Bishop’s Palace moat and the Recreation Ground. It was the mayor’s first civic engagement of her year in office and followed a Great British Spring Clean event in March which she helped to organise, but the group was unable to attend. Celia is organising another litterpick for the first weekend in June.
Frome film stars
FROME College students Joseph Dobson and Louis Tozer recently attended the BAFTA TV Awards in London, where they rubbed shoulders with Best Actor Sean Bean, Amanda Holden and Ant from Ant and Dec. They won their tickets by making a film about cyber bullying, which was judged best in the 16-21-year-old category of the All Rise International Film Competition. Joseph said: “It has given us invaluable experience into what it takes to make a short film. We both wish to get into the industry and this will hopefully help with our ambitions. To see our video, it can be found on the All Rise Say No to Cyber Abuse Facebook page.” Joseph and Louis will also be attending Twickenham Film Studios in July for work experience as part of their prize. They hope to win a BAFTA in years to come.
PIERS and Rachel Dyer will be using vintage pedal power to cycle over 800 miles in less than a month this summer, raising funds for Mary’s Beat, a charitable fund for people living in Somerset or Devon with physical and/or learning disabilities, to gain access to music or outdoor activities. The fund was set up after Mary Christabel Dyer sadly died in 2017 and is administered by Somerset Community Foundation. In 2000, Mary took part in a 24-hour, 85 mile “tortoise and hare” cycle ride from Leatherhead to Le Mans. Her father, Piers, pedalled Mary in her Duet, a wheelchair bicycle, and Mary’s sister Esther, and her aunt, Rachel, made up the rest of the team of cyclists raising money for the national charity SeeAbility. Piers said: “It seems only fitting that, 18 years after our last charity bike ride to Le Mans, we’re doing it again – but this time raising funds in memory of Mary.” Details: www.justgiving.com/campaigns/ charity/somersetcf/marysbeat
Cycleway wins award
A POPULAR cycleway linking Weston-super-Mare and Brean has scooped a major industry award. Brean Down Way won the Highway Partnership Award at the Institute of Highway Engineers South Western awards. The eightmile cycleway which opened last year, was completed as a partnership project. Jointly led by North Somerset Council and national cycling charity, Greenways and Cycleroutes Ltd, the project also involved the Environment Agency, Wessex Water, Natural England, Somerset County Council, Sedgemoor District Council and their contractors, Brean Parish Council, the National Trust and landowners. Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, deputy leader of North Somerset Council said: “Brean Down Way is a good example of what can be achieved by working in partnership. This is a great community facility that is enjoyed by many people and provides a key link between Weston and Brean.” Caroline Levett, Trustee at Greenways and Cycleroutes Limited said: “It was a privilege for Greenways and Cycleroutes to work with the enormously committed North Somerset officers to create the Brean Down Way. They had the money and determination to build the route in North Somerset (with the last mile constructed by Greenways and Cycleroutes workcamp in 2016) but the route stopped at the River Axe, the county boundary.”
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MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2018 • PAGE 109
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Sun shines on Somerset Day
Communities across Somerset celebrated Somerset Day in a variety of ways, although cider, cheese, music and dancing all featured heavily. Wincanton
STARTERS orders for Somerset Day began at Wincanton with an artisan cider and cheese fair to accompany an evening’s racing.
Trainer Paul Nicholls opened the evening with a one-two success with Stradivarius Davis followed home by Ringa Ding Ding
Award-winning cheesemaker Phil Rainbow had an extra motive to attend. A keen horseracing enthusiast, Phil, of Glastonbury, has a share in two horses trained by Paul Nicholls, Moabit and Alcala. Phil is pictured with Lizzie Longman, of Ditcheat, where Phil is based
A group of friends from Priddy settle down for the evening
Celebrations in Str
STREET Parish Council co-ordinated a series of events around the village, including live music a competition for children. The Alfred Gillett Trus heritage and arts event at The Grange.
Cidermaker Oliver Dowding had a short journey to the course from nearby Shepton Montague
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Glastonbury Brass perform in front of Street Library
Chalice Morris salute the wyvern. The side practice draws members from across Mendip and Bridgwate
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Castle Cary
SOMERSET DAY 2018
AN artisan food and drink fair was held in Castle Cary for the first time to mark Somerset Day, attracting hundreds of visitors.
Soaking up the atmosphere in front of the Market House
Guests from Castle Cary’s twin town of Rémalard in Normandy
Three-year-old Scarlett tries her hand at milking the Barbers Cheese cow
Ian Davis, one of the people behind the Somerset Garden Day initiative, enjoys a pint
Street
Live music in front of the Market House
es of family-friendly sic and an arts Trust also hosted a
actices in Brent Knoll, but gwater
Four-month-old puppy Alfie stops to enjoy a performance at the Busk Stop in the High Street by Amber Chapman, from Butleigh
Fair organisers Lucy Reader and Lucas Hollweg
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(Photographs courtesy of Bob Bowen)
Wrington’s Party in the Field
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Royal Wedding parties Priddy
Living history moves audience to tears
EVENTS
The play looks particularly at the impact of WWI on women
A PIECE of theatre recreating the impact on Somerset of the end of World War One had some members of the audience in tears. The Frome-based Little Victory Ball staged the factbased drama in the Tithe Barn at the Somerset Rural Life Museum as part of a free, living history day. The museum is currently staging an exhibition about life in the county during the conflict.
Paulton
Bloomfield Care Home in Paulton held a royal wedding open day attended by parish council leader Anne Lyons, care home staff, residents and friends.
Photography student Jude, of Frome, brought along part of his collection of vintage equipment for the event. He is pictured with WWI nurses Kassandra Hobday (left) and Sarah-Jane Worrall
The Little Victory Ball cast
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 113
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Summer sportives on Mendip
HAVING a date in the calendar is a great motivator for getting out on a bike, to train and maintain fitness. Whether you’re an experienced rider or CYCLING are just looking for an with EDMUND LODITE organised ride, sportives offer something for everyone. Riding a sportive is about personal challenge, group participation and cycling along well-planned/marked routes. Although finishing times are usually recorded and riders given their finishing position, it is definitely not a race. Setting a pace that you’re happy with is important and more often than not you end up in a group of riders with similar ability. With feed stations and mechanics ready to sort out any problems all you need to do is train, prepare and then turn up and ride! Mendip offers the perfect mix of terrain and scenery to provide stunning routes and here is a selection of sportive events coming up over summer. Mendip Murmuration is an off-road event for MTB riders on June 23rd starting near Cheddar. Cruising and carving over and around Cheddar Gorge, Crook Peak,
Netball enthusiasts
Black Down and Rowberrow Warren there is a choice of 20 or 30/35 mile routes. The event is part of the Top of the Gorge festival and everyone who enters automatically gets a free day ticket entry to the festival. By working closely with the Mendip AONB this event is one of the very few MTB events that take place on the Mendips. Bike Bath takes place on the July 1st. With a choice of 25, 50 or 80-mile routes it takes in the best scenery of Bath and the surrounding countryside. It’s very popular and the organisers like to keep the event fresh by changing the routes each year. The feed stations are particularly good showcasing the best produce from local food and drink suppliers.
FROME College’s Year Nine and Ten students had a fantastic trip to Bath, where they saw Team Bath win 54-42 against Northumbria. The students were all delighted to have had their photos taken with Kadeen Corbin and Ebony Beckford-Chambers, who were both part of the England Commonwealth Games and gold medalists. The group also had the opportunity to have a picture with Pamela Cookey, former England netball captain. All the students said they had a brilliant time and were honoured to be able to watch such a good Bath win.
SPORT
Great Weston Ride returns for its ninth edition on July 15th. Starting in Long Ashton, near Bristol, the 57-mile route follows a spectacular course through the Mendips and across the Somerset Levels before finally finishing on the seafront in Weston-super-Mare. Many who take part are greeted by family and friends at the finish – but there is also a shuttle bus to take riders and bikes back to the start. This is a fun recreational but challenging ride that also supports good causes. So far, around £180,000 has been raised for Prostate Cancer UK by people taking part in the Great Weston Ride. Wiggle – Mendips Sportive takes place on July 22nd. Starting in Street, riders get a chance to warm-up their legs across the Somerset Levels before reaching the hill climbs. There are three distances to choose from all with stunning scenery and the longer ones have a number of good hill climbs. As you would expect this is a well organised event by Wiggle attracting riders from across the country. So whether your aim is to raise money for good causes, ride in a group, personal challenge or simply to have a good day out on a bike – there is a sportive waiting for you!
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A thirst for running WELLS hosted the first-ever half marathon run with a distinct difference – cider was on offer at every drinks station. Runners – nearly all in fancy dress – had the choice of 13 different ciders, with one available every mile of the race. Cider was also on sale in the Market Square before and after the event with some runners choosing to top-up their fluid levels before crossing the start line. The event was in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and was inspired by a wine-themed race in the Medoc region of France. The race attracted 230 entries from many parts of the country, with some runners having only just recovered from completing the London Marathon the previous week.
Mollie and Matt Crouch, from Wells, lead the field at the start of the race
Luke Madam, Danny Harding and Sam Fairfield before the start of the run
Stretching before a run is always a good idea PAGE 116 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Drink up thy cider
Race winner Liam Sparrock, from Walsall
The Hogwarts Massive – from Wales – take a refreshment break
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Footballers celebrate
SPORT
Only another ten miles – and ten ciders – to go
The Chillies celebrate: back row (l:r) Keiron Robinson, Harvey Hadrill, Sam Cottle, Jack Mounty, Jacob Brooks-Scully, Alex Wych, Ryan Childs, Dan Tamblyn, Will Hailstone, Leon Cole, Andy Catley, Paul Gay. Front (l:r) Jamie Duncan, James Cooper, Ryan Gay, Dane Edwards, Jack Smith, Matthaus Curtis, Kailan Gould, Woody, Tim Curtis (manager)
Animal magic – Claire House, Clare Gaunt and Hannah Bradon, from Westfield Vets, were running in aid of the Cinnamon Trust
CHILCOMPTON FC are Somerset County League Champions, with 81 points from 32 games. In the process, they scored 107 goals, which is 26 more than the next highest team and lost just three games all season. Meanwhile, Westfield FC won Somerset County League Division 1 East with two games to spare.
Waiting for the runners to arrive home Westfield captain Darren Gibbs receives the Somerset County League Div 1 East Trophy from league chairman Roy Penney following their 2-2 draw with local rivals Timsbury Athletic FC
Woods at Wedmore Martin Chappell – one of the marshals at the finish line
MEMBERS of the Isle of Wedmore Bowls Club are offering free coaching to anyone interested in taking up the sport. The sessions take place from 10am-1pm on Saturday, June 2nd, Sunday, June 17th and Saturday, July 14th at the club on Blackford Road, Wedmore. For details and to book a place contact Keith Pettit on 01934 733237.
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Club remembers Eric
Referee Shaun Redmond with Wells and Winscombe players during the minute’s silence. The players wore odd socks as part of the wider rugby community’s fundraising campaign Pounds for Porge
WELLS RFC has paid tribute to the late Eric Willmott, a club stalwart on and off the pitch. A minute’s silence was held before the start of Wells’ last match of the season, against Winscombe, and in front of members of Eric’s family. Eric was one of the founder members of post-war Mendip RFC in 1947, which reverted to Wells RFC in 1965. Wells
Somerset RFU president Andy Shorney, of Nailsea, was a guest at Wells to award them RFU re-accreditation. Andy (left) is pictured with club chairman Alan Goymer
itself was founded in 1876 but had folded several times. Club president Richard Draper was a schoolboy when he first met Eric in 1951. In his programme notes, Richard said: “Everyone knew him as a gentle, mild-mannered man but he was a formidable front-row player who never got involved in incidents that happened frequently in scrums in those days.”
Agony on the face of one Winscombe player as Al Payne scores an early Wells try as they run out 41-10 winners
Wells and Butleigh Amateurs gather before the start of the third annual memorial match in honour of former Wells player James “Pud” Pullen. The fixture has raised thousands of pounds for research into brain tumours PAGE 118 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
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Thatchers supports Somerset cricket
THATCHERS Cider has renewed its agreement with Somerset County Cricket Club, continuing as official cider partner for a further three years. This new deal is an extension of the current agreement which has seen Thatchers and Somerset County Cricket work together on many exciting ventures over the last six years. The jewel in the crown of this partnership has seen Thatchers branding appear on the club’s stunning roof terrace.
The Thatchers Terrace is the balconied area situated on the second floor of the impressive Somerset Pavilion, which gives members and hospitality parties the chance to enjoy the cricket from an unrivalled vantage point. Head of Commercial Partnerships at Somerset CCC, Guy Wolfenden said: “Cricket and cider are integral parts of any summer and we are looking forward to another three fantastic years of working with Martin and his team.”
Welcome to your new league
MIDSOMER Norton Cricket Club’s first XI found life hard on the opening day of their new season after promotion to the Premier 2 division on the West of England Premier Cricket League. The home side won the toss and put visitors Shapwick and
Norton claim another Shapwick and Polden wicket
SPORT
Martin Thatcher, fourth generation of the family-run cider maker said: “We have built up a very strong and loyal relationship with Somerset County Cricket since we first started working together back in 2012. “We love being a part of the club’s extended family, sharing their commitment to the county, striving for the very best, and taking a pride in their roots. We look forward to another three years of successful partnership together.”
Polden CC into bat, who closed on 188-8 after 50 overs. Norton could manage just 97 in reply, with only openers Nick Pang and Alex Lear – along with Dan Nolan – reaching double figures. The season picked up with a comfortable win over Taunton at home a few weeks later.
Norton captain Nick Pang returns to the pavilion after making a quick 20 off seven balls
Cricket has returned to Norton’s Withies Lane ground
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Mendip table skittles
WHY on earth is table skittles not one of the world’s most popular games? This is the question asked by anyone familiar with our great Mendip sport, when faced with national excitement over something like the Commonwealth Games or the World Cup. Because it has everything: skill, drama, excitement and passion. Most of all, it has the kinds of twists and turns you get only from the greatest sport. In this incredible season, begun in September, FOUR teams could have gone on to win the league with just THREE games remaining; with two weeks left, this had become three, all of whom were now exactly level on points in the table, with only “legs” (like goal difference) to separate them. Incredibly, the final match of the season saw all four playing each other – you couldn’t make it more dramatic if you tried! Almost any variation of who might win the league or come runners-up was still possible. Even more extraordinarily, both matches were subsequently drawn 6-6, despite both being at 6-3 with three legs left, leaving three teams equal at the top, with a whole season’s title coming down to the smallest possible margins. In Division Two, things were a lot more straightforward; the two relegated teams from last season bounced straight back up, and unfortunately, last season’s two promoted teams bounced back down again. Veteran winners Crown Regil continued to dominate the cup competitions, defeating the Tetley Brewers in the Division One cup, and winning the League Trophy despite a remarkable performance from the Red Lion of Bishop Sutton to get to the final. The Division Two final saw Redhill Club produce an excellent performance to beat the Crown Rangers of West Harptree. The season was rounded off by two great nights of finals: Andy
Evans completed a Division Two double of individuals and pairs, with his partner Rob Channon, leaving Tony Harse, Barry Veale and Simon Harris in his wake, while an all-Lionharts Division One pairs final saw Alan Dibble and Mickey Parsons pip Dave Banwell and Steve Miles for the bragging rights. In the very last match of the season at a packed Redhill Club, Ken Croker got friendly revenge on Steve Miles for his pairs semi-final defeat by edging the First Division Individuals Title final. But the best skittles of both finals’ nights was undoubtedly played by the ladies, with Jean Sweeney triumphing in the final over Denise Adams, who had been outstanding in the semi-finals. We have a summer break now to catch our breath after all that excitement until the next season – which has a lot to live up to for excitement and pleasure – starts again in September. Anyone interested in playing for a current team, starting a new team, or just finding out about the sport should go to www.mendiptableskittles.co.uk, check out Facebook at www.facebook.com/mendiptableskittles, or contact league secretary Andy Evans on 07758 952570 or at andyskittles@yahoo.co.uk Andy Evans
Andy Evans, Rob Channon and Barry Veale
Denise Adams and Jean Sweeney
Early success
CAMERTON & Peasedown Croquet Club has had a hectic start to the new season leaving some of its key players shellshocked after daily calls to duty on home and foreign lawns. Marion Button tasted early success winning the Croquet Association’s first 25 Golf Croquet B Level-Play tournament and now goes forward to the final in October to be played on CPCC’s home lawns.
Marion Button (left) receives her award from club chairman, Mo Boys
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Alan Dibble and Dave Banwell
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SPORT
Motocross track wins praise from riders COMPETITORS in a weekend of motocross racing on the edge of Asham Woods near Frome have been full of praise for the quality of the circuit. The two-day Bank Holiday event was organised by Christchurch MX club in association with Frome MCC and attracted hundreds of riders from across the country. The circuit at Leighton is famous in motocross history, having hosted world grand prix and British championship meetings. One rider posted on Facebook: “I've been racing since 1976 and that was one of the best meetings I've ever raced at and well worth the four-hour drive. Track was superb, event ran flawlessly, even had water at the start line.” ● Frome MCC will host a two-day practice weekend at the track on Saturday, August 11th and Sunday, August 12th for sidecars, solos and quad bikes.
Gary Clapcott, from Blandford on a Twinshock
The start of the British 250/500 EVO race
Riders came from across the country to compete
Wildcats new home
A Partridge pre-83 125 race underway
Edward Pointing, from Chichester
SOMERSET FA have officially launched the SSE Wildcats centre at Wedmore. The club had been working with Somerset FA and the Football Foundation for the last two years on getting funding for a new pavilion building at Wedmore. The photo shows Wedmore Wildcats (back row) Alice Haggat, Anna Wady, Matt Coggins, Mae Ellis and Rachael Lawler-Edwards, Somerset FA Girls and Women's Development Officer.
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Swim gala will be 30 next year
Members of the Mendip Mallards ahead of their races
AN annual swimming competition organised by the Mendip Mallards club for people with disabilities will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. Based at the Strode Swimming Pool in Street, the club is part of the Mendip Disabled Association. This year’s event saw teams from Wimborne, Yeovil and Plymouth compete against the Mallards in a series of races using a timed handicap system. The Mallards won.
Starter Irene Wills has been involved with the association since it began in 1980
Everyone for tennis
PENSFORD was one of the clubs that took part in British Tennis Week, with a record number of new members signing up. Coach Dan Church is pictured with some of the children who tried their hand at tennis that morning. Details: www.pensfordtennisclub.co.uk
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Rob Taylor (left) who opened the gala with Mallards chairman Malcolm Campbell
Search for new pitches continues
MENDIP Hockey Club celebrated its end-of-season awards night with uncertainty still hanging over where the teams will play in the future. A decision to change the playing surface of the pitches at Norton Hill School in Midsomer Norton means they will be unsuitable for hockey matches, says the club. A spokesperson for the club said: “Downside School have kindly agreed to host some of Mendip's ladies summer league games, but their lack of floodlights makes winter league hockey and training difficult. “Both Chew Valley and Saint Gregory's schools have enabled the club to try their pitches with a view to hosting games in the forthcoming season, and the committee is continuing to work to find a solution that recognises the needs and wishes of all of the club's members.” Notable award winners at the dinner at Farrington Golf Club were youngsters Megan Carey and Ben Elkington, who have both made great strides into the realms of senior hockey this year, and who won the Under-18 Female and Under-18 Male awards respectively. Ladies third team striker Sharon Watts walked away with the Golden Stick award after a phenomenal season in front of goal. Fixtures secretary Karen Inns was recognised for her efforts in coordinating pitch bookings during a particularly challenging set of weather conditions, and parent and supporter Juliet Bodman received the Alan Hall award for her remarkable enthusiasm this term.
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SPORT
We do it our way
VISIT the Sports for the Disabled area at this year’s Royal Bath and West Show and it is quite likely you will find past, present and possibly future Paralympians competing. Once a year, the area also hosts an event where people of all ages and with a range of disabilities can have a go at a range of sports. It is called Spring into Action and the ethos is “Have a go and do it any way you want.” The day is organised by a team under the banner of the Somerset County Sports Association for the Disabled, and led by former Paralympian Lisa Welsh, of Birmingham. During show week the site will be holding the Royal Bath and West Show – Sports for the Disabled Open Championships. The idea to hold these games came from Gillian Matthews in the mid-seventies, and over that time has seen more than 300 competitors attending and travelling from all over the country for a four-day competition. Lisa began by helping Gillian in 1986. Gillian wanted someone who could “type labels and fill envelopes and it went from there.” In October. Lisa and her team will be organising another Have a Go Day, called the Autumn Fling, a date and venue yet to be decided.Lisa, who competed at the 1984 Paralympics, added: “The whole point of competing is to have fun and support others to do so.” Follow them on Facebook: @royalbathandwestsportsforthedisabled
Judith Lord (left) has been volunteering at the Sports for the Disabled area for many years. She is pictured with daughter Samantha and fellow volunteer Claire Tucker
Tutors look on as one young person tries javelin
One of the table tennis competitors
Expert advice was on offer for anyone wanting to try air rifle shooting
Lisa (centre) with volunteers Maureen Page (left) and Charlotte Broom
Air rifle shooting
For details about sporting events or volunteer to help then contact Lisa at: somersetsportingevents@gmail.com
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Can you give a Somerset rescue horse a second change?
SPRING is here at last. Due to the warmth and lengthening days, Tamora has shed her winter coat and is showing off a new shiny grey one complete with beautiful dapples. The ground is drier and we are spending many happy hours hacking through the gorse and heather and admiring the bluebells and With RACHEL wild garlic in the woods around Rowberrow THOMPSON and Dolebury Warren. The small herd of MBE Exmoor ponies are often in view on Blackdown. They have survived the winter blizzards well and look healthy and bonny browsing tufts of wild grass. Following these outings, I come home feeling healthy and mellow, in tune with my horse and the countryside. In contrast, it has been shocking to catch recent morning news stories regarding the treatment of equines in our country. Horses are regularly being “fly-tipped” and left to die with the rubbish, the RSPCA told the Victoria Derbyshire programme. A thin, illtreated colt named Mr Melvin Andrews was dumped in her grandmother’s garden after a young girl responded to an online advert saying that he would be put down if no-one wanted him. Did you know that RSPCA officers in Somerset are facing an equine crisis, according to new figures released by the animal welfare charity in April? The charity’s new cruelty statistics reveal that nearly 1,000 horses were rescued by the charity from cruelty, suffering and neglect last year and a staggering 928 horses are still in the charity's care. In 2017, RSPCA officers in Somerset received 297 complaints about 233 horses. The charity also rescued 34 horses from across the county, up from 18 in 2016. The national horse crisis, which charities first highlighted in 2012, has since seen RSPCA officers routinely called out to
Showjumping for Hannah
A ONE-day event will be held at Mendip Plains Equestrian Centre in July to raise funds for the Hannah’s Wilberry Wonder Pony charity. The unaffiliated competitions, on Sunday, July 15th, will honour showjumper Hannah Francis; the competition was first held last year. There will be three classes – 70cm, 80cm and 90cm – and all will be run in accordance with British Eventing rules. ● Entries open on June 5th via www.equoevents.co.uk or contact entries secretary Lynda King at lyndaking@live.co.uk
Help to stop this cruelty
abandoned horses every day up and down the country, with many of them extremely sick, dead or dying on arrival. Despite the efforts of the RSPCA and other equine welfare organisations, the crisis shows no sign of easing, with huge pressures on the charity to find stables and funding to keep the large number of horses it has had to take in. As soon as one horse is rehomed, another is waiting to immediately fill the stable and, as a consequence, the majority of horses taken in by the RSPCA have to be cared for in private boarding stables at further cost to the charity. Lucy Cooper, the RSPCA’s press officer concerned with equines, told me that the charity has employed a new head of equine, an equine vet and a scientific officer to deal with the crisis and to work closely with other equine charities. A National Equine Welfare Council has been set up to address issues and to find solutions. I asked how we could help locally? Obviously with donations, volunteering/buying goods at charity shops and helping at horse rescue centres. Principally if you are considering owning a horse please, please consider re-homing a rescue horse. Many go on to have fantastic lives with new owners despite a poor start and there are many different types and breeds being rescued.
Phone the RSPCA locally on 01823 253729 or 0300 1230100
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RIDING
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Equine practice looking forward to the show THE team from Stables Equine Practice will be back at the Royal Bath and West Show this year, looking after the welfare of hundreds of horses. SEP, based at Conkerfield at Burcott, are equine vets for the show which is familiar territory for them – they were based at the showground for nine years. Bath and Chepstow races, local point-to-point meetings, British eventing and Pony Club events are just some of the other big events they attend. With the recent hot weather, the team is offering some timely advice about caring for horses. It is important to remember that horses and ponies can suffer from heat stroke too! The signs can range from mild
colic and lethargy to dehydration and collapse. Heatstroke can happen at any time in hot weather, not just during exercise. Choose cooler turnout times: horses will quickly overheat if grazing in direct sunlight. Unless there is access to turnout with plenty of shade, it is better to turnout overnight and keep horses in during the day or turnout for a few hours early morning. For horses living out, rotate grazing to ensure they have access to a shaded area for the majority of the day. Avoid direct sunlight: If a stable has a skylight roof, it is best to try and cover this to prevent direct sunlight straight into the stable. The use of a fan can help keep the air
moving especially in a barn. Increase water consumption: offer plenty of fresh water. Warm, stagnant water rapidly becomes unappetising; ideally change water throughout the day to encourage drinking. Feeds can be fed wet and hay dampened, to increase water intake. Exercise during coolest part of the day, either first thing in the morning or late evening when it is cooler. Reduce exercise intensity or shorten into two smaller sessions to avoid over-heating and ensure they are cooled off afterwards with a cold shower. If competing, it is advisable to add electrolytes to feed or water. This will replace minerals lost in sweat and aid
re-hydration. When electrolytes are added to water, it is recommended to offer an additional bucket of normal water as well, in case they take a disliking to it.
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Stables Equine Practice, Conkerfield, Pennybatch Lane, Wookey, Wells BA5 1NH Tel: 01749 830666 • website: www.stablesequinepractice.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 125
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Four members of the Grease cast with their Dragon’s Den grant certificate: (l-r) Lucie Turner, Polly Mitchard, Freya Button and Maddie Curtis
A YOUTH theatre group from Radstock is busy raising funds ahead of a planned production of the hit musical Grease in November. Exit Stage Left is run by volunteers who believe theatre should be fully inclusive and accessible. Since it was founded by Alison McCAusland in 2002, ESL has helped young people with a range of needs, from shyness to Asperger’s. The group was one of the winners of £500 in the latest Big Local Dragon’s Den in Radstock and has staged a number of fundraising events towards the £4,000 cost of staging Grease including a talent show and Grease-themed disco. Grease will take place at the Dragonsfly Theatre at Writhlington from November 15th-17th. For details find @ExitStageLeftBath on Facebook. The choir in St John’s Church
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Mayor’s jazzy move
John North with a collecting bucket and the Grey Dogs outside Wells Town Hall
THE sounds of trad jazz echoed round the Saturday market in Wells when the city’s mayor John North invited a local band to support the charities chosen for his year in office. Members of the Grey Dogs Jazz Band serenaded shoppers and traders to raise money for Heads Up and Wells Air Cadets.
The band are a familiar sight on the jazz scene and at many fundraising events in the area
Choir keeps the beat
COMMUNITY choir Sing Your Heart Out has raised £1,000 for an eating disorder charity called Beat from a concert in St John’s Church in Chilcompton. The choir will be returning to St John’s for the church fete on Saturday, July 17th and will be performing in St Andrew’s Church in Holcombe on October 12th. New members are always welcome. For more information call Viv Moon on 01761 232490/07780 861868 or Eugenie Hailston on 01761 411909. The choir is also available to sing at events.
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Young musicians in Wells YOUNG musicians from all over the world will be converging on Wells in July. WOWFest: Wells Orchestral Weekend is hosting its inaugural festival from July 12th – 15th promising an intense weekend of music-making across the city. Over 200 young musicians will arrive to meet, form friendships, take part in workshops alongside expert tutors and present an exciting series of free concerts and events. WOWFest aims to complement the rich cultural heritage of Wells with new opportunities for international young musicians and by bringing quality orchestral music to the residents of the city. The festival will open with a free concert hosting 90 musicians in Wells Cathedral on Thursday, July 12th at 7.30pm. It will include a short introduction by patron Charles
Hazlewood and a joint performance of the March from Arthur Bliss’s orchestral suite Things to Come by the National Schools Symphony Orchestra and visiting German chamber orchestra Violinissimo. WOWFest is also collaborating with the Diocese of Bath and Wells to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the
MUSIC & THEATRE
Zambia Link on Saturday, July 14th. Musicians will perform during the cathedral service, followed by a procession led by the Royal Artillery Band to The Bishop’s Palace, where there will be further picnic concerts on the lawns. Other events held by the festival include a free presentation of life as a military musician by the Royal Artillery Band, a free family-friendly string concert in Cedars Hall where ensembles from Germany and Malaysia will perform music suitable for all ages with a guest appearance by the Blue School String group, and a celebratory closing ceremony in the Town Hall with musicians from the UK, Germany and Malaysia. Musical offerings include Mozart Divertimenti, Vivaldi’s Summer, Bach’s Brandenburg n.3, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Barber’s Adagio for Strings. Seats are allocated on a firstcome, first-served basis so contact them to book your place and avoid disappointment!
Details: www.wellsyouthmusicfest.co.uk email: wowfest@timeconcerts.co.uk or tel 01749 672522.
Special concert guests
A SPECIAL music concert will take place on Saturday, June 30th June at St. Andrews Church in Cheddar. Taking part will be The Mendip Consort of recorder players with their musical director Joyce Rudall and The Somernotes, a male vocal ensemble with their musical director Carol Kenway, who have been gold medal winners at the Nailsea Festival for the last two years. There are two special guests, firstly the very talented 13-year-old violinist from
Wookey, Poppy McGhee, who was runner-up in Rotary’s national young musician competition, held in Edinburgh on May 19th. She is joined by another talented young violinist, Cristina Dimitrova, a pupil at Wells Cathedral School, whose family live in Portugal. She was also a national finalist in the Rotary competition last year. The concert is in aid of the fabric fund of St. Andrews Church.
Details: Tickets are available from Jane Burdock, 01934 743834 email janesburdock@gmail.com or from Deane and Sons in Cheddar. MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018 • PAGE 127
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VISITORS to Swan Artworks on the Old Mill Industrial Estate at Paulton are familiar with seeing a guitar or amplifier owned by picture framer Tony Osborne propped in the corner of the workshop! Tony and Carrie frame a large amount of music memorabilia for clients, but they have just finished some work for themselves after Tony played a gig at the Cheese and Grain in Frome with his
blues/rock band Copper Hollow. They were supporting iconic 60s group The Manfreds who are currently on tour in the UK. Tony said: "We frame a lot of music memorabilia, vinyl, posters and even framed an entire guitar a couple of years back. We always enjoy a good music chat with like-minded customers! “Sharing a stage with The Manfreds was a real pleasure and Paul Jones and his band were kind enough to sign a poster for me back stage after the performance. What a nice bunch of chaps!” ● Copper Hollow will also be supporting Eddie and The Hot Rods later this year at The Rockabella Club in Beckington. Tickets will be available from Swan Artworks closer to the date. For details, visit: http://www.rockabella.org/
On the march
Tony with the framed poster signed by The Manfreds
AWARD-winning theatre company Street Theatre marked the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act with a Suffragist March through the town and a production of Knickerbocker Glories, four short suffrage comedies.
Having a ball
MENDIP Folk Dance Club held its annual Playford Ball at Shipham village hall. The Master of Ceremonies was Roy Garrington and the musicians were Keeping Time. Some 60 dancers enjoyed an excellent evening of music and dance. The club meets at St James’ Church Hall Winscombe on every second, fourth and fifth Mondays of the month between September and June. Everyone is welcome. PAGE 128 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
Details: Pat 01934 742853
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An evening to remember
A NOSTALGIC evening is on the cards on Saturday, June 30th, when a concert will be held at Banwell Village Hall, featuring Magenta, who were residents at the Bell Inn Folk Club in Banwell from 1978 to 1985. The evening is open to all and particularly to anyone who remembers nights at the Bell in those days. The venue was nationally known and hosted visits from many top acts such as Fred Wedlock, Jake Thackray, Roy Harper, Battlefield Band, Richard Digance, Dougie Maclean, Harvey Andrews, Martin Carthy, Bert Jansch and many more. The village Hall was used on a number of occasions by the club to put on larger concerts and it is hoped that the atmosphere of the Bell can be revived for one more night on June 30th. Magenta first formed in 1975 and played their own brand of original, mainly acoustic music throughout the UK and abroad until disbanding in 1985. The five members decided to get together again in 2009 and reunion concerts at the Blakehay and Playhouse theatres in Weston in 2009, 2011 and 2016 have been followed with further concerts throughout the South West. They released their fifth album Let it Fall in November last year. Tickets for the evening, which starts at 7.30pm and includes a bar, are £10 each, available from Mervyn (07970 100252) or Arthur (07970 525826).
Spring season
WRINGTON Drama Club’s spring production An Evening of Comedy featured three one-act plays by some of theatre’s finest and funniest writers, Alan Ayckbourn, Pam Valentine and Lynn Brittney, directed by Christine Parnham and Mark Bullen. Details: www.wringtondrama.club
MUSIC & THEATRE
Family-friendly folk festival
Ali George is due to open the Radford Folk Festival
THE Radford Folk Festival returns for 2018 with an impressive line-up of new and emerging talent and some well-known faces. A family-friendly, one-day festival by the side of the Cam Brook near Timsbury, Saturday, July 7th promises a relaxed atmosphere, great music, food and drink. The festival is due to open at midday with Ali George, a Bath-based singer-songwriter who has been compared to an early Cat Stevens. Other artists including Feryl Beryl, Frome’s Al O’Kane and Radio 2 Folk Awards nominees The Drystones are also booked for the afternoon before an open mic session gives way to an evening featuring Jez Hellard and the Djukezella Orchestra, Vervain and headliners De Fuego. Radford Farm, a 120-acre organic farm, is the venue for the festival. The farm rears Gloucester Old Spot pigs, Norfolk Black turkeys and grows a wide range of salad vegetables. For details about the festival, visit: www.radfordfolkfestival.co.uk – tickets are available from the farm: www.radfordmill.co.uk
www.radfordmillfarm.com Contact Paddy at pat@hillsidestudios.co.uk or patrick@hillsidestudios.co.uk
07857 572960 01761 479391 www.radfordfolkfestival.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 129
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New show classes for beef cattle breeds
ORGANISERS of the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show have revamped their schedules to celebrate more individual breeds of beef cattle. The revised schedules are now available as the countdown to the show in Shepton Mallet on Sunday, August 19th – free-toenter for pedestrians – gets into full swing. Aberdeen Angus, Devons, Herefords British Blue and Limousin are just some of the breeds with their own classes as the show places even more emphasis on offering exhibitors and the public the opportunity to marvel at the finest animals in the south west and further afield.
Show president Ted Allen (back, centre) with guests at the society’s Summer Social at Southfield House
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Cattle exhibitors will be aiming for one of their animals to be named supreme champion in 2018
Other areas of the show are also extending their appeal, with novelty classes in both the pig and sheep sections. The horse section sees new ridden heavy horses and harness heavy horses classes – with more classes now affiliated – and the dahlia classes in the Floral Marquee are now affiliated with the Dahlia Society. Visitors will notice some slight changes to the traditional layout of the showground and in the Food Hall will be able to enjoy cookery demonstrations by some of the team from the Charlie Bigham’s “food production campus” at Dulcote, near Wells. ● Early bird tickets for people visiting the show by car are now available at £11 per car. The tickets are £13 on show day. For advance tickets, visit: www.bradsons.co.uk and for full details about the show visit: www.midsomersetshow.org.uk
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Air Day spectacular
WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO THE YEOVILTON INTERNATIONAL AIR DAY
We’ve teamed up with the organisers of Yeovilton International Air Day to offer three readers the chance to win a pair of adult tickets to the show on Saturday, July 7th. To win answer this question: What anniversary does the RAF celebrate this year? Send answers on a postcard to Air Day Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. The first three correct entries drawn will win the tickets. The editor’s decision is final.
(Photograph courtesy of Kevin Wills)
RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday, July 7th promises five hours of incredible flying displays and extensive static displays, with participation from 14 nations expected – the largest international involvement in nearly 20 years. The Royal Navy’s last in-service Sea King model – a Sea King ASaC7 from RNAS Culdrose – will open the show with a farewell flypast accompanied by two of RNAS Yeovilton’s Wildcats and the locally-based RNHF Sea Fury T20. The Red Arrows will be one of the stars of the show, marking the centenary of the RAF, together with spectacular RAF Red Arrows
role demonstrations and unique flypasts from Royal Navy aircraft, past and present. The show will feature the first Air Day appearance in decades of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 Hornet Demo Team – among the world’s most dynamic and powerful solo fast jet displays – as well as several other overseas display teams. Some 40,000 visitors are expected to attend one of the South West region’s biggest single-day events.
Details: Tickets from www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or over the counter from participating Tourist Information Centres from mid-May.
Centenary celebration
THE Mid-Somerset Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association, covering the Wells, Glastonbury, Street and Shepton Mallet area, are holding a number of events to mark the centenary of the RAF. The first event was the flag-raising ceremony at Glastonbury Abbey on April 1st. The Royal Air Force was formed on April 1st, 1918. The first commander of the new organisation was Tauntonborn Major General Hugh Trenchard. The next event is the circulation of a Token, which is a large Field Marshal’s Baton containing a pull-up banner highlighting the role of Major-General Trenchard as the “Father of the RAF”. It will be circulated among the 35 branches in the Somerset, Devon and Cornwall area. The Token will arrive in the Mid-Somerset area on Saturday, June 2nd and will be greeted with due ceremony on the lawns in front of Wells Cathedral. During the week, the Token will be displayed throughout the local area: on Monday during the President’s Walk from Shepton Mallet to Wells; on Wednesday at Wells Golf Club during the annual branch lunch; on Thursday at the Bristol Aerospace Museum at Filton; and on Saturday at the Collett Park Day at Shepton Mallet. On June 14th the Token will depart from Bristol Airport in a Piper Cherokee 180 piloted by Mendip Flying Club member Stuart Hadler and escorted by branch members to its next stop at Old Sarum for the Salisbury branch. The Royal Air Forces Association supports all members of the RAF family, from the newest recruit right the way through to the oldest veteran, their spouses and dependent children. Details: https://www.rafa.org.uk/ or contact rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com
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Palace prepares for festival
THE English Country Garden Festival will return to The Bishop’s Palace from June 22nd-24th. This will be the fourth consecutive year that the event has taken place and the festival will once again re-unite garden-lovers with garden specialists from around the country. Designed to celebrate the Great British Garden, the stunning 14-acre grounds of the palace will feature guided tours, live music, expert speakers, BBQ food, “have a go” skills and crafts and over 40 stalls, including a fabulous range of nurseries selling unusual and popular plants. The festival will be opened on Friday, June 22nd by Jo Thompson, one of the UK’s leading garden designers, who has been the recipient of three Gold and five Silver Gilt medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Jo will also give a talk about garden design at 11.30am. This year, for the first time, the Royal Horticultural Society will be in attendance on Saturday, June 23rd and will be holding a “Gardener’s Question Time” designed to help keen horticulturalists and amateur garden enthusiasts to deal with some of the problems that they come up against throughout the gardening year. Throughout the weekend there will be the chance to see demonstrations from different stall holders, including The Crafty Gardeners – Floral Craft and Design – who will be holding floral demonstrations on Friday afternoon, and there will be willow weaving, letter carving and chainsaw sculpture demonstrations taking place.
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Frome Festival is a monster mash of art
(Photograph courtesy of Devina Chedgy)
AFTER a year of planning, the Frome Festival has announced a monster line-up for 2018, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”. Festival brochures are now available (the box office is now open) with all the information visitors might need to enjoy more than a week of entertainment, from Friday, July 6th until Sunday, July 15th, featuring top acts from every art form, as well as walks, talks, workshops, and exhibitions. In all, more than 200 events will take place, many of which are free or with minimal entry costs, including the annual Food Feast in the Market Yard Car Park on Saturday, July 7th which usually draws up to 4,000 visitors. Well-known names scheduled to appear include singersongwriter Badly Drawn Boy; Celtic folk rockers Blazin’ Fiddles; front man from JLS, Aston Merrygold, and punk poet Dr. John Cooper Clarke. A special Festival Encore event on July 20th will also feature the legendary Leo Sayer. All the above will be appearing at the Cheese and Grain. The Memorial Theatre will be hosting the up-and-coming comedian, Tom Allen, increasingly well- known through his many TV appearances, on Tuesday, July 10th. Two popular acts on the UK comedy circuit will play at the Merlin Theatre: George Egg “DIY Chef” is bringing his comical culinary delights to Frome on Thursday, July 12th, whilst on Saturday, July 14th, there is a welcome return for comedian, writer and broadcaster Viv Groskop in her new show “Vivalicious”. Amongst the musical highlights at Rook Lane Arts will be perennial favourites “Praying for the Rain”; and following last year’s rave reviews, the brilliant Busquitos, an internationally renowned jazz band from Holland. This year, by special request, they will feature guest star Pee Wee Ellis, master of the soul saxophone and Frome’s most celebrated resident. The programme is again packed with great literary events: writer and broadcaster Michael Wood, following his sell-out Rook Lane appearance in 2016, will be enthralling his audience in a talk on his latest project “The Trojan Wars – Myth and History.” The Frankenstein anniversary is celebrated at the Merlin Theatre on Tuesday, July 10th with a talk by biographer Tony Dalton on “The Frankenstein Films of Director Terence Fisher”, followed by a showing of his Hammer Horror classic “Frankenstein Must be Destroyed”. Frome Cricket Club will host Grahame Lloyd, discussing
A photo walk on Catherine Hill
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Badly Drawn Boy will be performing at the Cheese and Grain
his book “The Six Sixes Revisited” recalling the great Garfield Sobers achievement and the controversy that followed. There will also be a poetry walk around Mells, final resting place of Siegfried Sassoon, incorporating readings of his verse on Saturday, July 14th. Classical music is well represented notably with a series of concerts at Christ Church and Trinity Church and at Cooper Hall at Selwood Manor, which will feature the acclaimed pianist Clare Hammond in its vibrant festival programme. Rodney Branigan and Reg Meuross are two hugely respected musicians and both will appear at the ever popular Silk Mill in a packed schedule for the gallery and performing space.
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Puxton supports appeal
PUXTON Park has announced it is sponsoring a Gromit sculpture in the 2018 Gromit Unleashed 2 Arts Trail. From Monday, July 2nd until Sunday, September 2nd, over 60 original sculptures will descend on Bristol and the surrounding area. Owner of Puxton Park, Alistair Mead, said: "We are proud to be supporting Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal. The Gromit Statue will stand proudly outside of our park and represent our commitment to supporting the Children's Hospital and increasing visitor numbers to Bristol and the surrounding area.”
Starts Friday 1st June Starts Friday 8th June From Friday 15th June From Friday 29th June
JUNE EVENT CINEMA
Music to their ears – and eyes
Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD NOW SHOWING: Book Club (12A) On Chesil Beach (15)
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom 3D/2D Breadwinner (12A) From Friday McQueen (15) Edie (12A) Oceans 8 22nd June Bookshop (PG) Happy Prince (15)
Starts Friday 20th July: Mamma Mia 2 - Book Now 5th An Ideal Husband 7.15 • 12th Swan Lake 7.15 20th Simon Rattle 6.30
● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195
The festival team prepare to welcome the audience to the Greatest Showmen
THE third Wells Festival of Film – celebrating musicals – was a great success, say organisers who are already planning next year’s event. An outdoor screening of the Greatest Showman to a full house of 400 in the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace was the highlight of the weekend, which also featured The Rocky Horror Picture Show – with members of the audience in fancy dress – a live performance of The Messiah direct from the Bristol Old Vic and an advance showing of Sherlock Gnomes. The festival closed with West Side Story at Cedars Hall with guest, broadcaster Edward Seckerson talking about Leonard Bernstein. Sally Cooper, proprietor of Wells Film Centre and Derek Cooper, festival coordinator, said: “We are delighted to report that the festival has been a great success. We can only build on the experience of the three we have done to make next year’s even better.”
Stilt walkers from Wookey Hole Circus – who also staged workshops – at the Bishop’s Palace
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Next year’s festival will take place from Friday, April 26th to Sunday, April 28th.
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Exploring Mendip’s wonderful geology THE popular Mendip Rocks! Festival will be spread out over the summer and early autumn this year, from July to the end of October, bringing to life the story of the fascinating rocks that have created the Mendip Hills. Step back in time and explore an amazing 420 million years of geology right under your feet. A wide range of fun and inspiring events will be provided by the festival team from the Mendip Hills AONB, Somerset Earth Science Centre and The Mendip Society. Festival co-ordinator, Adel Avery, said: “The Mendip’s have a unique and very special landscape and this will be a great chance to get out and see some of Mendip’s best kept geological secrets, with many events being held at sites that are not usually open to the public. There is something for everyone from family fun days, geo discovery walks, tours in working and disused quarries, stone carving and art workshops.” This year’s festival will be launched in Burrington Combe on Saturday, July 7th, 10am-4pm. There will be three stalls in the lower area of the combe with family fun sessions of making fossils, painting pebbles, a geo time line trail, making cave art using natural soil paint and have a go at making limestone. It is also a chance for everyone to learn about the geological story of how Burrington Combe and the Mendip Hills were made. Also back this year will be escorted tours from Somerset Earth Science Centre into working basalt and limestone quarries,
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including the purer limestone quarried at Batts Combe, where visitors will also be learning about the restoration areas which are rich in wildlife. Other geo walks will be in Burrington Combe to explore the fossilised seabeds from the carboniferous era with geologist Peter Hardy, a new trail in Wells to learn about the building stone heritage of the City of Wells with Doug Robinson and a fascinating walk up Penn Hill, the highest point in the Mendips, to discover the 350 million years of geological history there. Adel said: “Whilst enjoying the breathtaking views above ground on the Mendip Hills, the events will bring alive the fascinating stories of the rocks beneath our feet.” Admission is free unless otherwise stated, although a donation of £3/adult, £1/child is welcome towards the Mendip Rocks! Project. Quarry tours, cave visits, workshops and rock climbing need to be booked, but other events do not require booking unless otherwise stated. Mendip Rocks! 2018 Festival is organised by the Somerset Earth Science Centre in partnership with the Mendip Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and The Mendip Society, with support from The Geological Society, Natural England, and Wainwrights.
Details: http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/events Facebook/@MendipRocks Adel Avery, 01749 840156 adel@earthsciencecentre.org.uk www.mendipsociety.org.uk • www.earthsciencecentre.org.uk
Special for dad
A celebration of the Italian style
THE Haynes International Motor Museum is always a great place for all the family and enthusiasts alike to visit and this June there is fun and folly in the museum with even
more to do! From Sunday, June 10th-15th there is the second in a series of four talks by museum curator Matt Piper. For Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17th they have a one day only offer that will keep all the family happy all day long. There’s discounted family entry to the museum and a once in a lifetime chance to get a free family snap with Dad sitting in one of the cars from either their Ferrari Collection or their luxury car collection. From Wednesday, June 27th to Sunday, July 8th it’s inviting owners of Italian marques to join a temporary exhibition of these amazing vehicles. Details: www.himm.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. We may not be able to use entries which are too lengthy or submitted as posters or leaflets. Commercial entries cost £25.
Wednesday May 30th to Saturday June 2nd Royal Bath and West Show – see page 42 Wednesday May 30th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall, talk on "tracking" buses and trains to determine arrival time, all welcome. Details: 01275 462107. Thursday May 31st West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 10m from Wellow Ex142 ST 739584, start 10am, park village centre. Details: Vi: 07711 662993 or vihowley@me.com Thursday May 31st to Sunday June 3rd Flowers Through the Bible Festival at St Joseph & Teresa's Church, Chamberlain Street, Wells BA5 2PF, 10am-4 pm, admission free. Friday June 1st Open Mic Night at Redhill, hosted by Jerry Blythe, join us for an evening of live music! Redhill Club, BS40 5SG, 8pm. Details: Jerry 07900 587646. Frome Memorial Theatre "An Evening with Manchester United Legends" 7.30pm, tickets £25, optional pre-show meet & greet £15. Details: 01373 462795 www.fmt.website Saturday June 2nd to Saturday June 9th (closed Sunday 3rd) Hilliard Society of Miniaturists Exhibition & Sale of Miniature Art 10am-5pm, Wells Town Hall. Free. Daily demonstrations. Workshop Sat 2nd, 10am-4pm. Wheelchair access. Details: 01749 674472 or: hilliardsociety@aol.com Saturday June 2nd to Sunday June 3rd Portishead in Bloom – 13 open gardens. Details: portisheadinbloom.org.uk Axbridge Open Gardens Weekend. Organised by Friends of Axbridge Church. 1-6pm. Admission to all gardens £5 (children free) for both days by programme. Refreshments, plant sale. Programmes available from Axbridge Chemists, Penny Cooke (01934 733304) and Jan Rabbitts (01934 732768), the June farmers’ market and at gardens on view. Saturday June 2nd Croscombe Summer Market 10am-2pm village hall, Fayreway, BA5 3RA. Local produce, crafts, Pimms, teas, lunches. All welcome. Details: Mary 01749 572875. Oceans of Plastic information day, Wells Library, 9.30am-1.30pm. Organised by Plastic-Free Wells. Lots to see; activities for children. Mendip Society walk – a moderate 4.5m to Priddy Ponds. ST 527 509. Meet 2pm outside the (closed) New Inn by Priddy Green. Visitors welcome £2. Details: Clive 01275 848053. Sunday June 3rd Sunday Teas and an exhibition marking the Suffragette centenary 2-5pm, St Mary’s Church, Compton Dando. Mendip Ramblers moderate 6m figure of eight walk: first circle, starts 8am, second circle starts 12noon, both from Wells Wetherspoons BA5 1SU, ST546453. Details: Bob & Rosemary 01749 346023. Mendip Society walk a moderate 4.5m to Priddy Ponds. ST 527 509. Meet 2pm outside the (closed) New Inn by Priddy Green. Visitors welcome £2. Contact: Clive: 01275 848053. Monday June 4th Mendip Ramblers easy 3.5m cup of tea walk Stratton-on-the-Fosse, start 1.30pm Stratton-on-theFosse village hall BA3 4QH, ST658510. Details: Trevor & Val 01761 232311 / 07976 629342. Tuesday June 5th Taize’ Prayers, 7.45pm, Ammerdown Centre, Radstock BA3 5SW. First Tuesday every month, a time of prayer and reflection with spoken prayer and PAGE 136 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2018
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chants. Details: Janet 07376573093. Wednesday June 6th Lunchtime Concert, piano and violin, 12.30 -1.30pm St John's Church, Midsomer Norton. Refreshments available, donations welcome. www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Thursday June 7th Mendip Ramblers moderate 6.5m walk Trudoxhill, Postlebury Wood, start 10am Witham Friary Football Ground BA11 5HF, ST744410. Details: Mo 07387 088151. West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 10m from Colyton. Ex116 ST246940. Start 10am. Park market place. Contact Ken: 01749 670349 / 07784 941439 kenmasters265@gmail.com Friday June 8th Frome Memorial Theatre "Best of Wham!" 7.30pm, tickets £22.50 from 01373 462795 www.fmt.website Saturday June 9th and Sunday June 10th Shepton and District Model Railway Society 43rd annual show, Doulting village hall, including a range of guest model layouts, with refreshments, 10.30am4.30pm Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday, adults £4, teens £2, U-12s free Saturday June 9th Brent Knoll Fete 2pm, village green. Pirate theme! Live music, Chalice Morris, BBQ, teas, bar. Entrance £1. Free parking. Coffee Morning at ‘Four Gables’, Netherton Wood Lane, Nailsea, 10.30-12noon in support of St Bridget’s Church, Chelvey. Peasedown Party in the Park, 12noon-7pm. Details: www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk Butleigh Church Fete, 2pm-4.30pm St Leonards, Church Green, BA6 8SA. Fun for all the family at this traditional village fete. Big Book Sale & Freecycle Event 9am-12.30pm Winscombe Community Centre, Sandford Road. Refreshments available. Details: 01934 843986. Charity concert. The Roger Marks’ Cornish Armada Band. Cossington Village Hall, Trivetts Way, Cossington TA7 8JN. 8pm. Supporting Bridgwater Hospital League of Friends. Admission £10 from Roger Collett 01278 451187 or rogercollett.sounds@talktalk.net Tokende African drumming group, in aid of Project Mahola, health care in Cameroon. 8pm Wrington Memorial Hall. Tickets £10 from Amors store or Sandie: shargreaves@live.co.uk Litton Fete Circus Extravaganza, BA3 4PW, 11am -2pm, evening street party 7.30-midnight. Live music with Fred Bloggs Band. Bar & BBQ. Tickets: Alison 01761 241544 or David 01761 241223. Plant Sale, Congresbury 10am-3pm, 6 The Cottage, Walnut Tree Court. Also books, raffle, coffee, teas & cakes. For the New Village Hall Development Trust. Collett Park Community Festival, Collett Park, Shepton Mallet. 10am-5pm. Performances, demonstrations, live music, stalls, food and drink. Admission free. Followed by concert by Madness tribute band Los Palmas 6 (for concert tickets, visit www.collettfestival.co.uk). The Divine Oscar, one-man show about Oscar Wilde performed by Peter Gilchrist. Organised by Wells Rotary Club, raising money for a charity working with the poor in South India. Wells Little Theatre, 7pm. Tickets £25 – including glass of wine and twocourse meal – available from The Crown Hotel. Sunday June 10th Sunday Teas 2-5pm, St Mary’s Church, Compton Dando. Open Gardens, at The Charltons – Adam & Mackrell, 12-6pm. Ten gardens, tickets, map & garden descriptions £5 at Deep Meadow Hillway, Charlton Mackrell TA11 6AN, teas & cakes, all proceeds for both churches, which will also be open. Chew Valley 10k and 1k fun run, Bishop Sutton, from 9.30am. Details: www.chewvalley10k.co.uk Nailsea Charity Walks & Runs – 5k, 10k & 20k, all
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starting from the Scotch Horn Centre. Details: www.nailsearotary.org or Graham Hunt 07970 771845. Mendip Ramblers moderate 10.6m walk Withybrook, Cranmore Tower, Long Cross. Start 10am Oakhill Village Hall BA3 5AN, ST633475. Contact: Margaret P 01761 232042 / 07910 873853. Draycott Strawberry Fair, 1pm, 80s night on Saturday night. Details: http://www.draycottstrawberryfayre.co.uk Collett Park Children’s Party. Collett Park, Shepton Mallet. Admission free. Noon-5pm. Fun for all the family with mass picnic. FFi: www.collettfestival.co.uk Men of Chew “Concert of Vocal Music”, 7pm Chew Magna Baptist Church. Tickets £7 from carolinelowe1969@gmail.com Monday June 11th Mendip Folk Dance Club 8pm-10pm, St James Church Hall Winscombe BS25 1AQ. £3pp. Details Pat: 01934 742853. Tuesday June 12th Giles – his life, times & cartoons by Barry Venning after the AGM at 10am Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN, guests welcome. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk 01934 862435. Clevedon Art Club presentation demonstration by Huw Richard-Evans, Landscape Artist Sixth Form Centre Clevedon School, Valley Road 7.30pm, nonMembers £3. Wednesday June 13th Lunchtime concert by St John’s School, 12.30 1.30pm St John's Church Midsomer Norton. Refreshments available, donations welcome. Details: www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Weston-s-Mare Music Appreciation Society meeting, St. Jude's Hall, St. Peter's Church, Baytree Road BS22 8HG, 7.15pm. Details: simonrawlings9@gmail.com or Dianne 01934 814752. Floral Art – talk by Diane Oliver for Nailsea Horticultural Society, 7.30pm, Nailsea United Reformed Church Hall. Members £2, Non-members £3 includes refreshments. All welcome. Kilmersdon Gardeners “How to propagate plants”, Sally Gregson, 7.30pm Kilmersdon village hall BA3 5TD, visitors welcome, £2. Details: 01761 233325. Wells Civic Society social evening, Cedars Hall, with Bill Lloyd, the Creative Programmer and Director. Thursday June 14th Langford Vets & Stables Equine Practice Owners Evening: ‘Is my horse in pain or just misbehaving?’ 7pm, free, Langford Vets, BS40 5DU. Details: www.langfordvets.co.uk Mendip Ramblers moderate 6m walk around Coleford, start 10am Coleford British Legion car park BA3 5PB, ST686495. Details: Les 07768 556735. West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 5m from Bleadon Village Hall. Ex153 ST340568. Start 1.30pm Contact Cheryl: 07818 462949 cheryl.evans100@btinternet.com Friday June 15th Rex the King (of darts) with the Wassail Theatre Company, 7.30pm the Old School Rooms, Chew Magna. Tickets £10 Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk Saturday June 16th – Sunday June 17th Batcombe Open Gardens, teas & ice-creams, 2pm5pm. £5 (U-12s free) flower festival at the church with organ recital at 3pm on Saturday, BA4 6HE. Saturday June 16th Maesbury Singers & Croscombe Frolics present Songs That Won the War! Croscombe Village Hall 7.30pm. Tickets £10 on the door or 01761 232042. Somerset Spinners & Weavers Annual Fleece Fair, for all things woolly! 9.30am-2pm, Hatch Beauchamp village Hall, TA3 6SG. Details: www.somersetguildwsd.org.uk
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Leigh on Mendip Summer Fair, Noon until 4pm, Leigh recreation field. Traditional fair, fun dog show, stalls, games, maypole, quarry tours, live music, food & drink. 01373 812460. Charity Summer Fair, by The Rotary Club of Brue Valley. Market House, Castle Cary, 9.30am–noon. Toys, furniture, books, plants, clothing, tombola, refreshments and much more! Admission free. Sunday June 17th Mendip Ramblers moderate 11m Mendip Ring Circular: Rowberrow Warren, Black Down. Start 10am Black Rock, Cliff Road. BS40 7XT, ST482545. Contact: Claris 07811 242061. Ditcheat Open Gardens 1pm-5pm. 'No Dig Gardening' talk at 12noon in the village hall, BA4 6RB. Talk £6, Gardens £5 or combined ticket £10. Details: www.ditcheatvillagehall.org.uk or 01749 860067. Choral Evensong with Trinity Singers, 6.30pm Holy Trinity Church, Burrington. Glass of wine after the service to welcome the Rev David Gent. Details: Katherine 07745 760275. Sunday Teas 2-5pm, St Mary’s Church, Compton Dando. Choral Evensong, with Trinity Singers. Holy Trinity Church, Burrington, 6.30pm, to welcome the Rev. David Gent. All welcome. To be followed by a glass of wine in the Parish Room. Monday June 18th Wessex Stationary Engine Club, "My life in Engineering" John Blatchford. 7,30pm the Old Down Inn, Emborough BS3 4SA. Free, all welcome. Details 01225 754374. Tuesday June 19th Three Great Families & their Gardens The Arts Society lecture, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ, 1100, free parking, £6. Details: 01963 350132. Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild, Ploughman's Lunch, 1.30 pm at St John’s Church Hall BA3 2HX. Details: Glen Hepworth 01761 413528. Wednesday June 20th Lunchtime concert by St John’s Church Musicians, 12.30 -1.30pm St John's Church Midsomer Norton. Refreshments available, donations welcome. www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild talk 'A passion for Pearls' by Frances Benton, with jewellery sales, 2pm St John’s Church Hall BA3 2HX. Details: Glen Hepworth 01761 413528. Mendip Gardening Club talk by Michelle Wake on garden design, 7.30pm, Ston Easton Village Hall, all welcome. Details: stoneaston.org.uk/mgc or Hilary 01761 750139. Thursday June 21st Spoken Word Café at Yatton Library, 10-11.30am. Come to hear poems, share your favourite book. Suggested donation £4; all welcome, disabled access. West Mendip Walkers strenuous linear walk 11.25m from Lyme Regis. Ex116 ST344925. Start 9.30am Car park Charmouth Road. Contact Andy: 01934 741690 aepat@btinternet.com Redhill Classic Car & Motorcycle BBQ 7pm-10pm recreation field off Church Rd, BS40 5SG. Park up for a chat, meet like-minded people. Tel: 01934 862619. Friday June 22nd Music for the Mind gala dinner, in aid of MIND. Swan Hotel, Wells. Three-course black tie dinner and auction. 7pm onwards. Tickets £45pp or £295 per table of seven. Ffi: ben@benwhite.uk.com or 07974 777037. Friday June 22nd & Saturday June 23rd Frome Memorial Theatre "That’ll Be the Day" 7.30pm. Tickets £25 from 01373 462795. www.fmt.website Friday, June 22nd to Sunday, June 24th Bishop’s Palace English Country Garden Festival, 10am-5pm daily. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk Top of the Gorge Festival, National Trust. Details:
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www.nationaltrust.org.uk/topofthegorge Saturday June 23rd – Sunday June 24th Hidden Wedmore, ten gardens full of variety and beauty usually hidden behind walls or hedges, will open from 10.30am-5pm to support St Mary’s church. Refreshments. Details: www.theisleofwedmore.net Winscombe Open Gardens & Scarecrow Extravaganza 2pm-5pm. Entry by programme, £5 in local shops. Children free. Cream Teas. Supporting several charities. Saturday June 23rd to June 30th Photography exhibition, by Ian Sumner. Thirty Years of Black and White – an exhibition of work 19702000. Pilton Tithe Barn Visitors’ Centre, 10am-4pm daily. Original handmade photographs. All work for sale £5-£50. Ffi: 01749 890534. Saturday June 23rd Congresbury Singers “Magic of the Musicals” 7.30pm, Old School Rooms. Tickets £8 include refreshments, from Congresbury PO or a choir member. Butcombe Village Fete & Fun Dog Show, 2pm, gardens of the Old Rectory. Strawberry cream teas. Details: Frances Worle 01761 462812. Mendip Male Voice Choir Concert in support of Radstock Museum 7.30pm, Trinity Methodist Church, Fortescue Road, Radstock. Tickets from the Museum during open hours: www.radstockmuseum.co.uk Henton Village Fete from 2pm, village hall, BA5 1PD, band, craft stalls, dog show, kids obstacle course, beer & teas, £100 first prize in raffle! Details: Ian Tinsley 01749 939241. Flower Festival, 10am-5.30pm St Andrew’s Church, Compton Dundon, TA11 6PE. Stalls & family activities all weekend. Vocal ensemble “Intermedii” at evensong on Sunday, BBQ & fete from 12noon-3pm on Monday 28th. Winscombe Community Singers “Celebrating Summer with Song” 7.30pm St James Church Hall, Woodborough Road, Winscombe, BS25 1AQ. Tickets £5 from Farrons Estate Agents. Details: 01934 842000. The Harlequin Singers, a variety of music, 12noon, All Saints’ Church, Weston-s-Mare, BS23 2NL.Tickets £8 on the door, include lunch and glass wine. Yatton Schools Carnival – Myths, Magic & Legends. All children welcome to join the fancy dress parade from Cherry Grove at 2.45 then High St to the school playing fields where there will be stalls, entertainment, refreshments from 3pm-5pm. Details: yfsacarnival@gmail.com Sunday June 24th Mendip Ramblers moderate 10m walk Doone Valley. Start 10am County Gate car park EX35 6NQ, SS793486. Contact: Janet 01458 835238 / 07706 181609. Sunday Teas 2-5pm, St Mary’s Church, Compton Dando. Downside CARnival. Classic and vintage car and motorcycle show in the grounds of Downside Abbey, Stratton-on-the-Fosse. Live music, children’s entertainment including cricket match. Guided tours of Downside Abbey and School. 11am-4.30pm. Visit www.downside.co.uk for full details. Monday June 25th Mendip Folk Dance Club 8pm-10pm, St James Church Hall Winscombe BS25 1AQ. £3pp. Details Pat: 01934 742853. Wednesday June 27th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support meeting
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1.30pm, Backwell WI Hall. The "Blood Bikes" emergency service. Details Sheila, 01275 462107 Lunchtime concert by Norton Hill School, 12.30 1.30pm St John's Church Midsomer Norton. Refreshments available, donations welcome. www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Thursday June 28th Mendip Ramblers moderate 6m walk Oakhill, Benter, Ashwick. Start 10am Oakhill Village Hall BA3 5AN, ST633474. Contact: Mike P 01373 472101 / 07711 090656. West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 7.5m from Draycott Cider Barn BS27 3RU. Ex141 ST514474. Start 1.30pm. Contact David: 01934 710677/ 07977 768406 david1gannon@yahoo.co.uk Join the Jenny Peplow Singers, 6.30pm, Paulton Methodist Church Hall. Everyone welcome. Free but donations for Singing for the Brain welcome. Details Chris: 01761 471357. Friday June 29th West Mendip Orchestra Summer Concert, including Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 2. 7.45pm, Churchill School. Tickets £10 (£8, students £2) on the door. Saturday June 30th Magenta return to Banwell! Nostalgia for those at the Bell Folk Club in the early 80s. Banwell village hall 7.30pm. Tickets £10: Mervyn 07970 100252 or Arthur 07970 525826. Frome Memorial Theatre "Open Day & Theatre Tours" Free. www.fmt.website “The Do After the Show” Stereo Jacks at St Andrews’ Refectory gardens, Congresbury, 7.30pm. Tickets: Church House Designs or 01934 838800. £12 (£30 family 2 adults+2U16s) for New Village Hall Development Trust. Gippeswyk Singers on Tour, Christ Church, Frome, 7.30 pm. Bach to Jazz. In aid of Food Bank. Tickets £10 on door or Festival box office: 01373 455420. Pig Race Night at The George, Longbridge Deverill in support of the RUH Cancer Centre’s Forever Friends appeal: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk Mendip Ramblers moderate 6.6m Wessex Wanderer Walk: Spring Gardens, Hapsford, Vallis. Start 10am Frome Station BA11 1QZ, ST784476. Contact: Mike P 01373 472101 / 07711 090656. FUNdraising Baking Competition, Wells Methodist Church, in aid of “Stand Up to Cancer”. Judging before 12, entries on show, teas & cakes from 2pm. Entry forms: norman.cowell35@talktalk.net Special Concert: Mendip Consort, The Somernotes & Rotary young musicians, Poppy McGhee, Cristina Dimitrova, 7pm St Andrew’s Church, Cheddar. Details: Jane 01934 743834 email janesburdock@gmail.com or Deane & Sons, Cheddar. The Charltons Village Day, Memorial Playing Fields Charlton Adam TA11 7BE. 1pm-5pm. Live music, bar, hog roast, fun dog show, classic cars & motorbikes. Pink Bra’ss Concert in aid of Cancer Research UK. Wells Town Hall. Tickets £10 from Specsavers, Wells. Details: www.pinkbra’ss.co.uk Congresbury Gardening Club summer show, alongside the village fete. 1.30pm onwards, St Andrew’s Church paddock. Ffi: www.CongresburyGardening.org.uk Mendip Society walk Ubley & Compton Martin. A hard 5m with steep hill. ST 582 578. Meet 2pm Ubley sawmill car park BS40 6PE. Contact Martin: 01761 462528. Continued overleaf
MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR JUNE ACROSS: 1. Bob, 5. Richard, 6. Lyng, 7. Cuthbert, 8. And, 12 Museum, 14. Road, 15. Berkley, 16. Downhead, 18. Well, 21. Rupert, 22 Rural, 23. Herring. DOWN: 2. Bigot, 3. Dinder, 4. Graves, 7. Cannards, 9. Sub, 10. Wolverton, 11. Grave, 13. Mendip, 17. Wells, 19. Life, 20. Out.
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Sunday July 1st Doulting Village Fete. Midday until 4pm. Arena shows, cake stalls, BBQ, beer tent and more. Tuesday July 3rd ‘Masquerade, music lessons & monkeys” – the world of 18thC porcelain figures’ by Jane Gardiner, 11am Wells Town Hall (note different venue). Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk. Guests welcome. Contact 01934 862435. Thursday July 5th Mendip Ramblers moderate 7m walk Moat Farm, West Harptree. Start 10am Herriott's Bridge, Chew Valley Lake BS40 6HW, ST572582. Contact: Martyn H, 01761 471891 / 07986 621017. Friday, July 6th to Sunday, July 8th Priddy Folk Festival Details: www.priddyfolk.org.uk Friday July 6th to Sunday July 15th Somerton Arts & Music Festival. Wide variety of music & talks – see www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk Earlybird reduced price tickets until 9 June: www.ticketsource.co.uk/somertonmusic-and-arts-festival. Friday July 6th Mendip Swing Band 6pm-10pm, Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club. Supporting RNLI. Supper & cash bar. Tickets £15. Details: keithjoanwill@gmail.com Saturday July 7th Holcombe Gala, 12noon to 5pm on the village playing field, BA3 5EW. Entry free. Plenty to keep everyone refreshed and entertained! Details: Simon 01761 232624. Wedmore Street Fair, recognising 100 years since the end of WWI, from 11am. Plume of Feathers duck race, live music, barbecue, from 5.30pm. Details: www.theplumeoffeathers.com Mendip Rocks! Festival launch, Burrington Combe, 10am-4pm, family fun with AONB, Somerset Earth Science Centre & The Mendip Society. Learn how the Mendip hills were made. Free, donations
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welcome, Lower car park, nr Burrington Inn. Chewton Mendip Village Fete, 36pm. Traditional fete, BBQ, bar, teas, stalls, entertainment - this year with a boating theme! Supporting Chewton Mendip Primary School & Church. Jazz in the Paddock, with Big R Big Band, 7pm, St James the Great, Winscombe, BS25 1DE. Adults £10, U16’s £5, Family (up to 4 children) £25 from Wine Shop or Hampden Clinic. Sunday July 8th Mendip Ramblers moderate 10m Mendip Ring Circular: Blacker's Hill, Chilcompton. Start 10am nr Farrington Gurney Village Hall BS39 6TY, ST631556. Contact: Bob & Rosemary 01749 346023. Romulus and Remus Italian Festival. NB. NEW VENUE – Palace Farm, Silver Street, Wells, BA5 1UN from midday. Raising money for local charities. Tickets £15 per person (under 5’s free), includes some Italian food (picnics welcome). Live music, entertainment for children. FFi and tickets: Julie Bollini 01749 675177(h) 07929 926490(m), Tony D’Ovidio 07770 994652(m) or Tony Guidi 01749 343217(h) Wednesday July 11th Weston-s-Mare Music Appreciation Society meeting St. Jude's Hall, St. Peter's Church, Baytree Road BS22 8HG, 7.15pm. Details: simonrawlings9@gmail.com or Dianne 01934 814752. Kilmersdon Gardeners talk by Bryony Huntley Easy growing & harvesting with perennials, 7.30pm Kilmersdon village hall, BA3 5TD. Details: 01761 233325. Visitors £2 all welcome. Saturday July 14th Film Theme Music played by Nailsea Concert Orchestra, 7.30pm Nailsea Methodist Church. Tickets £12, (£10, U18s £2.50) Nailsea Music Shop or on the door. Young families welcome at free rehearsal, 3pm-4pm.
WHAT’S ON
Fringe Festival returns
AFTER a hugely successful first year, organisers of the Chilcompton Fringe Festival have announced that the one-day community event will return The Venezuelan Pig Rustlers at last year’s in August. fringe They are promising a stunning line-up of acts celebrating the diversity of music, drama, poetry and literature from the immediate area and further afield. Many of the bands and perfomers who took to the stages last year at Chilcompton Sports Ground have promised to return on Sunday, August 26th. They include the Exeter Authors Association, who will be bringing more writers and staging a run of the infamous Black Dog, a musical hobby horse procession, and Frome Writers Collective with its in-house Silver Crow Book publishing brand. There will be three main music stages around the site, with a new acoustic stage. Festival spokesman Giles Harrod said: “In total we will have 30+ hours of entertainment across the site and all at an amazing entry price, making this a fabulous day out for the entire family. “In addition, we have a selection of craft stalls, food outlets, bars including a farmhouse cider bar, ample parking and children's entertainment. “Drama, musical theatre and performance arts will all feature too.” One of the legacies of last year’s inaugural success was that the organisers received a donation of musical instruments. They are now looking at an instrument “loan” scheme to help aspiring musicians from the area of any age. Giles added: “Last year was a lot of hard work but the response from performers and the public was fantastic and we hope the festival will continue to grow quite nicely.” Organisers are still keen to hear from any bands and other performers interested in taking part – especially comedians. For details, visit: www.chilcomptonfringefest.co.uk
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