Issue 8 - Volume 14 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

Front cover designs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 12:17 Page 1

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 8

FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

JANUARY 2019

WISHING YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

Home & Kitchen ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 13:09 Page 1

Contents page.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:44 Page 1

MENDIP TIMES

CONTENTS

Welcome

MAY we start by wishing all of our readers, advertisers and contributors a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

We’ve pictures from many Christmas fairs and events, but also look forward to spring with news of some of the snowdrop festivals that are just around the corner.

As usual we have many pages devoted to the incredible work that’s done by charities and volunteers. We are also happy to give them free listings in our What’s On section.

Volunteers have saved the library in Castle Cary and there’s a new community hub and library in Timsbury.

That opened very soon after the library hub in Bishop Sutton, reported on in our last issue. In East Harptree the community shop is celebrating its tenth birthday.

A real-life love story from WWI has just been published after 100 years. We have details of that and of a big new effort to help bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinators in our area.

Dozens of readers contacted us about the rather difficult Spot the Rabbit competition in the last issue, saying the rabbits must have vanished down their burrows! All is revealed this month.

With all of our regular contributors and features let us help you celebrate the start of 2019.

February 2019 deadline: Friday, 11th January 2019.

Published: Tuesday, 22nd January 2019.

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

01761 463888

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

Front cover: Morgana West with the Glastonbury Unity Candle.

Photograph by Mark Adler. See page 66.

Prize trio – Frome’s market tradition

11

28

Ho! Ho! Ho! – a sea of charity Santas

91

Watch the birdie – having a hoot in Castle Cary

109

Against the head – rugby legend shows the way Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Food & Drink ...............................16 Arts & Antiques ...........................24 Internet and Crossword ..............30 Business.........................................34 Education ......................................46 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......57 Walking Sue Gearing ....................58 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........60

Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......62 Caving Phil Hendy ........................65 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............68 Community ...................................76 Homes and Interiors ....................92 Charities........................................98 Music & Theatre ........................104 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE...105 Sport ............................................108 What’s On ...................................111 MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 3

Page 4 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:45 Page 1

News page 5.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:36 Page 1

MENDIP TIMES

Birthday celebrations for Sunday Market

NEWS

Pupils rally against bullying Isla Stockland Coates

Happy Birthday to us! Helen Reader cuts a cake watched by regular traders Alan Stone, of Stone’s Cider and Victoria Ross, of the Nestcake Caravan, along with Suzanne Sharpe and Rose Walker, from Mendip District Council’s markets and events team

TRADERS and shoppers have celebrated the second birthday of Shepton Mallet’s blossoming Sunday market.

The market – on the third Sunday of the month – has proved a big success with widespread support from campaigners promoting the town to residents and visitors alike as well as Mendip District Council and Shepton Mallet Town Council.

A group of independent traders, led by Helen Reader, Shepton’s “Fairy Godmother”, launched the idea of the market.

Christmas cheer – Carol Octon and Simon Preddy on the Glassworx stall

Youngsters make their feelings known about bullying Caribbean colour and flavours – Izzy and Irie prepare lunch outside the Cheeky Bean Café in the Market Place

If you or a child you know is affected by bullying you can call 0800 1111 or find details at: https://childline.org.uk

(Photographs courtesy of David Chedgy)

MORE than 400 children from 11 different Frome schools joined forces in the town’s Victoria Park to rally against bullying. The idea – part of Anti-Bullying Week – came from local student Isla Stockland Coates and was backed by her fellow anti-bullying ambassadors at Vallis First School who approached Frome Town Council to see if they would like to support them.

Richard Ackroyd, the mayor of Frome, said: “We were delighted to support the young people to put their idea into action and it is incredible to see so many children here today.

It is a credit to all the schools attending that they were able to follow through with the idea – which was difficult logistically.”

Toby Jenkins, from Frome Learning Partnership, said: “Frome Learning Partnership is proud to work together to make Frome and its schools the very best that we can. Seeing so many of our young people from so many of our schools gave a powerful and moving message of respect, friendship and strength in our community.”

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 5

Environment section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:47 Page 6

MENDIP TIMES

Experts in new planning partnership

THE South West Heritage Trust is to take over the provision of specialist archaeological planning advice to Bath & North East Somerset Council.

It will advise on the archaeological implications of planning proposals and maintain the council’s database of historic sites.

The trust is an independent charity committed to protecting and celebrating Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage.

As well as the widely-praised Museum of Somerset and the redeveloped Somerset Rural Life Museum, in Glastonbury, the trust manages state-of-the-art facilities in Taunton and Exeter to care for the extraordinary archive collections of the two counties.

Councillor Bob Goodman, cabinet member for development and neighbourhoods, said: “We fully recognise the importance of archaeology and the historic environment within Bath and North East Somerset.

“We need to protect these assets at the same time as encouraging growth. The South West Heritage Trust’s team are experts in their field and we look forward to working with them to deliver this important part of our development management service.”

Tom Mayberry, chief executive of the trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the council to ensure that archaeological advice is available to them when planning decisions are made.”

Details: www.heritagegateway.org.uk/gateway/ www.kypwest.org.uk/ www.swheritage.org.uk or call 01823 278805

Hedgelaying competition time A competitor in last year’s competition

THE 2019 Mid Somerset Agricultural Society’s 2019 hedgelaying competition will be held on Sunday, February 17th, organisers have announced.

It will take place at the Royal Bath and West Showground, by kind permission of The Royal

Bath & West Agricultural Society.

Last year’s inaugural vintage tractor run is returning and there will also be a Land Rover meet for all models and all ages. The show is sponsored by local companies and entrance is free.

For further details and competition entry forms, contact show secretary Christine Barham at the show office: 3 Europa Court, Crown Trading Estate, Shepton Mallet BA4 5QQ. Tel: 01749 347607 or visit: www.midsomersetshow.org.uk

PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Volunteers restore “holy” path

AN historic path leading from the hamlet of Sutton to the church in Ditcheat has been restored by a team of volunteers.

Documents show the paved path – originally around two miles long – was paid for in Walk this way: (l:r) Andrew Nicholls, Alf 1770 by the then Brummell, Jim Dando and Charles Evans vicar of St Mary Magdalene Church to provide worshippers with an alternative and safer route than the lanes at the time.

In recent years, the path became overgrown and muddy, so members of Ditcheat Parish Council decided to do something about it. When professional quotes came in at around £60,000, volunteers set to work instead.

They began in August 2014, meeting every Friday morning to clear the route, relay the path using reclaimed stone, installing a kissing gate supplied by Somerset County Council and rebuilding a small bridge.

Parish council chairman Charles Evans, one of the regular volunteers, said: “We have had to purchase some materials, such as hardcore, but local farmers and other people lent us the necessary equipment so we have spent around £1,000 on the project.”

During their work, the volunteers discovered that at least one section of the route is possibly older than the 18th century – it had been carefully set with cobbles.

Regular members of the working party, apart from Charles, included Jim Dando, Alf Brummell, Andy Nicholls, Chris Archer, John Stalley and Peter Robinson.

Jim added: “It’s been very informal and a great way to spend a couple of hours each Friday morning with some good banter; I’ve got one or two ideas in mind for the next project!”

Energy advice sessions launched for Frome

FROME Town Council has launched a series of free energy advice sessions to help people reduce their bills.

A weekly “energy café” will run at the town hall each Thursday until the end of February between 10am-midday, along with a monthly advice session at Frome Medical Practice on the second Wednesday of January and February.

Anna Francis, the council’s resilience manager, said: “We have a team of experienced energy advisors who can help. Even simple things like draught-proofing can make a huge difference to comfort levels. There are grants available for boiler upgrades and insulation for low income households. And green energy providers such as Bulb are now cheaper than ‘fossil fuel’ energy providers in some cases.”

A free energy helpline for Frome residents is also available on 0800 0822234 or visit: www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/warm-and-well

Environment section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:47 Page 7

ENVIRONMENT

Badges support local projects A NEW collectable wildlife badge has been launched to raise money for the Mendip Hills Fund. The new badge features the iconic barn owl that can be seen silently hunting across the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The badges are available for a donation through a number of pubs, shops and tourist outlets in the area. Over the last four years the badges alone have raised £2,500 for the fund.

The Mendip Hills Fund, a partnership between Somerset Community Foundation and Mendip Hills AONB Partnership, has given out nearly £11,000 this winter. Grants were awarded to: Stoke St. Michael War Memorial Hall to make a redundant piece of land more environmentally friendly; Osprey Outdoors to teach vocational skills through conservation work to long term unemployed; Mendip Mountain Bikers group to improve trail signage in Rowberrow Forest; Darshill & Bowlish Conservation Society for their local heritage project; Cheddar Community Partnership for an interpretation panel by the Island Beds in the gorge; Cheddar First School, Chewton Mendip Primary and Priddy schools to create better access to the nature areas or forest school sites; Strawberry Line East group to buy scythes for maintaining wildlife areas; Rickford Community Association for buying new fruit trees.

Jim Hardcastle, manager of the Mendip Hills AONB said: “We've had an amazing year raising money for the fund, special

thanks to the organisers of the Butcombe Trail Ultramarathon who donated over £3,000.”

All the successful projects will be contacted soon by the Somerset Community Foundation with their official confirmation. l A draft five-year management plan for the AONB is now available for comment until January 16th.

AONB manager, Jim Hardcastle, said: “Delivering a joined-up approach to looking after this special landscape is an ongoing challenge with the pressures for new development and funding alongside broader changes like leaving the EU that will affect farm payment systems.

“The draft plan sets out how the AONB partnership intends to respond to these challenges.”

Details: http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/caring-about-the-aonb/management-plan/

THE RSPB’s West Sedgemoor Nature Reserve is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

It purchased the first field on the reserve back in 1978, when the huge area of nature rich meadows and pastures were under threat of being ploughed up for arable crops.

The RSPB stepped in to prevent this happening, and since then has worked hard to make the site internationally important for birds and other wildlife.

Harry Paget Wilkes, current site manager, said: “Back in the 70s we could easily have lost this amazing place. But, with the support of the RSPB’s members we bought the land and have worked hard to make it the fantastic nature reserve it is today. Over that time we have seen steady increases in its wildlife interest.

“Today, it has the largest lowland population of breeding wading birds such as snipe and curlew in south west

England. It is also the home of many of the recently re-introduced cranes.

“In winter, the wet meadows have tens of thousands of wetland birds – ducks such as wigeon, teal, shoveler, pintail and mallard and wading birds such as golden plovers, snipe and lapwings.

“But it’s not just about the birds, the wet meadows are amongst the richest in terms of their flowers and insect life in the region.”

To keep the meadows and pastures special for wildlife, the RSPB controls water levels, cattle graze the fields and hay is cut to create ideal habitats for ground-nesting birds.

West Sedgemoor is only accessible by pre-booked guided walk so to experience this special place and its incredible wildlife for yourself why not book onto one of our guided walks.

Details: https://rspbduckwatch.eventbrite.co.uk/

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 7

(Photo courtesy of RSPB Images)

RSPB reserve celebrates 40 years

Environment section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:47 Page 8

MENDIP TIMES

ENVIRONMENT

Groups unite to protect pollinators SOMERSET Wildlife Trust, Friends of the Earth and Somerset County Council have joined forces to work to help protect the county’s pollinating insect population.

A county-wide strategy has been produced to help bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinating insects survive and thrive.

Actions in the plan include: • Promoting the creation of pollinator-friendly features in new developments • Ensure green spaces in new developments are made pollinatorfriendly • Reduce grass-cutting by 25 per cent on council-owned green spaces • Identify areas of parkland where cutting can be reduced without affecting amenity areas • Review the use of pesticides by the council, and use alternatives where available • Reduce frequency of verge cutting where appropriate to encourage growth of wildflowers • Create special verge areas seeded with wildflowers The council says this will not affect the cutting of grass areas for road safety reasons, or the council’s maintenance of designated community spaces.

Nationally, pollinator numbers are under threat from habitat

loss, pests and diseases, pesticides and climate change. The South West is a stronghold for bees and Somerset – notably the Levels and the Mendip Hills – is home to particularly important habitats.

Indra Francesco, coordinator of Glastonbury Friends of the Earth, who has been campaigning for a local pollinator strategy, said: “Local councils with their wide-ranging responsibilities, services and land holdings are in a unique position to help safeguard our bees and other native pollinators. We’re delighted that Somerset County Council is developing a Local Pollinator Strategy, which must protect and enhance our bee-friendly habitats and spaces and put the county at the forefront of action to protect these precious creatures. If there are no bees, there’s no cider!”

Steve Mewes, from Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “Somerset is a county whose economic health is inexorably linked to large scale crop pollination, and not only this, our wildlife food chains are dependent on good numbers of invertebrates - including pollinators.

“We need to ensure that we are delivering, optimising and connecting habitats and environments where pollinator populations can grow and thrive. And that means not only ensuring council owned land and public spaces are carefully managed, but also giving advice to home owners across the county as to what we can all do in our own back garden to help.”

Mendip Society plans training days

THE Mendip Society is holding two hedge laying training maximum of eight places each day, which need to be days in its reserve Tania’s Wood, Woodbridge Farm, Ubley booked. on Friday, January 11th and Saturday, 12th, with Shelter, parking, toilet facilities, hot lunch and drinks Countryfile ladies’ champion Tina Bath. will be provided, included in the £20 daily rate, society The days are open to members and non-members, both members £15. beginners and those with some experience, with a Details: judith.tranter1@btinternet.com 01275 874284.

Frome walkers find their feet

FROME’S Walkers are Welcome group has held a free event to celebrate achieving official status.

People were invited to choose from six walks that explored the history, architecture and green spaces of Frome.

Residents and visitors alike aged from eight to 80 joined in with the walks and more went along to find out about walking routes and groups in Frome.

Frome joins other towns such as Cheddar in achieving Walkers are Welcome designation. Deputy mayor Mark Dorrington said becoming a Walkers are Welcome town complements Frome Town Council’s work to promote health and wellbeing whilst benefitting local businesses.

He said: “These walks have been really

The launch of the Walkers are Welcome festival in Frome

informative. Supporting Walkers are Welcome is a no brainer for the council: more walking is good for the environment, good for the town businesses, it is always good to get to know more about the town and ultimately good for health.”

Frome Walkers are Welcome will now build on the success of the festival. More walking events are planned for 2019 and would welcome people sharing their walks as well as inviting local businesses to display Walkers are Welcome window stickers.

For details, visit: www.fromewalkersarewelcome.org or call into Discover Frome Information Point at Black Swan Arts to view a range of walks.

PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Miles Morgan ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 13:13 Page 1

Farming section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:50 Page 10

MENDIP TIMES

New year resolution – support our small farms YOU may get this edition of Mendip Times just before Christmas, so a Merry Christmas to everyone and a very Happy New Year.

At Christmas time I guess we all get a bit nostalgic. I always remember the small farm where I was brought up and how hard the work was.

With MARY This brings me on to the fact that even now JAMES MBE small/medium sized farms are so important to the countryside, but they are struggling to survive. There is a difference between a hobby farm and a small farm.

A hobby farm can be perhaps ten–20 acres with a good farmhouse where livestock can be kept but not necessarily for profit which means one member of the family having a full-time job outside the farm. A small farm now is anything from 50 to 150 acres with a reasonable house where the stock are managed to hopefully make the farmer a profit.

My grandfather was a sergeant in the Bristol police force in the late 1800s. Whilst living and working in Brandon Hill he decided to rent a farm for his retirement.

George and Katherine had seven children but when they retired only two went with them to a small farm of 30 acres with just a few buildings on the Dundry/Bishopsworth border, rented from a local businessman. There was no water or electricity in the house.

Water was pumped up from a well about 50 yards from the house and it never ran dry. It was candles for lighting and a black range for cooking. There were horses and basic machinery for

haymaking. There were a couple of cows, a few hens and some pigs and all the family did the work themselves. It was organic and self-sufficiency was of the highest order.

In 1914, the youngest son, my father William, enlisted in the army at 16. He was fortunate to return in one piece with three medals to his name. He took over the running of the farm as his father had died and set about trying to make some money.

He bought more cows, more hens and some pigs. He also bought some young horses as he loved working with them, training and selling them on. He started delivering milk locally, first of all with a churn in the horse drawn cart, then with a trailer behind a car.

William married in 1934 and his new wife joined in the hard work. A new cowshed was built for nine cows and they were milked by hand. It was a hard life but they survived building up the business by selling everything they produced on the milk rounds. After 20 years most of the farm was commandeered for a housing estate but the milk rounds survived for another 12 years buying milk already bottled from a local dairy. In the last 40 years huge numbers of small/medium sized farms have disappeared. At present things look reasonably stable for larger farms but the smaller farms can’t benefit from economies of scale to reduce costs or be big enough to secure direct supply contracts.

Of the small farms in our area, many have diversified with help from grants producing some super products such as ice cream and cheeses. The time for supporting small and medium sized farms is now.

ROBOCUT IDEAL APPLICATIONS Restricted access sites Steep Embankments Railways Busy highways and motorways l River banks l Local authority l Heritage sites l l l l

ABOUT ROBOCUT:

l Slope and confined space mower l Works on slopes up to 55 degrees

Call for free quotations:

l Up to 25 times more productuve than manual labour

willkeel@hotmail.co.uk

l Reduced ground disturbance

l Increased safety due to removing man from machine

l Heavy duty forestry mulcher head also available for material up to 100m diameter

PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

07779 467 760

Farming section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:50 Page 11

FARMING

Millie’s owner is jolly dandy!

Archie Stamp and Millie

Jack Stevens, of Upper Milton, near Wells, took third place with this animal in the best steer of continental breed class

SCHOOLFRIENDS Archie Stamp and Percy Clatworthy came away from the 119th Frome Fatstock Show with the supreme championship trophy for the Belgian Blue x heifer they own jointly, called Millie.

Percy could not attend the show, organised by the Frome and District Fatstock Society, so it was left to Archie, who lives near Mark, to enter the judging ring with Millie; earlier they had won the young farmers best beef bred steer or heifer class and the champion continental breed award.

The show took place at Frome Market at Standerwick, run by Cooper and Tanner, and also included new classes for lambs and pigs.

New lab at Langford after £1million donation

A GROUND-BREAKING “living laboratory” for livestock will be established at the Bristol Veterinary School at Langford thanks to a £1 million donation from the John Oldacre Foundation.

The John Oldacre Centre for Sustainability and Welfare in Dairy Production will be based within Wyndhurst Farm, the University of Bristol’s commercially run dairy unit at Langford.

It will be equipped with the latest data collection devices such as motion detection, GPS tracking and thermographic sensors to gather data that will identify and support changes in agricultural practices.

The centre will bring together colleagues from engineering, data and behavioural sciences to use technology, such as motion sensing, to identify small behavioural and physiological changes at the beginning of a disease, such as mastitis.

The school is already using thermography as a novel way of predicting disease, which can reveal, very quickly, which cow is ill. The earlier a disease can be detected, the easier it is to treat effectively.

Professor Richard Hammond, Head of the Bristol Veterinary School, said: said: “With over 50 years of world-leading teaching and research in animal welfare and farming, the Bristol Veterinary School can make a vital contribution to this critical challenge.”

John Ward and daughter Willow, from Mells, receive the award for best beef bred barren cow from John Killah, from sponsors Thatcher and Hallam Continued overleaf

Christmas opening times: 27th December – 30th December 8.30am – 1pm Check out our new website: mowersandtrimmers.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 11

Farming section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:50 Page 12

MENDIP TIMES

FARMING

Frome Fatstock Show society president Anne Elkins made presentations to the church charity HOPE Frome (represented by the Rev Clive Fairclough, who is also market chaplain, and Gary Lee) and the Warminster and District RUH fundraising group

The contenders for supreme champion are led into the judging ring

Show president Anne Filkins (second right) with Percy’s mum Jenny Clatworthy, Archie Stamp and Andrew Perrott, of Monahans

Market chaplain the Rev Clive Fairclough was “auctioned” during the sale to raise further funds for HOPE Frome PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Waiting to be judged

Kate Lanfear won the Lionel Gillette Rose Bowl for champion British breed, sponsored by Mogers Drewett The auction of lambs begins

TR Hayes Sale ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 13:21 Page 1

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:53 Page 14

MENDIP TIMES

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Westfield celebrates

Westfield

CHOIRS, Radstock Silver Band and a visit by Father Christmas added to the festivities when the Westfield community’s Christmas decorations were switched on.

Youngsters from Westfield Primary School – along with pupils from nearby Fosseway School – entertained the crowd with carols

Parish council chairman Geoff Fuller with Westfield Primary School pupil Chloe Porter at the switch-on

Boswell, a Tibetan terrier, with owner Emma, Father Christmas and his little helper (parish councillor Diana Cooper)

Radstock Silver Band

Stanton Drew

STANTON Drew primary school’s Christmas fair raised nearly £1,000.

Father Christmas with his elves Emma and Daisy PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Morag Duller (left) and teacher Sara Chidzey manning the cake stall

Haskins ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 13:25 Page 1

Food & Drink section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:06 Page 16

MENDIP TIMES

Fasten your seatbelts – it’s 2019!

THINGS may get a little bumpy this year and when they do you can find your happy place in the kitchen.

Face down your fears about the potholes in the road ahead and make some delicious things to eat. All kinds of citrus fruits come into season in January, With JUNE so now is the time to make the most of MACFARLANE them.

If you don’t feel able to go the whole puddin’ hog for Burns’ Night, just a smidgeon will do the trick, and if you have never tried a Mont d’Or cheese make 2019 the year you do – you will be delighted!

BALMORAL CHICKEN

If you don’t feel up to doing the whole haggis thing on Burns’ Night you can still turn up the tartan with this nod to the Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin Race. Haggis is perfect for stuffing a good, full flavoured chicken. Don’t forget the neeps, that’s swede to Sassenachs.

METHOD Preheat oven to 180°C. Fry the (For four) onion and sage 1 free range chicken gently in a little 1 small onion, chopped butter and olive 3 sage leaves, chopped oil. When soft add 227g haggis the haggis, 1 medium swede crumbled, and Handful of thyme mix well. Use to Butter, olive oil stuff the cavity of the chicken. Close with a toothpick. Peel the swede and cut into slices ½ cm thick. Place in a roasting tin, scatter with the thyme leaves and settle the chicken on top.

Splash with olive oil and season. Roast until golden, basting occasionally. Check that the juices run clear. Rest for ten minutes. Serve the chicken with spoonfuls of the stuffing, the neeps and mashed potato.

INGREDIENTS

Balmoral chicken – a real flavor of Burns’ Night

PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Add zest to your New Year with this citrus-flavoured salad

RADICCHIO AND CITRUS SALAD Citrus fruits are at their best in January.

Oranges and grapefruit are fresh and tangy after all that Christmas food and go brilliantly with bitter leaves.

(For two) 1 head red radicchio 1 orange 1 pink grapefruit 1 red grapefruit 2 clementines 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp French mustard 2 tbsp honey Salt & pepper A few thyme sprigs

INGREDIENTS

METHOD Separate the leaves of the radicchio, wash and dry. Slice top and bottom off orange; slice down to remove peel and all the pith. Repeat with grapefruit and clementines. Slice orange and grapefruit thinly on the horizontal. Reserve any juice. Slice clementines in half. Heat a ridged grill pan to high. Grill clementine halves until lightly scorched. Add reserved juice to dressing ingredients and whisk together. Season and taste. Arrange everything on plates and pour dressing over. Scatter thyme leaves over.

VACHERIN MONT D’OR CHEESE (For four)

Made only from mid-August to mid-March in both France and Switzerland, this is a cheese for the winter months. The French version is made with unpasteurised milk and is the best. The cheese is wrapped in spruce bark and crammed into a box that is slightly too small for it, creating a rippled effect on the top.

You can heat it up in the oven, wrapped in tinfoil, until it is completely liquid, like a fondue, or you can eat it at room temperature when it is nicely mature.

Either way all you need is some good bread or crackers. Great end to a meal!

Say cheese to 2019!

Food & Drink section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:06 Page 17

FOOD & DRINK

A taste of the West Country

WE’RE delighted to introduce two ciders to our Cider Barn collection just in time for Christmas.

Thatchers 458 has been blended from the 458 varieties of apple grown in our Exhibition Orchard at Myrtle Farm. A well-balanced, medium dry cider at 8.4%, it’s full of apple flavour. Including lesser known apple varieties preserved in the Exhibition Orchard such as Vagon Archer, Wyken Pippin, Pigs Snout, Foxwhelp, Cider Ladies Finger, and Slack-ma-Girdle, 458 is a true showcase for apple heritage.

Thatchers Vilberie is a single varietal cider from the Vilberie apple. Creating a deliciously dry 6% cider, the late cropping Vilberie apple offers a balance of rich, soft tannins and acidity, packing a strong and robust apple punch! Harvested from a single orchard at the foothills of the Mendips, Thatchers Vilberie cider is made from the freshly pressed juice of these locally grown bittersweet apples.

The Cider Barn range is available online at www.thatcherscider.co.uk; in the Thatchers Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm; and at The Railway Inn, Sandford.

STOP PRESS

Our 2019 Careers Open Day takes place on Saturday 2nd February 2019. To register, please visit: www.thatcherscider.co.uk/young-talent-programme/apprenticeships/

Join the Weston Hospicecare Men’s March ON 9th March 2019, Weston Hospicecare is introducing its very first Men’s March, a super-fun, 10-mile sponsored walk, taking in a superb coastal walk, a stroll through Weston Woods as well as the stunning views from Sand Point before returning to the Grand Pier.

We’re thrilled to be supporting the event, and would

encourage groups of friends, dads and lads, sports teams or any individual looking for a social activity to come together and support the hospice by taking part in the walk before England’s penultimate Six Nations fixture against Italy. A refreshing pint of Thatchers Gold will await you at the Grand Pier!

See http://www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/mensmarch/ for more information

Festive food inspiration

IF you need some last-minute festive recipe inspiration, take a look at our website (www.thatcherscider.co.uk) where we’ve posted some brand new recipes we’ve compiled with our friends at Wyke Farms.

Traditional to the West Country, Homity Pie is a comforting and decadent shortcrust pie that is perfect feeding a crowd. A brilliant way for using up leftovers, and a great way to reinvent your boxing day bubble and squeak. Enjoy with a glass of Thatchers Vintage!

Or if you’re looking for something sweeter, try Mini Fruit Bundt Cakes.

Beautifully festive, these mini fruit bundt cakes are lightly spiced, packed full of fruit soaked with cider - little festive showstoppers!

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

ENDIP TIMES JANUARY 2017 2019 • PAGE 17 MM ENDIP TIMES • N• OVEMBER

Food & Drink section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:06 Page 18

MENDIP TIMES

Yeo Valley Canteen lands top organic award

YEO Valley Canteen and Garden Café have achieved a top award for their commitment to serving organic food.

The Organic Served Here award with four stars has been awarded by the Soil Association for their commitment to a menu serving 75–95% organic ingredients.

Yeo Valley’s staff canteen opened to the public in 2015 so that visitors could enjoy locally-sourced, organic food.

Paul Collins, Yeo Valley’s food ambassador said: “Our ethos here is to keep it local, organic and simple. That approach to food runs right through the Yeo Valley business and our Canteen.

“Whether it’s our dairy products, the beef we rear on our farms or the veg we grow in our organic garden, we have the same attitude. It’s not fine dining, but I think that’s what our customers like about us.”

UK sales of organic food and drink in food service grew by an unprecedented 10.2% last year, linked to a growing demand for traceable and sustainable food.

Recent Soil Association research revealed that 50% of people are more likely to choose a restaurant that highlights its ethical and sustainable credentials and 43% of people think that having organic on the menu makes a restaurant more appealing.

Organic Served Here award-holders are audited by experts from Soil Association Certification to ensure they source an

agreed percentage of their ingredients from certified organic suppliers.

The higher the percentage of organic ingredients, the higher the number of Organic Served Here stars they hold: five stars: 95–100%; four stars: 75– 95%; three stars: 50– 75%; two stars: 25–50%; one star: 15–25%.

The Yeo Valley Canteen is open on Tuesday to Friday for breakfast, 8.30–10.30am, and lunch, 12.30–2.30pm.

Details: www.yeovalley.co.uk www.soilassociation.org/osh

Room at the inn this Christmas

A 25-MINUTE drive from Bristol, Bath and Wells, the Warwick Arms is a 19thcentury easy-to-find inn for meeting family and friends to eat, drink and unwind, with a great family friendly atmosphere.

With locally-grown produce firmly on the menu you can enjoy classic English cuisine throughout their bar menu, a unique Asian Buffet for £10.95pp on a Friday and Saturday, a traditional English Sunday lunch for £9.95pp or perhaps drop in for a full English breakfast on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning between 7.30-10.30am.

This Christmas Jackie and her friendly team are generously extending a warm welcome to any locals that perhaps don't have a table to go to at Christmas for a Christmas lunch.

Nominations are currently being taken (privately if you prefer) via their Facebook page.

There’s also a special January offer – just book a celebration with 30 or more guests and get the cold buffet FREE. For more details or to book please send them a message or call in! It’s a place where everybody feels comfortable.

Details: www.thewarwickarms.com or contact Jackie 01761 45396

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Food & Drink section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:06 Page 19

GARDEN FOOD

Preserving eggs

LIKE many chicken owners, we experience an over-abundance of eggs at certain times of the year and scarcity at others – but this year we've discovered a couple of great ways to preserve eggs and even out our supply.

First and foremost is freezing – this is With JAKE such a fantastic and easy way to WHITSON preserve eggs I'm amazed it's not more common. We crack whole eggs into muffin trays, freeze them, and then pop them out like ice cubes into freezer bags.

They defrost quickly and can be used then for more or less anything a fresh egg can. Some people say that they are difficult to separate after freezing but we have not found that to be the case and the whites whip beautifully.

There is only one drawback and that is that after freezing the yolk turns very thick, so you won’t get a runny yolk with a fried egg and for something like a custard or a cake you need to use a hand blender or similar to properly incorporate the yolk.

Some people freeze the yolks and whites separately and add a little salt to the yolks, which apparently prevents them thickening. To be perfectly honest though the thick yolks don't bother us enough to justify the extra faff.

The second thing we've tried this year is our own homemade version of that wartime classic dried powdered egg.

We do this in the dehydrator by beating the eggs, pouring them in a dehydrating tray for fruit leathers, and leaving it on a low heat overnight.

The end result is less like a fresh egg than freezing produces but if you have a real glut then it is an incredible space-saver – they lose an incredible amount of volume and after drying and blitzing in the food processor around 50 eggs will fit in a single jam jar! They will then last in the cupboard in a well-sealed jar for years.

To reconstitute you take one tablespoon egg powder and two tablespoons water, stir together and let sit for a few minutes. Once reconstituted, they can be used anywhere you'd use whole egg, but obviously they cannot be separated.

They make a surprisingly good scrambled egg but there is definitely a noticeable dried flavour. In cakes and biscuits however, the difference is much less noticeable.

Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire. Details: www.chaosfungorum.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

Game on – try pheasant

I RECENTLY went on a pheasant shoot.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in it for the sport but am genuinely interested in the skills and knowledge needed for shooting, it is a type of hunting and gathering after all but more importantly for the (almost) wild food that is produced.

With ADRIAN Some people cry fowl, sorry, foul at this BOOTS point but I would like to point out that whilst these birds are nominally reared, they do have a “wild life” and get to live a decent length of time.

We have an old cock bird we’ve named Phillipe that comes round our garden every year whose head feathers are completely grey with age. He’s a tenacious old bird that’s been around, seen it all and eaten all the seed we put out for the garden birds. Very clever.

There are an estimated 35million pheasants released each year of which about 15million are bagged. Some would say that’s staggering numbers, but it really isn’t. To put it in perspective one billion industrially farmed chickens are reared in the UK, living only for a few months before they are slaughtered and that is on top of the one billion we import! These are the truly staggering numbers.

So back to the day’s shoot. I shot a few birds and I took home those few birds. I’m not concerned with how many I personally shoot but what I can do with the pheasant afterwards, do it justice and show it some respect by creating a fantastic dish to feed family and friends.

Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a large, long-tailed bird introduced from Asia with records stretching back at least 1,000 years in this country. The males have a lustrous dark green head, white band around the neck and a red face, with rich chestnut brown and black markings on their bodies and tails. Females have mottled paler brown and black markings on their feathers.

They eat seed, plants and insects and walk around in a very stalking, chicken like fashion. When Phillipe is disturbed, he flies off with a great beating of his wings, yodelling an alarm call. I’m sure there is a technical term for this call but I don’t know what it is. Yodelling just seems like more fun.

Pheasant is a fanatic bird to eat, much better than chicken in my opinion. So this New Year I would like to challenge everyone that eats meat to include game on the menu – it’s much more readily available than you think with local butchers and stall holders at farmers market selling it at great prices.

It’s even available online. Please check out the work of The Country Food Trust (http://www.thecountryfoodtrust.org/) for inspiration and help get game on the menu. Just don’t tell Phillipe!

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.

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 19

Food & Drink section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:06 Page 20

MENDIP TIMES

Award puts Axbridge on the map!

Nicky Frewin and her partner Mark Lord

THE Almshouse Tea Shop in Axbridge has won the Gold Award for Café/Tearoom of the Year in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards 2018/19. The judges’ verdict was: “Great food and warm welcome in a beautiful building.”

The Tea Shop opened in 2012 after laying empty for nearly four years and has had a growing reputation ever since for its wide range of quality food and great service. Set in a beautiful 15th century almshouse just off Axbridge’s Medieval square the Tea Shop also offers a quirky and eclectic mix of gifts and artwork.

Owner, Nicky Frewin, said: “We’ve evolved into what people want, with excellent service in a unique setting. We go the extra mile to make every customer’s visit a memorable one for all the right reasons.”

Nicky has just been notified that The Almshouse Tea Shop is also a finalist in the South West Awards which include the counties of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.

She said: “We will not know whether we have won the Gold, Silver or Bronze Award until the awards ceremony to be hosted

by British Aerospace on February 7th.”

The Almshouse Tea Shop’s last day before Christmas is Sunday, December 23rd, which is also Axbridge’s Christmas Farmers Market. It reopens for business on January 11th.

From Rob, Jane and the team at Beans and Machines Ltd. A big thank you to you all for your continued support in 2018

PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Food & Drink section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:06 Page 21

FOOD & DRINK

Everything is gluten-free, including me!

“I HAVE had people bursting into tears of joy when they see my food,” says Mandy Evans, owner of award-winning Wellsbased Gluten-Free Gourmet.

A coeliac herself for the past 25 years, Mandy has turned her search to satisfy her own dietary needs – at the same time creating imaginative and tasty food – into a thriving business.

Cooking for herself at home is now a full-time venture, with outside catering functions and stalls at Wells market and at food and music festivals around the country. Mandy has also become a supplier to home delivery service Somerset Local Food.

Having won awards at the Wells Food Festival and the Eat Festival in Burnham-on-Sea, Mandy recently collected a silver gilt award in the Street Food and Takeaway category in the Mandy on her stall at Wells nationwide FreeFrom Eating Out Awards market Now Mandy is to open her own shop. On Saturday, January 5th she will welcome customers to “Pie and Tart – part of the Gluten-Free Gourmet Group” in the charming Gauntlet shopping thoroughfare in Glastonbury.

Mandy said: “What started as a hobby has become a real adventure and the reaction from customers has been amazing.”

All of the produce on Mandy’s market and festival stalls – she can be found in Wells on the first Wednesday of each month – is cooked at home. About 80 per cent of the produce at the shop in Glastonbury will be home-produced; Mandy is planning to sell artisan breads from a supplier.

Our shop opens in Glastonbury on January 5th – perfect for Veganuary!

FREE GIFT: 10% discount card (valid January 5th-March 31st – shop only) for all customers attending on the opening day!

Unit 22 The Gauntlet, St John’s Square, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9QL. Tel: 07964 035959 www.glutenfreesomerset.co.uk

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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

To find out more about Mandy’s produce, find Gluten-Free Gourmet on Facebook.

Mendip Times VOLUME 14

FREE

on Celebrating life the Mendips ands surrounding area NOVEMBER

ISSUE 6

Mendip Times

2018

FREE g life on

Celebratin the Mendips ands surrounding area • EVENTS

WWIMBER 201 MEMBERING DECE ING IVAL TIME • RE HIS ISSUE: CARN EDDAR & CHEW VALLEY • FARM ON CH

IN T ISSUE 7 VOLUME•14SPOTLIGHT

e, local history,

LocalApeopl WIN UNIQUE AS CHRISTM GIFT See page

local places, local

news events and local

GUARANTEE YOUR COPY – SUBSCRIBE TODAY! SUBSCRIPTION FORM

Please complete and return payment to: Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG. Telephone: 01761 463888 • www.mendiptimes.co.uk

130

Your Details:

Mendip Times

FREE on

Celebrating life

dips and the Men EADsERS! OUR Rarea LL ding TO Aoun ETINGS surr news S E A S O N’ S G RE events and local

VOLUME 14

£30

for 12 issues delivered to your door

Local people,

ISSUE 8

local y, local places,

local histor

JANUARY 2019

Title:

(Complete in clear capital letters please)

First name:

If a gift, recipient details: Title:

Name:

Address:

Surname: Address:

Postcode: Title: Postcode:

Name:

Address: Postcode:

Telephone (in case of query): R! HAPP Y NEW YEA WISHING YOU A news events and local

IDEAL XMAS GIFT!

Local people,

local history, local

places, local

Email address (in case of query):

Signature:

I enclose a cheque (made payable to Mendip Times Limited) to the value of: £

subscriptions @ £30.00 each.

Date:

Please telephone to pay by credit card.

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 21

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:53 Page 15

MENDIP TIMES

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Chew Magna Albert Cheminade, aged five, turned on the lights

Fake snow was fun

The school choir entertained the crowds

Congresbury Brass in action

Blagdon hospice fair Blagdon

BLAGDON'S Weston Hospicecare support group raised £890 at its Christmas fair.

One of the organisers, Tina Smith, said: “Everyone enjoyed the stalls, especially the one manned by the knitting ladies, who knit little toys all year long for these sales.

“This year they did particularly well taking £254 with their soldiers, Christmas puds etc.”

PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Teresa Ryley, Angela Smyth and Mary Taviner, selling knitted Christmas goodies. Also on the team but not there were Joan Smith and Monica Murdoch

Page 23 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:09 Page 1

RH

Windows

THE CHEW VALLEY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED WINDOW COMPANY WITH A REPUTATION BUILT ON QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS AND DOORS IN HARDWOOD OR UPVC

HARDWOOD JOINERY SPECIALISTS www.rhwindowsltd.co.uk

Tel: 0800 097 8611

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

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

SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS

Telephone: 01761 452171 Fax: 01761 453342

TOPSOIL AND STONE SUPPLIES Dry high quality screened or unscreened Topsoil.

Recycled aggregates and quarry stone supplies, road planings and building stone.

DEMOLITION AND STRIP OUT All types of demolition works. From small household to main contractor projects, including rail, schools and city centre redevelopments. Complete range of specialist equipment and services available.

ASBESTOS Asbestos removal and collection. Roof sheets, tiles and guttering. Call for information.

TRANSPORT 4,6 and 8 wheeled tipper Lorries for hire and muck away. Low loader, beaver tail and road brush hire.

PLANT HIRE Wide range of plant. 360 excavators, Dumpers, Bulldozers and Crushers.

EXCAVATIONS Large and small excavations. Specialist works include Equestrian all weather surfaces, drainage and bulk excavations.

JENNIFER MORECROFT BDS (U.Bris) MFGDP (U.Brist)

PETER SEDGWICK BDS (U.Bris) DPDS (U.Brist)

SALLY CANTWELL Hygienist RDH JANE FELLOWS Hygienist RDH

Arts & Antiques section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:43 Page 24

MENDIP TIMES

Lots to talk about – Clevedon Salerooms review of 2018 THE year started in top gear for Clevedon Salerooms as a 1969 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior that had spent the last 25 years dormant in a garage first saw daylight.

Estimated at £2,500 – £3,500 in the March specialist sale the sleeping beauty broke many bidders hearts as its new owner parted with £17,950 to ensure his place behind the wheel, as it was towed onto a trailer. His conservative estimate for the restoration, one year!

Perhaps offering a more comfortable ride in the same sale was the Charles and Ray Eames’ lounge chair, a design classic first conceived in 1956 that found a new owner settle down at £3,450.

A new face strengthened the Clevedon Salerooms’ valuation team in the spring as part of the salerooms’ expansion.

Mark Huddleston, formerly at Fellows in Birmingham and prior to that, the head of the Bonham’s clock department in Chester with over 20 years’ experience, settled into the salerooms and can be found there appraising items on valuation days, visiting clients on the road and taking his turn selling on the rostrum.

With four full time valuers, two with over 20 years’ experience and two with double that figure, the breadth of experience at Clevedon Salerooms is unparalleled across the region.

was this marble torso laying on her side, buried in the garden. The result of this one lot more than covering all the costs relating to the removal of goods and the subsequent clearance of the property in one go.

Carved marble torso of Venus – discovered laying half buried in the undergrowth of a Bristol townhouse sold for £5,200

In the summer, direct descendants of celebrated architect and designer Charles Francis Annesley Voysey (1857-1941) entrusted Clevedon Salerooms with the sale of items originally owned by Voysey.

Such a provenance was always going to catch bidders’ interest and this charming Voysey blueprint picture letter written for his grandchildren didn’t disappoint, the small rectangle of paper achieving £13,600. A set of letter scales designed by Voysey, from his study realised £3,600.

The year drew to a close with the largest quarterly sale of the year which included two Banksy prints consigned from a vendor in Wiltshire. Banksy’s Love Rat was one of the edition of 600 unsigned prints created in 2004 and purchased by the vendor for £700. Complete with its original receipt and most importantly its Pest Control certificate of authentication, the successful purchaser secured the print for £11,750.

On the strength of this result, a London vendor has already consigned a Banksy print for our March specialist sale and although neither of these Banksy prints can match the Beryl Cook oil sold in these rooms for £30,000 consigned from the Cayman Islands, it does illustrate the point that vendors who do their homework look beyond the convenience of proximity when choosing which saleroom to entrust their goods to.

The final Antiques & Interiors sale of the year held on December 6th saw the largest ever jewellery section in one of these hugely popular fortnightly sales. With just under 1,000 lots in total, bidders in the room were treated to mulled wine and mince pies as a thank you for their custom throughout the year.

Clevedon Salerooms look forward to 2019 and invite all to share in their success at achieving the best prices and will continue to offer all of their clients the highest level of service backed by decades of experience. Their 2019 auction is available now by post or online.

Perfect timing – having joined Clevedon Salerooms in the spring of 2018, valuer Mark Huddleston admires a skeleton clock in the saleroom

The instruction to value and subsequently sell by auction the contents of a five-storey Bristol town house with every room full of antiques was a huge logistical task, the packing and removal of items to the saleroom taking over a week.

Taking instructions from a client located on the other side of the world, the entire process was carried out efficiently and realised a significant result for the family.

The first lot sold on behalf of the family

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Charles Voysey (1857-1941) pictured opposite the blueprint picture letter measuring 25cm x 16cm, created for his grandchildren that sold for £13,600

Arts & Antiques section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:43 Page 25

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

2018

Highlights of

£4,900

Zsolnay Art Nouveau vase

£8,900

Lynn Chadwick bronze Lion II

£7,400

Oil – Mary of Modena

Heuer Autavia Chronograph

£9,300

£11,400 Chinese Vase

Banksy – unsigned print

£11,750

Art Deco diamond clip

£17,950

1969 Alfa Romeo

£6,200

Eames Chair

£3,450

Next Sale: Antiques, Interiors & Jewellery – Thursday 3rd January at 10.30am Next Free Valuation Days: 7th, 8th, 21st & 22nd January 9.30 – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm Free Jewellery & Watch Valuation Day: Wednesday 6th February at the Salerooms 10am – 4pm

Tel: 01934 830111

The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT

www.clevedon-salerooms.com

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 25

Arts & Antiques section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:43 Page 26

MENDIP TIMES

Radstock valuation day find makes £9,500!

BACK in October, the team from Killens held an antiques valuation day in aid of the Radstock Museum and Nicky Houston, senior valuer, got very excited when a Chinese medal was brought in by a local resident.

Dismissed by the Antiques Roadshow a few years ago as being of little interest, Nicky immediately recognised that this was an item of value.

The impressive medal was a Chinese silver gilt and enamel Order of the Double Dragon, fourth class, third degree, that was awarded to Mr Bennet Palamountain in the late 19th century. Mr Palamountain was Inspector General of Statistics and the order

was accompanied by a photograph of Mr Palamountain and other supporting documents.

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Killens are keen to support local charities and donate the commission they receive for items entered for sale at valuation days to the organising charity. The owner of the Chinese Order agreed to put the medal to auction and it was offered at the sale of Antiques and Collectables held by Killens at the Mendip Auction Rooms on December 8th with a guide of between £7,000 and £9,000.

As the item got nearer to being offered, the excitement of the owners and the representatives of the museum got greater. It was greeted with strong interest from bidders on the internet and telephone and after a frantic battle was knocked down for a £9,500, an overwhelming price, giving both the owner and the museum a windfall. A great result.

There was a very large entry of items on offer at the December sale of antiques and collectables with silver and jewellery once again selling for advantage. Quality pictures were also wanted as well as fashionable collectables possibly to be given as Christmas presents.

The team at the Mendip Auction Rooms aim to make selling and buying at auction straight-forward and great fun. The auction rooms are open from 10am until 5pm Monday to Friday and the valuers are happy to visit you at home free of charge to provide valuation and selling advice. The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770.

Arts & Antiques section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:44 Page 27

A Wedmore “tail”

A CHARMING Robert “Mouseman” Thompson settle sold in Cooper and Tanner’s sale of December 5th for £5,800 on the hammer.

This interesting piece was discovered by valuer and auctioneer Gareth Wasp and came from a home in Wedmore.

Robert “Mouseman” Thompson was born in Kilburn, North Yorkshire in 1876. His father was the local carpenter and Robert joined the family business after an engineering apprenticeship.

The trademark mouse on his furniture first appeared around 1920. It is said to have come from a conversation with another carver when they were working together and they happened to say something about being as poor as church mice. He decided to carve a mouse onto the piece they were working on and afterwards decided it was so lovely that he would keep it as his signature.

“Mouseman” furniture has continued

ARTS & ANTIQUES Furniture maker Robert “Mouseman” Thompson’s signature on a settle which sold for £5,800

to be popular at auction for the past 20 years, with his furniture selling more often than not for prices in the thousands. Smaller pieces such as cheese boards and bookends selling in the mid to high hundreds.

Valuer and auctioneer Gareth Wasp has a particular interest in “Mouseman” furniture and if you have any pieces that you would like valued or are looking to sell then please do get in contact.

The December 5th sale also saw an excellent selection of autographs selling. Princess Diana and The Beatles were the popular names on the day. The Beatles mono album, signed by all four members of the band, sold on the hammer for £2,000.

The first specialist antiques and collectables sale of the New Year will be held on Wednesday, February 6th and entries are accepted until Wednesday, January 23rd.

Gareth Wasp will be holding a free antiques valuation morning at Cooper and Tanner’s Wedmore office on Thursday, January 24th. Please contact the saleroom if you have any questions or queries: 01373 852419.

SALE ROOMS HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR DECEMBER SALE

A 20th Century wooden propeller blade, 143cm long, sold £650 The Beatles; a collection of autographs, sold £500

THE BEATLES – LP with The Beatles mono in sleeve, autographed to the front by Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr & George Harrison, sold £2,000

A National Motorists Association enamelled metal car bumper badge "omnium saluti" numbered on the back "3229", 18cm high, sold £140

A 20th Century panel A black and white back dark oak settle, photograph of the left arm carved Princess Diana mounted on a cream with a single mouse, by Robert “Mouseman” card signed at the Thompson, 138cm base, sold £320 high, 122cm long, 62cm deep, sold £5,800

A Carlton Ware Guinness Toucan table lamp, sold £220

Free specialist antiques valuations available by appointment, please contact the office on 01373 852419 to book Gareth Wasp Telephone 01373 852419 The Agricultural Centre, Standerwick, Frome BA11 2QB Gareth.wasp@cooperandtanner.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 27

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:54 Page 16

MENDIP TIMES

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Santas on the run

Chew Valley

MORE than 400 people of all ages took part in the Chew Valley Santa Scramble, raising money for the charity Mend the Gap for its work in Kenya and Chew Valley School, which supports the charity.

Naftali Onchere from Mend the Gap and school head Gareth Beynon

The start of one of the races

Katie Perry with Joe, aged seven, and Bea, aged four

Some of the runners in action

Esther Wring, aged ten, winner of the juniors race

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Finley Whitaker, aged six, winner of the youngsters' race

5K winner James Broderick (right) and runner-up Tom Abrahams

Winford Ford ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 13:37 Page 1

Crossword page.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:10 Page 1

INTERNET

Christmas cheques

NO doubt we are all hoping for some lovely presents this Christmas.

But it’s also quite nice to have a cheque – fat or otherwise. But these days, banking a cheque can involve a bit of a trek to find our local bank, although you can also pay in at Post Offices. But we are much more hi-tech than that these days!

A lot of banks (Lloyds, Barclays etc) now offer an app for your phone. Check out the security and make sure you are happy with your bank’s set-up, and make sure you have a good password on your phone, so if you lose it, no one can pick it up and enjoy their Christmas instead of yours!

When you receive a cheque, you simply use the app to take a photo and it reads the details. Just follow the step-by-step instructions. The money is usually available the next working day. Once accepted, the cheque is processed just like paying it in at a branch. Except you don’t have to go and find it.

Apps will vary, but as a general rule – in the Mobile Banking app choose 'Cheques' from the main menu and select 'Deposit cheque'. Enter the exact value of the cheque. Add a reference – if you want – to remind you who the money is from or what it's for.

Scan the front and the reverse of the cheque – even if it's blank. You will probably be asked for permission to access the camera.

Lay the cheque on a flat surface with a dark background. Hold camera level and directly above. When a green border appears around the cheque, hold still for a moment. The app will then scan the cheque.

Once accepted, mark the back of the cheque as 'deposited' and keep the original paper cheque for 10 days, until its status reads 'Funds available' in 'Deposit History' within the 'Cheques' section of the app. Then destroy the cheque(s) – tearing or shredding are good ways to do this securely.

There are limits to the amounts on individual cheques and the total value of cheques you can pay in each day.

Most banks won’t charge a fee for using this service. But you may incur charges from your mobile network provider, for data usage – especially if you’re doing this out of the UK. If a cheque is rejected do not try to pay it in with the app again – the reason for rejection will be shown in 'History', within the 'Cheques' section of the app. If the cheque is made out to joint names, it can only be deposited into a joint account held in those names.

Submitted by IT for the Terrified : Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF 01934 741751 (usually goes to answer phone) www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com I.T. for the Terrified – for all your computer training needs. A skill-sharing, community project. Run by a Committee – Staffed by Volunteers Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600 This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us.

Or if you would like to share basic skills with others, please get in touch.

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 9 Explosive issue (3,6) 10 Revolve (5) 11 Screen clearer (5) 12 Piece of land nearly surrounded by water (9) 13 Risky (8) 14 Likeness (6) 15 A 26 Down near Stoke St. Michael (5,4,6) 19 Bishop ---, a settlement in the Pensford coal basin (6) 20 Cider-producing village near Churchill (8) 23 Paid a surprise visit (7,2) 25 Staff members? (5) 27 Language (5) 28 Condensed versions (9) DOWN 1 Mendip valley (4) 2 Drunken state (6) 3 Light brown horse (6)

4 5

6 7 8 13 16 17 18 21 22 24 26

Most populous city in the Western and Southern hemispheres (3,5) Small --- Knoll, a Bronze Age hill fort above Evercreech (4) A k a H1N1 (5,3) Odd (8) Obviously tired (6-4) Juggler lacked PDAs in Frome (10) Surpassing (8) Venomous arachnid (8) Beethoven's affliction (8) Its churchyard contains a Dole Table of local stone (6) Pub measures (6) Hamlet near Cranmore (4) Geographical area protected for its remarkable features (1,1,1,1)

THE GEORGE INN Croscombe

A great place to relax Win a £10 voucher off a meal at The George Inn with our prize crossword. The George Inn, between Wells and Shepton Mallet, is renowned for real ale, great food, cosy rooms and a warm welcome.

Correct entries are placed in a hat. The winner is the first name drawn. Please send entries with your name and address to: Crossword Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. Entries to be received by Wednesday, January 9th. l Last month’s winner was Mr DH Feltham of East Harptree.

T&Cs apply. Solution next month.

Last month’s solution can be found on page 113

Winscombe Cedars ad.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 09:23 Page 1

CARE GROUP WINSCOMBE HALL

Nursing | Dementia | Residential | Day Care | Respite

From your home to ours

Winscombe Hall is an elegant country house care home but still homely in the true sense of the word; warm, comfortable, stimulating, welcoming and we promote individual choice, privacy and comfort.

Call us and arrange to visit us for lunch, tea or possibly a respite stay and sample our locally sourced food and delicious homemade cakes.

Our highly trained clinical and care staff attend to your needs 24 hours a day. We pride ourselves on the quality of the care and surroundings we provide and on our attention to detail – let us show you what real care is.

Testimonial: 'My stay at Winscombe Hall has been at times of peace and happiness. Every member of staff has been so kind and helpful. It had indeed been a case of home from home. My grateful thanks to everyone. I am 96 years old and would be happy to return here for respite.' TH

Choice and independence

Call us on: 01934 843553 Winscombe Hall, Winscombe Hill, Winscombe, Somerset, BS25 1DH winscombe@cedarscaregroup.co.uk • www.cedarscaregroup.co.uk

History feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:31 Page 78

MENDIP TIMES

HISTORY

A family’s story of war, love and humanity, told after 100 years

By Steve Egginton

AS a young boy, Derek Payne noticed his grandfather, William, had toes missing after serving in WWI. Years later, his curiosity about what had happened has led to publication of his book, Letters To Doberitz, just published in time for the centenary of the WWI Armistice.

It tells how his young grandfather had lied about his age to volunteer for the navy, just before the outbreak of war and was sent to Antwerp with a marine brigade, since the navy at that time had more sailors than ships to serve on.

Within five days he was badly injured, captured, and spent the rest of the war in Doberitz prisoner of war camp, near Berlin, losing his toes to frostbite and suffering from shell shock.

Derek, from High Littleton, said: “It was the letters he received at the camp that are the basis of the book.”

Before going to war, William, an only child, had made his father Thomas promise that he would stay safe at home to look after his mother, Harriet.

But Thomas enlisted, despite being too old, and went to serve in front-line trenches.

For four years Thomas received regular letters from home, detailing everyday life Letter from the King Derek Payne

William pictured in sailors' uniform

William and Annie's wedding

back in Bristol. He copied and signed each of them and sent them back to his wife, who sent them on to their son in Germany, with a food parcel – and a Bristol post mark.

Derek said: “William was in a bad way and half-starved, so they kept this subterfuge up throughout the war, so he wouldn’t worry about his father or what was happening at home.”

The letters also introduced William to his future wife Annie.

They married on January 4th, 1919. His father did not get back in time for the wedding.

Derek, who has lived in High Littleton with his wife, Dorene, for 11 years, had a career in the packaging industry. He appeared on Dragons’ Den with a double bubble wrapping invention in 2016.

He said: “My father Sidney told me the story about grandfather when I was five and it just stuck in my mind. I spoke to him and elderly relatives years later to record it for the family. It took about five years to write the book.

“About three-quarters of the way through I realised I was writing a series of love stories set against the background of the war, as well as telling my family’s story.”

That story has now been told after 100 years.

Harriet and Thomas with Harriet’s nephew, James Sims, who was killed under his horse

Letters To Doberitz is published by Austin Macauley Publishers www.austinmacauley.com

PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

News page 33.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:37 Page 1

Sky’s the limit for Josh

A SUFFERER from spinal muscular atrophy, who grew up in Wells, has won the prestigious Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs.

Josh Wintersgill, who runs startSir Stelios presents Josh with his prize money up company Able Move, has designed a product to help people with mobility problems board and leave aircraft in more comfort and dignity.

The problems faced by travellers with mobility issues was highlighted last summer with stories about people struggling while travelling, waiting for transferring equipment, as well as specialist assistance — if it’s available.

Josh, who now lives in Bristol, won £30,000. He said his inspiration came from a book by Simon Sinek called “Start with the why”. Josh said: “After some reflection, I found my ‘why’ — to provide greater inclusion for people with reduced mobility within the aviation industry — the first step was founding Able Move.”

The awards are run by easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ionone and leading international charity Leonard Cheshire.

Volunteer of the year

RICHARD Ellis, from Cheddar, has been named as The Mendip Hills AONB Partnership’s Volunteer of the Year.

Richard is a one of their long-standing volunteer rangers regularly committing lots of time to visit Deer Leap and other sites to pick up litter, report problems and say “hello” to visitors.

He also volunteers on their practical tasks to mend drystone walls and improve wildlife areas. They say Richard is one of the unsung champions of the area, relentlessly giving up his time to make sure the Mendip Hills remain amazing for residents and visitors.

Sammy Fraser, volunteer co-ordinator, said: “Richard has been volunteering for the AONB for over eight years and has contributed a phenomenal amount of time to helping to preserve the AONB’s special qualities and engage with local people living in the area.

“He is extremely hard working and a real asset to our team - it's been a real pleasure to work with Richard since I've been in post.”

She’s pictured presenting the award in typical Mendip weather, with other volunteers.

Details: http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/caring-aboutthe-aonb/volunteering/ or call 01761 462338.

WWI galleries to stay?

NEWS

Pupils from Wells Cathedral Junior School with members of Wells Rotary Club and Wells Lions Club, gallery designer Geoff Dickson and Celia Wride, the mayor of Wells, who have funded visits to the WWI galleries by 200 primary school children. The clubs also financed the illumination of the poppies on the lawn of the Bishop’s Palace

THE ongoing popularity of a WWI exhibition at Wells and Mendip Museum means it may stay open, organisers have revealed.

Hundreds of schoolchildren and many adults have toured the galleries, which include a trench “experience” and tell the stories of individuals and families from the city and surrounding area involved in the conflict.

The galleries opened in August 2014 and have been adapted over time to reflect the events throughout WWI. Military historian Geoff Dickson, who oversaw the design of the galleries, said there was a chance that large parts of the exhibition could remain in place for the immediate future.

Meanwhile, a book called “Lest we forget … The men on the Wells War Memorial who died in the Great War” has been written by Sue Curragh and Pete Trueman and forms part of the Wells Remembers Project.

It tells the stories of the 99 men named on Wells War Memorial who died in WWI and of the families they left behind.

The book is on sale at the museum, priced £10.

Glastonbury’s new town clerk

GERARD Tucker – who has worked in local government for more than 20 years – has been appointed as the new town council clerk in Glastonbury.

Gerard succeeds Jane Czornij, who served in the role for 15 years and who remains part of the town council team as responsible finance officer.

The beautiful architecture of Gerard, who has been deputy clerk and neighbourhood the palace complemented theby planning officer since 2016, said: “I am incredibly excited artisan products the challenge before me particularly as more responsibilities are coming towards the lowest tier of local government to deliver. Glastonbury is a great place to work, with a community spirit unlike anywhere else I have previously worked.”

Denise Abbott, the mayor of Glastonbury added: “Jane’s shoes will be incredibly hard to fill and Glastonbury council would like to thank her for the sterling work she has done over the years. Now we look forward to the town’s future in Gerard’s capable hands.”

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 33

Business section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:24 Page 34

MENDIP TIMES

Big year ahead for Frome, says chamber chief THE current president of Frome Chamber of Commerce predicts an exciting but challenging year ahead for the town.

Simon Williams, from Williams and Harris financial and tax advisers, was speaking after the chamber organised a special meeting which brought together some of the larger businesses in town, Mendip District Council, Frome Town Council, Heart of South West LEP and Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

The aim was to give businesses a platform for discussing issues that concerned them and the topics ranged from problems experienced in the planning process, the ongoing debate about whether high speed broadband is being made available quickly enough, and the availability of sufficient grow-on space for businesses in town.

Simon said: “We also discussed how the education system is doing in preparing school leavers for work, and this provided useful feedback for Rachel Burrell from the Education Business Partnership who is working on that relationship between schools and colleges, and the needs required of the Somerset employment market.”

Before the meeting, a walk was held round the 11-acre Saxonvale site, a key redevelopment site in Frome, followed by a meeting with Nash Partnership and Acorn Developments who

Winner of 'Best Luxury Chauffeur Service Bristol' SME South West Enterprise Awards

Top quality transportation services in Somerset and Bristol Bristol Executive Travel provides corporate travel, airport and train transfers, meet and greet for students, wedding hire and private vehicles for sporting events Luxury travel now available in Somerset and Bristol

01934 261 598 info@bristolexecutivetravel.co.uk PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Time to network during the special chamber event

are taking the project forwards. There was also a visit to the Frome Business Park, a 23,000 square feet premium office development being developed by David and Hannah Nicholson of DNA Worldwide, due to open in the first half of 2019.

Simon added: “This was our signature event of the year… a key part of the chamber’s goal to make sure that the business community communicate openly and clearly with local government, and through that representation make sure that we keep building the Frome economy to support the local residents.

“Developments at Saxonvale and Market Place are critical to that future and the time is now for businesses to make their voices heard.”

Business section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:24 Page 35

BUSINESS

Welcome to our new offices

AFTER 40 years of being based in The Old Bank in Castle Cary, solicitors Bartlett, Gooding and Weelen have settled in to their new premises at the other end of the town.

The Old Exchange, just off Church Street, is now home to the Castle Cary team, led by Robin Weelen, which specialises in wills and probate and family law.

With easy parking and meeting rooms on the ground floor, the new BGW base is more convenient for both clients and the team, said Robin.

New signs have been installed outside the premises, which were also large enough to accommodate staff from the Glastonbury office.

As well as Robin, the Castle Cary team includes Karen Lucas, Justine Spacey, Sam Foot, Alison Mortley, Lynsey Rio and Charlotte Foley.

Robin said: “Everyone is very pleased by the move and we also have room here in which to grow.”

The Castle Cary team has now settled in to their new offices at The Old Exchange in Church Street

The Castle Cary office relocation follows a similarly successful move for the firm’s Cheddar team.

In July 2017, their new offices opened in Bath Street in Cheddar, next to – and above – the Post Office, with a large private car park at the rear behind Tesco. As with the Castle Cary

Our Services Include: Commercial and Residential Property Wills and Probate Litigation and Personal Injury Criminal and Family Law Agricultural, Business and Commercial Employment Shepton Mallet: 57 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AQ. Tel: 01749 330330

office, the premises are comfortable and spacious.

The new offices match the firm’s proud claim that it is dynamic, energetic, innovative and progressive with the right blend of youth and experience – and completely independent.

First and foremost we wish all our clients, professional contacts and Mendip Times readers a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2019.

We look forward to continuing to provide high quality legal services to our clients both old and new during the coming year. Despite the daily scare stories about Brexit, the property market has held up well in 2018 so we are hoping for a repeat of the last couple of years when things fired into action in January and the market remained strong.

Once again, Bill Bartlett is involved in the organisation of the MidSomerset Agricultural Society’s Wassail Evening on Wednesday, January 16th at the Village Green, North Wootton, starting at 6.30pm.

All the traditional things: large bonfire, choosing of wassail prince or princess, ritual feeding of the tree with toast and cider, singing of the wassail song, shooting muzzle-loading gun into the Wassail tree and lots of noise so do bring posts and pans, hunting horns, soccer rattles etc.

Afterwards, for £8 a head, entertainment and cider-makers’ supper in the Village Hall – clog dancers, Mummers, traditional songs and music.

Numbers are limited so ‘phone to book (and pay) early. Pay bar with soft drinks, cider and mulled cider.

If anyone requires further information, please call Bill at the Shepton Office (number below).

Castle Cary: e Old Exchange, Church Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7EJ. Tel: 01963 350888

Cheddar: Bath Street Chambers, Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA. Tel: 01934 745400

Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 35

Business section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:24 Page 36

MENDIP TIMES

Make your dream bathroom or kitchen a reality with Angel Interiors ANGEL Interiors is a family-run business based in Winford, boasting a team of award-winning designers and talented installers, all of whom have a wealth of experience along with an approachable manner.

They will take care of everything from design and supply, right through to installation, to help you make your dream bathroom or kitchen a reality.

Angel Interiors provides an impressive yet welcoming showroom, where you can feel relaxed and inspired, exploring a plethora of products and ideas to create your dream bathroom or kitchen.

Whether working alongside a client’s own tradesmen or with those seeking a turnkey solution, they can fully project manage each design from concept through to completion.

Here is a little look at one of their latest completed projects, note how much detail goes into their creations.

In this exquisite creation, designed by in-house award winning designer Tim Baber, the book matched marble effect gives a dramatic back drop, teamed with a his and hers shower area, bespoke glass screen and a stunning nickel freestanding bath.

BUSINESS

A trendy yet classic statement – carrying the clear, elegant lines of a more traditional style, whilst offering a contemporary dynamic presence with a luxurious artistic statement.

Details: To discuss your project in more detail with one of their designers call 01275 595359 or email info@angelinteriors.co.uk

Discount offer on will writing service

PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

AWARD-winning funeral director Wells Funeral Services are offering a £50 discount off their will writing service from the beginning of January until the end of March.

The service is just one of many offered by WFS, which prides itself on putting the customer first. First and foremost, it offers bespoke and affordable funeral services – and even eulogy drafting – but owner Rod Major and the team believe that helping families in advance of any bereavement is just as important.

Recent testimonials include: “I cannot thank you enough for making this awful time much easier and smoother than myself and my family expected. Rod went above and beyond and did exactly what was required for our needs. We were on a budget and his costs were by far the best around. Thank you again. *Tabby P. Other introduced services offered by Wells Funeral Services include living wills, lasting powers of attorney, fixed fee probate and protective property trusts.

Business section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:24 Page 37

Business section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:24 Page 38

MENDIP TIMES

Accountants celebrate 60 years in business CHEW Magna based accountancy practice, Underwood Lamb, will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2019.

Founded back in the pre-decimalisation days of 1959, when the top rate of income tax was around 90% and the UK had yet to apply to even join the EEC (was it known as “Brentry” back then?), the firm has certainly seen many changes during its 60year history.

Managing director, Rod Podger, who recently celebrated his 30th year with the firm, recalls some of the changes he has witnessed since joining Underwood Lamb.

“When I first joined the firm as a trainee, there were still comptometers (mechanical adding machines) in the office store room and some clients still used old cashbooks

with pounds, shillings and pence columns.

“The firm was beginning to use computers although only large, greenscreened monsters with unreliable external 5.25-inch floppy disk drive storage and very noisy dot matrix printers.

“The term desktop in those days meant it did literally fill an entire desktop! Those devices are a million miles away from the mobile devices, virtual desktops and cloudbased accounting systems we use today.”

Although technological advancements have brought many benefits in terms of speed, accuracy and access to financial and accounting information, Rod sympathises with some clients who prefer the “old fashioned pen and paper” approach.

He said: “We have clients that have been in business for many decades and would still prefer to keep manual records. The somewhat hurried and prescriptive move to digital records under the Making Tax Digital initiative would, in my opinion, have been better implemented on a voluntary basis and only made compulsory

for new businesses.”

The first phase of the Making Tax Digital initiative will affect VAT registered business with an annual turnover of over £85,000 from April 2019 with all business likely to need to make changes over the next few years.

Underwood Lamb are assisting and urging clients and all businesses to understand how the changes may have an impact on how they record and report their business transactions.

Details: Rod Podger 01275 332612 or email rod@ulco.com

PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Business section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:24 Page 39

BUSINESS

Was £59.99 Now only £27.99 While stocks last!

toolhireltd.co.uk • 01275 332693 Winford Business Park, Chew Road, Winford BS40 8HJ MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 39

Business section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:24 Page 40

MENDIP TIMES

Caveclimb.com

CHEDDAR-based Caveclimb.com has won the Gold award in the Active and Sporting Experience category of the Bristol, Bath and Somerset tourism awards.

The company, run

by Andy and Rachel Sparrow and Lawrence Wilson specialises in caving, climbing and abseiling in Cheddar, Burrington and Wells.

All are experts in what they do, with a huge number of 5star plaudits on TripAdvisor and a customer base that ranges from youngsters to corporates, hen parties to outdoor specialists.

Andy said: “We are very good at getting it just right for whatever group of people we have. If they don’t want to go crawling through little holes, they don’t have to.”

Since 1985 he has been leading Cheddar Caving Club’s exploration of Cheddar caves.

One of the judges who visited Caveclimb said: “Excellent, way exceeded my expectations.”

LECATCHER MO

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

HOLIDAY LET

CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY

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

Tel 01761 451787

www.cameleylodgelaundry.co.uk

RUBBISH CLEARANCE SERVICE Licensed Waste Carrier Single items to whole houses, garages and gardens cleared For a free no obligation quote, please call John: 01761 410424 or mobile 07919 584737

PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Two-bedroom Ground Floor Flat at WEST BAY – between Lyme Regis and Weymouth

For details and availability call: 01963 23456

Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business

Business section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:24 Page 41

BUSINESS

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 41

Business section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:24 Page 42

MENDIP TIMES

Culture and big cats

TRAVEL

ARE you fed up with the weather and in need of some sunshine? How about a trip to the Indian sub-continent?

For wildlife lovers Nep-In-Sri offer an all in one trip looking for “Three Big Cats” – Asiatic lions, leopards and tigers based in Gujarat and Rajasthan (November to March) or a combined “Culture and Wildlife” trip to Sri Lanka.

Guests just returning from there have said “amazing trip, awesome, fantastic, incredible, lovely, just gets better by the day!”

If you are looking for a challenge, how about a trek in Nepal – “In the Footsteps of Hillary to Everest Base Camp” which you could also do as a charity event. For more details of these trips and many more, please see advert for contact details.

Luxury travel specialists

Please ring to register – only 50 places available!

THORNTONS Travel @ Chew Valley have been the South West’s top agent for the luxury tour operator Carrier for the last seven years.

Carrier are specialists in luxury, tailor-made holidays worldwide, including perfect villas and Manager Gin Ford receiving the trophy yacht hire.

While it is tempting to while away the hours online undertaking your own research into the perfect holiday, both Carrier and Thornton’s @ Chew Valley can do that for you.

As well as specialising in many destinations, they can advise on the perfect luxury family friendly destination or idyllic settings for weddings and honeymoons.

They have been to many of the destinations that Carrier feature, such as Montana on a ranch, fly fishing on the Blackfoot river and herding cattle on horseback.

Seattle is a beautiful city with so much to see and do; Venice the ideal weekend retreat; in Kenya visit both the Amboseli and Masai Mara; Dubai has so much to offer; imagine Daios Cove in Crete in a luxury hotel with a private beach.

Calling all photography, wildlife, bird-watching, walking, cycling, golfing, honeymoon and travel enthusiasts.

Are you looking for a “once-in-a-lifetime” holiday to Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Tibet and Bhutan? all itineraries are tailor-made and priced to suit your own personal requirements.

Please look at: www.nepinsri-travel.co.uk Call us on: 07909 411 450 • email: info@nepinsri-travel.co.uk PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Business section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:24 Page 43

Tips to keep your family home safe this Christmas DURING the festive period our homes are adorned with beautiful decorations, twinkling lights and various gifts. The last thing on our minds during this season is the danger we could be causing; use our tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday: 1. Get covered Although home insurance isn’t a legal necessity, it’s worth investing in! Christmas is a prime time for burglars and you should consider covering yourself in case the worst happens.

2. Keep presents out of view However tempting it might be to have a mound of presents under the Christmas tree, if this is visible from a window or door, it’s a beacon to burglars of where to hit you the hardest.

3. Avoid Social Media Posting photos of Christmas parties, Christmas markets and other trips away from the house gives thieves a fantastic opportunity to visit your home while no one is there. Likewise – posting photos of the beautiful expensive gifts you’ve received gives thieves an inventory of what they might find in your home and more of a reason to visit.

4. Make the house look lived in If you do leave the house during the Christmas period – leave lights on, or use a lights timer. Ask neighbours to keep an eye on your property or leave a car in your driveway so it looks as though you’re home.

5. Make sure your Christmas lights are safe All of the Christmas lights you use should carry the British

BUSINESS

Safety Standard logo and it is a recommendation to use low voltage LED lights on your tree (and water real trees regularly to avoid dry branches), which will help reduce the risk of your tree catching fire.

6. Hide present packaging Leaving boxes and packaging obviously outside is another beacon to criminals of what you’ve bought and is likely to be in your home. Rip up boxes and be as discreet as possible.

7. Check doors and windows Make sure all of your locks are working correctly and that all doors and windows are securely locked. You can also look into upgrading your locks or adding extra security measures.

8. Make prior arrangements for parcels if you are out Leaving notes on your door for a courier to say where to leave a parcel is an open invitation for a burglar to know you’re not at home.

If you would like to invest in home insurance this Christmas to protect your family home, Higos insurance Services have access to a number of products from leading insurers, enabling them to make sure your needs are catered for and your possessions are properly protected.

High Net Worth home insurance products cater for art, antiques and jewellery collections, offering a personal service and full support in the event of any claims.

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 43

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:54 Page 17

MENDIP TIMES

All aboard the Santa Special Midsomer Norton

FAMILIES packed a series of Santa Special trains at Midsomer Norton station, organised by the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust and hauled by the line’s resident engine, Joyce.

Saying hello to families on board the train

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Christmas shopping night Winscombe

Father Christmas arrives Father Christmas and Joyce

Wrington Vale Inner Wheel

Evercreech

CRAFT workshops for children and adults added to the festive atmosphere in Evercreech when the village’s Christmas tree lights were switched on.

Fun in the craft workshops at The Old Co-op, run by artist Nik Slade

PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Harbour and mum Sally

Greenspace ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 13:45 Page 1

Education section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:29 Page 46

MENDIP TIMES

Bath College Somer Valley campus: your local choice BASED in Radstock, Bath College’s Somer Valley campus offers a rural setting for a wide range of courses and apprenticeships.

The beautiful campus grounds house the animal care, animal management and veterinary courses, where the resident award-winning pygmy goats frolic outside. There is also an aviary with chickens, guinea fowl and birds of prey.

Inside a whole range of animals can be found, from reptiles to aquatic species to rodents.

This location is also perfect for horticulture apprentices to specialise in landscaping, production, plant and soil science, parks, gardens or green spaces.

Back inside and students and apprentices can be found in the motor vehicle workshop learning all things vehicle maintenance and repair, gaining the technical skills to progress in the industry. Next door, engineering courses of varying levels are taking place, where students are learning how to build everything from aeroplanes to buildings.

PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

A purpose-built painting and decorating centre allows students to practice specialist decorative finishes and wallpapering in a realistic setting.

The Somer Valley campus is home to a state-of-the-art construction skills centre, a venue for many regional and national competitions. It has large electric, carpentry, brickwork, stonemasonry, woodwork, plumbing and refrigeration

workshops inside filled with skilled students and apprentices.

Bath College also has a large number of foundation learning programmes for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Coming soon to Somer Valley Campus is a brand new SEND centre which will provide a safe and inviting environment for students to further develop their skills.

Education section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:29 Page 47

Millfield Pre-Prep maths morning

IF your child is aged 18 months-six years and would like to explore Millfield Pre-Prep you can book a place on their Magnificent Maths open morning on Friday, February 8th, 10.30am-12pm.

Based around the magical world of maths, the morning will include an interactive and educational workshop.

Children will be encouraged to think mathematically through fun activities and the morning will end with a short and exciting maths show for both parents and children to enjoy.

Their pupils frequently engage in hands-on problem solving, using analytical thinking and interactive resources to aid learning. At Millfield Pre-Prep, they encourage a love of learning and aim to inspire each child to make the most of their potential.

They utilise a dynamic topic-based, child-led curriculum, small class sizes and fantastic indoor and outdoor learning spaces and activities. Frequent trips and

an on-site Forest School, walled and sensory gardens, apple orchards and a soft play area give children the space and freedom to let their imaginations run wild.

Their all-round education ensures their children get the individual care they need, and they offer over 20 free after-school activities (including pottery, computer skills and trampolining) or, an Early

EDUCATION

Birds and Late Club and a daily Minis toddler group during term time for ages one-three.

To explore the wonderful world of PrePrep, arrange a personal visit or book a place on their fun-filled Magnificent Maths Open Morning by contacting Flora Coward on 01458 837763 or coward.f@millfieldprep.com or visiting millfieldschool.com/openmorning

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 47

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:55 Page 18

MENDIP TIMES

Shepton’s bright lights Shepton Mallet

HUNDREDS of people enjoyed the spectacle at Shepton Mallet’s Christmas tree lights event.

Chelwood lunch Chelwood

Elaine Symes and Pat Gallop who were running the Christmas raffle

Helen Reader, the town’s “fairy godmother” with Annabel and Olive

Mabel, aged seven, switched on the lights after winning a fancy dress competition

A CHRISTMAS soup lunch raised £546 towards the external redecoration of the church and hall at Chelwood, which has recently been completed.

Allchurches Trust Ltd, owners of Ecclisiastical Insurance Group, have also given a grant of £1,000.

Hospital’s fundraiser Paulton

PAULTON Hospital’s League of Friends held their Christmas Fayre at the community unit with stalls ranging from a tombola to crafts.

The fayre raised around £1,400; part will be used to purchase presents for patients staying over Christmas and the balance will go towards the group’s general fund for equipment and furnishings at the hospital.

Imogen, aged eight and nursing a dislocated shoulder from a gymnastics fall, ran a stall inviting people to guess the number of sweets in the jar. She is pictured with mum Debbie (right) and fellow stallholder Carol

Members of the town’s Rotary club were offering refreshments PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Fayre organiser Jayne Stenner (back) with Father Christmas, youngsters Grace and Buddy and two of the hospital team

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:55 Page 19

East Harptree

Father Christmas dropped in for the Christmas tree sale at the East Harptree Community Shop. The shop has now been running for ten years, supported by about 20 volunteers.

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Young and old get together Paulton

SOME 45 Paulton senior citizens gathered together for their Christmas lunch, organised by the Senior Citizens Lunch club, led by June Drake, treasurer, Pat Jones, secretary and June Maggs, chairman and other members of the committee They enjoyed wonderful Christmas food, served by the Tesco Community team, led by the Tesco Community Champion, Becky Eschle.

They were then treated to a delightful rendering of Christmas songs and carols, from 3S, Paulton Junior School, led by their teacher, Robin Smith.

The senior citizens’ luncheon club meets on the second Wednesday of the month in the Scouts Hut, 12noon. As well as organising lunches, day trips also take place. All are welcome.

If interested, contact June Drake.

Children from East Harptree CofE primary school staged a nativity play, called “The Bossy King”

Winford

The reception class at Winford Primary School performed their own version of the nativity story Christmas Counts and were fantastic!

Bishop Sutton

Sutton Theatre Company's latest offering, Robin Hood, was a huge success MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 49

News page 50.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:37 Page 1

MENDIP TIMES

NEWS

Communities step in to save libraries GROUP of volunteers have stepped in to try to save Castle Cary, Bruton, Street and Somerton libraries from closure.

They are establishing community partnerships to maintain services from April onwards. The four libraries are amongst 13 which will remain open until March 31st whilst work progresses to develop the partnerships. They were due to close as a result of Somerset county council cost savings. Two other libraries – Highbridge and Sunningdale, in Yeovil, will close at the end of December, whilst 19 will remain under county council control.

In Castle Cary, the Friends of Castle Cary Community Library will aim to form a partnership with the council. The group says a huge amount of work has gone in to making the dream of keeping the library open a reality. The library service had to be convinced that the local community had the people, the finance and the commitment to maintain a viable service.

Roger Weldhen, chairman of the trustees, said: “We are delighted that the county council has accepted our bid to run the library. We are sensitive to the fact that the change means job losses, but without our offer the library would close and it is likely that it would be

Lanterns taking shape

WORKSHOPS have been held in Shepton Mallet ahead of the town’s annual illuminated lantern festival and procession.

Lanterns made from willow and tissue paper have been created at the Paul Street Community Centre whilst sculptor Fiona Campbell has been working with volunteers at the Art Bank Café to create a giant octopus from recycled materials which will lead the parade on Saturday, December 22nd.

Castle Cary’s library has a bright future under community control

replaced with a mobile library.”

In Bruton, the plan is for The Ward Library Trust to run the facility with volunteers and some council-funded staff. Somerton and Street will be mostly staff-led with some volunteer support.

Creating a lantern at the community centre

Kai-Thomas Roth, a professional cello and violin maker, prepares to restore his lantern from the first festival

Fiona Campbell (centre) at work on the octopus with volunteers Angela and Kate

The procession will gather at the town’s Collett Park at 6pm before processing into the town centre. For details, visit: ww.sheptonlanternfestival.org.uk

PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:58 Page 25

MENDIP TIMES

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Charity Santas Frome

THE charity We Hear You’s annual Santa dash saw 114 locals run a festive 4k dressed as Father Christmas to raise money for the free counselling service for people affected by cancer. info@wehearyou.org.uk or call 01373 455255

Church wins National Lottery support Glastonbury

THE traditional Holy Thorn cutting ceremony in Glastonbury was one of the last events to be held at St John’s Church before it is closed for major renovations lasting for up to a year.

Orson “Oz” Roberts, the eldest pupil at St John’s Infants School, performed the ceremony. The sprig was then sent to Buckingham Palace by post.

St John’s has been awarded a National Lottery grant of £465,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for its Securing the Future project. The project aims to celebrate the heritage of the Grade 1 listed church, by providing a better welcome and interpretation of its history and building closer relationships with different communities in Glastonbury, including disadvantaged groups and young people.

Project Manager Larry Schenck said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. This award, with other funds raised, allows the work to begin in January 2019.

“While the church will be closed for most, if not all, of 2019, we are already planning a variety of activities and events in addition to our regular services, as well as sharing our history and heritage with all who visit or live in Glastonbury.”

Fellow pupils at the ceremony

Oz with the Holy Thorn cutting, as Glastonbury mayor Denise Abbott and the Rev. David MacGeoch, vicar of St John’s, look on

In what is thought to be a first for the ceremony, Oz was not the only member of his family to cut a sprig; his elder brother Beren did the same several years ago

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 51

Wedding feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:36 Page 52

MENDIP TIMES

QUALITY MARQUEES FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT • High Peaked Roofs • Clear Roofs and Window Walls so ‘Conservatory Ends or Entrances’ can be created. Also Flame Towers.

Call the Marquee Specialists, Tel: 01761 221366

• Furniture • Starlight Lining • Dance floors • Lighting • Fridge trailer hire Email enquiries: info@jgmarquees.co.uk • Website: www.jgmarquees.co.uk

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

The Market House, Castle Cary

THIS historic building is licensed to hold weddings for up to 70 guests.

If you are looking for an intimate, individual and atmospheric wedding, then this is the venue for you!

The striking combination of historic Castle Cary stone and the contemporary architecture provides a ready-made, stunning backdrop for your ceremony.

The unique design of the room allows you to choose a layout to suit your preferences; take advantage of the natural light pouring from the glass ceiling and the beautiful arched wooden window frames, providing the grand entrance that every bride deserves.

You may also wish to take advantage of The Undercroft to allow your guests to mingle and toast the happy couple after the ceremony, whatever the weather.

The picturesque streets of Castle Cary play host to the cobbled Pitching, the intriguing Round House and stunning views from Lodge Hill, perfect for those memorable photographs.

As well as weddings, the building is available to hire for parties, exhibitions, music performances, meetings, coffee mornings and more. Their Tuesday Market runs from 9am–2 pm every week and the Vintage Market is on the first Sunday of every month.

Details: 01963 351763 email markethouse.bookings@castle-cary.co.uk or go to www.markethousecastlecary.com

For occasions to remember!

JG MARQUEES have been providing top quality marquee hire in Bristol, Bath and the South West since 1993 covering practically every size of marquee required.

Whatever your event, from weddings and family parties to corporate hospitality, film shoots and sporting events, JG Marquees have an extensive range of marquees to suit every occasion and pride themselves on delivering first class service every time, at highly competitive prices.

JG Marquees is a family run business by Jeremy Griffin, who is a hands-on owner operator whose philosophy is “to be big enough to matter but small enough to care” and where quality is remembered, long after the price is forgotten.

Wedding feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:36 Page 53

Consult the experts

YOU will probably have noticed that more and more often these days weddings and other major events are being planned at more unusual and often remote rural locations. And the facilities we associate with more traditional venues are just not there.

However, there is a solution, thanks to Chew Valley Hire.

With over 20 years’ experience in organising mobile loos and showers, they have probably encountered every possible scenario and can satisfy all your requirements for a smoothrunning wedding experience in even the remotest location.

They can also provide Trackway to ensure that all your guests and their vehicles can safely get to the wedding and not get stuck!

So, if you are going to need any of these facilities at your chosen venue, get in touch with Chew Valley Hire Ltd on 01761 221105 or on-line at www.mobiletoilets.co.uk

FOCUS ON WEDDINGS

Swans – a symbol of love

WITH enduring popularity, Erica Sharpe’s Swan Collection was the first she designed. Inspired by the beauty and movement of wild swans, it captures their elegance perfectly in a range of alluring and stylish forms.

Swans form lifelong bonds with their partners, which emphasises the collection’s significance of love and commitment – perfect for engagements, anniversaries and Valentine’s gifts!

Over 30 years’ experience

AT Topline Catering they understand that you want everything to be perfect for your wedding day and their team of chefs, kitchen and waiting staff ensure that all your guests are properly looked after, leaving you to enjoy your perfect day.

All their dishes are locally sourced and freshly prepared, and they offer friendly and expert guidance and advice to help make your wedding a special and memorable occasion. You want your wedding day to be an event that you and your family and friends will have many great memories of, long into the future.

As well as the more traditional multi-course hot meal menus you can choose from canapés, finger and fork buffet menus, sharing platters and even big pan, hog roast and Caribbean style BBQ menus. Topline also have links with several trusted complementary service providers, e.g. wedding DJ, photographer, bar and marquee hire and also some very special wedding venues.

Details: 01275 333308, the office is open 9am to 5pm, six days a week or online www.toplinecatering.co.uk

If you are looking for quality mobile toilet and shower hire, or Trackway hire in the Bath, Bristol, Shepton Mallet, Wells & Glastonbury areas, call Chew Valley Hire Ltd on 01761 221 105

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 53

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:59 Page 26

MENDIP TIMES

Market attracts the crowds Binegar

Evie takes a bite from a gingerbread biscuit she decorated

ORGANISERS of a Christmas market at Rookery Farm at Binegar say more than 1,000 people visited during the day.

Bad weather at the start of the day had deterred some stallholders from taking part in the event, which was raising money for Chewton Mendip primary school.

Businesses based at Rookery Farm supported the market.

Ella with a glittery nose Rookery Farm owner Adelle Hobbs said: “We made the best of what we had and everyone was truly amazing, supporting this event.”

Enjoying the treats on a stall run by Chewton Mendip School

Pensford

Abigail, Jessica, Harriet and Kirsty with Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and the elves

PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Father Christmas and his elf greet youngsters in the grotto

Publow

More than 200 people attended the Christmas market at All Saints Church, Publow. Pictured on the tea stall are (l to r) Jill Bat, Pam Hitchins, Jean McMahon and Joanne Bamford

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:59 Page 27

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Wedmore By Lamplight Wedmore

Some of the team from Essence Hair and Beauty

Kings of Wessex band

Wedmore scouts and guides had a stall

Carols by the Christmas tree

Dressing the crib at St Mary's

Strode College students Sophie Frankpitt (left) and Ava Hobson were raising funds with their friend Poppy Landers for a cultural exchange in India. They have to raise £1,300 each.

One of the street entertainers

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 55

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:57 Page 24

MENDIP TIMES

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Cheers to Reindeer Parade WELLS

Members of community choir Joyful Spirit raise a cup of cheer ahead of their performance on stage

This parade is a stroll in the park: the Cairngorm Reindeer team limber up Kiss and tell: mistletoe sellers

Amelia (left) and Ruby-May enjoy one of the rides put on by Mendip Slides

Celia Wride, the mayor of Wells and Piers Rose, president of event organisers, the Rotary Club of Wells, with the winners and runners-up of the poetry and painting competitions

PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Christmas bouquets on sale in the Market Square

Wawa (left) and Gina, two Wells Cathedral School students who were helping the rotary club

Wildlife page.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:32 Page 40

Happy New Year! The awakening begins . . .

THE shut down of nature in winter seems to be something we see as we pass through natural landscapes on our daily travels. However, standing still is something the natural world never does.

Try gently parting the leaves on the woodland floor and even in January you

By CHRIS will find spring plants starting to burst SPERRING through the ground; if you do this don’t MBE forget to put the leaves back as you found them as there are still some pretty harsh winter conditions to come and the old leaves of autumn create an important micro-climate protecting those emerging spring plants in the depths of winter.

Obviously, some birds such as robin and wren will sing even in winter, but species such as blackbird don’t, or do they? Have you got blackbirds in your garden right now? If so, do you have a hedge or shrubs where once the blackbirds have fed, they retreat to even in the daylight to rest up?

Well if you have, and if the blackbird is male, try standing close to that hedge without scaring it off and stand in absolute silence, because what you’re going to be listening out for is a male blackbird in full song.

But, not as you’re used to hearing it, as it will be delivered so quietly that even at three metres away it is a real strain to hear. Yet it is singing its full song but without any volume.

It’s not warning off rival males and it’s not attracting a mate, so I reckon they’re just practising. The food you are probably providing during these winter months is giving them security and, without having to spend all of their time and energy searching for food, they can afford to prepare for spring by rehearsing.

WILDLIFE

Looking for love – foxes are getting ready for spring

Wintering thrushes like redwing and fieldfare will be coming closer and closer to suburban gardens to feed as the rich, berry-laden scrub plants of autumn finally run out.

Watch out for them in large numbers during a cold snap or snow cover, when they will flock into towns looking for food.

At close quarters these two thrushes are easy to tell apart as the larger fieldfare has the grey head and tail on a typical thrush heavily-spotted body, whereas the redwing is smaller (the same as size as our resident song thrush) with darker upper parts and a red flash on itswing (hence its name). The song thrush by comparison has a yellow flash under the wing.

Mammals are also not standing still, and preparation for the next season is already well underway. If you get some spare time during the new year and can find a safe place to stand close to woodland or open ground spend a good hour during and after dusk listening out for the bone-chilling screams of vixens and the long, exaggerated barks of the dog foxes. Now is the time foxes mate and during frosty evenings they let other foxes know they are ready for the spring.

Spending time among nature has been proven scientifically to be good for our mental and physical health. I’m planning to lead a series of wildlife walks throughout 2019, so please do get in touch if you’d like to hear more about where and when these will take Wintering thrushes such as redwing and fieldfare can been seen looking for food in place. suburban gardens Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him via chris.sperring@btinternet.com

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 57

Walking DPS.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:37 Page 58

MENDIP TIMES

Highs and lows on this Westbury walk

THIS short morning or afternoon circle is a walk of two halves starting at Westbury-sub-Mendip and taking in a long high ridge with splendid views over the Somerset Levels before dropping down across the flat fields, walking parallel with the old Strawberry railway line. Our route is on quiet lanes and through fields. Be warned, there is a steep hill near the

start out of Westbury and several stiles including a line of traditional old stone slab stiles. Some stiles have doggy gates built in and others are not complete barriers so they should not be a problem for your dog. Back in Westbury it’s worth visiting the church with its very ancient yew tree and a poignant Commonwealth War Grave.

PARK: In Westbury-sub-Mendip, which is tucked on the south side of the Mendip escarpment between Cheddar and Wells on the main A371 road. Be aware that this road is currently closed at Draycott, if travelling from the Cheddar direction. In the village turn up School Hill by the stone cross and park somewhere up here or in the Square, a few yards on. Our walk starts at the Square.

START: From the Square, go back down School Road a short way and then turn right up the Hollow, climbing. After about four minutes, reach a footpath and stile in the hedge on the right. Once over, head straight up steeply to the very visible seat up on the top.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

1. SEAT The climb is worthwhile when you see the magnificent south-facing view spread out below. It’s a great place to get an idea of the isolated hills down on the Levels, which when it was

flooded would have been islands and island communities.

With the seat behind you, turn right climbing a little more. When you reach the corner, your ascent is over! Now the next section of the route is very straightforward – simply continue along the ridge over several stiles, always in the same direction. At the end in a field go ahead and drop down to a stile onto Westfield Lane. Turn left passing Bucklegrove Holiday Park and bending round to reach the main road.

2. MILLWAY With care cross over and take Millway opposite, dropping downhill towards

Walking DPS.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:37 Page 59

Rodney Stoke. This is a Thankful Village where all those from the village who fought in WWI returned safely.

There is a memorial plaque and a memorial window in the church. To visit the church continue to the end of Millway and turn left. It’s about a ten minute detour in total.

For our walk, don’t go all the way to the end of Millway. Instead, after a few minutes, opposite Millway Cottage, turn left on the marked footpath into a field. Follow the right edge heading towards the flat land of the Somerset Levels. At the hedge corner bear across left towards a visible stile. This is actually a footbridge and stile. After crossing it, carry on across the next field. Reach a hedge corner jutting out on the left. Now head down the left side of the field. Not far from the end, just past a cattle trough, go left through a metal gate on an unmarked track between hedges. Follow this as it bends and reaches a junction with a lane, Rough Moor Lane.

3. LANE Turn right and shortly go left over a stile following the footpath marker.

Head down the length of the field. You can see, over on the right in the hedge, the raised bank of the old Strawberry Line – the Cheddar Valley line from Yatton to Wells. There are hopes that in time the route can be turned into a cycle/walkway along its whole length.

At present it only reaches as far as Cheddar.

WALKING Le

OS Explorer 141, Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West, grid ref: 501 488 3.25 miles, about 1.75 hours walking.

Cross a stile at the end of the field and carry on through two more fields along the left edge. At the end of the second field go over the stile, or through the gate.

4. CONCRETE FARM TRACK Cross over the concrete farm track and, a few yards on reach two metal pedestrian gates ahead. Take the left one and turn up the grassy track,

passing Croft Lane Farm and continuing up to the lane. Turn right.

On the way pass the recreation ground with the old railway canopy recovered from the former station of Lodge Hill not far from here. It’s worth going into the rec to read the notice on the stone plinth explaining the former station.

Continue all the way to the main A371 road and turn right.

5. WESTBURY-SUB-MENDIP Soon come into Westbury-sub-Mendip, passing the community shop on the left and then reaching the ancient stone preaching cross near where you started.

It’s worth going along a few yards further on the main road and on the bend turn down right to visit the parish church. It has an amazing veteran yew tree in the churchyard, possibly about 1,000 years old. Also in the churchyard, look for the white stone Commonwealth War Grave to young Private J. Millard who tragically died in WWI just four days before the Armistice.

The recently refurbished Westbury Inn, just round the bend, is well worth a visit too.

The Westbury Inn. Daily 10am-11pm, from breakfast, through lunch and dinner.

Home cooking.

Tel: 01749 970402.

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 59

Outdoors page.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:38 Page 64

MENDIP TIMES

OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s diary

I HOPE that Christmas will have been a great success and above all an enjoyable time for you and your loved ones.

New Year now With LES approaches and with DAVIES MBE the shortest day behind, I am looking forward to spring.

It’s still a long way to go however and lots to do before the mornings start to get lighter and the evenings draw out.

As always at this time of year we look back on what has happened to us, our family and the world over the past 12 months. I have no intention of making any New Year Resolutions, but instead make yet another commitment to doing all the things that I enjoy doing and looking after all those places and people that mean so much to me.

Each year that circle becomes wider as I meet more people and experience new places. This does not mean I need to travel the world, but it does mean I need to discover more of what is about me and to appreciate it more. Life is often about the simple pleasures and the contentment that being in the natural environment can bring.

You have heard this from me many times before, but today’s life is so very busy and so very stressful for so many people. I have always said that I am lucky to do what I enjoy doing, it’s not like a real job and as I look at the “real” world of traffic congestion, car parks and trying to find a parking space, or walking around a busy shopping centre, I count my blessings of being where I am and doing what I do.

My philosophy is to try and make a difference in the one lifetime that I have.

Contentment is often difficult to attain, we need the next pay cheque to pay for the desirables as well as the essentials. Success in this world is often measured by that pay cheque, which in many cases bring with it untold pressures. Political leanings to one side, I would not want to be a Prime Minister!

One of the other aspects of life that I look at is the need to pass on this knowledge I have accrued over the years. I am no university professor, no great academic, but I have gained knowledge and experience that needs to be shared.

Without being able to pass this on, what is the purpose of amassing it?

We were all young and ambitious once – I remember the time I would have set the world alight, only to find that I didn’t have enough matches to do it! To be able to enthuse and encourage others is perhaps the greatest of achievements.

Working with school children can be both the most wonderful thing and the most stressful thing at the same time.

However when the light of understanding and appreciation radiates from them, it has a profound effect upon those it falls on.

The last Mendip Ploughing Society match was one such occurrence, when the schools who paid a visit on the day wrote some letters of thanks to the landowner.

There were so many expressions of enjoyment and thanks enclosed within those letters, including one comment from a young pupil: “This has been the best day of my life!”

As we become older, we start to “fall apart” a little more. The head however still thinks as it did in our younger days and is often in the habit of writing a cheque that the body cannot cash. Those years of working for a living (and I do count myself in this category) will take its toll on our mortal framework and in truth there is little we can do to change that.

Ageing is a process that none of us can stop, but keeping an active mind is, I am convinced, the key to enjoying life. This morning I had a phone call from an old friend who has moved away from Mendip and like so many cannot escape its haunting presence that still lingers within him. Mendip is one of those places that gets right into you!

Many will no doubt be asking what all this has to do with being outdoors? My answer is simple, because for me that is where I find my inspiration and my solace.

Mendip on a wild and windy day has all the passion of Dartmoor and the Pennines.

Emily Bronte could well have written Wuthering Heights on Mendip, or Arthur Conan-Doyle placed Sherlock Holmes in the middle of Black Down. Wild and windy does not have to be vast and open.

Then there are those warm summer days when the skylark sings high above and the quiet buzz of insects fill the air with the busy sound of their daily existence. The low sun of autumn that picks out every hump and hollow in the grassland landscape, with their presence having eluded you before.

After winter will come that spring I mentioned earlier. It will bring tokens of promise for another good year to come and the primroses will once again poke their heads out beneath hedgerow to greet the sun.

What lies ahead is unknown to any of us, but all of these things I think about through the wetter winter months and all of these things I look forward to in their turn. New Year is not just a reflection upon the past, it is also an expectant look towards the future.

Make sure that yours is a good one and hold close all those people and places you hold dear within your life!

This month’s photo was taken on one of those wild and windy winter days, when I took a group of friends on a “bimble” over Black Down. They all gave money to the Help the Children appeal to spend a day on Mendip – weren’t they great!

So here are “Two Old Men of Mendip”, which is just crying out for another caption.

Ed: “I told you we should have turned left!”. Can you do better? Suggestions to: Outdoors, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG.

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

PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Yeo Valley page.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:32 Page 1

YEO VALLEY

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 61

Gardening section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:40 Page 62

MENDIP TIMES

New thoughts for a new year

AS gardeners we have always been aware that we must work with Mother Nature and not against her, although she does sometimes With MARY test our patience and PAYNE MBE resolve.

Weeds have not evolved to become user-friendly, although the latest culinary trends see wild garlic leaves and flowers used as a vegetables and garnish.

Ground elder, introduced by the Romans, is one of the gardener’s most hated weeds and is legally controlled in parts of Australia and the USA. In the UK if you can’t beat it, eat it.

I am not sure that eating the young leaves is going to have much of a deterrent effect on this invasive problem and we may still have to resort to a glyphosate-based herbicide while we still have it. What we do if it is withdrawn, I shudder to think.

You may recall Bristol City Council trying out vinegar to kill weeds on pavements but with little success. Vinegar will kill weed seedlings but will not kill more mature weeds down to the roots as glyphosate does.

I emphasise that this must be used at your own risk as it is not licenced as an herbicide. Other products around the corner use pelargonic acid (from pelargoniums) combined with a growth retardant.

The efficacy of many of the products available to the amateur gardener gets less and less. We now have to rely on plant-based oils that suffocate our pests by blocking up their breathing holes. This means we must be very thorough and get a direct hit of spray on every individual pest rather than using a systemic action pesticide on our ornamental plants.

More use commercially is being made of biological controls for pests such as red spider mite (very bad this summer due to the hot, dry weather), aphids, caterpillars and vine weevil. These can be very effective if used carefully and paying detailed attention to the temperature demands of the “good bugs”.

Pheromone traps, used to lure the males of some pests to a sticky end, are reasonably effective against codling moth in apples and pea moth and plum moth in the garden. The range of “good bugs” is increasing all the time, and a wide range PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Buddleja Petite Blue Heaven

is now available to amateurs online and through garden centres.

After extensive testing and research, a tiny mite “good bug” is being released in the UK to see if it can help control the swamp stonecrop, a water weed introduced to UK ponds as an ornamental in the 1900s.

We are all much more environmentally aware, and the nursery stock industry in the UK is taking steps to phase out the traditional black plastic pot which cannot easily be recycled by the current system and may end up as landfill.

The colour chosen to replace the black pot is taupe, as this is thought to show off the plants well and can also be recycled.

These should start to be seen in the New Year, but it will take a while to convert totally.

Meanwhile, some garden centres will accept old black pots for recycling.

Various biodegradable plant pots are being assessed including ones made from miscanthus (giant grass) and coir.

As the wooden decking, so popular 15 years ago starts to rot, perhaps replacing it with boards made from recycled wood fibres and recycled plastic will become the norm as these products last much, much longer, are non-slip, look like the traditional wooden boards, but never need painting or treating.

Perhaps all those black plastic pots can be used in these products and black coloured decking will become fashionable.

As Brexit draws closer (or maybe further away – who knows!) the British Nursery Stock Association is keen for British-grown plants to be labelled as such with the equivalent of the red tractor.

Currently plants may be handled by several countries before being finished in

the UK. One country takes the cuttings from stock plants, another roots them and pots them as liners and then they come to the UK to be finished.

As you browse the seed catalogues deciding what to order for your vegetable plot take time to look out for those varieties that have been bred to tolerate or even resist the multitude of diseases and pests that wish to attack your crops.

These have been bred by traditional means and do not involve genetic modification. There are plenty of novelty vegetables to try such as a Brussel Sprout called Brodie that claims the bitterness has been bred out and children will love it – I’m no too sure about that!

Courgettes that have no spines would appeal to me and for the chilli lovers perhaps some Bhut Jolokia Fiery Furnace clocking in at one million units on the “Scoville Scale”.

It is also worth noting those varieties that have received an Award of Garden Merit (AGM) from the Royal Horticultural Society. This means they have been tried and tested by the RHS. Plant trends for the future seem to be focusing on dwarf plants that are more suited to many of today’s smaller gardens. We now have Photinia Little Red Robin, a more compact version of the ubiquitous P. Red Robin and Buddleja’s are getting smaller by the minute. Buddleja Free Petite Blue Heaven only grows to two feet (60cms) so is ideal for a pot.

If you have not yet cut the old leaves off your hellebores do it soon to prevent any fungal leaf spot problems transferring to the flower stems.

May the New Year be the best for our gardens. Please can we request gentle rain by night and warm sunny days – bliss.

Gardening section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:40 Page 63

•

• • • • • • • • •

JANUARY GARDEN TIPS

Mist over the tops of houseplants regularly especially if they are in a room with central heating. Water carefully; it is better to let plants dry out between waterings and then give a thorough soak than a small amount regularly.

Clean houseplant leaves with leaf shine. Dusty leaves will struggle in low light at this time of year and polished ones look so much better!

Group plants together, the display will look better, but more importantly, they grow better together as a group.

Feed indoor plants monthly; but make sure the root ball is wet first, if not water first!

Keep Citrus cool unless they are actively growing.

If your living room is looking bare once you have taken out the Christmas tree and taken down the decorations, why not liven up the room with a houseplant Keep deadheading Cyclamen, African Violets, Christmas Cacti and Azaleas to encourage more flowers to open. Don't forget to keep Cyclamen and Azaleas as cool as possible for prolonged flowering.

When the days and nights are very cold, move plants away from cold windowsills into a warmer place!

Cut the side branches off your old Christmas tree and use these to cover tender plants in the garden. This will keep the worst of the frost off and yet allow the plant to breathe at the same time.

Shred Christmas wrapping paper and mix it into your compost heap.

Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business

GARDENING

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NURSERY MASBURY, NR. WELLS, SOMERSET BA5 3HA TEL: 01749 841014 FAX: 01749 841055 www.rockymountainnurseries.co.uk COME & SEE OUR FINE RANGE OF FRUIT TREES, SHRUBS, GERANIUMS & FUCHSIAS

Visit our MASBURY’S CAFE

Serving breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea Delicious homemade meals.

Sunday Roasts, Outside catering, buffet lunches delivered, themed cuisine events.

Telephone 01749 841155 for further details.

BROWSE AROUND JAMES STORE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS WWW.ROCKYMOUNTAINNURSERIES.CO.UK

ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES –

NAILSEA PATIO SUPPLIES

Locally grown Christmas Trees on sale

The ultimate one-stop Garden Shop Paving slabs, stepping stones, edging and ornaments Coal, logs and gas available 7 days a week

DRIVE & PATH SALT AVAILABLE

We wish all our customers a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year Calor gas 7 days a week

Nailsea Patio Supplies are proud to support

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

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 63

Gardening section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:40 Page 64

MENDIP TIMES

GARDENING

Coral’s flower wow factor

AWARD-winning floral artist Coral Gardiner, of Tunley, delighted a 60-strong audience with a demonstration of Christmas-themed decorations at the Old Down Inn at Emborough.

The wow factor – Coral ended the demonstration with this display

A section from one of Coral’s festive flower features

Snowdrop Guided Group Walks (Min 15 and Maximum 25)

For further information and dates available Contact Julieann Tel: 01761 479319 or Email: camertoncourtbath@gmail.com www.bathcamertoncourt.co.uk

Timberwork Buildings Bespoke buildings to suit you

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

WORKSHOPS/GARAGES

GARDEN SHEDS

SHELTERS & STABLES

PLAYHOUSES

Let our dedicated team assist you in your choice whatever your budget . . . Full design, installation and delivery service available – customise your shed to suit your needs

Snowdrops at Camerton Court

SNOWDROP walks at Camerton Court will lead you through breathtaking gardens, majestic trees and mixed borders displaying, acers, firs, heathers, hellebores and more.

A visit to the valley and lakes still filled by the original natural springs makes it an interesting and magical garden to be enjoyed.

The gardens will look as if the heavens have opened up above them and sprinkled a light covering of snow; you will be able to feast your eyes upon snowdrops, some single or coupled together or en-masse giving you a spectacular display.

The Biggs family are currently planning dates and times for guided group walks from Monday to Friday, starting from January 28th through to February 22nd.

Details: 01761 479319 or email: Camertoncourtbath@gmail.com

PERFECT PAVE

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 THE TIMBERYARD • SHUTE SHELVE • CROSS • NEAR AXBRIDGE

Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk • e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com

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

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

Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Progress under Mendip

CAVING

FOR the last ten years, cavers have gathered at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn to celebrate the life of enthusiastic caver and digger Tony Jarratt, known affectionately as JRat to his many friends.

The occasion in November is held to recognise the efforts put in over the previous With PHILIP year in digging to find new caves in Mendip HENDY and Scotland, Tony’s favourite caving areas.

We also present an award, a brass digging shovel mounted on a plaque, to the team that has found and surveyed the longest amount of cave passage. This plaque is proudly displayed in the Stuart McManus and Martin Grass present the award to Iain and pub bar.

Neale Last year the award went north, to Scotland, thanks to efforts by members of the Grampian Speleological Group, and the Scots to occur in nearby Wookey Hole Cave, as well as Gully Cave in took it again, with 151 metres found after only three minutes Ebbor Gorge. More research, involving other caves, is clearly digging to find a new cave, Uamn Nan Clachan Dubhan, the Cave required. of the Black Stones.

In third place came Vurley Swallet with 90 metres. Much of this Iain Greig and Neale Menzies of the Grampian were there to is due to the discovery, after finally leaving loose rock behind to receive the award and then Iain described the discovery. enter solid limestone, of four pitches, of 11, 6, 6 and 20 metres.

Sutherland does not have much limestone but years ago Tony High carbon dioxide levels have prevented further work during the Jarratt looked at the area and found the small Coral Cave. He did summer, but there are a couple of promising leads – and a not give much hope for further discoveries, but during this potential depth of 80 metres. summer, Iain and Neale looked at an overgrown depression close Alan Gray described the results of further work this year in to Coral Cave.

Bleadon Cavern and Hutton Cavern at Canada Combe near After clearing back the nettles, they found that, probably due to Weston-super-Mare. Bleadon Cavern was discovered by ochre drought, the floor of the depression had collapsed to reveal a small miners in 1756 and found to contain the bones of prehistoric hole. This was quickly enlarged and the cavers entered a flat-out animals. It was then lost until William Beard re-discovered it in crawl, which led to a chamber.

1833.

To the right, a five metre drop led to a lower stream passage, Beard surveyed the cave, which largely agrees with the modern with large bands of chert (similar to flint) in the limestone. They survey, apart from a large passage near the entrance, heading south also found a small white eel, which had obviously been (and off the survey sheet). Efforts will be made to find this underground for some while. passage, once the cave is re-opened in the spring, after the batThis part of the cave ends in a canal and the roof drops to water roosting season. level. However, it may be possible to get further by excavating a Cryogenic calcite, formed by the influence of Pleistocene ice, gravel-choked oxbow. This part of Scotland is quite remote, so has been found here. Intriguingly, the diggers have discovered a further investigation will have to wait until next year. rabbit skeleton, with a flat snail shell in the eye socket, and Estelle Sandford, one of the lead diggers at Cutler’s Green covered with snail eggs.

Sinkholes at Chewton Mendip, thought it would be interesting to The Isle of Portland is not within the Mendip area, although see how much new cave passage has been found since Tony’s sad rescues from its caves are the responsibility of Mendip Cave demise.

Rescue. The peninsula has around 40 caves, mainly tight rifts or She contacted as many digging teams as possible, and although crawls, and Tim Rose described some recent developments. much of it was an estimate, it appears that nearly 16,000 metres of He and others are attempting to update the Caves of Portland passage have been found in the last ten years, mostly in guide, which was published in 1996 and is now hopelessly out of Charterhouse Cave and Reservoir Hole. Some 133 sites have been date. Hopeless Hole has been extended by five metres, then a 15 dug, 87 of them on Mendip. metre rift was climbed to connect with another cave, Steve’s The runner-up to Uamn Nan Clachan Dubhan was Mendip’s Endeavour Rift.

Hallowe’en Rift, where this summer after many years effort in low Wellington Cave, in the cliffs just above high tide level, was mud-filled passages, the diggers found and descended a 20 metre found and entered this summer after only a few minutes work. It is rift, to make 141 metres found this year. This part of the cave is 162 metres long, but ends in a tidal pool. Other caves have littered with broken calcite formations, but much of it is still in revealed some new passage, and other “lost” caves have been replace, which would not have happened had the damage been opened. caused by an earthquake.

The evening ended with a video by Pete Glanvill showing to It now appears that during the Pleistocene glacials, the good effect the precarious nature of Vurley Swallet and the efforts permafrost penetrated deep underground. The growing mass of ice involved in pushing onwards and downwards. It was an inspiring broke the calcite around it, but often only displaced it, rather than evening and we left determined to redouble our digging efforts causing it to fall. next year.

This phenomenon has only recently been recognised, but is seen Phil has been caving for more than 50 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 65

(Photograph by Phil Hendy)

Caving DPS.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:31 Page 88

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:52 Page 12

MENDIP TIMES

Frost Fayre faces

Glastonbury Frost Fayre Photos by Mark Adler

AN estimated 2,000 people packed Glastonbury town centre for the annual Frost Fayre – a day of markets, music, mayhem and merriment.

The one-day fayre – organised by the town council – is now an attraction in its own right and brings in visitors from a wide area.

Glastonbury Abbey was free to visit and members of three choirs joined forces to sing in the Lady Chapel.

Beltane Border Morris danced by the Market Cross

Druid Denise Michell at the official opening of the fayre at the Melodrome Stage

Break Beat Bandits samba group on the Hawthorns Fringe Stage

Town crier David Greenaway with some elves on a trip from South Wales

PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Morgana West with the town’s unique Unity Candle

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:52 Page 13

Busker Elijah Wildfire Skylark

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Street Sings, Street Men and Wookey Choirworks in the Lady Chapel

Glastonbury and Street Musical Comedy Society members Daisy Gray, Bethany Baker and Dave Bonser. The society is staging Goldilocks and the Amazing Three Bears at the Strode Theatre from December 27th to January 1st. Details: www.gsmcs.org

Photo-bombed! Some of the cast of Moorlight Theatre Production’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were joined by a fan. The show takes place at Millfield School from December 22nd until January 1st. Details: www.moorlighttheatreproductions.co.uk

Sean, from Draca Beodor Viking reenactment group, co-organisers of the 2019 Glastonbury Medieval Fair at the abbey

A Welsh unicorn at the fayre – Nataly, from the Rhonnda Valley visits every year

Local blacksmith Sam Smith at work by St John’s Church

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 67

Health section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:37 Page 68

MENDIP TIMES

Lifting the gloom of Brexit

HAVE you ever looked in the mirror and wondered where the last 900 days went?

Theresa May must do it every day, as she mulls over her botched Brexit.

I argued after the referendum and hung parliament in 2016 that Brexit needed a coalition government, where experts from all

By Dr PHIL sides and the world outside politics gathered HAMMOND around a table and agreed a negotiating position that would at least get through parliament before taking it to the EU. Brexit means handing back control to parliament, so including and involving all sides from the outset might minimise nasty surprises later. But Theresa May preferred to go it alone. Hence, the nasty surprises from those feeling excluded.

Progress for the public good is far more likely to come not from secretive competition, but from open collaboration. This was beautifully defined by local author Margaret Heffernan in the book The Bigger Prize: “Innovative organisations thrive not because they breed superstars but because they cherish, nurture and support the vast range of talents, personalities and skills that true creativity requires.

“Collaboration is a habit of mind, solidified by routine and prepared on openness, generosity, rigour and patience.

It requires precise and fearless communication, without status, awe or intimidation. Everyone must bring their best.

“And failure is part of the deal, an inevitable part of the process to be greeted with support, encouragement and faith. The safest hospitals are those where it’s easiest to acknowledge an error. The biggest prizes grow as they are shared.”

If you’re keen to collaborate in a big prize to lift us out of the Brexit gloom, might I suggest the Chew Valley Arts Centre?

Having a wonderful, purpose-built centre as an “arts magnet” for local schools and communities – as well as attracting touring shows and performers – would be a fine legacy but it needs that “vast range of talents, personalities and skills that true creativity requires”.

Sketch plans are already available to view on the website (see below) and 2019 will be a critical year for fundraising and development.

When students of all ages at Chew Valley School were asked what the arts centre could be used for, they got it immediately. Live theatre, poetry slams, film nights, dance festivals, dance classes, comedy gigs, visiting speakers, debates, choirs, pantomimes, school shows, village shows, art exhibitions, group meetings, community arts hub etc etc.

I’m a patron of the project not just because of my love of arts but my recognition of its importance to individual and community health. Stories are metaphors for our lives, they give us purpose, meaning and a path ahead when times are tough.

And a community coming together to laugh, sing, speak up, cry and applaud is one of life’s great joys. So please get involved, and we can make this happen. You can contact us and donate via the website. http://www.valleyartscentre.co.uk

PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Plop the Raindrop

DO you know how many raindrops there are in a cloud?

It’s impossible to say really since clouds keep moving and are all different shapes and sizes.

I saw one the other day that looked like my old friend the mammoth.

Similarly how many grains of sand are there on the earth? I tried counting some once on Weston beach, but the tide came in.

But just one beach must have millions and millions of tiny grains.

So just imagine then that there are more bright stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on the Earth.

That’s an awful lot of stars and a very big universe.

It’s hard to imagine really. Tiny water droplets, like me, have been around for millions and millions of years and I’ve only seen a tiny part of space before I crashed on earth in a meteorite. I think.

I’ve probably got cousins all over the place, but I’m not sure I will ever get to see them. The only way I got into space recently was as a tear drop in an astronaut’s eye.

He was so overcome by looking at the beauty of the Earth from up there that I rolled down his cheek.

It really is a beautiful place and I can’t imagine having such fun anywhere else. As you know I’m totally ageless and indestructible and have been stuck here for more or less ever so far, but might still have time to go wandering around space perhaps in the future.

But my advice to you is to enjoy everything that the Earth has to offer. Get out into the hills and mountains; paddle in the sea and the streams.

Look at the birds and the bees and the trees. Chase rainbows if you want. Or the cat.

Don’t just sit playing games or watching all that boring stuff on the telly. You don’t want to turn into a little tub of jelly.

So it’s important that you eat healthily and don’t keep persuading Grandad to let you have a second ice cream.

It’s also good to have plenty of exercise to keep fit, especially walking or running, though football also counts.

Obviously I prefer swimming or surfing, when I’m not stuck inside a glacier or rolling around the inside of an elephant, which is where I spent the last year.

You can get lost inside an elephant.

This one was being filmed for a BBC natural history programme, so you might see me on the telly – this is the kind of programme you are allowed to watch.

Look out for the dung beetles rolling giant balls of elephant pooh. I escaped in one of them. It was a big relief for me and the elephant as you can imagine.

Mendip Grandad

Health section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:37 Page 69

A welcome at Christmas

HEALTH & FAMILY HEALTH & FAMILY

THE Laurels Care Home have teamed up with the Community Christmas campaign to offer Christmas lunch to elderly people from the local community of Draycott, Cheddar and surrounding villages, who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. Home manager, Becky Green, said: “This will be a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new friends, creating bonds in the community that will last well beyond the single day.

“We are delighted to be involved with the scheme, I’d hate to think that someone living just a few doors away from us would be alone on Christmas Day.” Guests at The Laurels will enjoy a traditional home cooked Christmas lunch in the company of residents and family members.

Anyone wishing to go can phone Becky on 01934 742649.

The Laurels in Draycott provides residential and dementia care for up to 21 residents. It’s part of The Country Court Care Group, which owns 29 care homes which provide care for up to 1,300 elderly people across the UK. Community Christmas are a charity who believe that no elderly person in the UK should be alone on Christmas Day. Their website provides a listing of community events, care homes and other venues who are taking part. details: thelaurels@countrycourtcare.com Communitychristmas.org.uk

Pain specialists

DONNA Sanderson-Hull and Claire Reed are fully chartered physiotherapists with Masters degrees and have both worked in elite level sport throughout their careers.

Now having settled in the Chew Valley with their children in local schools, they are able to provide the best of care to the local community. Based at Winford Cattle Market and Yeo Valley HQ in Blagdon, which both have excellent gym facilities, patients can now self-refer for treatment for all musculoskeletal conditions, post op care and pain management. The practice which has its main clinic in Clifton has been established for 12 years and is registered with all private medical insurance companies. So, no need to let injury or pain cloud your life, book an assessment with Blue Sky Physiotherapy!

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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

Dental Design Limited 81, Bow Street Langport Somerset TA10 9PR

We have a full Professional Dental Team providing the following Services: General Dentistry, Amalgam Filling Removal.

A Specialised Denture Clinic run by Clinical Dental Technicians. All Supported by an onsite Dental Laboratory with a Professional Team of Dental Technicians

Please call and talk to Trudie or Nia on 01458 253 888

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 69

Health section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:37 Page 70

MENDIP TIMES

Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals Thea’s Footcare, Mobile Foot Clinic

38 Palmers Road • Glastonbury • Somerset BA6 9PB Mobile: 07849 033 055 • Email: thea-m-1@hotmail.co.uk

Cycling to fitness

STUCK in a rut with your training or looking to achieve more in 2019? At PDQ Cycle coaching they can help you get fitter, faster and stronger.

They have one-to-one bespoke coaching to help you achieve your goals. They also run group turbo and velodrome sessions, making training fun whatever the weather, whilst meeting other like-minded cyclists.

Join them for some social winter rides on Thursday or Saturday mornings. They say cycling is just as much about socialising and meeting people as it is about fitness, so ditch the solo training for a few days a week and join in some of their activities. details: www.pdqcyclecoaching.co.uk or email pdqcyclecoaching@gmail.com

• Non-contact Boxing Lessons • Circuit Training • Improve Mental Well-Being • One-2-one Tuition • Ladies Boxing Only hard work brings guaranteed results

CALL SEAN 07727 041615

Get fit for the New Year

WITH the best will in the world, getting fit after Christmas is still a hard slog; dusting off your old trainers and washing your smelly T-shirt for that first session might be daunting.

SJ Boxing & Fitness has the answer, “bring a friend”. For new customers only, why not train with your “bestie” for just £20 and get rid of those nerves, have a laugh and enjoy the pain together? Isn’t that what mates are for?

Their non-contact boxing training is a proven way of improving your overall fitness and helps with weight loss, just ask Tyson Fury!

This offer starts from January 1st so why not call Sean, to arrange a booking? No expensive membership contracts to sign, just go down and give it a try.

Based in Coombend, Radstock at the Norton Radstock Amateur Boxing Club, this is a knockout offer!

Support workers wanted Recruiting Support Workers £8.27 per hour With flexible hours available, full training provided, paid for DBS and access to a range of excellent benefits, including 28 days paid holiday per year (Inc. bank holidays & increasing to 33 days with length of service).

Competitive pension scheme (we will match contributions up to 6%), Employee Assistance programme (24-hour helpline), and Savings of around £500 per year when using our discount and cashback scheme ‘Affinity4you’.

For an informal chat with the team call 01844 267047 or email us at recruitment@affinitytrust.org PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

AFFINITY Trust are a national charity dedicated to providing high quality, personalised support to adults with learning disabilities, supporting over 1,000 people with learning disabilities across England and Scotland, enabling them to live as independently as possible.

They have recently began supporting people across Somerset and have a number of support worker opportunities for fulltime, part-time and bank positions within their supported living services in the following areas: Street, Glastonbury, Wells, Nunney and Frome.

Whether enabling people to live in their own homes, giving opportunities to enjoy community-based activities, or supporting people into work, Affinity Trust aims to ensure that those they support can live life to the full. details: 01844 267047 email recruitment@affinitytrust.org

Health section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:37 Page 71

HEALTH & FAMILY

Homely atmosphere COURT House has been a family business for 32 years and is now being managed by Christopher and James Dando who continue with the same ethos and values that have always been in place.

The vision was to create somewhere with a homely atmosphere that was different from other care homes and everyone that visits agrees that this is still the case.

Residents are able to bring all of their own furniture, staff don’t wear uniforms and Court House is furnished with lovely furniture that fits in with the surroundings.

There are three different areas to Court House, all with a different feel.

The main Georgian house has a grand entrance hall and drawing room. The purpose built Courtyard is in a Mediterranean style and these rooms have their own kitchenette. The peaceful Cottage has bags of character.

All of the rooms are en-suite and have telephone and television points as well as a nurse call system. Well trained staff

are on hand to help with all aspects of personal care if required.

There are activities arranged such as a pianist who plays regularly, themed suppers, flexercise and afternoon teas.

They recently enjoyed a trip to Ston Easton Park (pictured) for afternoon tea.

Residents are by no means expected to join in; they have the choice which is

also the case with all aspects of their daily living.

The superb location of Court House means that residents have wonderful views over the Mendip Hills and are also able to enjoy its village location meaning that they can continue to be part of the local community which is actively encouraged.

COURT HOUSE A beautiful Georgian Retirement Home set in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset.

You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word

The Manager – Chris Dando 01934 742131 chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 71

Health section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:37 Page 72

MENDIP TIMES

Learn to save a life

THERE will be a free defibrillator training session at Bagley Baptist Church on Thursday, January 17th, 7pm for 7.30pm The session will last for two hours and be conducted by Martin Fagan, national secretary of the Community Heartbeat Trust who provided the local defibrillators in Wedmore. These are at the playing fields, purchased by the Playing Fields Association, the paper shop, Wedmore and Axbridge chemist, and at Bagley Baptist Church, purchased by the church. details: Shirley Wederell 01934 712089 or alan Benson 01934 713112.

£20 OFF NEW PATIENT CONSULTATIONS FOr A LImITEd TImE

Happy New year from all tHe team at CHew magNa DeNtal praCtiCe

Book a new patient consultation (includes x-rays) before 28th february 2019 for £38 (£20 off the usual price).

Call us on 01275 332371 to make your appointment and quote “New year offer” at the time of booking. want to book an appointment for your children? we have limited availability on NHs children’s appointments so book quickly by the end of february before we’re fully booked.

www.chewmagnadentalpractice.com info@chewmagnadentalpractice.com Harford Square, Chew magna Free parking available

Single and looking for a social life? Then come and join us at S.P.A. Single Social Group Wells & Mendip branch

We are an energetic and enthusiastic group of single people who enjoy organised events including a weekly social night in Wells, meals out, skittles, walks, parties, NT visits, dancing, weekend breaks and holidays. We are a friendly group and extend a warm welcome to new members.

PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Something to smile about in 2019

CHEW Magna Dental Practice has been providing dental care in the Chew Valley for nearly 50 years. They take great pride in being able to offer dental care within a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment.

The practice ethos is to provide high quality, affordable, modern dentistry to all the family, using the latest preventative, restorative and cosmetic techniques.

Together with high quality dental care they offer a dedicated hygienist. They can arrange emergency, early morning and late evening appointments. Their staff have worked closely together as a team for many years and enjoy getting to know their patients well.

Alongside practice principal Jonathan McVeigh and John Rigby they are delighted to welcome Joanne Russ to their team. Jo is a highly skilled dentist with over 20 years’ experience and has many personal connections locally within the Chew Valley area.

They are taking on new patients privately and also provide NHS dental care for those under 18 years of age and always welcome teaching children about the importance of maintaining healthy teeth. If you are concerned about how to pay for your dental treatment they offer a variety of membership plans and patient finance to help spread the cost.

Many adults are not completely happy with their teeth and they provide many solutions to how you can improve your smile. Amongst other things these can include tooth straightening, whitening and also implants.

They work alongside specialists at the Dental Implant Clinic in Bath to provide consultations and bespoke implant treatment plans. details: 01275 332371

Anniversary year

SPA Singles Wells and Mendip social group celebrates its 40th anniversary next year and is still going strong.

The group is run by members for members and their mandate is to help people who are single, sociably active and aged 50+ to get more out Trip to Oxford University of life by providing a warm, welcoming and safe environment to make new friends and join in a wide variety of interesting events.

They are an energetic and enthusiastic group who enjoy organised events including a weekly social evening plus meals out, walks, music nights, skittles, quizzes, NT & historical events, cinema/theatre, weekends away and holidays.

In addition, once you are a member you can enjoy the events of the other five branches. details: www.spasinglesocialgroup.co.uk or call Jackie on 07707 528346

Health section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:37 Page 73

Fitness and health coach – ready to travel SALLY Kingston has been working with clients since 2012 helping them achieve improved fitness, health and wellbeing.

She says she empowers women who are feeling fed up with their clothes feeling too tight or who are struggling with energy levels, want to make a change but just don't know what to do! If this sounds like you then this is where she can help you.

She helps women to lose weight, tone up, and feel stronger and more confident.

She also works with women to maintain fitness levels to continue participation in sport.

She is a mobile personal trainer in North Somerset and works with clients on a one-toone basis, either at home, at work or an outside space, on a

weekly basis.

They will look at activity levels, nutritional habits, quality of sleep and stress levels. She offers a free 30minute consultation, so she can meet and find out more about what she does and how she works.

Sally Kingston

HEALTH & FAMILY

Yeofit Gym and Studio

WHETHER you are a new mum and you want to get back into shape or are an older adult who has health conditions and activity would help, they have the place to help set in a beautiful setting, in a fun but caring environment.

Combined with access to Yeo Valley HQ’s gorgeous canteen, this is a road to health and fitness, well worth taking. They have expert but friendly personal trainers who have the latest up-to-date training that can help you exercise safely and in a caring environment, where you don’t need to be a member and Lycra isn’t necessary. They offer a range of classes and the social aspect of going to the lovely gym and then the canteen is most helpful.

Exercise 4 Health To help those with health conditions

Post-Natal Classes

Fitness and Health Coach Personal Training and Nutritional Advice

Get back into fitness – bring your baby too.

Come with friends or make friends. Have coffee/chat at the beautiful canteen Yeo Valley HQ, Rhodyate, BS40 7YE

Mob: 07921 105 716 e-mail: info@sallyfitnessandhealth.co.uk Web: www.sallyfitnessandhealth.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 73

Health section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:37 Page 74

MENDIP TIMES

Get fit for life, not just for January!

We’ve got it covered Mendip Times Distribution Points

YOU have decided that January is the time for you to kickstart your new fitness regime but how do you encourage yourself to keep going?

Our minds like to resist change, however here’s the thing – YOU are in charge and YOU CAN change anything you want to if you put your mind to it!

Taking some responsibility for your wellbeing is a good place to start. When you do you will soon see the benefits and realise that regular exercise and a healthier lifestyle choice will nourish your body and mind better than any medicine will.

Balance, The Countryside Gym is not just a gym. Their aim is to help the local community to make small changes in their everyday lives so that they can feel and live better.

They ensure that they listen to all of their members’ individual needs, so that they offer the right solutions at the right time for them. They want their members to feel part of a community, to know that they are there to support them and to ensure that they feel cared and valued every time they visit.

= Mendip Times Distribution area

Mendip Times is available from over 900 outlets across the Mendips from superstores to village stores and post offices, farm shops, supermarkets, garden centres, pubs, inns, hotels and restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, libraries and tourist information centres.

ALHAMPTON AXBRIDGE BALTONSBOROUGH BACKWELL BADGWORTH BANWELL BARROW GURNEY BARTON ST. DAVID BATCOMBE BECKINGTON BISHOP SUTTON BLACKFORD BLAGDON BLEADON BRENT KNOLL BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BROCKLEY BRUTON BUCKLAND DINHAM BURCOTT BURRINGTON BUTLEIGH CAMERTON CASTLE CARY CHARTERHOUSE CHEDDAR CHELYNCH CHEW MAGNA CHEW STOKE CHEWTON MENDIP CHILCOMPTON CHURCHILL

CLANDOWN CLEEVE CLUTTON COCKLAKE COLEFORD COMPTON DANDO COMPTON DUNDON COMPTON MARTIN CONGRESBURY COXLEY CRANMORE CROSCOMBE CROSS DITCHEAT DOULTING DRAYCOTT DUNDRY EAST HARPTREE EASTON EAST PENNARD EMBOROUGH EVERCREECH FARMBOROUGH FARRINGTON GURNEY FAULKLAND FELTON FROME GLASTONBURY GREEN ORE GURNEY SLADE HALLATROW HIGH LITTLETON HINTON BLEWETT

PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

HOLCOMBE HUNSTRETE HUTTON KEINTON MANDEVILLE KILMERSDON LANGFORD LEIGH on MENDIP LITTON LONG ASHTON LYDFORD ON FOSSE LYMPSHAM MARK MARKSBURY MASBURY MELLS MIDSOMER NORTON NAILSEA NETTLEBRIDGE NORTON MALREWARD NORTON ST PHILIP NUNNEY NYLAND OAKHILL PAULTON PENSFORD PILTON POLSHAM PRIDDY PYLLE RADSTOCK REDHILL REGIL RICKFORD

RODE RODNEY STOKE ROOKSBRIDGE ROWBERROW SANDFORD SHEPTON MALLET SHIPHAM SOMERTON STANTON DREW STANTON WICK STOKE ST MICHAEL STON EASTON STONE ALLERTON STRATTON ON THE FOSSE STREET

TARNOCK TEMPLE CLOUD TIMSBURY TRUDOXHILL TUNLEY TYTHERINGTON UBLEY UPHILL VOBSTER WALTON WANSTROW WEARE WEDMORE WELLOW WELLS

WEST HARPTREE WEST PENNARD WESTBURY SUB MENDIP WHITCHURCH WINFORD WINSCOMBE WITHAM FRIARY WOOKEY WOOKEY HOLE WRINGTON WRITHLINGTON YATTON

Health section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:37 Page 75

50 years of Slimming World THERE is something about starting a New Year. It brings heaps of exciting new dreams – and with 2019 being Slimming World’s glittering golden year, it’s the perfect time for joining a group where if you want to lose weight those dreams can come true.

To kick off the New Year with a bang there is a brand new golden anniversary member pack together with a six-week journal for a flying start. All existing members and new members will get their copy in the first few weeks of January.

We all know that eating healthily is the best way to lose weight and that building in some extra activity helps too – and their generous Food Optimising plan and lifestyle activity programme have been created to make it easier than you ever thought possible.

At Slimming World, however, they know that to lose weight – and keep that weight off for life – you need something extra.

To change the habits that have formed over years — sometimes decades —

HEALTH & FAMILY

slimmers need in-depth support and encouragement, and that's so much more than praise on a good week and commiseration for a bad week.

Slimming World truly is the club that cares. They promise every member that they'll be treated with genuine warmth and respect, and they'll have access to a support system like no other, offering a positive approach and real empathy and understanding throughout their weight loss journey.

What you’ll get with Slimming World • An amazing no-hunger eating plan that you’ll love • Recipe and menu ideas for every

occasion • Family friendly eating in and eating out ideas!

• Their fabulous lifestyle activity programme, Body Magic • Awards and celebrations for every achievement • Loads of help, encouragement and motivation when you need it most • Slimming strategies that will help you lose weight beautifully and keep slim for life!

So find your nearest group and put the date in your diary to take that first step on your weight loss journey… the only thing you have to lose is your weight!

Chew Stoke Methodist Hall BS40 8DX Consultant: Jaine 07867 395630 Tuesday 5.30 & 7.30pm • Wednesday 9.30am Stratton on Fosse Village Hall BA3 4QQ Consultant: Angela 07968 372799 Wednesday 9.30am, 5.30 & 7.30pm

Wesley Church Hall BA11 1HA Consultant: Sarah 07948 394312 Wednesday 9.30am, 5.00 & 7.00pm • Saturday 9.00am

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 75

Community section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:42 Page 76

MENDIP TIMES

Bienvenue à Wells

MORE than 80 people sat down to lunch in Wells Town Hall to celebrate twinning links between the city and the eastern French commune of Paray-Le-Monial.

Deputy mayor of Paray, Daniel Gordat, and guests had spent several days in Wells as guests of the Wells Twinning Association. One of the highlights was watching Wells Carnival.

As well as Paray-Le-Monial, Wells is twinned with Bad Durkheim in Germany and Fontanellato in Italy. The twinning movement in Wells began in the mid-1970s and the French town became its first partner in 1979.

Wells mayor Celia Wride with (l:r) Jacqueline and Daniel Gordat, Sarah Wride, mayoress and Celia’s daughter and association chairman Richard Hibberd

Richard Hibberd (centre), chairman of Wells Twinning Associaton, is pictured with (l:r) Tony D’Ovidio (Wells), Jacqueline Gordat (Paray), Jeanne-Pierre Lecoeur (Paray), Francoise Lecoeur (Paray), Daniel Gordat (deputy mayor of Paray), Bob Reynolds (Wells) and Dawn Payne (Wells)

Make a wish

The mayor and mayoress pop in to say hello to the volunteers who prepared lunch

CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club members took on the annual task of emptying the wishing pool in Cheddar Gorge.

With the co-operation of Bristol Water, the coins were fished out of the pool and the surrounding waters in bucket loads. They have been washed and sorted by the Lions.

Half of the money is given to Bristol Water in aid of their own charity, Water Aid, and the remainder is used by Cheddar Lions for their charitable work in the local community.

The total “thrown in” by the public will be between £400 and £500. l The club played host to 84 local senior citizens, treating them to sherry, mince pies and a shopping trip.

This is an annual event that has grown over the past few years and is well supported by those from Cheddar and the surrounding villages.

Transport is provided for the majority, organised by the club’s community services officer, Lyn Wood.

Details: 0845 8337402 email information@cheddarvalelions.org.uk website www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk or Facebook @cheddarvalelions PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Community section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:42 Page 77

Arts and crafts fundraiser

AN exhibition organised by members of two art groups based at Wookey Hole Community Hall has been hailed a great success.

The Community Hall Sewing Group, which meets monthly, and the Painting for Pleasure group, which meets on Monday mornings to paint in watercolour with tutor David Simmons, joined forces for the event.

The exhibition raised more The exhibition attracted visitors than £300 which may be used from a wide area to improve insulation at the hall, provided free-of-charge by owners Wookey Hole Caves; the groups pay only for the electricity they use. l The painting group currently has space for a number of new members. For details, call Alec Lewis on 01749 670772, or David Simmons on 01749 672199. To find out more about the sewing group, contact Jenny Lewis on 01749 670772.

Toy library wins support

FROME Toy Library has been given two new grants as well as being selected by the Co-op as the Frome recipient for the Co-op Local Community Fund.

The library, which meets twice-weekly, allows all members to borrow a wide range of toys and games to take home as well as offering stay-and-play sessions for families in a safe, nurturing environment.

Managed by the Frome Children’s Festival team of organisers, the library has been running in its current form for just under a year and as it grows there are plans to bring more creative and imaginative play events for the next year to come.

Director, Sue Willis, said: “We have a particular aim within our organisation to reach out to children with additional needs, welcoming families who can feel isolated sometimes because of this.

“Because children learn when they play, and they develop and practice their social skills too, the playing space and time at the library events allows them, and their parents, to make friends along the way. It is always rewarding and heart-warming to see the fun the children are having.”

Details: fromechildrensfestival.org

COMMUNITY

Keeping warm this winter

GLASTONBURY Festival organiser Michael Eavis has backed this year’s Surviving Winter campaign together with the Bishop of Bath & Wells the Rt Rev. Peter Hancock.

The award-winning appeal is administered by Somerset Community Foundation and encourages people to donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment to help local people living in fuel poverty.

Now in its ninth year, Surviving Winter aims to raise over £100,000 to help isolated and vulnerable older people living in Somerset this winter.

New figures show that in Somerset between 2014 and 2017 there have been on average 440 excess winter deaths each year, 25 percent higher than the average rate across the region.

Michael Eavis, who has donated his 2018/19 Winter Fuel Payment to the campaign, said: “I am so pleased that there are so many people who can transfer their winter fuel allowance to people who need it.”

Andrew Ridgewell, programmes manager at the foundation, said: “When a person living in fuel poverty receives their Surviving Winter grant, not only does it help pay their heating bill, it is also the first step towards connecting them to one of our local Surviving Winter delivery partners.

“This can become the foundation for a new relationship which helps to overcome the isolation and loneliness many older people in our county experience.”

To make a donation of any size to the Surviving Winter appeal, send a cheque made payable to Somerset Community Foundation (writing SW on the back), Yeoman House, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN. Details: 01749 344949 www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter

Supporting St Mary’s

THE Friends of St Mary’s in Wedmore have been busy. With a lot of help and advice from third parties and financial support from the Rotary Club of Mendip and the Wedmore Real Ale Festival they are close to rigging professional quality lighting for the stage area in the church to enhance community events using it.

The exterior lanterns at the west and south doors are about to be refurbished by an expert glazing and metalwork company, which means the rather sad and rusty lanterns will be looking spruce shortly.

A while back The Friends helped pay for the replacement of the protecting and supporting grille on the east end stained glass window. The west window now needs attention! A call has also gone out for villagers to “adopt a grave” inviting people to take care of a grave in the churchyard.

They also have a busy year ahead: Saturday, March 30th, the sixth and best yet Clash of the Choirs will bring together 12 local groups of singers for a light-hearted competition judged by the famous “Clapometer”.

Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th, the next Tower Open Day. Sunday, June 16th the second Wedmore 40/30. There were over 150 riders this year and they expect to double that in 2019.

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 77

Community section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:42 Page 78

MENDIP TIMES

Blooming marvellous

Lee-Anne Bone (right) with garden volunteers at Heads Up in South Horrington

WELLS-based mental health charity Heads Up has won the top award in the Royal Horticultural Society’s national It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign.

Part of the wider Britain in Bloom initiative, the campaign recognises the achievements of volunteer-led community gardening groups focused on improving their local environment.

Heads Up garden co-ordinator, Lee-Anne Bone, said: “This is wonderful recognition for the gardeners at Heads Up. “Everyone works so hard and the judges were so impressed by what we do here.”

The judges rated the garden at Heads Up’s South Horrington base as “outstanding” and said it “provides an excellent facility for learning and development workshops for individuals with mental health needs.”

Tree of light

CLEVEDON Lions’ Christmas Tree of Light is now illuminated at the Baptist Church in Queens Square and members will be on hand to add messages on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am12noon, until December 23rd.

The switch-on was performed by Judith West, chair of Clevedon Town Council with Lions Club president Sue Miller and other club members in attendance.

PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

New hub for Timsbury

TIMSBURY has a new community hub and library, based in the YMCA building in North Road.

It’s the second brand new library to open, following a similar launch in Bishop Sutton, Volunteers (l to r) Lyn Pearce, Annette as a result of Kirby, Julia McMurray and Liz Casson Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Modern Libraries Programme.

The new library will be run by Timsbury Parish Council, with volunteers in charge of the hub, an open public space for local people to drop in for information and social contact.

The library will open four days a week: Mondays 9.30am– 12:30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 2pm–5pm and Saturdays 9.30am–12.30pm.

The parish council has organised free Dial a Ride to the HUB on Mondays, which will run until the end of January.

A number of regular events are already planned: parent and baby sessions on Mondays, pre-schoolers singing and story time on Tuesdays and Thursdays and a memory group on Tuesdays.

Details: www.timsbury.org.uk/hub/ or contact Liz Casson the co-ordinator 01761 470295 or email hub@timsbury.org.uk

Public speakers

WESTON Rotary Club staged its Youth Speaks public speaking competition with an audience of teachers, parents and Rotarians.

The winning team from Broadoak School was Eve Corlett, Amber Lee and Daisy Robins with their talk on deforestation.

They will now go forward to the next round to be held in Taunton in February, with a chance of reaching the national finals.

Details: www.westonrotaryclub.org.uk and www.facebook.com/westonrotaryclub or telephone secretary George Horsfield 07900 160111

Community section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:42 Page 79

COMMUNITY

I’ve started, so I’ll finish . . .

THE co-founder of a hugely popular charity quiz has hung up her research books after 13 years of setting questions.

Phyllis Goodchild, aged 90, has helped raise around £4,800 for Glastonbury and Street Talking Newspaper with the twiceyearly quizzes, which are sent worldwide.

The themed quizzes are a vital fundraiser for the charity which provides audio cassettes of local news to visuallyimpaired people in the central Somerset area. The service was launched in 1978.

Both Phyllis, of Butleigh, and co-editor Bob Fox, who lives in Dorset, have decided to step down due to ill health.

Phyllis first became involved with the charity in 1988 as a member of one of the teams who recorded the items of interest.

She became treasurer in 1997. She began compiling the quizzes in 2005. They cost £1 each and offer a £10 first prize and two, £5 runner-up prizes.

The pair’s last quiz – on the theme of

birds – is now available, with a closing date of January 12th. Copies are available from the charity and its supporters.

Phyllis said: “I will miss doing them because it has been such good fun.”

Chris Merritt, chairman of Glastonbury and Street Talking Newspaper, joked: “Phyllis and Bob have nasty and devious minds and have been brilliant quizmasters with followers all over the world.”

Today the talking newspaper items – mostly read from Mendip Times and the Central Somerset Gazette – are recorded by nine teams on a rota basis and are posted to some 20 people each week. The service operates out of Glastonbury Town Hall, with town councillor Denise Michell being a dedicated supporter.

Phyllis added: “The talking newspaper service is greatly appreciated by the people who receive the cassettes.

Forthcoming events are particularly popular; listeners like to know what is

Support for community

ONE of the longest established and one of the newest community organisations in Mendip are two of the latest social enterprises to have benefitted from the Somerset Social Enterprise Fund administered by Somerset Community Foundation.

They join a growing number of organisations to have received social investment from the fund, totalling almost £400,000 over the past three years.

Frome Memorial Theatre, which first opened its doors in 1925 as a memorial hall in remembrance of the fallen of WWII, has secured support to upgrade its stage lighting system. The theatre, established through public subscription, is run entirely by volunteers and plays an important part in Frome’s cultural life.

The award was made, in part, in recognition of the positive impact the organisation has on its volunteers, of which there are more than 100.

Roger Hatherell, treasurer and trustee at Frome Memorial Theatre, said: “We are delighted that Somerset Community Foundation has been able to support us, enabling the upgrading of our stage lighting system to be completed.

“We are also grateful for the help and advice we have received in conjunction with the funding, enabling us to extend our social impact into the community by encouraging and supporting more local groups to enjoy our facilities and become part of our theatre family.''

Root Connections CIC, on the other hand, was incorporated in August 2018, although it builds on a project that has been running for some time by the Elim Church in Wells. The social enterprise is based on a farm near Stratton-on-the-Fosse, providing accommodation and support for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the surrounding towns

Phyllis at home in Butleigh, where she recently celebrated her 90th birthday, with the first and final copies of her quiz

going on.” l Since Phyllis and Bob stood down, someone else has stepped in to volunteer to run the quizzes.

and countryside.

Clients are encouraged to get involved in growing produce on the farm, helping them in their recovery while also generating income for the project. The social investment is designed to help them develop and grow a “veg box” scheme as part of the project.

Manager, Suzanne Addicott, said: “We are delighted that Somerset Community Foundation is supporting the work of Root Connections by offering blended finance in the form of both a grant and loan. This will enable the Root Connections market garden to establish itself.

“Income generated from the project, including the sale of veg boxes, jams and chutneys, will go towards our work at Dairy House to end rough sleeping and also provide vulnerable adults with the opportunity to participate in the market garden. We want to thank the foundation for all the work it does in the community partnering with organisations like ours."

Justin Sargent, CEO of Somerset Community Foundation said: “Both of these projects demonstrate, in very different ways, how significant social impacts can be achieved in financially sustainable ways.”

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

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 79

Community section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:42 Page 80

MENDIP TIMES

Fete supports local groups

Some of the organisers and volunteers

WHITCHURCH Village Fete organisers have presented cheques totalling £5,250 to 19 local charities and organisations following a very successful village fete on August Bank Holiday Monday.

The recipients were: Freewheelers Blood Bikes, Enchante Baton Twirlers, Pegasus Hawking Birds of Prey, 107th Bristol (Whitchurch) Scout Group, Shaolin Wushu Martial Arts, RBL Poppy Appeal, St John Ambulance, St Peter’s Hospice, The Littlest Rescue, Barbarians Rugby Club, St Bernadette Primary School, Funding Animal Futures, Radio Bristol Alive Appeal, Jake Ogbourne, St Bernadette RC Church, Marmalade Trust, Gympanzees, Holly Hedge and St Nicholas Church.

New member

THE Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge has a new member, Umang Patel, whose family took over the post office and village store in Pensford five years ago. He’s pictured with club president Douglas Nash.

A spokesman said: “Since one of Rotary’s primary areas of service is to its local community we are especially pleased to welcome Umang and Vaishali Patel family to the Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge.”

PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Making sure no one goes hungry this Christmas

SOMER Valley Foodbank got a much-needed financial boost thanks to a £3,500 grant from Quartet Community Foundation.

The foodbank, which operates from centres in Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Paulton and Peasedown St John, has more than 70 active Pictured (l to r) Volunteers Vicky and volunteers and Elizabeth, foodbank manager Paul relies on voluntary Woodward, and Quartet philanthropy food donations. executive Claire Wynne Hughes Their only expenses are the cost of paying for a warehouse to store the donations and maintaining a van to distribute the goods to the four foodbanks and that’s where the grant will really make a difference.

Demand for the foodbank is growing – they gave out 16% more food parcels to 1,907 people over the 12 months to April 2018 and Christmas is always a really busy time, when demand often doubles.

Sue Turner, chief executive of Quartet Community Foundation said: “Anyone can reach crisis point and it’s important organisations such as Somer Valley Foodbank are here to help when that happens.

“We’re delighted that the grant will help feed local people and also offer a friendly welcome, emergency food and encouragement to find solutions to problems so people can move out of crisis.”

The foundation distributes around £3million in grants each year to Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Paul Woodward, manager of Somer Valley Foodbank, said: “I want to give something back, lots of us are retired and have time to give. We’re trying to get people out of a crisis. We’ve had a few tears from people coming through the doors.

“We offer a cup of tea, a listening ear, they might want to talk or they may just want to get the food and get out.

People are referred by the Citizens Advice Bureau, DHI, schools and housing associations and they’re all given a leaflet showing them where to get help with benefits, debt advice, etc. Many come because of delays in their benefits.

“On a Monday here in Midsomer Norton we’ll see between five and eight people in crisis. At Christmas this can go up to 15 people in crisis each week. This year we had more people coming during the school summer holidays so next year we’re going to do two annual collections at Tesco rather than one to help us cope over the school summer holidays.”

Community section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:42 Page 81

Decorations help hospital

COMMUNITY

National legion chairman at mess dinner

Shepton Mallet’s Armistice 100 commemorations in Collett Park

Club president Sue Hopkins (left) with Avril Leat

SALES of festive baubles at Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel’s November meeting will boost funds for the neonatal unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital.

An array of decorations was spectacularly created for members by social secretary Avril Leat at their meeting at the Old Down Inn at Emborough. Using garden greenery, fresh and silk flowers, baubles and fir cones, Avril showed how easy, effective and inexpensive it is to assemble Christmas wreaths, crackers and table centrepieces.

New members are welcome. For details, call president Sue Hopkins on 07944 298036 or secretary Elaine Muir on 07543 973666.

Christmas gifts

AFTER donating items of food to the Trussell Trust since 2016, members of the Inner Wheel Club of Chelwood Bridge added Christmas boxes and gifts for children this year.

They took these along to Midsomer Norton's branch of the Salvation Army, which is the collecting point for the Somer Valley Foodbank, which is part of the Trussell Trust’s network.

They were received by Major Sharon Bond from club president Marjorie Robinson.

Details: 07786 514455

THE national chairman of the Royal British Legion was the guest of honour at the second annual Christmas Mess Dinner organised by the Shepton Mallet branch.

Terry Whittles and his wife – who are based in Yorkshire – were amongst 88 branch members and guests at the event at Charlton House Hotel. Representatives from legion branches in Evercreech, Bruton and Wells also attended.

The evening saw the presentation of certificates of thanks to people connected to the branch’s Armistice 100 commemorations, including the Rev Jonathan Hunter Dunn, rector of Shepton Mallet, and local councillors Jeanette Marsh and Deborah Townsend.

A raffle raised £210 to be split equally between 1182 Squadron RAF Air Cadets Shepton Mallet and the Dunkirk Memorial RBL House at Bishops Lydeard.

Rotary clubs adopt a Ugandan village

THE Rotary Clubs of Mendip, Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare and the District 1200 E-Club have combined to adopt the village of Nwademuttwe, Uganda promising to improve the basic needs of the village through water, education and medical aid.

The $70,000 project will last three years, after which it is expected that the activities will be self-sustaining and will have improved the quality of life in this rural community which is about 30 kilometres from Kampala.

The first medical clinic attracted 372 people, with 40 people attending the cancer cervical screening, 68 attending the eye clinic, 14 attending the safe male circumcision clinic, 39 attending the dental clinic; and among those 85 had to attend the laboratory.

The renovation of the classroom block, which will have a library/computer room, has started. The old roof has been taken off, and a new one is going to be fixed, and the walls replastered.

Members of the local UK Rotary clubs will visit the project to offer advice, assistance and support to the Rotary Club of Kampala Sunrise.

This project has been made possible through a Rotary Foundation Grant which multiplied the funds raised by the local clubs together with the Rotary Clubs of Kampala Sunrise, Uganda and Cochin City in Kerala, India; so it is a truly international initiative.

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 81

Community section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:42 Page 82

MENDIP TIMES

Inner Wheel’s new chair

PRU Witter of Wrington Vale Inner Wheel has been elected chair of Inner Wheel District 20, which covers clubs all over the South West, including Chelwood Bridge, Wrington Vale, Frome, Mendip, Langport, Somerton, Shepton Mallet, Midsomer Norton and Radstock.

Wrington Vale members created a knitted ladies calendar to mark the occasion with all profits going to female charities. They were selling copies at the recent meeting of District 20.

Village hall earns top marks

SHIPHAM Village Hall has been assessed and given the highest possible award by the national Community Buildings Hallmark process.

The scheme looks at the facilities, organisation and procedures in village halls and other community buildings across the country.

Its report on Shipham states: “We have no hesitation in recommending the renewal of Hallmark level 3 (the highest level) and wish to commend the committee for its obvious enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism. Well done!”

The hall has become the hub of village activities across Shipham, Star and Rowberrow and neighbouring communities since it was built in 2005.

The local clubs and societies range from a popular community cinema to a large and thriving wine tasting group. Facilities promote indoor and outdoor sporting activities, including an outdoor boules park and children’s playground.

Details: www. shiphamhall.co.uk

Pictured (l to r) club president Pauline Carr, founder member and treasurer Pam Small, vice president Angie Horne, Tina Forsey and Pauline Alvis

Club’s 30th anniversary

Community book

A BOOK of memories about the Great Flood of 1968, We Remember It Well, was launched at Pensford’s Christmas fair The five editors of the book (l to r) Lyndsay and sales are Cooper, Hilary Cox, Ros Anstey, Paul Holmes going well. and Julie Baber It has stories and memories of people in Pensford, Publow and Woollard who lived through the Great Flood of 1968. Some of the contributors are pictured.

Copies can be purchased from Pensford Post Office or the Miner's coffee Shop in Pensford.

Founder members pictured with president Douglas Nash fourth from the left

THE Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge celebrated its 30th anniversary at Cameley Lodge with special guests and former and founder members.

The club, which originally started with 24 charter members, now enjoys a membership of 60, with 28 meeting locally every Tuesday and 32 satellite members in Cam Valley Club and The Garth Club in Wales.

PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Details: Julie 01761 490884 email julie.baber@yahoo.co.uk

Community section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:42 Page 83

Cathedral to host community day WELLS Cathedral is to host a community day in January to showcase life in the city.

The event has been organised by Wake Up Wells, a group which wants to encourage different community organisations in Wells to work together.

Each January, the chairs in the cathedral are removed for cleaning and this inspired Wake Up Wells founders Emma Lefevre and Kirstie Harris to approach the Chapter of Wells Cathedral to host the day on Saturday, January 26th. Events will also be held at Wells and Mendip Museum and the Bishop’s Barn from where a lantern parade will take place in the evening.

Emma and Kirstie said: “Wells Cathedral will welcome community groups to a ‘fresher’s fair’ of information stalls, activities and performances. With over 80 groups signed up, three choirs, musical theatre, dancers, jazz group and a number of school music groups wanting to perform it is going to be quite some event.”

The cathedral will also host a unique “soundscape” reflecting life in Wells, recorded by volunteers at a pop-up workshop run by Somerset Film at the Engine Room, a film and digital media charity.

Twelve lantern making workshops will be held during January at Somerset Skills and Learning ahead of the parade.

The parade will take in the Moat Walk, Bishop’s Palace croquet lawn, Bishop’s Eye, Penniless Porch and Cathedral Green before returning to the barn.

COMMUNITY

Denise Nevill interviews Anne Minns, from the Wells group of Amnesty International, which was running a stall in Penniless Porch

Jacob records the clock chiming at Wells Cathedral

Town crier Len Sweales with volunteer Jordan and Deb Richardson, from Somerset Film

Town crier Len Sweales records a poem about his work as engineer Richard Tomlinson and volunteer Jordan check the sound levels

For details, visit Wake Up Wells on Facebook

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 83

Community section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:42 Page 84

MENDIP TIMES

New bell added

(l to r) Sue Osborne, the Rev Charles Roberts, Shirley Edwards, Simon Whittle and Colin Bennett.

BELL ringers at Stanton Drew church have received a cheque from the Keltek Trust towards the cost of a sixth bell.

Tower secretary, Shirley Edwards, said: “They said we could have the bell on indefinite loan at no charge so we just needed to raise the funds to have it fitted.

“We obviously saw this as an amazing opportunity to get a sixth bell fitted and within a short time we managed to get the funds with the support of the Pensford.Publow and the Stantons Community Trust (PPSCT), the Community Café, parishioners and Chew Magna Ringers.”

The cheque was presented to them during Stanton Drew's monthly Community Café.

Dog walking inspires friendship

Dog walkers enjoy lunch in the Bath Arms in Frome

DOG walkers in Frome have formed their own social group after meeting up on the Old Showfield site in the town.

Over the years, the field has become a sociable place for people to stop to chat and many newcomers have been surprised at the warm welcome both they and their pets receive.

Some of the walkers decided to organise a Christmas lunch to celebrate the festive season. Margaret Gilmour, one of the walkers, said: “Most of us only ever see each other in the showfield at various times but the friendliness of everyone is really special.

“We think what the town council has done to improve the facilities there for the children, the general public and dog walkers is fantastic with the improved children’s play area and associated fencing and the installation of hard paths and more dog bins. The recent planting of the fruit orchard with seating is also lovely.”

PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

COMMUNITY

Council set to take over

PAULTON Library volunteers gathered to celebrate another successful year of volunteering.

They presented a bouquet of flowers to the volunteer organiser, Kathleen Still, who organises the rota and together with librarian, Hilary Cox (pictured far right) ensure the library continues to run smoothly.

The volunteers were treated to a buffet lunch, by B&NES Councillor, Liz Hardman, prepared by the Hub Café, Café Bombero, as a thank you for all their work and commitment during the year.

However, there will be changes when Paulton Parish Council take over the running of the hub library as a community library from March 31st.

Kathleen said: “An exciting new chapter in the story of Paulton Hub Library begins in 2019. We need more volunteer library assistants to achieve our vision of the future.”

If you’re interested in becoming a library volunteer, pick up a pack at the Hub, talk to their volunteer team and look out for a recruitment event soon!

Volunteers win award

A GROUP of volunteer Community First Responders for the City of Wells have won the 2018 group award from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust for showing “outstanding Pictured (l to r) Brian Childs, Ken commitment to their Wenman, ambulance chief executive, community”.

Graham White and John Hill The hardworking group consists of a retired nurse, a fuel tanker driver and a sales planner who fit their volunteering around their day jobs.

Cody Worthington, community responder officer said: “The Wells team provide some of the best overall cover and activity of any responder group in the county. They work extremely hard as a team and offer support to other community first responder team. They deserve recognition for their dedication, hard work and invaluable assistance they provide.”

The Wells Community First Responder team formed in 2002 and have raised funds to purchase their own responder car. They are supported by the Ambulance Service Responder Liaison Officer, Lidia Griguoli, a specialist paramedic.

She said: “I am delighted that the Wells group have won this award and deserve the recognition for the service and the many hours they provide in volunteering their life-saving skills.”

The trust employs thousands of CFRs across the South West region. If you are aged over 18 years old and would like to apply go to www.jobs.nhs.uk

Motoring page.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:29 Page 1

MOTORING

UBLEY MOTOR SERVICES Sales – Service – Parts – Repairs

ALL MAKES SERVICING – VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, AIR CONDITIONING, MECHANICAL & BODY REPAIRS

Collection/Loan Car by arrangement MOT TESTING STATION COMPETITIVE PRICES ON TYRES, BATTERIES AND EXHAUSTS

ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY SERVICE

QUALITY USED CARS Your peace of mind is our priority

CLEEVE HILL, UBLEY TEL: 01761 462275 (24hrs) www.ubleymotors.co.uk

D dd fS h

t

For servicing, repairs and sales of all makes of caravans and motorhomes

(Ph t

WESTON-scooperMare, Burrrrrington, Portispread, Nailski, Sleetholm and Bleadoncold are the names of a new fleet of six gritting lorries which are on the roads of North Somerset this winter.

The gritters were named after local places by residents following a poll on North Somerset Council’s Travel and Roads Facebook page.

Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, deputy leader and executive member with responsibility for highways, said: “It’s nice to inject a sense of humour with the naming of the gritters, but once autumn arrives, our highways staff are on duty 24-hours-a day – including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day – to monitor weather conditions and let the gritter crews know when they’re needed.

Our six gritter lorries are on round-the-clock standby and can be called out to grit main routes with just two hours’ notice.

“Our new fleet of gritters have been leased for five-years and now have sophisticated software to control how much salt is dispersed, where and how widely. This means the driver can concentrate on just driving, improving safety and allowing drivers who are unfamiliar with the route to still drive.”

Skanska, the council’s highways maintenance contractor, are responsible for delivering the winter maintenance programme.

)

No Gritty McGrit face!

Bailey approved body shop and workshop

● Caravan Servicing ● Annual Habitation Checks ● Alu-Tech Bailey Approved Repairers ● Warranty Maintained ● Damp Repairs ● Accident Repairs ● Insurance Repairs ● Accessory Fitting

Our shop stocks a full range of accessories and equipment

BEFORE

AFTER

Open Monday - Friday 9am–5pm; Saturday 9am–12 noon Approved

Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 85

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:57 Page 22

MENDIP TIMES

Cheddar Festive Night Cheddar

Cheddar First School singers

Cheddar Vale Lions had pig racing

STARR singers at the Riverside

Father Christmas hitched a lift

Cheddar Male Choir were in fine voice

Kings of Wessex pupils who took part in Rotary's Big Pitch competition PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Big Pitch contestants Oliver Vero and Jaime Beer, both 13

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:57 Page 23

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Festival of Angels WELLS

HUNDREDS of people admired a three-day nativity, angel and star festival in St Cuthbert’s Church in Wells.

Dozens of nativity scenes – many handcrafted – from across the world filled the church, along with angels folded from the pages of old hymn books.

This huge angel took pride of place next to the altar

Suzy Vivash, who helped create the angels

Admiring one of the nativity sets

Christmas in Paulton Paulton

CHRISTMAS festivities came early to Paulton as the traditional switching on of the festive lights is now combined with Paulton’s very own Christmas market.

Organised by Paulton Parish Council, local traders sold their crafts on covered stalls in Hill Court precinct, whilst an indoor market in the Wesley Hall, raised money for local charities.

The highlight of the event was the switching on of the lights by Paulton’s Graham Dix, who has been a parish councillor for 40 years.

After they were switched on, Neil Harrington led the traditional singing of Christmas songs and carols around the tree. A new reindeer trail colouring competition was won by Alfie Baker, aged four.

Anne Lyons, chairman of Paulton Parish Council said: “I am delighted that Paulton Parish Council has been able to put on this event for our residents, which start our Christmas celebrations.”

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 87

Property section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:30 Page 88

MENDIP TIMES

How to sell your house in winter IT may not seem like the perfect time, but many look to move house in the New Year, so you might be surprised by the strength of demand come January and February in spite of Brexit!

Property websites are often extremely well visited over the Christmas break, and with fewer properties on the market, there is less competition.

The team at Killens give a few tips on how to make sure your home is at its best, whatever the weather.

Make sure it’s warm Ensure the heating comes on ahead of the scheduled visit. Potential buyers will want to know that your central heating works well, as well as feeling comfortable in your home.

First impressions Don’t be afraid to have a good old clear out. Now is the time that spiders tend to take up residence in every corner and get busy weaving webs so clear them away. The change of season has also

probably meant that the shoe pile in the hallway has grown bigger than ever.

Quite simply – declutter and clear things away.

Think about lighting – the brighter the better!

Good lighting will be essential on a drab day, so make sure all your lights are working. Adding some lamps into dark corners and turning them on before the viewing will help. It is best if the viewing can take place in daylight, but if a potential buyer is coming in the evening or at dusk, make sure the porch light or outside light is working.

Clean the carpets If you have rugs and carpets, it’s amazing what a difference it makes having them cleaned. Quite often it is worth investing in a professional carpet cleaner to get stains out.

Garden space A messy garden can detract buyers.

Winter weather can tire garden furniture, and make it look unsightly. If possible, clear patio furniture away, if not, ensure they are securely covered.

Spend time trimming bushes and overhanging branches, mowing the lawn, removing fallen leaves and dead plants to make a tidy outdoor space.

Also leaky gutters and downpipes cause damage and are unappealing.

Brighten things up with some colour Introducing some colour to your home at this time of year can make it seem more inviting. It’s easy to do with throws or cushions. Using natural materials can have a striking effect too.

Are you thinking of selling this winter? Contact the team at Killens for friendly advice and a free valuation. Their Chew Magna office can be contacted on 01275 333993 and Wells office on 01749 671172

PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Property section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:30 Page 89

Canada Coombe

Nailsea

PROPERTY

West End Nailsea (barn to convert)

Churchill

Loxton

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 89

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:56 Page 20

MENDIP TIMES

Radstock

Celebrations in Radstock

Lights on in Radstock – the town’s museum (complete with specially-lit clock) provides a backdrop to the illuminations on the Christmas tree and the miners’ wheel

Singing carols before the switch-on

Museum volunteers Paul Collings and Audrey Sprake in Victorian costume

Members of Radstock Baptist Church served indulgent hot chocolate and mince pies Somerset Coalfield Live at Radstock Museum held a Victorian Christmas event before the lights were switched on, giving youngsters the chance to rehearse the carols

Councillor Eleanor Jackson, vice-chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council, enjoys the evening PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Radstock hosted a visit by dignitaries from Lançon-Provence, a commune they are hoping to twin with. Pictured (l:r) are: Radstock deputy mayor Colin Currie, (from Lançon-Provence - Leslie Barla, Christian Mortellier and mayor Michel Mille) and Radstock mayor Rupert Bevan

Christmas Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:56 Page 21

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

A big night out

i W b t )

Castle Cary

A flight of fancy: an eagle owl with friends from Pitcombe Rock Falconry outside the Market House

Wyvern Jubilee Morris outside the George Hotel and dancing in the rain

Castle Cary Cygnet majorettes

Street Cracker Day Street

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 91

(Ph t

h

t

fR

D

ENTERTAINMENT and stalls filled Castle Cary town centre for the community’s Big Christmas night.

Homes section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:41 Page 92

MENDIP TIMES

Winter Warmer sees Kingfisher raise over £1,000 for charity THERE’S a warm glow around Kingfisher’s East Brent showroom following the wonderful Winter Warmer event held on November 14th.

Customers and friends old and new flocked to support the team at Kingfisher in their bid to raise funds for two incredibly worthwhile charities – Macmillan Cancer Support and Children’s Hospice South West.

The popular raffle featured generous donations from a long list of local businesses and suppliers and visitors were plied with refreshments including mulled cider from local firm Thatchers – perfect for a chilly November evening!

• LOG SPLITTING SERVICES • ROOF REPAIRS • CHIMNEY LINERS • SECURITY LIGHTS • CHIMNEY BIRD GUARDS • TREE REDUCTION WORK

PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

With entertainment by local folk band – and Kingfisher customers – Magenta, the guests were charmed by beautiful songs with wonderful harmonies whilst buying tasty homemade treats which included managing director Angie’s preserves and financial director Michelle’s fudge.

Younger visitors enjoyed not only the colouring competition but also the excitement of the cracker raffle; 250 crackers containing either a chocolate or raffle number were sold at the event and with a range of prizes available – from a patio planter to a new door, supplied and fitted by Kingfisher.

Many happy prize winners were delighted to celebrate as they pulled their crackers and revealed their reward!

Sales of charity Christmas cards, diaries and calendars raised £260, assisted by enthusiastic children’s hospice volunteers.

Special thanks must go to the Kingfisher installation and admin teams who brought in a wide range of delicious cake donations that were sold alongside hot and cold drinks.

The Winter Warmer event raised an amazing £1,176 on the night and with 100% of takings going direct to our two charities we’re delighted with what our team has achieved.

At Kingfisher we are so proud to have the best team that we could possibly wish for. Everyone works so hard and delivers their best throughout the year and for that we are truly grateful.

The Winter Warmer event could not have been such a success without our fantastic customers, supporters and suppliers and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone for their generosity.

Tony Thurling

Homes section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:41 Page 93

10 Year Guarantee

Energy Efficiency

Made in Britain

Fast & Reliable WINDOW INSTALLATION

Boasting a stunning range of aluminium and uPVC window designs and hardware, we’re confident that we have a highly energy efficient and tempting style to suit your South West home or client.

HOMES & INTERIORS

FACTORY & SHOWROOM IN CLEVEDON

We understand how important it is to homeowners and businesses alike, to actually see the quality of products up close. So, why not drop into the SealLite showroom?

Come in and see the products for yourself!

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 93

Homes section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:41 Page 94

MENDIP TIMES

FUEL STORAGE SPECIALISTS

Heating oil and Diesel tanks domestic and commercial Bunded and fuel station, above and below ground Replacement • installations • re-siting

We accommodate any size tank and access difficult and hard-to-reach areas Free inspection of your tank All areas OFTEC registered

E: nathan@chriswattsbuilding.com T: 01963 32809

Fuel tank specialists

CHRIS Watts Building and Maintenance Ltd is a leading installer of domestic and commercial fuel storage tanks in and around the South West.

They are a member of the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) which means they are certified and comply fully with all the regulations and have specialised knowledge in all areas of this field.

They offer a large range of oil tanks in all sizes for domestic and commercial buildings and also fit fuel station tanks. All their tanks are bunded which means they have a double skin to help minimise the risk of a tank rupture.

They provide a complete service to fit your new tank, with fire walls and concrete bases where required and refit any pipe work. They will also make sure you boiler/Aga is up and running before leaving the site clean and tidy. They can also respond to emergencies.

As part of their service they can decommission old oil tanks (metal or plastic) and remove them and can also store your oil on site to ensure no loss of oil whilst your new tank is being fitted.

Details: 01963 32809 email nathan@chriswattsbuilding.com

Tony Hucker TV Service – Sales – Rental

• • • • • •

SGM Glazing Repairs We cover all of Somerset and Bristol

Why replace your windows when they can be repaired?

We repair and bring back to life all your double glazing for a fraction of the cost.

Services we offer:

Foggy and misted glass replaced with 5-year warranty Broken Window handles, locks and hinges replaced Drafty windows and doors repaired Extra safety and security fitted

Please call 01761 417221 for a Free Quote Website: www.sgmglazing.co.uk PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

MENDIP AERIALS TV AERIALS AND SATELLITES INSTALLED EXTRA POINTS REPLACE AND REPAIR 01749 675 636 07961 892 014

Satellite Installations Aerial Systems TV wall mounting Custom Installations Networking Signal Solutions

01275 332888 www.tonyhuckertv.co.uk Email: tony@tonyhuckertv.co.uk Unit 4, Fairseat Workshops, Chew Stoke BS40 8XF Open: Mon – Thurs 9.00am – 6.00pm Fri – 9.00am – 5.30pm

SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS

Homes section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:41 Page 95

HOMES & INTERIORS

D ESIGNED

WITH CONSIDERATION , INSTALLED WITH CARE

36, Woodborough Road, Winscombe, Somerset BS25 1AG www.idesigninteriors.co.uk 01934 844144

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 95

Homes section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:41 Page 96

MENDIP TIMES

R.O. Dando and Sons Ltd Registered Builders & Decorators

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).

FAMILY BUSINESS BASED IN THE CHEW VALLEY FOR OVER 100 YEARS

Call us or visit our website for more info:

01275 333603 • www.dando.org.uk

Merry Christmas to Past Present & Future Customers

Stay warm this winter with help from

75 Greenhill Road, Sandford, Winscombe, North Somerset BS25 5PA Tel: 01934 852151 • www.gabgardenmachinery.co.uk PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Homes section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:41 Page 97

HOMES & INTERIORS

DI LUSSO R5

the Di Lusso R5 is the ideal addition to any room – large or small. fitting flush to the wall, the di lusso offers a stunning and stylish focal point whilst utilising space efficiently.

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

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

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 97

Charity section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:34 Page 98

MENDIP TIMES

Tea party success

SHEPTON Mallet Tangent has presented a cheque for £2,535 to Yvonne Brunton from the Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley.

It was raised at the Dorothy’s Tea Party held on November 2nd in the Dorothy House charity shop in Shepton Mallet.

Tangent chairman, Christine Harding, said the idea of a small tea party with a raffle was in memory of Les Hodges, the husband of one of their members, but the idea had grown into a much bigger raffle thanks to the generosity of local businesses and help selling raffle tickets from Val Sherring.

Support for hospice

CLEVEDON Lions have handed over a cheque for £2,000 to Kylie Gallagher, area fundraiser at the Children's Hospice in Wraxall.

The club has supported the hospice for many years and raised these funds from their 2018 Classic Car event which took place on the Salthouse Fields, Clevedon earlier in the year. Next year’s event will be on April 28th.

The presentation took place in the Lions’ Den area of the hospice which Lions have helped to fund to provide a special play area for the children and their families.

Kylie is pictured with Lions member Ute Newell and club president Sue Miller.

Details: clevedonlions@gmail.com

PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Golfers raise money for heart research

Cheque presentation time: (l:r) club captain Ian Poole, regional BHF fundraising manager Victoria Carswell, seniors captain Bob Hampson and ladies captain Claire Walker

FOLLOWING the sudden loss Mike Dury, the then 2018 club captain of Mendip Spring Golf Club, members unanimously selected The British Heart Foundation to benefit from their annual Captain’s Charity.

Fundraising activities throughout the year included a very successful charity golf day held in June. In total £7,074.88 was raised. A spokesman for the club said: “The captains were most grateful to everyone at the club who contributed, in any way, to these fundraising activities in support of research into heart and circulatory diseases.”

Rotarians support Africa charity

THE Rotary Club of Mendip has presented a cheque for £500 to the charity SOS Africa, which is based in Shepton Mallet.

Past president Richard Tilley is pictured with Matt Crowcombe, the founder of the charity, which funds the education and care of underprivileged African children.

Richard Tilley said: “The club is delighted to be able to help this small charity in its work which brings much-needed hope to underprivileged African children.”

Details: clevedonlions@gmail.com

Charity section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:34 Page 99

CHARITIES

Rotary fair

Frome students support Pudsey appeal

WESTON Rotary held its 16th Charity Christmas Fayre at the Royal Hotel, giving local charities a showcase for their services and the chance to raise funds by selling Christmas gifts and running raffles and other prize draws.

Rotary President Julian Matthews welcomed everybody and introduced the mayor, Councillor Michael Lyall, who congratulated all the charities and volunteers for the amazing work that they do in the town.

Details: www.westonrotaryclub.org.uk and www.facebook.com/westonrotaryclub or telephone secretary George Horsfield 07900 160111.

STUDENTS from Frome College took part in a live broadcast of the BBC Breakfast Show, with gold medallists Amy Williams and Emily Diamond, and presented a giant cheque for £280 for Children in Need, raised by cake sales around the college.

They were Jacob Smalley, Iris Shulman, Josh James, Savannah Martin, Evan Williams, Poppy Pearson, Tom Leigh, Nathan Cummings, Steph Verwey, Jack Brown, India Haines, Ethan Casey, Eve Lindley, Jake Eaton, Sophie Hancock, Cloe Brown, Jack Green, Sabrina Roberts, Felix Piper, Evan Alexander and Ciaran Wood

New men’s fundraiser for Weston Hospicecare

A BRAND new ten-mile fundraising walk for men will take place in the Weston area in aid of Weston Hospicecare on Saturday, March 9th.

In what will be an entertaining occasion, groups of friends, dads and lads, sports teams or individuals are encouraged to get together to support the hospice by taking part in the walk before watching England’s penultimate Six Nations fixture against Italy.

Each year the hospice organises a successful ladies only Midnight Beach Walk and now the Men’s March will join the hospice’s annual event calendar. The event will be part of a packed 2019 schedule designed to celebrate the hospice’s 30th anniversary.

Participants will start the ten-mile walk at the Grand Pier before walking to Sand Point via Weston Woods and the Sand Bay coast path. Walkers will then return to the Grand Pier to enjoy a pasty and a pint (or soft drink for younger walkers) to refuel before watching England take on Italy on a big screen on the pier.

Event organiser Kelsey Dehaney said: “We are so excited to be bringing this new event to the hospice event calendar. With the hospice’s Midnight Beach Walk being a ladies only event we are delighted to be able to offer something for men to get involved with.

“The event will coincide with England’s Six Nations fixture

against Italy which will kick off at 4.45pm on the day.

“We hope this will provide a fun and challenging event for those wanting to take part to come and socialise while presenting a good opportunity to challenge themselves while also supporting the hospice.”

The walk will start at 12pm, giving plenty of time for walkers to complete the route before the rugby begins.

Those eager to take part will be able to sign up online until Sunday, March 3rd. Places will cost £15 per adult and £10 per child.

Details: www.westonhospicecare.org.uk

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 99

Charity section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:34 Page 100

MENDIP TIMES

Charity appeals for support

SOMERSET and Wessex Eating Disorders Association is appealing for financial support, saying everyone who has had contact with them over these past few years will know there has been a tidal change in discussions around mental health which was once taboo; a subject no one dared speak of.

Today it says high profile figures and celebrities, as well as ordinary people, openly discuss their mental health - not surprisingly, given that one in four of us will experience some mental health issue in our lives.

In the last year the Shepton Mallet based charity has helped 167 people through 1-2-1 work and another 94 through support and guidance sessions, delivering over 500 hours of counselling.

They have also delivered training in eating disorders to 201 healthcare and teaching professionals. To do this they had 1,151 hours given by their team of volunteers.

It says: “Eating Disorders are often attributed to be the ‘Cinderella’ of mental health despite the hard-hitting fact Anorexia has the highest death rate in mental health.

“We feel more work could be done raising the profile of eating disorders, particularly amongst the young and would very much welcome any financial support you may be able to give us either as a one-off donation or as a monthly contribution.”

All in aid of Eady

Eady’s grandfather, sculptor Jeff Body, and fellow artist Rebecca Allen outside the Memorial Hall in Cranmore

A CHRISTMAS fair in Cranmore has raised around £1,200 for a young villager who suffers from complex special needs.

Around 20 stallholders filled Cranmore Memorial Hall for the event in aid of Eady Body, aged eight.

Details: www.swedauk.org

Samaritans seek volunteers

THE Samaritans of Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset are looking for more people to help boost their team. They need “listeners” who are on the end of the phone taking calls from people who are often at their lowest ebb.

Nationally the charity took over 14,000 calls last year and the local volunteers also answered almost 3,000 emails and 700 texts.

Branch director Joe said: “We are always busy and desperately need new volunteers to join us. The number of calls we receive is increasing and without more volunteers there is a danger that calls could go unanswered and this is unacceptable.

“We are asking members of the local community to sign up to support those who may not have anywhere else to turn. If you have just a few hours a week to spare then we would love to hear from you.”

And if listening is not for you there are plenty of other volunteering opportunities with Samaritans – help with fundraising is always needed.

Regular information mornings are held at the charity’s Westonsuper-Mare branch in the town’s High Street. The next one is on Saturday, January 12th, 10am-12noon and this will be followed by a February event on Saturday, February 9th.

Recruitment director, Gill, said: “We provide extensive training and support to our volunteers and it is an incredibly rewarding job to do. Come along and see what it is all about. If you feel you can’t take on the listening roles there are plenty of other ways you can support the branch. We would love to see you.”

Details: Gill 07507 990599 or email samaritansrecruitmentwsm@yahoo.com

PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Zain (left) and Uma joined Eady’s brother Mitch to raise funds

Jenny (left) and Sarah: two of the stallholders selling home made items

For details and to support Eady and her parents Matt and Charly Body, find them on Facebook at: @EadysJourney

Charity section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:34 Page 101

CHARITIES

Craft fair gives SWALLOW wings

Lisa’s award

(l:r) SWALLOW users Zoe Taylor, Dan Bates and Craig Stead on their Christmas craft stall

daughters’ future and local charities.

She set up a JustGiving page to raise awareness of her cause and to date they have raised £84,857.

She has also co-written a book with acclaimed children’s author Michelle Robinson, aimed at young children who are facing the loss of a parent.

A CHRISTMAS craft fair in Stratton-on-the-Fosse has raised £2,000 for local charity SWALLOW, which encourages teenagers and adults with learning difficulties to lead the lives they choose through user-led support.

Some of the SWALLOW users ran their own stall at the fair, in the village hall. It was the 11th annual fair organised by Rachel Broadway and the second in aid of SWALLOW, based in nearby Westfield. The charity recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Stallholders came from a wide area, including Bristol and Frome.

Stallholders (left) with fair organiser Rachel Broadway (centre), her mum Barbara Jones and Rachel’s husband Mike Broadway

For details, visit: www.swallowcharity.org

Freemasons donate to two charities

MEMBERS of the Kind Alfred Lodge of Freemasons, based in Weston-super-Mare, have awarded grants to two local charities.

Comfort and Warmth, which runs the Comfort@Christmas shelter in Weston as well as soup kitchens, will receive £100 to support their efforts this winter. The local branch of the Royal British Legion will receive £180, the proceeds from the lodge raffle held on Friday, November 16th.

FROME resident Lisa Wells has won the Crowdfunder of the Year award at the ninth annual JustGiving Awards.

Lisa, aged 32, was diagnosed with terminal bowel and liver cancer last December, five weeks after giving birth to her second child, Saffia. She has worked tirelessly since then, founding the Lisa’s Army movement to raise money for her

Farming charity’s busy year

FARMING charity R.A.B.I will have sent out more than 650 festive hampers before Christmas to elderly, sick and disabled people who used to work in the agricultural sector. The total outlay to the charity will be £40-£50,000.

Most of the hampers will go to those in receipt of Joan Ackrill receiving her regular allowances from Christmas hamper R.A.B.I, invariably people over the age of 65, on low incomes with limited savings.

Trish Pickford, R.A.B.I’s Head of Welfare, said: “It’s a sad irony that a lot of retired farmers and farmworkers, who have spent their whole lives producing food for others, now find it hard to put food on their own tables.

“We go to great lengths to recognise those we help as people, rather than statistics. That’s why we also send out things like birthday cards and flowers. It’s important to show someone who may feel isolated that you’re thinking of them. Christmas, for a lot of those we help, is the loneliest time of the year.”

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I) has had a busy 2018, giving out grants of more than £1.7m to over 1,200 individuals/families.

The charity has seen a big increase in the number of requests for help it has received from working people, but still gives considerable sums to non-working people. This includes £101,300 towards care home top-up fees, £177,600 on disability equipment and £56,300 towards home help costs.

Details: www.justgiving.com/campaign/christmas-hampercampaign-2018 • Freephone Helpline 0808 281 9490

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 101

Charity section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:34 Page 102

MENDIP TIMES

Kids fighting cancer

ESME Deacon, aged seven, from Wells who has just completed two years of gruelling cancer treatment. wants to turn her own experience into a positive one to help others.

Her family are highlighting an awards scheme that recognises the courage of children with cancer.

The Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, celebrate the strength shown by youngsters who have been diagnosed with and treated for cancer.

Esme was only five when she was diagnosed with leukaemia and has just finished treatment and celebrated by ringing the bell on the Oak Ward at Musgrove Park Hospital on her last day.

Mum Tiffany said: “She loves Wicked the Musical so she dressed up for the occasion as did all the nurses and doctors. Then the next day we had a lovely big picnic with bouncy castles, face painting and dancing.”

Now the Deacon family are encouraging anyone who knows a young cancer patient to nominate them for the honour in the run-up to Christmas.

All children nominated will receive a unique trophy, £50 TK Maxx gift card, t-shirt and a certificate signed by a host of famous faces.

Mum of two, Tiffany, said: “A friend nominated Esme for the award and we were so happy to see her open her star trophy, it was a time when we were so fragile and in shock at all that was happening to Esme.

“She is very keen to become a medical researcher or work in the field of science when she is older, she is a very determined and I am so proud of her.”

There are around 400 new diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia every year in the UK affecting children aged 0-14 years.

Alison Birkett, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens in the South West, said: “Our mission is to fund research to find new, better and kinder treatments for young cancer patients in the South West, and across the UK. “We want to bring forward the day when every child and young person survives cancer and does so with a good quality of life.

“So we’re calling on people in Somerset to nominate inspirational youngsters for this year’s Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards so that we can recognise their incredible courage.”

Details: cruk.org/kidsandteens

PAGE 102 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Priddy fundraisers

PRIDDY and St Lawrence’s Federation, together with Saplings Pre-School, were busy fundraising for Children In Need, raising £227.22.

Charity section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:34 Page 103

Charity says thank you for diners’ gift

THROMBOSIS UK says it would like to thank the organisers and all attendees of the recent Leg of Mutton Supper in Chew Magna which raised £626 in aid of the charity.

The money will be used to support a Let’s Talk Clots awareness month next year.

Established in 2002, Thrombosis UK’s small team and amazing band of supporters work tirelessly to extend research, education and awareness of thrombosis – often known as blood clots, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), PE (pulmonary embolism) and stroke.

It says that despite a general awareness of DVT few people realise that blood clots are the number one cause of preventable hospital deaths; the number one direct cause for maternal death; are responsible for one in four of all deaths; and that surviving thrombosis often leaves the person with long term pain and health issues.

Anyone can be at risk – regardless of age, gender or fitness, even children; and the charity works closely with NHS leads, clinicians, patients, carers and researchers to support prevention, better detection and improved care.

Details: www.thrombosisuk.org or email: jo@thrombosisuk.org

Palace reception for Somerset Sight

SOMERSET’S Lord Lieutenant, Annie Maw and The Bishop of Taunton, the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley hosted a reception in the Undercroft of the Bishops Palace, Wells to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Somerset Sight, formerly known as Somerset Association for the Blind.

CHARITIES

Lifeboats hope for rescue

AFTER years of uncertainty, there’s been some progress towards finding Weston-super-Mare RNLI lifeboat station a suitable home.

Active since 1882, the station was based on Birnbeck Island for most of that time, until the wooden walkway was deemed too rotten in 2013.

Since then the crew have operated from a temporary station at Knightstone Plaza consisting of two metal containers. During that time they have saved more lives than any other coastal station in the UK and Ireland.

The RNLI has investigated 14 sites in Weston Bay but none have been suitable, while local fundraisers have worked tirelessly and so far have collected £750,000 towards the cost of a new base.

Now a supporter of the local RNLI has offered his restaurant site, closed for nearly a year, as a potential location. Heath Hardy has sold the lease he has of the Cove Restaurant site with North Somerset Council to the RNLI. There still needs to be extensive environmental studies and architectural plans so it will be a year before it’s known if it can be a permanent station.

However in the meantime the local RNLI can use it to help cope with their current cramped conditions.

Mike Buckland, lifeboat operations manager at Weston said: “The building will give us significant training and meeting facilities where we can now get all our crew into one room at the same time, something we have been missing for the last five years.” l The Anna Stock D class inshore lifeboat has retired after ten years of service at Weston-super-Mare during which time she was launched about 400 times, rescuing at least 96 people and saving 22 lives.

As well as the service launches she was used for training nearly every Wednesday evening and Sunday morning. A new lifeboat the Adrian Beaumont has now arrived.

The Anna Stock was named after Colonel Stock whose widow left money in trust for the RNLI in the early 20th century. It was the second lifeboat carrying this name. The first was called the Colonel Stock and served in Weston from 1903 to 1933.

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 103

Music & Theatre feature.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:49 Page 104

MENDIP TIMES

Frome Voices sing in New York

FROME Voices, the town’s biggest local choir, is heading to New York to sing in the world-famous Carnegie Hall.

It received an invitation in May to be part of a 250-strong international choir to sing in the US premiere of Symphonic Adiemus, a work by the renowned Welsh composer, Sir Karl Jenkins, who will be there in person.

The choir had to send an audition recording of a previous concert. Having been accepted, 13 singers chose to take up the invitation. The group, along with some guests, will be travelling to New York in January and the performance will be on Martin Luther King Jnr Day, a US national holiday, on January 21st.

The choir’s conductor, Alan Burgess, said: “It’s tremendously exciting. We’ve got lots of work to do, but we are all thrilled to be flying the musical flag for Frome on such an iconic stage. It’s a wonderful opportunity to show how a choir from a small English town can perform to the highest of choral standards.”

After the New York group’s return, the full choir will be starting rehearsals for a concert in the Cheese and Grain on Sunday, March 31st.

This will be a performance of 20th century British music, including Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Tippett and the beautiful Stabat Mater by Sir Karl Jenkins, never before performed in Frome. There will be a full orchestra and soloists.

The choir is currently recruiting singers and would be delighted to hear from anyone who is interested in joining.

Singers with and without experience are equally welcome – and male voices even more so!

Details: Jane Talbot 01373 472 218 or Olivia Date 01373 302 567.

MUSIC & THEATRE

Dance out of winter into spring

COLD, dark evenings are just the time to launch into barn dancing and a warm welcome, live music, good dances and cheerful company are offered every month at Ditcheat’s Jubilee Hall.

Caller Peter Bolton and live music from Jeroka promise funpacked evenings every second Friday of the month, from 7.30 pm-9.30pm. There’s nothing too serious, novice and experienced dancers get together to enjoy a pastime that’s good for the body, mind and soul!

There may still be an opportunity to taste what’s on offer at the dancers’ New Year’s Eve dance in the hall. A number of tickets at £8 each (bring and share supper) are available.

Details: Peter or Ama Bolton 01749 672911

Christmas concert

THE annual Salvation Army Carol Concert, sponsored by Rotary, Nailsea and Backwell, took place at the Nailsea Methodist Church on Sunday, December 2nd.

The year 2018 represented a landmark as it was the 25th year that the concert has been staged. The theme was

“A Christmas Celebration”.

This year, the collection was for the local branch of Wellspring Counselling service and a cheque for £565 was presented by the club’s community chairman to Sarah Rees, director of Wellspring locally.

Bold Brass in Yatton

BOLD Brass will be providing Yatton Music Society with a rousing start to the New Year with a selection of brass band music at St Mary’s, Yatton on Saturday, January 26th.

The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 YMS members, £10 non-members, including refreshments, can be obtained from the church office or on the door on the night.

Ashcott pantomime group staged The Little Mermaid PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Details: www.yms.org.uk or contact David Ford 01934 830255 e-mail david.ford@yms.org.uk

Riding section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:45 Page 105

RIDING

Be nice say hi!

With RACHEL THOMPSON MBE

A NEW adventure beckons today.

Thanks to help from Wells City Bikes, two new metal steeds are strapped to a girlfriendly rack sprouting from the tow bar that normally has a horse box

attached.

We are venturing off to check out the Colliers Way, a shared off-road route in East Mendip running from Radstock towards Frome.

Those following the new Horse Access Campaign (HAC UK) on social media will know there has been much debate about creating local active travel networks for us all to share on horse, bike and foot. A good start is the National Cycle Network (NCN) which links towns and villages via a network of minor roads and off-road paths.

In our area we all use NCN3 which runs from Charterhouse along the Nordrach Byway and continues on along narrow country lanes, through Priddy and onwards down Deer Leap.

Through a new housing estate in Radstock, we find a blue sign showing a walker and a cyclist pointing the way. We

The Colliers Way – part of the National Cycle Network

The Horse Action Campaign wants more safe routes for horses and riders

twiddle along, our new bikes perfectly behaved, it feels colder than we are used to. I feel a sudden yearning for a warm flank against my leg and a pair of alert ears framing the view.

The path is quiet, stretching on in a straight line, like a mini-Roman road. I want something to happen, a train to steam along the adjacent rusty track, a carriage with smart horses to bowl along towards us, the railway children to lean over the bridge.

A few scattered droppings provide the only clue that horses are permitted, until eventually we see a sign instructing horses to keep right and a useful bridleway link to Kilmersdon with a small picture of a horse.

We pass a couple of dog walkers and a cyclist, there’s ample room, at 2.5-3 metres wide this path is similar in width to the narrow lanes we are used to and much wider than the steep rocky Black Down bridleways, where just this morning Tam and I were squished up on the bank with our heads stuck in a bush to let a mountain biker pass by.

We are used to sharing routes on Mendip. Every day I’m amazed as yet more bedraggled figures on foot, horse or bike emerge grinning from the rain and mist. Mendip does that; like Les Davies, my fellow Mendip Times contributor says “the Mendip landscape just whooshes up through your boots”. The lack of resources for path maintenance has brought us literally closer together. We’ve all learnt to be nice and say hi long before the British Horse Society and Cycling UK started their campaign. Up here at least, we are all members of the

great outdoors community.

The NCN links communities across the country via approximately 15,000 miles of route. Ten thousand miles coincides with minor roads shared by all and 5,000 miles along off-road routes often old railway lines and tow paths; some, but not all are available to horses. Charting a journey for cyclists and walkers is simple using the OS Explorer series – routes are shown with an NCN number. Off road sections are shown with a red dot but it is not possible to determine which routes are available to horse riders (other than road and rights of way sections) making it difficult to plan a long-distance excursion.

Back on top Mendip with a wild wind blowing through Tam’s mane I reflect that actually, nothing compares to the magic of riding a horse through a beautiful landscape. Please Join HAC UK on Facebook to campaign for the inclusion of safe horse access on- and off-road.

People on Mendip have been saying “hi” long before the British Horse Society and Cycling UK campaign

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 105

Riding section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:45 Page 106

MENDIP TIMES

Protecting horses

Injuries caused by tethering

THE charity HorseWorld, based in Whitchurch, is hoping to win parliamentary support for its campaign against tethering, the practice of staking a horse to the ground using a chain around the horse’s neck.

Luke Hall, MP for Thornbury and Yate, a champion of animal rights, promised his support for the #BreakTheChain campaign after receiving a number of letters from constituents concerned about tethering.

Luke met HorseWorld’s managing director, Mark Owen, to discuss the aims of the campaign, which are to enforce a limit on the length of time a horse can be tethered to a maximum of 24 hours; introduce a complete ban on tethering in dangerous locations; and to enforce a policy that states “if tethering is your only method of keeping a horse, then you should not be permitted to keep that animal”.

He said: “As a local man and animal lover who grew up in the local area I want to do everything that I can to protect animals in our community.”

Details: https://breakthechain.horseworld.org.uk/

J.B. Equestrian Services Equine Rehabilitation, Livery and Training

Tel: 07889 065301 The Stables, Maes Knoll Farm, Norton Lane, Pensford, Bristol BS39 4EZ

PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Badminton beckons for Lauren and Ryan

RIDING

Lauren and Ryan in action at Badminton in 2016

EVENTER Lauren Collard and her horse Orions Brite Spark (Ryan) have qualified for the Mitsubishi Motors Cup (British Eventing 90 Championships) which will be held at Badminton Horse Trials in May. This will be their sixth time at the championships as a partnership and Ryan’s eighth. Ryan was born and bred at Tunley Equestrian Centre by Jill Clarke who, with her sister Jo, breeds and produces “spotty” competition horses.

Ryan was produced for eventing by Jo with whom he competed at his first two championships. Jo has also been fundamental to Lauren and Ryan’s success as she has been coaching Lauren since she was six-years-old. Lauren has been riding Ryan, now 18, for 14 years and he has certainly been a horse of a lifetime, who she has been incredibly lucky to ride and own.

Not only has he given her amazing eventing results, including being placed sixth at the Mitsubishi Motors Cup in 2017 but also success at county showing and becoming the British Appaloosa Society national ridden champion.

Ryan continues to be an amazing family horse who is now helping to teach Jill’s six-year-old daughter Eleanor to ride.

Rehabilitation service

JB EQUESTRIAN Services has been offering a successful rehabilitation service for many years and have moved with the times to provide the most up-to-date equipment to assist in the successful recovery post diagnosis/surgery from sprained/torn tendons to major surgeries.

Their latest addition is the THEraPlate unit which the horses stand on to increase circulation to affected areas thus promoting speedier healing.

It can also be used to warm the muscles prior to riding resulting in a much enhanced schooling session and also has a calming effect on box rest horses allowing them to relax during the confinement.

Horses can stay for rehabilitation or have treatment on an ad hoc basis.

Riding section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:45 Page 107

Sport section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:30 Page 108

MENDIP TIMES

Make the change

CYCLING with EDMUND LODITE

THE start of the year will be welcomed by New Year’s resolutions, many of which will aim to result in a healthier lifestyle. Taking up cycling is a great way to achieve this no matter whether you

are young or old.

It only takes a few hours a week to achieve a general improvement to your health. Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout burning calories along the way.

You will breathe deeper, perspire and experience increased body temperature, all of which improve your overall fitness level.

As a form of exercise cycling is: • Low impact – it causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise.

• A good muscle workout – cycling uses all of the major muscle groups as you pedal.

• Easy – unlike some other sports, cycling does not require high levels of physical skill. Most people know how to ride a bike and, once you learn, you don’t forget.

• Good for strength and stamina – cycling increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness.

• As intense as you want – cycling can be done at very low intensity to begin with, if recovering from injury or illness, but

can be built up to a demanding physical workout. Go as far and as fast as you want to!

• An outdoor adventure – you can go where and when you want to and explore new places and find new views.

There are a few misconceptions about cycling, so let’s deal with a few of them.

Firstly you don’t have to wear bright coloured lycra to go cycling – just wear what makes you feel comfortable. Then as you build up your fitness and start to spend more time on the bike consider the benefits of wearing cycling kit.

The same is true about bicycles. Start with something straightforward and upgrade when you’ve developed as a cyclist and want to go faster.

Cycling in traffic for the first time can be an initial fear. The National Cycle Network (developed by Sustrans) is a series of well signposted routes on traffic-free and low-traffic routes e.g.

Strawberry Line, Colliers Way. In addition there are plenty of quiet scenic lanes across Mendip to cycle along

Club tribute to Henry

MIDSOMER Norton Cricket Club’s annual meeting began on a sad note with a minute’s silence to mark the recent passing of Henry Thomas.

Henry was a playing member for many years and served the club in many other capacities. Club members expressed their sadness and their thoughts are with Henry’s family. He will be sorely missed by all.

First team skipper Nick Pang reported on the positive response to playing at a higher level following promotion in 2017. With seven wins and seven defeats, the team secured their place in WEPL Prem 2 for 2019 and new recruits are already being made for next season.

For the Second XI, Neil Brooks reported that 13 victories had helped the team finish third in their division but the fact that four out of five defeats were to the two teams finishing higher told its own story.

Jennie Webb, captain of Midsomer Mavericks (the club’s women’s team), told the meeting that unbelievable progress had been made in a very short time. In 2018, the club’s

PAGE 108 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

which will help to build confidence.

Cycling on your own or not knowing where to go can be daunting. Cycling in an organised ride is a good option and there are a number of cycling clubs who are always keen to attract new members.

Breeze rides are women-only cycle outings, led by a volunteer that take place on a regular basis. Their aim is to inspire and support more women to ride bicycles.

Rides can be found online at British Cycling.

There are also a number of sportive events across Mendip throughout the year on well signposted routes. You just select a distance that suits you and then enjoy the experience of a participation ride which is not a race. The best example of this is the Great Weston Ride raising thousands of pounds for charity each year.

The benefits from cycling, and all forms of exercise and sport are undeniable. So as we start the New Year think of Michael Jackson and the lyrics to Man in the Mirror when he sang . . . “Take a look at yourself and then make the change”!

softball festival was a great success and the Mavericks became the first Somerset county softball champions. Plans are being made to find additional coaching support in 2019.

Chairman Graeme King thanked all those who support the club in preparing pitches, making match day teas and refreshments and scoring. Graeme also reported on the progress made with upgrading changing facilities at the club.

Work on new changing rooms will start early in the new year and will be completed in time for the start of the 2019 season.

Elections for club officers saw Nick Pang and Neil Brooks re-elected as First XI and Second XI captains respectively.

Jennie Webb will continue as the skipper of Midsomer Mavericks in 2019. l New players of all ages and abilities – and social members – are always welcome at the club. For more information, contact Nick Potter 07872 383499 nickpotter29@gmail.com Phil Mortimer 01761 413725 morts@tiscali.co.uk or Jennie on angerlina1999@sky.com

Sport section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:30 Page 109

FORMER England and Bath prop turned television pundit David Flatman put Wells RFC’s under14s through their paces at a special training session.

The 38-year-old front row legend laughed and joked with the youngsters as families and Wells coaches looked on during the 90-minute session in which he offered advice and hands-on coaching.

The one-off session was on offer David Flatman – now recognised as one of at an auction the best rugby pundits on television organised by the Bath Rugby Foundation. The winning bidder – from Bath Rugby sponsor Novia Financial – then donated it to Wells.

After retiring in 2012, David – nickname “Flats” – worked for Bath as head of communications before his television career took off.

Croquet winners

B B

CAMERTON and Peasedown Croquet Club celebrated another year of success with an evening of skittles and a presentation of awards.

The club fields six teams that play against other clubs – plus numerous other regional and national competitions. This year they won many of their matches, some just missing out on the finals. A special mention went to their two GC Handicap teams who came second in their groups.

Club winners were Ros Key Pugh, Andy Loakes, David Milford, M.J. Oldland, Roger Pocklington, Fran Ralli and Nigel Wulcko.

There were special awards for the most improved players, Colin Britt, who has taken part in national development squad training, and David Christie, a 2017 beginner. Patrick Knight gained an award for outstanding services to the club.

The club plays croquet throughout the year and have a beginners’ course starting in March.

Details: Mo Boys 01225 708540 or Ros Key Pugh 01225 427525.

Rebels rebuild for 20th anniversary season

Words of wisdom from the former Bath legend

A training session to remember for the under-14s

THE Somerset Rebels speedway team has been rebuilding after the club’s owners took the decision to step down from the sport’s top-flight Premier League after two seasons.

They blamed a combination of costs and the need to change race nights for the decision to revert to the Championship league, saying they could not attract the same footfall for matches as citybased rivals.

Australian-licenced Rory Schlein is to spearhead their attack for the 2019 season. The Darwin born, two-times Elite League champion, will be the club's new number one for their 20th anniversary campaign and the 34-year-old will once again link up with his 2018 Ipswich team-mate Nico Covatti.

In the Championship, the Rebels will face the likes of Berwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester, Newcastle, Redcar, Scunthorpe, Sheffield and Workington – a long-distance challenge for away fans, but will revert to home meetings on Wednesday nights.

The Rebels race from March to October at the Oak Tree Arena at Edithmead, near Highbridge. For details, visit: www.somersetrebels.co

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 109

(Photography courtesy of Mike Lang)

Lessons from one of rugby’s finest

SPORT

Sport section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:30 Page 110

MENDIP TIMES

Club honours young volunteer

(l:r) Nana Preston, Alex Walton, Tom Wilson and Mark Preston with coach Kevin Durney

WELLS Tennis Club honoured 14-year-old Tom Wilson at its annual end-of-season presentation evening with a special award for volunteering.

Blue School student Tom, from Wells, was singled out for a new award thanks to his tireless contribution every weekend and during the holidays with some of the club’s youngest players. He also assisted on a one-day research project assignment to assess player’s serves.

Tom started assisting coach Kevin Durney as part of his Duke of Edinburgh challenge last January but continued to volunteer long after it had finished. A member since he was five years old, Tom plays most weeks for fun after his mother spotted he had great co-ordination catching a ball.

Tom. who was presented with his trophy by club president Tasha Smith, said: “Volunteering at the club has really opened my eyes to the different ways players aged only seven or eight can progress in a short space of time. It has been really satisfying to get involved with the coaching side of tennis and even helping with data collection for a research project.

“I was really surprised and thrilled to receive the trophy – I wasn’t expecting it at all.”

Club coach Kevin Durney added: “Tom has been a great help to our tennis club. He started volunteering with the Duke of Edinburgh award, saying yes whenever asked to do something new. Since then he has helped at open days, my MSc serve experiment and continues to be a big hit with all the children on Saturday mornings.

“Simply put, whenever he is asked it's a ‘yes’ before he knows what he needs to do – you couldn’t want for more from a volunteer.”

Tom helping Nana Preston

PAGE 110 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Club celebrates

SPORT

CHEDDAR Rugby Club has new facilities at the Sharpham playing fields pavilion thanks to funding from the EDF/Hinkley Point Impact Mitigation Fund.

Local MP James Heappey joined the celebrations for the new extension of the pavilion.

Race opens for entries

THE Chew Valley 10k is now open for entries. It takes place on Sunday, June 9th at 9.30am, starting at Bishop Sutton Football Club near Chew Valley Lake.

The race follows a scenic route around the Chew Valley and this year will open to a maximum of 1,000 runners of all abilities who will run along mostly traffic-free country lanes.

The 2018 race was won in 33:44

by James Rodgers of North Somerset AC (who was also the 2016 race winner). The fastest female was Hannah Moore (41:35) Last year's winner and the fastest local runners were Bishop Sutton’s David Eagan (37:48) and Katie Radcliffe of East Harptree (44:51).

Alongside the event’s main beneficiaries, Blood Bikes NICU Support, Bishop Sutton Primary School Society and Chew Valley School Society, this year’s event will support A Life for a Cure, set up by the mother of Ryan Bresnahan who died very suddenly of Meningitis B, aged just 16 in March 2010.

He was a fit, healthy, caring young man, full of personality and a sports scholar at Clifton College. Michelle Bresnahan set up the charity to help build awareness of the disease and to raise valuable funds in search for the ultimate vaccine and is looking forward to being part of the Chew Valley 10k in June.

In addition to the 10km race, children aged 4-14 years can enter a 1km race (entry fee £5) which takes place immediately after the 10km race finish.

Details: www.chewvalley10k.co.uk or follow the event on Instagram @chewvalley10k, Facebook and Twitter @Chewvalley10k

What's On section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:47 Page 111

FOLLOWING the success of the first “Talking Film” in October, popular local historian Joanna Cobb returns to the Wells Film Centre to present a special evening on Monday, January 21st to coincide with the UK release of the film Mary Queen of Scots.

Joanna's introductory talk will highlight events prior to the film's action, including Mary's French connection, the longstanding “Auld Alliance” between Scotland and France and the chequered often bloody history of the Stuart dynasty before and after the events depicted in the film.

She will also analyse key images of both Mary and Elizabeth I as well as taking a look at some of the locations featured and their actual counterparts. Her talk will end with a discussion around issues of historical accuracy in art, literature, drama and film, followed by an interval and screening of the film. A handout to accompany the talk will be available on the night.

Mary Queen of Scots (15) (2018). 7pm. Talk plus Q & A 60 minutes, interval 15 minutes, film time two hours. For details, visit: www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk

Titans of their day

Starts Friday 4th January Starts Friday 11th January Starts Friday 18th January Starts Friday 25th January

JANUARY EVENT CINEMA

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD NOW SHOWING: The Favourite (15)

Stan & Ollie (PG) • Holmes & Watson Mary Queen Of Scots (15) Colette (15)

Tragedy of King Richard the Second 15th January The Queen Of Spades ROH 22nd January A Woman of No Importance 23rd January

● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOWGROUND BA4 6QN Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th January 2019

INDOOR STATIC TRACTOR SHOW Special Feature: International Tractors

Tractors, implements, trade stands, toys, models & books etc.

AUCTION: Sat 26th January by HJ Pugh & Co., Ledbury.

Raising money for local charities Entrance: Adults £8, OAP’s £6 & Children £4 Sat: 9am-4pm & Sun 9am-3.30pm Contact: Nick 01749 860514 or Mike 07976 535762 www.somersettractorshow.com

A Titan tractor on display at a previous show. Titans were imported to the UK during WWI to help plough grassland to increase the arable acreage

AMERICAN-built and designed tractors will take centre stage at the 2019 Somerset Vintage and Classic Tractor Show at the Royal Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet.

Early tractors from the International Harvester range such as the iconic Titan and 10-20, through to modern classics are expected to be there on Saturday, January 26th and Sunday, January 27th along with more than 200 other tractors on display.

Show organisers choose a different theme to celebrate each year, attracting thousands of enthusiasts. The indoor static tractor show is always well supported with a decent number of trade stands, selling tools, models and spare parts.

There will also be the popular vintage collective auction on the Saturday with usually 1,000+ lots, organised by HJPugh & Co, Ledbury.

All show proceeds go to local charities; during the 2018 show organisers donated more than £8,000 to local charities, including £4,000 to SURE (Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment), Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Yeovil Heartbeat, Yeovil Freewheelers and the Guide Dogs.

For show details, visit www.somersettractorshow.com or find them on Facebook. For auction details, visit www.hjpugh.com

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 111

(Photograph courtesy of Kevin Wills)

Talking film returns to Wells

WHAT’S ON

What's On section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:47 Page 112

MENDIP TIMES

T

H E

M

E N D I P

Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. We may not be able to use entries which are too lengthy or submitted as posters or leaflets. Commercial entries cost £25.

Thursday December 20th Mendip Ramblers moderate 5m Christmas lunch walk: North Wootton. Start 10am Crossways Hotel, Nth Wootton, BA4 4EU. ST5654166.

Details: Tony P: 01749 342285/07752 689629.

West Mendip Walkers moderate 9m circular from Clewer Ex141 ST439511. Start 9am paddock Cribb House Lane. Details: 01934 733783/ 07415 517355 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday December 21st Redhill Hall Children's Disco 5pm-7pm £2.50 child. Details: 07512602225. Redhill Club BS40 5SG. Redhill Skittles Competition Charity Evening prompt 8pm start. Champagne prize for highest score. Refreshments. Proceeds to play area fund.

Sunday December 23rd Mendip Society Walk easy 4 miles from Wells.

Meet 1.30pm Cathedral Green, BA5 2UE. Details: Peter 01761 221995.

Thursday December 27th Mendip Society Walk from Cheddar. Hard & hilly 4 miles. Meet 10.30am nr Gardeners Arms, Silver Street, BS27 3LE. Details: Gill 01934 742508.

West Mendip Walkers easy 6m circular from Priddy Ex141 ST528508. Start 12.30pm Queen Victoria Inn. Details: Carol: 07979 354530 or caj7599@gmail.com Friday December 28th Christmas Concert, Draycott. Barry Rose OBE international organist, and local resident, accompanied by daughter Nicola. 7pm St Peter’s Church. Tickets £10 from village store. All proceeds towards church organ fund.

Friday December 28th to Tuesday January 1st Frome Memorial Theatre presents "Aladdin".

Various times, see website. Tickets £14, £12 from 01373 462795. www.fmt.website Saturday December 29th Mendip Society Walk Easton. A hard 4 miles.

Meet 1.30pm Easton Village Hall, Ebbor Lane BA5 1EH. Details: Gill or Terry 01749 679128.

Redhill Club Classic Car Gathering 10am-12, BS40 5SG. All welcome to park up for a chat.

Bacon rolls, tea, coffee. Proceeds to play area fund.

Sunday December 30th Mendip Ramblers moderate 9 miles around Glastonbury. Start 10am Bretenoux Road BA6 8DY, ST503381. Details: Janet 01458 835238 07706 181609.

Monday December 31st Redhill Club New Year's Eve Disco from 8.30pm Free Entry. All welcome. Refreshments.

New Year's Eve Celebration 8pm @ Camerton Community Hall, BA2 0NL featuring Retrospin.

Prepaid tickets £10 including light supper. Details: 07866112689 www.camertoncommunityhall.co.uk Tuesday January 1st Mendip Ramblers moderate 6 miles: Cheddar Woods, Shute Shelve. Start 11am north end Cheddar Reservoir BS26 2HG, ST439543.

Details: Janet 01458 835238 07706 181609.

PAGE 112 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

T

I M E S

Thursday January 3rd Congresbury Gardening Club, “Botanical Latin demystified” Talk by Julie Henderson 7.30pm Congresbury Methodist Hall, High St. Guests welcome.

Mendip Storytelling Circle: short tales, old & new. Treat yourself to listening. Contributions welcome. Free. 7.30pm Chewton Mendip Village Hall, BA3 4LL. Tea & coffee.

Mendip Ramblers moderate 6m: Wells to the Horringtons. Start 10am where the Mendip Way crosses Ash Lane, BA5 2LR. ST544463. Details: Kevin 01458 830319 / 007816 842127.

West Mendip Walkers moderate 9m from Burrington Combe Ex141 ST476590. Start 10am Burrington Inn. Details: Eaun or Nicola: 07801 621212 or euan.stanwix@btinternet.com Saturday January 5th Frome FSLS Chris Eldridge – Alfred the Great and the Somerset Connection, Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm. Details: www.fsls.org.uk Monday January 7th Mendip Ramblers leisurely 3m cup of tea walk Wells. Start 1.30 Morrisons car park BA5 1FA. ST548451. Details: Mary 01749 342285 07951 467453.

Tuesday January 8th ‘Gilded Glories – the fascinating story of gilded decoration’, with artist Jo Mabbutt. Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B&W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN. www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk. Guests welcome. Details: 01934 862435.

Wednesday January 9th Somerset Choral Society invite new members to begin rehearsals for their spring programme 7.30pm Concert Hall, Sidcot School. Next concert is May 11th in Wedmore.

Kilmersdon Gardeners talk by Don Everitt “Fragrance in the garden" 7.30pm Kilmersdon Village Hall, BA3 5TD. Details: 01761 233325.

Visitors welcome, £2.

Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society talk “Medicinal Plants (including uses in Gin)” 7.30pm Thatched Cottage, Charlton Rd, BA4 5QF www.sheptonhortsoc.org.uk Nailsea Horticultural Society talk “Interesting Trees with a bias to Tyntesfield”, 7.30pm United Reformed Church Hall. Members £2, nonmembers £3 includes refreshments.

Wells Civic Society agm followed by talk The Old Deanery Garden with Sarah Hare and Marianne Adams, 7pm Wells and Mendip Museum.

Thursday January 10th Mendip Ramblers moderate 7m Batcombe circle.

Start 10am Batcombe Church BA4 6HE. ST690390. Details: Tony P 01749 342285 07752 689629.

West Mendip Walkers moderate 5.5m circular Congresbury Ex154 ST438639. Start 12.30pm Bristol Rd CP. Details: Jenny/Jill: 07803 722878/ 07709 767907 or jennymr7@aol.com Saturday January 12th Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaws, dvds & cds.

Wells SOUP light lunch as local charities tell you what they do and are each given a cheque, 1pm Connect Centre, junction of Chamberlain Street/Portway, Wells. Details: 07715 770454.

Coppicing Volunteer Work Day for Somerset Wildlife Trust, 9.30am-3.30pm Asham Wood

W

H A T

’

S

SSSI, Downhead. Booking essential. Free.

Details: 01823 652400 www.somersetwildlife.org Mendip Society Walk from Felton Common.

Moderate 5m. Meet 1.30pm by St. Katherine’s Church, West Lane, BS40 9UP. Details: Richard 01275 852786.

Chew Valley Wildlife Group fundraising jumble sale for Avon Wildlife Trust, The Old Schoolroom, Chew Magna, 10am. Offers of help and donations of jumble and white elephant welcome. Details: Claire on 01761 463294.

Monday January 14th “The History of Barrow Gurney" talk by Mary James MBE to Nailsea & District Local History Society, 7.45pm, Green Lecture Room, Nailsea School. Members free, Single evening £2. Details: www.ndlhs.org.uk Mendip Folk Dance Club Evening 8pm-10pm, St James Church Hall Winscombe BS25 1AQ. All welcome, £3pp.Why not give it a try? Details Pat 01934 742853.

Tuesday January 15th Congresbury Over-60s Club Friendship Hour: tea, biscuits & chat! Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004.

Spoken Word Café Yatton Library, 10.30am-12.

Come to hear poems, share your favourite book.

Suggested donation £4; all welcome, disabled access.

"Cannibals in Art" – Myth & Reality talk by Louise Schofield for The Arts Society, 11am Caryford Hall, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ. Free parking. £6. Details: 01963 350132.

Wednesday January 16th Mid Somerset Agricultural Society Wassail, North Wootton Village Hall. Bonfire lit 6.30pm.

Wassail free. Followed by Mumford Mummers, clog dancers & refreshments £9. Tickets: 01749 938044 or secretary@midsomersetshow.org.uk Thursday January 17th Social Table Tennis for adults of all abilities, 7.15pm Compton Dando village hall. £3. Details: Richard 07968269841.

West Mendip Walkers mod circular 10m from Sherborne. Ex129 ST640163. Meet 10am Culverhayes CP. Details: Ken 01749 670349 07784 941439 or kenmasters265@gmail.com Mendip Ramblers mod 7m Nunney. Start 10am Nunney Quarry CP. BA11 4NL, ST735458.

Details: Mike 01373 472101 07711 090656.

RSA Frome event community groups, social enterprises, and businesses can learn about trends in finance/technology/marketing/partnerships/staffing and get expert feedback at this free event. Details: www.facebook.com/events/2253334194923474 Saturday January 19th Hutton Wassailing: Orchards 6pm then Morris Dancers, Ceilidh in Village Hall. Adults £8, Children £4. Tickets: Post Office. Details: 01934 812229.

Jumble Sale 2pm Winscombe Community Centre, Sandford Rd. Refreshments. Contact Richard 07899753063 for jumble collection, or bring on morning of sale.

Kilmersdon Wassail. Meet to crown the Queen, 4pm Community Orchard, end of Ames Lane.

Details: 01761 437372.

Mendip Society Walk from Compton Martin.

Moderate 4m. Meet 1.30pm Ring O’ Bells, BS40 6JE. Details: Beryl 01761 412045.

Wasssail, organised by the Rotary Club of Brue

O

What's On section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:47 Page 113

O

N

G

U I D E

F O R

Valley. The Catash Inn, North Cadbury, BA22 7DH. From 6pm. Ffi: www.bruevalleyrotary.org Sunday January 20th Social Table Tennis for adults of all abilities, 2.30pm Compton Dando village hall. £3. Details: Richard 07968269841.

Monday January 21st “Gardening for Wildlife” talk by Luke Gotts for Timsbury Natural History Group, 7.30pm Conygre Hall. Non-members welcome, £3.

Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo. Non-members welcome. 8pm War Memorial Hall.

Wednesday January 23rd Considering Adoption? Ofsted rated Families for Children Trust are holding an information session, 10am-12noon, Foot Anstey, Blackbrook Park Ave, Taunton, TA1 2PY. Thursday January 24th West Mendip Walkers mod circular 5.5m. Ex142 ST603482. Start 12.30pm Rookery Farm. Details: Claris Brown: 07811 232061 or claris51@yahoo.co.uk China – Birds, Wildlife, Conservation talk by John Aldridge & Andy Davis for Chew Valley Wildlife Group 7.45pm Chew Magna Old School Room, 7.45pm. £2.50.

Mendip Ramblers mod 7m West Harptree, Compton Martin. Start 10am Herons Green Causeway, Chew Valley Lake, BS40 6NL, ST554594. Details: Margaret: 01761 232042 07910 873853.

Mendip Society Talk "Marie Antoinette's Guide to Farming" a risqué guide to setting up a smallholding, by Sarah Harris, 2.30pm St. James' Church Hall Winscombe BS25 1BA. Members £2, visitors £3.50. Free refreshments. Details: Richard 01275 472797.

Friday January 25th Camerton Winter Talk, 7pm @ BA2 0NL. Travelling Nepal with Ian Williamson. Admission £5 includes hot drink/biscuit, licensed bar. Details: www.camertoncommunityhall.co.uk Saturday, January 26th RNLI Quiz 7pm Shipham Village Hall. Teams of six please, £8pp includes mega-ploughman’s, bar & raffle. All proceeds to RNLI. Details: 01934 842304 or meejlfh@gmail.com Bold Brass 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £10 or £8 YMS members, details: www.yms.org.uk Wake Up Wells Community Day "Garden hints from wild & strange habitats" Rosemary Fitzgerald for Somerset Plant Heritage, 2.30pm Edington Hall TA7 9HA. Members' Plant Sale 1.30pm.

DECEMBER

J

A N U A R Y

Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaws, dvds & cds.

Frome Memorial Theatre "The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines" 7.30pm. Tickets £18 from 01373 462795 www.fmt.website Barn Dancing 7pm-10pm Faulkland Village Hall.

Adults £5, children welcome, £2, in aid of www.willberrywonderpony.org Details: 0791 9360486.

Mendip Society Walk from East Harptree.

Moderate 5m. Meet 1.30pm car park Harptree Woods, Smithams Hill, BS40 6DA. Details: Richard & Denise 01275 472797.

Frome FSLS Ollie Taylor – The History and Evolution of Bath Abbey, Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm. . Details: www.fsls.org.uk Sunday January 27th Mendip Ramblers mod 11m Nunney, Witham Friary. Start 10am Nunney Quarry CP, BA11 4NL, ST735458. Details: Mike P 01373 472101 07711 090656.

Monday January 28th Green Gardeners: “Growing Up” a talk by Claire Hart on vertical planting. 7.30pm Parish Rooms, Somerton TA11 7NB. Visitors welcome £3.

Young Musician of the Year: students of Churchill Academy, 6pm -8.30pm St John the Baptist Church, BS25 5QW. Tickets: £8; U18s £4, from 01934 852589.

Mendip Folk Dance Club Evening 8pm-10pm, St James’ Church Hall Winscombe BS25 1AQ. All welcome, £3pp. Details Pat 01934 742853 Tuesday January 29th Congresbury Over-60s Club Friendship Hour: tea, biscuits & chat! War Memorial Hall, 2.304pm. Details: 01934 832004.

Wednesday January 30th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support. Speaker from Seeing Solutions 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall.

Details Sheila: 01275 462107.

Harptrees History Society talk by Chris Eldridge, King Alfred and the Somerset Connection, 7.30pm, West Harptree Hall BS40 6EB. Details: 01761 221941 or 221758.

Thursday January 31st West Mendip Walkers mod circular 10m from Cley Hill Ex143 ST838444. Start 10am NT carpark. Details: Vi: 07711 662993 or vihowley@me.com Mendip Ramblers mod 6.5m around Stoke St Michael. Start 10am car park Frog Lane. Details: Jane 01761 232715.

Friday February 1st to Friday February 22nd Snowdrop Walks Camerton Court, Bath BA2 0PS. Week days only, for groups of 15 to 25. To

CROSSWORD SOLUTION ACROSS: 1 Systems, 5 Pays off, 9 Essays, 10 Charlton, 11 Drummond, 12 Shoots, 13 Constitute, 15 D F Ls, 16 Avon, 19 Inyour-face, 22 Stairs, 24 Inactive, 25 Fry's Well, 26 Inform, 27 Infants, 28 Analyst.

DOWN: 2 Yes-or-no, 3 Traumas, 4 Mussolini, 6 Amass, 7 Selwood, 8 Frontal, 10 Cadbury Hill, 14 Education, 17 Veteran, 18 Nailsea, 20 Fateful, 21 Caverns, 23 Sweet.

WHAT’S ON

2 0 1 9

book email: camertoncourtbath@gmail.com or Julieann 01761 479319.

Saturday February 2nd Frome Memorial Theatre "ABBA Forever – Live in Concert" 7.30pm. Tickets £21, £20 from 01373 462795 www.fmt.website “Sermons in Stones” Glastonbury Archaeological Perspectives seminar10am-5pm St Ben's Church, Benedict St. £25, includes refreshments. Cheques by post: The Tribunal, High St. Glastonbury BA6 9DP. Details: 01458 850885.

Chew Valley Snails hosts speaker Ben Smith (401 Challenge) “Courage to Change” 2pm Chew Valley School. Optional group run afterwards. All welcome. Tickets: https://cvsnailsbensmith.eventbrite.co.uk" Charity Quiz Axbridge Town Hall 7.30pm, teams up to 6, BYOB, £5pp includes cheese platter.

Tickets only in advance: 07771 884938.

Sunday February 3rd Mendip Ramblers mod 10m Compton Dando to Chewton Keynsham. Start 10am opp. the Compton Inn, BS39 4JZ, ST645644. Details: Claris 07811 242061.

Monday February 4th Mendip Ramblers easy 4m cup of tea walk Norton Radstock Greenway. Start 1.30 Midsomer Norton, South Road CP BA3 2EZ, ST665541.

Details: Jane D 01761 232715.

Tuesday February 5th Dante’s Divine Comedy – ‘Otherworld’ images, Botticelli to Blake Talk by Patsy Erskin-Hill for Arts Society Mendip 11am Bath & West Show Ground, BA4 6QN. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk. Guests welcome. Contact 01934 862435.

Thursday February 7th Mendip Ramblers mod 6.5m from Frome, East Mendip Way. Start 10am Wallington Way, BA11 3EJ. Park in side roads. ST766485. Details: Mo 07387 088151.

Saturday February 9th Frome FSLS Dennis Chedgy on Radstock Museum, Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm. Details: www.fsls.org.uk Wednesday February 13th Wells Civic Society the impact of community radio with Allan Trinder and Joanne Schofield, GFM, Wells and Mendip Museum, 7pm.

Thursday February 14th “The Comedy About a Bank Robbery” Charity Theatre Trip to Bristol Hippodrome. Details: www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk or Chris: 01458 273085.

SPOT THE RABBIT COMPETITION WINNER

OUR dastardly Spot the Rabbit competition last month, run with Ford Farm, had a lot of people scratching their heads. They were on pages six, 108, 116 and 131, with a fifth rabbit on the contacts page of Ford Farm’s website.

Joanna Creed from West Pennard had the first correct answer drawn and wins a Ford Farm tiered cheese “cake” and a family ticket to Wookey Hole Caves. Congratulations!

MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019 • PAGE 113

What's On section.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 15:47 Page 114

MENDIP TIMES

Snowdrop Festival – make a new year resolution to get involved ORGANISERS of the third annual Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival are appealing to the community to play their role in the 2019 celebrations.

Thousands of new bulbs were planted in the autumn to flood the town with snowdrops in time for the festival on Saturday, February 16th and Sunday, February 17th.

Entries have now opened for the snowdrop-themed poetry and photography competitions. Entries for the poetry section – to be judged by Professor David Morley – close on Saturday, January 19th, with a deadline of Saturday, February 9th for photographic entries; they’ll be judged by award-winning wildlife photographer Victoria Hillman.

The festival celebrates the birthplace of James Allen, a Victorian plantsman widely hailed as The Snowdrop King for his work breeding new varieties from wild snowdrops. A memorial to him stands in the town’s cemetery.

Chrisi Kennedy, one of the festival organisers, said: “We will be setting up the planters on the weekend of 9th February and hopefully (weather permitting) doing our snowdrop stencils on the pavements for the celebratory walk to the cemetery. For three weeks the town will be in bloom with snowdrops; it will have the planters and hopefully shops will have snowdrop-

WHAT’S ON

Last year’s procession makes its way to the cemetery for a service at James Allen’s memorial

themed windows and there may be some art displays, courtesy of the Art Bank.

“We want to encourage and support any groups, businesses and/or organisations to use this period to put on their own snowdrop-related events in town to engage with the local community.”

For 2019, organisers are hoping to launch a “Snowdrop Passport” scheme and are looking for shops, businesses and local attractions to come on board with the concept. Local residents or visitors to the town will buy a passport, which will entitle them to an exclusive selection of reduced entry charges, discounts and special offers around the town throughout the month of February.

For details, call Chrisi Kennedy on 07710 252155, email: admin@sheptonsnowdropfestival.org.uk or visit: www.sheptonsnowdropfestival.org.uk

PAGE 114 • MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2019

Dream Doors ad.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:06 Page 1

Living Homes ad.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:11 Page 1