Issue 4 - Volume 13 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

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VOLUME 13 ISSUE 4

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FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

SEPTEMBER 2017

IN THIS ISSUE: FOOD & DRINK • EDUCATION • MUSIC • ARTS & ANTIQUES • FROME SHOW • WHAT’S ON • EVENTS Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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Welcome

PEOPLE choose some novel ways to raise money for good causes. This month we meet a churchwarden who is planning a sponsored retreat in her church tower for 150 hours. As usual, there are plenty of other examples of fundraising in our charity and community pages.

As we move into autumn, food and drink festivals and harvest homes come to the fore – have a look at our bumper food and drink section this month and our very busy What’s On pages.

We preview Frome Cheese Show, Somerset Art Weeks and local ploughing matches and look back at the Glastonbury Extravaganza and many other events from the last month.

We meet former workers from a Wells animal feed mill, who have held their first reunion, and roll out the red carpet for a local film society celebrating 20 years.

How safe are public WiFi systems? It’s the topic of our Internet column from Cheddar-based IT For the Terrified. In riding, Rachel Thompson takes to the hills, while our caving expert, Phil Hendy, explores the minerals beneath them, and Sue Gearing’s walk climbs Westbury Beacon.

We also have features this month on weddings and education – and hear how night herons have bred locally for the first time in living memory and are now roosting on The Levels.

With all of our regular features and contributors, let’s raise a glass to autumn.

October 2017 deadline: Friday, 15th September 2017.

Published: Tuesday, 26th September 2017.

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: Fireman George at Wells & Mendip Museum.

Photograph by Mark Adler. See page 32.

CONTENTS

Palace rebellion – drumming up history

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50

Abseil challenge – have you a head for heights?

92

70

Still on song – Beach Boy thrills Extravaganza

Wild horses – Rachel’s ride on Black Down Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Internet and Crossword ..............16 Food & Drink ...............................22 Arts & Antiques ...........................36 Business.........................................44 Charities........................................48 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......53 Walking Sue Gearing ....................54 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........56

Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......58 Caving Phil Hendy ........................65 Property ........................................66 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............78 Community ...................................80 Homes and Interiors ....................88 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE.....92 Music .............................................96 Sport ..............................................94 What’s On...................................100 MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 3

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at Bookbarn International, Wells Road, Hallatrow, Bristol BS39 6EX 01761 451 764 • katya@orientalrugsofbath.com www.orientalrugsofbath.com

We are looking for a part-time sales assistant

C L E A N I N G • R E S TO R AT I O N • VA L U AT I O N

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NEWS

Carnival is over for procession royalty

ORGANISERS of Frome Carnival have abandoned traditional procession royalty in favour of something more “modern”.

Out go carnival queens, princes and attendants – and Frome’s carnival “gran” – to be replaced by five ambassadors who will be expected to represent carnival throughout the year.

The decision came after some new, younger, members of the carnival committee suggested the traditional role should be updated, said chairman June Barnes. Potential ambassadors will be interviewed by a panel to show they are committed to the roles and the charitable principles of Frome Carnival, which is unique in having a dedicated charity – Frome Carnival Charities Association – which distributes the proceeds to individuals in need and organisations in the area.

June added: “There will be no ‘beauty pageant’ to the selection process instead the selection of the ambassadors will be based on their ability to fulfill the role. We have decided to give it a go and see what the response is.”

There will be three ambassadors aged between seven and 12 years old and two aged 13 upwards, with no age limit. The selection panel will meet at Frome Town Hall on Friday, September 1st. This year’s carnival takes place on Saturday, September 23rd, with the children’s procession at 2.30pm and the main procession at 7pm.

The annual carnival duck race takes place in the Market Place car park on Sunday, September 3rd at 1.30pm.

No more carnival queens in Frome

For details, visit: www.fromecarnival.org.uk

Open day at historic almhouses

The Lord Lieutenant outside the latest almshouse – one of the Wickham Almshouses to the north of the church – to be refurbished

THE Lord Lieutenant of Somerset was the guest of honour at a fundraising open day organised by the charity responsible for Shepton Mallet’s historic almshouses.

Annie Maw met the trustees of Shepton Mallet United Charities and visited the latest cottage to be refurbished as part of an ongoing project by the organisation.

The charity now has 12 social housing properties for longterm residents of Shepton Mallet and its immediate surroundings. Although intended for people aged 55 and over, young people can apply but a higher level of need has to be established. Mrs Maw also met various community groups running stalls inside SS Peter and Paul church as part of the open afternoon.

Members of the Community Chimes bellringers group with the Lord Lieutenant. The group performs at various events in the town and also in venues such as residential and care homes

A view of the Wickham Almshouses from the top of the church tower

For details about the charity, visit: www.alms1627.org.uk

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Top hedgelayers compete

THE National Trust’s famous Stourhead Estate near Bruton will host this year’s National Hedgelaying Society championships in October.

Professional hedgelayers from all over the UK will compete for the title of “Supreme Champion” on Saturday, October 28th – and spectators are welcome.

At least ten styles of hedgelaying will be displayed as more than 100 men and women lay their “stint” in the style of the area from which they come.

The Butterfly Conservation Trust, the British Beekeepers’ Association, British Hedgehog Preservation Society and the Countryside Restoration Trust will be amongst the organisations represented at the celebration of the countryside.

Stourhead’s wide variety of flora, fauna, ancient trees and hedges are all expected to be in their full autumn glory when the championships take place.

Cleaner beaches

THE UK’s leading marine charity is urging people who love the coast to organise a beach clean and survey and do their bit in the worldwide fight against marine litter.

The Marine Conservation Society will be running its 24th annual Great British Beach Clean-up event between September 15th-18th. The charity hopes this year’s cleanup will put the UK in the top ten of the 100 or so participating countries.

Project officer, Lizzie Prior, said: “Over the last two decades beach litter has steadily risen. Our volunteers clean and survey the litter on hundreds of beaches every September, making this survey the most respected and long standing in the UK, but we need more people to host cleans at new beaches as well as at existing beaches on our database.”

Details: www.mcsuk.org/greatbritishbeachclean or call 01989 566017

Protecting our bees Buff-tailed bumblebee

For details, visit: www.hedgelaying.org.uk

Young gardeners

A POPULAR rural school in Carlingcott has been able to run a number of exciting gardening projects for children over the summer, thanks to a grant from the Peasedown Party in the Park Grant Fund.

The £300 funding was used to purchase gardening equipment, apparatus and a variety of fruit and flower seeds at the Laurel Park Kindergarten.

Details: www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk

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SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has launched a crowdfunding campaign to protect our bees. Since the 1930s the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows and with them our critical pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The trust has created the Perrymead Wildflower Project, which aims to harvest seed from flower-rich areas and sow it on speciespoor areas to create enriched habitats to support more pollinators.

To help fund this work it has launched its first-ever crowdfunding campaign to raise £5,000 by August 31st. Mark Green reserves manager for south Somerset said: “Insects pollinate our crops and help provide one in every three mouthfuls of our food.

“That bowl of strawberries or pint of cider you had wouldn’t exist without them – and they do it all for free! Collecting seeds from our flower-rich fields at Babcary Meadow Nature Reserve and sowing it onto a species-poor field at Perry Mead Nature Reserve is something that we can do to have an immediate impact in the area in terms of supporting our county’s pollinators.

“We really hope that the public get behind the crowdfunding campaign so we can raise funds to carry out this work.”

Details: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/perry-mead

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(Photo courtesy of Graham Hall)

Night herons in Somerset

ENVIRONMENT

Hidden woodland history

A juvenile night heron

FOR the first time in recorded history, a pair of night herons has bred in the UK and the family is now roosting at Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve on the Levels.

Two adults and two juveniles were caught on camera by photographer Graham Hall at the Somerset Wildlife Trust site. Simon Nash, CEO of the trust, said: “Our Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve, and the Avalon Marshes area as a whole, consists of a mosaic of carefully managed, diverse habits, and is already internationally recognised for its populations of rare wetland birds, for being the very best place to see overwintering birds, and for spectacles such as the starling murmurations.

“The news that night herons have made their home there is a tribute to the decades of careful conservation and wetland management that has been invested to create the perfect habitat for an increasing amount of birds and other wildlife. It really is a unique and utterly precious place – and one that is incredibly important for us to conserve into the future.”

Roger Dickey, chairman of the Somerset Ornithological Society, added: “This is obviously terribly exciting news.

Night herons are one of southern England’s rarer summer visitors and only a dozen or so have been reported in Somerset since 1800. That they have decided to breed here for the first time on record is an event long overdue and confirms the Avalon Marshes’ significance as one of the UK’s most important breeding areas for herons and bitterns as well as other marshland birds.

“Prime breeding areas do not happen by accident and all organisations and individuals that help to manage this type of habitat are congratulated on their contribution to the everexpanding wetland breeding bird story in Somerset.”

An adult night heron

A wet woodland walk to discuss the proposed management plan for Beacon Hill Wood. Many of the historic features are hidden by bracken and brambles

VOLUNTEERS are drawing up plans to protect historic features in a Mendip woodland from being overtaken by nature.

The Beacon Hill Society is working with the Woodland Trust, owners of Beacon Hill Wood near Doulting, to prevent scrub and saplings from damaging scheduled archaeological features below ground.

The proposed work is part of the trust’s Beacon Hill Wood management plan for the coming five years which could see some of the main paths being cleared of mud and leaf mould and the clearing of some beech plantations to encourage biodiversity.

The wood is famous for its Bronze Age burial mounds, old quarry pits, Roman roads and a central circular earth bank with a single standing stone, but many sections have become overgrown.

Joe Middleton, the trust’s regional manager, joined society members, local history enthusiasts and parish councillors to tour the ten tumuli and Bronze Age barrow listed in official records as well as other historical features such as a parish boundary stone and earthworks thought to have been connected with Second World War military defences.

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ENVIRONMENT

Tunnel vision at Finds Day

EXPERTS rubbed shoulders with amateurs and the curious at a Finds Day at Frome Heritage Museum.

Members of the Frome Tunnels group – which is gradually revealing some of the secret chambers and passageways beneath the town – were amongst those offering advice to visitors who brought in unusual objects to be indentified.

Others included Laura Burnett, Somerset’s Finds Liaison Officer, and Dave Crisp, the metal detectorist who discovered the world-famous Frome Hoard of Roman coins at Wanstrow.

The day – part of the UK-wide Festival of Archaeology – also featured talks by the museum’s own experts, including coin specialist Dr Somerset Finds Liaison Officer Laura David Robinson.

Burnett examines a piece of carved wood, The museum is possibly of Tudor origin, found at Vallis Vale run entirely by in Frome volunteers and is free to visit. A geological exhibition and an archaeological display featuring the work of Eunice Overend is still on show.

Gary Kearley (left) and Colin Wisbey, from the Frome Tunnels group, with some of their finds

Dr Emma Robinson, the museum’s head of trustees, with Dave Crisp, who discovered the Frome Hoard

For details, visit: www.fromemuseum.wordpress.com

Quarry expansion plans

A SECOND proposal to expand a Mendip quarry is being opposed by a group of residents, angry at the scale of the development.

John Wainwright and Co has applied to create two new quarry spoil tips and expand a third at its Moons Hill complex in Stoke St. Michael. The company is hosting a public exhibition about the scheme on Thursday, August 31st at Stoke St. Michael Memorial Hall.

Critics claim the scheme would lead to 106 acres of fields – the equivalent of 59 football pitches – being lost forever. They say the spoil would be formed into huge mounds up to a height of 30 metres above existing field levels and will take up to 11 years to complete, creating a massive negative change to the landscape.

A spokesman for the residents opposed to the scheme said: “It has taken Wainwrights 14 months to return extra information asked for by Somerset County Council. These requests, in part were prompted as a result of the large number of objections and questions which the council had received from worried local farmers, and numerous residents.

“We have no confidence that these redesigns are any better than the original now tarnished concept.”

A spokesman for the company said: “We greatly value our close relationships with our neighbours, and are proud of the contribution we make to the economy, landscape and culture of the local area.

“Some important points need to be

made in response to this statement. For example, the council’s request for more information is a common feature of the rigorous planning process, and not a judgment on the merits of our application. Moreover, rather than diminishing habitats, our plans will lead to significant increases in species-rich grassland, swale/ponds, woodland and hedgerows, as well as public rights of way.

“The maximum height of our proposed tips is some eight metres lower than your correspondent suggests, and local residents should rest assured that we have given careful consideration to noise minimisation and water- and landmanagement, as we do in every area of our operations.”

The exhibition is open from 3.30-7.30pm. The deadline for comments on the application is Wednesday, September 20th

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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

Craig, Vicky and Josh at the wedding reception at Coombe Lodge, Blagdon (photo courtesy of Evoke Pictures Bristol Wedding Photographers)

Castle Cary: Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AW. Tel: 01963 350888

As trailed in last month’s edition, Vicky Scorse (now Vicky Hoskins) married her fiancé, Craig, on 2nd July.

The wedding took place at St Andrew’s Church, Cheddar, and was followed by a reception at Coombe Lodge in Blagdon.

Vicky’s colleague at the Cheddar Office, Natalie Barker, was amongst the bridesmaids.

Craig’s son, Josh, and family friend, Daniel, provided excellent service as pageboys.

Vicky and Craig, who make their home in Cheddar, had their honeymoon in Crete.

Getting married is a very important event in anybody’s life.

In many cases a will made before marriage will be revoked when the marriage takes place and will need to be reviewed. We can provide advice on this if required.

Cheddar: Roley House, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3RA. Tel: 01934 745400

Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

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Safeguarding the quality of our food

AUGUST is the month when the Press are pushed for stories, often called the “silly season”. Not this year. Brexit talks, views and explanations take up the spaces. It is not advancing very quickly but views on the way agriculture should go are aplenty.

Most of the pundits are not farmers and With MARY with the majority of MPs completely JAMES MBE ignorant of farming practices they still keep telling us how we should look after the countryside when we have had years of practice and knowledge.

As farmers we will have to keep our MPs up to speed, informing them of our own situations. So there will be changes to the subsidy system, it is inevitable, although it is promised to keep the current system until 2022.

Subsidies were always primarily supposed to keep the price of food down to the consumer and of course help the farmers to cope with the vagaries of the market. Farmers have to have a price that covers the cost of production at least to be able to survive and look what happened last year when the milk price dropped so suddenly.

Then there is the question of international trade which is the remit of the MP for North Somerset, Dr Liam Fox. Whilst we are in the EU the huge tranche of health, safety and animal welfare regulations are strictly adhered to in the UK and those regulations look set to move over when we leave.

In the USA, in July, Dr Fox had early talks on potential future

MENDIP PLOUGHING MATCH at Priddy Hill Farm, Priddy, Nr Wells BA5 3BR On Wednesday 27th September 2017 Commencing 10am

• Modern, vintage and horse ploughing competitions with demonstration of steam traction ploughing.

• Hedge laying and dry stone walling competitions with farm produce show.

• Free entry and car parking.

• Refreshments and luncheons available with licenced bar.

• Sponsored by Yeo Valley and also Brothers Drinks Co Shepton Mallet and many other local firms

Further details from Hon Secretary Jim King 07810413664 email: jimking@btinternet.com and Assistant Secretary Judith Ogborne 07783709619 email: cjogborne@btinternet.com

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UK-US agreements which would include food and agriculture.

The food standards in the US do not come up to ours. For instance US beef is treated with hormones and pork is from pigs fed with feed additives such as ractopamine.

Dr Fox is in a difficult position; there are a high proportion of farmers in our area who have already put their views to him. He could be described as being “between a rock and a hard place”.

The UK food chain should deliver an increasing proportion of the nation’s needs for high quality, safe, affordable food to British, as well as new export markets. It is gratifying that consumers have made it clear in survey after survey that they are hugely supportive of British farmers and growers.

They are fully aware of the contribution we make to the economy and environment and would like to see more British food available (keep looking for the Red Tractor). The integrity of British produce has never been higher and it is good to see some major retailers giving 100% commitment to selling British produce in season On a lighter note, don’t forget the North Somerset Show Society’s Ploughing Match on Sunday September 3rd at Lye Cross Farm, Redhill on the A38 opposite the farm shop, 10am onwards. Then the Mendip Ploughing Society hold their match on September 27th at Priddy Hill Farm.

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Practical help for farmers

FARMING

LANGFORD Farm Animal Practice, as part of the University of Bristol, is dedicated to education and being at the forefront of research. They run practical classes and evening meetings for farmers and smallholders throughout the year, focusing on current or important topics within the farming industry.

Subjects this year have included the BVD free scheme and a talk on new and emerging diseases led by Bristol Veterinary School pathologist Mick Millar, where free pizza went down very well! Future events this year will include a practical lambing day.

Meetings are open to all, clients and non-clients, from commercial herds to smallholdings. The Langford site has great facilities that can be utilised to make the meetings very engaging. Recently a practical calving event was held where vet Andrea designed models to practice managing difficult calvings, correcting malpresentations, applying ropes and using a jack to pull the calf.

This month’s event teams up with the Langford Abattoir to discuss how to reduce stress, maximise welfare and make the most of the animals you send. Ring the Farm Practice on 01934 852650 if you would like to attend a meeting or for more information on the wider services provided to local farm animals.

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Take the bus to the show – or London THERE’S lots of free parking at the showground but if you don’t drive or plan to visit one or two beer and cider vendors then make use of the free shuttle service run by Berry’s Coaches of Taunton.

The Frome shuttle services are not timetabled but run all day between 8.30am and 6pm from the Old Showfield at Rodden Road, Market Place bus stop, Sainsbury’s bus stop, the train station and Badcox Bus stop opposite The Artisan Pub. The Warminster shuttle service will be making two trips from the Market Place bus stop and Garston Vets at 9am and 1pm, return 12.30pm and 6pm. These are approximate times and may change.

Berry’s Coaches is a family-run business currently operating a fleet of over 45 coaches providing school services, private hire, day excursions and their famous London Superfast service linking London and the West Country every day.

Berry’s offer various routes to

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London Hammersmith from the Somerset area. Their daily services arrive/depart Bay D at Hammersmith Bus Station where there is easy access to the Tube on the Piccadilly Line.

Coach facilities include free wi-fi, toilet on board, air-con, host/hostess service and seat allocation. Adult

prices are £20 single, £25 day return, £32 open return (see website for senior and children rates).

The London SF3 service departs from Taunton, Street, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Frome, Warminster and Codford travelling to London Hammersmith.

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Frome Cheese Show – it’s going to be a cracker

FROME CHEESE SHOW 2017

A DAY out at Frome Cheese Show has always been incredible fun but this year they’ve got even more exciting and brand new features for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the reasons why Saturday, September 9th at the West Woodlands showground is a day not to be missed. ● Cheese. It’s called Frome Cheese Show for a reason! Not only does the Cheese Pavilion house more than 1,500 cheese entries (judging takes place on the Thursday before the show, but the entries remain), there’s also lots of cheese for sale, Cheese Bar and Cookery Theatre. ● Music. The Horse Shoe will feature a music stage and artisan food stalls. Live music all day including a performance by West Country heroes The Wurzels. ● Arena attractions. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with a nonstop programme of events in both the Main and Village Green arenas as well as the new Agri-Village Demonstration Arena. ● Agri Village. Mole Valley Farmers Agri Village offers visitors the chance to see, touch and discover farming practices. Livestock judging, Tractor Ted, sheep show, machinery displays, the FDC Law Animal Nursery and a new demo arena. ● Family dog show. New for this year is the Garston Vets Fun Dog Show! An open to all, enter on the day, good fun experience for dogs and their owners! ● Shopping. Retail therapy, Cheese Show style! More than 350 trade stands located across the showground. ● Country pursuits. Head down to the lake where you’ll find the Wiltshire Gun Dog Club, fly fishing demos and casting classes, have-a-go scurry competitions, laser clay pigeon shooting and demo trade stands. ● Plus: funfair and inflatables, vintage machinery, Circus Whizz skills and games, Rainbow Gecko bubble fairies and much more.

FROME CHEESE SHOW COMPETITION WINNERS

Last month we offered you the chance to win family tickets to Frome Cheese Show on Saturday September 9th. The first correct answers drawn were from Anne Pargeter, Saltford, Caroline Fry, Tunley and Miss K. Robertson, Writhlington.

Congratulations, enjoy the show! We will have our stand there.

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INTERNET

The risk of public networks

WHAT keeps data safe on your computer when browsing the internet from home? Your anti-virus protection and firewall are the main tools. But, if you are using a modern wireless router at home, it provides extra protection.

The WiFi router is at the end of your broadband connection which is delivered via a landline. The router broadcasts its identity (supplied by the broadband supplier) and also comes with a password. When you first want to set up internet access, turn on the WiFi setting on your computer, look for the identity of your router in the list of available networks that pops up and enter the provided password to join your network. Your computer will remember this. The password is used to encrypt the WiFi connection between your computer and the router (there will be a padlock symbol beside the network name in settings). Anyone trying to listen into your WiFi exchanges would only capture gobbledygook.

But what happens when you go out and need to use your laptop/tablet/smartphone to check your emails? How safe are public networks? The café in which you are eating may advertise a free WiFi network and a password is written on a card on the counter (ask how often they change the password). You may find that you have to log on to a web page using a login ID and password or sign up to a service at a hotel or airport. How much data do you have to supply about yourself – is the web page a fake? Or you may turn on WiFi and are just connected. How can you be sure that these are genuine WiFi networks? Someone could be sitting nearby using a WiFi router, pretending to be a genuine network, trying to capture your data and then sending them on to a real router (this is called a man-in-the-middle attack) or divert them to a web page that puts malware on your machine.

Depending on your email settings, you could be sending your email address and password over the network in the clear. You may start to worry when your emails disappear and you can’t login. Someone has gained access to your account and changed your passwords. This can be the start of identity theft. Could this happen? Yes. Does it happen? Rarely, but you can mitigate the risk.

There are more settings you can work through but you could also subscribe to a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This is an application that encrypts everything that leaves your computer and sends it to systems that hide your identity and forwards your internet browsing requests on your behalf. VPNs can block malicious websites and third party advertisements as well. There are free VPNs available but expect to pay £2-£3 per month if you subscribe. Or, when you are away from home within the UK and Europe, and have a mobile phone signal, use your mobile phone data network instead, it’s much safer.

Contact us at I.T. for the Terrified: 01934 741751 (usually goes to answer phone) www.itfortheterrified.co.uk • itfortheterrified@btconnect.com Using Cheddar Village Hall.

Appointments are essential and cost £20 for a two-hour session.

Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600

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CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

A test of your local knowledge of Mendip and surrounding areas

ACROSS 1 & 13A Hamlet south of Shepton Mallet (8,5) 7 See 15 down 8 Stone _______, an historic landmark found in Stanton Drew (7) 10 ________ Pier, seaside attraction found on the Severn Estuary (8) 12 See 6 down 13 See 1 across 14 Admiral’s _____, public house found on the Bristol Road heading towards Bridgwater (5) 18 Hamlet which is home to Rich’s cider farm (10) 21 __________ Museum at Weston-super-Mare, the largest of its kind (10) 22 Village and civil parish near Wells (8)

DOWN 2 Village and parish situated north-west of Yeovil (3) 3 Home to stables operated by successful horse trainer Paul Nicholls (8) 4 See 19 & 9 down

5

Small village located four miles east of Wells (7) 6 & 12A Newsreader and journalist born in Weston-super-Mare, cruelly murdered in London in 1999 (4,5) 9 See 4D & 19D 11 Village and civil parish three miles south east of Shepton Mallet (10) 15 & 7A 137-metre-high landmark found on the Somerset Levels (5,5) 16 Village three miles from Wedmore (7) 17 Village location of the popular Wilkins Cider Farm (7) 19, 4D & 9D Member of parliament for North East Somerset (5,4,4) 20 Based in Street, The ____ Museum is funded by Clarks (4)

Answers on page 105

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The end of the pier show – in Radstock!

Rebels and redcoats

EVENTS

Captured: Judge Jefferies (centre) is about to pronounce sentence on two rebels as members of the royal army of James II look on Alissa, aged seven, paints a crab with help from Lucy Tudor (left) and Ester Randall

A DAY at the seaside – Victorian-style – was brought to life at Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Musuem.

Staff and volunteers donned bathing costumes and holiday clothes to entertain youngsters with activities which included making bunting, windmills and flags, designing a postcard, hooking a duck, hoopla and painting pebbles before a concert performance featuring songs and jokes from the era.

THE Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 was brought back to life in dramatic fashion at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells.

Members of the Taunton Garrison re-enactment society took over the grounds for a weekend of living history, small skirmishes and weapons demonstrations.

A weapons demonstration underway

Radstock-by-the-sea!

A Victorian sing-a-long

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

Drum major Alan Wildman – in real life, he was a drum major in the army for many years

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Town centre work underway

Men’s shed for Shepton?

NEWS

Frome’s Market Place – featuring the Boyle Cross – will be transformed once work is complete

IMPROVEMENTS to Frome’s Market Place have begun – more than ten years after they were first discussed.

New paved areas, a seating area and the restoration of the Boyle Cross to an ornamental fountain are the main aspects of the project, which is being led by Frome Town Council.

The council says the scheme is the result of extensive public consultation and the partners involved are working closely with town centre businesses to minimise disruption. The market traders who have stalls by the Boyle Cross on Wednesdays and Saturdays have moved to the Market Yard by the library. Somerset Farmers’ Market, who have stalls on the Boyle Cross area during the Frome Independent, will temporarily operate from Justice Lane at the September, October and November events.

Access to historic Cheap Street – one of the town’s most popular and iconic streets – will remain open throughout the work, which is due to be completed before Christmas. Once complete, the Boyle Cross area will be clear of cars and safer for pedestrians, improving overall visibility and encouraging footfall. Part of the remodeling work will be to light up the Boyle Cross fountain which will be incorporated into the town’s Christmas lights switch on event on Friday, December 1st.

Councillor Pippa Goldfinger said: “The long-awaited Market Place improvements will make the heart of our town safer for pedestrians and more attractive and pleasant for everyone. The scheme was created in response to public consultations, with input from landscape architects and highways engineers so conforms to all necessary regulations while providing a much-needed boost to the town centre.”

Sharing memories – miners’ reunion in Radstock

THE 29th annual reunion of former workers in the Somerset coalfields will be held on Monday, September 4th.

Organised by the Somerset District Miners Welfare Trust, the lunch at Radstock Museum is a chance to catch up with former colleagues.

The trust says limits on space mean it is unable to extend the lunch invitation to family or friends. ● Doors open at 11.45am with a light lunch served at midday.

Anyone who requires assistance to attend, or who has special dietary requirements, is asked to contact the museum in advance on 01761 437722.

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Graham (front) with Mike Lake, from Somerset Care and Repair in front of The Woodbin. The store and workshop will be cleared of materials, although some of the stock of wood will be left for the project to use

A MEETING is to be held in September to gauge enthusiasm for a Men’s Shed project in Shepton Mallet.

Men’s Sheds – a meeting place for men to pursue hobbies and other interests as a group – are growing in popularity across the country. Successful Men’s Sheds have been established in Frome and Yeovil.

The Shepton Mallet proposal is the idea of Graham Cooper, who retired after working in the charity sector, and has the support of Health Connections Mendip and Somerset Care and Repair, which has offered the rent-free use of a former store and workshop at its base for the venture.

Graham said: “Men’s Sheds are especially popular with older men, but there is no age minimum.

“A lot of men who miss male company find sheds are a great way to meet friends and pursue hobbies such as woodwork in a safe and supportive environment.” ● The meeting to discuss the Shepton Mallet Men’s Shed takes place from 10am-midday at the appropriately named The Woodbin, next to Somerset Care and Repair at Barley House on the Charlton Trading Estate (behind the Thatched Cottage Inn).

For details, email Graham on coopergd@hotmail.co.uk or call 07966 361796.

Ex-miners gather at Radstock Museum for last year’s reunion

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A change of season

With JUNE MACFARLANE

THE harvest starts here! Kindly friends are giving away their surplus and I’m working hard to keep up. Summer squash are in the farmers’ markets and fig trees are laden.

With so much great stuff available, this page could have been completely vegetarian this month, but the partridge season starts in September and they are irresistibly delicious, just the right size for dinner.

STUFFED SUMMER SQUASH INGREDIENTS

(For two) 2 small squash 500g small tomatoes olive oil 1 small medium chili 1 tin cannellini beans a few basil leaves

Summer squash offer the perfect container for tiny tomatoes, beans and windowsill basil.

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Slice a lid from the squash and scoop out and discard the seeds. Chop tomatoes and allow to soften in olive oil over a medium heat.

Crush with a spoon, add chopped chili to taste, drained and rinsed beans and seasoning.

Add basil and mix well. Pile into squash, put in a roasting dish, drizzle over some more oil and bake for about an hour or until squash is soft.

METHOD

Roast partridge with polenta and redcurrants

ROAST PARTRIDGE WITH POLENTA AND REDCURRANTS INGREDIENTS

(For two) 4 cups water 1 cup coarse cornmeal a few leaves of sage, chopped seasoning 50g unsalted butter 2 oven ready partridges butter sunflower oil 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly

METHOD Start with the polenta: put the water into a pot over a medium heat, add the cornmeal and keep stirring until it has thickened well and there are no lumps. Add the sage and season to taste. Stir in 50g butter. Line a loaf tin with cling film. Pour the polenta into the tin and fold the cling film over the top. Cool.

Refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 230°C. Season the partridges and rub with butter. Roast for 15 mins, basting once. Rest for 6-7 mins. Remove breasts and legs; slice breasts into about 6 slices.

Unwrap the polenta, cut into thick slices and fry in oil on both sides until golden. Warm redcurrant jelly through.

Transfer polenta to plates, arrange partridge on top, spoon sauce around.

CARAMELISED HONEY FIGS WITH PISTACHIOS

There’s nothing like a fresh fig and they are at their best in September. One big one per person, or several small ones, with a dash of honey, pistachios and greek yoghourt – my idea of heaven!

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The partridge season starts on September 1st and this is a lip-smacking dish that shows it off to its best.

Polenta is the easiest thing in the world to make.

Don’t buy special stuff – just coarse cornmeal is what you need.

INGREDIENTS

(For two) 50g pistachios, chopped 1 tbsp clear honey 2 large or 5 small fresh figs, halved Greek yoghourt

METHOD In a dry pan toast the pistachios with a little salt until golden.

Reserve. Wipe pan clean. Pour honey into hot pan, add figs, cut side down. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until a caramel forms. Transfer to plates, scatter pistachios over, drizzle more honey and serve with yoghourt.

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Get in the swing with a festival of gin

THE owners of a new mobile cocktail bar will be launching their venture with a gin festival in Wells in October.

The Rolling Cocktail Company, based in Pilton, will be setting up in the Recreation Ground for the event on Saturday, October 6th, which will feature a select handful of local artisan gin producers including 6 O’Clock Gin, Bristol Dry Gin, Gin Jar, Newton House Gin and Wild Beer Co. who will be serving samples, selling bottles, hosting masterclasses and putting on gin quizzes.

Gin and tonic crisps, gin infused truffles, olives and salmon will also be served up alongside some delightful entertainment with live sets from Glastonbury performer Lee Rahn. The Wild Picnic Company will also be serving pre-ordered Somerset cheeseboards.

The Rolling Cocktail Company serves delicious cocktails and bespoke drinks menus via their newly-renovated cocktail caravan across the South West. Look out for them at local festivals and exclusive events. The gin evening takes place on the eve of the Wells Food Festival. ● Gin festival tickets cost £15 and include a tote bag, branded gin jar and delicious gin and tonic. Book tickets now at: www.therollingcocktailco.com or email info@therollingcocktailco.com for more information. Exclusive offer for Mendip Times readers: book your tickets by 30th September and enter discount code MToffer to save 10% on each ticket purchased.

The place to Eat, Drink and Stay in Wells Delicious new menus featuring the best local produce

Market Place • Wells BA5 2RP 01749 673457 eat@crownatwells.co.uk www.crownatwells.co.uk PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

Food served all day from midday, every day

A great summer – here’s to autumn

THE Crown in the Market Square in Wells continues to prove a huge hit with locals and visitors to the city as a great place to eat.

Tom Ollis, head chef at The Crown, said: “We’ve recently updated our menus to reflect what we know is popular with our diners, while introducing new choices too. Some of our dishes have been tweaked in line with the change in season.

Afternoon teas are one of the highlights We’re spoilt for choice of the day at The Crown in Wells with the fantastic produce available in and around Somerset and use as much as we can.”

The quality begins at breakfast and lasts throughout the day: The Crown was recently one of the first recipients of a Breakfast Award introduced by the English Tourism Council.

Tom said: “We offer guests a fantastic choice to set them up for the day and the inspector from English Tourism Council was very impressed with this.”

Breakfast is served daily at The Crown from 7.30am and non-residents are welcome too. Following breakfast service, tea and coffee is served in the Penn Bar usually accompanied by a fabulous homemade cake or two.

Lunch is always a busy affair, with seating available inside and out, and food is served in the Penn Bar for the rest of the day through to 9.30pm (9pm on Sundays). From 3pm The Crown serves afternoon tea which is literally going down very well, available from just £12.50 per person and gift vouchers are available too.

Tom added: “We’ve had a fantastically busy summer and are grateful to all those who swung by for a drink or something to eat. We are now looking forward to autumn and putting together our Christmas Day and party menus to be available from early September.”

Let the festival beGIN Saturday, 7th October 5-9pm A delightful celebration of all things Gin to kick off the 2107 Wells Food Festival Recreation Ground Marquee, Wells BA5 1US

Local, artisan producers, gin quizzes, cocktails, cakes, truffles Acoustic guitar sets from Lee Rahn – and MUCH more @therollingcocktailco

www.therollingcocktailco.com

S E P T E M B E R D AT E S A l l m ar k e ts 9 am - 1 pm u nl e ss o t he r wi s e m ar k e d*

SAT 2nd Axbridge & Midsomer Norton SUN 3rd SFM @ Frome Independent* (10am-3pm) SAT 9th Keynsham and Frome Cheese & Grain SAT 16th Crewkerne SAT 23rd Glastonbury* (9am-2pm) FRI 29th Burnham-on-Sea

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FOOD & DRINK

Come in and enjoy Blagdon’s traditional little country pub.

Enjoy Lunch or Dinner with us.

Note 80% menu is Gluten-free.

Booking highly recommended.

In season: Trout • Pheasant • Venison GOOD FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD TIMES

www.queenadelaideblagdon.co.uk • 01761 463926

Indoor & outdoor stalls with food to try and buy Creole Fusion & Indian cookery demonstra ons Healthy Heart cook-off • Food foraging foray • Apple pressing Street food and a whole lot more

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 25

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Modern history at The Thatched Cottage Inn

PARTS of the Thatched Cottage Inn at Shepton Mallet may date from the 17th Century, but everything else – from the standard of the bedrooms to the imaginative food – is thoroughly modern and stylish.

A hotel, restaurant and bar open seven days a week, the Thatched Cottage Inn enjoys a fine reputation as a country gastro-pub on the edge of town. It is popular with locals as well as visitors – attractions such as Wells, Glastonbury, Longleat and the Royal Bath and West Showground are all within easy reach, as are Bath and Bristol.

The Thatched Cottage Inn boasts eight en-suite rooms with modern bathrooms and all the facilities guests might expect, including high speed broadband. As well as the restaurant, there is a function room for 36 and is well-used for corporate events as well as for social gatherings such as the town’s carnival and Mid Somerset Show committee meetings.

The bar has attractive Chesterfield sofas and a log burner for winter months. A cocktail menu was introduced recently; the inn has the services of a professional mixologist and would make a perfect venue for the start of an evening out, although why go anywhere else with the frequently-changing menus on offer – all sourced as locally as possible and freshly cooked?

The Thatched Cottage Inn is run by young couple Laura Woodall and Morgan Gray. They met when Morgan, who was

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The Thatched Cottage Inn: a country gastro-pub with rooms

working in sales, moved to Chilcompton and met Laura who was working at the Somerset Wagon in the village and they decided they wanted to run a pub of their own.

Laura said: “I’d been working at the Somerset Wagon since I was 15, starting by washing dishes and learning the trade.”

Morgan added: “We wanted to take on somewhere which was established and well-known and where we could build on the existing momentum.”

That momentum includes a hidden charm: anyone passing on the A361 will recognise the beautiful thatched building and the pretty garden to the front, but Laura and Morgan have also worked hard to transform the space at the rear of the building into a secluded and relaxing lawned and terraced area, perfect for a late summer’s evening.

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GARDEN FOOD

Rabbit on the menu

With JAKE WHITSON

FOR some the idea of breeding your own rabbits for meat in the back garden may be a little unpalatable, but it was not long ago that rabbit was a staple of the British countryside, and for good reason – it is a tasty, lean white meat, and surely the most economical and environmentally friendly way of providing your own meat for the smallholder, or even back garden

farmer.

Not only do rabbits need minimal space, they also thrive on grass and greens alone, things which are abundant almost year-round in Britain.

While I enjoy wild rabbit meat – and lord knows there are enough of them out there – farmed rabbit has much thicker

and more tender meat on the bones, almost like chicken breast, especially if you take the time to find a good meat breed, such as Belgian giants or these French Lops.

A trio of rabbits, one buck and two does, can provide meat once or twice a week year-round for a couple or small family, and be kept happy and healthy in just a few small pens, at the same time as mowing the lawn!

A growing litter of young rabbits will eat an astonishing amount of grass however, and if you are to provide them with enough each day it is well worth investing in a good scythe to make the job easier – it will then be easy to cut and dry hay for the winter for them too; which for a few rabbits is barely a few hours work in the year.

They will of course also thrive on any garden scraps you have, and need some form of free-choice mineral supplement – I prefer kelp meal.

Rabbit meat is very lean, with a tendency to dryness, much like chicken breast without the skin. Fry or grill quickly and don't overcook it. It is also good simmered long and slow – I'm rather partial to a rabbit tagine. It is plain and very versatile – just use it almost anywhere you would chicken.

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

It’s open season

I HAVE recently been approached by several people independently in the hope that I would identify fungal specimens for them. In truth they were hoping that the rather large haul of mushrooms popping up all over the garden was going to be the main ingredient for breakfast.

With ADRIAN I felt bad to give them the disappointing BOOTS news but in every instance what they had was not in fact edible mushrooms but mildly poisonous ones! More on breakfast later . . .

I often hear that one should wait until the autumn before bothering to look for mushrooms – well I can assure you that it is open season right now! Start looking in August onwards otherwise you will miss field mushrooms, chanterelles, puffballs etc. – the list goes on.

If the conditions are right, the summer is when it all begins. I am constantly reminded of this as I have a rather fine Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris) specimen in my garden and during the summer the grass around its base is littered with the rather sad sounding but tasty Weeping Bolete.

The Weeping Bolete (Suillus granulatus) gets its name from the watery droplets found at the top of the stem where it joins the cap in very young specimens. It has a ringless, pale yellow stem five to 10cm long and two to three cm wide. The pores are very small, lemon yellow in colour with a light tan, broadly rounded cap 8 to 12cm wide, which can be sticky to the touch.

As with most bolete species, they tend to contain a fair amount of water so look for healthy, fresh specimens.

They often grow in large groups, so getting a meal out of them is a distinct possibility. It is advisable to remove the stem and ensure that the cap is peeled before cooking. Please do not eat raw – you have been warned!

Weeping Bolete has an acceptable mushroom flavour but most people can’t get round the texture which is soft and spongy. We are so used to cultivated mushrooms being firm of texture, that its rather slippery nature is unpleasant for some.

So back to breakfast – I find the best way to deal with this issue is to cut them up very small, finely sliced and diced, then gently fried in olive oil and butter with halved tomatoes and a good pinch of Herbs de Provence, salt and pepper.

Served on its own or as part of a cooked breakfast it gives a new twist to the old classic with the added benefit that people of the sensitive mouth feel disposition don’t notice the texture. It also tastes delicious which is nice.

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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Spookley returns to Farrington’s!

FAMILY-themed apple picking days are to be held below Glastonbury Tor in October.

The National Trust is inviting people to join in the sessions at the Avalon and Hermitage orchards and at the Somerset Rural Life Museum on Saturday, October 14th and Sunday, October 15th and also the following weekend from 11am-3pm.

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

1 0 0 ,0 0 0 p o te n t ia l c u s to me r s w it h in a s h or t d is ta n c e o f y o u r b us i n e s s

AFTER its huge success last year, the Spookley Pumpkin Festival returns to Farrington’s Farm Shop this autumn! Pick from thousands of home-grown pumpkins from their pumpkin patch, carve Spookley shapes and try some seasonal pumpkin dishes.

Or cosy up and listen to the heart-warming story of Spookley, the square-shaped pumpkin.

Supporting the national anti-bullying week, Spookley tells the story of a square pumpkin

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

who lives in a pumpkin patch with a crop of round pumpkins. His appearance leads to him being bullied by the other vegetables because he is a different shape.

Our hero goes on to save the day and becomes friends with the other pumpkins. The tale is one that both children and adults can relate to, helping children to accept differences in people and deal with their problems in a positive way.

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Family friendly – that’s the Shepton Brasserie FREE holiday activities for children and a special early evening menu to encourage kids and grown-ups to eat together are just two of the ways in which the team at the Shepton Brasserie are trying to make it the ideal family venue in Shepton Mallet.

Jan and Richard

Shepton Brasserie – within the Haskins Retail Centre – is run by highly-experienced chef Richard Page and his wife Jan and they are determined it should be seen as a focal point for the whole community.

Above all, however, it is the food – the menu changes regularly – that makes a visit to the Shepton Brasserie so special, from breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea through to Richard’s 28day-aged rump steak nights at £12 per person. He has also installed his own smoker, curing everything from salmon to cheese and butter.

Richard said: “We want this to be a place where everyone is welcome, whether it’s for a cup of coffee and a chat with friends, a drink and a nibble or a three-course meal with wine. And we want to be known as somewhere where people can meet up, especially if they might be older and on their own.”

The summer activities idea came from Jan, who has a background in education.

FOOD & DRINK

One of Jan’s activity mornings

She said: “We provide the space and all of the materials free-of-charge and the parents run it together.”

The early evening family-friendly menus are available on Fridays and Saturdays from 5.30-9pm – booking is recommended. And on Tuesday, September 12th, the couple will launch what they hope will become regular monthly live jazz nights. The Graham Dent Duo will be playing and the brasserie is offering a two-course dinner with a glass of house wine for £25 per person.

For details, visit: www.sheptonbrasserie.co.uk or find them on Facebook.

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Free, foodie and fun!

THE Wells Food Festival returns to the city on Sunday, October 8th from 10.30am-4.30pm with something for all the family.

There are the popular Artisan Market and Street Food stalls, starting in the Market Place. Pick up some new hints and tips at the Charlie Bigham’s Discovery Zone in the Recreation Ground and keep the younger visitors entertained in the Morrisons Children’s Zone in the Bishops Barn.

There are also three talks taking place in the Wells Cathedral Education Room. These include: • A cider tasting tour of the UK with local expert, Bob Chaplin • ‘Ales, Trails and Snails’ by Christopher Somerville, Walking

Food from around the world will be on offer, with a Somerset twist

The festival market stretches along the Bishop’s Palace Moat

Correspondent of The Times • Kate Lynch, an artist and social historian, who has spent two decades documenting traditional farming and crafts in Somerset.

Each talk includes a “Taster Tour” of Wells Cathedral, bringing to life culinary stories and customs reflected in the medieval stone carvings and stained glass. There will be a private tasting session in the Vicars’ Hall, the original dining hall for the men of the Cathedral Choir almost unchanged since the mid-14th century and not normally open to public At midday in the Bishop’s Palace, William Sitwell, a familiar face on BBC's Masterchef, will talk about his new book, Eggs or Anarchy. Revealing the heroic tale of how Lord Woolton, Minister for Food during the Second World War, fed the people of Britain, it includes a tasting of Woolton Pie recreated by The Unusual Pork Pie Company in Shepton Mallet.

Tickets for all four talks are just £6 and available from www.bradsons.co.uk. For further information visit www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk

NOT JUST A CARVERY! STEAK NIGHTS

COMING SOON

SPECIAL EXTRAS New Children’s Menu from £5.25

Thursday August 31st

TRIBUTE NIGHT

New Veggie Dishes All at £9.95

ROBBIE WILLIAMS v GARY BARLOW £25 for a 2 course meal and the entertainment.

Please buy your tickets at the BAR or phone to reserve your seats.

Only a few seats left!

PIE &

FISHY FRIDAYS 2 x Cod, chips, peas & tartare sauce – £15

CHIPS/MASH Mondays are Pie & Mash/Chips Days. Your choice of TWO pies, chips or mash for just

£13.95

THE STAR AT STAR Find us on the A38 Bristol Road in Star at Winscombe 01934 844453 • Sat Nav details: BS25 1QE PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

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Tor fair on the move THIS year’s Tor Fair in Glastonbury is to move to the town centre on a trial basis.

After talks with the town council, organisers are to relocate to St John’s car park after an horrific accident to a fairground worker last year and worries over a possible flooding risk on the land it used to occupy.

St John’s car park will be closed to vehicles for a week from Sunday, September 10th, although members of the town’s chamber of commerce have voiced concerns over a lack of alternative parking.

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NEWS

In recent years, the fair – it dates to 1127 – has been based on land next to the Glastonbury bypass. But the decision to move came after the worker received serious injuries when he was electrocuted when machinery he was operating touched high voltage power lines running above the land. Wet weather in previous years has also turned parts of the land into a quagmire.

Organisers have also been worried about dwindling attendances and hope the move will help to revive the annual event and boost business in the town

Museum on fire with its latest exhibition

centre.

John Coles, a fair supporter and town and district councillor, told a meeting of the chamber at the Hawthorns Hotel: “It would be a very sad day if the fair were to close; I am hoping we can save it.”

He said he had consulted people living nearby about the move and environmental health officers would monitor noise levels. A security team will monitor access to the car park and there would be a zero tolerance policy towards anyone drunk or in possession of drugs.

THE history of firefighting on Mendip was brought to life when three privately-owned vehicles went on show at Wells and Mendip Museum as part of a new exhibition.

From its primitive beginnings to the present day, Firefighting in the Mendips features memorabilia dating back 300 years. The exhibition, which runs until Wednesday, September 13th, is a collaboration between Wells and Mendip Museum, Wells City Archives and Paul Pickford.

The Land Rover-based vehicles were there for one day; two were owned by private companies, the third saw service in Chard between 1973 and 1991.

Paul has had an interest in the fire service since childhood. His father, Roger, served as a retained fireman for 18 years at Wells Fire Station and they own a 1961 Dennis Fire Engine that was stationed at Paulton in the 1960s and 70s.

Paul said: "A lot of families in the Mendip area will have had a family member or will know someone who has served in the local fire brigade. All the fire stations in the area are ‘retained,’ which means the firefighters are people who live and work in the local community.” ● Museum volunteer Tony Lee has drawn images for a special 2018 calendar entitled “Memories of Somerset’s Fire Brigade”. It is available from the museum priced

George in front of the Somerset Fire Brigade Land Rover, which was based at Chard, with (back left) Chris Higgins, Station Officer at Street and Green Watch manager at Yeovil, and George’s dad Paul

Tackling a fire in Wells – one of the many photographs on show

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£6.50. The exhibition is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Adult entry costs £1; entry is free for under16s. The exhibition and calendar are sponsored by Wells City Council, Tincknell Fuels and Country Stores, Harris & Harris Solicitors and the Swan Hotel. Proceeds will go to the National Firefighters’ Charity.

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Banwell Fun Day

Youngsters enjoying the dance display

The U10s' mums ran the barbecue

BANWELL Football Club hosted this community event, supported by various clubs and organisations in the area, which raised funds for various village organisations.

Wrington Vale Inner Wheel provided strawberries and cream

Banwell FC chairman, Paul White, and his son Stanley, aged three, had a splashing time PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

Cheddar Vale Lions had pig racing and a coconut shy and were selling donated candles

Dog show contestant Fiona Godber-Ford with grandchildren Shona, aged nine and Amy, aged seven

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EVENTS

A community event

HUNDREDS of visitors filled Nunney for the village’s annual street market and fayre.

The annual event is organised by the Nunney Community Association which raises funds to support village life. Recent projects have included improvements to the playground, Nunney First School and the Nunney Church Raise the Roof Appeal.

Raising a glass to Frome Swing Band who were playing in front of the castle Stalls fill Church Street and beyond

Bathampton Morris are a familiar sight at the street fayre

Nice to tegue, to tegue nice! Vikkee Granville (left) with Ed and Teresa Gaertig with Frank on the Scales and Tails stand

Marian Reeves, Jill Golby and Jill Clifton, from the Nunney Players, who were selling hot dogs and burgers to raise funds for the drama group. Their next main production will be Cinderella in January, but they will be running a workshop for children in September. Find them on Facebook @NunneyPlayers

Time for tea: April Collins, of Hinton Charterhouse, improvises to attract customers to her Leafy Tea Company stall

Engineer and vintage vehicle restorer Keith Budden uses reclaimed materials to create these fantasy weapons. The inventor and artist, from Martock, is pictured with Sarah Murdie

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Group shows for Somerset Art Weeks 2017 THIS year’s Somerset Art Weeks Festival features group shows by SAW members and invited artists throughout the county as well as special projects, exhibitions, workshops and bursaries commissioned and supported by Somerset Art Works.

Under the theme “Prospect”, more than 350 artists will be showing their works at more than 120 venues for 16 days from Saturday, September 23rd.

Alternating between Open Studios and Festival years, SAW is now firmly established as one of the biggest showcases celebrating the visual arts in the South West.

Somerset Art Works is an artist-led organisation and Somerset’s only county-wide agency and charity dedicated to the visual arts.

It initiates a wide range of projects in a variety of settings,

working in partnership with other arts and non-arts organisations and receives funding from Arts Council England, Arts Lottery and other institutions. SAW works to increase public engagement, weaving together communities and raising the profile of the vibrant contemporary arts in Somerset.

Individual artist-led venues for 2017 feature in all five Somerset districts: Mendip, Sedgemoor, West Somerset, Taunton Deane and South Somerset. A rich variety of mediums, materials and methods will be on show in with a wide range of skills on display.

Some of the more unusual venues to look out for include scrapyards, bookshops, tithe barns, pubs, a paper making mill and all of Wells High Street! Established destinations take part along with newer venues, including the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury, CICCIC in Taunton, Lanacre Gallery on Exmoor, Heritage Courtyard Studios and Andelli Art in Wells, Clayhill Arts and The Engine Room in Bridgwater, Bruton Art Factory and a special pop up exhibition by Cavaliero Finn at Monks Yard in Ilminster. ● An interactive map is available via www.somersetartworks.org.uk and free guides are available from Somerset Art Works on 01458 253800 and in tourist information centres, libraries, galleries, museums and other outlets. The guide lists all the venues as well as special events including SAW projects and commissions, workshops, demonstrations and family-friendly activities.

Prospect is bright at Black Swan A

THREE separate exhibitions will take place in one venue in Frome as part of this year’s Somerset Art Weeks.

Prospect, at Black Swan Arts in Bridge Street, features five artists working in a range of media; two of the artists will also be running workshops.

Fiona Campbell and Angela Morley are taking over the Round Tower Gallery at BSA for “Ephemeral and Eternal”, from Saturday, September 16th until Saturday, October 7th.

The pair, who are also exhibiting at Clayhill Arts, near Bridgwater, will be transforming the gallery space with sculptural forms rooted in the natural Fiona Campbell and Angela Morley

Angela will be running a workshop on Wednesday, October

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Seven artists, one venue A RURAL idyll at Panborough, near Wells, is the venue for the Hide on the Hill Group taking part in Somerset Art Weeks: ● Angela Morley, willow sculptor: Angela uses natural materials such as willow, hazel, bramble, wild clematis, iris leaves, New Zealand flax and

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● Shoe Art

n Arts

world; wrapped, woven and layered. They have been exploring the materiality of paper and leaf forms in different ways.

Angela said: “We both ‘prospect’ for our materials – found and reclaimed, respecting the preciousness of the environment.”

Cameron Scott and Nick Weaver will be creating a pop-up gallery at BSA from Saturday, September 23rd until Saturday, October 7th. Called “Proportion and Perspective”, they work in wood: figurative relief carvings in lime; unique furniture in reclaimed or found materials. Nick makes practical but unconventional and unique furniture, often using re-claimed or found materials. Cameron makes figurative relief carvings in lime wood telling stories from his life – the people, places and memories that influenced and inspired him.

Ellie Mawby is Somerset Art Works’ Creative Pathways Bursary Artist who works with paper, ink, textile and mixed media. Works by the BA (hons) graduate in Contemporary Arts Practice from Bath Spa University has themes of air, atmosphere and pollution to draw attention to the

dogwoods to create abstract sculptural forms.

James Cawte, photographer: “As a young man being a photographer was my one ambition, but I took a ‘turn in the road’ and worked in TV as an editor and colourist for 40 years. The moment I retired the photography began again..."

Lorna Brown, sculptor: Lorna is a sculptor who takes inspiration from her passion for horses and wildlife to explore movement and the natural world. Her expressive, figurative pieces are made from a variety of materials bound in resin and are a perfect size to display in any home.

Tom Sleigh, painter: “I paint because I want to try to re-live that moment when the sight of something rekindles those feelings of awe and wonder. I want to get into that view and become part of it, almost to own it."

Pip Wilson, painter: “A hundred years ago artist Wassilly Kandinsky said that there is a little piece of oneself in every painting and he was right. Art

SOMERSET ART WEEKS

Pip Wilson at work

doesn’t make a good business plan but is totally addictive!” ● Wendy Lovegrove, painter: “My preferred medium is oil, and my choice of subject matter is eclectic. It is dictated by an intrinsic quality I find attractive in something, be it person, place or subject.” ● Janine Barchard, textile artist: “I am a textile artist working with silks and velvets and various threads that I machine or hand stitch to make my works. I love the density of colour you get with silks and velvets.”

SAW Venue 41 Hide on the Hill

Start your visit strolling past willow sculptured by Angela Morley then into a grand yurt displaying textiles by Janine Barchard and photographs by James Cawte. Onto the studios to see paintings by Wendy Lovegrove, Pip Wilson and Tom Sleigh with sculpture by Lorna Brown.

Open all days with your very own prospect across acres of sky. Sit and view with refreshments on site. Extended view Friday 29 Sept until 9pm. Parking in nearby field but with separate venue parking for disabled.

Stony Stile, Snake Lane, Newtown, Panborough, Wells BA5 1PW (ignore last instructions on SatNav. Turn in to Snake Lane and follow SAW signs to the car park).

Air, atmosphere and pollution – some of the themes explored by Ellie Mawby

public’s unawareness of the serious issues on both a local and global scale. Her show also runs from Saturday, September 23rd to Saturday, October 7th.

ober 4th and Fiona on Saturday, October 7th on the theme of “Organic Forms”. Book via www.eventbrite.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 37

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Arts and crafts showcase

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ERICA Sharpe’s Wild Edge Gallery in Wedmore will be hosting a fascinating exhibition of arts and crafts as part of Somerset Art Weeks Festival 2017.

Artists exhibiting there include sculptor Ian Marlow, whose new works in stainless steel and glass will also include his poetry and words. A short film showing his larger sculptures in gardens and public spaces will also be shown.

Many visitors will know Erica Sharpe’s unique fine jewellery in fair trade gold and gemstones, but she will also be showcasing her drawings and watercolour paintings which are inspired by frequent travels into wilder places.

M H Goldsmith’s contemporary fine jewellery contrasts in style with Erica’s, but is hand-made to the same exacting standard.

Opposing colours, textures and forms set with interesting coloured gems are the hallmark of this continental-trained jeweller now based in Somerset.

Bristol artist, Jim Starr, is highly regarded for his bold, contemporary mixed media paintings and screen prints.

Wild Edge Gallery will be open from September 23rd to October 7th, Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturdays 10am3pm. There will be a chance to meet the artists, enjoy some refreshments and purchase a wide range of art, cards and prints.

SOMERSET ART WEEKS

A shared love of landscapes

One of Myrtle’s pieces

MYRTLE and Jason Pizzey will be sharing their love of the countryside with a joint display of work ranging from drawings, paintings and linocuts to photographs.

Hill Farm at Wookey, near Wells, is the venue for their Somerset Art Weeks exhibition. Myrtle takes images of local surroundings and translates them into relief form prints, some colour and some black and white with added watercolour.

Artist/photographer Jason will be showing postcard sized digital photographs of the Somerset Levels.

Myrtle was inspired to capture Mendip scenes in pastel and watercolour by her commute into Bristol to teach. She said: “Retirement from the demands of full time teaching opened the opportunity to develop the drawings as linocuts.

Redefining an expressive drawing into a single line and using pattern and texture to identify a three-dimensional effect of tone became an obsession.”

Jason trained as an illustrator and then graduated towards teaching. He said: “After 20 years of working in various comprehensive schools as a teacher of art and photography I have come full circle and now long for the undisturbed focus An evocative scene of creative pursuits.”

by Jason

Venue 37 Myrtle Pizzey: Prints, drawings, paintings.

Jason Pizzey: Photographs of the Levels.

Hill Farm, Castle Lane, Wookey, Somerset BA5 1NN (closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of both weeks) www.myrtlepizzey.co.uk PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

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Busy month at Mendip Auction Rooms AUGUST can sometimes be a quiet month in any auction room but this was not the case at the Mendip Auction Rooms.

The two viewing days preceding the sale on August 12th by Killens of antiques and collectables were very busy. A massive crowd were in attendance on the day, with an additional 400 online buyers viewing the sale online.

Bidding was brisk, particularly for the entries of jewellery, silver and collectables on offer with successful bidders coming from across the world.

Overall, an excellent entry of nearly 700 lots went under the hammer. Items connected to the Wills family were met with keen interest and a Victorian North Somerset Yeomanry helmet together with uniforms dating from the An open faced pocket watch mid-19th dating from 1898 sold for century sold for £1200

ARTS AND ANTIQUES WANTED – VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE

£1700. A good entry of watches and clocks sold to advantage and a pair of slipware pottery cats gained keen bidding, selling for £900. A number of firearms were entered and these were also in demand.

The general sale of Victorian and Later effects, including household items, on 22nd August was also exceptionally busy with a very good attendance and an excellent entry.

During October and November, the auction rooms will be staging additional general sales so that they are held every two weeks. This is due to the growing popularity of the auction rooms and to provide an even better buying and selling experience. The first additional sale will be held on 3rd October – for details of the extra sales, log onto the auction rooms website, www.mendipauctionrooms.co.uk.

As always, the experienced auction rooms team at Killens are readily on hand to provide advice on the sale of your items and to provide valuations for a range of purposes. Free valuations are held at the auction rooms every weekday morning from 10am–1pm and valuers are content to visit your home free of charge.

Contact the Mendip Auction Rooms on 01749 840770.

HARDY, ALLCOCKS ETC. Also BRASS & WOOD REELS EARLY LURES & BAITS, RODS ANGLING BOOKS TAXIDERMY CASED & MOUNTED FISH

01934 625810

The Artist’s Gallery www.tag.uk.net

4 Borough Mews The Borough Yard, Wedmore Somerset BS28 4EB info@tag.uk.net 01934 713295 Opening times: Wednesday 2pm–5pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am–5pm

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 39

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Birthday celebration

COMPTON Dando Art Group celebrated its 12th birthday with lunch at the village pub and now has nearly 30 members.

After the meal member David Turner presented group leader, Sonia Priest, with a gift from club members in appreciation for all she has done over the years.

Inspired by water

This White Flower sculptural fountain is one Ian has made for exhibition at the Celebration of Craft and Design in Cheltenham which runs until August 28th

PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

OUR gardens are our own personal patch of nature where we can enjoy the plants, birds, butterflies and other wildlife they attract, says sculptor Ian Marlow.

Water too is very much a part of the natural landscape, so adding a pond or a water feature is a perfect addition to any garden however small it may be. Having a unique sculptural fountain adds a further dimension which several of Ian’s clients are now enjoying.

Ian, who welcomes visitors by appointment to his sculpture garden at Buckland Dinham, said: “What people love about these, apart from the relaxing sound of water, is that they have an attractive garden feature even when the fountain isn’t running.”

For people with fish, the pieces with large lily-like leaves that hover above the surface of the water, provide much needed shade. They are also an attractive solution to the problem of herons, avoiding the need for unsightly nets and wires.

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ARTS AND ANTIQUES

Jester set to entertain bidders CLEVEDON Salerooms’ Quarterly Specialist Sale on September 14th will include this early 20th century Royal Doulton figure designed by Charles Noke standing 25cm high. This rare and sought-after figure carries an estimate of £800 - £1,200 and only a fool would bet against it selling well.

Celebrated British artist Ken Howard’s oil-on-canvas portrait of his wife, Dora, seated in the oriel window of his London studio is expected to create interest from his followers. The two-bar eclectic fire suggests autumn has arrived, but the estimate of £3,000 - £4,000 should warm things up on sale day.

In August Clevedon Salerooms held another of their popular no-obligation free jewellery valuation days and many of the items valued on the day will be included in the specialist sale. A Rolex Explorer Oyster Perpetual ref: 1610 brought to the valuation day will carry an estimate of £3,000 - £4,500.

Such is the popularity of these free valuation events that Clevedon Salerooms have organised a jewellery and watch valuation day in Wells Town Hall on Monday October 9th where watch specialist Marc Burridge, gemmologist John Kelly and Toby Pinn from the salerooms will be providing free verbal auction estimates. Further details in next month’s Mendip Times.

Every lot in every auction, illustrated and sold with live internet bidding

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS 18 19 20 September

9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery 28th September

Sales start at 10am 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

Ramsden & Carr Arts & Crafts silver and enamel box and cover £1,500 - £2,500

Step cut 1 carat diamond ring £3,500 - £4,500 Moorcroft Macintyre Revived Cornflower pattern vase £1,200 - £1,800

Shen Ming Cun (1956-) Oil on Canvas ‘Conversation piece’ £2,000 - £3,000

Quarterly Specialist Sale Thursday 14th September at 10.30am

Viewing Days: 12th September – 2pm – 5.30pm 13th September – 10am – 6.30pm On-line catalogue available from 2nd September MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 41

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Fun day’s grand total

Paul’s a winner

EVENTS

Paul Jelley who won prizes for his vegetable entries

Pictured (l to r) Donna with a corn snake, Roy with a Bengalese Eagle Owl and Shelly with a Royal python from Speringcourt Animal Rescue

TEMPLE Cloud’s fun day was a huge success for organiser Tasha Dix and her team, raising £3,697 for the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal.

Parish council chairman, Tony Hooper, said: “It was a fab day and I was happy to catch up with a few people I hadn't seen for a while. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make it a great event with a special mention to Tasha and her ‘team’ Do we want it next year? Too right we do!”

Jenna with Charlie and Kayla being served by Hannah Yeates

PAUL Jelley was the overall winner of the Draycott and Rodney Stoke Flower Show winning the Tony Wheal Memorial Shield, with Sue Bathe, second and Gerald Dalley third. The show had a fine display of arts and crafts, as well as flowers, fruit and vegetables.

hoebe Bright with daughter Bea and her winning rainbow artwork in the children's section

Natalliya Wills with her winning craft exhibits

Isobel, aged seven, showing off her face after it has been painted by Hayley Spiller

PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

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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 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.

Charnwood C Four available in 8 colours 4.9kW Multi-fuel or wood Behind Shell Garage Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS

Tel: 01934 626093/813261 www.westongarden.co.uk

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CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY

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

Tel 01761 451787

www.cameleylodgelaundry.co.uk

Page 44

LECATCHER MO

New shop in Wedmore

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

CHERISH YOUR HEART THIS SEPTEMBER!

THE award-winning Country House Gift Company says it’s delighted to announce that it has just opened a new shop and can now be found in the Borough Mall, Wedmore, as well as in Winscombe.

Renowned for its delightful cards, gifts, toys and home-wares, favouring British and Somerset handcrafted suppliers, Elaine and her team at the Country House Gift Company seek out gifts that are a little different and all the more special.

New product ranges include Boo Cottage Botanicals handmade natural soaps and bath truffles made in the Quantocks, as well as their own range of naturally fragranced candles and room fragrances.

Details: www.countryhousegiftcompany.co.uk

Palace plans market

Balloon flights over the Chew Valley, Mendips and Somerset Levels

FOLLOWING the phenomenal success of last year’s event, The Bishop’s Palace in Wells will be holding its Christmas Artisan Markets again this year.

Taking place from Friday November 10th - Sunday November 12th, it will have a range of over 30 stalls of local, hand-made crafts and products to browse.

You can soak up the festive atmosphere around this glorious medieval site, with seasonal food and drink, and music in the Chapel.

P & C Logs C al l P h i l o n 0 7 7 3 4 0 9 8 3 2 3 , o r C o l l ee n o n 0 7 7 8 5 2 5 0 0 3 3 o r on E v en i n g s 0 1 7 6 1 2 2 1 5 4 3

Friendly prompt service from Phil & Colleen at their farm in Charterhouse Quality seasoned beech and ash hardwood, chopped and split into a variety of load options (with free delivery).

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BUSINESS

Local travel agent’s consecutive award wins

MILES Morgan Travel have once again been awarded the prestigious Agent Achievement Award for South West and South Wales – Large Agency for 2017.

Not only does this mark the second consecutive year the travel specialists have won the award, having also won the award in 2016, it also marks the fourth time the company has achieved this accolade since 2012.

Presented at the Agent Achievement Awards in London, the annual award ceremony is run by the trade publication Travel Weekly and recognises the professionalism and marketing and sales produced by travel agencies.

Managing Director, Miles Morgan said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have once again won this award. I’d like to take this moment to thank my staff for all their hard work and brilliant customer service.

Pictured (l to r) Stephen Mulhern, TV presenter, Miles Morgan, MD of Miles Morgan Travel, Mathew Prior, MD Travelopia, Lucy Huxley, Editor-in-Chief of Travel Weekly.

To see their efforts rewarded for the fourth time is wonderful.”

Wells branch manager, Margaret Moulton said: “I’m thrilled to have such an amazing and hard-working team in Wells. This is the award all travel agents aspire to winning so to take the crown is a proud moment for us all.

“I’d like to personally thank all our customers, as without their support we simply couldn’t have won it, thank you!”

Miles Morgan Travel has 15 branches across the South West and South Wales and recently celebrated over ten years of providing excellent customer service and competitive holiday prices.

Details: Visit your local branch or go to www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 45

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Westfield Vets – achieving new standards of care

THE team at Westfield Vets in Wells have celebrated the completion of the latest phase of their practice refurbishment with an open day for all the family.

The entire practice, in the Engine Shed on Westfield Road, has been transformed, creating a new and even more welcoming atmosphere from the moment clients – and their owners – step into the new entrance. As well as a new reception area – there is a separate waiting area for cats and their owners – new kennels, operating theatre and radiography room have been created.

The practice is run by partners Iain Whyte and Charlie Moore and cares for farm animals as well as pets. The farm side of the practice has been rebranded as Westfield Farm Vets to coincide with the refurbishment. The practice has also recently been accredited under the prestigious Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Practice Standard Scheme and now offers keyhole neutering and endoscopic services. It is also awaiting gold standard accreditation Alpacas and other animals were at the open with the day to meet visitors

The mayor of Wells, Councillor John North, prepares to cut the ribbon to open the refurbished practice, watched by his wife, Gail, the mayoress, Charlie and Iain

International Society for Feline Medicine.

Alongside the six vets are seven nurses and a four-strong reception team. In addition to late night openings on Mondays and Thursdays, the team responds to out-of-hours calls themselves.

Charlie said: “The refurbishment has allowed us to create bigger consultation rooms in more of a GP style, with separate consultation desks and examination areas.”

Caring veterinary centre in Wells 01749 673239

westfieldvets@live.co.uk

Thank you to all who made our open day so special!

• Veterinary services for pets and farm animals • A highly-skilled team • 24/7 onsite care • Ample parking Westfield Vets, Westfield Road, Wells, Somerset BA5 2HS. www.westfieldvets.co.uk PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

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BUSINESS

Where there’s a Will there’s a way!

WHAT happens when you expect an inheritance under a Will but you find that all the money has gone elsewhere, say to a charity? Can the Will be challenged?

The answer is “yes” but only by a certain category of individuals and only if they can show that the Will failed to make reasonable financial provision for them.

What a court has to do is to decide whether the outcome of the Will is unreasonable and, if so, what provision would be reasonable. The categories of person who can claim are a spouse or civil partner, a former spouse or civil partner who has not remarried, a person living as cohabitant and a child or someone treated as a child or being financially maintained.

In the case of a surviving spouse/civil partner who has not remarried the court can award such financial provision as is reasonable whether or not the provision is required for the individual’s maintenance.

In respect of all other categories of relationship set out above the court is limited to awarding such sum as is reasonable for an applicant to receive for

his or her maintenance.

By way of example it is not uncommon for individuals who have been providing end-of-life care on a voluntary basis to find themselves having compromised their own financial circumstances yet not being properly provided for in the Will.

That individual can quite properly challenge the Will and if he or she can demonstrate that they were being financially maintained by the deceased up to the point of death then the court has power to award them provision for their maintenance.

However as the courts have such a wide choice as to what to do it is a risky exercise to appeal against the decision of the lower court. In a very recent case the deceased’s Will left nothing to her daughter but everything (£486,000) to 3 charities to which she had no connection during her lifetime. The daughter challenged the Will and was awarded £50,000. She didn’t like that so she appealed and was then awarded £163,000. The charities then appealed and the Supreme Court reversed the

Edward Lyons

decision and the daughter was left with the original award of £50,000 which may well have been wiped out by legal costs.

So beware!

In the hope of trying to reduce the risks of Wills being challenged it is sensible when making a Will to explain the basis for any dispositions which you think could be controversial.

Edward Lyons (Solicitor)

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 OFFICES AT: Chew Magna 01275 332168

Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506

Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 47

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Celebrating 125 years of supporting young people

YMCA Mendip is celebrating 125 years of supporting communities across the whole of Mendip this year. The charity was formed in a coffee shop in Wells back in 1892 by a group of local men who ran prayer groups, Bible study and talks.

Since then, the charity has grown and adapted to the times and now offer a range of services to all young people and communities across Mendip.

To mark this achievement, YMCA Mendip are holding a celebratory event in Wells Cathedral on Saturday, October 21st.

The Very Revd Dr John Davies, Dean of Wells and recent patron of the charity, will be leading the service and they hope to present a vibrant, lively celebration of the work that they do with young people in the community.

Light refreshments will be provided after the service which will give everyone a chance to meet the charity’s staff, volunteers, supporters and some of the young people they have supported.

YMCA Mendip deliver a range of services, with an emphasis on homelessness, housing, youth work provision and information, advice and guidance. They say money raised through fundraising and donations helps to continue their work in creating supportive, inclusive and energising communities and supporting young people so they can truly belong, contribute and thrive.

They are always looking for volunteers to join their friendly teams across Mendip and South Somerset.

Details: Sophie Baulch 01749 679553 www.mendipymca.org.uk

Step back in time for hospice

IT’S all about the 80s at St. Margaret’s Hospice next big fundraising event on Saturday September 16th, the nine-mile St. Margaret’s Hospice Night Walk.

It will follow a circular route from Yeovil Town Football Club, Huish Park, with stunning night-time views over Somerset from Ham Hill, before returning back to the football club. Walkers will be able to enjoy refreshments at the Prince of Wales pub at Ham Hill.

St. Margaret’s events manager, Richard Wallace, said: “As we’re adding an 80s twist to this year’s event, we’re asking our supporters to raise £80 in sponsorship. If everyone achieved this, the money raised could pay for three days of community care across Somerset, supporting patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness.”

Entry is £15 for adults and £10 for children, aged six-16, and includes a T-shirt and medal.

Details: www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk and search ‘night walk’.

PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

Special guest

THE Mid-Somerset Oxfam Group will have Frank Judd, Lord Judd of Portsea, as guest of honour at their open evening on Friday September 8th at Wells and Mendip Museum.

The evening will start at 6.30 for 7pm and is entitled A Conversation with Lord Frank Judd.

Lord Judd’s career includes being a director of Voluntary Services Overseas and a director of Oxfam.

He has been a member of the House of Lords since 1981 and more recently chaired the Middle East Committee of the Inter Parliamentary Union from 2012-15.

The conversation will include his work with the World Health Organisation, his experiences as director of Oxfam and his thoughts on the value of volunteering.

The evening will end with refreshments in the form of tea/coffee and home-made cakes and is expected to end by 9.30pm. Entry is free.

Details: celialacey48@hotmail.com

Wells memory walk

ALZHEIMER`S Society Memory Walks are intended to celebrate loved ones affected by dementia and gather money for the charity’s research and care through sponsorship and entry fees.

Thousands of people are taking part in them across the country.

Last year the first Wells Memory Walk raised £1,032 for the society. This year organisers hope more people will take part and more money will be raised.

The Wells walk will take place on Sunday, September 10th, starting and finishing in the beautiful grounds of the Bishop’s Palace.

The palace gates will open at 9.30am so that registration can be completed and the walk will start at 10am. The walk will be approximately five miles, in and around the city of Wells, and will take roughly two hours to complete.

Details: email wellsmemorywalk@btopenworld.com or go to www.facebook.com/wellsmemorywalk

New shop opens

WESTON Hospicecare has opened its latest shop in the new Borough Mews development in Wedmore.

The charity’s retail director, Gemma Turner, said: “We are delighted to open our newest shop in the centre of the beautiful village of Wedmore. The turn-out at the launch was brilliant, with everyone making us feel very welcome.”

The shop will be open Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm.

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Time to put the kettle on

WHETHER it's about breaking difficult news or sharing memories and laughter, at St. Margaret's Hospice it's often over a cuppa that many important words are shared.

They are asking you to help them by putting the kettle on and making Time for Tea to raise vital funds by inviting your friends, family, colleagues and community together for a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a good old catch up in return for a donation for the hospice.

Last year they raised £10,000 and hope to beat that total this year. Terena Young, fundraiser for Mendip, said: “A home visit by one of our community nurse specialists in Wells costs £100. We’d love for you to join in the fun and help us to fund 150 home visits.

“Our community nurses provide tremendous clinical, emotional and practical support to patients and families. If you can hold a tea party and raise £100 you will make such a difference to the families and patients we care for.”

Invictus star supports charity ball

CHARITIES

INVICTUS athelete Alastair “AJ” Pingram is throwing his support behind a campaign to boost sporting opportunities for disabled people in Somerset, by helping the Leonard Cheshire Disability run care home in Timsbury fundraise for more inclusive sport.

The 40-year old, proud owner of four gold, three silver and one bronze Invictus Games medals, will be a speaker at Greenhill House’s masquerade ball on Saturday September 23rd at the Bath Assembly Rooms.

The care home for adults with physical disabilities hopes to raise £10,000 for more sport for the disabled people it supports.

AJ will be joining Olympic gold medal winning athlete Jason Gardener MBE as one of the special guests at the ball, along with multi-medal winning Paralympian Ben Rushgrove.

The Centenary Masquerade Ball is part of Leonard Cheshire Disability’s celebrations to mark 100 years since the birth of its founder, war hero and global humanitarian Leonard Cheshire.

Details: greenhillevents@leonardcheshire.org or 01761 479902

May fair helps hospice

Details: 0845 345 9671 or email Terena.young@stmargarets-hospice.org.uk

Grants for local groups

SOMERSET Community Foundation (SCF) has allocated more than £18,000 to community groups and projects across Somerset, through the Comic Relief Community Cash fund. A total of 20 grants of £500-£1,000 were given to the projects.

The foundation’s chief executive, Justin Sargent, said: “Local charities and voluntary groups are so important here in Somerset, creating vibrant and inclusive communities and helping those in greatest need. The Comic Relief Community Cash grants really do make a difference to their work, giving them the funding they need to transform people’s lives.”

Those receiving the grants included Ashcott Football Club, £1,000 to improve their pitch and train their volunteer coaches; Growing Roots CIC Mendip and Sedgemoor, £600 for new tools for its therapeutic gardening sessions; Somerset Levels RDA, £1,000 to help buy a new carriage for its disabled members; St. Mary’s Church breakfast club, Frome, £1,000 for a new cooker.

Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk or call 01749 344949

Wells Lions president Paul Clegg presents £1,000 to CHSW’s Kylie Gallagher, watched by club members (from left) Andy Fedrick, Rod Major, Tessa Munt and Ian Burt

WELLS Lions Club has presented £1,000 to Children’s Hospice South West, the proceeds from this year’s May Fair in the city’s Market Place.

The club has supported CHSW since it was founded 25 years ago. Members who visited the hospice at Charlton Farm, near Bristol, were given an emotionally-charge guided tour by staff member Kylie Gallagher and the mother of a young child whose final days were spent in care there.

Club president Paul Clegg said: “Our support for this brilliant charity will continue next year. We’re planning another of our popular concerts at St. Cuthbert’s Church in March, with Bristol Male Voice Choir who will be celebrating their 50th year.

“We’re also planning a charity dinner in partnership with The Swan Hotel, in February. Our target from these special events is £5,000 for Children’s Hospice South West.”

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Closer my god . . .

PEOPLE with a head for heights are being signed up for a charity abseil from the roof of the main tower of one of the most famous churches in Somerset.

The north tower at St Mary’s Church in Bruton stands more than 100 feet high. The church itself dates back to the 12th Century and houses the oldest SOS fundraiser Claudia Titley and Matt bell in the county on the roof of St Mary’s in Bruton. The (1528). town’s historic dovecote is in the The abseil will background take place on Saturday, October 13th and Sunday, October 14th.

Abseilers may well pass the bells whilst they are being run for Sunday morning service!

The challenge will raise money for Shepton Mallet-based charity SOS Africa. The charity, which funds educational projects in South Africa, was founded by Matt Crowcombe, who went to school in Bruton.

Matt and Father Justin Bailey, priest in charge at St Mary’s, will be the first to take on the challenge followed by 200 abseilers of all ages.

Tower of strength

CHURCHWARDEN Juliet Bowell is to spend 150 hours in solitary retreat in the north tower of St Mary’s to help raise funds for new facilities.

The church wants to install toilets and a servery to make it more accessible for community events.

Juliet will climb to the bell ringing room in early September and remain there in silence Juliet Bowell will spend 150 hours in throughout her sponsored retreat. the tower Registration for the event is now open. For details, visit: www.sosafrica.com email info@sosafrica.com or call 01749 344197.

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Charity swim

SOMERLAP’S managing director, Kevin Bond, and his son, George, joined over 1,000 swimmers for the annual Pier to Pier swim for the British Heart Foundation which raised over £100,000 for the charity.

The event was a 1.4 mile open water swim between Boscombe and Bournemouth Pier and although many braved the swim without wetsuits both Kevin and George wisely suited up as the sea was still a fairly chilly 17°C. Kevin said: “Although it was tough going, George and I were keen to complete this challenge whilst raising money for a very worthwhile cause.”

Dave is on the road again

VINTAGE tractor owner Dave Binns, from Cheddar, and his friends are pictured in Priddy on a sponsored run in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

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Chequered flag leads to cheques B u b b le f u n

The presentation to MacMillan Cancer Support

MACMILLAN Cancer Support and Wells Cathedral have both benefited from this year’s successful Mendip Vintage and Classic Car Tour.

Dozens of vehicles were displayed on Cathedral Green at the end of the tour, organised by the Classic and Historic Motor Club. Members of the Wells committee of Macmillan Cancer Support – led by Mark Tobin – raised £648 from donations during the afternoon and the club donated £966.

Roger Dollins, chairman of the Mendip Tour sub-committee said: “We are delighted to have raised such a large amount for this amazing charity, the support they give to cancer patients and their families is truly wonderful. Mark and his team are dedicated to helping create as much money as possible for the charity and worked tirelessly throughout the day, they are a great team.”

The club has also donated £400 to Wells Cathedral as a thank you for allowing the tour to park on the green.

Support for donkey charity

Anthony Head made Janet Parsons' mum's day, as he poses with Janet and her mum Elizabeth, who is nearly 93.

ACTOR, Anthony Head, opened an afternoon tea party and fête at Folly Lane, Stowey to raise funds for the Donkey Sanctuary, which is trying to

NEARLY 600 people took part in Weston Hospicecare’s firstever Bubble Rush, held at Apex Park in Burnham-on-Sea. Following the sound of the horn, the white foam cannons covered runners and walkers alike, giving them a taste of what was to come.

Kelsey Dehaney, who organised the event, said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day, with lots of people having fun, enjoying themselves and raising funds for Weston Hospicecare in the sunshine.”

Details: www.westonhospicecare.org.uk or call 01934 423960

Pictured (l to r) Peter and Jan Bollington, Sarah Fisher, Janet Parsons and Anthony Head

improve the condition of donkeys used in India’s brick industry.

He and his wife, Sarah Fisher, an animal behaviourist, spent the

afternoon at the event, which was organised by Janet Parsons and her family and friends. It raised £802 for the charity.

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A busy autumn ahead for the Mendip Society IT is still "all systems go" as the latest Mendip Society’s programme, covering the last months of this year, is published.

We hope our events and walks continue to ensure that members and visitors alike enjoy what our Mendip Hills have to offer.

Since our last page in July our most exciting occasion was another visit to the dig in Gully Cave, Ebbor Gorge. Professor Danielle Schreve leads this locally and nationally important archaeological research project.

At our AGM in March this year she told us of the progress they had made towards the cave floor last summer and how they were sure there had to be a much lower entrance to the cave for there to have been human habitation there at some time.

This July they started to excavate outside the rocky front on the hillside, painstaking, minute, shifting work and the breakthrough came as our group watched and listened to

The dig

The breakthrough

Danielle bringing us up to date. What a moment – to the surprise and delight of both the team and our members, another entrance was indeed there.

We are proud that the society supports this unique project and now wait impatiently until the next summer’s dig.

Our full programme this October includes activity walks which are part of the Mendip Rocks Festival; we are one of the major sponsors this year. Our experienced walks leaders will take you to many interesting places to show and explain our rich industrial heritage - a part of our history - and our future.

Plans to continue our popular talks programme are taking shape with speakers now being booked for 2018; yes, it really does take a lot of forward planning to make this succeed, and all talk suggestions from readers are welcome.

The work being undertaken by Bristol Water continues to interrupt a stroll down the Strawberry Line but, as we all know, this is necessary work being done which will be for the benefit of all in the future. It has resulted in many walkers and cyclists discovering the existence of our nature reserve, Slader’s Leigh, as they are now routed through it, something about silver linings and clouds springs to mind!

At the moment though it does look as if the line and tunnel will be closed until the work is finished in October/November.

But we did manage to get an exclusive picture of the inside of the tunnel being prepared for the work of laying the pipe.

Talking of nature reserves, our work at Tania's Wood continues with our volunteers creating an interesting place all will soon be able to visit; our Open & Geocaching CITO day will be on Sunday September 24th this year.

A hearty thanks to those of all ages who have spent many hours working through the undergrowth, clearing trees of dead wood etc; if you would like to try your hand at hedge laying we have two tuition days in November on the 19th and 20th.

If this appeals to you, keep an eye on our website www.themendipsociety.org.uk and Facebook page ‘the mendip society’ to find dates of work days and all our other activities and visits, plus there are many more pictures to view.

Richard Frost and Judith Tranter

Details: www.themendipsociety.org.uk or ring 01275 874284/472797.

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Work inside the tunnel

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And it’s goodbye to them

ONE of our summer favourites should be leaving us during September. From many years of watching swallows at Charterhouse, I reckon they will leave somewhere between the 15th and 27th of September. However, it is not unusual for swallows to have one last brood late in the season if the weather is

By CHRIS good.

SPERRING In nature there is always something to MBE learn, and I am constantly reminded of this fact when I’m watching species which are familiar to me. I had one such lesson while watching a late brood of swallows on Mendip a few years ago.

Four chicks were just visible over the lip of a mud nest on a shelf in a wooden shed. Their frantic parents were swooping low over the surrounding fields gathering beaks full of insects to feed their hungry brood, and returning time and time again without a pause. As I watched I became immersed in the action and started to feel quite sorry for these parent birds working tirelessly to feed their family when I knew the enormous journey they had ahead of them in just a few days.

Then, as I watched both parents hunting together in the field in front of me, I heard the chicks shouting from behind me as if they were being fed. As I turned I saw an adult swallow leaving the shed housing the nest. After 20 minutes, and with both parents back at the nest, a third swallow definitely flew into the shed and fed the young. So, I had observed three adults feeding the young!

The observations got very confusing from then on, as more swallows began arriving, perhaps these were birds from more northerly areas on the move south, but whoever they were they also seemed to be lured in by the calling of the hungry chicks.

Heading south: swallows will soon be leaving us

WILDLIFE Now a group of around 15 to 20 swallows were hunting in the field and somewhere in the mix were the parents I had been watching all morning. The adults were creating lots of noise and it seemed that more and more of them were bringing food in for the chicks. This interesting behaviour lasted for around an hour, and then as if it had never happened the other adults were gone, leaving just the parents feeding their young again.

The next day I checked the nest area again and only the parent birds were present, still busily gathering food and feeding their babes. But a few days later I had a call from the landowner who said: “It’s happening again, there’s four adults feeding the babies!”

I rushed over, camera in hand, and sure enough there were four adults taking food to the nest. And once again, within 15 minutes, the extra two were gone.

Co-operation in nature is not a rare thing to witness, and with September being a time of plenty during natures harvest, you could be witnessing similar behaviour. One of the other things to look out for during September, and indeed into the winter months, is mixed flock feeding.

Finches often flock together in groups of mixed species, as do woodland birds like long-tailed tits, which join with others such as blue tit, great tit, treecreeper, goldcrest and others, into flocks which appear to move as one through the trees.

This is a form of inter-species co-operation, whereby each species may be better at finding certain food sources than the others, so ultimately the whole group will benefit. It is also likely that larger groups are better protected from predators with more eyes and ears on the lookout. ● I am leading a number of owl prowls through the autumn, as well as a weekend break in the Gorge Du Verdon in France, photographing and watching some of the best wildlife and scenery in Europe. Please email, phone or text me for more details.

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

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Enjoy wonderful views from Westbury Beacon

ALL these years I have lived and walked on Mendip and I have never been to one of the most spectacular high south-facing viewpoints – Westbury Beacon. So I set out to produce a varied and beautiful circle taking in the beacon. And I wasn’t disappointed – and I don’t think you will be either.

Westbury-sub-Mendip is a gem of a mellow stone village nestling under the hill. It is the start of our circle which climbs quite steeply – so be prepared for

that. I’ve devised a walk that staggers the climb as much as possible. Then, your reward on top, is to go through Open Access Land to the beacon and through nature reserves full of wildflowers and butterflies, according to season. There are the most gorgeous views spanning the Levels and the Severn. All of this is southfacing, so potentially very sunny. Care and possibly a stick are needed on the downhill drop through Stoke Woods Reserve and then enjoy a stop at one of my favourite spots – Shepherd’s Rest seat – which looks down over a grassy valley and woods to Glastonbury Tor. At the end, a small climb takes us up to a sunny ridge, Westclose Hill, with more widespread views. Wrap up warm as it is exposed on top.

PARK: Westbury lies on the A371 Cheddar – Wells road. Turn off by the old stone stepped village cross and find somewhere to park, with consideration for residents.

START: At the Square, a short way up from the old village cross. Take Free Hill leading up out of the Square by the phone box book exchange, passing old cottages and getting a feel of this lovely village.

Turn left when you join Back Lane. Then turn left in Drapple Lane going along the back of the village with fine views.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

1. OLD DITCH Drop down to the hamlet of Old Ditch, and turn left. Go to the end of Drapple Lane; turn right and almost immediately

right again up No Through Longlands which rises. At the Tarmac end go on and just before a gate, go left through a new metal kissing gate. Diagonally cross the field, climbing to another gate and then turn right ascending a grassy track. A gate at the end leads into a field and then the next section is the steepest – head on up, slightly left to a stile and gate above.

Although not marked there are two footpaths here. So bear left across but then turn right up the field (don’t go out to the lane at this point). Cross a stile by a gate and go over to the left side and out onto the lane over a stone stile by a gate.

2. LANE Follow the lane up right. Another lane joins from the right and then reach Broadmead Quarry.

3. QUARRY Climb further. At open land on the left, pass a rusty old gate and then reach a Bristol Gate left (with pedestrian access).

This leads into the Open Access Area, though not marked. Follow the right wall, go between gorse and continue on to a gate in the corner. Soon pick up a grassy track and follow this on, walking between more gorse.

4. WESTBURY BEACON This leads to Westbury Beacon – a corrugated hut and trig point at 272 metres. You can get right up to the hut, to an information board about the history and flora and fauna of Westbury Beacon. The

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hut and nearby concrete structures are relics of the site’s radar testing after the last War and an Early Warning Surveillance during the years of the Cold War – doesn’t look very high tech now!

Go through the small gate by the trig point and on appreciating the panorama that unfolds. I enjoyed a sunny picnic tucked down left by the gorse. Soon see ahead the glider station on the hill and Cheddar Reservoir below. Continue, dropping slightly and leave through a gate in the left corner.

5. RESERVE Now follow a smaller path ahead along the side of the hill in an area of wildflowers and butterflies – Stoke Camp Butterfly Reserve in the care of Butterfly Conservation. Species to look out for include Small Blue, but also Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, the Dingy and Grizzled Skippers, Large Skipper, Wall, Small Heath, the first Meadow Browns and Ringlets. Stoke Camp is an Iron Age hill fort above. Bear down left on the path, leaving the reserve, go through a gate and on down.

At a crossing path by a ruined barn turn left and reach a stile into Rodney Stoke National Nature Reserve.

6. WOODS Take care as you drop quite steeply for a while down through the woods. The path then levels out and comes into a sunny meadow.

7. SEAT On the right is one of my favourite stops – Shepherd’s Rest seat which has been welcoming walkers for over 14 years. This sheltered spot has great views ahead to Glastonbury Tor. Drop down the meadow to the bottom right corner by a house.

Cross onto a small path onto a drive. Then

5.3 miles, about 3.5 hours walking.

OS Explorer Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West, 141. grid ref 501489

turn right on Scadden’s Lane and follow it all the way into Rodney Stoke and the main road.

8. RODNEY STOKE The village is one of 31 Thankful Villages in the country, where all those from the village who served in WW1 returned alive.

Cross and follow the village lane straight on. Take the first left, Millway, all the way to the end and the A371 main road.

9. MAIN ROAD Cross carefully and go up the lane opposite. This is a modest uphill stretch of

about a quarter of a mile, passing the camping field of Bucklegrove. Look for a stile tucked into the hedge on the right.

10. HILL Once over the stile, head straight across the field (not up left) to one of several old stone slab stiles on this next section on Westclose Hill. You are now on the Samaritans Way long distance path, a 100-mile route from Bristol to the North Devon Coast in aid of the Samaritans’ charity. Keep straight on along the ridge of the hill with outstanding views all the way. Eventually start to see the edge of Westbury-sub-Mendip below left and ahead and come to a well-sited seat near the end of the hill. Go on a little and then bear down right to a stile tucked into the hedge.

11. HOLLOW LANE Cross onto The Hollow lane. Go left and this returns you to the village near the Square.

In Westbury on the main road, along to the left a short way, is the Westbury Inn. Westbury Inn, under new management and refurbished. Open all day every day. Tel: 01749 870875.

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OUTDOORS

Getting ready for autumn MY fears of a scorching hot summer, with out-ofcontrol wild fires now seems a little far-fetched. On the continent however With LES the story seems to DAVIES MBE have been very much different, with high temperatures and dry conditions causing catastrophic fires.

Maybe it’s just as well it’s raining here!

There have been warm and sunny periods that make me think there is some hope after all for a “summer”. At the time of writing this month’s column, however, the jet stream seems to be well below us, dragging in all that wetter cooler air. Is this August or November?

It was a great July for me, with the annual visit by students from the University of Georgia (UGA) in the States. I was always told that time spent on reconnaissance is time well spent and that came true again with the preparations I made last month.

Here in the UK for three weeks, they start with London and Cambridge before experiencing the West Country. This year it was a two-night stop at Fernhill Farm, the home of Andy Wear and Jen Hunter and their site of sustainable enterprise.

The students experienced at first hand Andy’s enthusiasm for his shepherding and way of life on Mendip.

Thanks to Garth Clark, the managing director of Holt farms Ltd (Yeo Valley’s farms) they learnt about the sustainability of organics and how it suited the style of farming that Yeo Valley have chosen to follow. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, AONB, was not left out either, as manager, Jim Hardcastle, explained the way in which care, tact and consideration was needed to maintain the balance between the landscape, visitors and the rural economy.

It must be remembered that for someone who does not hold a passport, any movement outside the West Country is a big adventure! Having thrown away my map that shows only the “known world” of Somerset, with “Here be Dragons” written on the blank space around it, I now find that Mendip has a lot of links with other parts of the UK. I have already mentioned the similarity in geology with the Peak District and the

lead mining that took place in both areas.

Another family connection is there for me: Bakewell was where my late Uncle Dennis lodged when he first moved up to the Peak District to work on a farm high on the Snake Pass.

When I walked into the local pub at Monsal Head near Bakewell, where I had been able to get some local knowledge on my last visit, I had only to say a few words before being greeted with a sideways look and the comment “You were in here a few weeks back weren’t you”… heck, they know who I am and probably where I live!

August started the return to autumn for Mendip. Already I notice the later daylight in the mornings and the closingin of the evenings. Mendip always goes into autumn earlier and arrives in spring later than the rest of the “world”. Higher altitude and a tendency to pick up more rain than most places East of Exmoor, mean this limestone plateau has a climate all of its own.

Time now to check out your walking kit and make sure it’s waterproof and fit for purpose. You may well have had ample opportunity to do that already! I try to waterproof my coat each year and with modern proofing it’s so easy to do in the washing machine. As always, the “Devil” is in the detail, so it’s the contents of my rucksack that also come under scrutiny.

Things to check are: mat to sit on; firstaid kit; high-vis waistcoat; small pair of binoculars for picking out that elusive stile that hides in the hedgerow across the field and finally the means of keeping body, soul and moral together – something to carry food in.

My hot drink flask has had a bit of a “kicking” but is still doing the job it was designed to do, keeping my tea hot. No longer do I have to throw away my flask

after I have dropped it and turned it into a mix of shattered glass and tea that sounds like an iced cocktail when it’s shaken.

The sandwich container is no longer a tin box with the word Sandwiches stamped in relief on the lid, just in case I had forgotten what was inside. As a child, I remember the “day out” kit was stored in the larder at home and the sandwich box was just as described. It was in those classic 1950s colours of cream and light green, with a wire bolt closure on the lid.

The hot drink flask was a real Thermos coloured cream with two red bands around the base. No screw-top closure, just a cork with a Bakelite top to keep the contents hot. To have broken it would have committed the greatest of errors. It was carried well wrapped up and with more care than the transit of NitroGlycerine.

They would both be worth some money now but the going of them is lost in the mist of my memory. This just goes to reinforce my belief that nothing should be thrown away and all that stuff in my shed is just a resource waiting to be relocated!

As for the students from UGA, my week with them was far too short! We shared the sights of the Peak District, the story of the Brontes in the Pennines and the wonders of the Lake District. For them it was a time they will remember forever, a time in which they forged new friendships. They learnt it was all right to take time out and look at what was around them.

They loved Mendip together with everything else they saw and experienced in our country. My photo this time shows some of them exhausted and “crashed out” on the summit of Loughrigg Fell in the Lakes. Totally immersed in the landscape they have wandered, not lonely but as a crowd! Please note that those are not my knees!

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

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Bulbs light up spring gardens

YOU may have noticed that the garden centres have already started moving things around to make way for their Christmas decorations but before you start thinking about the “C” word it is time to think beyond Christmas to next spring and the value of spring bulbs in the garden.

With MARY Spring flowering bulbs light up the garden PAYNE MBE in spring before nearly all other plants have awoken from their winter slumbers. Even the national press seems to get excited about the first snowdrop, especially when it appears in November and attribute its appearance to whatever weather has been around.

They seem completely oblivious to the fact that there are snowdrops that naturally flower in the autumn.

So, with thoughts of spring now is the ideal time to decide what bulbs you are going to plant. Every year the range seems to increase and so the job of deciding becomes more challenging.

The colourful packets adorning garden centre shelves are very tempting, but let’s try to make some order out of the chaos.

Tulips can give us real “wow” factor from their vibrant colours but the majority do not repeat flower reliably and for the best show need to be replanted each year. Tulips can provide a succession of colour from March through to late May by careful choice of varieties.

The dwarfer, early flowering types, are ideal for the rock garden or for growing in shallow pans for display. Take care to choose shorter growing types if your garden is prone to wind. I tend to favour the later flowering types as they look good all the time they are coming into bloom, but as soon as the flowers fade the foliage is not a pretty sight.

The most popular tulip in the world is the elegant orange lilyflowered ‘Ballerina’ which is also highly scented, closely followed by the white and green flowered Viridiflora tulip ‘Spring Green’.

The favourite meal of badgers is a good feed on tulip bulbs.

They will dig them up from the ground or from pots. To help prevent this, try dusting the bulbs heavily, before planting, with hot chilli powder or flakes. The smell will hopefully mask that of those tasty bulbs, and if they do try one they may decide that this is not a good plan!

The Dutch may have the majority of the tulip growing market but the English grow daffodil bulbs in East Anglia and in Cornwall. Ron Scamp in Cornwall is one of the country’s most revered breeders and a browse at his website will show you why – £12 for one bulb is not uncommon, but you will have something to show off about when they bloom.

Daffodils and narcissus are ideal for permanent planting where they will increase and come up for many years. They range from those with large trumpets, through to the small species types and offer us flower from January through to May. If you wish to plant them in rough grass then I suggest you go for those in the Cyclamineus Group.

These have slightly swept-back outer petals giving them a windswept appearance and look more natural than the over-large trumpet type. They are also shorter in stature so less prone to flopping over. ‘Jack Snipe’ (white outer petals/yellow inners) and ‘Jet Fire’ (yellow outers/orange inners) and ‘February Gold’ (yellow inners and outers) all belong to this group.

If planting daffodils in lawn grass take care to choose early flowering types. The leaves must be left for 6-8 weeks after the PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

Tulip Princess Irene

flowers have faded before they can be cut off. This means that if you choose a late flowering narcissus, such as the May flowering ‘Pheasant Eye’ it will be late July before the foliage can be mown off.

If you are tempted to try naturalising our native narcissus, you need to be aware that they are reluctant to establish and flower well in their early years.

The snake’s head fritillary makes a charming addition to a rough grass area that has been mown down in the autumn. The tiny bulbs must be planted immediately on arrival and preferably before the end of September as they are very prone to desiccation.

For best effect, they ought to be planted at approx. 100 per square metre but if you have patience they will spread themselves provided the seeds are allowed to ripen before cutting.

Ornamental onions (Alliums) are the “new kids on the block” and the range has increased dramatically over recent years, along with their versatility as a garden plant. They can be used in formal situations as “bobs” through a border between herbaceous perennials or shrubs, but they also adapt well to being grown in a meadow-style situation.

Their one drawback is that by the time they are in bloom their leaves are looking decidedly ugly so growing them in grass helps hide the foliage. Alternatively, the leaves can be cut off as, unlike narcissus and tulips, they have done their job early before the flowers appear.

The pale lilac Crocus tomasinianus is often the first to bloom, but can become a nuisance in borders due to its prolific seeding qualities and is better used in grass. For a similar effect try the reputedly steerile ‘Ruby Giant’ although it will not bulk up very quickly.

The large-flowered Dutch crocus make an attractive edging to a border. The yellow flowered ones are often attacked by sparrows so I usually go for the plain purple ‘Flower Record’, or the purple/white striped ‘Pickwick’. The smaller flowered Crocus chrysanthus varieties are ideal for a rock or gravel garden and come in a range of colours with and without stripes.

My trade supplier informs me that the bulb crop is not brilliant this year due to the dry April, but I am sure there will be enough for us to make a good show and give us something to look forward to next spring.

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GARDENING

SEPTEMBER GARDEN TIPS

● September is the beginning of the traditional autumn planting season and is in fact the best time to plant hardy plants. The soil is moist and warm and plants soon get established now, so get out your spades and get planting! ● Cut back earlier flowering herbaceous perennials close to ground level unless they produce attractive seed heads. ● Check roses regularly for black spot and rust fungal diseases. Remove and burn infected leaves and continue regular sprays of fungicide. ● Remove the leading shoot when your greenhouse tomatoes have set five trusses of fruit. This will encourage all the fruit to ripen before late autumn. Regular feeding with a tomato feed will help and also makes the fruit tastier! ● Clean out nesting boxes and give your bird table a good scrub before the main bird feeding season gets underway. ● Make the first sowing of Vaila – Winter Gem Lettuce now.

This greenhouse variety can be grown to produce tasty salads right through the winter if sown regularly and given a little heat. ● Plant spring cabbages in well-prepared soil. Space them 30cm (1ft) apart. Apply a fertiliser that has low nitrogen content, the nitrogen can be added in the New Year. ● Lift root crops such as carrots and beetroot this month and store them in a frost-free place. Bury them in boxes filled with damp sand and keep them in a cool building such as the garage. Setting a mousetrap or two nearby might be a sensible precaution.

Courtesy Cleeve Nursery

Flower power

Everything for your Autumn Garden!

Timberwork Buildings Bespoke buildings to suit you

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

THE Cheddar Flower Power Club was formed in 1975 and currently has 37 members. They meet once a month in Cheddar Village Hall for demonstrations, talks and practical evenings.

The photographs show the club’s tea and craft event held at the hall, which raised £400 to support the on-going programme of hall renovations. They welcome new members.

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

We also do: Chicken Houses Dog Kennels • Bin & Log Stores

Some committee members sampling the tea and cakes

Details: Sue Adams 01934 842323

YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT US AND SEE OUR SHOW MODELS – OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 59

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NAILSEA PATIO SUPPLIES

The ultimate one-stop Garden Shop

Paving slabs, building materials, fencing, aggregates, DIY and hardware, water gardening and garden centre.

Calor gas 7 days a week

Nailsea Patio Supplies are proud to support

The Coalyard, Station Close, Backwell, BS48 1TJ Contact us – Tel: 01275 851706

All aspects of tree work undertaken Tel: 07738 678874 Email: chris@tree-surgery-somerset.com PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH

Broomclose, Porlock

THIS is a large varied garden set around a turn-of-thecentury Arts and Crafts house set in an elevated position against ancient woodland and facing out to the sea and Porlock Vale. The garden has a period atmosphere with original stone terraces, garden rooms and secret areas with surprises.

Many notable gardeners have settled in the Porlock Weir area owing to its maritime climate which favours unusual sub-tropical trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.

The garden here has been nurtured by plantsmen and women over several generations. Plants of special interest include drimys, a rare heptacodium miconoiides, pittosporum tobira, eucryphia, myrtles and a delightful collection of camellias and rhododendrons.

Shrubs and trees grow to an unusual size and include a gigantic amelanchier. The present owners have developed the herbaceous collection and agapanthus. Salvias and roses now feature adding colour and vibrancy to the borders.

NGS opening details: Saturday September 9th and Sunday September 10th, between 1pm and 5pm, Admission: £4, children free.

Contact Information: David and Nicky Ramsay, 01643 862078 davidjamesramsay@gmail.com Address and Postcode: Porlock, Minehead TA24 8NU. Other Gardens Open for the NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres.

Or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk

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Yatton Flower Show

Plants were also on sale

YATTON and District Horticultural Society’s show was well supported, with various stalls outside the village hall, as well as fine displays inside it.

Admiring the vegetables . . .

GARDENING

Get help with your garden

A skilled landscape gardener offers far more than mere watering and weeding, the services they offer are many and varied. A hard-working and reliable landscape gardening team can do the jobs you can’t/don’t want to do/don’t have time to do, freeing you up to enjoy your garden more.

Local man Gary McAllister and his wife Lisa can help do just that. Their landscape gardening expertise of over 30 years covers a range of tasks including maintaining/tidying beds and borders, pruning plants, roses and climbers, lawn mowing, lawncare and hedge-cutting either as a one-off service or on a regular basis to transform and rejuvenate your garden.

Whatever the size of your garden Gary and Lisa can offer help. They also undertake conservation work, fencing, traditional hedge laying, pond design and construction, together with making pergolas and wooden structures.

So, if you want your garden to be restored to order, or even undergo a complete redesign, call Gary or Lisa on 01934 862 752 or 07966 265023.

GARY McALLISTER Telephone: 01934 862752 • 07966 265023

. . . and the blooms

Clevedon Ukelele Strummers provided entertainment

Landscaping – Garden Maintenance Fencing Services Pond Design & Construction Conservation Work Traditional Hedgelaying Pergolas and Wooden Structures MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 61

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Get cracking with garden improvements

Vegetables popular

IF you felt your garden lacked lustre this summer now is the time to think about changes for next year.

Garden designer and tutor Christine Pritchard is running a number of short courses to suit enthusiastic new gardeners with the first starting this November. You can choose to redesign your whole garden or learn more about putting plants together in your borders. You can even learn how to illustrate your garden plans.

There are three venues to choose from: Stoke Lodge in Bristol, the Somer Valley Campus (formerly Norton Radstock College) and Dillington House near Ilminster. The Stoke Lodge courses are available on Wednesdays or Saturdays and the Somer Valley Campus courses take place in the evenings.

The Dillington House dates will be in June.

New for 2018 is a two-day course at Stoke Lodge that will examine the effects that climate change may have on the way we garden and the plants we grow.

You don’t need to be a knowledgeable gardener or fluent in Latin to enjoy these informal courses.

Garden Design • Planting Schemes • Horticultural Consultancy Courses in Gardening and Garden Design www.christinepritchard.co.uk • info@christinepritchard.co.uk tel: 01761 221166 • mobile: 07966 172282

MORE than 400 people enjoyed themselves at Nailsea Flower Show, where there were splendid displays in all categories and plenty of entertainments and refreshments.

Numbers of entries were more than last year due particularly to an almost 50% increase in the number of vegetable entries. All exhibitors helped to make sure that high standards were met and there was good friendly competition in all classes.

In the horticultural classes judges were particularly impressed by Jeff Williams’ shallots, Mike Sheppard’s gladioli and roses and Jeff Withers’ pot plants. Sue Irwin excelled in the cookery classes, winning an award for best exhibit and the trophies for most points in that section.

The prize for most points in the horticultural classes was won by Cyndy Sallnow.

Lots of volunteers joined in to help the society make the show a very enjoyable experience for everyone.

Frome’s favourite tree!

FROME Town Council is on a quest to find the community’s favourite tree ahead of the launch of a Tree Charter in November.

Cara Naden, the council’s community projects officer, said: “The Tree Charter aims to protect trees and woods, preserve habitats for diverse species and plant for the future. We love our town and all its natural charms, it’s important trees aren’t forgotten about. This is a chance to champion a tree you love. With so many trees to choose from, how do you pick just one?”

People are being asked to send in a photo of their favourite tree, where it is and why it is special. A shortlist will be drawn up at the end of September and a public vote will take place to choose the town’s overall favourite tree. ● Send details of your favourite tree by email to: info@frometowncoucil.gov.uk hashtag #FromeFavouriteTree on Twitter or Instagram or take your photo into the town hall.

PERFECT PAVE

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

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

Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

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A v i l l a g e s ho w f o r v i l l a g e pe o pl e VISITORS were very welcome indeed, but entries for the annual Compton Dundon and Littleton Village Show in the Meadway Hall were – as usual – restricted to local residents.

The organisers believe in keeping the event local to display the skills of villagers to their best advantage and entries must be grown, or handicrafts made, by the exhibitors themselves.

Karen Blixen’s entry in the “book title” flower arrangement class: Out of Africa

GARDENING

(l:r) Kathy Chiffers, Lloyd Harrison and Fay Ridgill, three members of the organising committee. Kathy took best in show in the handicraft classes for her sampler quilt which celebrated the Underground Railroad, a secret network in the United States which helped slaves escape

Mary Burt won best in show for flowers for her dahlias

Les Taylor, with his best in show vegetables

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NURSERY

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

COME AND SEE OUR FINE RANGE OF HOUSE PLANTS, SHRUBS, PERENNIALS AND CLIMBERS

Lots of Autumn/Winter flowering plants and Spring Bulbs.

Plus our full range of Perennials,Shrubs and Trees.

VISIT OUR MASBURYS CAFÉ – 01749 84115 Full menu of home cooked food available, 7 days a week Breakfast, Lunch & Afternoon Tea • Now serving Roast lunches every Sunday. Only £8.50 for 1 course or £10.00 for 2

See our website for more details: rockymountainnurseries.co.uk

ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 63

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GARDENING

S

afe secure and very, very strong with a Colourfence you really can put an end to your fencing problems. Tried, tested and trusted across the UK, Colourfence is guaranteed† to last. Unlike wooden fences once installed you don’t need to worry about costly, time consuming maintenance.

You need not paint it, you won’t ever patch it, and it will stand fi rm in the worst of the weather. Your fence looks after itself so you can look after (and enjoy) your garden.

Installed by highly trained specialists, once your Colourfence is up, it really stays up offer you a lifetime of hassle-free enjoyment of your garden. Visit www.colourfencesouthbristol.co.uk in for more information or simply call number below to arrange a FREE no obligation site visit.

Bristol South District Tel. 0117 214 1201 Clevedon, Tickenham, Portishead, Nailsea, Backwell, Long Ashton, Pill, Failand Tel. 01275 277211 Shepton Mallet, Wells Tel. 01749 321066 Weston Super Mare, Yatton, Congresbury, Cheddar, Axbridge Tel. 01934 235591 Temple Cloud, Blagdon Tel. 01761 202411 PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

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The search for Mendip’s mineral wealth THE Mendip plateau is covered with pits and depressions, although over the years agricultural activity has resulted in many of them With PHILIP being levelled. Some HENDY are natural, others are the result of mining activity.

The natural sinkholes occur when surface water, collecting on an impervious surface, manages to find a weakness in the underlying rock, usually a fault or joint in the limestone. It then works its way underground, slowly dissolving the surrounding rock, and carrying with it soil and clay, until a depression is formed.

Very few are the result of the collapse of an underlying cave, although Sandpit Hole, south-east of Priddy, is one example.

The mining depressions can usually be recognised by the mound of spoil adjacent to or surrounding them, and sometimes by the presence of a ginged shaft. Mendip mining started as a series of surface pits, often joining to form a long and sometimes deep rake. Only later did the miners sink shafts, to reach the ore deposits at lower levels.

They were stopped at last when they reached the water table, and attempts to pump the water out or divert it to swallet caves failed.

It is perhaps surprising that no attempt was made to drive adits from the hillsides, to intercept and drain the water at depth. It was suggested by John Billingsley in the late 18th century that a tunnel driven from Compton Martin in the north to Wookey Hole in the south would drain the mines and incidentally locate deep ore bodies, but the idea came to nothing.

There are in fact three horizontal adits under the hill, although one of them, West Twin Brook adit at Burrington, was driven in the 1940s by Axbridge Rural District Council to try to tap the water believed to be held in the sandstone of Blackdown. It is 290 metres long, but only a limited flow of water resulted and the source was abandoned when the outlet pipes were destroyed by the 1968 flood.

Dolebury Levvy

The other two tunnels were driven in 1830, not to try to drain the mines, but to search for ore. They are known as levvys, the Mendip miner’s term for a horizontal drift. Dolebury Levvy was dug by Dr. Benjamin Somers searching for lead ore, galena, under Dolebury. It was said by Mr. Benjamin E. Somers, his grandson, that in fact the search was for haematite.

The interior of the Iron Age hill fort of Dolebury has been dug over many times by miners, and possibly by treasure hunters, as John Leland, the antiquary, quoted an old saying in his Itinerary: ‘If Dolbyri dyggyd ware, Of Gold shud be the Share’. This probably alludes to mineral wealth rather than ancient hoards.

In fact, much ochre was dug from the hill, together with manganese, and some lead and zinc. The Rev. Skinner, another antiquary, reported in 1830 that Dolebury Levvy was 50 yards long, but it is in fact 184 feet (56 metres) long, a roomy horizontal passage. It was dug in six months by six miners, who were each paid 9 shillings per week (£0.45).

Only a thin vein of lead ore was found; it was never worked. In the 1860s to 1870s there was much activity on the hill, with ochre being raised, and washed in an oblong walled enclosure in the valley bottom below Rowberrow Church.

Later the levvy was blocked to prevent poachers looking for rabbits, but was reopened by B.E. Somers in 1904, but again, it was not worked. Later, during the second World War, it was used by an auxiliary unit of the Home Guard.

Also in 1830, Mr. Webster drove Sandford Levvy in the north side of

CAVING

Sandford Hill. It connected with a mine sunk from above, and cavers are trying to reopen the blocked shaft from above, and below, which is a nerve-wracking task.

This levvy is 608 metres long, and has two side passages. At the first, the left branch leads towards the mine above it, while to the right is an ascending mined passage.

Further on, at the Second Crossroads, the passage intercepts a high ascending natural rift on the right, a 13-metre aven thought at one time to be the Gulf, a legendary shaft supposed to be 73 metres deep. It was mentioned by John Rutter in his Delineations of N.W. Somerset published in 1829. The precise location of the Gulf, if indeed it exists, has never been established.

The left-hand passage is partly natural, dropping to a three-metre pit with a short passage in the opposite wall. The main passage ends abruptly at a blank wall from which there is a seepage of water.

A good vein of lead ore was reportedly found by the miners, but it came to nothing – it appears that the Sandford mineral veins do not penetrate to any great depth. Like Dolebury Levvy, the Sandford adit was also used by an auxiliary unit, and the first part of the mine was paved with flagstones. At one time, traces of rotten linoleum could be seen, but the purpose of this is unknown.

The levvys have little caving potential, but are interesting for historical reasons.

They are not very challenging, but provide an insight into the lengths the miners went to in the search for mineral wealth.

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

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 65

(Photograph by Phil Hendy)

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C o m f o r t a b l e re t i re m e n t h o m e s BLAKE Court in Bridgwater is a development of spacious and comfortable, low maintenance retirement apartments which are available to view now. This contemporary building is located within an easy level walk of the town centre and has the convenience of a bus stop in front of the development.

Bridgwater is a great location for you to enjoy your retirement – a historic market town with striking architecture, offering a range of amenities including several supermarkets, a pharmacy, Post Office, dentist, coffee shop and doctor’s surgery are all within 0.5 miles of the development.

Throughout the year in the town and surrounding area, there are a number of events including the world-renowned Bridgwater Carnival. There's a mainline train station with access to Bristol, London and beyond. The area also has a range of beautiful scenery for walks including the Quantock Hills and Somerset coastline.

Blake Court is located opposite Kings Square, a war memorial set in a delightful

PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

landscaped garden with seating around to enjoy. You’ll feel at home in your beautiful new apartment in next to no time. It’s easy to relax knowing there’s a house manager on hand during the day – a friendly face who’ll be around to offer you help and support.

Best of all, you’ll have no worries about external maintenance, window cleaning or energy costs for communal

areas, as they take care of all of that for you. It’s all budgeted for in a simple to understand service charge. And when it comes to the beautifully landscaped garden, you can sit back and enjoy it without having to lift a finger.

They are over 50% sold out at Blake Court, so do make an appointment soon to avoid disappointment. Call 0800 882 114 for more information.

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PROPERTY

Historic cottage for sale POORACRE in Blagdon has just come onto the market for the first time in over 100 years. The family selling the property remember happy days when great grandfather Frederick Watts and his wife lived there with their five daughters.

The eldest inherited the property from her parents – the current owner’s grandma.

Hilda married and pursued an active

village life with a smallholding of chickens, sheep and a few bullocks. She sold hen and geese eggs at the door and was a pillar of the WI. The current owner’s mother moved to the village in the 1980s and extended and modernised the house, she was an avid historian and craft maker.

Although Pooracre has been extended it still retains its character, with a stone inglenook fireplace in the sitting room, meat hooks in the ceiling and two staircases to the first floor. The windows along the front elevation have been replaced and there is gas fired central heating.

On the ground floor you enter the property at the rear into a large full-height garden room, complete with well and doors, with French doors into the sitting room and a door into the kitchen. Off the garden room is a large studio room which opens onto the garden. In addition, on the ground floor there is a shower and cloak room, side hall and study. The two

staircases rise to the first floor where there are three bedrooms and a bathroom.

Externally the property is approached from Bath Road up a drive to the side leading up the side and to the rear of the garden and house. Beside the drive is a wide area with several outbuildings and it then opens into a larger space which has been known as the orchard.

The orchard leads out into the fields at the rear. There is also access from Score Lane into the field. In all it amounts to two acres.

For more information about the property contact David James & Partners (dj&p) 01934 864300

W

NE

Guide Price £750,000

LOXTON West Mendips DETACHED HOUSE IN GLORIOUS POSITION WITH 10 ACRES! An interes'ng ¾ bedroom house in super rural loca'on with stunning southerly views. Located up a private drive with large gardens, orchard, stables, agricultural building and land. The interior has an ‘arts and cra s’ atmosphere with high ceilings and large windows taking full advantage of the posi'on. EPC: G Ref: 25397

W

Guide Price £600,000

Blagdon Chew Valley DETACHED HOUSE WITH 2.58 ACRES! Period co(age close to the centre of the village, ¾ bedrooms, si)ng room with inglenook, snug, two staircases, kitchen, shower and bathroom. Large garden room and studio. Some modernisa'on required. Private drive, garden, orchard and land amoun'ng to 2.58 acres in all, addi'onal access from Score Lane. EPC: D Ref: 25270

W

NE

W

NE

Guide Price £265,000 (New)

Blagdon North Somerset MEWS STYLE 3 BED COTTAGE Super three bedroom ‘mews style’ modern co(age located in a cul de sac, a short walk from the school and pub. Beau'fully presented interior with oak floors, double glazing and gas fired central hea'ng.

Rear garden, parking and garage. Epc: C Ref: 24930

Guide Price £375,000

Wrington Village COME AND VIEW THE SPACE AND QUALITY! Superb brand new ‘mews’ style house in the heart of the village.

Stunning and spacious interior of some 1500 sq . Three double bedrooms, large si)ng room, kitchen and dining room with superb fi)ngs, fully fi(ed u'lity, cloaks, bathroom and en suite. Garden and parking. Ref: 24751 EPC A

NE

Guide Price £495,000

Portbury Nr Bristol UNUSUAL DETACHED 4 BED BUNGALOW Detached bungalow with versa'le interior on half acre plot. Four bedrooms, si)ng room, 30’ kitchen and dining room. Two shower rooms, contemporary fi)ngs, quadruple garage and storage, open views and private drive with plenty of parking. EPC D. Ref: 5200

Guide Price £385,000

Hinton Blewett Chew Valley FOUR BEDROOM DETACHED HOUSE IN RURAL VILLAGE Excellent value equidistant Bristol and Bath in quiet village in Chew Valley School catchment. A detached four bedroom house. Si)ng room, dining room, kitchen, conservatory, bathroom, cloaks and en suite. Former double garage and parking, sheltered secure garden.

Some upda'ng required. EPC: D Ref: 25415

Wrington 01934 864300 MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 67

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It’s a buyers’ market

• TREE SURGERY • GUTTER FASCIAS AND WINDOW CLEANING • CHIMNEY LINERS • SECURITY LIGHTING • ROOF REPAIRS

We’ve got it covered

PROPERTY

SALES activity across the South West continues to grow despite stock levels being at almost record lows, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

It says sales across the region remained positive with 19% more respondents reporting a rise in sales, instead of a fall.

Despite the current strength in the market, anecdotal evidence suggests the current political climate and the impact of stamp duty levy tax changes keep the outlook uncertain.

New buyer enquiries also increased with 20% more respondents reporting a rise in interest. However, new instructions remain relatively flat consequently leading to stock levels on estate agents’ books remaining close to record lows limiting choice for potential home buyers.

In July, the South West price growth gauge picked up to +31% from +24%, signalling prices continue to rise across the region. In contrast, the national figure slipped from +7% to +1% and represents the softest reading since early 2013.

In an extra question, contributors to the July survey reported on sales prices in comparison to their asking price. Nationally, homes at the top end of the market (those listed at more than £1million) saw the greatest deviation in agreed prices, with 68% of respondents reporting sales prices coming in below the asking price.

Whilst this is not uncommon in a flatter market, 33% of respondents said the agreed price was up to 5% below the asking price and 26% reported between 5% and 10% under.

Mendip Times Distribution Points

Mendip Times is available from over 900 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 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 MARTIN CONGRESBURY COXLEY CRANMORE CROSCOMBE CROSS DITCHEAT DOULTING DRAYCOTT DUNDRY EAST HARPTREE EASTON EMBOROUGH EVERCREECH FARMBOROUGH FARRINGTON GURNEY FAULKLAND FELTON FROME GLASTONBURY GREEN ORE GURNEY SLADE HALLATROW

PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

HIGH LITTLETON HINTON BLEWETT HOLCOMBE HUNSTRETE HUTTON KEINTON MANDEVILLE KILMERSDON LANGFORD LEIGH on MENDIP LITTON LOCKING 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

= Mendip Times Distribution area 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 WOOKEY WOOKEY HOLE WRAXALL WRINGTON WRITHLINGTON YATTON

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Sounds of summer at Extravaganza

FRAIL, but fantastic was how one music critic described Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson on his farewell tour, aged 75.

The musical icon and his band performed the entire 1960s Pet Sounds album plus many other Beach Boys classics when they headlined this year’s Glastonbury Extravaganza as part of the tour.

And it didn’t take long before hundreds were on their feet dancing and singing along.

The extravaganza – now in its 21st year – had opened with the Black Dyke Brass Band and continued with British singer, songwriter and guitarist Corinne Bailey Rae, who had also appeared on the Acoustic Stage at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

Family fun near the front of the stage

The Beach Boys hits were infectious

Thousands of fans gathered to see Brian Wilson and his band for possibly the last time

One of the songs on Pet Sounds is “I wasn’t made for these times” – these youngsters might disagree

Photography by Mark Adler

PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

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GLASTONBURY EXTRAVAGANZA 2017

Corinne Bailey Rae; the singer said it was a privilege to be supporting Brian Wilson

All the way from the USA

Surf’s up at the front of the stage

Picnic time with the Abbey ruins in the background

Can we have our beach ball back, please?

Brian Wilson – his charisma remains as strong as ever

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 71

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What next after GCSEs? Make the right choice with Strode STRODE College in Street is inviting year 11 pupils to visit the college on Thursday, October 17th, 6-8.30pm, and Thursday, November 16th, 68.30pm, to find out what makes an Ofsted Outstanding sixth form experience.

Young people who are in their final year of school should now be thinking about what and where to study after their GCSEs. Making the right choice is important as this will help to shape their future success.

They can be confident that if they choose to progress to Strode College in Street to study A Levels or a vocational course, or to train as an apprentice, they will thrive, reach their full potential and go on to achieve their university and career ambitions.

Strode College specialises in sixth form education for 16-18-year-olds, with specialist teaching, resources, facilities and social opportunities.

With so many courses available, school leavers can find the right course and a mix of subjects to suit their future ambitions.

Strode also offers quality and affordable university-level courses,

including degrees, foundation degrees, higher national diplomas, higher national certificates and higher level professional qualifications, as well as hundreds of part-time courses for adults.

Details: For more information on the open evenings and opportunities available at Strode College call 01458 844400 or visit the website www.strode-college.ac.uk

PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

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EDUCATION

Exclusive Children’s Day Nursery

Baby room - Nursery - Pre-school - Forest School

Wells Road Latcham Wedmore BS28 4SA

01934 713527

www.littleowlschildcare.com

Yoga - French Music & Dance Cookery Gardening

Ofsted - Staff support children's emotional wellbeing extremely well and have a very good knowledge of their individual needs, positively supporting children's learning with effective modelling and questioning

Support for Frome College

THIS year has been a phenomenal year for Frome college students. Thanks to the amazing support of the local community, as well as businesses far and wide, all of their year 10 students received work experience placements.

Students covered a wide variety of roles for the week from leisure assistants to stable hands at local equestrian centres and even assisting local political parties. As varied as the placements were, so were the locations with

Award winning Children’s Day Nursery

students covering the length and breadth of the UK and one even heading to France to gain specialist Barista and baking skills.

The college says work experience is a major part in all students’ academic journey but it’s wonderful to note that it has also become a key highlight of local industry calendars. They would like to thank all of the community organisations that gave up their time to support this year’s work experience.

Details: If you are keen to get involved in future work experience or other Frome College Employability activities send an email to nextsteps@fromecollege.org

Outstanding childcare

Baby room - Nursery - Pre-school - Forest School

The Royal Bath & West Showground Shepton Mallet BA4 6QL

01749 346808

www.nextstepschildcare.com

Yoga • French Music & Dance Cookery Gardening

Ofsted inspection rated our "Contribution of the Early Years Provision to the well-being of the children" as Outstanding

Next Steps Childcare Centre and its forest school are located at The Royal Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, offering outstanding childcare from birth to five years from 8am until 6pm. Next Steps is sited in 240 acres of beautiful countryside within the boundaries of the showground. This award-winning day nursery offers superb age appropriate facilities in a safe and caring environment, with a holistic approach to childcare, offering forest school, yoga, singing, music and dance, gardening and cooking sessions weekly.

Their latest Ofsted inspection rated their personal development, behaviour and welfare work for the children as Outstanding.

It has two large secure themed gardens with outdoor classrooms.

One is a forest school, the other has a specialised baby area for outdoor sleeping (monitored by CCTV), a vegetable patch and three activity areas for free play.

Stunning location

LITTLE Owls Childcare Centre is situated on the edge of Wedmore on the Wells Road. It is a unique day nursery with forest school, offering outstanding education and childcare to children aged three months to five years old, from 8am until 6pm every weekday, all year round.

Small group sizes and individual care means every child receives a structured approach from the exceptionally highly qualified and talented team. The day nursery offers superb facilities for all the different age groups and has a baby room, nursery and pre-school.

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 73

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Pupils “get the best of both worlds”

ST DUNSTAN'S School is a small school in Glastonbury which has had a transformational year. Last September the new head teacher, Keith Howard, started.

According to the latest Ofsted report he has led the school with “drive, determination and ambition" making significant improvements to the school.

Not only is the school a “calm atmosphere where pupils show respect for each other and for adults", Ofsted says St Dunstan's has “invested heavily in the school site” and facilities, making the school "a pleasant place to learn”.

Since September new systems have been introduced that have “ensured that standards have risen, attitudes to learning are more positive and the need for sanctions have fallen".

Being a small school means pupils at St Dunstan's are known as individuals and supported to reach their potential.

Teachers know pupils well and the report says "pupils have strong relationships with their teachers and other staff. They rightly have trust and confidence in

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them".

St Dunstan's has many extra-curricular clubs with provision being further extended through its exchange with Millfield School. With extra-curricular experiences ranging from music and drama productions to horse riding and rock climbing, the exciting opportunities are endless.

Further experiences for pupils are taking place through a close working relationship with the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, enhancing the curriculum and collaboration with other schools.

St Dunstan’s pupils get the best of both worlds: a small school with individual care and a strong sense of community, whilst also offering a broad range of experiences and enrichment. The school

offers a new and exciting mix of high standards and opportunities in a caring community that supports and values every individual.

Their open day is on Wednesday September 27th, when you will be able to see what makes St Dunstan's School such a great place to learn.

You can also contact the school at any time to book a tour of the school to see it in Keith Howard action.

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EDUCATION

Providing an all-round education in a stunning setting THE Downs School’s stunning rural estate is unique in the area and essentially used to best effect. The entire community is particularly close and happy in support of one another and over the last decade almost every child has passed the 13+ entry requirements into the school of their first choice, over 60% with scholarship.

The Downs is one of the few truly independent 13+ prep schools in the South West. The 13+ common entrance syllabus is central to the academic curriculum which includes the traditional subjects, two modern languages and the theory of music. In the pre-prep school, maths and English are the central focus, the young children beginning their learning through play.

The school provides a broad all-round education, genuinely inclusive of each child. The standard of all sports is exceptional (six internationals in six different sports in recent years) but there is a team for every child.

There is enormous interest and activity in the performing and creative arts; six choirs, 80% play an instrument, 140

attend speech and drama lessons, nine productions a year, 160 attend dance lessons. There is also an extensive range of clubs, all prep children camp every year and regular trips are taken abroad.

The essence of the school is to really know and understand each of the children – their well-being is central to their thoughts. The school is in demand but there is no ambition to increase in size as this would prove detrimental to this core

value. Matrons, tutors, form teachers and pupils themselves play an integral role in the process of providing outstanding considered pastoral care.

Downs School pupils, although highly motivated and able to experience considerable all round success, are also able to demonstrate humility and unaffected good manners; confidence, in contrast to arrogance, is applauded at The Downs.

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 75

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Are our schools just exam factories?

THE Institute of Directors recently criticised schools for failing to prepare children for the workplace with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. It begs the question what’s the point of the current obsession with exam results? Have we just become exam factories? How are we measuring intelligence? What about creativity and interpersonal skills?

We have an education system designed and conceived in a different age based around the thinking that there are only two types of ability – academic and non-academic. This has led to many brilliant people thinking they are not “intelligent” as they are being judged against this limiting mindset.

Our education system has become a production line – ringing bells, children educated in batches based on date of manufacture (their age), siphoned off into separate subjects and separate facilities. Instead of nurturing those skills that are valuable in a computerised

PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

age, our current model stamps out innate creativity and divergent thinking and prizes standardisation instead.

The exam factory model squashes children into an antiquated education machine and spits them out as conformists, experts in rote learning and memory challenges rather than deep

EDUCATION

thinking and enquiry.

Sidcot School are determined to buck the trend in order to deliver an education that prepares their students, not just for the process of the exam system while it remains, but with the resilience, skills and aptitudes that will help them lead interesting and purposeful lives.

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EVENTS

Railwells is right on track

THE annual Railwells festival of model railways has celebrated its 40th anniversary in style.

Organised by the Wells Railway Fraternity, the weekend attracted displays and trade stands from across the country and is widely recognised as the West Country’s premier exhibition.

Adjustments to one of the trains on the Longcarse layout which represents a few rundown sidings in the Alloa area of Central Scotland. The layout is set in 1983

David Burnett and Doug Richards, from the Nailsea and District Model Railway Club concentrate on the 3mm scale Mendip layout – a fictional line owned by Doug

This layout – inspired by Penzance – is in 2mm fine scale and was built by members of the Midlands 2mm Association

Fire station open day

John North, the mayor of Wells, was shown round the exhibition by Railwells organiser Chris Challis. They are pictured on the St Petroc stand, set in Cornwall in the 1940s

Youngsters had a splashing time when Frome Fire Station opened its doors for the day, with a chance to see the fire engines and try on firemen’s helmets.

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 77

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The argument for assisted dying

WE’RE all going to die, but sadly not all quickly or with dignity. The provision of good palliative care in the UK remains patchy, but even with the best care some deaths are very protracted and distressing. My step-father Stan died from pancreatic cancer two years ago.

He had a hospital bed at home and wonderful

By Dr PHIL care from my mum, the district nurses, the GP HAMMOND team, the palliative care team, the out-of-hours team and his carers. He had a pump with diamorphine and midazolam, and was not in any distress. Stan had the best death he legally could – but it took eight weeks.

From the moment it became too painful for Stan to eat, he lived for two months without food, including a fortnight without fluid.

He was a tough Wiltshire builder who just went on and on, losing so much weight that he became a shell of the man we wanted to remember.

Stan did not want us to see him like this and wanted to die earlier, and had it been legal to do so I would kindly have assisted his death a few months earlier. When I have told this story around the UK, I’ve met dozens of people who support assisted dying. And quite a few who don’t.

The arguments for assisted dying are very emotive. Why do we prolong the suffering of dying patients of sound mind who wish to die? The High Court has repeatedly made it clear that any change in the laws would have to come from Parliament and there are current “right to die” challenges both from people who are terminally ill and those who may have another ten years to live with a very unpleasant illness.

Omid T has Multi System Atrophy, which has left him confined to bed with a urinary catheter and needing help with all his personal care. He wants to die and has been judged as not depressed and competent to make that choice. If his slowly progressive illness were to run its course, he risks months or years of suffering and an unpleasant, undignified death – the thought of which causes him huge distress. And he gains no joy, value or purpose from his life.

Some people believe doctors should never wilfully assist the end a life, but we already do this by withdrawing treatments when we believe the outcome to be futile. The question is whether we should be legally allowed to give drugs to end a life – as they do in some other countries – rather than just to relieve suffering.

Any such law must also protect those with incurable diseases who wish to fight for every last breath. I know of one extraordinary man with Motor Neurone Disease whose entire day consists of getting dressed. The process takes hours, but he enjoys looking his best and being tilted up in his bed for a couple of hours before the lengthy process of undressing starts. Every day is near identical, and for many would be a living hell. But not for him. He refuses to give in to his illness.

My worry would be a change in the law might make some people who are dying, or who have life limiting illnesses and do not want an assisted death, feel more vulnerable, as if they should be opting for the quicker, cheaper option. It’s a complicated debate but I’m glad we keep having it. You can follow Omid’s case at https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/dignified-death/ Dr Phil Hammond is author of ‘Staying Alive – How to Get the Best from the NHS’ (Quercus, £14.99)

PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

Plop the Raindrop

I THINK I know where all the mammoths have gone.

Someone told me they’ve gone extinct. That means there are probably none left any more.

It makes me very sad. It was lovely sleeping in their soft fur and feeling the gentle rolling of their bodies as they moved. The only problem with mammoths was when they shook themselves, tossing us water droplets all over the place.

There were thousands of them. But as you know I got stuck under the Mendips for a few thousand years, before escaping into the warm Roman Baths in Bath.

Then there were no mammoths left. I’ve searched all over the world, but there’s not a trace of them. So how could they all have disappeared? One theory is that there was an ice age or natural disaster, which wiped them out. I probably slept through that.

The other theory is that nasty humans ate them all, probably in mammoth burgers, with chips. But mammoths weren’t the first to disappear.

I can remember a time even before people, when dinosaurs ruled the world. You wouldn’t want to eat a dinosaur.

But some of them would have loved to eat you.

They were the ones, like T Rex, with huge teeth and slashing claws, whose roars filled the air.

I had a ride once on a pterodactyl, which loved to tease them by buzzing close around their heads. Then one day it went too close and that was the end of the pterodactyl.

The air was also full of nasty smells, as well as sounds, because most of the really big dinosaurs didn’t eat meat and were vegetarians.

The sound of their farts was like a fog-horn or the siren on a big ship and you could hear them coming for miles.

Fart, fart, fart, plod, plod, plod.

Then the dinosaurs became extinct, probably because of the weather, or it might have been the build-up of fart gas.

By then I was stuck in ice many miles thick and the world was a completely different place when it melted and I came tumbling down a mountain stream.

Suddenly there were birds – and people, flowers and trees. And there were dodos once…

I’ve seen an awful lot in the millions of years since we all arrived on earth. I can honestly say the best time has always been NOW. Always make time for NOW. Enjoy it. It’s a beautiful world.

MENDIP GRANDAD

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Make a will – for charity

HEALTH & FAMILY

LOCAL solicitors are donating their will writing fees to the Royal United Hospitals’ charity, The Forever Friends Appeal, during Will Month for the third consecutive year. This follows a bid to urge the public within the hospital catchment area to write or update their wills in a plan for the future.

Some 15 solicitors’ offices across three counties have teamed up with the appeal to support its annual RUH Will Month. The initiative will run throughout September and all the legal firms have kindly agreed to donate both their time and expertise to help local residents draw up a new or update their existing wills.

To ensure that the most amount of money possible is raised, the solicitors are offering a reduced fee with single standard wills at a specially reduced fee of £100 and two standard mirror wills or joint wills for £150. This fee will be donated directly to the RUH charity.

Fewer than half of the population have up-to-date wills or even a basic will, despite its importance in protecting loved ones.

The RUH Will Month has been extremely effective over the last two years in raising around £65,000 for the Forever Friends Appeal. The charity hopes that many people will get on board with the scheme this year and that this fundraising target can be increased to help continue the quality of care given to patients.

Details: Jan Witt 01225 825819 or email at jan.witt@nhs.net or go to www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk

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 • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 79

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Sheldon Jones reunion

OVER 100 former employees and their partners travelled from all over the country for the first reunion of friends and colleagues from the former Sheldon Jones animal feeds business in Wells.

It was organised by Lorraine Hancock and a small team who felt they should meet in happier circumstances rather than just at funerals! All agreed it was a “blast from the past”.

After a sumptuous tea at Henton village hall, they were able to relive “the good old days” and share memorabilia.

Former managing director, Vernon Harding, welcomed everyone and Jennifer Sheldon gave a brief history of the company, which was formed in the 60s by the merger of Alfred Sheldon and Son of Wells, which began in 1861, and Jones and Son of Bruton, founded in 1790.

The company was well known in the livestock industry throughout the West Country for quality and reliability and its

slogan “Big enough to matter, small enough to care”.

The team are planning to meet again to decide what to organise next.

The Wells mill closed in 1995, when the business moved to Portbury, but that closed in 1999.

Details: Lorraine Hancock 07749 927846

Church stalwarts honoured

TWO stalwarts of Timsbury Free Methodist Church have been honoured for their life-long devotion to the church. Eric Brimble and Audrey Cattle have recently stepped down from the church trustees and in recognition of their outstanding service they were presented with Bristol Blue glassware by trustee and former pastor, Margaret West.

Eric who was a trustee for more than 60 years has been involved with the church all his life and in his younger days was a Sunday School teacher and member of the choir. In later years he was a prominent member of the hand-bell ringers and has only recently left the group.

Audrey too has spent all her life closely connected to the church and was a trustee for more than 40 years. For many years she was secretary, head of the junior section of the Sunday School, a member of the choir and Christian Endeavour and helped with the Girls’ Brigade.

She said: “My whole life has revolved around Tabor. I was christened there and I have been involved in some capacity there ever since. It has been a very important part of my life.”

PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

Ladies who lunch

LADIES Wot Dine, a group that gathers for regular lunches in the Chew Valley, is inviting other like-minded people to join them.

Former members and friends got together after Pensford Ladies’ Group folded after more than 50 years. They meet at various pubs in the Chew Valley for the chance to chat and catch up.

Organiser Janet Bamford said: “Venues can be anywhere within easy distance of Chew Valley. If anyone would like to join us, or find out more about getting together over lunch, then please ring me on 07704 135008, or Ann Budd on 01275 331299.”

Pictured (l to r) Wendy Cosh, Ann Budd, Carolyn Banfield, Raynor Nixon, Ros Anstey, Penny Cross, Gina Hyde, Viv Tattersall and Carol Davies at The Woodford, which recently opened at Chew Valley Lake.

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Top award for Janet

CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club’s outgoing president, Janet Clark, has handed over to Marion Adcock and was presented with a Melvin Jones Fellowship award, named after the organisation’s founder, which recognises the contribution of outstanding individuals.

Janet has worked tirelessly for the club, not only as president but as a very active member, undertaking many roles. The club said it was delighted to be able to make this prestigious award to a most deserving member. ● The club has been hosting two visitors through the Lions Youth Exchange Scheme, Gilles from Switzerland and Jethro from Canada. They were joined for a visit to Wells Cathedral by Enrico from Indonesia and Georgio from Greece, who have been hosted by Midsomer Norton Lions Club.

They are pictured with Amy-Leigh Shepheard from Weston-super-Mare who has recently spent time in Italy through the Lions Youth Exchange Programme.

Lion hearts

CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club have installed their second defibrillator as part of their Centennial Defibrillator project at the Sexey’s Arms, Blackford, near Wedmore.

The money has been raised by the Lions’ Christmas and Easter Egg Raffles, with landlords, Pauline and Mike Groome, helping raise nearly £400, with a grant from Wedmore parish council and a grant from Waitrose in Wells.

On September 11th there will be a free training session in Blackford Village Hall at 7.30 pm where locals can find out how to do CPR as well as work the defibrillator. Fundraising is continuing for a third defibrillator box to be installed in Cheddar.

Details: 01934 248114

COMMUNITY

Befrienders celebrate 25 years

CHEW Valley and Keynsham Befrienders is celebrating its 25th anniversary of supporting people with mental illness with a call for more people to join the group.

CVKB is run entirely by volunteers who are trained to befriend Jacky people and(left) theirreceives carers.the Thechain groupofwas set up by Bridget Smith from Heather afteroffice she found herself needing someone to talk to when her own family was going through difficult times.

Since then, nearly 350 people have been helped by the group, which is supported by a coordinator. It is a very individual service, responding to people’s varying needs; some want a regular visit, others like a supportive telephone call every so often and others again need to gain the confidence to go out and perhaps join social groups.

The number of befrienders has dwindled and, of the remaining ten, only five cover the Chew Valley and places nearby. With referrals still coming in CVKB says it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the need which is out there.

CVKB says befrienders don’t need any previous experience, the only qualification being the understanding that people “don’t know it all”. One of the volunteers said: “Being a befriender is so rewarding and I find it a privilege that people are prepared to share their thoughts and feelings with me.”

To volunteer as a befriender with CVKB or to help with some of the administration, contact either Bridget Smith on 01275 472798 or Mary Douglas-Jones on 01275 475154. Or contact them via their website: www.befrienders.org

Village day organisers hope for go-slow

PROCEEDS from this year’s Strattonon-the-Fosse Family Fun Day will go towards a campaign to slow down traffic through the village.

Whilst the majority of drivers respect the 30mph speed limit, residents say there are still many who don’t slow down, Village children by a temporary speed sign despite the traffic calming measures already in place. Villagers are raising money to buy a permanent flashing radar speed check sign to discourage dangerous driving and help keep the village and road users safe.

The fun day takes place on Sunday, September 10th in the village hall and football field from midday until 4pm. There will be cream teas, live music from the Bluebird Acoustic Cafe, a rustic bar, birds of prey, fun dog show, country dancers and much more – including a new village stocks!

The show will once again be opened by the Downside School Bagpipe Band and entry is free.

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 81

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COMMUNITY

Fair supports local projects

Village fun run

A RECORD £3,200 was given out to four good causes in Wedmore from this year’s village street fair. The money is raised from stall fees, local business sponsorship and raffle.

Steve Mewes from Green Wedmore said: “This is a huge boost to our group each year and well worth the effort. Not only that but a fabulous example of local groups working together to not only put on a fun village event but bring in some much needed funds.”

Pictured (l to r) are Amelia Hendry, Wedmore First School Academy PTA, Helen Mewes, Green Wedmore, Gareth Gosling, organiser, Anthony Lamb, Green Wedmore, Tom Wilcox, Wedmore Harvest Home and Andy Nash, Wedmore Village Hall.

Cakes aid pre-school

Some of the children at the craft table, with leader Lisa Coles

SOME £365 was raised by a cake sale held by Pensford and Stanton Drew Pre-school at Stanton Drew Village Hall.

As well as the cake sale the children enjoyed crafts, making things for the pirate games, which they held afterwards, while the mums enjoyed coffee and tea in the pre-school's usual little 'cafe.

Pre-school leader, Lynne Willmott, said: “We would like to thank everyone who helped. We would also like to say a big thank you to Georgie Hookings, for all her hard work and support through the years.

“She has helped raise so much for the pre-school and is now stepping down from the committee as her youngest is off to school in September.”

PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

THE Stoke St Michael event committee are organising a fun run in the village on Sunday October 15th, hoping it will be an inclusive event aimed at inspiring the local community to get out and do something.

The morning starts at 10.30 am with a children's colour run, with coloured powder being thrown over them as they run a lap of the playing field. The main event start at 11am outside the Knatchbull Arms in the centre of the village. Participants will run up, down and around a 1.4k circuit, completing as many laps as they want within a onehour limit. All those who complete one lap will receive a special souvenir wrist band.

There is a special price of £5 for those early birds who register in advance or otherwise it will be £8 on the day. They suggest a donation of £1 per child to help with the cost of the colour run.

Holiday fun

Details: Al or Sarah Stewart on 01749 840275 or email alunstewart69@hotmail.com

Pictured (l to r) Charlotte, Jessica, Daisy and Gen making models with Plasticine

THE Big Blue community bus proved to be one of the highlights of the summer holidays for the children of Pensford, with youngsters enjoying a wide variety of activities, from modelling with junk, dressing up, crafts, circus skills, playing games, and lots more.

The Big Blue Bus, which was upgraded in 2016, visits several villages in the B&NES area weekly, and also runs holiday play schemes.

Details: www.thecommunitybus.org.uk or Facebook at www.facebook.com

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Clutton Flower Show

EVENTS

CLUTTON celebrated its 80th anniversary in style with a large number of stalls and events, including a display of vintage cars and a duck race – with live ducks.

There was also a dog show, show jumping and morris dancing as well as the flower show itself.

Somerset Morris in action

Teas (l to r) Liz Robinson, Laura Ablett, Elaine Hazell and Catherine Szabo

The tombola was popular

The flowers were magnificent

Actor Anthony Head, who opened the show, with chairman, Aubrey Willcox, who won half a dozen prizes

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 83

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MOTORING

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CLEEVE HILL, UBLEY BS40 6PG Telephone: 01761 462275 (24hrs) www.ubleymotors.co.uk

PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

For servicing, repairs and sales of all makes of caravans and motorhomes

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2 minutes from the A303 at Wincanton Holbrook House Hotel, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 8BS PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

Perfect venue – wherever you want it

BIG enough to matter, small enough to care – Jeremy Griffin’s family-run business, J G Marquees, has nearly 20 years’ experience offering the finest marquee hire across Somerset and beyond.

If you are struggling to find the perfect venue for your wedding or family event and you want to hold it in a location of your choice, however challenging, then JG Marquees can supply you with a bespoke marquee, furniture and lighting including fibre optics and LEDs which can be used to create an “ivory starlight roof twinkling away above the dance floor”.

Jeremy and the team are more than happy to offer you expert advice. So, call them today to ask for an initial quotation, then a free consultation to discuss your requirements, size, flooring, decorations, furniture and much more.

A fairy tale wedding

HOLBROOK House has a wealth of experience and can offer a professional service in organising your wedding celebrations. Their extensive knowledge will not only provide a “perfect day”, but also ensure the day will feel truly “personal” to you alone.

Holbrook, which is two minutes from the A303 at Wincanton, caters for parties up to 140 guests in the main building and is ideally suited for exclusive use. It has five separate areas licensed for civil ceremonies. If you book your wedding date before October 1st there are a range of incentives: • £1,000 discount on all weddings for exclusive use bookings in 2018 • Complimentary welcome drink for all your guests on the wedding day • Six months membership of the club for the bride and groom • A personal training session • Complimentary bridal make-up trial for the bride Wedding packages start from £6,500, with a chance to take an additional £2,000 off your final bill by contacting Sian on the sales team.

Details: 01963 824466 www.holbrookhouse.co.uk

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Luxurious loos

12:59 PM

AT Chew Valley Hire, central heating, soft lighting and background music are just a few of the finishing touches in their luxury mobile toilets. As a testimony to their high standards of design and workmanship, they won the Canon Hygiene LOO of the Year Award.

They supply portable toilets and shower units for one-off or long-term hire and these are ideally suited for

Sugar craft

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venues away from the beaten track. All of their toilet units are re-circulating which means no connection to the water main is necessary.

The units do need to be on level ground and connected to an electrical supply to run the lights and pumps.

With gas-powered boilers and electrical power for heating and lighting, the shower units are designed for

THE Sugar Store opened in September 2005, and is run by Sarah with occasional help from her mother Marie and daughter Maisie, a real family run business!

They have increased the stock held since opening and now have an extensive range of sugar craft supplies for those budding or experienced bakers, keeping up with the latest trends but also the more traditional goods. The Sugar Store supplies regal ice, boards, cutters, equipment, marzipan, ribbon, stands, tins, sprinkles, cases, boxes and lots more to choose from, also hiring tins and stands.

They can also create cakes for all occasions, weddings, Christenings, birthdays in fact anything you can think of. If you have any questions about sugar craft or your cake creations, they will try to help you to the best of their knowledge. Just ask!

convenience and ease of use.

Contact Chew Valley Hire Ltd if you need portable toilets or shower units for your event in Bristol, Bath, Glastonbury or surrounding areas.

If you are looking for quality mobile toilet and shower hire in Bristol, Bath, Taunton, South Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and surrounding areas, call Chew Valley Hire Ltd on 01761 221 105

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Family business

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HOMES & INTERIORS

SOLID Fuel Installations is a family-run business based in Somerset, which has been established for ten years. They also work in Dorset and Wiltshire.

They are fully qualified and are rarely beaten on price. They don’t have a showroom and can supply stoves at cheaper than showroom prices. Their quotes are always free with no obligation and all work is guaranteed and certified.

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Kingfisher loves being in Wells

“ABSOLUTELY the right decision” was Kingfisher MD Angie Hicks’ view when she reviewed the first-year results from the shop that the company opened in Wells in July 2016.

Despite the uncertain political and economic climate, business has grown steadily in the Broad Street shop.

She said: “We didn’t expect a queue outside the door when we opened, people don’t buy windows, doors and conservatories on a whim or on impulse.

But what they do value and welcome is the opportunity to discuss the products and options available without being put under pressure.”

For customers the shop provides a relaxed atmosphere and a friendly environment in which to seek advice about the wide range of excellent products now available. James McQuarrie, a sales adviser at Kingfisher,

believes that many customers feel more comfortable initially assessing products in a “retail” situation than in their home.

He said: “Essentially our role in the shop is to advise, guide and answer questions. Customers tell me they find this a helpful part of their decision

making process and for me it means we’re doing our job properly.”

To celebrate their first year’s trading, Kingfisher is running a competition open to all customers who place an order before the end of September. The prize is a £600 Miles Morgan holiday voucher.

Full details are available in the shop at Wells and from Kingfisher’s head office and showroom at Mill Batch Farm, East Brent.

Tony Hucker TV Service – Sales – Rental

• • • • • •

Satellite Installations Aerial Systems TV wall mounting Custom Installations Networking Signal Solutions

01275 332888 www.tonyhuckertv.co.uk Email: tony@tonyhuckertv.co.uk Unit 4, Fairseat Workshops, Chew Stoke BS40 8XF Open: Mon – Thurs 9.00am – 6.00pm Fri – 9.00am – 5.30pm

PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

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streetkitchens

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HOMES & INTERIORS

WELLS LTD

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FAMILY BUSINESS BASED IN THE CHEW VALLEY FOR OVER 100 YEARS

MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 91

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After the clouds, the sunshine

LET it rain! My little horse Tamora and I really don’t care because we are having just the best fun ever, having decamped for the summer to Auntie Fiona’s Ellick yard high up in the hills.

On tap are coffee, cake, human and equine playmates, a large arena, quiet hillside With RACHEL grazing and miles of fabulous hacking. Early THOMPSON morning paddock chores are often done in the MBE company of deer grazing quietly nearby and brown hares darting in and out of the hedgerows.

Some days we work in the arena – Fiona (Hay) is revolutionising our riding by teaching us in the Enlightened Equitation method pioneered by Devon-based Heather Moffett.

Heather is known for her unique, simple and logical approach to the teaching of riding based on the premise that correct classical training results in a soft, round and forward going horse, with the rider perfectly synchronised with their mount.

Other days we negotiate the steep and rocky ascent onto Black Down, the trig point here marking the wildest and highest point of the Mendips at 1,066 feet. The paths up are lined with a riot of rosebay willowherb, honey suckle and hog weed. Stunning scenery fills the eyes – Wavering Down and Crooks Peak, Brean Down and the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm floating in the Bristol Channel, the pretty patch work of fields around Chew Valley, the rolling hills of Somerset far away across the levels – Quantocks and Exmoor with Dunkery Beacon easy to spot.

World War Two bunkers here are a reminder of the decoy town complete with streets and railways laid out by Shepperton Studios to fool the German bombers during the Bristol blitz. A browsing herd of Exmoor ponies drift away as we approach along red sandstone bridleways lined with gorse, heather and bracken; so tall Tamora and Stretch can’t see over the top. Stretch is a stunning former show Pleasurebred American Quarter Horse, ridden western-style and shared by mother and daughter Clara and Arabella. Typical of the breed, he has a lovely calm nature and is loving life out hacking.

I love the camaraderie of the people on Black Down. Those that make it this far love these hills. Whether on foot, horse or bike everyone passes courteously and stops to exchange a kind word.

Tamora and Fiona

Stretch and Arabella

We are the “ramblers” and “scramblers” identified in an interesting Geo Tourism paper “Making the Most of the Mendips – utilising the area for Geotourism” (2008 A R Farrant and J Hardcastle) – find it on the web.

In 2005, South West Tourism estimated that around 3.2 million people visited the Mendip Hills per year. Jim Hardcastle, now Mendip Hills AONB manager, says that if everyone donated £1 annually to the Mendip Hills Fund badge box, what a difference that would make to caring for our hills. You can also donate via the Somerset Community Foundation web site, calling 01749 344949 or texting AONB72 £3 (or any amount up to £10) to 70070. The fund opens to applications in September – see the Mendip Hills AONB website for details. ● Just recently we said a sad “farewell” to farmer, bookmaker, entrepreneur and much-loved Mendip character George Baker. I remember that George once helped me by generously agreeing to a bridleway dedication, a reason for riders to be ever grateful to him and other farmers like him.

This verse by Helen Steiner Rice at George’s memorial service is so Mendip: “After the clouds, the sunshine, after the winter the spring, after the shower the rainbow. For life is a changeable thing.”

Jez Dickin at Cheddar Mendip Heights displaying the Mendip Hills Fund badge box

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Unique new centre opens

SALLY Bell has opened her new hoof rehabilitation and barefoot livery centre in a stunning setting at West Town Farm, Nempnett Thrubwell, overlooking Blagdon Lake.

Dare To Go Bare is one of the only dedicated barefoot facility in the country that is run by an equine podiatrist.

Sally and her partner Pete are offering specialised rehabilitation livery for horses and ponies needing to recover from more serious or long-term hoof health issues, or for those just looking to make the transition to barefoot as easy as possible. They can also offer some permanent places for full livery.

Before training to become an equine podiatrist, Sally worked full-time teaching and running her busy livery and schooling yard and competed a variety of horses in dressage and eventing.

She said: “Our aim is to continue to develop a truly excellent facility for shoeless hoof care, hoof rehabilitation, education and research.”

Specialised Barefoot Livery Packages Short and Long-Term Hoof Rehabilitation Livery

RIDING

Free range at Frome Show

SHEPTON Mallet-based rural accountants Free Range Business Services are amongst the sponsors of the horse section at this year’s Frome Cheese Show on Saturday, September 9th.

Free Range Business Services are supporting one of the classes in the Free Range Business Services Working Hunter group. founder Jo Murray The section is affiliated to the South West Pony Association and classes 141-146 are qualifiers for the Working Hunter Championships 2018.

The business is so called because founder Jo Murray and her team pride themselves on being entirely flexible and adaptable to each client’s individual needs, vitally important in a rural area where the challenges can be so varied. Free Range specialises in helping equestrian and rural SMEs. The working hunter competitions will take place in Ring Two at the show, from around 11am.

We're passionate about the equestrian community and with a wealth of experience in small and medium sized businesses we are able to provide not just the professional services you would expect from an accountancy firm but also the understanding of the needs and challenges faced within your industry.

Our services include: • Bookkeeping • Management accounts • Payroll and P11d’s • VAT • Liaison with HMRC • Cash flows, budgets and forecasts • Statutory accounts • Sole trade/partnership financial statements • Company Secretarial tasks • Corporation tax • Self assessment/partnership tax returns Telephone 01749 345 895 / 01749 344 111 Email info@freerangebusiness.co.uk @freerangejo

Call for details: 07990 973913 Dare to go Bare, Hoof Rehabilitation and Barefoot Livery Centre

The Old Mill, Harvest Court, Park Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5BS.

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Racing against the clock

THE sight of cycling time trials around Chew Valley Lake has been a regular feature during the summer evenings.

The weekly events CYCLING organised by Bristol with EDMUND South Cycling Club LODITE attracted a large number of club riders and once again proved to be a popular item on the cycling calendar.

The picturesque course covers an 8.3 mile loop running anti-clockwise around the lake through the villages of Chew Stoke, West Harptree and Bishop Sutton.

Each week points were awarded to riders based on their finishing position, after deducting a time handicap from their race time. The handicap system is dynamic, in that as riders improve their race speed, their handicap is reduced accordingly.

This rewards any rider who improves their times, but has a bias towards novice riders who are able to make the greatest

Another trophy

FROME College sports awards was a fun-filled evening with their guests of honour this year Olympian triple jumper Vernon Samuels and Annie Heatherson from Yeovil Town Football Club.

The final award of the evening saw the Frome College national champion U16 girls’ football team awarded the Team of the Year trophy.

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time improvements overall. Across the 19 events in the series, the six best scores count towards the rider’s final total.

About 60 club riders took part in this year’s time trials and there were a number of open events for non-club members to join in as well. After the numerous events in this year’s calendar, including a final time trial on Dundry Hill, three riders finished joint first with the same number of points: Mary-Jane Hutchinson, Ian Mountjoy and David Braidley.

Often referred to as the race of truth, road time trials are considered by many to be the purist form of bike racing. Its history in the UK can be traced back to the late 1800s when the legal position of cycle races on public roads was not secure.

According to cycling historian Bernard Thompson: "Events organised by clubs in the 1880s, although taking place on quiet country roads, were constantly interrupted by the police. Often horsemounted policemen charged at racers and threw sticks into their wheels."

In 1890, the National Cyclists Union (NCU) banned racing on UK public roads in fear of a ban not just on racing cyclists but all cycling. The NCU asked clubs to run races on closed tracks, but few existed and so rebel races began, but in a way they believed would not bring police attention. Riders would start at intervals, usually a minute, and race against the clock If riders met on the road they were not allowed to race against each other. Riders also dressed from neck to ankle in black to make themselves less conspicuous and never wore race numbers. Races started in the countryside often at dawn on courses referred to only by a code.

Nowadays events are no longer secret, clothes are brightly coloured and start times are now for the benefit of light traffic rather than secrecy. Riders start at one minute intervals and test a rider against time. Whereas the technology has improved massively, and bikes are now much more aerodynamic, the underlying principle is still the same; race yourself into the ground and beat the clock!

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SPORT

New season preparations for Mendip Hockey Club

They did it! Young swimmers cross the channel

Ladies first team captain April Callow (centre) and junior coach Cherilyn Carey (right)

SIX youngsters from the Street and District Swimming Club have completed their attempt to cross the English Channel for charity.

Swimming for one hour each at a time, the team – aged between 14 and 16 – completed the crossing in 11 hours and 56 minutes in aid of the Make A Wish Foundation.

Katie Waters, Bobby Clark, Matthew Chillingworth, Sophie Chillingworth and Jess Hudson were joined by Robyn Dyson, from Sheffield, after a sixth Street swimmer, Charlie Cook, was forced to withdraw through injury.

The attempt began at 1am and the swimmers had to confront the dark, jellyfish and heavy waves. Their coach, Kat Percival, had come up with their hard, tough training programme which paid off. Only 14 relay teams to date have crossed the Channel in 2017.

We made it!

A NEW and improved training regime will be one of the features of the coming season at Mendip Hockey Club, based in Midsomer Norton.

Club chairman Andy Baird and the club committee are hoping to build on strong performances last season and are planning an exciting programme of fixtures and social events.

The men's section begins pre-season training on Wednesday, August 23rd at Norton Hill Astro. First team captain Max Spalton will be working with an experienced coaching team to ensure that his side are challengers for the Central 2 Division title.

Meanwhile Paul Woolway will be leading the second team in West Central 2, providing opportunities for both youth development and social hockey for the more experienced players.

The ladies' section is also looking forward to an exciting season, with training commencing on Thursday, August 24th. James Callow will be leading the Thursday night coaching team, with first team captain April Callow hoping for a strong showing in the West Women's Hockey League Central division. The second and third teams will also have dedicated coaches working hard to prepare them for busy seasons in Brunel Divisions 1 and 3 respectively.

Karen Holliwell and Cherilyn Carey will be taking care of the thriving junior section this season, with a balance of basic skills practice, game-related drills, friendly fixtures and tournaments already lined up. Training for children aged from five to 15 begins on Sunday, September 10th at 9.30am at Norton Hill Astro.

For details about the club – which would welcome more sponsors – visit: www.mendiphockey.org.uk

The swimmers with some of their support team

Purnell victorious

ANOTHER milestone has been achieved by the men at Purnell Bowls Club playing Norwest in the final of the Midsomerset League, winning it for the first time in 30 years.

After taking the Midsomerset Central League for the second year running it was the cup final of the league against local rivals Norwest.

Purnell got through by beating Wyrral Park Glastonbury and Norwest by beating the heavily fancied Bath. On the night the Purnell lads won on all rinks taking the title for the first time in 30 years.

League president David Lake presented the winners’ cup to Purnell president and captain Bryn Hawkins and the finalist cup to Norwest president Eddie Nott.

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Tribute to chorister

FROME’S Merlin Theatre will host a special fundraising choral concert in September in memory of a local singer.

Tony Pickett had been a member of the Bath Male Choir since it started ten years ago. Family and colleagues were devastated when Tony died after a heart attack whilst out cycling last July.

The choir will be singing on Sunday, September 24th at the theatre to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. They will be joined by the Courage Choir from Bradford-on-Avon.

The choir – with the support of Tony’s partner Ginette – are holding a number of fundraising concerts and special events, including a new CD from the choir, called Reflections. In March, Simon Kale from the tenor section of the choir, and a friend of Tony’s, ran the London Marathon raising more than £5,000.

Orchestra’s play day

Bath Male Choir led by conductor Grenville Jones

WEST Mendip Orchestra will be holding an orchestral play day on Saturday October 7th, inviting all instrumentalists in the area to join them at Churchill Academy.

They will be playing Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, a work by local composer, Nicki Sisman, and an orchestral arrangement of Piazzola Tangos by Gerry Browne.

They say it’s a great opportunity to play in an informal setting and enjoy making some great music. They say they welcome all ages and look forward to meeting you.

West Mendip Orchestra is a mediumsized, friendly amateur orchestra, with members from a wide area including Bristol and Bridgwater, Clevedon,

Portishead, Wells and Weston-superMare.

They perform three or four concerts each year from the classical repertoire and their concerts often feature wellknown local soloists and also young talented musicians early in their careers, as well as music composed especially for them. They are entirely self-funding and also contribute to charitable causes.

They rehearse from 7.45pm to 10pm on Fridays in term-time at The Lynch Chapel Hall in Winscombe. The orchestra is looking for string players, horns, trumpets and a timpanist.

The play day starts at 10am and finishes at 5pm. There is a £10 charge to cover expenses.

Details: chair@west-mendip-orchestra.org.uk call Jolanta on 07540 580824 or see their website http://www.west-mendip-orchestra.org.uk

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Sing with Graham

THE Mid Wessex Singers would like to invite anyone interested in developing their singing technique to a taster session at their first open rehearsal on Tuesday, September 5th in Somerton.

The choir – renowned for being friendly and welcoming – has appointed Graham Coatman as their new musical director. Steph Taylor, chair of Mid Wessex Singers said: “We had a singing session with him in May and everyone was impressed with his energy, enthusiasm and professionalism. He has some good ideas to help us develop both individually as singers and a choir as a whole.”

Graham recently moved to the South West from Yorkshire where he was director of the Leeds Guild of Singers for 17 years. He brings with him a wealth of experience as a composer, musical director, choral trainer and accompanist.

The rehearsal takes place from 89pm in West Street Church Hall, Somerton TA11 7PR. For details, visit https://midwessexsingers.wordpress. com or call Steph Taylor on 01963 240794 or the secretary, Julia Harvey on 01458 241472

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MUSIC

Music in the park

SHEPTON Mallet favourites The Mangledwurzels brought the curtain down on a summer of free live music gigs in the town’s Collett Park.

It was a rather wet end to the Music in the Park Sunday afternoon events but heavy rain showers didn’t deter fans of the Wurzels tribute band from taking their places in front of the town’s bandstand. The popular series was organised by the team behind the Collett Park Café and musicians ranged from Helena Softley to the Defibrillators and Junction 19. The Mangledwurzels were supported by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band.

Seth Pitt bids to join ZZ Top

Jo Murray, one of the organisers of the music events, shares an umbrella with The Mangledwurzels

A brolly good show – music fans defy the rain

A break in the rain showers

Jethro Too! is the latest member of the band

Hedge Cutter and Jethro Too! duet

After a concert by Toploader on Saturday, September 16th, the next main event in the park will be a Halloween-themed “spooktacular” on Wednesday, October 25th. Visit: www.collettparkcafe.com MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017 • PAGE 97

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Band members’ success

Coat of many colours

Band members with their awards at the Bideford Solo/Quartet contest

PUPILS from Priddy school and St Lawrence’s school in Westbury-sub-Mendip are pictured at an end-of-term performance of “Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” at Priddy Village Hall.

IN addition to a busy summer schedule, Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band is turning its focus to the National Brass Band finals at Cheltenham on Sunday September 17th, where it will be competing against bands from across the UK for the title of Third Section national champions.

A good result at Cheltenham would see the band maintaining the rich vein of form enjoyed over the last two years and prepare the band for the challenge of competing in the Second Section for the first time in the band’s history at next year’s regional qualifier at Torquay.

Members of all ages represented the band at the annual Bideford Solo and Quartet contest in June and a number of players came away with prizes. Overall the band gained four 1st places, three 2nd places and two 3rd places.

The band’s musical director, Jo Sykes, despite being a last-minute stand-in, was awarded first place in the 19 and over slow melody category. Jo said that she had not played a solo contest since her early teens and was overwhelmed to have won the section. Piano accompaniment on the day was provided by Nicola Brunskill.

Looking ahead, the band will be providing the music at the Double Hills Remembrance service in Paulton on Sunday September 3rd, with the band’s final summer concert at Keynsham Park on Sunday September 24th.

During the closed season, the band will be holding an afternoon concert at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton on Sunday October 15th.

Details: www.msnrsb.org.uk

Lunchtime concerts

THE next series of popular lunchtime concerts in St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton start on Wednesday September 13th, when well-known local singer Vivienne Moon will launch the autumn series followed by the ever-popular Somer Valley Singers on September 20th.

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Happy birthday!

WELLS Bandstand concerts season started with a 101st birthday celebration for George Rhodes, a long-standing audience supporter of the concerts over the years, with a cake presented by Freeman of Wells Nancy Dodd.

The weekly concerts will go on to feature the prestigious musicians of Wells Cathedral School, a new recitalist, Louise Best, an organ recital

by Jim Williams, a concert by musicians of Somervale School, concluding on October 25th with the U3A choir.

Whist there is no charge for the concerts they do rely heavily on the generosity of patrons’ donations to maintain the recently and beautifully restored parish church. Doors open at 12noon for the sale of delicious refreshments and all concerts start at 12.30pm and last about an hour.

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MUSIC

Shepton prison blues EVERYBODY in the whole cell block was dancing when Shepton Mallet Prison hosted its first-ever live music gig.

More than 100 people packed B Block for the charity event, hosted by the owners of former HMP Cornhill and the company behind public tours of the prison.

The gig was the idea of Frome PCSO Gary Maule, a keen musician, who led his new band Electric Rooster through a

Electric Rooster – their encore was Jailhouse rock

series of covers, including songs by Johnny Cash and, of course, Elvis’s Jailhouse Rock. However, there was nothing by Soft Cell.

Electric Rooster were supported by Al O’Kane, a singer/songwriter from Frome, who is also an independent

member of Frome Town Council.

Jailhouse Tours has run similar music events at another former prison in Shrewsbury, called Music Behind Bars.

The night raised funds for the Speringcourt Animal Rescue centre, at Buckland Down, near Frome.

Shelly and Roy, from Speringcourt Animal Rescue

B Block had never seen anything like it – there was even a bar

Al O’Kane, from Frome, is a powerful singer/songwriter

The prison has remained untouched since it closed

For details about visits to Shepton Mallet Prison, visit: www.jailhousetours.com

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Rare cars on show

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IT’S a Rare Breeds Show but not as you know it!

Haynes have added an innovative twist to the much-loved concept of a show dedicated to the British love affair with rare breeds, but this time of the mechanical variety not canine.

The tenth Rare Breeds 100 show will be held at Haynes International Motor Museum on Sunday September 3rd and once again will feature a glorious display of many rare vehicles collected together specially for one day only.

The show caters for those vehicles which were produced in small numbers, one-offs, vehicles with unusual modifications, or perhaps it is the only one left! If you are a motoring enthusiast who wants to see something completely different then this is the show for you.

As well as the show vehicles, there will be a chance for visitors to view the museum collection which has its own share of “rare breeds”. Entry to the show is free with full museum admission.

Unrivalled entertainment on offer at Upton Noble Festival

THIS year’s Upton Noble Beer and Music Festival – on Friday, September 1st and Saturday, September 2nd – will offer unrivalled music, its bestever selection of beers and ciders, entertainment for all ages, plus a community picnic being run thanks to a grant awarded by the Celebrate England Fund.

Friday night will be a “pub evening” from 7-11.30pm with live music; entry is free. The picnic takes place from 122pm on the Saturday, before the festival kicks off at 2.30pm with music from the likes of Rodney Branigan, the Carny Villains, The Johnsons and Boudica Boogaloo.

Bathampton Morris Men will be joining in the fun, while award-winning DJ Chris Tofu, plus Will White and others, will provide the music between the live acts. Friends and relatives of villagers can join in the picnic at an extremely www.unfestival.co.uk

1st & 2nd September The best festival yet — you can’t afford to miss it Friday 1st September 7-11.30pm Pub night with live music Saturday 2nd September 2.30pm-1am Amazing music, incredible beer & cider, great street food, kids’ entertainment, teenagers’ party tent Significant “early bird” ticket discounts available online

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Always a warm welcome at the festival

competitive rate.

Festival organiser Dan Hurring said: “We were incredibly lucky to receive this significant sum of money, which will enable all residents of the village to come together prior to the Beer and Music Festival and enjoy a complimentary picnic, with delicious foods provided by Hamilton Events.”

The event has secured major sponsorship in the form of the branding of its pint glasses from North Brewham-based sand and aggregate merchant RH & AJ Bateman. A lottery draw to pick Saturday’s title sponsor from those who have already pledged money will be held on Sunday, August 28th at the Batcombe Fete and The Three Horseshoes Inn, which has pledged to supply a cask of the Champion Beer of Britain.

Other beers will come from some of Bristol and Bath's leading breweries, such as Electric Bear, Bristol Beer Factory and Arbor Ales. Ciders from Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and South Wales will also be available, along with the village’s own offering Uptonogood Cider. More Wine, a regular supplier to the renowned Somerset Food Assembly, will be offering wine for sale.

For details and significant savings on advance tickets, visit: www.unfestival.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

Reel people celebrates 20 years of films IN 1992 the newly-built village hall in Kilmersdon was keen to encourage community events. They sent a questionnaire to every household in the parish with suggestions of activities for the hall and asking villagers to vote.

“Showing films in the hall” polled only second, but undeterred we headed off.

Reflecting on the early days, 20 years ago, we had a youthful optimism, believing that being enthusiastic about film and with a great committee of like-minded people, we could be successful.

To start with, the absence of a projector meant we had to borrow several 16mm projectors and a screen from a gardeners’ club at the hall – I don’t know how we did it!

Our aim was to get 50 members and show eight films in the first season as we had been advised this would be a minimum number to make our project viable – we were disappointed when we only got to 48. We made the conscious decision not to call

ourselves a film society – opting for reel people because it didn’t sound so geographically exclusive.

There is something undeniably magical about cinema – but we soon discovered it was more than showing a film that made our evenings successful. We built reel people together and we had fun. We like to think we pioneered food-themed film events. We put on Sunday afternoon films for children – and after the first couple of films we no longer had to bribe the children from the play park outside to come in!

Our success was due to the dedicated and hard-working people who helped and the audience who were so wonderfully supportive. We had our first outdoor film three years later in September 2000. Under the stars with a giant screen strapped to the side of the village hall, we watched The Dish.

The annual picnic and outdoor screening was born with the addition of “themed” dressing up, live music pre-

film and an audience that eventually grew to 600 people by the final outdoor show in 2009.

A major milestone for us was getting our own projection equipment. We had been using a 35mm projector we purchased from Strode Theatre in 1999. We won Best Film Society in our third season in 2000 and again in 2004. We used that success to match-fund grant applications to purchase digital projection equipment for £26,000 which transformed our village hall with our giant screen, five-

channel surround sound and quality digital projection.

In 2013 reel people moved out of the village to The Dragonfly Theatre at Writhlington School with comfortable raked seating and easy parking. This year is the 20th season of reel people and we are delighted to enjoy great success. Films are screened occasionally in the village hall as our sister organisation we call Filmersdon.

On behalf of all the Reelers from the last 20 years – happy birthday reel people!

Tim Spurgeon Chair

Membership gives you free admission to all of the 10 great films in the new season.

That’s just £2 per film!

Special Adult Membership for our 20th season £20 Young Person (18-24) £10.

Guest tickets available on the door: £5

For all membership and bookings enquires please contact: reel people film society, 1 Wickham Rise, Frome BA11 2JJ or call 07947 325950, email: reelpeoplebooking@gmail.com

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Glittering line-up for festival’s silver anniversary

THE new chairman of the Wells Festival of Literature – one of the longest-running literature festivals in the country – is very excited about its forthcoming 25th anniversary.

Richard Manning is delighted with the outcome of the hard Simon Jenkins: speaking work undertaken by the in Wells Cathedral on Saturday, September 29th festival’s booking group, and believes festival’s followers should be excited about the impressive line-up of speakers. The festival opens on Friday, October 13th and runs until Saturday, October 21st.

Amongst the line-up are Nick Clegg, Daisy Goodwin, Fergal Keane, Mike Brearley, Andy Hamilton and Anne Sebba. Before that, there is a special pre-festival event.

Richard said: “As well as the ten days of the festival itself, we can announce that Simon Jenkins, author, journalist and previous chairman of the National Trust, will be coming to talk about his book England’s Cathedrals, from the pulpit of his favourite ecclesiastical masterpiece – Wells Cathedral on Saturday, 29th September.”

The Wells Festival of Literature has grown from small beginnings 25 years ago, when two friends attended the Cheltenham Literary Festival, and decided to replicate it in England’s smallest city. It is now a thriving and financially secure annual event with an audience of around 5,000 and many generous sponsors. The vision is unchanged – to continue to attract brilliant authors and to entertain and educate audiences in equal measure.

As the number of sponsors has increased, the festival’s education group has been able to support a wider range of schools with visits from famous authors and creative workshops throughout the year, and the largest ever number of primary school children will be enthralled by a well-known writer, under one roof.

The full programme and tickets are available online at: https://thelittleboxoffice.com/wellsfestivalofliterature/ or in person at the Bishop's Palace or by telephone from Wednesday to Saturday mornings on 0300 2010211.

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Exploring Mendip’s geology

THE popular Mendip Rocks! Festival is back again this year, starting in Wells on Saturday September 30th and will run until 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 a new partner this year, The Mendip Society.

Festival co-ordinator, Adel Avery, said: “The Mendips have a unique and very special landscape, and ‘Rocktober’ 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.”

The festival will be launched in Wells on September 30th, 9am-4pm, with stalls in the Market Place, near the Moat and by the Wells Museum.

During The Geological Society’s Earth Science Week, October 7th-16th, they have some special events too, for those interested in learning about how Mendip’s local geological sites are doing.

They are taking part in the review of all of Somerset’s important geo sites at a meeting being held at the Somerset Earth Science Centre on October 11th with Somerset Geology Group. It is open to all, no geological knowledge needed, go and find out how you can get involved to learn more about and care for these important geo sites.

The day includes a geological field trip to Tedbury Camp LGS near Frome, to understand how to complete a geo site review. Also back this year will be escorted tours from Somerset Earth Science Centre into working basalt and limestone quarries and geo walks to see the unusual rock stratigraphy at Vallis Vale’s De la Beche unconformity and fossilised seabeds from the carboniferous era with geologist David Wright.

Other geo walks involve learning how to map a rock structure at Tor Hill Woods, and learn about the building stones of Wells Cathedral with David Rowley from Wells Cathedral School.

The Mendip limestone geology has created the highest inland cliffs and gorges in the country and also many caves beneath.

This valuable rock has been quarried for centuries and is still today.

Adel Avery, festival co-ordinator, said: “Whilst enjoying the breath-taking views above ground on the Mendip Hills, the events will bring alive the fascinating stories of the rocks beneath our feet that have created busy industries in the past as well as shaping the dramatic and well-loved landscapes we see today.”

Admission is free unless otherwise stated. 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.

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M e n d i p

Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.

Saturday August 19th – Monday August 28th Clevedon Art Club 61st open exhibition, science atrium, Clevedon School, 10.30-6pm Mon-Sat, 2pm6pm Sunday, admission £1. Details: www.clevedonartclub.co.uk Wednesday August 23rd Wells Cathedral free family creative workshop, “Shapes and Geometric Art”, sessions from 10.30am and 2pm in the education room, no booking. Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk Thursday August 24th West Mendip Walkers easy circular walk of six miles from North Petherton Church, OS map Ex 140 ST290332, start 1.30pm, park near church. Details: Tony Strange Tel: 01934 733783/07415 517355 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday August 25th Bishop’s Palace, Wells Family Fun Friday – Crazy Castles, 10.30am-3pm. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Saturday August 26th – Monday August 28th Mendip Ramblers walking festival, starting at 10am each day there will be three walks ranging from three to 13 miles, with a short walk of three to four miles starting at 1.30pm, all walks will start from The Sports Pavilion, Back Town, Butleigh, Glastonbury BA6 8SW, ST 524 338. Details: Martyn 01761 471891 or at martyn@mendipramblers.co.uk Bishop’s Palace, Wells Bowlore Medieval Bank Holiday weekend, 10am-6pm. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Whitchurch Village Fete’s 40th anniversary, starts Saturday with a traditional barn dance with the Granny Smiths, 7.30pm in the marquee in Greensmore Field, alongside the A37, £5 adults, £1 children; Sunday bargains galore and free parking at the car boot sale, 11am-to 2pm; Monday the annual fete and flower show with great entertainment for the whole family, £2.50 adults, £1.50 children and OAPs, proceeds go to local charities and organisations.

Details: Ashton Broad 01275 832148 or email whitchurchvillagefete@hotmail.co.uk Mendip Mower Racing in aid of YMCA Somerset Coast, Old Coach Road, Cross BS26 2JB. Details: events@ymca-sc.org August 26th and August 27th Clevedon Flower Show. The Salthouse Field, Clevedon. Daily adult ticket £5. Weekend ticket: adults £8, children & senior citizens £6. Car boot sale on the Saturday, 8am-midday. Ffi: www.clevedonflowershow.co.uk Saturday August 26th High Littleton and Hallatrow village day, various stalls, displays, attractions, fancy dress parade, dog show, bar, car boot sale from 12.30. Details: Chris Wootten 01761 471106.

Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books.

Mendip Society walk Westbury-sub-Mendip to Priddy, meet 2pm in the Square BA5 1HL, ST 501 488, a five-mile walk via the Queen Victoria in Priddy. Details: Jo 01749 870813.

Art 360, Cathedral Green, Wells, public art event, 1pm-4pm. Details: www.wellscivicsociety.org.uk Sunday August 27th Coleford Revival Day and Flower Show. Church service at 11.30am, event midday-7pm. Food stalls, live music, dog show, classic cars and more. Highbury Street Playing Fields, Coleford. Car parking £2.

Chilcompton Fringe Festival. Midday-11pm. Live PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

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music, readings by authors and poets, workshops and more. Admission £3 (adults) before 5pm; £5 afterwards. Children 11-16 £1. Ffi: www.chilcomptonfringefest.co.uk or find them on Facebook Monday August 28th Kermis (fete). St John’s Church, High Street, Glastonbury. 10.30am-3pm. Stalls inc. bric-a-brac, crafts, cakes, retro, bottle, tombola, cards and more.

Trips to the top of the church tower (weather permitting) and refreshments.

Wells Moat Boat Races. Stalls and entertainment from 10am. First races at 1pm. Organised by City of Wells Lions and Wells Air Cadets.

Baltonsborough Village Show. The 111th show starts midday at playing fields. Traditional produce marquee. Live music. Fire-eater and circus workshop.

Magician. Dog Show. Rainbow Run. Teas, bar, stalls and entertainments. Admission £1.

Wednesday August 30th – Sunday September 3rd Hutton Festival Taste of Somerset Fayre, Wednesday, with 60+ local stalls, horticultural show, Saturday, 60s night, Saturday night, Proms Night with Weston Brass, Sunday. Details: Steve Cope, clerk to Hutton Parish Council 01934 813871.

Wednesday August 30th Bishop’s Palace, Wells Midsummer Night’s Dream with The Pantaloons. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support afternoon tea, including bring and buy and books Backwell W.I. Hall, at 2pm. Details: Sheila, 01275 462107 Thursday August 31st West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk of 10miles from Allerford car park, OS map OL9 SS905468, start 10am. Details: Tony Strange Tel: 01934 733783/07415 517355 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday September 1st – Sunday September 3rd City & Guilds Embroidery Exhibition, Hill Cottage, Chewton Mendip BA3 4LS, refreshments and cream teas, in aid of Children’s Hospice South West, 10am-5pm daily.

Friday September 1st Redhill Club Open Mic Night (BS40 5SG), hosted

by Jerry Blythe, starting at 8pm, join us and unwind with an evening of live music, acoustic singersongwriters at their very best. Details: Jerry 07900 587646.

Friday September 1st and Saturday September 2nd Wessex Beer Festival, Chilcompton Sports Ground.

Details: www.wessexbeerfestival.co.uk Saturday September 2nd Mendip Society walk around Cleeve Toot and Goblin Combe, meet 2pm in the car park in Cleeve Hill Road (BS49 4PG) ST459 653, a moderate woodland walk of about five miles. Details: Ann 01179 736497.

Friends of Weston Hospicecare Group, wine & pudding evening, Wedmore Bowls Club, 7pm-9pm, tickets £10, adults only, includes a glass of wine and up to three puddings, available from Wedmore Village Store, Nanny Ida’s or call Shirley Wederell on 01934 712089.

Pilton Show Weekend. Fun for all ages on Pilton Playing Field on the Saturday with flower show, fete, plus evening barn dance. Fun sports day on Sunday.

Ffi: www.piltonvillage.co.uk Evercreech Annual Village Show. Sports Ground, Weston Town. 1.30pm. Ffi: www.evercreechshowsociety.wordpress.com Sunday September 3rd North Somerset Ploughing Match, Crafts and Produce Show, Box Bush Farm, Redhill, Wrington BS40 5RH. Mendip Society wine tasting visit to Fenny Castle

W h a t ’ s

Vineyard, £10pp. Details: Terry t.gifford2@bathspa.ac.uk or on 01749 679128.

Bristol Aquarists Society, goldfish exhibition, Hengrove Community Centre, Fortfield Road, Bristol BS14 9NX, 2.30pm, entry £1. Details: www.bristolaquarists.org.uk Somerset Wildlife Trust, East Mendip group walk at Merehead Quarry, the largest working quarry in Europe led by Tony House plus Simon Wiltshire the quarry’s bio & environmental officer, park at top of Slait Hill off A361 towards Downhead, 10.30am, ST 690457, BA4 4LQ, adults £2.50, children & students £1.

Frome Carnival duck race. Market Place car park from 1.30pm. Ffi: www.fromecarnival.org.uk Monday September 4th Congresbury Memorial Hall Club, friendship evening with a game of bingo, non-members welcome, 8pm. Memorial Hall.

Tuesday September 5th Chew Valley Choral Society begins rehearsals for its next concert, featuring works on the theme of 'St Cecilia' by its musical director David Bednall, Gounod, Howells and Purcell. New members welcome in all sections. Details: www.chewvalleychoral.org.uk Thursday September 7th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 10 miles from The Square, Beaminster, OS Map Ex116/117 ST479013, start 10am, roadside parking or car parks near square. Details: Vi Howley 07711 662993 or email vihowley@me.com Congresbury Horticultural Society. First talk of the season: "Off the Beaton Track Hidden Gems" by Andrew Tolman. Congresbury Methodist Hall, 7.30pm. New members always welcome.

Friday September 8th Mid Somerset Oxfam Group open evening, conversation with Lord Frank Judd, Wells and Mendip Museum, 6.30 for 7pm start. Details: David Green 01749 673356 email db.green@tiscali.co.uk Celia Lacey 01458 445921 email celialacey48@hotmail.com Street dance classes, Claverham village hall, 7pm8.30pm, 8-15 years, £5 entry, also September 22nd.

Details: Jean 01934 838017.

Saturday September 9th Mendip Society walk around East Harptree, meet at 2pm in car park at East Harptree Woods on Smithams Hill (BS40 6DA) ST 558 541, a moderate 4.5 to fivemile walk through Harptree Combe. Details: Mary 01934 843789.

Winscombe Michaelmas Fair at the Community Centre, Sandford Road, BS25 1HD from 1.45pm, lots of stalls & entertainment for the whole family! In the evening at 7.30pm a great barn dance with bar, tickets £10. Details: Dee 07879 852519.

Bishop’s Palace, Wells, medieval falconry. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Street Chrysanthemum, Dahlia and Vegetable Society, 69th annual show, The Victoria Club, Leigh Road, Street, 12noon-5.30pm, free admission. Details: 01458 443303 linden.driscoll@virgin.net Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show – see page 12.

All Saints’ Church, Weston-super-Mare BS23 2NL, renowned tenor Gordon Pullin presents a concert of vocal music as part of the Heritage weekend, all proceeds to the Luhimba project in Tanzania, tickets £8 on the door to include a free lunch and glass of wine, 12noon-1pm.

Somerset Wildlife Trust, East Mendip group Asham Woods Forest Folk, Family Forest School session, led

by Freya Morgan from Spindle Tree Learning, suitable for ages five-ten, children must be accompanied by an adult, free, 10.30am-1.30pm.

Details: lila.morris@somersetwildlife.org or phone

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Blagdon Fun Dog Show, The Mead, from 12noon.

Details: Susan Morua 01761 462553 dunnmorua@gmail.com Congresbury Book Sale, 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books.

Chew Stoke Harvest Home. Details: www.chewstokeharvesthome.org.uk Croscombe Harvest Market, food stalls, crafts, gifts, plants, local produce and raffle, teas, cake and light lunches, kids; activities, all welcome, village hall, Fayreway BA5 3QJ, 10am-2pm.

Saturday September 9th and Sunday September 10th Friends of Mendip Hospital Cemetery. Open days (cemetery off Hooper Avenue, Bath Road, Wells) to mark Heritage Open Days. 10am - 4pm with tours both days at 11am and 3pm. Ffi: www.mendiphospitalcemetery.org.uk Sunday September 10th Redhill Village Harvest Fair, Flower & Produce Show, 1pm-4pm, adult and children's exhibits on display, filled rolls, tea, coffee & cakes, kids’ face painting, craft, produce & beauty stalls, free entry, all welcome, BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619.

Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Wells Memory Walk. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Monday September 11th Nailsea and District Local History Society, the growth of Bristol’s Victorian suburbs, with Peter Malpass, Nailsea School, 7.45pm.

Tuesday September 12th Congresbury Over-60’s Club, entertainment will be provided by Mike and his Music, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004.

Wednesday September 13th St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton, lunchtime concert, with well-known local singer Vivienne Moon, doors open 12noon, refreshments available, no charge but donations welcome.

Thursday September 14th West Mendip Walkers easy circular walk 6 miles Nunney Quarry car park, OS Map Ex142 ST735457, start 1.30pm. Details: Margaret Donkin 01373 401373 462203/07543 696675 or margkdonkin@aol.com Friday September 15th – Sunday September 17th Wedmore Real Ale Festival. Details: www.wedmorerealale.com Friday September 15th Cheddar Valley Railway Film and illustrated talk, 7pm at St Leonard's Church, Rodney Stoke, BS27 3UW, refreshments available, all proceeds in aid of church funds. Details: megan.james@live.co.uk Supporters of St Peter’s Church, Draycott, wildlife talk by Prickles Hedgehog Rescue in Cheddar, entry by donation, 7pm.

Saturday September 16th Jay Jerome performing in Brent Knoll Parish Hall, tickets £10 include a Ploughman's Supper available from the village shop or from Eddie Fuller on 01278 760308.

Blagdon Weston Hospicecare support group bin bag collection, Blagdon Village Club, items suitable for sale in the hospice’s charity shops, tea, coffee and cake available, 10am-12noon.

Mendip Society walk around Congresbury, meet at 2pm in the (free) car park off Gooseham Mead (BS49 5BX) ST 438 639 by Congresbury bridge, a moderate five to six-mile walk with meadows and some hills.

Details: John 01934 842868.

September September 16th – Sunday 17th Steam Up North Somerset Tractor Club vintage rally and ploughing match, Birches Farm, Cambridge Batch, Flax Bourton BS48 3QS. Details: 07769977198/01278 671784.

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Sunday September 17th Bishop’s Palace, Wells wedding fair. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Monday September 18th Congresbury Memorial Hall Club, friendship evening with a game of bingo, non-members welcome, 8pm.

Tuesday September 19th Midsomer Norton Townswomen's Guild, St John's Church Hall, BA3 2HX, talk/demo by Stephanie Hillier, "Raw chocolate – turning the world's favourite treat into a health food", 2pm. Details: 01761 413528.

Wednesday September 20th St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton, lunchtime concert, with Somer Valley Singers, doors open 12noon, refreshments available, no charge but donations welcome.

Thursday September 21st Wrington Vale Inner Wheel Club, ploughman’s lunch, 12noon to 2pm, St James’ Hall, Winscombe BS25 1AQ, £7.50 inc raffle, all profits to Young Carers.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 11 miles, from Goat Hill Bridge car park, OS Map Ex OL9 SS724415, start 10am. Details: Carol Jackson 01934 733568/07979 354530 or Caj7599@btinternet.com Friday September 22nd Valley Arts presents Dragonbird Theatre, start of its autumn fringe festival, Chew Magna Baptist Hall BS40 8SP, suitable 0-5s plus grown-ups, 11.30am2.30pm. Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk Saturday September 23rd Valley Arts Packhouse Ceilidh, Community Farm, 7.30pm, start of the autumn festival. Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk All Saints’ Church, Weston-super-Mare the ever popular Weston Light Orchestra return to perform a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ in the day, 12noon-1pm, tickets £8 on the door to include a free light lunch and glass of wine.

Mendip Society coastal walk from Clevedon, meet 2pm in Salthouse Fields car park (£4 for 4 hours), Old Church Road (BS21 7TU) ST 397 709, or find free street parking nearby, a moderate 5.5 mile walk along the coast path on Poets' Walk and then inland on tracks and through fields to join the Blind Yeo. Details: Judy 01749 672196 or Pauline 01934 820745.

Start of Yatton Music Society’s autumn concerts at St Mary’s, Yatton, with brilliant saxophonist Hannah Marcinowicz and pianist accompanist Philip Mountford, 7.30pm, £8 members, £10 non-members.

Details: www.yms,org.uk or contact David Ford 01934 830255 email david.ford@yms.org.uk Taste of Timsbury festival of local food and drink, Conygre Hall, Timsbury BA2 0JQ, 10am-3pm, food and drink stalls, demos, children’s activities. Details: www.tasteoftimsbury.co.uk Priddy Rural Fun Day, Priddy Green, 10am-3pm, with rural craft stalls, kids crafts, activities and races and a Farm Boot Sale, starting at 9am, proceeds to village church and school. Details: 01749 676339.

Congresbury Book Sale, 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books.

Frome Carnival. Children’s procession 2.30pm from Victoria Park. Evening procession 7.30pm, Marston

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Trading Estate. Ffi: www.fromecarnival.org.uk Sunday September 24th Mendip Society open day and geocaching in Tania’s Wood, Ubley, 11am-3pm. Details: Judith 01275 874284 (before 9.00am) or on site 07939 039554.

Monday September 25th Wessex Stationary Engine Club talk "The stationary engines of Bath" by Stuart Burroughs, 7.30pm, Old Down Inn, BS3 4SA, all welcome, free entry. Details: 01225 754374.

Tuesday September 26th Congresbury Over-60’s Club, entertainment ‘Life Begins at 40’ provided by Carole Bourton/Rob Bishop, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm.

Details: 01934 832004.

Wednesday September 27th Mendip Ploughing Match, Priddy Hill Farm.

Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support with speaker Shirley Leslie from Vision North Somerset, 1.30pm, Backwell W.I. Hall. Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton, lunchtime concert, with Wells Cathedral School, doors open 12noon, refreshments available, no charge but donations welcome.

Midsomer Norton & Radstock Dial-a-Ride AGM. 2pm at The Council Chamber, The Hollies, High Street, Midsomer Norton. All welcome.

Thursday September 28th West Mendip Walkers easy circular walk 6 miles from Ken Master’s home, OS Map Ex141 ST483454, start 1.30pm, park considerately in lane near house.

Details: Ken Masters 01749 670349/07784 941439 or ken@kenmasters265.plus.com Chew Valley Wildlife Group, The Five-year Butterfly Hunt illustrated talk by Phil Hall in Chew Magna Millennium Hall, 7.45pm, admission £2.50; season ticket available.

Saturday September 30th Plop! Theatre Show Red Brick Building, Morland Enterprise Park, Glastonbury, BA6 9FT, 3pm, £5 children/£7 adults.

Mendip Rocks! Festival launch, Wells Market Place, from 9am. See page 102.

Cheddar Male Choir charity concert for Meniere’s Society, with the Moor Singers, St. Mary’s Church, Wedmore, 7.30pm, tickets £8 on the door, or from village store or Bill Litherland 01934 712592. Details: www.cheddarmvchoir.co.uk Taize’ and Teas, Stoke St Michael Church, 4pm, come along and join in singing Taize’ chants with us or just relax and listen in our wonderful church, teas, coffee and biscuits will be available afterwards, no charge but donations to the church are always welcome. Details: Janet 01225 869337 or 07376 573093.

Cheddar Michaelmas Folk Fair, Cheddar Village Hall, BS27 3RF, 7pm for 7.30pm, a unique minifestival of traditional ballads, tales and music performed by entertainers from round and about old Somerset, plus supper, tickets £9. Details: Judy 01934 744082 or Heather 01934 743013.

Mendip Society Rickford and Blagdon pub walk, meet 11am in Ubley Sawmills car park BS40 6PF ST 529 587, a moderate walk of about 4.5 miles to the Plume of Feathers at Rickford for lunch at about 1pm and return the 4.5 miles via Blagdon, max no 25, booking required. Details: Martin 01761 462528

MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR SEPTEMBER ACROSS: 1 Cannards, 7 Knoll, 8 Circles, 10 Clevedon, 12 Dando, 13 Grave, 14 Table, 18 Watchfield, 21 Helicopter, 22 Chilcote.

DOWN: 2 Ash, 3 Ditcheat, 4 Rees, 5 Binegar, 6 Jill, 9 Mogg, 11 Evercreech, 15 Brent, 16 Westham, 17 Mudgley, 19 Jacob, 20 Shoe.

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Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

Starts Friday 25th August

Starts Friday 8th September

NOW SHOWING:

Rough Night (15) • Atomic Blonde (15) Logan Lucky (12A) Limehouse Golem (15) • It (15)

Starts Friday Victoria & Abdul – book now 15th September Starts Wednesday Kingsman The Golden Circle 20th September

Event Cinema Thurs 7th John Le Carre Thurs 14th Carmen On The Lake for September Thurs 21st King Lear

● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

Fun and games

A PRIDDY Rural Fun Day will be held on Priddy Green on Saturday September 23rd, 10am-3pm. This fun, free, family event will feature rural crafts stalls, crafts and activities, vintage cars and tractors, tug o’ war, apple bobbing, kids’ races and much more.

A special Farm Boot Sale, starting at 9am, £5 per pitch, will replace the long-standing implement sale, which is not going ahead this year, ensuring there will still be plenty of opportunities to buy and sell bargain agricultural tools and attire. Proceeds will go to Priddy Church and PTA. Details: 01749 676339.

NOW AT FROME SHOWGROUND

23rd & 24th September Adults: £6.00 • OAP’s £5.00 • Under 16’s Free Steam Engines • Commercials • Tractors • Cars • Motorbikes • Stationary Engines Dog Show • 1940’s Tea Room • Catering • Trade Stands • Crafts • Craft Tents • Bar • Camping available

For more information call: 07900 695620 www.somersetsfestivaloftransport.webs.com PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2017

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