Issue 7 - Volume 17 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 7

FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

DECEMBER 2021

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A CHRISTMAS HAMPER See page 113

SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL OUR READERS! Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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MENDIP TIMES

CONTENTS

Welcome

IT’S back! Our fiendish spot the rabbit Christmas competition which gives you the chance to win a hamper from Ford Farm Cheese and Wookey Hole Caves.

Just spot the golden rabbits hidden in our pages.

Sue Gearing also offers us a Christmas puzzle, though you will have to walk around Burrington Combe to take part in it! The only prize is the view from up there.

And what is a Norfolk Biffin? Jake Whitson will give you the answer in our extensive Food and Drink section.

With Christmas preparations well underway, we turn the spotlight this month on Cheddar and Wedmore, with an extensive preview of events from right across the area.

We join the pony club members who enjoyed a day on the gallops at Ditcheat and the young farmers who organised a tractor run to raise money for cancer research.

We meet the area’s loneliest bell ringer and have a seasonal message from Somerset’s High Sheriff, Thomas Sheppard.

Remembrance Sunday was particularly poignant this year after nearly two years of the pandemic – we have several pages of pictures.

With all of our regular contributors and features, may we wish you a peaceful and healthy Christmas.

January 2022 deadline: Friday 10th December 2021 Published: Tuesday 21st December 2021 Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk Accounts: accounts@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:

01761 463888

or email: news@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk

Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: William Gibbons & Sons Ltd, Willenhall, Wolverhampton WV13 3XA. 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: The Red Dress in Wells.

Photo by Mark Adler. See page 34.

65

88

Making a point – Civil War in Witham Friary

Hats off to zombies – charity fun in Glastonbury

94

104

Time to reflect – Remembrance in Paulton

Pony club treat – youngsters at full gallop Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Nick Green .....................10 Internet and Crossword ..............12 Food & Drink ...............................16 Arts & Antiques ...........................30 Business.........................................36 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......57 Walking Sue Gearing ....................58 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........60

Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......62 Health & Family ..........................70 Community ...................................78 Property ........................................84 Caving Phil Hendy ........................86 Charities........................................88 Riding Jane Paterson ...................104 Sport ............................................106 What’s On ...................................110 MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 3

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Historic cross restored

ILCHESTER'S historic market cross has been restored to its former glory, four years after it was demolished by a drunken driver.

Ilchester Town Trust had a long legal wrangle before gaining approval for the work. Then the Covid lockdown stopped progress.

Boden and Ward, a specialist conservation stonework company from Northampton, carried out the reconstruction using a mixture of the original stones and

newly-quarried ham stone.

Locals gathered for a night-time rededication ceremony which included a sound and light show.

Now the cross looks as magnificent as the original, erected in 1795, on a base with an even earlier date. That year saw bread riots, a new tax on hair powder and the death of John Keats, but Ilchester gained a monument to be proud of.

The new notice board

Axbridge marks its history

THERE has been a double celebration in Axbridge. The first of what are expected to be as many as 40 blue plaques around the town has been unveiled at the town hall.

And members of Axe Valley Men’s Shed have constructed a wooden notice board for Axbridge Square, giving details of the new heritage trail. Mayor Kate Browne unveiled both.

The voluntary group behind the plaques is headed by former mayor Barbara Wells who said it was an important step in the creation of the heritage trails that would attract new visitors to the town.

Positioned on the outside of the town hall the plaque explains how the civic building was constructed in 1830 on the site of the former Bear Inn. Fundraising for the plaques has been led by Margaret Cowie, including £300 from the town’s chamber of commerce.

The new notice board, made under the guidance of carpenter Terry Wite, is built out of recycled timber.

The men’s shed chairman Andy Laken said the board has been a joint effort by members of the shed and they were delighted to help the new heritage trail in Axbridge with its contribution.

Details: http://www.axbridgeheritagetrails.com/ https://axevalleymensshed.org/ or Facebook

NEWS

Mobile trader calls it a day

Mark Nicholls with a hamper presented to him by villagers during his last round in Cross and Compton Bishop

(Photo courtesy of Richard Clutterbuck)

MENDIP TIMES

A TRADER who has provided a mobile fruit and vegetable doorstep delivery service to customers over a wide area for decades has decided to call it a day.

Mark Nicholls, whose family have lived in Axbridge and Compton Bishop for at least 100 years, decided that after working frequent stints from 4am until 2am the next day, it was time to relax and spend more time with his family and on his interests of history, photography, gardening and travelling around the UK. For more than 30 years he served customers throughout the Cheddar Valley, Mendip-top and Mid-Somerset, and enjoyed regularly meeting the many hundreds of customers who visited his familiar white truck – boldly marked “Cumbtune Farm Produce”.

It was named after the market garden in New Town, Compton Bishop, built up by his late father.

He quite often left home to stock up at Bristol Fruit Market at 4am but he said his aim was to source as much produce as possible from local growers. Even after getting home for supper, he had to get down to his paperwork and tidy the shelves of his van, sometimes snatching just a couple of hours’ sleep before starting all over again.

Mark began his working life by learning the skill of thatching before deciding to launch a new career, driving to villages over a wide area from Priddy and the Cheddar Valley to the Somerset Levels.

To mark his last round, customers from Cross and Compton Bishop clubbed together to present Mark with a hamper of goodies to share with his wife, Annie, and a good wishes card signed by dozens of them.

Back on the train, gang!

MORE than 70 ex-Somerset Coalfields workers and their families enjoyed a day out at the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway heritage line at Midsomer Norton.

The day was funded by the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust who had invited the ex-miners to the station during their annual reunion at Radstock Museum in September.

Station volunteers laid on three journeys along the track and also provided everyone with a packed lunch.

Bryn Hawkins, from the welfare trust, said: “All-in-all a great day for the ex-miners; a great big thank you to the team at Midsomer Norton Station; let’s do it again next year!”

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 5

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MENDIP TIMES

Womble spotted in Axbridge

BARRY Walsh has been a familiar sight litter picking on the Axbridge by-pass and surrounding area every day since February. For Children In Need he decided to hire a Womble outfit and collect litter in the centre of the town.

Barry, who lives in Axbridge, is better known to Facebook viewers as a musician, who arranged musical challenges all through lockdown with his wife Louise.

He said the hired costume gave him an incredibly hot head and hardly any vision. He

said: “I couldn’t see too well with Louise having to pull and push me if I got too near to traffic.

“If children or parents waved at us Louise would say turn right and wave or to the left, whatever was relevant at the time.

“We have had a lovely response from the parents of the children saying that their kids are still talking about the Wombles!”

He has raised £250 for Children in Need so far.

He’s also heard he might be in line for a community award.

Plant a tree for the Jubilee

PEASEDOWN Community Trust has been giving away a further 200 trees as part of its ambitious target of planting over 500 trees in the village.

Working in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council and campaign group, More Trees for B&NES, the charity wants to encourage residents to get involved with the initiative.

Trust chairman, Gavin Heathcote, said: “Trees are one of the best solutions to our climate emergency. They improve poor air quality, alleviate the risk of flooding, lock up carbon, boost our wellbeing – making us feel healthier and happier, and create habitats for wildlife.

“Since we launched our tree planting initiative in March, we’ve seen almost 100 planted in the village already, with a target of 400 more to be planted in time for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next June.”

Campaign group, More Trees for B&NES, who are supplying the trees to the trust, have coordinated the planting of almost 10,000 trees across the district since the group was established in 2008.

Their co-founder, Adam Gretton said: “Planting trees is an

Protecting bats

easy and fun way for us all to ‘do our bit’ for the environment.

“So many communities across the area, over the last decade, have taken great strides in planting trees in their towns and villages.

“We are now focussed on setting up a network of community tree nurseries across B&NES, to ensure a local supply of indigenous trees. We are delighted to have Peasedown as one of our first recipients!”

Details: peasedowncommunitytrust@gmail.com

WILFRED Klein, aged nine, of East Harptree was presented with a bat box to put up in his garden to attract bats to roost this winter.

He won first prize in the wildlife quiz organised by East Harptree Environment Group (EHEG) at the village fete in July. The organisers were impressed with Wilfred’s knowledge about local wildlife.

Nick Roberts made the bat box and presented it to Wilfred, along with Bernice Roberts and Chris Johnson, who are all key members of the East Harptree Environment Group.

Bats are struggling to survive in many parts of the country because of the crash in insect numbers, habitat loss and decline in roosting places especially when old buildings are renovated.

Luckily, the Mendips support many species of bats, which are all protected by law. The EHEG has been doing surveys

Pictured (l to r) Bernice Roberts, Chris Johnson, Philly Klein with Heidi, Richard Klein with Wilfred and Nick Roberts

in the parish to try and find out more about local bats and to involve local people in their protection.

Details: The Bat Conservation Trust website: https://www.bats.org.uk/advice or east.harptree.eg@gmail.com

PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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Planting trees for The Queen

A NEW Platinum Jubilee Somerset website has been set up to help celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

It features lots of information about how to get involved through the Queen’s Green Canopy scheme, by registering a beacon, or by organising a street party.

The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative invites people – both individuals and organisations – to plant as many trees as possible around the country during the tree-planting seasons that run from October 2021 through to March 2022, and again from October 2022 to the end of next year.

This initiative will not only celebrate the Queen’s long reign but also have a positive impact on the environment and help to counter the damaging effects of climate change.

There are various plans for celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee, including a four-day national Bank Holiday from Thursday, June 2nd through to Sunday, June 5th.

During this period, there are plans to light beacons throughout the UK, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories, plus in each one of the capital cities of Commonwealth countries.

Annie Maw, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, said: “I hope that throughout Somerset all our communities will use and enjoy this new website.

“It gives us the guidance we need in coordinating our plans to celebrate this unique and historic milestone across the county.

“This single point of reference will allow us to source all the information we require to work together, as we strive to proudly produce what will be the very best tribute to mark and express our gratitude to Her Majesty, The Queen.”

Details: https://platinumjubileesomerset.org.uk

Toad patrols need volunteers

Frog ladder

CAMELEY and Clutton toad patrols are celebrating another successful year after saving nearly 1,000 frogs and toads from getting run over in the spring.

Margaret Finn, who organises the patrols with Michelle Pullen, said: “With the help of B&NES, we installed over 20 ‘ladders’ into road gullies to help them climb out if they fell in!

“We were only able to do this because of the generosity of local people who donated to our cause.”

The patrols are always looking for more volunteers and would like to set up more in the Clutton area before February and March when toads, frogs and other amphibians are on the move.

Details: Facebook or email cameleytoads2@gmail.com

ENVIRONMENT

Lift off for astronomy project

Josh leading the workshop at Compton Martin Village Hall

MORE than 30 people attended the first meeting of a new group dedicated to all things related to space.

Space4All is the idea of night sky environmentalist and filmmaker Josh Drury, of Compton Martin, to actively promote practical astronomy and to engage people from all backgrounds.

The evening at Compton Martin village hall offered advice from how to set up a telescope to identify the major constellations as well as observing planets and deep-sky objects (galaxies and nebulas).

During the recent lockdowns, Josh saw a growing demand from people wanting to learn more about astronomy. He believes the more people who are inspired to look up to the night sky, the more they will feel compelled to protect it from light pollution and satellite constellations.

Josh said: “After a year of uncertainty, it was so lovely to finally be able to launch this event. It certainly made me think from the past year how the stars kept us connected through lockdown and finally how it was so lovely to celebrate the stars with like-minded people once again.

“It was clear to see how many people were interested in learning the basics of astronomy and this is something which I wish to continue with my future astronomical endeavours with Space4All so that it’s fun and accessible for all.”

Admiring one of the many varieties of telescope on show

Josh’s next event is a Christmas party at Priddy Village Hall on Friday, December 10th. For details, visit: www.joshduryphoto-media.com MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 7

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MENDIP TIMES

Chew Valley plants trees

ENVIRONMENT

THE campaign group, Chew Valley Plants Trees, is going to be busy before Christmas spreading the word about its aim to double tree cover in the Chew Valley by 2030.

They will be at the Chew Magna Christmas Fayre on December 4th, 3-6pm and at Chew Magna Country Markets on Fridays before Christmas 9.30-11am.

They say they can answer any questions people have about what they do and how you can help improve the environment.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Jackie Head, said: “Chew Mya-Rose Craig with Ben Foster planting trees on his land

Young tree planters from Black2Nature

Valley Plants Trees are passionate about planting trees; for the carbon they capture, the wildlife they support, for the food they produce and the way they make us feel. Planted in the right place they can also help us to tackle flooding.

“Maybe you would like to get involved in tree planting, or have land that trees can be planted on, maybe you would like to know how else you could help us meet our vision of doubling tree cover in the Chew Valley by 2030. All are welcome.”

The group is supported by environmental activist Mya-Rose Craig and her group Black2Nature.

Details: https://www.chewvalleyplantstrees.co.uk email: chewvalleyplantstrees@gmail.com

Riverfly monitoring: a new TWIST for Somerset’s rivers

SEWAGE spills have been hitting the headlines recently – but now an environmental project is helping Somerset residents to stop sewage and other pollution affecting rivers on their doorstep.

As reported in the April 2021 issue of Mendip Times, Transforming Waterways in Somerset Towns (TWIST) is an idea from the Wild Trout Trust conservation charity for improving river health in Cheddar, Wookey, Wookey Hole, Shepton Mallet, Croscombe, Wells and other urban areas in the county.

In July this year, with funding from the Environment Agency and Somerset Catchment Partnership, 16 volunteers were trained and certified as riverfly monitors at two special training sessions on the Keward Brook in Wells. Every month from now on, these volunteers will be sampling and counting the numbers of aquatic insects in rivers near where they live. Different species are sensitive to different forms of pollution so, if numbers are seen to Riverfly monitoring is an easy and fascinating way to learn about the health of your local river

drop in any area, the EA can be alerted to track the problem upstream and locate the original source of pollution.

This initiative has already enjoyed early success on the River Sheppey. Local riverfly monitors have identified a recurring pollution incident in the Shepton Mallet area, which is now being investigated by the EA and Wessex Water.

Theo Pike, the Wild Trout Trust’s Trout in the Town officer, said: “EA budgets have been cut by more than 50% since 2010, so it’s more important than ever for local people to keep a knowledgeable eye on their river.

“We’re very grateful to Mendip District Council and other landowners for providing access for our volunteers to do this monitoring, and we hope to learn much more about the Axe and Sheppey rivers, and how to protect them better, as the TWIST project develops.”

Under the expert guidance of Jess Grant from Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, 16 new riverfly monitors were trained at the Keward Brook in Wells

To sign up for future training as a riverfly monitor, email tpike@wildtrout.org visit www.wildtrout.org or find TWIST on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wildtrouttrusttwist PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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MENDIP TIMES

Look out for deer on a Christmas walk

THE time has come to keep an eye out for Santa and his reindeer friends. We know these special reindeer come from Lapland but there is also a herd in Scotland near to Aviemore.

Reindeer are designed to be able to survive in extremely cold and snowy conditions. Their hooves have four toes which act like With NICK snowshoes when walking in snow.

GREEN They are also used to scrape snow away in the search of food in the winter. We don’t get that much snow or very low temperatures on Mendip so reindeer would have trouble living here. What we do have are “ordinary” deer.

Whereas reindeer have thick legs and fingered feet, most deer have thin legs with pointed hooves designed for easy movement around grassland, farmland, woodland and heath, typical habitat found on Mendip.

There are six breeds of deer in the UK with two found on Mendip. Muntjac have been seen here increasingly in recent years but by far the most common breed is roe. The roe doe usually has two kids born in May or June and spends the summer living off grass, tree buds and leaves whilst suckling her young.

Those of us working and walking on the Mendips are often lucky to see roe bucks, does and kids while out and about. I have

Roe deer

no doubt the deer generally see us before we see them as they are so in tune with their surroundings and keeping an eye out for danger.

However, if you keep out of sight, quiet and downwind of them, you can often enjoy watching some true wildlife in all its natural glory ranging the fields and woodland around us. Whilst farms are seen as the food factories of the countryside they are also in tune with the natural environment.

If too much of something is applied to the crops the land is spoiled. If too little is applied crops won’t grow and the soil is exhausted. When farmers farm properly, they live in harmony with the natural environment. That’s why we have the privilege of playing host to special species such as deer.

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

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS Newly appointed Bobcat dealer for Somerset and Bristol. Telescopic handlers, Skid steers, Excavators 0.8-8.5t

PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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FARMING

Your main Kubota dealer for Somerset and South Gloucester Main Road A370, Hewish, Weston-super-Mare BS24 6SE

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 11

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INTERNET

Resizing images

THERE may well come an occasion when you wish to scale down a large image file for it to take up less space, especially with phone cameras being able to take much higher quality and therefore larger file size photographs, these days. For instance, some email systems limit the size of With NICK attachments, or you may have limited SPARKS storage on your device, or it may be the requirement to upload to a web site.

Fortunately, there are many ways of achieving this although the method may be tucked away almost hidden on your device.

As well as reducing the dimensions of an image to reduce its file size some offer the option to reduce its definition. Rule of thumb suggests that an image for a web site should be at around 75 dpi (dots per inch) however if you want it printed a higher setting of 300 dpi is normal.

With the iphone or ipad a dedicated app such as Image Size down loaded from the App Store is perhaps the best option. On a Mac, it can be done natively in Finder>Application open Preview click on the Markup icon in the top menu bar, and in Markup Mode click Adjust Size icon.

With an Android phone or tablet you can also download a dedicated app such as Image SizePhoto Resizer from the Playstore, but it can also be achieved natively within the Gallery App by clicking on the image, then the pencil icon followed by the three menu dots in the top right had corner and the resize option that appears.

Windows 10 provides a method via its included Photo App. Open an image in the app and again clicking the three menu dots in the top right-hand corner to find the resize option that appears.

There are also online resizing services offered on the internet, for example Adobe under Spark offer a free service as long as you sign up. Photo editing software such as Photoshop Elements also usually include the ability to do resizing.

This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer.

I.T. for the Terrified <it4ttcvh@gmail.com> Submitted for IT for the Terrified by Nick Sparks.

Although we have now ceased our one to one tuition, a number of us will continue with this column under the heading "IT for the Terrified" to keep the name alive for the time being.

PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 5 & 8 Small village near Frome, long name and in 2014 only 381 inhabitants (8,6) 8 See 5 across 10 Make quick short steps to a game of dice (6) 11 A proboscidea (8) 12 A kings’ male heirs (5,7) 15 A knot for joining two ropes (4) 17 Playwright who wrote “Loot” (1965) (5) 18 Show how tired you are (4) 19 Said to have no Visitors (12) 22 In Baroque music an accompanying part which provides a bassline for the other parts and adds harmony (8) 24 Car used for levelling the lawn (6) 25 A nearly worthless seed (6) 26 Russia's form of government after the 1917 revolution

DOWN 1 Help in getting slalom runners back up the slope (3,3) 2 Impervious to Adam’s ale (10) 3 Not working or in use (4) 4 In a surreptitious fashion (2,3,3) 6 Gained without endeavour (8) 7 Permanently fixed in a particular belief or opinion (4,2,3,4) 9 Spots a broken cane (4) 13 Simultaneous (10) 14 A tool Women use to keep eyebrows in shape (8) 16 Village close to Shepton Mallet where the River Sheppey springs from St. Adhelms' well (8) 20 Leaving Cheddar for Draycott there is a 250ft hill on the right. What is its name (6) 21 A 21-mile river rising at Beverton pond in the Brendon hills and flowing into R. Parret at Burrowbridge (4) 23 Plural of half of 25 across (4) Clues in italics are cryptic By greendandelion

This month’s solution can be found on page 106

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MENDIP TIMES

Dear Mendip Times, Three cheers for Dr Phil Hammond!

His article “Don’t blame it on the GP” in last month’s Mendip Times set out in clear and robust terms the achievements that all our primary care professionals have accomplished during the worst pandemic in living memory.

He also graphically laid out the years of under-funding that have led to the UK having a worse per capita doctorto-patient ratio than the rest of Europe.

I’ve belonged to a local GP practice since 1981 and can vouch for the continuing excellence of its performance. It maintained face-to-face appointments and home visits (albeit restricted) even during the worst of Covid and has now resumed normal service as much as it can while maintaining necessary anti-infection precautions.

Over a number of surgeries, it now has more than 80 phone lines and an increased patient co-ordination staff to cope with growing demand. Meanwhile the doctors and their staff continue to work extremely hard, seven days a week.

Indeed, I’ve had a telephone consultation with my GP at 8.30 at night and know that the record for one duty doctor’s number of daily patient contacts was more than 200! And all this while the practice administered more than 60,000 first, second and booster Covid vaccinations.

Along with Dr Hammond, I think it’s disgraceful that such a wonderful, hard-working service continues to be besmirched by cynical, politically-motivated forces. As he says, primary care has always changed with the times and continues to do so with the advent of interactive and online technology.

Between 1962 and 1971, the BBC ran a popular TV series called “Dr Finlay’s Casebook”. It dealt with everyday health issues and emergencies at a very parochial, hands-on local level based on simple remedies and cosy homespun anecdotes. But things are different in the 21st century.

In the internet age, perhaps more people need to realise that the mythical golden days of Dr Finlay are long gone.

And, as Dr Hammond rightly says “whatever solutions the government comes up with, they must be built on compassion and understanding, not blame and aggression”.

Ian Pitch North Somerset

Dear Mendip Times, Being born and bred in the Chew Valley I am writing to express my appreciation of your magazine Mendip Times. I would especially like to mention the monthly cycling article by Edmund Lodite.

I moved to France many years ago and I find Edmund’s article interesting, intelligently written and, occasionally challenging, bringing back happy memories of many days (mis)spent cycling around Chew Valley Lake and surrounding areas with “the gang”.

Thank you.

With very kind regards.

Nigel Bailey France

READER’S OPINION

Dear Mendip Times, Thanks for another excellent Mendip Times and your full coverage of the recent ploughing match. I should very much like to take the opportunity to reply to Dr Phil Hammond and his article “Don’t blame it on the GP” (November issue).

I very much take issue with the good doctor’s opinion and do blame an awful lot of what is happening in Primary Care, squarely on the attitude and behaviour of the GP. It seems from all the evidence and Dr Hammond’s politically motived rant that GPs are putting their own welfare and wellbeing ahead of their patients.

Many GPs have taken the options of working part-time, working from home and taking study leave, when patients actually want and need a face-to-face meeting in the surgery.

Dr Hammond fails to mention that doctors are rewarded financially by the size of their patient list, not by the number of patients they actually treat.

There is no incentive at all for doctors to actually treat patients, yet they can still draw their mega-salaries.

Add to this the fact that as vaccinators, they get paid £10 for every vaccination delivered – it’s no wonder a doctor would rather work from home, or deliver vaccinations – it makes them very rich for very little effort.

He states that “we would be counting the bodies” if the vaccination scheme was not such a success. True, we have had a very successful vaccine roll-out, but it has rewarded the GPs very handsomely.

Unfortunately, to use his slightly grizzly expression the “bodies are still piling up” and GPs share much of the blame for this, not from the pandemic or virus, but from other more routine causes.

How do I know all this? I volunteer as a Community First Responder in the Mendip and North Somerset area and, as such, I receive all the 999 calls from the ambulance service and act as a kind of pre-paramedic to treat people before the ambulance arrives on scene, so have first-hand experience, and a “ringside” seat of what is actually happening.

Because of the increase in demand, ambulance attendance times are stretching outwards and patients are not getting the treatment they deserve.

Ambulances then experience long delays in off-loading their patients at A&E, therefore further tying up the ambulance and paramedic.

One of the underlying causes is not the patients the GPs do see, it is the patients they don’t see that is the cause of much of this excess demand.

A large number of patients I attend in my voluntary capacity, start the conversation with this common apology: “I’m so sorry to have to call you, I have tried ringing my doctor for a couple of days, and can’t get an appointment, so I rang 111 and found they were of little help. This morning I rang 999 because my condition is so much worse.”

I’m sorry Dr Hammond, GPs must take their share of responsibility for the near total collapse of the Primary Care system and therefore endangering patients’ lives. Patients deserve better, and expect better.

The current state of Primary Care is dangerous and a disgrace. You should be ashamed of your actions and not politically grand-standing about pay and conditions.

Duncan Massey Volunteer Community First Responder MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 13

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Strike protest in Street

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Axbridge marks its history

NEWS C

MENDIP TIMES

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The first blue plaque

THERE has been a double celebration in Axbridge. The first of what are expected to be as many as 40 blue plaques around the town has been unveiled at the town hall.

And members of Axe Valley Men’s Shed have constructed a wooden notice board for Axbridge Square, giving details of the new heritage trail. Mayor Kate Browne unveiled both.

The voluntary group behind the plaques is headed by former mayor Barbara Wells who said it was an important step in the creation of the heritage trails that would attract new visitors to the town.

Positioned on the outside of the town hall the plaque explains how the civic building was constructed in 1830 on the site of the former Bear Inn. Fundraising for the plaques has been led by Margaret Cowie, including £300 from the town’s chamber of commerce.

The new notice board, made under the guidance of carpenter Terry Wite, is built out of recycled timber.

The men’s shed chairman Andy Laken said the board has been a joint effort by members of the shed and they were delighted to help the new heritage trail in Axbridge with its contribution.

Protestors leave the Westway centre to march through the centre of Street

HUNDREDS of striking Clark’s Distribution Centre workers and supporters marched in what has been described as the biggest protest of its kind in Street in more than 100 years.

More than 100 staff at the Westway centre have been on strike since the beginning of October over what they say is a “fire and rehire” move by Clarks to change their terms and conditions of employment.

In 1913, women on their way from the West Country to London to take part in the Suffragists’ Great Pilgrimage stopped at the Clark’s owned Crispin Centre in Street.

Clarks is now owned by the Hong Kong-based private equity firm Lion Rock Capital following a £100m rescue deal for the company, founded in 1825. It meant Clarks was no longer family controlled.

Crackdown on tipping

The picket line outside the distribution centre

The new notice board

Details: http://www.axbridgeheritagetrails.com/ https://axevalleymensshed.org/ or Facebook

PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

MENDIP District Council officers, and Avon and Somerset Police, are working in partnership to stop on environmental crime in the district.

A joint stop-and-search exercise was carried out in Wells. The authorities inspected 28 vehicles of interest on Strawberry Way. A quarter of those stopped could not present a valid Waste Carriers Licence, as issued by the Environment Agency.

They could face a potential £300 Fixed-Penalty-Notice.

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RH

Windows

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Telephone: 01761 452171 Fax: 01761 453342

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MENDIP TIMES

The most wonderful time of the year – for me!

With KATY BEAUCHAMP

I love entertaining and I love Christmas. Always have done. . . always will . . . from wrapping presents and writing cards to decorating the house and, above all, cooking for the festive period!

SEVEN VEG TERRINE

A versatile dish for all tastes

A VERSATILE layered terrine which can be served as a main course (with sprouts and roast potatoes) for vegetarian guests on Christmas Day or as an accompaniment to fish or meat.

METHOD (THIS IS A FOUR-STAGE RECIPE) For the cauliflower layer: boil the whole head of cauliflower for ten minutes, drain and cool. In a bowl mix the mayonnaise, the cheese, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, add salt and pepper and a teaspoon of garlic granules. Heat oven to 170°C. Spread mixture over the cauliflower and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Tip away most of the liquid from the bottom of the dish, chop cauliflower and use a potato masher to achieve required consistency.

For the carrot and sweet potato layer: Dice veg and saute with the onion in 75gms of butter, add ground coriander, salt and pepper and a teaspoon of garlic granules and cook for a further five minutes. Add boiling water until the veg is just covered. Cook until the veg is tender and all the liquid has evaporated. Mash to taste.

For the green layer: cook broccoli until tender. Add spinach and half of the peas for a further two minutes. Drain and blend with the remaining 50gms of butter, garlic granules, salt and pepper and grated nutmeg, add the juice of a half of lemon and remaining peas.

To assemble: Take a 3lb loaf tin and brush with butter. Lay first sheet of pastry so it comes up over the sides, brush INGREDIENTS with butter and sprinkle (Makes 8 generous slices) 1tsp of stuffing mix over.

One medium head cauliflower Repeat twice. Spread the Two large carrots cauliflower layer on first, One medium sweet potato then the green layer, then 300gms broccoli the orange layer. Spread 150gms frozen peas cranberry sauce on top and 200gms fresh spinach fold edges of pastry over Half a diced onion (preferably the top. Take last sheet of white) pastry and slightly 3 heaped tbsp mayonnaise “rumple” over the top. Heat 150gms grated cheddar oven to 170°C. Brush Juice of one lemon terrine with butter and bake 1tps ground coriander for approximately 30 1tps grated nutmeg minutes until golden 125gms butter brown.

Salt and pepper Serve hot straightaway Garlic granules or allow to cool and store 4 sheets filo pastry in the fridge for a few days 3tps stuffing mix before reheating.

Cranberry sauce (homemade or shop-bought) PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

FOOD & DRINK

CHRISTMAS DOUBLE DIPPERS

Chicken dippers – finger licking good!

THIS double dipper recipe is great for a Christmas party!

INGREDIENTS (Makes 20 balls) 4 chicken sausages 2 tsp herbs 1tsp lemon zest 1 tsp garlic granules Black Pepper Breadcrumbs Cranberry sauce

METHOD Squeeze the meat from the sausages into a bowl and add lemon zest, one teaspoon of the mixed herbs and garlic granules and mix. Heat the oven to 180° Celsius. Divide the mixture into 20 balls and bake for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, gently fry some breadcrumbs (or stuffing mix) in butter with the rest of the herbs and salt and pepper until crispy.

To serve, put the chicken balls into a bowl (provide cocktail sticks), put cranberry sauce (homemade or shop-bought) into a second bowl and the crispy crumbs into a third. Encourage guests to dip the balls into the sauce, then the crumbs.

MINI CHRISTMAS CAKES INGREDIENTS (Makes 3 small cakes) 200gms dried fruit and nuts (of choice) Liquid to soak fruit (of choice) 1tsp cinnamon 1tbsp black treacle 100gms vanilla ice cream 1tbsp lemon curd (or marmalade) 100gms plain flour

I’VE been making these miniature cakes for years and gifting them to friends and neighbours. I use empty cleaned tuna tins (but anything similar will do) to bake them in.

I also make miniature cake boards by covering squares of recycled cardboard with shiny paper or look for nice plates in a charity shop.

METHOD Soak fruit in liquid of your choice (I use a blackcurrant cordial), add cinnamon and treacle and soak overnight.

Strain the fruit in a bowl and combine with melted ice cream and lemon curd or marmalade. Mix in the flour and divide between the three tins. Heat oven to 160°C and cook uncovered for 30 mins. Cover with foil and cook for a further 20-30 mins.

Turn out and leave to cool and decorate as you wish.

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MENDIP TIMES

Christmas treats LOU Foulger, aged 26, has managed to turn her hobby into a lockdown business success, with huge demand for brownies, cakes and other products made by her company, Pensford Bakes.

After moving to Pensford a year and a half ago, she started baking in her kitchen, having decided to give up work as a

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

primary school teacher.

Since September she’s been hiring a kitchen to cope with website and email orders. She’s also working on a series of gift boxes for Christmas.

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WILD FOOD

Jelly Christmas!

LOOKING for inspiration and something a little different this Christmas? I thought so.

Let me share with you this wonderful wild jelly recipe. Superb as an accompaniment to a meaty feast or given as a seasonal gift.

Made using the last of our foraged crab apples (ok, maybe with a few cider apples With ADRIAN too) and wild juniper berries collected during BOOTS a lovely summer’s walk in Wiltshire, this crab apple and wild juniper jelly is excellent with a coarse pate, wild game terrine or Mendip favourite Draycott Blue cheese.

Here’s the recipe and method for Crab Apple and Wild Juniper Jelly. Makes about five jars or six if you are lucky: 1.5kg crab (or cooking/cider) apples 12 juniper berries 100ml cider vinegar Sugar (450g sugar for every 600ml of juice) Water (to cover apples) Roughly chop the crab apples but do not peel and core them as it is important for the pectin to help with the set. Place in a pan, with the juniper berries and just enough water to just cover the apples. Bring to the boil then simmer for about 45 minutes or until the fruit is squishy (technical term).

Carefully pour into a jelly bag suspended over a bowl and leave to drip overnight. Do not force the pulp through the jelly bag or you will end up with “cloudy” not jelly. Return to the pan with the cider vinegar and bring to the boil adding the sugar.

Boil for ten minutes or so until setting point is reached. Pour into sterilised jars either boiled in a pan or washed in a dish washer. Be careful, the liquid jelly is as hot as volcanic lava and just as painful to remove from clothing and bare skin. Here speaks the voice of experience.

There you have it – a sweet and tangy crab apple jelly with that wonderful aromatic but dry edge from the juniper berries, perfect for cutting through the richness of meats and cheeses. Here’s wishing you all a very jelly Christmas!

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.

FOOD & DRINK

GARDEN FOOD

Norfolk biffins

I CAME across these in a book of historical British recipes and thought they sounded so good they’d be worth reviving. They are a very slowly baked (in the past in cooling bakers’ ovens) and partially dried apple, flattened gradually during cooking, which were With JAKE once a popular Christmas treat WHITSON throughout Britain.

They are mentioned in many of Charles Dickens’ books, particularly “A Christmas Carol” – describing the festive offerings available from fruiterers in London at the time “there were Norfolk Biffins, squab and swarthy, setting off the yellow of the oranges and lemons, and, in the great compactness of their juicy persons, urgently entreating and beseeching to be carried home in paper bags, and eaten after dinner”, Traditionally it is apples of the “Norfolk beefing” variety that were used, partially because of a thick skin that copes with the gradual flattening without breaking. However a deeper dig into the history books suggests that this method of cooking was once applied to many different kinds of apple.

Seeing as there are no “Norfolk beefings” to be had in Somerset (as far as I’m aware) I tried using Russets and Bramleys, which both had satisfactory but different results.

I placed the washed apples on baking sheets (they exude a sticky caramelised juice while cooking which would make them stick to the tray) and placed them in my oven set as low as it would go (about 80c). I kept an eye on them and as they softened I gradually flattened them by pressing gently with my fingers.

I left them on for a few hours and then let the oven cool down with them inside and repeated the process three times until I judged that they were ready. I probably overdid the Russets as they were drier to start with and they ended up like a very caramelised dried apple.

The Bramleys stayed juicy and were delicious, though possibly a little more sour than ideal. Overall they were both really delicious and well worth reviving for a Christmas treat. Merry Christmas everyone!

Jacob Whitson is a chef, food writer and smallholder – he divides his time between the Mendips and Pembrokeshire.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 19

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MENDIP TIMES

Lockdown creates new local grocery business

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WHEN the first lockdown hit us and supermarket shelves were empty, staff at the Dundry Inn swung into action and set up a local grocery shop in the pub garden called Balli’s. As time went on, a home delivery service was added to help stock up other customers in the wider areas of Bristol.

Balli’s, the brainchild of the pub’s owner Aydin Balli, is continuing to grow rapidly, which is no surprise as not only does it pride itself on sourcing the best quality fruit, vegetables and meat in the area but also gives a superb, friendly service.

Cerian Adams, the manager of Balli’s said: “The shop really brought the village together. Everyone in the pub got involved.

I’m down the Bristol Fruit Market every day at 5am to make sure we get the best quality fruit and veg at the best prices. It’s just grown from there.”

The staff worked closely with Arthur David throughout the lockdowns and Balli’s took on home delivery customers from Arthur David when their traditional customer base opened back up.

Now the shop is open seven days a week and delivers all over the area. Cerian, who lives in the village with husband, Andrew, said: “Everybody loves it, it’s been a great team effort.”

To support a local lockdown business, try out Balli’s home delivery service! Their friendly staff cannot wait to deliver your order and right now there is 10% off on the website!

Country shopping at its best

New Manor Farm Shop

North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH US!

Centred around a traditional farm courtyard near Chew Valley Lake – the very best in local produce and gift ideas MEAT SUPPLIED FROM OUR OWN FARM

TEA ROOMS

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS LUNCH – AVAILABLE FROM DECEMBER 1ST Hot & cold meals • Delicious cream teas • Full English breakfasts • Come and enjoy our lovely Sunday roast lunches

CHRISTMAS TREES, HOLLY WREATHS & HIYACINTHS Feast with us this Christmas

FABULOUS CHOICE OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS Cakes, Mince Pies, Christmas Puddings and more

Opening times: Farm shop: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm • Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9.30am - 4.30pm Wheelchair access, children welcome, free parking, coaches by appointment

Farm Shop: 01761 220067 • Tea Rooms: 01761 220172

PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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We e kly f r u it a n d ve g b oxe s

FOOD & DRINK

Ha mp e rs de li ve re d to s u it a ny b ud g et

Balli’s is an online home delivery service based at The Dundry Inn. We started up over the first lockdown with a little pop-up shop in our garden (which we still have) and it’s grown from there.

We offer market fresh fruit, vegetables, weekly veg boxes, plants, eggs, bread, cheeses and groceries, including top quality fresh meat from steaks to turkey crowns and everything in bet ween.

We offer free delivery throughout Chew Valley, all BS postcodes and as far as Wells, Shepton Mallet, Radstock, Midsomer Norton etc if you order through our website.

We pride ourselves on offering you the freshest produce along with the happiest drivers and staff . . . don’t see something you need on our website, don’t worry pop us a message and we’ll do our very best to source it for you.

FREE D E LIV E RY

www.ballis.co.uk

10% OFF IF YOU ENTER DISCOUNT CODE: BALLIS10 MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 21

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MENDIP TIMES

PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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FOOD & DRINK

Christmas at The Queens Chew Magna

THE Queens Chew Magna is a hidden gem in the heart of the village. Following a high quality refurbishment and extension prior to re-opening in June 2021, with the addition of four beautiful boutique B&B rooms, the pub and it’s head chef Jordan Meagher has quickly established a reputation for excellent well executed pub classics. But it is not only the food which draws customers.

“We are a traditional pub providing quality food and a wide range of ales, fine wines and artisan soft drinks” say owners Nick & Jayne James. The Queens Chew Magna encourages people to call in for a pint and a chat with its friendly staff.

General Manager Tom Glosenko’s cocktails are not to be missed either.

The Queens will always try to accommodate walk-ins but bookings are advised for tables which can be made via the website. Keep an eye out for the New Year’s Eve set tasting menu which will be launched very soon with limited availability.

THE QUEENS CHEW MAGNA CHRISTMAS MENU

Some of the team (l to r) Will Chandler sous chef, Jordan Meagher, head chef, Will Jenkins, assistant manager, Tom Glosenko, manager and Nick James owner

Village pub

Boutique rooms

Silver Street, Chew Magna BS40 8RQ • 01275 627647 • www.thequeenschewmagna.co.uk

thequeenschewmagna

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 23

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Christmas orders now being taken

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MENDIP TIMES

FOOD & DRINK

Legendary but forward-thinking

STEPPING into the Tucker’s Grave Inn is like stepping back in time – no wonder it’s listed as one of the most important heritage inns in Britain.

It first opened its doors to drinkers more than 200 years ago and is steeped in history. But time doesn’t stand still and whilst people visiting for the first time might be taken aback by the fact that it doesn’t have a proper bar and Butcombe bitter is served straight from the barrel, its owners are definitely forward-thinking.

The pub itself is cosy and friendly, divided into three seating areas. However, it is outside that the Tucker’s Grave has entered the 21st century.

A new barn – quaintly called the Old Parlour Café – opened at the end of the summer. Its main function is as a café during the week but has a well-stocked bar. It’s light, modern and welcoming and ideal for walkers exploring the surrounding area which boasts many footpaths and bridleways – don’t be surprised to see horses tied up in the spacious gardens!

Meanwhile, another open-fronted barn is gaining an enviable reputation as an ideal party venue featuring regular live music and is available to hire.

In summer, the campsite – it’s along the lines of “wild camping” – is packed with tourists in tents, caravans and motorhomes or those simply wanting to enjoy a typically “Tucker’s weekend” with a wide range of traditional ciders on offer.

Food had never been a reason to visit – cheese and onion or

ham baguettes are available at weekends – until now.

The team at Tucker’s have just launched the Tucker’s Graze – sharing platters of locally-produced cheeses, scotch eggs, pies and the like, available to pre-order and enjoy in the parlour or inn. The team believes in supporting local enterprises wherever possible and the platters are currently available on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

On Friday nights, why not try one of campsite manager Prem’s delicious Nepalese curries? From Saturday, Nov 20th Tucker’s began offering either a chilli or flavoured stew. Keep an eye on the website for menu updates.

Food at the Tucker’s? That really is forward-thinking.

Tucker’s Grave Inn – past, present and future!

Enjoy the atmosphere and friendliness of our legendary Somerset inn

e Old Parlour is now open for drinks, teas, coffees and cakes. Our Friday night curries are a must!

Open 2-11pm (Mon-urs), midday-11pm (Fri & Sat). midday-10pm (Sun)

Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faukland, Radstock, BA3 5XF. T: 01225 962669 E: info@tuckersgraveinn.co.uk W: www.tuckersgraveinn.co.uk

And introducing our latest venture – the Tucker’s “Graze” – platters packed with delicious homegrown and handmade produce from local businesses. Order ahead on our new booking page at https://eating.tuckersgraveinn.co.uk or call Dawn on 07882 771183

Our outside barn is the perfect party venue, with regular live music

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 25

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MENDIP TIMES

Christmas Trees for sale at The Holcombe Farmshop

We are excited to announce that we will have a limited number of UK-grown Premiere classic cut Nordmann Fir Trees to sell at the Farmshop.

We will have 2 sizes to choose from: MEDIUM 150-175cm LARGE 175cm-200cm Pre-order your Christmas Tree before December at the special price: MEDIUM £30 or LARGE £35!

To pre-order your Christmas Tree please call the Farmshop on 01761 233731 or visit us and purchase over the counter.

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

FOOD & DRINK

Everyone welcome

THE Farmshop at Holcombe is probably unlike any other – it’s also a restaurant and pub and will be celebrating its first Christmas since it re-opened after extensive renovations earlier this year.

As well as selling – and using – locally-sourced produce, everyone is welcome to enjoy its unique atmosphere with a friendly front-of-house team and highly-skilled kitchen staff. The bar offers Thatchers cider and Butcombe bitter as well as a wide range of spirits and extensive wine list.

Serving breakfast and brunch – its steak and eggs are renowned – the Farmshop offers a varied menu throughout the day and evening.

Thank you for your continued support in 2021 From Rob and all the team at Beans and Machines Ltd t: 01761 418882 • e: rob@beanandmachine.co.uk • www.beanandmachine.co.uk

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MENDIP TIMES

Putting their best feet forward

Most walks began and ended outside the Cheese and Grain where Frome Town Council set up a meet-and-greet desk

FROME’S walking festival returned in style for 2021 with a weekend of strolls, trails and rambles for all abilities organised

by Frome Town Council with support from various individuals and groups including Mendip Ramblers and the Frome Walkers are Welcome team.

Meanwhile, the town council has produced a trail guide for Rodden Meadow aimed at families called Hayden the Hedgehog, written by Alex Nettle with illustrations from Donna Sarah.

Pilton gets festive

NEWS

Julie Drew, Nicky Billett and Wendy Cox were amongst the stallholders

CRAFTSPEOPLE and traders from around the local area gathered at Pilton Club for a Christmas fair.

Amongst them were Jenny de Gex and Gail Milne, who have produced the 2022 Pilton Show fundraising calendar, Flowers in Pilton, featuring images by local photographers.

Priced £6, they are on sale at the New Room Coffee Shop in Pilton or phone 01749 890465.

Jenny de Gex (left) and Gail Milne with copies of the 2022 Pilton Show calendar Jack Holland, aged three, was helping out on the family stand

Walkers led by Les Stather, from Mendip Ramblers, head off on a 14-mile walk to Bath

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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MENDIP TIMES

MENDIP VALLEY ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Open everyday up to Christmas Day 10.30am til 4pm.

Come and see the lovely Christmas gifts we have in stock including jewellery, watches and other curiosities. We also buy gold and silver.

Public and Traders Welcome New Manor Farm Shop, Widcombe BS40 6HW Contact: mendipvalleyantiques@gmail.com 01761 221001 • 07966 387252 • Please visit our website: mendipvalleyantiquesandcollectables.co.uk FIND US ON FACEBOOK

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

Getting ready for next year

WITH most of the exhibitions over, the winter months are the time when I design and make new sculptures for next year’s exhibitions which begin in the spring and run through the summer months.

This includes completing a threemetre tall sculpture in stainless steel and glass to be exhibited at Chichester Cathedral in June, but the majority of sculptures I will be creating during this The original sculpture period are for casting in bronze. of the Minotaur, the The process for bronze sculptures is latest sculpture, prior completely different to how the stainless to its delivery to the foundry steel ones are made. It begins with a steel armature onto which clay, wax or plaster is built up to form the sculpture. Depending on the complexity, this can take many days and weeks before the sculpture is finished.

Once completed I then deliver the finished sculpture to the foundry in Hampshire where a mould is carefully formed around my sculpture. From this mould, wax copies are produced that then become the bronze sculptures; each one being carefully finished by hand to ensure they are exact representations of the original piece I created. They then are patinated to the desired colour. The Polar Bear is one of the new bronze sculptures finished in an iceblue marbled patination.

By Ian Marlow

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ARTS & ANTIQUES

Mendip expert’s choice – looking at Mouseman ON December 11th, Killens are staging their Antiques and Collectables sale and this month, Niall Fry, one of the valuers at the auction rooms, looks at two items of “Mouseman” that are being offered.

The Yorkshire craftsman Robert Thompson (1876-1955) is better known by a single name – Mouseman. Born in Kilburn in 1876, the son of the village's jobbing carpenter and stonemason, Thompson was inspired by the splendid medieval carvings at Ripon Cathedral to create his own oak furniture in the British vernacular tradition.

The use of the adze for shaping and smoothing surfaces gave his furniture its distinctive rippled appearance.

However, it was through an engaging trademark – a rodent – that Thompson is best remembered.

With a loyal UK collecting base – and a growing number of fans overseas – Mouseman furniture of all periods has a strong following on the antiques market.

Mouseman items pass through our auction rooms fairly regularly and we are fortunate to have two items entered for our sale in December. An ashtray is being offered with a guide of £80–£120 and an early oak table lamp with a guide of £600–£800.

Are you looking to sell items?

Valuations can be undertaken on a dropin basis at the auction rooms between 10am and 3pm each weekday and Killens have professional valuers and experts on hand to advise. Alternatively, valuers are able to conduct free home visits.

Niall Fry

Contact the team at Killens on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk for further assistance

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 31

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MENDIP TIMES

A personal view of the Guild

WHAT’S in a name? So said Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It's a phrase often used to suggest that labels do not, in themselves, carry worth and names do not hold meaning.

Well, excuse me, in this case the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen conveys a whole lot of meaning, history and significance. We often carry an article concerning the guild and it's easy to assume readers know what it's all about. Just in case that's not so... read on.

The Guild was founded in 1933 and is a true guild, being an association of makers with a board of trustees and a master of the guild duly elected by the members. But don't be fooled into thinking that makes it, in any sense, old fashioned. Whilst there's tradition at the core it's a dynamic organisation, full of innovation and creativity.

Craftsmen, the members, have to submit work for assessment and be judged by peers to ensure high standards before being allowed to join. Work can be sold at the gallery off Broad Street in the heart of Wells.

This makes for a diverse collection ranging over many different crafts and all of it is made by the members of the guild. Members are also delighted to be approached for commission work and there's a developing online shop: https://www.somersetcraftguild.co.uk/copy-of-shop/ Members have to live in or around Somerset (we welcome a few members who have crept across the border!). It truly is a local resource representing the best of the county.

Chris Walters, Guild member

SOUGHT BY LOCAL COLLECTOR STAMP COLLECTIONS, ALBUMS AND POSTAL HISTORY

PLEASE CONTACT IAN APPLIN HOME (after 7pm): 01275 331821 • MOBILE: 07768 093576 EMAIL: ipakeeper@gmail.com PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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The man who invented the Christmas card

CHRISMAS – or rather how we celebrate it – is something else we can add to the long list of things for which we have the Victorians to thank. Much of what we think of as a Merrie Old English Christmas has more to do with the writings of Charles Dickens than our real With medieval ancestors.

CHRIS YEO For the Georgians, Christmas was an antiquated curiosity but, with their love of all things hearth and home, the Victorians saw it as a golden opportunity to really stamp their mark on the Christian festival.

By 1850 there were Christmas cards, crackers and the sense that Christmas was a time for family and friends. And, as Tiny Tim observed: “God bless us, every one.”

Even some of our most established traditions have Victorian origins. Henry Cole was a man of his time, the sort of versatile Victorian who could achieve just about anything he set his mind to.

He helped invent the modern postal system, designed tea sets, organised the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace and still found time to establish the Victoria and Albert Museum.

He moved in elite social circles and had lots of friends.

But at Christmas 1843 those friends were causing him much worry. The problem was their letters. The custom of sending a long letter to a friend or loved one at Christmas was enjoying renewed popularity.

ARTS & ANTIQUES

Everybody was sending Christmas letters and it was considered bad manners not to reply to them. For a busy man like Cole, this was a problem. As the pile of unanswered letters grew, he fretted over what he should do.

Cole hit on an ingenious idea. He approached an artist friend, J.C. Horsley, and asked him to create an illustration of a family enjoying their Christmas lunch. He then had copies made by a London printer on stiff card.

Each card was printed with the greeting “A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year To You.” It was the first Christmas card. A thousand cards were printed but very few have survived. In 2001 a card, signed and sent by Henry Cole himself sold for a record £22,500 at auction. Merry Christmas!

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 33

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MENDIP TIMES

NEWS C

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Ken’s a-peal

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KEN Webb is feeling lonely – he’s the last bell ringer left at St Mary’s Church in Compton Dando. Ken has to call in the bell ringing team from nearby All Saints in Publow when the bells have to be rung for a Sunday service.

It’s reckoned bell ringing is good for you, helping agility, coordination and reaction time, plus you can get a full body cardiovascular workout by walking up the stairs to the tower.

But Ken says it’s not good for you if you are the sole bell ringer in a church.

He’s now drawn up an advert to attract new ringers. Bell ringing practice is on Mondays starting at 7.30pm and the bells are rung once a fortnight at the morning service.

Details: Ken Webb 07952 264601 email Kenwebb44@btinternet.com

Embroidery project has hidden stories to tell THE Connect Centre in Wells has played host to one of the most unusual arts projects the city may have ever seen to date.

The Red Dress Embroidery Project has taken artist Kirstie MacLeod and a red silk dress around the world, providing an artistic platform for women around the world, many of whom are marginalised

Kirstie Macleod and the red dress PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

and live in poverty, to tell their personal stories through embroidery.

The dress went on show at the Connect Centre in Wells, which works with disadvantaged people from the Mendip area as well as offering a twice-weekly community lunch and hosting other events.

Kirstie, who lives near Glastonbury, said: “Our hope was that the dress would attract people from all walks of life to visit and to meet each other.”

From 2009 to 2021, pieces of the dress have travelled the globe being continuously embroidered onto.

Constructed out of 73 pieces of burgundy silk dupion, the garment has been worked on by more than 240 women – and at least five men – from 28 countries, with all 136 commissioned artisans paid for their work. The rest of the embroidery was added by 108 willing participants at various groups, exhibitions and events.

Embroiderers include women refugees from Palestine; victims of war in Kosovo, Rwanda, and DR Congo; impoverished women in South Africa, Mexico, and Egypt; women in Kenya, Japan, Paris, Sweden, Peru, Czech Republic, Dubai, Afghanistan, Australia, Argentina, Switzerland, Canada, Tobago, USA, Russia, Pakistan, Wales, Colombia, and

the UK, as well as upmarket embroidery studios in India and Saudi Arabia. l The dress will go on show at the Goddess House in Glastonbury from Wednesday, December 1st to Friday, December 3rd and at ACE Arts in Somerton on Saturday, January 8th and Sunday, January 9th before being sent to Pakistan in February.

One of the embroidered panels

For details visit: www.reddressembroidery.com

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MENDIP TIMES

Almshouses seek trustees

THIS is an exciting time to be joining the City of Wells Almshouses as a member of the board of trustees. They are moving forward with renovating their medieval chapel and have been successful with several applications for donations and funding.

Large-scale capital projects are now moving forward, such as new paving for the Llewellyn’s site and secondary glazing for the Guild Room as well as converting the Old Mortuary into an almshouse.

They have maintained and improved their housing throughout the past two years and are in a stable financial position.

Details: ceo@wellsalmshouses.org.uk 07460 257103

Weston Garden Machinery TRUSTEE OPPORTUNITIES

Garden Machinery & Woodburning Specialists

The City of Wells Almshouses (CWA) is looking to widen the range of skills and experience within its Board and is now seeking applications from suitably motivated and qualified individuals to join the Charity as Trustees to help develop the future plans for these historic buildings in the heart of Wells.

Your skills: Can you play an active role in raising awareness, locally and further afield, of CWA’s role as a housing provider for older people in need who are residents of Wells or have a local connection? In the above respects the professional backgrounds that are of particular interest to us are those gained at a strategic level in fundraising, marketing/media relations, legal, or housing sectors.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Your commitments: Our Trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board Meetings, contribute to other committees and attend the events open to the public that are arranged during the year. These are voluntary appointments but out of pocket expenses are offered.

About us: Our 33 Almshouse properties are centrally located in the City of Wells and our Charity traces its origins back to 1424. In recent years we have been undertaking the progressive modernisation of our properties. This work is ongoing and we are also looking to create additional accommodation in the near future. Detailed information about CWA is available on our website: www.wellsalmshouses.org.uk.

If you are interested: Please contact Martin Thomas, CEO for an application pack. Telephone: 07460 257103; Email: ceo@wellsalmshouses.org.uk. The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 14th December, 2021.

PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

Behind Shell Garage Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS

Tel: 01934 626093 www.westongarden.co.uk

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BUSINESS

How to avoid scams in property transactions

INCREASING numbers of home buyers are being hit with scams, especially since the onset of the pandemic. The number of these frauds has been rising, sparked partly by more solicitors working from home, where security precautions can be more lax and clients are unable to discuss their property transactions across a desk.

Although the fraudsters usually target buyers, the seller of a property could also fall victim.

Once the criminals have hacked into the emails of either the solicitor or the client they then intercept exchanges, impersonating the look and wording used in the normal communications. At some point the scammer will tell the client that the firm’s bank details have changed and to make any transfers to the new account.

Such scams are often called “Friday afternoon frauds”, as crooks know this is the day of the week clients choose to make large transfers, such as when exchanging on or completing a home purchase. It also gives the culprits a weekend’s grace for escaping detection.

For example in a property sale a fraudster will hack either the purchaser’s or solicitor’s email account, wait until the

deposit money is about to be transferred by the purchaser and then hijack the conversation, giving alternative bank details under the guise of a last minute change. Result? Loss of deposit and collapse of the transaction to the distress of all concerned.

Solicitors, or their insurance companies, will often cover these losses if the firm’s emails have been compromised.

How then do you prevent falling victim to financial fraud? Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. To help customers stay safe from fraud and scams, 30 major banks and buildings societies have signed up to the “Take Five Charter”, a national campaign led by the banking trade association UK Finance. Take Five to Stop Fraud urges customers to take the following steps before handing over any money or personal data: • STOP – Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or your information.

• CHALLENGE – Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests.

Only criminals will try to rush you or panic you.

• PROTECT – Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud online.

If you heed these guidelines and work closely with your solicitor all should be well.

EDWARD LYONS

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. l Family & Divorce Law l Co-habitation disputes l Inheritance disputes l Wills and Living Wills l Powers of Attorney l Administration of Trusts l Property – sales and purchases OFFICES AT: Chew Magna 01275 332168

Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506

Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 37

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MENDIP TIMES

National Friendly and The Bristol Hippodrome join forces to fund Long-Covid research

IMAGINE waking up every day, feeling breathlessness, fatigued, muscle aches and not being able to remember much from the previous week. You call your doctor, who understands, but has no treatment to help you. This is the reality for hundreds of thousands of people who are suffering from Long-Covid.

Working together with Southmead Hospital’s official charity, Southmead Hospital Charity, National Friendly and The Bristol Hippodrome are embarking on a fundraising appeal which aims to raise £30,000 to support the Long-Covid research now taking place at the hospital.

The research, known as the DISCOVER study, has recruited over 300 patients hospitalised with Covid19 since March 2020. It was the first UK cohort published, meaning this is the group that has been studied for the longest time.

Right now, a team of renowned researchers from Southmead Hospital is working hard to find out more about Covid-19 and its long-term effects. Renowned for world-leading

Researchers at Southmead Hospital PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

research through its specialist Research & Innovation Centre, each year 7,000 patients take part in over 500 research studies, with some made possible thanks to the donations of community partners like National Friendly and The Bristol Hippodrome.

Kurtis Reece, National Friendly’s PR & Strategic Partnerships Executive, explained why they are backing the efforts to understand more about the virus: “We have been helping people to prepare for life’s contingencies for over 150-years, by insuring people’s health and providing them with protection. So, looking after those around us, especially within the Bristol community, our hometown, is the very essence of who we are. Our aim is to make a real difference to people’s lives and this partnership with The Bristol Hippodrome to raise funds for Southmead Hospital Charity will help to do exactly that.

“In 2019, we managed to raise over £26,000 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Southmead

Hospital, so we are confident we can do the same for a something that has truly affected everyone – Covid-19.”

National Friendly is the lead sponsor for The Bristol Hippodrome’s innovative Matinee Mingle aimed at the over 60s and their Creative Learning Programme, which will offer Bristol-based schools the opportunity to enhance and develop students through high quality experiences.

Southmead Hospital Charity will benefit from a concentrated fundraising campaign, across a 12week period which will begin on the 9th November 2021 and will end on the 12th February 2022.

For audiences, the fundraising will start with Heather’s The Musical followed by a number of performances including Riverdance – The New 25th Anniversary Show and the West End & Broadway hit musical Hairspray. It will continue at the annual pantomime, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs starring Lesley Joseph, Rob Rinder and Andy Ford.

It will also include the first UK Tour

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of the West End blockbuster Dreamgirls and will continue throughout the following performances: Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker, Ronan Keating Twenty Twenty and Waitress.

Theatre-goers will be able to donate to the Southmead Hospital research through contactless devices within the theatre.

National Friendly is also running an exclusive online competition with The Bristol Hippodrome, which will see five family tickets go up for grabs for the pantomime performance, which will be used as part of a social media campaign.

Ben Phillips, The Bristol Hippodrome’s Theatre Director, said, “We have a really exciting roster of shows over the next 12 months and we look forward to working with National Friendly and Southmead Hospital to support this crucial research into Long-Covid. Our theatre is a place of happiness, so it’s been difficult throughout the pandemic not being able to offer any of the wonderful live entertainment

BUSINESS

(L-R) Rob Rinder, Lesley Joseph, Kurtis Reece, Charlotte Haines, Adrian Brown, Dale Mathurin and Andy Ford

we host here. We know that by understanding more about Covid-19, we can take steps to prevent its spread, so we can continue to do what we do best – bring delight and culture to the city we love and those who live here. “ Adrian Brown, Southmead Hospital Charity’s Community & Events Manager added: “Many hospital treatments start with research. From

To support National Friendly’s fundraising efforts with The Bristol Hippodrome, visit https://southmeadhospitalcharity.enthuse.com/cf/ bristol-hippodrome-national-friendly

treating infections and cancer to pioneering surgery and complex critical care, modern medicine is what it is today because of research.

The support of partners like National Friendly and The Bristol Hippodrome can help the hundreds of expert researchers at Southmead Hospital turn pioneering discoveries into real treatments and in time, hopefully help people across the world suffering from Long-Covid.

“The symptoms of Long-Covid can be wide-ranging, long-lasting and for some, life-changing. If we want to control Coronavirus, we must develop our knowledge of how the virus spreads, the symptoms it causes and its long-term impact. The research happening here at Southmead will play an important role in that.

“National Friendly and The Bristol Hippodrome know just how important it is to support the local community they serve and we are incredibly grateful for their support.”

Registered Charity Number 1055900

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 39

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MENDIP TIMES

ECATCHER MOL

NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01761 417100 www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk

Bennetts is a niche and boutique commercial law firm operating out of modern offices at Barley Wood Stables, Long Lane, Wrington.

Our lawyers combine specialist legal knowledge with broad practical experience.

We can be relied on to give clear and positive advice on a wide range of complex or routine matters whether preventative or remedial.

Bennetts Solicitors Attorneys & Notaries Barley Wood Stables, Long Lane, Wrington Bristol BS40 5SA Phone: (44) 1934 862786 • Fax: (44) 1934 862404 Webpage: www.bennettlaw.co.uk e-mail: info@bennettlaw.co.uk PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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Small but perfectly formed

THOSE of you who are kind enough to take the time to read my scribbles, will be aware that I am extremely proud of the businesses that we have in Mendip. It's constantly surprising how many small businesses in our rural area think big and think creatively.

It's possibly no surprise, then, that I had an idea to do with local businesses. Now, there is a well-known reaction in the Bowe family when I say this. I can't say I blame them as it came after a memorable breakfast when the boys were young and I didn't have enough porridge to make their breakfast.

So I mixed it with Weetabix – other breakfast cereals with which to make disgusting mixtures are available. On this occasion, however, the idea proved to be popular. It was as follows: After Covid and Brexit, a fair number of people will be forced, or will choose, to make career changes. Some of those will decide to set up their own businesses. Now, we have done this ourselves, and we have supported a lot of people over our nearly three decades in business who have chosen this path.

I thought back to the things we knew little about or didn't have the time to do properly when we first started and I realised that I now knew of small businesses in our area who had all the skills we would have found helpful.

From that point it became obvious that if a group of such businesses worked together, we would have the perfect New Start-Up operation for our times, which could not only serve our own area, but offer an extremely cost-effective service to other start-up clients and friends in larger cities where charges are a

BUSINESS great deal higher.

As a result of that thought, I found, without difficulty, a group of like-minded people who were already offering services to new companies, and we have banded together to form a New Start Package. Every one of us has agreed to offer new start-up clients a special deal to give them the best possible start.

It is my pleasure to introduce: TelePA, a Wells-based company that offers an award-winning professional telephone answering service.

Super8 Media, based in Shepton Mallet. They are able to offer logo design, corporate identity and branding as they have done to some household names before.

Cognique, based in The Bath & West Rural Enterprise Centre, specialise in Digital Marketing and developing bespoke websites.

Last, but not least, my own company, Probusiness, will be offering accounting, tax and business support.

A digital platform will be set up with all the details of the amazing offers each member of this group has put forward. The web address of this will be put on all of our websites.

I could not be more proud of this group of business people who are prepared to give new businesses a strong supporting arm to lean on. Each one of these companies is prepared to go the extra mile to help make dreams come true.

Thank you guys, you are amazing and you epitomise what is so good about business in Mendip.

Happy Christmas to one and all.

JANE BOWE PROBUSINESS

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 41

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MENDIP TIMES

Bespoke garden buildings in traditional or contemporary style HOME OFFICE • STUDIO SPACE LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION • ADDITIONAL LIVING SPACE Please call or email for a no-obligation discussion of your requirements

www.avocetpoducts.co.uk/banwell/ email info@avocetproducts.co.uk Tel 01934 824092

P & C Logs Call Phil on 07734 098323, or Colleen on 07785 250033 or on Evenings 01934 741941

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).

Seasons Greetings to all our customers PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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Christmas and childcare arrangements – top tips WHILST Christmas is a magical time of year for children, for many parents it can be hectic and stressful. For separated parents, this feeling can be exacerbated as they also have to try and navigate agreeing arrangements with their expartner/spouse.

To help those parents struggling to find the right balance this Christmas family solicitor Victoria Cobham has created the following list of top tips for parents to consider for the festive period which we hope will assist in ensuring everyone, most importantly the children, have a relaxed and enjoyable time.

1. Advance planning Lockdown over the Christmas period in 2020 meant that many children may not have seen both their parents, and/or extended family. As such, more than ever, we would recommend you start discussing arrangements as early as possible, so that if there are any issues, there is sufficient time to resolve these.

Leaving it last minute will narrow the options available to you as the Court are extremely busy and will only deal with very urgent issues (for example where there is risk for the safety of a child) just before Christmas.

2. Communication Keep the lines of communication open. Some separated parents may feel able to discuss these issues directly together and even share the children’s Christmas gift lists.

Others may require legal assistance, particularly if this is the first Christmas since separation, but this does not need to be acrimonious. There are many ways to resolve these sorts of issues in a non-confrontational manner and without the need for court proceedings, so please seek assistance if needed.

3. Putting the children at the heart of discussions When making arrangements, always try to consider how they

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will impact the children. Whilst the children should never be placed in the position of making decisions, where age appropriate, it is important for children to feel their wishes and feelings are being heard.

4. Fairness The Court acknowledge that this is a special time for families and therefore this period should not be monopolised by one parent.

If you and your ex-spouse live close to each other, it may be that you share Christmas Day itself. If your locations require more travelling for the children, it may be that you alternate the Christmas and New Year periods annually, so the children get to spend more extended time with each parent and reducing the travelling involved.

5. Parenting Plan When you have reached an agreement, it is helpful to record the detail in writing to ensure there is no confusion, misunderstanding or upset over the festive period. This would include dates, times, location etc for handovers.

6. Time keeping Reaching an agreement is something that should be commended. It should make Christmas a far more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone. As such, it is important you stick to the arrangements, so that you can continue to coparent successfully for the holidays to come.

If you are not able to reach an agreement before the Christmas break and would like some advice, the Mogers Drewett family team are here to help and offer a fixed fee initial consultation. You can contact Victoria Cobham on 01749 342 323 or email Victoria.cobham@mogersdrewett.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 43

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MENDIP TIMES

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Stanton Drew gets a new war memorial STANTON Drew’s new war memorial was ready in time for Remembrance Sunday thanks to the efforts of two local craftsmen and a concerted effort by villagers to raise the funds for it.

The idea for a new memorial was discussed back in 2014 during centenary commemorations for WWI. The old memorial was looking tired and it was found it had names missing from it.

Parish councillor Nigel Pushman agreed to manage the project. Money was raised through private donations, trust funds and from organisations like Pensford and Publow Hundred Club and Stanton Drew’s village hall committee.

Two local craftsmen were appointed to do the work. George Tyler from Chew Valley Memorials in Pensford inscribed the three memorials, one in pennant stone, one Cornish granite and the third limestone.

He also supplied the paving.

Colin Clutterbuck, who lives in Stanton Drew, did the stone work, using stone donated from old buildings, some of it dating back to the time the village church was built.

Nigel Pushman said: “The village really came together to help with the whole project.”

BUSINESS

Pictured (l to r) George Tyler, Nigel Pushman and Colin Clutterbuck

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 45

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MENDIP TIMES

Golden anniversary celebrations at Ford Fuels LIQUID gold could be one way to describe the 50 years that Ford Fuels has been supplying oil and other fuels to homes and businesses throughout the UK. But the family-run company’s heritage lies in a horse and cart and one man’s idea to deliver milk and coal to the villages surrounding his home in Timsbury. Ford Fuels started life as G H Ford & Sons shortly before the Second World War. George Ford borrowed £25 to invest in a horse and cart to start his business.

Following the war and with the help of sons Jack and Alan, the business grew in size and specialised in bringing coal to the West Country from Wales and the Midlands using 12 tipper trucks until the late 1960s. At the turn of the decade Jack and Alan started seeing the future of GH Ford & Sons in oil, and in 1971 they invested in their first fuel tanker and started supplying homes and farms in the Bath area.

Over the next 15 years the business continued to grow steadily and saw the introduction of the third generation as Adrian, Michael and Richard joined the family business. By the 1990s it was clear that they had outgrown the depot in Timsbury and the business required larger premises which were eventually found at nearby Farrington Gurney.

It was decided to move the whole operation to Farrington which still serves as the business’s head office today.

Ford Fuels now operate more than 130 delivery vehicles from its 12 depots across the UK, supplying a full range of fuels, lubricants and AdBlue® together with both a successful

BUSINESS

engineering and fuel card division. Ford Fuels is truly a one-stop shop for all your future requirements.

They say: “With the 4th generation of the Ford family (John, Ryan, Teelah and David) coming into the business in recent years, we still follow the same family driven traditions of the past while also steering our company (and therefore the industry) into a renewable and sustainable future.”

Ford Fuels today is a far different business to what George Ford started all those years ago, although the company does maintain the drive and customer-focused vision instilled in the business through the generations.

Ryan Bowers, Teelah Ford, David Ford

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 47

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MENDIP TIMES

BUSINESS

Caged Laser Engineering – driving up safety standards TUCKED away on the edge of Holcombe is Caged Laser Engineering – one of the world’s leading companies in supplying safety equipment to the automotive industry.

Their products make cars safer, stronger and faster – no wonder they can count F1 teams amongst their clients.

Caged Laser Engineering started out more than ten years ago producing roll bars and roll cages for Caterham Cars. Since then, they have built relationships with customers of all sizes and are FIA and Motorsport UK-approved.

As part of their commitment to quality and customer service, they have developed valuable relationships with material suppliers, allowing them to ensure they are competitive in providing strong lead times and pricing.

But the team are not blinded by the motorsport glamour. Much of what else they offer is very much down-to-earth such as general fabrication, laser cutting and bending, tube bending, machining, 3D scanning, power coating and recently installed container sandblaster.

Anyone who has visited Tucker’s Grave Inn near Faulkland in recent months can’t have failed to have spotted – and admired – the elegant metalwork which serves as a balustrade on the verandah of the Old Parlour: just one of Caged Laser Engineering’s more unusual commissions.

And nor are they too expensive; Caged Laser Engineering welcome inquiries from small businesses and “one-man bands” who are looking for high quality products and services, at reasonable prices.

PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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Launch during lockdown

FOCUS ON CHEDDAR

WYVERN Coffee was established during the lockdown of 2020 in the heart of Cheddar Gorge, with one simple goal, to bring customers quality coffee beans and loose leaf teas to brew the perfect cuppa in your own home.

Owner, Tom Anderson, said: “We’re mad about everything tea and coffee and wanted to share our passion with Tom Anderson you all.

“Working with local coffee roasters and tea importers we’ve sourced some of the best tasting and superb quality single origin speciality coffee beans and the finest loose leaf tea and herbal infusions from all across the globe.

“Since opening our doors in June we’ve been blessed to meet so many wonderful people, both locals and tourist, sharing our knowledge, introducing them to new brew methods and offering them the ability to bring superb quality to every cup they make.”

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 49

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MENDIP TIMES

Christmas in Cheddar

3

December

CHEDDAR Festive Night is back on Friday, December 3rd for a night of entertainment and Christmas shopping.

After a service in the village church, the action moves down through the village and into the Gorge, with stalls, food and music. Cheddar firemen will also be escorting a special visitor – Father

Christmas.

The night also sees the launch of this year’s Winter Wanderland, when hundreds of businesses and residents unveil decorated windows.

The event from December 3rd-12th, organised by Cheddar Arts Quarter, has been extended this year to include Draycott, Axbridge and Shipham.

CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN

for locally produced Meat Poultry and Game.

Order forms available on our website or from either of the shops.

Offering an excellent selection of Fresh Foods including: Cheese & Deli Goods, Homemade Pies & Pasties, Filled Rolls & Barista Style Coffee Fresh Meat Order Collection Service now available

Cheddar visitor centre reopens

THE visitor information centre in Cheddar Gorge has reopened as a community project backed by The Cheddar Vision Group and Cheddar Community Partnership, under the Discover Cheddar banner.

The centre was purpose built by Sedgemoor District Council in the late 1980s and was more recently leased by the National Trust, which announced last year it would not be renewing the lease.

The centre will open at weekends over the winter while preparing for the 2022 season. Discover Cheddar is the public face of the Cheddar Vision Group, presenting Cheddar and the Mendip Hills to people who are interested in a broad range of activities and are largely not tied to the school holidays.

Following a research programme funded by the National Lottery’s Big Lottery grant scheme in 2016, the Cheddar Community Partnership was formed as a not for profit Community Interest Company.

Its objective is kick-starting local community projects and being a vehicle that existing projects could use to obtain funding without the need to form their own constitution and governance.

Its most significant success to date has been to establish The Space in 2017, supporting the mental health of children and young people. The Space subsequently became an independent charity in April 2020.

Details: www.discovercheddar.co.uk

radford’s tile showroom OPEN TO TRADE & PUBLIC

Exclusive ranges available in: Ceramic Tiles • Porcelain • Mosaics • Slate • Natural Stone Stockists of: Adhesives • Tools • Grouts Professional design and advice service available We offer a comprehensive fixing service

www.hansfordsbutchers.co.uk sales@hansfordbutchers.co.uk 01934 842879 PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

01934 744814

Free Parking. Open Mon–Fri 7.30am–5pm; Sat 8.30am–1pm

1D, Valley Line Industrial Estate, Wedmore Road, Cheddar BS27 3EE

www.radfordstiles.co.uk

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FOCUS ON CHEDDAR

Cupcake winners

CHEDDAR Cakery are award winners in their first year in business! They entered their first cake competition, The Display of Six Cupcakes category, at Cake International.

Owner Charlotte Hingston said she was amazed to receive a Bronze award for her piece “Year 1 in the life of a lockdown cakeshop”.

She said: “Inspired by my experiences over the last year the display is a reflection of our work, and how much we have achieved, whilst being supported by our fab customers and community.”

The Cheddar Cakery bakery and cafe opened at the end of August 2020 against the backdrop of the global pandemic. Charlotte has been baking since childhood and had always wanted to own a baking business.

She said: “With the global pandemic forcing us all to stay local and think more about family and our communities, we decided the time was right and chose to open the Cheddar Cakery in the heart of Cheddar Gorge.”

They try to promote and use local suppliers, as much as possible and bake onsite daily to ensure they serve only the freshest cupcakes and cakes to their “amazing customers”.

Charlotte and Rob with Elliott and Lily

Cheddar & District Funeral Directors are here to help you every step of the way, providing dignity and respect to you and your loved ones. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Funeral Arrangements can be made at our office or in the comfort of your own home.

Direct Service (No attendance)

£1499.00

Traditional Service (Without Limousine)

£2924.00

Traditional Service (With 1 x Limousine)

£3074.00

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 51

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MENDIP TIMES

ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS!

butchers * fishmOngers * delicatessen

l Fresh meat l Fresh fish

l Local cheeses

l Fresh pastries Open nOw in & pies winscOmbe!

Remembering loved ones

CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club is hoping to launch its Tree of Light on December 15th outside the Bath Arms in the village.

It gives members of the local community the chance to sponsor a light in aid of a loved one.

All proceeds are used to support other groups and organisations within the Cheddar Valley area.

A spokesman said: “Lions’ members thank everyone who has contributed to this project over the last six years, as it is truly helping Lions make a difference in the community.”

If it is not possible to hold a public service, the dedication will be live streamed and available online via Facebook.

The club meets on the second Thursday of each month, currently via Zoom.

Details: Sylvia Cook •information@cheddarvalelions.org.uk www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk

Remembrance Day at Kings of Wessex School

Open: monday – saturday 7am-6pm • sunday 10am-4pm

e cross, union street, cheddar, somerset bs27 3na • 01934 742521 email cobbsofcheddar@outlook.com

COURT HOUSE

ground floor & courtyard rooms currently available

e Care Home with a difference. We offer all that you would expect from a high quality, family run Care Home set in a Georgian House in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset.

You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word. Rooms now available with full en-suite facilities and total personal care is offered.

Rated by the CQC as good in all areas

e Manager – Chris Dando • 01934 742131 • chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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Happy handmade Christmas!

FOCUS ON CHEDDAR

CHRISTMAS often evokes magical memories of our childhood and I think that each year we try to recreate the joy and wonder that we felt as a child. But does Christmas ever feel the same as it used to?

Judging by the numbers of people at a local Christmas craft fair in Cheddar recently, surrounded by the smell of mulled cider and handmade wreaths, I think that many of us share this desire to recreate a truly magical Christmas for our own children. More than ever before I think that many of us are also looking for a life that is simpler, more ethical, more honest and more sustainable. One way we can do this is to search out small businesses making and selling locally made, hand crafted, recycled and home-grown products.

At Pretty Sitting Upholstery & Interiors we are finding new and creative ways to use our textile waste to create new products. We have recently started a collaboration with a London based social enterprise, KAPDAA the Offcut Company, to produce note books made from fragments of upholstery fabric. Proceeds go towards supporting poor communities in India. Our Pretty Sitting makers have also produced some lovely little fabric baskets, shopping bags and Xmas stockings from our fabric remnants.

This Christmas, if you are looking for something that is beautifully different, and a little bit magical, why not come and browse our retail collections in our Bath Street shop, opposite the Bath Arms in the centre of Cheddar.

JILL HUMPHREY

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. it’s not only friendly, professional service that sets us apart, we can’t be beaten on price and ensure our prices beat those of builders’ merchants and garden centres.

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

Keep it Local!

Building & DIY Materials Slabs : Fencing : Decking Glass & Keys Tools & Plumbing Gardening Sundries Dulux Paint & Mixers Household Coal & Gas

CHEDDAR NURSERY For Christmas trees and wreaths

Sharpham Road, Cheddar BS27 3DR 01934 742135 MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 53

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MENDIP TIMES

Giving your child the best start LOOKING for a primary school place for your child this September? Look no further than the schools of the Wessex Learning Trust.

The trust includes 12 GOOD and OUTSTANDING first and primary schools across: Axbridge, Brent Knoll, Cheddar, Draycott and Rodney Stoke, East Brent, Lympsham, Mark, Sandford, Shipham, Weare, Wedmore and Winscombe.

All of which feature beautiful rural settings, caring and nurturing staff, and modern facilities which ensure your child has the best start.

The schools are rooted in their communities and encourage children to become exceptional young citizens of the modern world.

As part of the Wessex Learning Trust, the schools also benefit from working together and collaborating so that they can share best practice and support all their staff to be at the forefront of what they do.

They are constantly working to be the best they can for

EDUCATION

your children to help them realise their full potential.

All their schools are currently welcoming parents and children for socially distanced tours so that you can find the school that’s right for you. Their incredible staff will be more than happy to show you around and answer any questions you might have.

If you’d like to give your child the best start, apply for your place now, but be quick – applications close on January 15th 2022.

To find out more, contact schools directly, or visit their website: wessexlearningtrust.co.uk

School visits baths

PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

SHOSCOMBE Church School recently sent a group of Year 3 and 4 pupils to the Roman Baths to find out more about Bath’s ancient heritage.

School head, Ruth Noall, said: “As part of our Enrichment Learning in Key Stage 2, pupils have been learning about local history.

“And, with the Roman Baths right on our doorstep, we couldn’t miss the chance to go and visit!”

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THE MENDIP SOCIETY

Learning the right skills is vital for our Mendip Hills THE first lines of our constitution state: The principal objects of the society shall be the conservation and enhancement of the beauty and character of Mendip and its surroundings. In pursuance of this aim the society shall seek to support and encourage all forms of conservation and enhancement, with particular regard to landscape, wildlife habitat, archaeological, historical and natural features.

The constitution goes on to list seven other ways in which we fulfil this aim, all of which are underlying our new Small Grant Scheme leaflet launched at the Mendip Ploughing Society’s match in September and mentioned in our last article.

This year The Mendip Society joined with other sponsors and the trade stands at Green Ore; under our trusty (or should l say “trussed” marquee) as Judith our secretary battled through the day against a brisk wind to keep the wayward shelter in place.

However, it didn’t deter the crowds from attending their favourite event, and the most enjoyable part was seeing the many familiar faces and talking about the society – and the new grant.

For the efforts of all the volunteers giving their time in working for the conservation and enhancement of Mendip

Battling through mist and rain PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

Ladies’ champion Tina Bath receiving her prize at the National Hedgelaying Championships

to be effective, they must be equipped with the right skills; our advertised dry stone walling training held in October literally went down a storm.

The weather for the beginners’ weekend course could not have been any wetter but they handled it with great stoicism; that for the “improvers” was far more settled.

The courses were oversubscribed so another training day is planned in March 2022 for those remaining on the list.

Another very important part of Mendip is our envied hedges system, kept in good condition ideally by laying it at the right periodic intervals. As stated last time, we are running two, one-day training courses enabling people to get an understanding of hedgerow management and practical experience in the traditional skill of hedge laying.

The dates in the New Year are Friday, January 7th at our Slader’s Leigh Reserve, Shute Shelve, Winscombe and Saturday, January 8th in our Tania’s Wood Reserve near Ubley. Places are limited to eight on each day and must be booked in advance.

This can be done by contacting Sally on sallydavis99@hotmail.com or 07816 266531.

On October 24th the National Hedge Laying Championships were held on the Rotherfield Estate, Alton, in Hampshire, and local Mendip hedgelayers took part in several different classes. In the North

Somerset Intermediate Class, Matthew Knight, Radstock, came 2nd; Chris Claxton, Chilcompton, 3rd; and Duncan Fraser, Nailsea, 4th. In the N.S. Open Class: 1st Colin Clutterbuck, Stanton Drew, 2nd Alex Bown, Binegar, 3rd Paul Gulliford, Backwell, 4th Tina Bath, Priddy And here, the society secretary has to take up the story as our chairman, Tina Bath wouldn’t blow her own trumpet. For the third year in the national championship competitions, Tina was named “Best Lady in the Competition”, which makes her National Ladies Champion – the society is so proud of her.

And to put the icing on the cake the two tutors on our training days will be Chris Claxton and Tina herself. What could be better?

Many events, both for our members and for the countryside itself are being planned for the coming year and details will be in future Mendip Times. In the meantime our walks programme is going apace – remember to look on our website walks page for details of where a walk is going – and how to book a place on it.

There are also some walks planned for non-members to join, which do not have to be booked, details of these are also on the website and in the MT What’s On Guide.

Tina Bath and Judith Tranter

For details, visit www.themendipsociety.org.uk/walks

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WILDLIFE

Let’s not talk about Christmas robins

IF you’re like me, December 21st feels like a turning point, the shortest day of the year followed by a minuscule increase in day length that heralds the beginning of the long path towards spring.

For some small birds weighing only a few grammes, these long winter nights

By CHRIS can mean the difference between life and SPERRING MBE death. Take, for example, a wren: weighing in at just ten grammes it potentially loses around ten per cent of body weight in one night.

Long-tailed tits weigh even less than wrens, at around 8.5 grammes. However, they do fly around in groups. I have seen 17 in my garden – a record for me.

This bonding – helping each other look for food during the daylight – continues at night whilst roosting so they are better equipped to survive even the harshest of winters.

They literally roost together. Finding a branch in dense scrub they will line up. Clearly the birds at either end of this feathery line-up are the ones most vulnerable to succumbing to the cold of the night, but they have a brilliant strategy for this also. As the night progresses the birds at each end gradually and carefully shuffle into the middle of the group, whilst those from the warm middle gradually move out towards the ends.

If you could run a time-lapse camera on the group all night what you would see is a constantly shifting line of longtailed tits with each one being aided by the rest of the group.

Back to the wrens and our first observations find a bird that seems quite unlike long tailed tits because it seems more territorial. Easily observable, even in winter a wren will very vocally defend its territory using its song. But that’s not the whole picture.

When conditions in winter deteriorate into a North Easterly-backed freeze it seems even wrens will forget about their daytime squabbles and come together en-masse and create a wren roosting “ball”. A good farmer friend of mine

high up at Priddy witnesses this most winters.

This farmer has great tit nesting boxes around the farm and during one winter, just prior to a mid-winter frosty sun rise, he saw more than over 20 wrens emerging from one single small nesting box. What a great strategy. I bet, like the longtailed tits, this cramped, tight ball of wrens will be constantly moving around ensuring everyone enjoys the warmth from the middle of the ball.

Both these birds are insectivores, so you can imagine at this time of the year the pressure is really on them; they can, and do, feed on other things and both will, for example, take fat and mealworms provided by people feeding birds in their gardens.

But for those that live away from gardens, both have incredibly good eyesight for finding food. If you’ve got a garden and have spiders’ webs showing well on frosty mornings, then look to see if there’s a hole in the web which is about spider sized. If there is, then this is a sign that the wren has removed the spider delicately enough to leave the rest of the web intact.

Long-tailed tits will fly around woodland and forest in extended groups and can find even the smallest moth larvae or other insect buried deep in the cracks of the bark of trees.

Indeed, their skill must be known well throughout the bird world. If, during the holiday break, you are walking in woodland and find a group of long-tailed tits searching for food, just stop and watch the number of other species that follow them. Many other birds will watch where they are feeding and join them using the skill of the long-tailed tits to their advantage. Isn’t nature just brilliant!

Thank you to everyone throughout 2021 who has contacted me regarding these articles; I’m glad so many of you enjoy them.

Nature isn’t all about doom and gloom: there are some amazing successes and of course an endless list of incredible species to watch, to learn from, and to enjoy.

I wish all of you a super “wild” Christmas and healthy New Year.

Wrens will put aside their territorial instincts to keep warm

Strength in numbers: long-tailed tits will feed and roost together

Contact me on 07799 413918 or email me at: Chris.Sperring@hawkandowltrust.org.uk

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 57

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Walking quiz in the heart of Mendip

THIS circular walk is a great way to find out more about the heart of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on Mendip.

We are on the eve of 2022 which is a significant date – the 50th anniversary of the setting up of the Mendip Hills AONB. As Christmas and New Year is for many a time of quizzes, I thought it might be fun to give you a few simple questions to answer as you go round. The answers are all there for you! Sadly, I am not giving any prizes. This is not a long walk but has quite a lot of uphill. The paths are easy to follow and should be relatively mud-free. There are no stiles and it would be a great outing for dogs. At the start is a cafe (open Thursdays to Sundays) and a food van at the lower car park, open at the weekend.

PARK: Near the bottom of Burrington Combe in the Rock of Ages car park (the one with a toilet) and next to Rock Cafe.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

There is an information board there which you need to read.

START: What is the name of the nearby cave where 50 skeletons were found? The cave is up the road on the left if you want to go up and look afterwards, but take care on the road.

Cross the road and take a look at the cleft in the rock, which is the Rock of Ages.

Who wrote the hymn Rock of Ages?

Cross back and take the path at the side of the toilet, through a gate. Go past the Rock Cafe, a great place to start or finish this walk (open Thursday-Sunday). Then continue down the combe.

This area at the bottom of the combe will be changing quite radically in the next few years as Yeo Valley, the owner, has great plans for renovation and to make it a gateway to the Mendip Hills.

1. THE LINK Just past the car park with the trees, turn right on the Link. Follow this as it climbs above Burrington village. At the triangle of grass keep straight on up.

2. GATE At the top, reach a gate on the right. The stony track continues to rise, going past disturbed ground, the result of mining for calamine and lead. Reach a signpost, where we go right on the footpath.

What activities are allowed on the bridleway which we are leaving?

Our path goes up under a beautiful avenue of silver birches.

The origin of this avenue is shrouded in the mist of time, but it could have been the

work of the first warden of the AONB, Tom Elkin, who had a lot of these saplings left over after a job and made an avenue here on the footpath which he had created to reach Burrington Camp.

Stay under the birches, ignoring a turning left. Eventually the path bears left and reaches the open area.

3. CAMP Go ahead, bearing right to reach Burrington Camp and the outer ditch and bank, and an information board, a Journey Through Time.

This camp and surrounds has been well maintained and cleared in recent years thanks to the work of Sir David Wills who manages the area.

How many phases were there to the building of the camp? When was it started?

To have a look round you can go up the bank into the camp and then return here.

There are great views across Wrington Vale. Take the path to the left of the noticeboard. This takes you past the camp (on your right) and is heading towards the edge of Burrington Combe. Keep on to the edge where there is a magnificent viewpoint over the combe and Rock of Ages. But do take great care and keep children well under control as it is not fenced and there is a sheer drop.

Go back up the path and take a path on the right (if you missed out the viewpoint, it would be the path on your left). Shortly, join another path and bear left through trees, bushes and bracken and eventually come up to a distinctive rocky ridge.

This is part of the earth movement of about 3 million years ago.

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WALKING

4. LONG ROCK Reach the end of the ridge at Long Rock, another good viewpoint where you can see both lakes, Blagdon and Chew and the beautiful valley spread out below. Turn away 90 degrees from Long Rock and head up the grassy path. Ignore side paths and just stay on the right-hand path going straight on and then climbing more steeply to the top. Now there are views across the combe to Black Down. Again, take care as it is a sheer drop.

5. GRASSY TRACK Turn left on the grassy track and continue in this direction, parallel to the combe, and joining a larger grassy track further on.

Notice the red and white sign on a low post opposite as you join the track, and further on too.

These are part of an orienteering route up on the Ham. In the spring there should be a wonderful display of bluebells here thanks to the clearance that has taken place over the past few years.

Continue on and notice several ridges which cross the path.

These are the remains of Bronze Age field systems here on the Ham. Reach a crossing with a large grassy swathe.

What is the low post ahead?

Turn right and reach an information board.

Burrington Ham is a Site of what, and why?

6. HAM CAR PARK Go through the gate and down the rocky path to the Ham car park and another board.

What animals are you likely to see on the Ham and Black Down?

Cross the road here with care and turn left up the grassy verge. Turn right by Ellick House and continue uphill on this track for several minutes to a gate onto the

OS Explorer map 141. Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West, grid ref 476587, postcode BS40 7AU. 4.5 miles, about 2-3 hours walking.

edge of Black Down.

What long distance paths are you on here?

7. BLACK DOWN Turn right and soon fork left and start the climb up on to Black Down getting great views as you go. There may be some boggy patches. Eventually reach a lone tree and here turn left on a stony path and follow it to the trig point at Beacon Batch.

8. BEACON BATCH What is the height here above sea level?

Near the trig are two Bronze Age round barrows and several more around Black Down. You will notice that they are hollowed out. This is the work of the notorious Rev Skinner who in the mid 1800s dug out the grave treasures from umpteen barrows on Mendip. Little is known of what happened to it all. The memorial plaque on one side is a bit of a mystery.

Take the stony path which goes due west from the trig.

You may spot one or two round plastic bolts in the ground. They were put in to measure erosion on the paths.

Soon come alongside huge mounds, or tumps.

They were set up during WW2 after the fall of Europe to protect us against invasion by glider-born landings and it was part of the Decoy City. This was meant to fool the enemy into thinking that this

was Canons Marsh and Temple Meads in Bristol. They were illuminated by light boxes from generator boxes down on the south side of Black Down. You will notice lines of tumps going off at right angles on each side as you progress – all part of the huge grid pattern of the decoy city. Some of the tumps have been seriously eroded by cattle.

At a fork, take the stony path on the right. There are great views across the estuary to Steep Holm and Flat Holm islands.

What trail is signed up here?

Continue until, well before the forest ahead, reach a junction of tracks.

9. CHEDDAR PATH Go right on the wide grassy bridleway, dropping downhill. This is also known as the Cheddar Path – because it leads across the Down to Cheddar.

You may well encounter some Exmoor ponies around here. They are not tame so don’t attempt to approach or feed them.

They are here to graze the area and are doing a great job.

Keep along this track to the foot and go into trees, through a barrier.

Opposite is the Bristol University Speliological Society hut.

Turn right on the track. It eventually becomes hard under foot and takes you all the way down to Burrington Combe. Cross and turn right back to where you parked.

Answers on page 111.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 59

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OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s diary

THE final month of the year has arrived and I can’t for the life of me work out where the rest of it went!

The weather is still being kind to us, but With LES as always I seem to DAVIES MBE have a short memory.

Some areas are suffering from flooding, but so far we have managed to survive.

December 21st heralds the first day of winter that will stay with us until the March 20th next year. Every fine dry day we get at this time of the year is a bonus and another day closer to spring.

Everything in the natural world is preparing for its own kind of lockdown.

Those that hibernate are doing so whilst those that have to survive the colder weather and darker days are making whatever preparations they can and that includes us.

Christmas is upon us and if, like me, you don’t feel it, it will make itself known fairly soon. The origins of a winter celebration and feast go way back before the coming of Christianity. No doubt it all began as a way of forgetting the trouble and struggle of daily existence in a world that was much harsher than today.

The coming of the Christian faith carefully took a lot of pagan beliefs and made them its own. The holly and the ivy, both green all year round, were seen as bringing life into an empty cold existence and yew was seen as a sign of longevity and good fortune. Foxwood should yield enough holly and ivy for me to make at least a token gesture towards decorating the house.

Today we mix these traditions with our own tokens of winter that help celebrate the modern festival of Christmas. Mistletoe is still hung above the door, no doubt as a pagan symbol of fertility and an excuse to behave in a way that you would never have the courage to do normally.

Everywhere there is a feeling of goodwill and generosity(we hope) that doesn’t seem to be in such plentiful supply throughout the rest of the year. Do we blame this on the government, Brexit, Covid or just a shortage of lorry drivers or our expectations? Here maybe lies the answer, or part of the answer at least.

We all have higher expectations and with these come a need for greater reward. Are

we still content with things as they used to be? Through nostalgia and hindsight in our later years, we will tend to reach back in an attempt to rekindle an era of simplicity within the comfort of our modern lives.

The ghost of Christmas past is ever present at this time of the year. Even nostalgia isn’t what it used to be, but what is wrong in a little reflection on the past?

Every day brings something different, although for many working on a “treadmill” of repetition, that may not seem to be the case. It’s time to stop and take a look around at the positive aspects of life and to do that it helps to get outside into the natural world.

On the whole we are blessed with access to the countryside that may be more difficult for many city dwellers. Within this green and pleasant land a lot of comfort and joy may be found, but only if you have the eyes to look for it. It can soothe a troubled mind, sort out problems and put life into perspective.

It will leave you with that “feel good” factor of a sight or experience that burns its way into your very being, bringing a warm glow to the end of the day. Everyday gifts such as these are something we may not appreciate as much as we should. While we can easily lose tomorrow by reaching back too much for yesterday, we can also appreciate the past.

My mother grew up in the war years on Hales Farm in North Somerset. This place will be no stranger to those who have read my column before. They were hard times but there was always an effort made at Christmas to bring that special bit of something into life that would set this day apart from every other.

There were not heaps of gifts or a table groaning with food, but there was “something” and for that people were grateful. A few years back I gave her a book published by the BBC, based on their successful television series The Wartime Farm. Within the cover of this book was a

treasure trove of make-do and mend that spoke volumes for spirit and determination.

Christmas had its own chapter and people were obviously keen to maintain some sense of a “normal” Christmas, so dishes such as “mock orange juice” was made with carrots and swedes, Swedish turnips that is.

A turkey substitute nicknamed “murkey”, the recipe of which was given out by the Ministry of Food, was made from sausage meat, bacon and stuffing shaped like a turkey. Decorations were home-made and ingenuity was the name of the game.

Today life is better and for that we should be thankful. Perfect it may not be, but we all need to look at the positive things we have. It’s a time for family, which is perhaps the greatest treasure of all and a moment to remember those who cannot be there for whatever reason.

Before I close this month’s column I would like to mention the passing of a Mendip legend. Bill Small farmed at Charterhouse Warren Farm with his wife Pat, son James and brother John. The family have been there since the last war and lived through years such as I have just mentioned.

Bill was a true countryman with a keen eye for nature and a love of Mendip with everything it stood for. His knowledge of its history was second to none, although his formal education was described by brother John as “being somewhat hit or miss . . . mainly miss”.

The words “legend” and “iconic” get bandied around freely these day, but Bill was truly both. Another little bit of Mendip is laid to rest beneath its surface.

Finally, this month’s picture was taken at St Hughs’ Church as I carried out a very late grass cut. The sun goes down at the end of another day and hopefully will rise again on the following. Another gift and a reason to give thanks. Happy Christmas every one of you!

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

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The holly and the ivy – not just for Christmas

HOLLY, Ilex aquifolium, is one of our few native evergreen shrubs or trees and at this time of year, in a good year, can be seen glistening with bright red berries in the winter sun. A good crop of berries is not a sign of a hard winter to come but more a sign of good flower production with plenty With MARY of pollinating insects around, indicative of PAYNE MBE reasonable weather at flowering time, around late spring/early summer.

Much in demand for seasonal decoration, holly is also a useful garden plant, but a little understanding is required before choosing which of the many varieties to grow. The problem is that whoever named some of the holly varieties got their sexes wrong.

Most hollies are male or female plants, only bearing one sex of flowers per plant. So, unfortunately, we have a female called Golden King and a male variety called Silver Queen!

If holly is raised from seed or seedlings dug up, then you have no idea which sex they will be, so ideally, buy a named variety and make sure it has a partner. If you are now confused, then go for Ilex aquifolium J.C. van Thol which is a self-fertile female variety, so berries can be guaranteed.

There is also a golden variegated form of this one called Golden van Thol. This variety has the added advantage of very few prickles on its leaves. There is nothing worse than weeding near a prickly holly. The fallen leaves do not decay quickly and the prickles seem attracted to one’s fingers!

Traditionally, holly was planted near houses to offer protection from lightning, which sounds a bit far-fetched, but modern science has revealed that the spines on the leaves act as miniature lightning conductors, thus protecting not only the tree itself, but also nearby buildings.

Perhaps we ought to be choosing very prickly varieties, such as the aptly named hedgehog holly, Ilex aquifolium Ferox Argentea, a male form with intensely prickly cream/green variegated leaves.

All evergreens come into their own as the autumnal tints fade and leaves fall, but the hollies stand out. They are adaptable plants tolerating dense shade well and a variety of soils, provided the drainage is reasonable, but they are quite slow growing.

The brightly variegated yellow and green female variety Golden King mentioned above also has few prickles. For a white/green variegation I would opt for Handsworth New Silver, another female variety with purple new shoots, but rather prickly leaves.

If you want to be one up on the neighbours, then go for Ilex aquifolium Bacciflava which sports yellow berries. Make sure you have a male for pollination or there are male wild hollies nearby.

Hollies can be grown as standards, “blobs” on a leg. To keep the head tight it is important to keep trimming the new growth in the spring and again in late summer. They can also be used to make an impenetrable hedge but are slow to establish.

They are at their most useful in the back of a mixed border using any of the variegated varieties to suit your colour scheme.

Our native evergreen ivy, Hedera helix, is sometimes used at weddings as a symbol of fertility and is also gaining considerable respect as an invaluable late flowering source of PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

Ilex x altaclerensis Golden King

pollen and nectar for insects, as well as a source of food from the berries during the winter months.

Ivy on house walls is not the enemy it was once thought to be, indeed it has proved to be excellent as an insulator keeping buildings cool in summer and warmer in winter. Concerns about damp have also been disproved provided walls are sound.

The downside to this is that it makes an excellent climbing frame for mice or squirrels to access your roof space. Boston ivy, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, is a completely different, unrelated deciduous plant. It will also cool buildings in summer but loses its leaves after some spectacular autumn colours.

Ivy has two distinct stages to its life cycle. During the juvenile phase the plant grows fast and is renowned for climbing walls by means of its aerial roots. The leaves have typically three or more lobes and the plant has mutated to produce more than 200 different named varieties including many variegated forms.

Eventually, on reaching the top of the tree or wall it changes to an adult phase. The leaves are usually larger, without lobes and flowers are produced in early autumn. The flowers are followed by black berries.

At this stage it loses its ability to produce aerial roots and is therefore unstable. Propagation of this adult phase is slow, but ultimately an attractive rounded bush can be grown without any tendency to climb.

There is much debate as to whether ivy should be allowed to grow up trees. I subscribe to the view that in a woodland setting it can be allowed, but on specimen trees it should be removed.

Since Dutch elm disease decimated our elm population leaving only 15 to 20 feet suckers, ivy has colonised the dead trees and is responsible for them falling during winter storms due to the excess weight on a dead tree.

In a garden situation ivy has many uses, especially in shady locations where not much else will grow well. Variegated ivies can be used to create pools of light on woodland floors. The trailing forms are popular for winter containers and hanging baskets and can even be used for topiary.

Their tolerance of low light levels also makes them ideal as a house plant, where they are also excellent at removing the volatile organic compounds given off by modern surfaces such as new carpets, paintwork, and plastics.

So both our humble holly and ivy are valuable garden plants “. . . when they are both full grown”.

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DECEMBER GARDEN TIPS

• Move pots of tender plants inside or close to the house walls.

The shelter of the house wall can make a big difference!

• Plant roses, fruit trees and bushes. Transplant trees and shrubs that lose their leaves in winter now.

• Fork over borders and dig some goodness back into the soil.

• Don’t worry if there are bulb shoots already appearing outside in the garden, they are very tough and will generally survive very low temperatures. However, bulbs in thin sided plastic pots will need to be sheltered from wind driven hard frosts.

• Move potted “prepared” Hyacinths into warmer rooms to gradually force them into flower in time for Christmas. If they are coming on too fast move them back into the cool again.

• Plant up Amaryllis bulbs inside. Use a soil based compost and water very sparingly to start with. As flowers and leaves appear, give more water.

• Poinsettias need to be kept warm and out of draughts – good for centrally heated homes. Water when the leaves start to wilt and the compost feels dry. Give them a good soak but never let them stand in water for long.

• Azaleas need lots of water, preferably rain water. Cold tea once a month helps too! They will tolerate lower light and temperature levels. They will also tolerate draughts. Repot into lime-free compost in the spring.

• Cyclamen – water when leaves begin to wilt. Water from the bottom of the pot. Keep in a cool place with good light.

Remove yellowing leaves and fading flowers from the base of the corm with a twist and a sharp tug.

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GARDENING

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ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 63

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MENDIP TIMES

GARDENING

Spring planting

Churchyard gardeners

VILLAGERS in Compton Dando were out tidying St Mary’s churchyard in time for Remembrance Sunday.

They included Chris Daubney, David Brunskill and John Dottridge.

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

Pictured (l to r) Catriona Ree, Jane Flower, Jenny Gully, Pauline Parnell and Sarah

PENSFORD’S St Thomas à Becket churchyard will be a bright and welcoming place when spring arrives after a group of the Tower Friends met up to plant bulbs.

One of the Friends, Catriona Ree, said: “We met up to plant bulbs which had been very kindly donated by Brenda Stone.

Edwina’s homemade shortbread and a welcome cup of tea helped the gardeners too.

“Yellow rattle seeds were also planted to help develop a more natural area as part of the Wilder Churches initiative.”

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PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

We also do: Chicken Houses Dog Kennels • Bin & Log Stores YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT US AND SEE OUR SHOW MODELS – OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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Living history show goes with a bang

A SMALL group of English Civil War Society re-enactors made a big noise when they visited Witham Friary at the invitation of the village’s history society.

They entertained onlookers with lifestyle and weaponry displays including several loud firings of a cannon and musket.

The five enthusiasts were representing the royalist King’s Army. They included Ian and Mary MacDonald-Watson, who live at nearby North Brewham. They were part of the Marquis of Winchester Regiment which saw service in the West Country.

St Mary’s Church in Witham Friary is the burial place of the 1st Baron Hopton, a politician, soldier and landowner, who was a Royalist commander in the West Country

HISTORY Florence – the photo Dick took to Norway

Back in time for the civil war: King’s Army members Katherine Baker, Ricky King, Eric Peaple and Ian and Mary MacDonald-Watson

during the first civil war of 1642-1646.

The society itself comprises The King’s Army and The Roundhead Association who recreate events of the English Civil

Mary MacDonald-Watson fires the cannon. Onlookers were told to cover their ears and keep their mouths open because of the sound wave caused by the blast

Katherine Baker. Drummers were used to give “orders” to the troops above the sound of battle

War including battles and skirmishes as well as visiting schools. The society will celebrate its 50th anniversary in January with a parade through Whitehall.

Ricky King as an infantryman, carrying a 16-foot-long pike

Trying out a helmet and “tuck” sword

For details, visit: www.ecws.co.uk

Eric Peaple demonstrates a musket fired by gunpowder

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 65

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MENDIP TIMES

Christmas in Wells

MENDIP District Council is set to bring some seasonal cheer to traders and shoppers alike, by hosting festive markets in Wells on December 11th and 18th.

The traditional Christmas in Wells Market will operate from 9am-3pm, with up to 100 stalls expected to line the Market Place, through to the Bishop's Palace Green.

Delightful gifts, plus plenty of food and drinks will be available, as well as music and entertainment for the whole family, that’s sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Cllr Simon Carswell, portfolio holder for economic development, said: “We’re pleased to be bringing the Christmas markets back to Wells for two days of festivities after it was cancelled in 2020, due to the pandemic.”

Details: Facebook and Instagram at @WellsChristmasMarket or visit www.mendip.gov.uk/christmasmarket

Nativity festival returns

One of the displays from a previous nativity festival

SAINT Cuthbert’s Church in Wells will once again host its renowned nativity festival featuring displays from around the world.

The event takes place from Friday, December 10th until Sunday, December 12th and people are welcome to contribute their own crib sets and angels to the displays.

Organisers are changing the layout inside the church to assist with the safety of visitors and proceeds will be shared between the church and two chosen charities.

l The displays are open 10am-4pm on Friday and Saturday and from 11.30am-4pm on Sunday. For details, visit: www. https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11052/

Getting crafty

Pictured (l to r) Sarah Wilson, Pat Lees, Harriette Dottridge, Alice Prescott and Jenny Davis

THE latest craft workshop in Compton Dando saw people concentrating on making Christmas goodies and poppies for Remembrance Day. Organiser, Harriet Dottridge, said they made a profit of £27 which will go towards the next two craft days on Saturday, January 8th and Tuesday, February 8th.

Details: hdottridge@hotmail.com

PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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CHRISTMAS

Artisans traders fill the palace

FESTIVE sights and sounds filled the inside of the Bishop’s Palace in Wells when it staged a two-day artisan market with seasonal tunes and carols by Wells City Band entertaining visitors to the grounds.

Kate Goodwin, from South Gloucestershire, in a festive mask

Rachel Whydle, from Banwell, with her ceramics

Artist Georgina HeywoodSmith, from Wiltshire, with some local views

Wells City Band played next to the palace lawn

Advent windows light up

IF you were in St Thomas Street in Wells last Christmas Eve you will know how vibrant it was with the buzz of families enjoying the advent windows.

St Thomas Street Advent Windows will start on December 1st with a new window being “lit” each day at 4pm.

Maps will be available on posters in the street to enable visitors to find the windows each day, as well as details being on their website and Facebook and Instagram pages.

Organiser, Shirley Offer, said: “I love the variety in the windows, from simple designs to old favourites returning, to new and artistic designs. It’s a real community pull together.”

Any money donated through participating Advent Windows letter boxes, will go to the Elim Connect Centre in Wells that supports a wide range of vulnerable people.

Details: stthomasstadventwindows.wordpress.com MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 67

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MENDIP TIMES

Gifts for needy children

Mel Jameson

CHRISTMAS boxes filled with gifts are on their way to needy children abroad thanks to collectors in the Chew Valley who support Operation Christmas Child.

Chew Stoke resident, Mel Jameson, managed to collect 37 boxes from various people in the village and surrounding area, despite the pandemic.

Meanwhile several made-up shoe boxes were collected at Blagdon’s recent Big Breakfast and added to those collected by Blagdon Primary School.

Christmas coffee for church

Pictured (l to r) Ruth Holland, Gill Stobart Mary Cookson and Rosemary Bennett

CHRISTMAS is coming, as could be seen at Gill Stobart’s annual seasonal coffee morning at her home in East Harptree.

The event was enjoyed by many visitors, who snapped up the bargains, raising £350 for St Laurence Church’s funds.

Gift a book scheme returns

LIBRARIES in Bath and North East Somerset are inviting book donations to be gifted to people in the community who may not otherwise receive a Christmas present.

The Gift a Book campaign ran for the first time in 2019 when more than 2,000 books were donated by residents and charities across B&NES. This year the library service is calling for donations of new or good condition second-hand books which will be distributed through local charities and organisations as gifts.

The libraries will be accepting book donations until December 11th.

Details: email library_events@bathnes.gov.uk https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/join-library-network

Pictured (l to r) Penny Crawfurd, Sheila Thoy and Tina Smith with boxes collected in Blagdon

A GLASTONBURY HOLY THORN TREE Crataegus Monogyna Biflora – It’s The Real Thing!!!

Available from Malcolm Slocombe Four Seasons 16 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9DU Telephone No: 01458 832061

Now available in Patio size

PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

Historic Christmas tree

NOTHING says Happy Christmas to a keen gardener like a Crataegus Monogyna Biflora! That’s the Latin name for what is today known as a Glastonbury Holy Thorn Tree.

These famous trees are associated with the legend of Joseph of Arimathea and have been propagated by grafting for hundreds of years. The term biflora means these trees blossom twice a year – once in the spring and again around Christmas time.

The grafting process is carried out by specialist tree nurseries from where Malcolm Slocombe, the owner of Four Seasons on Glastonbury High Street, sources them as and when available.

Right now Four Seasons have patio-size (approx 4/5 foot) trees available from £89 with free local delivery. So the gardener in your life can plant a piece of history as well as a tree.

To see a Holy Thorn Tree call into Four Seasons, 16, High Street, Glastonbury or call for more information 01458 832061.

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Shepton’s monthly market is back!

ORGANISERS of the monthly Sunday market held in the centre of Shepton Mallet have announced that the popular event is back – starting with their fabulous “Victorian Fayre” on Sunday, December 19th.

Open from 10am–3pm, there will be lots of stalls, some returning from 2019 and a few new traders too, selling handmade crafts, plants, Christmas wreaths, cakes, street food and more. To add to the festival atmosphere, there will be a Victorian themed fancy-dress competition with prizes for the best outfit, a stilt walker, circus games (for the young and the young at heart) as well as live music to keep you entertained while you browse and maybe do some last-minute Christmas shopping. With shops and cafes open in town there will be plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Jude Jackson, a spokesperson for the group the Shepton Experience said: “We are thrilled to be back and really looking forward to seeing everyone again after such a long and unexpected break. With the great success of our first two Shepton Experience Sunday markets back in 2019, before everything was put on hold, we hope that we continue to receive the amazing support of the local and surrounding community for our event.”

The fayre will also complement the Lantern Parade taking place on Saturday, December 18th.

The 2019 market

CHRISTMAS

Community carols in aid of hospice care

SUPPORTERS of Weston Hospicecare in Cheddar are holding a community carol singing evening led by Strike a Chord on Friday, December 10th at the Methodist Church, Cheddar, 7.30-9pm.

Entry is by ticket only and numbers are restricted. The cost is £5 per ticket to include a glass of non-alcoholic punch and a mince pie.

Details: Lynn 01934 744421 and Margaret 01934 742057

For details, visit their Facebook/Instagram pages: @thesheptonexperience and website: www.thesheptonexperience.co.uk

Christmas parking

FREE parking is being allowed in council-owned car parks in Keynsham throughout December to encourage people to “shop local” in Keynsham High Street.

The High Street is closed because of delays to a big improvement scheme. Work will stop in mid-December and resume on January 4th.

Councillor Richard Samuel, B&NES’ deputy leader, said: “Due to the exceptional circumstances, we are offering free parking in Keynsham car parks every Saturday in December to make it easier for residents and visitors to shop local and support the fantastic range of local shops, specialist retailers, cafés and restaurants in Keynsham.”

Open daily from 27th November

Check website for details

07494 015440

Delivery service available – details on the website MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 69

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MENDIP TIMES

In praise of napping

“LADIES and gentlemen, your pilot is feeling a bit drowsy and is taking a nap.” Perhaps not an announcement to inspire confidence when you’re whizzing high above the Atlantic in a cylindrical metal tube and not one you’re likely to hear. But it does happen. Pilots on long haul flights often have 40 winks, but fortunately not at the same time as their coBy Dr PHIL pilot.

HAMMOND Air traffic controllers even have the odd lie-down and in some companies napping stations are provided for employees who don’t feel alert enough to continue safely on the production line.

So what’s the evidence that napping works? Pretty good, as it happens. A short but intentional period of sleep during the day is not only very pleasant, but produces measurable improvements in mood, alertness and performance... even in those who didn’t feel tired beforehand.

The trick is to limit the nap to an optimal 15 minutes and certainly no more than 30. Go for longer and you’re likely to experience the grogginess of “sleep inertia” (a fancy term for not wanting to wake up at all).

Also long naps can stop you sleeping well at night, whereas a short power nap can do nothing but good (unless you’re behind the wheel of a car or operating heavy machinery). Many high-level athletes, including Usain Bolt, credit their best performances to a pre-race nap.

But do we need to learn how to nap? As patronising as it sounds, there’s an art form to just going under for 15 minutes and you get better with practice. There are people out there who are happy to take money off you for napping training (as opposed to nappy training), but if you practise on your own, you’ll soon get proficient.

I often perform comedy late at night which gets the adrenaline going (particularly if people don’t laugh) and stops me getting to sleep afterwards. It’s considered poor form to nap on stage, but I’ve perfected the art of a quick kip in the back of a cab, plane or train, and have yet to miss a stop.

True, I do occasionally fart, dribble and snore which isn’t terribly pleasant for nearby passengers, but it’s a small price to pay for arriving refreshed. And now at least my Covid mask disguises any top-end public dribbling.

In many workplaces, you’d be seen as a slacker to pop off for a nap but there is evidence of increased productivity in companies that allow naps.

As a junior doctor in the dark days of 120-hour weeks, I was forever nipping back to the on-call room for a lie down, but the introduction of shift work has led to the removal of on-call rooms in just about every hospital.

Alas, shift work is terrible for your health.

The Danish government is convinced by the evidence of potential harms of sleep deprivation and has paid compensation to nurses and air hostesses who developed cancer after years of disrupted sleep and stuffed-up body clocks.

Even if your shift is only eight hours, your poor sleep patterns may require you to take a nap and it’s dangerous not to give NHS staff the facilities to do it. Some enlightened hospitals are offering comfy recliner chairs as an alternative to a bed, but most doctors and nurses are having to make do with falling asleep on their feet.

So not much change since my day, and not at all safe for patients. One solution would be for doctors to climb aboard with a patient for a short nap.

You’d have to go top to tail, for ethical reasons, and try not to get tangled up in drips, drains and catheters.

But for patients, a napped doctor is much safer than an un-napped one.

Just don’t let anyone with restless legs into your bed.

Dr Hammond’s Covid Casebook out now, just £9-99 including cartoons

PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

Plop the Raindrop

I EXPECT a lot of you might go out for a walk at Christmas, even if you are reluctant to stop playing with your presents. You might even have a new bike to go rolling over the hills.

The Mendips can sparkle like magic, especially if there’s a frost. I might be out there sunbathing on a brown frond of fern. I’ll watch out for you.

You can see ponies or even deer up there and maybe lots of birds stripping bright red berries from the hawthorn bushes.

What you won’t see much of is water. Some water droplets, like me, might be lying around in some muddy puddles or bubbling away in some boggy bits.

But you won’t find many streams on Mendip unless there’s a flood, when we go rushing down into the combes and gorges.

Normally, after rain, we simply vanish underground.

That’s because the hills are made of limestone, which is itself made up of the remains of billions of tiny sea creatures.

I was around when these creatures were still alive and when the earth was a very different place and Mendip was under the sea, but that’s a story for another day.

Limestone is porous, just like a bath sponge, which means that water can soak through it down into the earth.

That’s when it gets exciting. Over millions and millions of years, me and my mates have been busy underground, turning the Mendip Hills into a giant network of caves and tunnels.

It’s a watery paradise down there, a crystal world of hissing rivulets and amazing formations. And mud; lots and lots of mud.

I can’t count how many Christmases I’ve been trapped in the dark down there with an occasional bat for company. Smelly creatures.

The lower down we drip, our rivulets become streams, which then turn into rivers. Eventually you can see us emerging from caves, like those in Cheddar Gorge or Wookey.

We even travel underground to emerge in giant springs behind the cathedral in Wells, in the Bishop’s Palace gardens. Can you guess how Wells got its name?

It might seem quite a feat to travel all the way from the hills down to Wells. But did you know that water from the Mendips also comes up into the Roman Baths in Bath? Can you guess how Bath got its name?

I’ve done that trip many times. It involves sinking deep down into the earth for about 10,000 years before emerging warm enough for human beans to have a bath.

Of course, dinosaurs, mammoths and all kinds of creatures enjoyed a dip there before you lot arrived.

But that’s yet another story.

Have a good Christmas, MENDIP GRANDAD

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HEALTH & FAMILY

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 71

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MENDIP TIMES

Giving a helping hand

A MENTAL health support group in Peasedown St John has received a grant from the village’s Community Trust.

The Peasedown Social & Wellbeing Group provides a safe and welcoming space for members of the community who are dealing with loneliness and depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. They meet weekly at the new Hive Community Centre.

The trust has awarded them a £100 grant. Chairman of the trust, Gavin Heathcote, said: “The trustees were impressed by the work that the Wellbeing Group does to support those in need.”

Details: email peasedowncommunitytrust@gmail.com or call 07557 683834

Remembering loved ones

THE Forever Friends Appeal, the charity for the Royal United Hospitals Bath, is inviting the local community to come together to be part of its annual remembrance service.

The virtual ceremony will take place on Monday, December 6th and will be streamed through The Forever Friends Appeal website between 11am and 6pm.

The event will also help support the hospital’s RUH Palliative Care and End of Life Butterfly Fund and there will be an opportunity to remember loved ones’ names on a compassionate heart or star that will be placed on a tree of Light and Love and displayed throughout the month of December.

Philip Turner, deputy team chaplain at the RUH said: “The loss we feel is personal, but by coming together with others who are also wrestling with their grief, we can feel less alone.

“While restrictions at the hospital still prevent us from being in the same place, together we can create a similar space in our hearts. Wherever you are, you are invited to join together with others for our Light and Love live event.”

Details: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk/light-and-love

PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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Winter fuel campaign launched

SOMERSET Community Foundation (SCF) has launched this year’s Surviving Winter appeal, which encourages people who can afford it to donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment to help vulnerable older people to stay warm and well.

It says as we head into winter, rising energy costs mean more of our older neighbours are forced to choose between heating and eating.

This winter will continue to be difficult and worrying for many in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, as many pensioners will need to stay at home to keep themselves safe.

Chief executive, Justin Sargent, said: “We estimate that at least 9,000 older people households in Somerset will not have enough money to afford to heat their homes sufficiently this winter. Cold weather is a prime cause of around 500 preventable deaths a year, with older people and those living in older or isolated rural homes most likely to experience the largest degree of fuel poverty.

“Thanks to the bright idea of one generous pensioner, we can make sure that hundreds of older people in Somerset are being supported to stay warm, safe and well every winter through our Surviving Winter campaign.”

Every year the campaign helps around 500 elderly people locally through the cold winter months, thanks to generous local donors who, last year, donated over £150,000 to the

HEALTH & FAMILY

appeal. This year, the first £15,000 of donations will be boosted by 50 percent thanks to matched funding from the Field House Trust.

Glastonbury Festival organiser and long-time Surviving Winter supporter Michael Eavis is supporting Surviving Winter for another year.

He said: “I’m very pleased to be donating to Surviving Winter again this year. We would be so pleased if you would consider giving some or all of your Winter Fuel Payment to the appeal. It is a simple and easy way to help people in our community who will be struggling to stay warm and healthy this winter.”

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

OUR HIGHLY SKILLED CLINICIANS ARE ABLE TO USE THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO INVESTIGATE THE HEALTH OF YOUR EYES!

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Unlimited advice on all your eye care needs Great discounts on all your spectacle requirements Repairs and adjustments to spectacles We offer a range of contact lenses, dry eye lubricants, solutions and myopia (Short-sightedness) management options. As predictions indicate that by 2050 half of the world’s population will be myopic • OCT scans and Optomap imaging of the health of your eyes Orriss and Low Optometrists, Corner House, Woodborough Road, Winscombe, BS25 1AQ 01934 843713 • www.orrissandlow.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 73

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MENDIP TIMES

Place your holiday orders

PISCES Wedmore will be taking orders for the Christmas holiday weekend as normal. With 30 years’ experience Dean Downer knows that to secure the best fish or produce for his customers early planning is essential.

Customers are urged to order their fish requirements by Saturday, December 18th. He says please remember that there are no fish markets until early January so ordering and freezing fish for after December 24th is the only way to have that special dinner party dish at New Year. With “logistics” the buzz word this year, Dean will be at The Wholesale Produce Market all week. He wishes customers old and new a very happy Christmas.

PISCES

FISHMONGER & GREENGROCER

Direct supply of Cornish Sea Food.

Loch Fyne Smokehouse stockist.

Northern Water and Continental seafood specialists.

Fruit and vegetables personally selected at market, exotics and the unusual, fresh herbs and the best local produce.

Selection of culinary ingredients.

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5 The Borough Mall, The Borough Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB Tel: 01934 710318

Bronze and Traditional Turkeys All types of poultry, meats, games and Christmas Fayre

Orders taken for Christmas now!!

Orders, telephone or email:– 01934 712384 Shop Alan, James and Mike would like to thank all our customers who have supported us through 2021

WE HAVE MOVED! MORE ROOM, MORE STOCK!

Come and see our Organic Cotton range

4, The Borough Mall, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB • 01934 708181 PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

Christmas in Wedmore

8

December

WEDMORE by Lamplight returns on Wednesday, December 8th. After a service in the village church and carols around the Christmas tree in the churchyard, the village gets into full festive mode.

The Borough is closed for the evening for a range of stalls to be set up. The village’s various shops and business are open late offering hospitality and Christmas gifts and there’s a range of music, food and entertainment.

Village Xmas card

WEDMORE’S village Christmas card has been produced by the Friends of St Mary's, based on an original idea and painting by village amateur artist Sue Smith.

It was Sue's idea to use the finger post at the Heath House crossroads to encompass most of the parish, rather than just Wedmore.

Biggest ever “Big Drop”

THE Wedmore Friends of Weston Hospicecare say their “Big Drop” in November was their biggest ever!

Chair, Shirley Wederell, said: “We never know how much we raise because the donated items are taken The school hall was full of donated to the hospice hub for items distribution to the shops, so unfortunately we never know.

“We did sell some items, which raised £100, and have two beautiful antique GWR station seats which we are hoping to sell to GWR. “We always get a good response from Mendip Times readers.

We’ve done three Big Drops now and each time they have become bigger. The hospice vans were full to capacity and had to make two journeys to the hub. We also engage people with the possibility of gift aiding their donations and we signed up 33 new gift aiders.”

She said she wants to thank everyone who donated goods to the drop and also to thank Wedmore First School Academy for the use their hall.

The Friends next event will be a fashion show, planned for April 9th. They’ve given this phone number for the Hospicecare hub van collection for those items that were too large for them to take on the day: 01934 642694.

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Recruiting now

IMAGINE working on your own terms and being in control of your monthly finances? I’ve worked as a consultant for the 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan for ten years now and can wholeheartedly say that I have never been in such a rewarding role.

There is literally no better time to join me! Do the learning and groundwork now and get ready to kick-start January with a bang.

• Do you want 2022 to be your year?

• Do you want to be in control of what you earn?

• Do you want to carry on working from home?

• Do you want a side hustle to work around your current commitments?

• Do you want to completely change people’s lives every single day?

• Do you want to be your own boss?

I am looking for dynamic, friendly and caring consultants to join my team. The role is flexible and can be part-time, full-time or even one day a week. As long as you have a positive mindset, have a high regard for customer service and be passionate about changing people’s lives – then I’m here for you You would continue to have my one-to-one training and support as well as be a part of a multi-award team.

FRAN FOUNTAIN

Green Wedmore’s plans

GREEN Wedmore’s new chair Steve Mewes has challenged the group to look at longer term ambitious projects that will help keep the village on track to a carbon free future.

One suggestion is a Wedmore community supported agriculture scheme envisaging village scale fruit, vegetable, and fish production for an on-site farm shop and for existing shops, restaurants and pubs.

He’s also suggesting a village heat pump scheme to create a good value, easy-to-buy-into option for Wedmore residents like the Solar 1000, which has now seen 175 photovoltaic installations in the village, with many more in the pipeline. Also up for discussion is a project to encourage walking and cycling in the village. Their next meeting is at The Swan on Monday, November 29th, at 7.30pm. For details, visit: www.greenwedmore.co.uk

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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FOCUS ON WEDMORE

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MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 75

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MENDIP TIMES

Football result for Wedmore

FOOTBALL facilities have received a big boost in Wedmore.

The village has been awarded a £141,937 grant from the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation to upgrade their multi-use games area.

The Isle of Wedmore Football Club, who play at Wedmore playing fields, give over 300 individuals a chance to play football each week.

This grant will enable the club to improve their games area with a new 3G surface, fencing, lighting and storage facilities.

Wedmore Playing Fields Management Committee and the football club worked with the Football Foundation and the Somerset FA to secure the grant towards the project.

Football club chairman, Nick Beason, said: “This amazing grant will enable us to complete a much-needed renovation of a well-used facility”.

PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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Christmas parties at The Swan, Wedmore

THIS year we’re all looking forward to a proper Christmas.

Friendly and relaxed, The Swan in Wedmore is the perfect spot for a seasonal celebration. It has it all with cosy corners, stoneflagged floors, gorgeous decorations, warming winter cocktails and delicious food.

Head chef Sam Sperring-Trendl has cooked up the ultimate winter feast with his three-course party menu with local Orchard Farm pork belly from Jim Baker’s Gloucester Old Spot pigs, traditional turkey, and a vegan marinated and pan roasted cauliflower with winter truffle.

There are, of course, glorious roast potatoes and a divine Christmas pudding with milk ice-cream and spiced clementine jam to delve into. If you’re a large group, then opt for your own exclusive party and kick-up your heels and celebrate in The Club Room.

Outside the covered terrace festooned with lights, heaters, and sheepskin rugs, makes a stylish and comfortable setting. The Swan’s warm welcome and eat anywhere ethos, makes it a haven for families with young children and dogs.

Wedmore glitters and sparkles at Christmas and conjures up a magical festive atmosphere, especially on December 8th for Wedmore by Lamplight. Then the whole village is alive with light, music, market stalls and late-night shopping in the wide range of independent shops and boutiques.

Pop into The Swan for a fireside fortifying boozy hot

FOCUS ON WEDMORE

chocolate or Harry’s mulled cider. Or else the Orchard Shrub cocktail with cider brandy, crème de figue and ginger ale is a serious winter warmer.

Around the bustling and historic village there are bracing walks on the nearby Avalon Marshes. Stride out and see the spectacular starling murmurations before heading back to The Swan to hatch a plan to keep the party going and celebrate the New Year.

The Swan aims to see out the old and bring in the new in great style. Gather your nearest and dearest, raise a glass (or two) of fizz and indulge in Sam’s outstanding New Year’s Eve menu with maple cured sea trout, dry aged rump steak and dark chocolate tart. A joyous journey into 2022.

Details: theswanwedmore.com 01934 710337

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 77

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MENDIP TIMES

Anti-fraud advice works

Drawing attention to polio

Club president Sandy Maclachlan with Ashley Jones

A MEMBER of the Inner Wheel Club of Mendip had every reason to feel grateful to the group’s speaker at their first meeting in-person since pandemic restrictions were lifted.

Ashley Jones, from Avon and Somerset Police’s Organised Crime Unit, gave a talk about how to prevent various types of fraud at the meeting at the Rodney Stoke Inn. He later handed out information booklets which proved useful when the club member was the victim of an attempted scam just a short while later.

Members of the club including Alison Webb and Irene McIntosh (pictured) have been supporting the Rotary Club of Mendip in marshalling at the vaccination centre at Winchester Farm at Cheddar

The exhibition

ROTARY Nailsea and Backwell highlighted World Polio Day in October, as polio cases increased during the Covid pandemic, when polio vaccinations were suspended.

Three years ago it looked as if the world was close to eradicating polio. Members led by Chris Broughton, himself a survivor of the disease, arranged for an iron lung (tank ventilator) to be exhibited in Tesco car park.

This was the main treatment for polio from 1928 to the early 1960s and the display was designed to draw attention to this dreadful disease.

Chris also organised the planting of crocus corms at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm and hopes to have other sites available in due course.

It is hoped that some £400 will be raised locally and with a contribution from The Gates Foundation, this could reach £1,200 which equates to 3,000 vaccinations.

Bulb planting at Noah’s Ark Farm

Grants available to restart services

DISCOVERY, the organisation which supports people with learning disabilities and autism across Somerset, is inviting groups across the county to submit applications for grants ranging from £500 to £50,000 from its community fund.

This new round of funding will focus on supporting organisations to recover, innovate, and restart services in the wake of the pandemic.

“Iron lungs” saved many lives

Applications through Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), who are administering the Fund, are particularly encouraged from groups which tackle health inequalities, combat hate crime, and support people into employment.

Discovery is a social enterprise formed from a ground-breaking partnership between Dimensions and Somerset County Council.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, December 17th.

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

PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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Jean’s legacy

Hilary Cox, Libraries and Information Service and Caroline Talbott, Jean's daughter

A RESIDENT from the Chew Valley has left a legacy inspiring others to gain as much pleasure from books as she did, thanks to a generous donation from her family and friends to Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Home Library Service.

Jean Coram from Stanton Drew always enjoyed books, as she said they took her off to different places in her imagination.

During the latter years of her life as her eyesight became poor, she began to enjoy talking books supplied by the service.

When Jean died earlier this year her family wanted to support the service in her memory. Generous donations of £675 from the family and her many friends have enabled the purchase of 17 talking books titles.

A plate has been placed inside each book which reads: “In loving memory of Jean Elizabeth Coram, an enthusiastic member of the Home Library Service. Her family and friends invite you to journey as she did through the wonder of words.”

Caroline Talbott, Jean’s daughter, said: “Being able to listen to books meant that mum felt part of the wider world, even though her physical world had shrunk. The visits from the Home Library Service and the talking books brought mum so much pleasure, so we wanted to give something back.

“I have been overwhelmed at the generosity of family and friends which meant a collection of talking books could be bought for the library service in her memory for others to enjoy.

It’s a perfect legacy and it’s wonderful for us to think that even more choices are now available for other people to enjoy. I hope they will read the book plate and think of the person who inspired the collection.”

The council’s libraries team has chosen some books by authors that Jean enjoyed, including Gervase Phinn and Sally Magnusson.

The service is for readers who have severely restricted mobility and cannot visit their local library. Volunteers get to know reader’s interests and collect and return books from the local library on their behalf.

Details: homelibraryservice@bathnes.gov.uk

COMMUNITY

New centre manager

PEASEDOWN St John’s Hive Community Centre has appointed Lucy Day as manager, responsible for the day-to-day running of the building.

Chair of the management committee, Joy Fraser, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Lucy to the team.

“She has been a part of the Peasedown community for over 20 years and is well Lucy Day known to villagers through being a part of the Methodist Church. Plus, Lucy’s husband Andy runs The Meeting Place Coffee Shop.”

Lucy, a trained and experienced social worker, comes with years of experience of working with foster carers and children.

The Hive opened last year, run by a team of volunteers, and was formerly the youth centre for many decades. Following B&NES council’s initial intention to close the building, the community stepped in with a vision to create a community space with a range of services and activities for local people.

Lucy said: “The Hive is a fantastic project to be a part of.

It’s already home to the village Post Office, Swallow Café, the Community Library and a wide selection of community groups throughout the week.

“Our aim is to continue to build a community centre that’s at the heart of the village.”

Details: www.thehivepsj.org 01761 360021 Facebook at www.facebook.com/HiveCommunityCentrePSJ

Village team’s award

A NEW team of enthusiastic volunteers has been busy at Ashwick and Oakhill village hall, installing new flooring, doors, windows and heating system, as well as redecorating.

The group, a registered charity, have plans to install a community cafe by repurposing existing rooms Jim Claydon CCS with Caroline within the hall.

Ambrose, treasurer, and Andy They have currently raised North, chairman £19,271.83 with a target of £80,000 and are waiting to hear about the outcome of several grant applications.They recently achieved Hallmark Accreditation Level 1 which is a national award which recognises the high standard of the committee members, the merit of the hall and impact for the community.

They were not only presented with that certificate by the Community Council for Somerset, they also received a special extra District Award for Mendip 2021. They have been advised to go for levels two and three together next year.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 79

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Busy time for Inner Wheel club

INNER Wheel district chairman Pam Brewster entertained members of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock club with tales about her various careers.

Pam, from Frome, has gone from being a technical and commercial illustrator, an insurance company’s department head, through to motherhood and Open University graduation and then through the ranks of Pam Brewster (left) with club president teaching to school Jacky Emm headship and eventual lecturer.

Pam now runs GIFT, a charity that awards bursaries to enable young people to fulfil projects in developing countries and she is also a dementia champion, visiting shops, offices and groups giving advice on how people can live well with the condition.

Just five days earlier, club members had celebrated their 64th anniversary dinner at The Old Down Inn at Emborough where they were entertained and mystified by magician Tony Griffin.

New members are always welcome at the club’s monthly meetings at the Old Down Inn. Club secretary, Elaine, can be contacted on 07543 973666

Tree spotting

MEMBERS of Bishop Sutton and Stowey WI enjoyed a trip down memory lane to visit their oak tree at Folly Farm.

Former president, Liz Balmforth, said: “We got the oak tree in 2000 when I was a delegate at the WI AGM at the NEC. “We were all given an oak sapling each to celebrate the Millennium, then got back and couldn’t decide where to plant it.

Opposite the Post Office?

Pictured (l to r) Pat Smith, Janet The playing field? In the Thornhill, Jenny Harris, Cherryl end we decided to plant it Taylor and Julia Young at Folly Farm.”

Current president, Jenny Harris, said: “We re-installed a brass tree plaque, which reads ‘Planted by Bishop Sutton and Stowey WI in 2000’ almost two years ago.

“The tree is about 15ft high now, planted in the corner of the vegetable garden, and looking very healthy.”

PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

Drone glow display a first for Frome

ALMOST 300 drones were flown in formation to create dramatic displays in the skies above Frome when the town hosted the first event of its kind in the south west.

Glow in the Park at the Old Showfield was held in aid of local charities and community groups and was the first event to be staged in front of a live audience by local company Celestial.

The display saw 280 drones float majestically across the sky and move into a series of moving shapes and pictures accompanied by a poem set to music. Previously, Celestial had recorded drone displays for high-profile audiences such as Edinburgh Hogmanay, Friends of the Earth, and the Eden Project.

The day had begun with Apple Day celebrations in the Old Showfield and a “blossom circle” planting. Mayor Andy Wrintmore said: “It was simply a fantastic display from the entire Frome community. The Blossom Circles honoured the very best of this community; not only our well-loved charities, also the people just getting on and improving their neighbourhoods, and the lives of their neighbours. The Apple Day activities were the usual excellent mix of apple pressing, planting and all things harvest like and then the drones were just the most amazing spectacle from the most amazing new Frome company.”

John Hopkins, one of the founding directors of Celestial, said: “The team at Celestial are thrilled to have had the chance to create a ground-breaking show for their hometown of Frome. The audience were amazing, and the feedback has left us buzzing. We could feel the love in the air that night. Huge thanks to Arts Council UK and Frome Town Council for the opportunity."

Money raised will be split amongst a number Frome charities who supported the collection on the night. They include Fair Frome, The Christmas Get Together, The Pod, Active and in Touch, Frome Town Band, Frome Carnival, The Missing Link and Collegians Football club. l Donations can still be made by texting the word glowfrome followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70085 e.g. texting glowfrome3 to 70085 will donate £3 up to a maximum of £20.

A total of 280 drones were involved in the show

(Photograph courtesy of David Chedgy)

MENDIP TIMES

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COMMUNITY

Sheep are a window on town’s creativity

FAMILIES gathered at Shepton Mallet Library for an art workshop ahead of the town’s Window Wanderland at the end of November.

The wanderland involves homes and businesses decorating their windows which are lit up at night, creating an artistic trail for people to follow. Families at the workshop – run by the community interest company Make the Sunshine – created almost 30 sheep which will be used to decorate the main window of the library.

The event is being supported by Shepton Mallet Town Council, Somerset Community Foundation and Somerset Skills and Learning. It runs from Thursday, November 25th to Sunday, November 28th from 6-8.30pm.

Getting crafty with sheep

Busy Christmas

The session was held in the library’s new children and community area

Everyone was given a silhouette of a sheep to work with

I made this!

For details visit: www.makethesunshine.co.uk

CHEW Stoke WI has been busy, holding a members’ show, featuring crafts, produce and photos and a programme of walks, including this one to Deer Leap, Priddy.

They now look forward to their AGM in December, Christmas supper and the WI group carol service, which will be held at Holy Trinity Church in Bishop Sutton on December 8th at 7.30pm.

Soup for lunch

THE popular soup and pudding lunch, held regularly in West Harptree Memorial Hall, raised £501 for the village church. One guest, who enjoyed her soup lunch was 93-year-old Ann Burston from East Harptree.

The church’s next event is a carol concert and supper on Saturday, December 11th.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 81

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MENDIP TIMES

New vicar welcomed

The Rev Andrew Hiscox (centre) with the area Dean the Rev Tom Yacomeni (left) and Archdeadon, the Ven Adrian Youings

THE Rev Andrew Hiscox has been licensed as the vicar for Winscombe and Sandford in a service conducted by Archdeacon Adrian Youings at St James’s Church in Winscombe.

Churchwarden, Diana Williams, said: “This was a wonderful service for the parish. Andrew was initially licensed in a Zoom service in April 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

“However, last night we welcomed him in person as our vicar and were able to celebrate his ministry.”

He previously served as a curate in the parish, having previously worked in the financial sector. He and his wife Corinna have two children who attend local schools.

Breakfast supports hospice

Helping families through winter

QUARTET Community Foundation is expanding its Surviving Winter appeal to benefit more people, including struggling families, as well as the many thousands of local elderly people in need.

It says many households who were already struggling to make ends meet are facing a perfect storm as fuel and food prices rise just as incomes are squeezed further.

Suzanne Rolt As well as helping the elderly, the money raised by people donating their winter fuel payment or making a donation, will help it to direct grants to local charities across the area addressing fuel poverty, isolation and financial pressures over winter.

Chief executive, Suzanne Rolt, said: “It’s so often those with the least who bear the brunt of these crises.

“This could be working families who were just about keeping their heads above water before the fuel price hike came along and now have to choose between food or heating; or older people coping with health issues who always struggle to heat their homes as temperatures start to drop.

“Over the last 18 months we’ve seen just how effective local organisations can be in responding at speed to a major crisis, offering support to the people we live alongside.

“We plan to work hand in hand with the fantastic local charities, community groups and voluntary organisations across Bristol, B&NES, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to provide vital support in our communities.”

Details: https://quartetcf.org.uk/donate-now/

BLAGDON'S annual big breakfast for Weston Hospicecare was again a big success, raising around £650 for the hospice.

One of the organisers, Tina Smith, said: “We think the amount raised was amazing considering that we were not sure how confident people would be coming out and mixing

Hazel and Colin Parfitt and Beryl Millard enjoying their breakfast

John and Naomi Lyons busy cooking

PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

again in the club.

“It was good to see so many people coming to eat but also to stay for a chat and catch up with friends and neighbours which has been so much missed in the last 18 months!”

The team are now looking forward to their next event, a Christmas coffee morning, on Saturday, November 27th, 1012noon at the village club. There will be stalls, plus a raffle, as well as Weston Hospice Christmas cards on sale.

Polio campaign

A thorny gift

COMMUNITY

Holy Thorn

WRINGTON Vale Rotary Club celebrated World Polio Day by planting crocus corms at Langford. The purple crocus is used to raise awareness of the campaign to eradicate the disease.

Details: www.rotarygbi.org/donatepolio

Men’s Shed available

THE Street & Walton Men’s Shed is open for new members both male and female, with plenty of space in their two workshops for you to work and a kitchen/social area for you to chat over tea or coffee.

They open three days a week, Mondays, 9am-12.30pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am-4.30pm. They may be opening for extra days if there is a demand.

There is also a ladies’ session 1-4.30pm on Tuesday afternoons and a mixed session on Thursdays 1-4.30pm.

They are still accepting donations of tools and equipment (no matter how big), so let them know about any unwanted Christmas presents or tools that have been replaced.

Details: https://streetwaltonmensshed.wixsite.com/streetwalton-shed 01458 443940

Beulah’s treat

EACH year Somerset gives a special Christmas gift to the Queen by sending her a sprig of flowering Glastonbury thorn to be on her breakfast table on Christmas morning.

The Glastonbury thorn flowers twice a year and legend links it to Joseph of Arimathea and the proof that Glastonbury was “the holiest earth of England”.

The gift of these Christmas cuttings to the monarchy can be traced back many hundreds of years; the modern tradition of a thorny gift to the monarch was restarted in the 1920s and carries on to this day.

It will be my great pleasure to be part of this year’s cutting ceremony with the Mayor of Glastonbury to wish Her Majesty a very Happy Christmas.

At the close of the year there is an opportunity to look back and reflect on all those who have given service to the many communities across our county, very often volunteers without any expectation of recognition.

The county is well served by our police, ambulance and fire services as well as volunteer organisations such as the RNLI and St John’s Ambulance. In the last year we know there have been huge pressures on those who work in our NHS and with a long winter ahead they deserve our gratitude as do those who work in the vaccination centres across our county.

The two community foundations – Quartet and Somerset Community Foundation – have made record grants in Somerset and they will have an important role in helping those on the margins survive winter. I know they will be looking both for those in need and also for our donations.

Thank you to all those who have helped in 2021 in so many ways.

I hope our Queen will enjoy her thorny gift from Somerset and recognise our deep affection for her and our best wishes for a very different Christmas, sadly, without Prince Philip at her side.

THOMAS SHEPPARD High Sheriff of Somerset

Hospice fayre BEULAH Branch, one of East Harptree’s best-known residents, got a special treat for her 90th birthday. Her friend and cousin, Vera Mayes, took her to an evening with Daniel O’Donnell at the Bath Forum.

WESTON Hospicecare’s Christmas Fayre will take place at St Paul’s Church Hall, in Weston on Saturday, December 11th, 25pm.

Supporters can expect Christmas stalls from volunteer supporters, local businesses and the Friends of Weston Hospicecare. There will be a chance to meet Santa too!

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 83

(Photo courtesy of Mark Pickthall)

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MENDIP TIMES

A house for Christmas!

ONE of the first things that visitors to my house often say is: “What a wonderful house for Christmas!” which, let’s face it, is really quite a compliment.

Most of us like to think of our home as being welcoming and comfortable for visitors. No more so than at Christmastime, when people up and down the land, including some who are perhaps not necessarily known for being sociable are forced to run that formidable gauntlet of “Christmas hosting”.

Having a house that really “works” for hosting duties is an absolute godsend when the pressure is on. A really well-specced kitchen, good-size dining room, comfortable spare bedroom, an extra bathroom and perhaps somewhere to escape from your guests really takes the pressure off. The added bonus is of course that these things also make the house a pleasure to be in year-round.

It’s also fair to say that even if you are having a quiet festive period,

PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

simply having a home that lends itself well to being “decked up” can give

much enjoyment. Having a potential buyer seeing that “perfect spot”’ for a Christmas tree when viewing a new property for the first time is a surprisingly regular occurrence!

In our house it’s the hallway that really comes alive at Christmastime, the lovely old flagstone floor being something of a “double-edged sword” when the tree decides to fell itself as it did last year!

It turns out that a real 7ft tree festooned with lights and glass baubles is really rather heavy! Too heavy in fact to be held aloft by a little plastic bucket with my “strategically” placed cardboard wedges on the uneven flagstones… water, gravel and smashed glass baubles everywhere. 2020 really was the year that just kept on giving!

If you are thinking about finding your perfect home in the New Year, then we would love to hear from you.

Until then, from all of us here at Manor & Hall. We wish you Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year!

Ryan Stott, Partner

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Killens open in Somerton

INDEPENDENT, family-run Killens has expanded its network of estate agency offices with the opening of a new estate agency in Somerton.

The new office opened on November 1st and will provide a suite of property services including, sales, lettings and professional services. The team from the Killens Auction Rooms will also be holding valuation days at the offices which are based in West Street close to the Post Office.

The team will be led by Tayo Harrington and Tom Drew, both of whom live locally.

Tayo is the branch manager and has over 15 years’ experience.

Tom Killen, born and bred in Somerset and who established the business in 2008, says: “When we first launched, we promised to offer a new and fresh approach to property sales and lettings and it is this approach combined with investment in technology that we are continuing.

“Our focus is on customer service and

PROPERTY

delivering a range of services with honesty and integrity.”

He adds: “We are delighted to be opening in Somerton under the leadership of Tayo. This is an ideal location to expand into and we are grateful for the positive feedback from the local community who have complemented us on our modern office, which sees good levels of passing footfall each day, along with our local knowledge and enthusiasm.”

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 85

T

MENDIP TIMES

Snowflakes and lily pads – some cave formations

With PHILIP HENDY

ONE of the most uplifting aspects of caving is the chance to view and admire a beautiful chamber or grotto, adorned with all manner of calcite formations. In its purest form, calcite is simply refined limestone or calcium carbonate. Water, made slightly acidic by atmospheric carbon dioxide or from decomposing vegetable matter, seeps down through the rock and dissolves small amounts

of it.

When this water drips into a cave, it can evaporate, leaving a tiny deposit of pure white calcite. If there are minerals in the rock, traces of these can be carried down as well, staining the formation red, yellow, pink or black depending on which mineral is present.

Like snowflakes, no two formations are exactly the same.

Stalactites grow down from the roof; they are usually thin and pointed, but can form long hollow straws. Stalagmites are broader and stumpier, as the calcite-rich water splashes and spreads out as it hits the floor.

Sometimes, however, they grow tall and relatively narrow, like candles. Given time, stalactites and stalagmites may join, to form a column.

Water running along a sloping crack in the cave roof can allow the formation of a long translucent curtain. Changes in the rate of flow or route taken over time can lead to banding of different colours or hues. On sloping surfaces, a film of calcite will build up, and small ridges or dams can build up.

The pools which they retain are called gours and they can be very large – the Fonts in Gough’s Cave are a good example. If the water trickles down sufficiently slowly, crystals will form in the pool, and if there is no draught, they can grow on the surface of the water.

This is known as cave ice. If the crystals growing up meet this ice, the calcite on the surface may grow thicker, and a formation known as a lily pad occurs.

A steady drip from a great height into the pool may cause another type of formation, the cave pearl. Small crystals or pieces of grit in the water are kept moving; calcite accumulates, and the movement smooths and rounds them. They may grow as large as a blackbird’s egg, or even larger.

Some of the strangest formations are helictites. They can grow on any cave surface, even on other formations, and are thin strands Gours in Little Neath River Cave

CAVING

Columns in Ogof Fynnon Ddu

of calcite, which defy gravity and twist and turn in all directions.

Their growth was at one time thought to be determined by draughts, but it is more likely that erratic crystal growth is responsible.

A common question is “How quickly do stalactites grow?” The answer being “it depends.” A ball-park figure is 0.13mm per year, but this can rise to 3mm per year in the best conditions. Generally, we think of a centimetre growth in 1000 years.

We have all seen the formations which can grow under concrete bridges and these can form at a much higher rate. Some tape, placed in Shatter Cave to protect formations, has become completely cemented to its supports in less than 20 years.

In South Wales, The Columns in Ogof Ffynnon Ddu are more than two metres tall, but are probably less than a hundred years old. They lie below a disused limekiln, where the calcite is easily dissolved, and then redeposited in a large section of cave passage.

It is known that stalactites have growth spurts and rest phases, depending on climatic conditions. By cutting though a stalagmite, and then examining the growth rings (a bit like dating trees) an estimate could be made of its age, but this is destructive.

Today, a small core is drilled from the formation, and the ratio of uranium to thorium is calculated. Uranium decays at a known rate into thorium, so the more of this element there is, the older the formation. Knowing the age of a stalagmite can also help us determine the age of the cave.

Calcite is not the only substance of beauty and interest to cavers.

Surprisingly, mud can also intrigue us. This material is washed into caves by streams, or may be the insoluble remains of rock and minerals. Like rock, it can be deposited in discrete layers, which again can help in dating the cave’s development.

If left to dry for long enough, it cracks and resembles crazy paving. A rare phenomenon occurs when small stones are left on the surface of the mud. Dripping water landing on these pebbles will slowly erode the surrounding mud, leaving the stone sitting on the top of a thin mud column. Even the rock itself can be transformed into strange shapes.

Water and abrasive grit can work it into all kinds of strange smooth forms, while small streams flowing over a slope can wear the rock into a series of grooves, like a miniature river system.

These rills are collectively known as rillenkarren; they are known on the surface as well.

Any caver taking their time to explore a cave and keeping a good lookout, is bound to see at least some of these features in any cave, even the most popular. They add intrigue and interest to the trip for anyone keen to make the most of their time underground.

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

PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

(Photographs by Phil Hendy)

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MOTORING

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MENDIP TIMES

Zombies show a lot of heart

DOZENS of people put their hearts and souls into making the return of Glastonbury’s charity zombie walk a terror-ific event.

Held in aid of Children’s World, live entertainment including Glastonbury Border Morris, Dragon Drummers Glastonbury and jugglers Haggis McCloud and Charlie Dancey entertained onlookers as the zombies began to gather before taking over the High Street.

Charlie Dancey (left) and Haggis McCloud scare a zombie with their act

The Zombies are unleashed

This chihuahua seems unconcerned by the procession

PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

Saffron collecting for Children’s World, based in Glastonbury

Pearly queen? Savvy ahead of the procession

Rising from the dead

For details about Children’s World, visi

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Getting into the spirit

CHARITIES

Glastonbury Border Morris

Making a point

Taking over the High Street

Relaxing from their ordeal

ld, visit: www.childrensworldcharity.org

Horror on the High Street

Alfie in the High Street

Lending a hand for a good cause

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 89

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MENDIP TIMES

Tom takes the Rickshaw Challenge

THATCHERS Cider welcomed the BBC Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge to The Railway Inn at Sandford.

Undertaking the first leg of this year’s fundraising relay challenge was Tom Walsh, aged 16, from Cheddar, who was nominated for the challenge by The Space, the Cheddar-based charity.

It has supported Tom following the tragic loss of his dad, Rod, in 2018 and he made the ride in his dad’s memory.

The 30-mile route took him from the SS Great Britain in Bristol, over the Clifton Suspension Bridge, through Chew Magna, down Cheddar Gorge finishing at Myrtle Farm in Sandford.

Arriving with presenter Matt Baker, Tom was welcomed at the finish line by his mum Ceri, and sister Carys.

Martin Thatcher presented a cheque to Matt and Tom during their visit to Myrtle Farm

Police support BillyChip

BILLYCHIP, the social enterprise scheme supporting rough sleepers, is now being supported by Avon and Somerset Police Community Support Officers.

They have added new interactive BillyChips to their uniform, acting as a reminder of the scheme and a talking point with the community. The scheme has also been backed

by Dan Norris, West of England Metro Mayor and Mark Shelford, Police & Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset.

The BillyChip platform allows people to purchase a token from participating food and drink outlets which can then be given to rough sleepers and homeless people as an alternative to cash. They can then redeem the BillyChip for food, drink and other products.

Co-founder, Meg Abernethy-Hope, from Bishop Sutton, said: "We are so grateful to the local police for their support, and for allowing the PCSOs to provide a really visible way to see the BillyChip.

“Ultimately we hope that this will help raise awareness so that people in the community know that BillyChip can be used to support rough sleepers and the homeless."

PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

In September 2018, Tom’s world was turned upside down when his mum and dad, both NHS workers, were involved in a devastating car accident on the M5 while travelling to work.

Rod died and Ceri was badly injured and was told she might never walk again. To everyone’s relief, Ceri recovered but this catastrophic event completely changed Tom’s life.

Since then he has been receiving support from BBC Children in Need funded project, The Space, which has delivered weekly 1:1 counselling sessions to Tom, even during lockdown.

Tom, a pupil at Kings of Wessex School, said: “I can’t thank The Space enough for being there for me at such a hard and devastating time in mine and my family’s life.”

Gary Delafield, Thatchers operations director, was also at the finish line to welcome Tom and Matt at the end of their challenge. Gary has got to know Tom over the past 12 months, volunteering his time as a support and mentor to Tom during his road to recovery.

New book for Christmas

CHRIS Cox’s latest effort to fundraise for the Langport & District Red Cross Group, of which he is the leader, is a companion book to his “Total Experience Corner” memoir of a year in Jamaica.

It tells the life story of Jim and his ancestors, from an early Victorian eloper to the present day. It is called “Jim Jams” and relates the many “jams” Jim and his relations have got themselves into over

the years.

Printed and e-book copies will be available on Amazon from early December, probably at £5 (plus postage) and £2.50 respectively. You can also receive a printed copy direct from Chris for £5 including postage.

Total Experience Corner is also still available from Chris at £12 including postage or as an e-book. All profits will be donated to the British Red Cross to help keep their Langport centre shop open.

Details: cox.cj@btinternet.com or text 07963 689 699

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CHARITIES

DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced the launch of its “Share the Gift of Life this Christmas” fundraising campaign.

The charity’s latest initiative asks members of the public to show their support and raise funds by either “buying a bauble”, “giving a gift” or “sending a card” to loved ones or friends during the festive season.

Over the Christmas period its critical

(Photograph courtesy of Ben Adams)

Air Ambulance’s Christmas appeal

care team will continue responding 19 hours per day, helping critically ill or injured patients across the region.

The charity receives no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and relies on the generosity of the public to raise their operational costs of over £5 million per year.

Fundraising manager, Emma Jones, said: “We are so excited to launch our Christmas campaign. Whether you are an individual, business, group or a school, everyone can show their support and get

involved.

“We would love for people to send messages to the crew and spread the joy of Christmas with their loved ones. Every penny raised will make a big difference and enable us to continue saving lives.”

Details: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/share-the-gift-of-life-this-christmas

Kitty’s role in helping heroes

EIGHT years after being given just two weeks to live, Kitty Harrison from Glastonbury, has taken up the position of Regional Sports, Activity and Fellowship Practitioner with the charity, Help for Heroes.

She spent her teenage years in hospital before learning to walk again and then successfully trekked up Indonesia’s Mt Rinjani. Kitty, aged 26, says she can use her own life experiences in her new role helping veterans in Bristol and Somerset.

She moves to the charity from roles with the Paralympics High Performance Sport Faculty, in Bisham, and the Elite Cricket Performance Academy, in Isleworth, where she has coached, encouraged and managed athletes during the last four years.

She said: “I was in hospital for three years, so, to keep my brain active, I threw myself into everything I could do. I had organ failure; I was

Kitty Harrison

Details: helpforheroes.org.uk

tube fed and my body just rejected everything. I was given two weeks to live when I was 18, because I was unable to digest any food.

“Cognitively, my brain wasn’t functioning very well; I couldn’t string a sentence together and I developed a speech impediment. I was in a wheelchair, and everything just shut down on me. But then they changed my tube-feed, and I was suddenly able to digest food a bit better. And I’m here to tell the tale.

“Everything I do now is about trying to help people, to bridge the gap and play my part in helping them feel healthier and happier, however that may look. I know what it’s like to be injured or have physical or psychological issues which may feel like it’s stopping you from being the person you want to be. I want to use my experiences, and what I’ve learned along the way, to help other people.”

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 91

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MENDIP TIMES

Treat for tractor fans

Dom Lowe from Pensford on his Massey Ferguson 148

CHEW Valley Young Farmers’ tractor road run saw tractors of all shapes and sizes taking part, giving sightseers something to remember as they drove around the Chew Valley, taking in both sides of the lake.

Organiser, Lewis Tibbs, said: “On the day we collected an amazing amount of £2,500 and would like to thank everyone that made this event such a great success and donated so generously.

Words and pictures

by Ros Anstey

“We hoped the event would be supported by young farmers and locals.

Once the entry forms were available we were inundated with people wishing to attend and had a total of 75 tractors taking part, with some coming from as far as Wiltshire and Glastonbury.

Welcoming group (l to r) Clare Tibbs, Jenny Tibbs, Georgie Lane, Caroline Batten and Caroline Sweet

PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

“The road run went very well, helped by the beautiful autumn sunshine. People were watching and cheering the tractors as they drove through all the villages and past Chew Valley Lake, before returning to Stanton Drew for hot drinks and a hog roast.”

The money will go to Cancer Research UK. The club meets on a Monday evening and is currently organising its January Snow Ball.

Leading the way YFC members

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Young volunteers to honour keyworkers

MEMBERS of the Children’s World charity’s youth committee are organising an awards ceremony and tea party in December to say thank you to the area’s keyworkers.

Nominations are open for anyone to put forward the name of a keyworker they think should be honoured at the event on Saturday, December 11th in Glastonbury.

The youth committee says keyworkers will receive an award for their dedicated work and a free goody bag whilst members of the local community will be using music, written word and art to show their appreciation.

There will be a raffle, with the proceeds going to St John’s Ambulance, and the opportunity for local services and charities to showcase what they offer. l The party will take place at Abbey House in Glastonbury from 2-4pm.

Details: Angela Bolton 07709 677998 or email youthcommittee@childrensworldcharity.org

Quiz nights are back

KEYNSHAM Mencap has held its first quiz night in over two years, with 82 contestants at Saltford Hall, showing the event is as popular as ever.

Fundraiser, Amanda Leonard, said: “This was our first independent fundraising event since the start of the pandemic and so we really did not know what to expect. The total raised that evening was just under £1,000, which was just superb.”

With Christmas getting closer the group will be the beneficiaries of two Keynsham community events, a craft fair on Saturday, November 27th at the Key Centre, 10am2pm, and a Christmas Market shopping event on Saturday, December 4th, 12-8pm, at The Wine Bar. Keynsham Mencap’s next event is the Music Man project Christmas concert on Sunday, December 12th at Manvers Street Church in Bath. It is free admission, with a retiring collection, and needs to be booked.

Details: https://buytickets.at/keynshamdistrictmencapsociety/605636

CHARITIES

Weston gets a new lifeboat

THE last Atlantic 75 lifeboat in the South West has retired after saving lives in Weston-super-Mare for more than 20 years. It has been replaced by a newer Atlantic 85.

The crew celebrated by launching both their Atlantics, old and new, together with their D Class lifeboat to say goodbye to a type of lifeboat which has served them well.

One of the crew afloat was David Ridout who recently became the last lifeboat crew in the UK and Ireland to gain a pass as a helmsman of the A75. He has now passed as a helm for the A85.

David Ridout

Birnbeck Pier is go!

NORTH Somerset Council and the RNLI have confirmed that they can now start working to renovate Weston’s Birnbeck Pier for the first time since it had to be closed for safety reasons in 1994.

The private owner has agreed to sell to the council; they and the RNLI will be supported by Historic England to secure grant funding reserved for restoration and community projects. The work, which will provide a new lifeboat station, will be phased over several years.

Duncan Macpherson, RNLI principal estates manager said: “The RNLI is extremely grateful for the support and commitment of North Somerset Council in its determination to secure a longterm base for the RNLI’s lifesaving in Weston-super-Mare.”

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MENDIP TIMES

The standard is lowered at the stone tablet at Westfield, ready for a two-minute silence

Racegoers dig deep for war veterans

Some of the cadets in front of the striking statue called The Last Fence by the parade ring at Wincanton

MEMBERS of the Yeovil Sea and Royal Marine Cadets joined the Wincanton branch of the Royal British Legion to sell poppies at the Badger Beers Chase Day at Wincanton Racecourse.

Winscombe

Market day launch for poppy appeal in Wells

Selling poppies from their new gazebo

MEMBERS of the Wells branch of the Royal British Legion unveiled their new gazebo at the city’s Saturday market at the launch of this year’s poppy appeal.

At the same time, the club was hard at work putting up 43 banners and 23 giant poppies around the city.

Putting up the last of the poppies next to the war memorial outside St Cuthbert’s church

The service was conducted by the Rev Andrew Hiscox

Poppies return to the Bishop’s Palace

HUNDREDS of metal-stemmed poppies have been planted in the portcullis knot garden at The Bishop’s Palace as part of the Remembrance commemorations.

Part of an original 7,986 poppies made in 2018 – one to mark each life lost of servicemen from Somerset during WWI – the poppies, made by local schoolchildren, were put in place by Dan Vidler, who conceived the idea for the 2018 centenary, with help from staff and volunteers from the palace.

Many of the poppies were sold in 2018 to raise money for SSAFA and the Wells branch of the Royal British Legion, but after the project finished it was agreed that the palace should retain 2,000 in order to continue to display them inside the grounds. Each year they are moved to a different location in the gardens.

Visitors read about the history of the poppies in the knot garden

PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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Armistice wreaths were London-bound

David Warburton MP (left) and Lt. Cdr. Richard Burdett on Platform One at Castle Cary station

SOMERTON and Frome MP David Warburton was joined at Castle Cary train station by Lt. Cdr. Richard Burdett, from HMS Flying Fox, to send wreaths on Armistice Day to Paddington to be laid at the war memorial on Platform One. It was part of the Great Western Railway and Veterans Charity Poppies to Paddington initiative which saw dozens of wreaths from across the South West and further afield being sent by train to the capital for a service of remembrance.

Castle Cary’s Market House on Armistice Day

David Warburton MP hands his wreath to a member of the 0847 train staff watched by Lt. Cdr. Richard Burdett

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2021

School remembers

THE children of Chew Stoke Church School marked Remembrance Day by decorating the village’s “Happy Box” with poppies and poems.

George and Belle (pictured) were among the school’s Year 6 children who helped sell poppies.

Writhlington

Rupert Bevan, chair of Radstock Town Council, pays his respects at the grave of Sapper Coward

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 95

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MENDIP TIMES

Cameley

CAMELEY Primary School pupils held an outdoor Remembrance Day service, joined by builders who are working on the school’s extension. The wreaths were later put on display in the school hall.

Pensford

The service was led by the Rev Denise Calverley. A wreath was laid on the war memorial by Janette Stephenson, chair of Publow with Pensford parish council

Paulton

Backwell

Pictured (l to r) Colonel Roger Theis, branch president of the RBL Backwell & Flax Bourton branch, Rotarian Peter Hoare, chair of the branch and Rotarian Roy Ackrill

Leading the parade

he service was conducted by Dr Catherine Garner, Rector of St. Andrews, Backwell

PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

Holley Lasbury, aged eight, joined the parade with mum Emma and friend Lola

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Wrington

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2021

Stanton Drew

The village unveiled its new war memorial

John Gallop leading the parade

Street Compton Dando Younger members on parade

Sarah Wilson (left) and Joy Webb decorated the cross with poppies

ELMHURST Junior School in Street held its annual Remembrance Service. It was once a grammar school and has a memorial for fallen soldiers in the library.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 97

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MENDIP TIMES

Radstock remembers

Just one of the many wreaths to be laid at the war memorial

Max Feeney lowers the legion branch standard

Frome falls silent

Time for a chat before the service commences

Frome mayor Andy Wrintmore at the head of the parade

Chewton Mendip

Long Ashton

Midsomer Norton

Pictured (right) the branch’s oldest member, John Hewish, aged 94, and branch president John Fish, seated PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

The standard is lowered at the start of the two-minute silence

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Hugh Sexey

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2021

Baltonsborough

Pictured (l to r) outside St Dunstan’s Church Rob Howes (standard bearer), Tom Medlicott (vice chairman), Martyn Underdown (president), the Rev Chris Hopkins, John Westcott MBE (senior member), Eric Conway MBE (chairman).

Chilcompton

Lympsham

East Brent

Robin Tatem lays a posy of poppies on the grave of Private Charles in the graveyard of the former Christ Church. It was part of the annual dressing of the graves organised by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock branch of the Royal British Legion

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 99

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MENDIP TIMES

HOMES & INTERIORS

David Bush Joinery Unit 4b Burnett Industrial Estate Cox’s Green Wrington BS40 5QR Tel/Fax: 01934 862430 Mobile: 07875 367789 www.davidbushjoinery.co.uk david@davidbushjoinery.co.uk PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

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MENDIP TIMES

Back in time for pupils

Still dancing after all these years

NEWS

The side outside the Old Station Inn at Hallatrow Harry Jones, Station master Colin Button, Education liaison John Marriott and Steve Webb with year 6 pupils

PUPILS from Bishop Sutton school were “transported” back in history at Midsomer Norton Station when they visited recently.

Station staff dressed in World War Two uniforms of Home Guard and Land Girl told them about the major events in the conflict and the role played by the station at that time. Coal and transportation of military personnel was key in communications during the war.

Roger Taylor, museums officer for the S&D Heritage Railway said that the station welcomes visits from schools: “We believe that the station helps to make history of the railway alive for youngsters and if they can experience an actual ride in historic coaches that makes the experience even greater fun.”

The pupils enjoyed a ride along the line towards Chilcompton tunnel where there are plans to build an extension. l To book a school visit, go to: www.sdjr.co.uk

CAM Valley Morris Men have celebrated their 40th anniversary with a tour of the pubs they first visited.

The tour began at the Star at High Littleton, followed by the Old Station Inn at Hallatrow and the Ring O Bells at Hinton Blewitt.

Still making merry

Lottery grant for Somerset charity

PROMISEworks, whose volunteer mentors support vulnerable children and young people across Somerset, is celebrating the award of £337k from The National Lottery Community Fund.

This money will enable the charity to help many of the 200 young people currently on its waiting list following a dramatic increase in referrals since the Covid crisis.

Robert Peto, chair of PROMISEworks, said: “We are thrilled that the importance of our work has been recognised by The National Lottery Community Fund. National Lottery players can feel proud their contribution will help less fortunate families and young people across Somerset. We will also reach out to our local communities to encourage their generous-minded volunteers to step forward and train with us as mentors.”

Joanna Davey, volunteer mentor said: “I now have an appreciation of how Covid has disrupted young people’s education and how so many have had to cope with tremendous pressures. For my young person, who feels anxious about attending school, it’s added another layer of complexity to her life.

“It’s exciting too, playing a part in helping a young person make decisions and steer their way through the hurdles of exams and next steps. Knowing the potential she has and the PAGE 102 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

PROMISEworks mentors and mentees enjoy paddleboarding

significance of this time in setting her on a positive track, feels like a real privilege. I draw on my experience to share it in a way that adds value to her life.”

The charity will now move forward with its plans to become better-known across Somerset and to expand links with businesses and local partners, in order to build long term support both in finding new volunteer mentors and raising funds.

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MENDIP TIMES

Pony racers enjoy workout on real gallops

A MESSAGE from Geoff Andrews of the Wylye Valley Pony Club was posted on the Pony Club website, offering an opportunity for 16 members and their ponies to visit the gallops belonging to 12-times champion racing trainer, Paul Nicholls. By that evening, Geoff could have filled the places twice over, such was the interest!

With JANE PATERSON The lucky applicants were invited to Will Biddick’s yard, just down the road from Ditcheat which has been home to some of the greatest National Hunt race horses. Past stars include Kauto Star, Denman, and Neptune Collanges, who were all under Paul’s wing when they were at their most successful.

And there are now many more making their way up through the ranks towards stardom.

Will is the most successful Point to Point rider of all time. He not only has his own riding career but he also breaks the young horses for Paul and gives them a good start before they progress up to the Nicholls’ race training yards, so his work is vital in shaping the future of these very talented and precious athletes.

Feeling excited does not come close to describe how everyone was feeling on the day. Ponies of various shapes and sizes were assembled in an outdoor arena for some briefing from Geoff and his wife Ann. Will did a tack check and had a chat with each rider, quietly assessing what he was dealing with before they set off on a short hack to the gallops, in two groups.

One of the stable staff led the posse and kept a watchful eye on the ponies. Parents walked on behind or had a lift with Will, cameras at the ready, and as usual carrying coats and anything else that might be needed.

Once the white rails around the gallops were spotted across a field, the reality set in and there was an intake of breath before a “Wow, I can see the gallops!” could be heard. All the children had a fabulous time. One or two were initially a little overwhelmed and hesitant, while others were raring to go.

One was heard to say “I can’t do this Mum, it’s too much”, but

Cooling off in the river

PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

On the gallops

then the same child minutes later completed two laps of the circuit at full pelt with a huge smile on her face. Well done Holley!

Another child managed to touch the railings while racing round at full speed and came a cropper, but was up and back on shouting, “I’m fine, I’m fine,” obviously worried someone might stop him if he faltered. The landing was so soft though, thanks to the deep surface of the immaculately tended gallops.

It was hilarious watching. Some of the ponies were hardly as tall as the rails, but that didn’t put them off. Will and his staff gave them all a superb time, finishing with a quick dip through the river to cool down on the way back.

As well as thanks to all concerned at the Ditcheat yards, a huge thank you must go to Geoff and Ann for arranging such a treat. If anyone wants to try another great day on a real racecourse, there will be an opportunity for first time pony racers to try their luck at Wincanton on April 23rd.

Classes will be in heights of ponies, starting at 12.2 h.h and under. Contact Geoff Andrews for details after Christmas, on 07515 868785 or email him, at gjandrews48@gmail.com if you are interested.

Being in Ditcheat it was impossible not to notice that it is definitely a village which is synonymous with racing. There are roadside signs pointing out that you are in horse country, and it is usual to see the lots riding out in small groups, all dressed smartly with their high-vis gilets.

The jockeys are courteous to drivers, sensible in their groups, and clearly there is a mutual respect between the racing yards and the village residents which is very evident. I was very lucky while I was in Ditcheat, to be catching up with a young friend, Angus Cheleda.

Angus works as a Conditional jockey for Paul Nicholls, and as I write this, he has just today ridden another winner, Calva d’Auge at Kempton in a very exciting race. There will be celebrations tonight for everyone on the yard, because it is recognised that it takes a terrific team effort to produce a winner, and they all share in every success.

I suspect the village pub might be busy as well, when the work is done and the horses are bedded down. Angus got on with his chores while talking to me, mucking out stables, putting horses in and out of the horse walkers, changing rugs, grooming, watering, topping up their bedding, and generally treating the horses like the stars and friends that they are.

I was surprised how chilled out and calm they were at home, away from the race track. They obviously thrive on routine. In the mornings they are ridden out in lots, each lot firstly hacking round

Holley and Bob flying round in style

the roads, then maybe having time either on the gallops or in the arena being schooled and learning to jump hurdles or fences.

There are purpose-built flat gallops as

Angus and Calva d'Auge, his Kempton winner

well as a very impressive hill gallop which ensures every horse maintains fitness and stamina. Paul’s father Brian took me up on the hill gallop (in his truck, not on horseback!) where the views from the top over south Somerset to Dorset beyond were fabulous.

We then went to the flat gallops to watch the horses being put through their paces, with Paul and his head lad Clifford Baker watching their every move. Paul reeled off the name of each horse as it went by… quickly having a few words each jockey about how his or her horse was going.

It is this close observation day in day out which helps him to know which race will suit which horse. Clearly it is effective because the wins keep coming, in a very competitive field. Paul has around 150 horses in training, and employs around 54 staff.

The organisation is slick, and the atmosphere is very friendly and professional. Angus came up to racing through Pony Club and hunting. With a series of good ponies who took him eventing and hunting in Blackmore and Sparkford Vale country, he had a good grounding for learning to cope with speed.

His last pony Maddie loved it all, and took Angus over some enormous hedges whether he liked it or not! He said he didn’t have much choice if she decided they were going, and they were always well up the field.

Point to point racing was soon on the agenda, and with some good wins and a men’s Novice Championship to his credit, his career path was established, and he

Sidcot wins at National Championships

RIDING

gained his licence to race under rules in National Hunt races.

Being a Conditional jockey is hard work through the season with not a lot of time off, but it is a way of life which enables people like Angus to do what they love.

The adrenalin rush, the buzz of racing, is worth every bit of every minute of the hard work which underpins the whole operation.

The rewards make it all worthwhile, with winning races being the icing on the cake.

Good Luck Angus, for the rest of the season.

Congratulations to Pippa Skelton (see Riding, November issue) on successfully completing the Three Peaks Challenge in horrendous weather and raising £1,150 for the Willberry the Wonder Pony Charity.

For details of how you can help Willberry fulfil more wishes for cancer sufferers, see www.willberrywonderpony.org

SIDCOT School equestrian teams excelled themselves at the NSEA National Championships at Keysoe and were placed in nearly all of the classes entered.

The results were as follows: 90 Jumping with Style (JwS) team: 1st place, making them National Champions, with team member Hugo Blair placing 3rd individually; 70 Show Jumping (SJ) team: 2nd place; 70 JwS team: 4th place.

Zoe Aston, equestrian manager at the school said: “To come away from the National Championships with so many wins and an individual placing is outstanding.”

Sidcot’s equestrian team members include: Harriet Blair, Ava Antonsen, Henry Blair, Hugo Blair, Olivia Banwell, Erin Crofts, Hattie Raynes, Nelly Lee and Archie Stamp.

Details: www.sidcot.org.uk/equestrian

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 105

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MENDIP TIMES

Twelve rides of Christmas

THE colder weather and shorter hours of daylight tend to inspire hibernation rather than activity so heading out on a bike may not seem CYCLING that attractive! For with EDMUND some inspiration to LODITE get outside on a bike here are 12 rides of Christmas to enjoy.

Go for an organised ride. Take the stress out of trying to find a good route by joining a cycle club and take part in the “club run” at the weekend.

It’s a great way to meet people and of course enjoy some coffee, cake and chat at the obligatory café stop.

Be the postie and deliver your Christmas cards by bike. With a rucksack on your back you can choose how far you’re prepared to ride to lovingly deliver your Christmas greetings.

Be a night rider. Take the opportunity to re-discover the routes you know in the hours of darkness.

With reflective clothing and a good set of lights, night riding is an illuminating way to discover familiar lanes and trails. In the dark you’ll be more aware of sounds, particularly from wildlife.

The Santa Ride. How about spreading a little joy dressed as jolly Saint Nick or in any Christmas themed outfit and head out for a bike ride. This is proven to give you as much pleasure as the smiling faces you will see. Don’t be late for the big day though!

Get someone to take up cycling. In this time of goodwill why not get someone to start cycling again and go

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PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

for a ride with them. The chances are they have a bike that may just need some light maintenance or if not let them use one of your bikes.

Find the most spectacular outdoor decorations. For some households the annual display celebrating the season is a big deal that makes you go “wow”. Try and catch a glimpse of these sights by bike before they’re taken down until next year.

Enjoy a family ride together. There are several traffic-free routes like the Strawberry Line and Colliers Way which are well-suited for families with younger children. Encouraging children to ride develops self-confidence and is good for their health and wellbeing.

Find a route with a Christmas theme.

According to the Royal Mail there are several thousand Christmas-themed street names in the UK. Holly Street is the most common one. Why not make it your mission to see if you can find some festive road-sign and house names.

Take on a hill climb. A short sharp burst of energy is a good way to get warmed up on cold winter days. Across Mendip there are plenty of hills to choose from varying in length and difficulty – and it’s proved to be a breeding ground for success. The

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women’s team from Bristol South Cycling Club recently triumphed by winning the team prize at the 2021 National Hill Climb Championships. It is the club’s first national team prize for 60 years and for the team probably the best Christmas present they could have hoped for.

A Boxing Day ride. Work off the excesses from Christmas and get a blast of fresh air with a morning spin along quiet roads. The chances are that you will spot other cyclists wearing or using a new piece of kit from a Christmas present – maybe even a new bike.

Try a different type of riding.

Maybe you enjoy the comfort of the road or are a downhill specialist who prefers the dirt and mud to Tarmac? How about putting those prejudices aside and taking a ride on the dark side to see how the other half live.

And finally.... just enjoy a normal bike ride. Using two wheels rather than four is better for the environment and just as importantly improves your health and wellbeing.

And if there is a mince pie left when you get home it will be well deserved.

Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas.

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DECEMBER CROSSWORD SOLUTION

ACROSS: 5 & 8. Buckland Dinham 10. Beetle 11. Elephant 12. Crownprinces 15. Bend 17. Orton 18. Yawn 19. Unfrequented 22. Continuo 24. Roller 25. Peanut 26. Leninism. DOWN: 1. Skitow 2. Waterproof 3. Idle 4. Onthesly 6. Unearned 7. Dyedinthewool 9. Acne 13. Concurrent 14. Tweezers 16. Doulting 20. Nyland 21. Tone 23. Nuts

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Showground sponsors Shepton shirts

Jeremy and the U-11s with two of the showground team

TRAINING tops worn by the Shepton Mallet “Team Black” U-11s football team have been sponsored for this season by the Bath and West Showground.

Zoe Purcell, from the Bath and West, said: “We are so pleased that we have been able support the Shepton Mallet ‘Team Black’ U11s Football Team by sponsoring their training kit.

“This is such a great opportunity for us to develop our relationship with the local community, whilst supporting this young team of superstars! We look forward to continuing to support them in the future and seeing the team grow!”

Jeremy Watch, Team Black coach said: “On behalf of the whole team we are very grateful to be sponsored by the Bath and West Showground. They are a great organisation and to have them support our local grass roots football team is totally amazing. The squad are super proud of their tops and really looking forward to wearing them this season.”

Victory at last for Fosseway Golf Club

SPORT

A TEAM from Fosseway Golf Club near Midsomer Norton has lifted the Somerset Rose Bowl trophy for the first time.

Staged at Mendip Golf Club, Fosseway beat Isle of Wedmore GC – the 2013 winners – by 3.5 points to 1.5. En-route the eventual winners had travelled to Sham Castle at Bath, Oake Manor at Club captain Roger Parfitt Taunton and Cricket St receiving the Somerset Rose Bowl from county secretary Rob Thomas.

The final was decided Davies by the final two games on the course after comfortable wins in the top two matches went to each side before match three put the eventual winners 2-1 up.

With John Fuller and Roger Parfitt level in the last game, it was down to the fourth game involving Fosseway’s Dave Josham and Lee Britten. In a very tight match, Lee holed a 20-foot putt on the 17th hole to win the game 2&1.

Bowls competition organisers retire

THREE bowlers who set up an end-of-season floodlit tournament for charity more than 15 years ago have announced their retirement.

Trevor Francis, Eric Obern and Bryn Hawkins have helped to raise more than £30,000 since the first tournament took place involving Purnells, Norwest and Frome Selwood bowls clubs which have floodlit rinks. Other clubs which took part included Bryn Hawkins (left) presenting a Paulton, Frome Park and cheque to John Saunders, from the Prattens.

Parkinson’s Society Bryn said: “Three bowlers from three different bowls clubs decided to organise an end of season competition at a time when things go a little flat after all club and county competitions have finished.”

The three have donated the remaining funds to the Parkinson’s Society Bath and SWALLOW.

Fosseway’s winning team

Kicking off Christmas

FROME Town AFC are looking to raise £500 to provide free soccer kit to 25 children in Frome in time for Christmas.

They are working with Kitmas, run by Paul Watson and Mark Watson, a TV comedian, which wants to help families who can’t afford Christmas presents this year.

It costs around £20 for a kit to be produced and Frome aim to see 25 children receive a Frome Town kit.

Marketing and Communications Director, Scott Fitzgibbon, said: “Kitmas is a truly wonderful idea. Their work enables children in low income environments to be able to receive a gift at Christmas. It's even better that Kitmas will look to supply shirts from our club to our local area as well.”

The club will be working with Fair Frome to distribute the kits.

Details: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/kitmas---frometown-fc

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MENDIP TIMES

Big crowd for raceday celebrations

SPORT

THOUSANDS of horseracing enthusiasts packed Wincanton Racecourse for the Badger Beers Chase Day which saw a 40-1 outsider win the feature event.

Rocco, ridden by Jordan Nailor, took the honours in the 60th running of the Badger Beer Handicap Chase, sponsored by the brewers Hall and Woodhouse. It is the longest such sponsorship in the sport.

Wincanton ‘s next big fixture is its Boxing Day meeting.

Rocco (left) clears the last fence with Potterman alongside

Jordan Nailor with the trophy

The Paul Nicholls-trained Knappers Hill won the novices’ hurdle race

PAGE 108 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

Earth Company, owned by Roger Penny and sponsored by the Penny Group, in the parade ring ahead of the novices’ hurdle race in which he finished third

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MENDIP TIMES

MUSIC & THEATRE

Messiah at Wells Cathedral

Christmas music at Draycott

Organ project launched

Amy Carson

WELLS Cathedral Oratorio Society is singing again! And what better way to celebrate the new season than a performance of Handel's glorious Messiah.

The concert will feature a wonderful line-up of soloists: Natalie Clifton-Griffith (soprano); Simon Clulow (countertenor), Matthew Minter (tenor) and William Drakett (bass).

The choir will be accompanied by the Music for Awhile String Quintet, with the society's accompanist, Adam Wilson, playing continuo organ.

Jeremy Cole, musical director of WCOS, said: "The last 18 months have been trying and difficult for the Oratorio Society, and the members have been so patient in waiting to return to their singing.

"I'm thrilled that we are back rehearsing together again and this afternoon performance of Messiah will be a wonderful way to return to the concert platform."

The concert is at Wells Cathedral on Saturday, December 4th, 1pm. Entrance is free with a retiring collection.

THE Friends of Wells Cathedral have launched a £2million appeal to restore the cathedral’s organ, parts of which date back to 1857. They last stepped in in the 1970s providing funds for the exquisite gilded organ case.

They say: “Whilst the casing has survived in good condition, the same cannot be said for what lies behind. Fifty years on and the organ is once again in need of a major (and somewhat urgent) programme of repair, restoration and improvement.”

They expect the project to take five years.

Jazz supports village hall

IAN Millar and Dominic Spencer are unique in the UK Jazz community, taking their blend of melodic jazz standards and original compositions to rural communities all over the UK. They tell stories of their travels in their Tour Bus - an old converted Yorkshire Ambulance, in an entertaining evening of creative music and enthusiastic joy, just what is needed after months of isolation.

They will be performing at Leigh-on-Mendip Memorial Hall on Saturday, December 11th, 8pm, raising funds for the hall.

Tickets are £10, accompanied U-16s free.

AFTER a gap of three years, St. Peter’s Church, Draycott will again be the setting for a special post-Christmas musical evening.

Over the past 24 years, former St. Paul’s Cathedral musician Barry Rose and his daughter Nicola have given around 20 Christmas concerts and this year they return to St. Peter’s on Wednesday, December 29th at 7pm with a varied programme of seasonal music to suit

all tastes.

They will be joined by guest artistes Amy Carson (soprano) and Tim Dickinson (baritone), husband and wife professional singers, now living in Bruton.

Amy was one the first girl choristers at Salisbury Cathedral in 1991 (together with Nicola) and after graduating from university had a starring role in Kenneth Branagh’s feature film of Mozart’s Magic Flute.

Now head of singing at Bryanston School, Amy has also been soprano soloist at many distinguished concert venues, including London’s Barbican and New York’s Carnegie Hall.

She also sings with some of best-known professional choirs, including The Sixteen and the Monteverdi Choir.

Tim and Amy were both choral scholars at Trinity College Cambridge and Tim is equally at home on the operatic stage (including Glyndebourne and Scottish Opera), on the concert platform, singing with professional groups such as the BBC Singers and The Sixteen, as well as in the lighter side of music.

With safety in mind, attendance this time is being limited to 80 and tickets, price £10, are obtainable from Draycott Community Shop, or from 01934 744838.

Mulled wine and other refreshments will be served during the interval and all proceeds will go towards the maintenance of St. Peter’s Church.

PIANO TUNING, REPAIRS, RESTORATIONS AND SALES Servicing Pianos Throughout Bath, Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire

Details: Tickets from Rog 01373 812459 or Vicki 01373 813942 www.millarandspencer.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 109

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MENDIP TIMES

Cinderella in Bath

The best-loved pantomime of them all is back in Bath! with a brand new joke-filled script by Bath’s own awardwinning writer and all round pantomime legend Jon Monie, Cinderella promises the best family fun and festive frivolity you’ll find this

Christmas.

This spectacular production will delight with its enchanting story, side-splitting comedy, lavish settings and adorable miniature ponies.

Dani harmer star of the BAFTA Award-winning Tracy Beaker stars as the Fairy Godmother. Dani, who was also a strictly Come Dancing finalist, returned to her legendary role again this year in My Mum Tracy Beaker on CBBC. Jon Monie returns for his 15th consecutive year to play Buttons and to help create all the festive hilarity and tomfoolery that make Bath pantos so much fun for everyone.

Don’t wait for your invitation – get your tickets now and ensure that every member of the family has a ball this Christmas!

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New at Downside DownsiDe Abbey visitors’ centre has reopened after improvements and now offers a comfortable café serving light refreshments and snacks and a wider selection of greetings cards and gifts in the gift shop.

Further development has taken place to open up the adjacent courtyard area to

provide an events space incorporating ten former stables which now provide an opportunity for traders to have casual stalls for craft or antiques fayres. one stable has been set out to accommodate an occasional bar. The first event in the courtyard is the Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre from December 3rd to 5th. The shop and café is staffed by volunteers and open Thursdays and Fridays between 10am-4pm.

Details: www.visitdownside.co.uk

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Santa’s on his travels in Frome

Turnip entries enTRies have started arriving for the Turnip Prize, wedmore’s version of the Turner Prize, which rewards artists who make the least effort. The winner will be announced at the new inn, wedmore on wednesday, December 1st.

Lockdown

Details: Trevor Prideaux 01934 710004 or 0781 2848011

Tractor enthusiasts are in for a treat

The somerset Vintage and Classic Tractor show returns to the Royal Bath and west showground at shepton The auction during the 2020 tractor show Mallet in January for a weekend guaranteed to appeal to enthusiasts and the curious alike.

The central feature of the show – on saturday, January 29th and sunday, January 30th –will be a celebration of Massey Ferguson tractors down the years. saturday sees the return of the auction which always attracts great interest. organised by a new-look committee, the event promises to be a testament to their own enthusiasm for classic tractors. Tom Vailes, one of the committee members, said: “we believe we are going to see some very interesting projects being displayed in public for the first time since the 2020 show as we couldn’t hold one this year. “no doubt, people have been working away during lockdown in their outbuildings and garages on long-term restoration projects which will see the light of day in January.”

As in previous years, the organisers are confident the weekend will raise thousands of pounds for several local charities. Tom added: “we’re a slightly smaller group now, so there is still a lot of work to do but we’re determined the 2021 show will be a great success.”

WHAT’S ON

PeoPLe living in Frome and the surrounding villages can expect to see Father Christmas travelling around on his special float – with help from the Frome Lions and Rotary clubs. his float can be seen from December 1st on 17 days before Christmas Day with volunteers restarting door-to-door collections.

Donations can also be made online and by text. he has also had some help in setting up his own social media sites including a santa Frome page on Facebook.The route kicks off at Badcox on wednesday, December 1st and includes visits to nunney, Great elm, Mells and Buckland Dinham, Beckington and Rode. l Find the route and how to donate on Facebook and also the Frome Lions and Rotary websites or visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/santafrome21 You can also follow his progress at: www.sleighTracker.co.uk

WALKING QUIZ ANSWERS

Aveline’s hole; the Rev Augustus Toplady; horse riding, cycling and walking; two phases, started 1st century BC, late Bronze Age and early iron Age; orienteering route end marker post; special site of scientific interest due to geology; Red Devon cattle, exmoor ponies and goats in the combe; Limestone Link; 325m; Butcombe Trail.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 111

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MENDIP TIMES

T h e M e n D i P T i M e s w h AT ’ s o n G U i D e

FoR

Covid cases are rising very quickly again throughout this area so we advise that you check that these events will take place.

We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge. Commercial entries £25. Please send entries as a single paragraph of less than 25 words.

Wednesday November 24th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support hopes to meet at 1.30pm in Backwell wi hall.

Details: sheila 01275 462107.

Harptrees History Society talk by Tony Coverdale ‘Later Avon Valley industry’ 7 for 7.30pm west harptree village hall Bs40 6eG. Visitors welcome £3. Please book: info@harptreeshistorysociety.org Thursday November 25th Avon Wildlife Trust talk by Mary wood about the wildlife of Arnos Vale cemetery, 7.45pm Chew Magna old school Room, £2.50.

Thursday November 25th to Saturday 27th Craft4Crafters Show Bath & west showground, 10am-5pm, crafting supplies, Christmas gifts or learn a new craft, £10 (£9) Details: www.craft4crafters.co.uk Shepton’s Window Wanderland, 6-8.30pm.

Details: www.makethesunshine.co.uk Friday November 26th Whitchurch Art Club Christmas art & craft fayre, 3-6 pm Fortfield Rd Community Centre Bs14 9nT. Gifts, refreshments, car parking. new members welcome – every Thursday 79pm. Details: avril.csve@gmail.com Frome Memorial Theatre presents "Forbidden nights" 7.30pm Adults only. Tickets £25 from 01373 462795. www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk Unravelling Wilburys charity concert 7pm st Thomas’ Church wells. Tickets £15 from swan hotel and Globe inn. For wells Food Bank & Lions: wellslionsevents@gmail.com Saturday November 27th Churchill Music Exultate Singers 7.30pm All saints Church wrington Bs40 5LG. Details: tickets@churchillmusic.org.uk St Mary’s Church Timsbury “Christmas Gifts and more” 10-3.30pm. stalls, refreshments, lunch, raffle. All very welcome.

Somerset Choral Society 7.30pm Axbridge Church. Tickets £10 from 01934 843727. Bar. somersetChoralsociety@hotmail.com Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm war Memorial hall. Quality books, jigsaws, dvds.

Chew Valley Choral Society 7.30pm st.

John’s, Keynsham. Tickets £15 (£7.50) from 01275 333014 or otd. www.chewvalleychoral.org.uk Glastonbury Frost Fayre midday to 7pm. www.glastonbury.gov.uk/frost-fayre/ Christmas coffee morning with stalls, 10-12 Blagdon village club for weston hospicecare.

Craft Fair 10am-2pm at The Key Centre, Keynsham Bs31 2JA. Saturday November 27th – Sunday 28th Lantern Making workshops start for www.sheptonlanternfestival.org.uk Monday November 29th Wessex stationary engine club meeting 8pm PAGE 112 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021

old Down inn, emborough BA3 4sA. All welcome. Details: www.wessexsec.org Green Wedmore meeting, 7.30pm at The swan. Details: www.greenwedmore.co.uk Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with Bingo, 8pm war Memorial hall. Visitors welcome.

Wednesday December 1st Christmas Coffee Morning in aid of help the Child, 10am-1pm, Burnham & Berrow Golf Club, Burnham, TA8 2Pe. Details: www.helpthechild.org.uk Friday December 3rd Red Hot Jazz Club Glastonbury presents The Jazz Defenders, 7.30pm. Tickets £8 in advance /£10 otd. Details: www.redbrickbuilding.co.uk Cheddar Festive Night – see P50.

Friday December 3rd-5th Downside Abbey Christmas Craft & Gift Fayre in the courtyard. Details: www.visitdownside.co.uk Saturday December 4th Chew Magna Christmas Street Fayre, 3-6pm.

Piano Concert by Joss wort: 7.30pm st Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £10: www.yms.org.uk Christmas Market 10am-12.30 All saints Church Publow, will include paintings and artwork by the late Robert Bailey of Pensford.

Handel’s Messiah sung by wells Cathedral oratorio society with guest soloists and Music for Awhile string Quartet, 1pm wells Cathedral. Free, retiring collection. see p109.

Frome Memorial Theatre presents “That'll be the day Christmas show” 7.30pm. Tickets £26 from 01373 462795 www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk Wookey Christmas Fair 9am-12 Church hall. santa’s grotto, stalls, Christmas trees on sale, refreshments.

Mendip Folk Dance Club Christmas Dance shipham village hall. £10pp, ticket only.

Contact Pat 01934 742853.

Frome Society for Local Study talk by Andrew Ziminski “A life in ruins: secrets of a Frome stonemason” 2.30pm Assembly Rooms, BA11 1eB. non-members £3. www.fsls.org.uk Sunday December 5th Mendip Society walk, meet 1.30pm outside main door of wells Cathedral for 4.5m to Dinder and back. May be muddy, dogs and non-members welcome. Details: Peter 01761 221995.

Sunday December 5th to Tuesday 21st Christmas at the (Bishop’s) Palace – see p114.

Monday December 6th “Light and Love” a virtual service to remember loved ones, streamed from 11am to 7pm. see:

www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk/event/lightand-love-virtual-event Tuesday December 7th The Arts Society Mendip “Glad Tidings: The story of the Annunciation” with 4th to 16th century images, 11am Croscombe village hall and simultaneously via Zoom. Guests welcome, on request: tasmendip.comm@gmail.com Guest donation £6.

Wednesday December 8th Wedmore by Lamplight – see P74.

Thursday December 9th Thatcher’s Christmas at Myrtle Farm 59pm. Grotto, brass band, stalls. see p17.

Friday December 10th Christmas Music, nailsea Concert orchestra with Uwe singers, nailsea Methodist Church, 7.30pm, £5 donation for ConneCT. Carol singing led by strike a Chord Cheddar Methodist Church 7.30-9pm. Tickets £5 incl drink and mince pie, for weston hospicecare.

Details:01934 744421 or 01934 742057.

Space4All Christmas Party, 7pm Priddy village hall, BA5 3Be. stargazing, weather permitting, soup and a talk by astrophotographer Josh Dury on the Aurora Borealis. Adults £3 (£2) family £5. Also on zoom: www.stayhappening.com/e/space4allpublic-event-christmas-party-e2isU2KUF5P Friday December 10th to Sunday 12th St Cuthbert’s Crib Festival, wells. nativity scenes, refreshments, music, children’s activities. Adults £2.50.

Saturday December 11th Wells Christmas Market see p66.

Weston Hospicecare Christmas Fayre, st Paul’s Church hall, weston, 2-5pm.

Leigh on Mendip Jazz with ian Millar and Dominic spencer, 8pm Memorial hall, in aid of hall funds. £10 U-16s free, licensed bar.

Tickets: 01373 812459 or 01373 813942.

Blagdon Christmas Fair with Father Christmas! 10am-12, st Andrew’s church.

Jazz Age Chicago, Mike Denham and Ben Cummings 8pm Cossington Village hall, TA7 8Jn. Reserved seats £12.50 from 01278 451187 or email rogercollett.sounds@talktalk.net Christmas party with harlem Rhythm Cats 7.30-11pm Gurney slade & Binegar Memorial hall. Tickets £5 (bring own food and drink). To book: 07528 169533 or Facebook.

Sunday December 12th Children’s Christmas party 3-5pm Gurney slade & Binegar Memorial hall. Games, disco, festive tea. £2 per child. To book: 07890 42217 or Facebook.

Keynsham Mencap Music Man Project Christmas Concert, Bath. Free, but please book: www.keynshammencap.org.uk/ Valley Arts, The story of a nutcracker, st

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DeCeMBeR 2021

Andrew’s Church hall, Chew Magna, 2.30pm.

Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk eatFestival, winter Gardens, weston-superMare. see p22.

Monday December 13th “Music Hall Memories” talk by Ron Davies for nailsea & District Local history society 7.45pm, Green Lecture Room, nailsea school.

Visitors £2 www.ndlhs.org.uk Mendip Folk Dance Club 8-10pm £3pp, st James village hall, winscombe Bs25 1AQ. new dancers very welcome. Contact Pat 01934 742853.

Tuesday December 14th Can science help us to garden better? with no-dig guru Charles Dowding, 6.30pm-8.30pm Market house, Castle Cary BA7 7Ah. Details: http://cafescientifique.org/ or call 07375 890751.

Christmas Concert winscombe Community singers. st. James’ Church. 7.30pm.

Refreshments, raffle. Tickets £5 (accompanied children free) from choir members or Farrons.

Thursday December 16th to Sunday January 9th Cinderella, Bath Theatre Royal, see p110.

Saturday December 18th Wells Christmas Market see p66.

Frome Society for Local Study talk by Yvette staelens “Folk Carols in the west Country” 2.30pm Assembly Rooms, BA11 1eB. nonmembers £3. Details: www.fsls.org.uk Sunday December 19th Shepton Victorian Fayre, 10am-3pm. see p69. www.thesheptonexperience.co.uk/ Shepton Mallet Lantern Parade Sunday December 19th – Monday January 3rd Frome Memorial Theatre: Dick whittington Tickets £14 (£12) Family £45 from 01373 462795. Details: www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk Monday December 20th Mendip Folk Dance Club 8-10pm £3pp, st James village hall, winscombe Bs25 1AQ. new dancers very welcome. Contact Pat 01934 742853.

Tuesday December 21st Congresbury Singers’ Christmas, with wine and mince pies. 7.30pm st Andrew’s church.

Tickets £10 from Congresbury Post office.

Monday December 27th Binegar’s “Bonkers Barrow Run” festive wheelbarrow race. Teams of four £10/team.

Pre-booking essential: 07528 169533. Meet at the horse and Jockey for 3pm start. Raising funds for The Mendip school.

Wednesday December 29th Christmas Concert, 7pm st Peter’s Draycott. see p109.

Friday December 31st New Year’s Eve Spectacular, Glastonbury Town hall. see p115.

Win a festive hamper in our Christmas competition

iT’s time to dig out the magnifying glass and inspect the pages of this month’s Mendip Times magazine in even greater detail than usual – our fiendish festive competition has returned! in conjunction with Ford Farm Cheese and wookey hole Caves, we’re offering a prize of a delicious hamper

WHAT’S ON

packed with cheese and wine – just locate the rabbits hidden within the pages of this issue.

There are five rabbits to be found and here’s a clue: one is on the advertisement for Ford Farm’s Cave Aged Cheddar; your task is to find it and the four others to earn a chance to win.

The secret to the unique taste and texture of Ford Farm’s Cave Aged Cheddars begins with high quality milk and ends in the maturing process 200-feet below ground in wookey hole Caves where they are left to mature. The caves have been used since the Paleolithic period, and tools dating back 45,000 years have been discovered there. Today the caves are still used, to mature the cheeses, as the constant low temperature (11° Celsius) and the humidity ensure spectacular texture, aromas and flavour!

Please send your answers on a postcard to: Cheese Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. Entries must reach us by Friday, December 10th. The first correct entry chosen will be the winner.

The editor’s decision is final. We will endeavour to deliver the hamper to you in time for Christmas.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021 • PAGE 113

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Festive fun for all at the Bishop’s Palace ChRisTMAs is coming and, in wells, that means the “Christmas at the Palace” event returns to The Bishop’s Palace from December 5th-21st.

The rooms of the medieval palace will each be adorned with decorations on a different theme, from Victorian to nordic.

The entrance hall will be warmed by a roaring fire and seasonal greenery and foliage from the palace gardens will be used to create stunning adornments to complement the historic interiors.

Local schoolchildren will be helping to create an eco-Christmas art exhibition by

Christmas at the Palace – the South Lawn at night

WHAT’S ON designing their own eco Angel sculpture, decoration or painting, inspired by angels.

Visitors can explore the magical inner gardens lit up with Christmas illuminations which were so popular last year during special late openings. illuminations are switched on at 3.30pm; last entry time is 6.30pm.

For younger visitors, Father and Mother Christmas will be visiting once again in the palace itself (pre-booked tickets only). new for this year are performances of A Christmas Carol by wells Theatre Company on saturday, December 11th and sunday, December 19th. The shows – three on each day – will last around an hour and will involve costumed actors bringing this timeless tale to life in a wholly unique way. sunday, December 19th will also see wells City Band playing an array of Christmas classics to welcome in the festive season.

For details, timings and to book, visit: www.bishopspalace.org.uk

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www.fordfarm.com