Mendip Times - MARCH 2013

Mendip Times

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FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

MARCH 2013

IN THIS ISSUE: GARDENING SPECIAL • FARMING • RIDING • SPRING BRIDES • VILLAGE HISTORIES • HOMES & INTERIORS Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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Tel: 0800 097 8611

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

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

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MENDIP TIMES

CONTENTS

Welcome

GARDENING is one of our main features this month, with plenty of tips on how to get ahead this spring, as well as news of a forgotten garden at Badgworth and the restoration of historic gardens at Ston Easton Park.

We’ve been out and about on the local history trail, with a new book on Shapwick, which may well be the most closely-studied village in England, and a survey on Witham Friary. We’ve also news of a new book about the minisubmarine attack on the Tirpitz during the 2nd world war.

Sue Gearing also delves into the past as she sets off on her walk from the historic centre of Bradford-on-Avon.

The crisis over horsemeat is just one of the headaches facing local farmers, according to Mary James, while Dr Phil Hammond says that horse-burgers are less dangerous than some hospitals.

In other news, the biggest bird survey ever in Somerset will be published this autumn – we have details – and we hear how youngsters are being encouraged to take an interest in rugby and football. Our riding section this month looks at scurry driving, TREC and the Three Counties Harness Club.

With all of our usual features and contributors, plus a special feature on spring weddings, let’s all hope for a memorable March.

April 2013 deadline: Friday, 15th March 2013.

Published: Tuesday, 26th March 2013.

Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Marjorie Page marjorie@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: Abby and Tessa at the Red Brick Building, Glastonbury.

Photo by Mark Adler (see page 7).

6

Flying high – new guide to the birds of Somerset

10

Showtime – new era for Shepton’s big event

24

Red Nose Day – cooking up ideas for Comic Relief

80

Inspired by Glastonbury – Bronwen’s Abbey habit

Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Arts & Antiques ...........................14 Food & Drink...............................24 Business ........................................32 Internet and Crossword..............38 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......41 Walking Sue Gearing....................42 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........44 Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......46

Health Dr Phil Hammond.............52 Family Mendip Mum....................52 Community Simon Selby .............54 Property........................................57 History ..........................................58 Charities .......................................68 Golf................................................70 Caving Phil Hendy........................71 Riding Celia Gadd ........................72 What’s On ....................................78 MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 3

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Shooting ground, Rodney Stoke

BEGINNERS CLAY SHOOTING PACKAGE (variety of targets) from £29.50 Phone for details/appointment

YOUNG SHOTS DAY Friday 5 April 2013 Half day with guns, clays, instruction & lunch – £40 each – phone to book a space

OPEN PRACTICE, 5 DAYS A WEEK See website for opening times Gunsmith on site No membership scheme – open to all!

Tel. 01749 871055

HIRE

Plant & Tools Hire & Sales • HIRE • SALES • REPAIR

Huge stocks of Tools & Equipment • Compactors • Drills • Cultivators • Angle Grinders • Breakers • Hedge Trimmers • Saws • Ladders • Rotavators • Hoists • Tile Cutters • Scarifiers • Scaffold Towers • Chain Saws • Carpet Cleaners Open Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-5:00 • Sat 8:00-12:00

Long or Day Hire Delivery & Collection Service Trade & DIY

www.brookbankshooting.co.uk

01934 743543 www.cheddarhire.co.uk Wideatts Road, Cheddar BS27 3AP

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 343091

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

We have previously mentioned sending to a distant supermarket for your baked beans; some people are doing the same for their property transfer work. Why? e answer is money. No real saving to the house buyer but extra bucks for the house transfer industry.

Most traditional solicitors give a personal, reliable and economic service. People return time and again for a variety of legal work but some for possibly their most important transaction, a house transfer, use another firm. Often their own solicitor hears of it is when they are contacted about a will or a business problem and are told “I have moved house”, often followed by a comment like “I used a firm in the north, the agent said it would be easier to use their team; I wish I hadn’t, I never seemed to get sense or progress, rarely spoke to the same person twice, treated me as a file, not a person”.

Reliable and reputable agents, brokers and others usually don’t but some in the property food chain do divert people to other professionals for no particular gain to the client but to earn themselves a “referral fee”. e house buyer is persuaded to use an unknown distant solicitor, who then pays a referral fee to the recommending party. It may be packaged differently but the buyer will probably end up paying similar fees.

Referral fees got the personal injury claims industry a bad reputation where “claims handlers” encouraged people to make claims and which were then referred to solicitors who “buy” the work and pay the claims handler. Rightly, referral fees in those cases are being banned from April; let's hope there will be reform in property transfer and other situations too. e moral is, stick to those you know and you can trust.

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

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

Website: www.bgw.uk.com

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MENDIP TIMES

NEWS

Scouts brave the cold

THE second Wansdyke Scouts’ Nightmare Night Hike held at the beginning of February saw 82 scouts, aged between tenand-a-half and 14, navigate challenging conditions in the Mendip Hills.

Organisers of the event Matt Horler,

Chris Dando, Jenny Ellor and Adrian Miles said: “The hike was a real challenge for these children, and temperatures were below freezing for most of the time. The hours of preparation and training meant that

Godfrey’s place in history THIS September sees the 70th anniversary of one of the most audacious and daring operations of the Second World War. Operation Source was the name given to the attack by Royal Navy midget submarines (X-craft) on Tirpitz, the pride of the German battlefleet. Two of the six X-craft were successful in the raid – in a Norwegian fjord – and the commanders of both were awarded the Victoria Cross.

Retired veterinary surgeon Paul Watkins, of Sandford, is a keen military historian and was surprised to discover that no biography had been written about one of the commanders: Lieutenant Godfrey Place went on to have a unique career in the Navy, serving not only in submarines, but on surface craft and eventually as a pilot with the Fleet Air Arm in the Korean War. He was the last serving member of the Paul Watkins at home

Royal Navy to hold the Victoria Cross and retired as Admiral Commanding Reserves in 1970. On retirement he was the chairman of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association for more than 20 years.

Now a biography by Paul about Place, who lived near Sherborne and ran a saddlery in the town, has been published by military specialists Pen & Sword.

Place’s family gave Paul full access to the hero’s papers and archives and he also spoke to two X-craft crew members who are still alive.

Paul said: “It is a book which will appeal to anyone interested in military history but it is also a story about a quite remarkable man with strong west country connections.”

Paul is now planning a second book about the Second World War. He is researching the role played by members of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps – and is promising a few surprises!

G Midget Submarine Commander, The

everyone who took part had fun.”

Ryan, an eleven-year-old from 2nd Paulton summed up the event by saying: “It was awesome. I have never hiked and camped in sub-zero temperatures before, and I loved every minute.”

Godfrey Place VC

Life of Godfrey Place, VC is published

by Pen & Sword, Barnsley, Yorkshire. http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/MidgetSubmarine-Commander/p/3663/ The foreword was written by Admiral Lord West, who as a midshipman in 1967, served with Captain Place in HMS Albion.

One of the midget submarines which attacked Tirpitz in September 1943 MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 5

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MENDIP TIMES

Get a Green Deal

HOME energy assessments worth up to £175 are available free to householders in the Sedgemoor District of Somerset, thanks to an initiative called Our Green Deal in Somerset run by the Axevale Consortium for Energy (ACE) on behalf of the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE).

ACE is a coming together of three local environmental groups – Wedmore Green Group (WGG), Sustainable Axbridge Network (SANE) and Shipham Action for the Environment (SAGE).

Somerset’s Green Deal is part of a national scheme launched recently by the government, which helps householders to improve the energy efficiency of their home and pay the costs back later through the savings on their energy bill.

Green Deal measures include home-improvements such as wall insulation, a new boiler or better, heating controls, secondary glazing and draught-proofing. Repayments are made through the householder’s energy bills, and because the home improvements will cut energy use, the overall energy

Quarry memories coming to Axbridge

A POPULAR exhibition about the Mendip quarrying industry will be opening in Axbridge in April.

The exhibition, part of the Children from Nunney School on a visit to Quarry Faces the exhibition in Wells memory project, has been on display at Wells and Mendip Museum.

Axbridge Museum will host the exhibition throughout April and the Quarry Faces team will have a stall at Axbridge Farmer’s Market on Saturday, April 6th.

Quarry Faces have been collecting people’s memories, photos and artefacts about the industry in East Mendip and is now expanding its work to West Mendip.

Robin Thornes, the project co-ordinator, said: “Following the launch of the project we have had an overwhelming response to our plea for photographs and memories. These are helping enormously to piece together the history of this littlestudied industry that has significantly affected the lives of many who live and work in the area. But with so many former quarries in the local landscape there are still many stories to tell.”

Ruth Worsley, the projects education co-ordinator, said: “Local schools have been getting involved with a successful intergenerational project, taking on the role of junior reporters and journalists they are helping to gather information by interviewing older members of the community. We would like to work with more schools in the West Mendips area and are keen for teachers to contact the project.”

For more information, contact the project on 01761 232898 or email: ruthworsley@quarryfaces.org.uk

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Jono Taylor, of the Axevale Consortium for Energy, visiting a local domestic wood boiler.

bills won’t rise.

First step to accessing the Green Deal is for an authorised Green Deal Assessor to visit the home. An assessment like this can cost up to £175. The Green Deal has more than 800 home energy assessments to give away, but people need to be quick, the offer ends on 15 March 2013. Mendip District Council is also offering help.

Details: Jono Taylor, of the Axevale Consortium for Energy (ACE) on 0784 789 1399 or by email at jono.greendeal@gmail.com, or visit http://www.wedmoregreengroup.co.uk/our-green-deal-insomerset/

A bittern in flight

Mapping Somerset’s birds

THE Somerset Ornithological Society (SOS) is planning to publish its first bird atlas in the last quarter of this year, mapping the winter and breeding distributions of birds in the county.

This joint SOS/British Trust for Ornithology project has run concurrently with the national atlas project over the last five years, and will use the same data, but the Somerset Atlas will display bird distributions in the county at a finer resolution than the national project can achieve.

It is now over 15 years since the BTO finished the fieldwork for the last breeding atlas and over 20 years since the last winter atlas. In the intervening period much has happened to Britain and Ireland’s habitats and climate so the new national atlas seeks to show how birds have been affected in the meantime.

There have been several works on the birds of Somerset over the years, but the SOS Bird Atlas will be the first time the distribution of birds in Somerset has been mapped. It will be a yardstick for future surveys.

The society is seeking sponsors to help fund the atlas, with donations starting from £25. Details: www.somersetbirds.net

Photo courtesy of James Packer/somersetbirder.co.uk

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ENVIRONMENT

Work, rest and play

By Mark Adler

HUNDREDS of people attended an arts-themed launch party for the community-run Red Brick Building project in Glastonbury.

Although restoration of parts of the building – on the Morlands Enterprise Park – is still underway, a number of small businesses and artists have already taken up space, along with a café open to the public.

The Red Brick Building promotes arts accessibility and community building together with training and educational opportunities. It also aims to become a centre of excellence for sustainable refurbishment and construction and will have temporary and permanent demonstration spaces on sustainable construction to support a set of courses and events.

Bridgwater College has signed up with the centre and will deliver on-site training courses to help people in the local area to improve their skills and increase their job prospects.

Abby and Tessa in the café

Karen Chard

A series of arts and crafts workshops begins in March, led by experts in their own fields who want to put something back into the local community. Red Brick Arts was formed last November and will run the workshops in the arts space on the first floor of the building.

Amongst them is dress designer Jo Christoforides, who will be running a pattern cutting course for dressmakers, sculptor Paul Caton, jeweller Solange and mosaicist Candace Bahouth.

Jo said: “The focus of each workshop is to pass on knowledge in an enjoyable way. We want to motivate others to build on skills that they may already have or to begin something entirely new.

“Glastonbury is unique in that it can inspire people to come together to give their time to the community.”

Embroiderer and textile worker Karen Chard has moved into the artisan workshop area. Karen said: “I have been waiting so long for the chance to move in here. It’s a very exciting time for me.”

Live music in the cafe

Graffiti artists decorate the front of the building during the open day

For more information about the Red Brick Building and the arts courses, visit: www.redbrickbuilding.org.uk

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 7

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MENDIP TIMES

ENVIRONMENT

Fossil fun at Carymoor CHILDREN found out about the fascinating world of fossils and bones at a two-day event at the Carymoor Environmental Trust, near Castle Cary.

Carymoor is an environmental education and nature conservation charity based next to the landfill site at Dimmer. Over the past 15 years, the charity has worked to regenerate an area of capped landfill into a nature reserve and the site is rich in species and wildlife. Carymoor works to promote sustainable living and provide first hand experiences of nature.

Julia Percy, Carymoor’s Education

Officer, said: “Fossils and bones really catch children’s imaginations and they tell us so much about life, both past and present. At our site at Carymoor we have an array of interesting things that have been found over the years.

“Families took part in our skull and cross-bones trail around our sensory gardens and also got to cast fossils using plaster of Paris. The children had the opportunity to make skeletons from pasta which we have of course now dubbed the ‘pasta-saurus!’”

There was also a chance to learn about

owls and, as part of National Bird Box Week, families built their own nest boxes and more than 30 were made.

Julia added: “We’re very fortunate to have barn owls on our site and we have a good supply of owl pellets. The children got to break the pellets down so they could see which small mammals the barn owls had been eating.”

To find out more about Carymoor’s work, visit: www.carymoor.org.uk

New skills – down on the farm

THE Community Farm in Chew Magna will be running Young Growers Activity Days and adult workshops on topics including bee-keeping, orchard management, organic horticulture and permaculture.

These activities are first in a series of workshops in the farm’s new learning programme and will be held from

February through to April. The farm is based on 22 acres of land, growing organic fruit and vegetables and the activities will take place in a yurt overlooking Chew Valley Lake.

Claire Rosling, Community Engagement Worker at the farm, said: “We’ve already started our learning programme and are excited to be working

with Westfield Farm, Bristol Permaculture and our own farm manager to deliver a range of courses around food and farming, providing a greater understanding of where our food comes from and how it is produced.

“We’ve been lucky enough to receive Lottery funding for our yurt and towards the events we’re running.”

M E N D I P

W E AT H E R

S C E N E

Details: www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk/learning_programme or email claire@thecommunityfarm.co.uk

Goodbye to a wintry mix

BEFORE we finally say goodbye to winter I thought I should have a look back at all the variations we have had to endure in recent months.

First up came the December floods and then the big change in January to much colder weather. It wasn’t with DAVID particularly dry either as we had all the MAINE snowfalls mid-month and the month’s rainfall total (including the melted snow contribution) came to 124.1mm, nearly five inches again and well above the January normal.

A right old “wintry mix” you could say: one of the terms frequently used by weather presenters. Another common one is when they talk about “wintry showers”. Well, we all know what a wintry shower is, don’t we?

Really? It is, in fact, quite a vague term used when a particular area could be affected by showers of rain, hail, sleet or snow. Now, you would be quite justified in saying: “Ha, ha, they are just hedging their bets again.”

It’s not quite that simple, though. There are many factors which determine whether the showers fall as rain or snow and only one or two degrees Celsius can make all the difference. If you are near the coast, for example, with sea

PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

Snowdrops at Glastonbury Abbey

temperatures even in the coldest months around 7C, an onshore wind can bring just rain showers, but go inland just a few miles, or up a hill like Dundry, at about 600ft, they can soon turn to snow.

Sleet? Well, of course, this is just the transition stage between rain and snow and, as I have said, just one or two degrees can make all the difference. So, maybe they are justified in using this term, as long as it is not overdone.

British Summer Time (clocks go forward!) begins on Sunday, March 31st – it also happens to be Easter Sunday, so may I wish you a very happy Easter and let’s hope I will have some lovely spring weather to talk about next time!

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Update from Guy Salmon Land Rover Bristol GUY Salmon Land Rover Bristol is your local Land Rover centre, a one-stop shop for all your Land Rover and Range Rover requirements. At Guy Salmon we’re passionate about customer service, and we strive continuously to exceed your

GUY SALMON

expectations. We’re clearly aware that you could purchase your new Land Rover from other dealers around the country, but we’re convinced that there’s a difference when you buy from Guy Salmon.

Only from Guy Salmon – the Freelander 2 Premium Edition LOOKING for a world-class 4x4 with real exclusivity and added value options at no added cost?

Then head straight for Guy Salmon Bristol and put their exclusive Land Rover Freelander 2 Premium Edition through its paces with a no-obligation test-drive.

The Guy Salmon Premium Edition incorporates the very latest in 13 model year Freelander 2 design, including a significantly improved interior incorporating: electronic park brake, improved stowage and more premium centre console, instrument pack, switch gear and steering wheel. The beautifully redesigned interior features full leather seats, heated seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, rear parking sensors and start/stop technology.

To the above Guy Salmon have added a comprehensive range of premium options at no added cost. You can choose from a range of metallic colours, and the car includes an exterior design pack comprising of body-coloured door handles, exterior mirrors, rear bumper, and sill covers. The halogen headlamps have LED signature lighting. There’s also an eye-catching 18” ten-spoke alloy wheels upgrade.

An armrest pack is included, together with a heated front windscreen and heated windscreen washer jets. Front foglamps

have been included plus headlamp pressure wash. In total, enhancements worth £2,310 at no extra cost with the compliments of Guy Salmon.

Make the Premium Edition your next vehicle and you can also look forward to a premium service from Guy Salmon Bristol in the years to come. They have an unrivalled reputation for firstclass servicing and courteous aftersales care with all the continuing support you could wish for.

The Freelander 2 range, with its choice of 2.2 diesel power units and six-speed auto box, has been a real success story. It’s plush and very comfortable, versatile and a great performer – the perfect, affordable all-terrain vehicle for all your business and leisure motoring.

The Freelander 2 Premium Edition is the one to go for. See for yourself at Guy Salmon at Pioneer Park, Whitby Road, Brislington. The showroom team are friendly and informed.

They’ll give you expert advice on a range of competitive finance plans and will be pleased to offer you a generous part-exchange price for your current vehicle.

G Ready for your test-drive? Call Guy Salmon Bristol NOW on 0117 239 8534 with a time and date that best suits you. Or just drop into the showroom anytime and take to the road!

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 9

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MENDIP TIMES

Farming in crisis – can it get any worse?

FARMERS all over the country are suffering badly at the moment. Continuous rain since last summer has left land in an appalling state.

With MARY Consequently the cost JAMES MBE of producing food has increased and so have rents, rates, finance, animal feed and medicine.

Then along comes the ‘great lamb robbery’ where prices have dropped by at least £30 per lamb since this time last year, yet the price of lamb to the consumer stays the same! Plus the threat of the Schmallenberg virus.

Next is the ongoing pork debacle where producers are still under the threat of being undercut by continental farmers who haven’t yet got round to adopting new higher welfare systems. On top of all this along comes the ‘horsemeat scandal’ where the consumer is likely to be put off beef again when it is nothing to do with our livestock industry.

If you dislike the idea of horsemeat

then there is one easy answer – buy local, buy British and look for the Red Tractor logo on fresh meat which shows it has been produced to world standards which are independently inspected. A Union Jack label is not good enough on its own without any regulation behind it.

Processed foods need proper labeling.

It is a gross injustice to the British farmer that the so-called beef in some processed food has been found to be horsemeat.

This horsemeat scandal has produced a wealth of jokes: a waitress handed a burger to a customer saying “do you want anything on it?” and the customer replied “yes, a fiver each way”.

All joking aside the state of the farming industry is a cause for concern. Farmers are often accused of moaning but this time it is very real. Readers will remember the groups I have talked about who organise help for farmers in distress.

We have two ladies in our Mendip area who are doing a great job.

Pam Wills who lives in Evercreech is the regional manager of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution

(RABI). Pam tells me that RABI is the cause to benefit from fundraising during this year’s Great British Beef Week which takes place between April 22 and 29th.

Members of the public are invited to join in the promotion by ‘hosting a roast’, either for family and friends, colleagues or community groups, and asking people to make a donation to help RABI’s work with farming families in financial difficulties. Details: www.rabi.org.uk Suzi Wilkinson, a beef farmer from Wedmore, is the Somerset co-ordinator for the Farm Crisis Network which provides pastoral and practical support to farming people during periods of anxiety and stress. You can contact her at www.farmcrisisnetwork.org.uk Finally, let us hope the sun is shining by the time you read these notes!

New beginnings at Shepton Show A NEW secretary and the opening of a permanent office are just some of the changes taking place within the MidSomerset Agricultural Society, organisers of the annual Shepton Show.

Christine Barham has lived in Somerset since she was a young girl and has spent the last 14 years living in Shepton Mallet with her partner Trevor and two grown-up children.

Christine has a background in publishing and sales and previous trade fair experience and says she is looking forward to the challenge of supporting the show, which will reach its 161st year in August: “The show offers a huge variation, with plenty to see and do for any age. The show also plays a pivotal role at the heart of the Shepton Mallet community and it offers a great place and atmosphere to catch up with friends.”

Michael Eavis and Christine

PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

Current show president Finn Cristensen (centre, left) and incoming president Roger Penny help new secretary Christine Barham cut the ribbon to open the show office

Christine will be based at the society’s new offices at Europa Court on the Crowne Trading Estate in Shepton Mallet.

Show chairman Ian Harvey said: “In the show minutes for 1951 people were saying that we had to have an office in Shepton Mallet; 62 years later and it has happened.

“We hope the office will encourage people to pop in to see us and – hopefully – sign up as members and get involved with the event.”

Among the guests at the opening of the office was Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis. Michael, who attended his first Shepton Show 67 years ago, confirmed that Glastonbury Festivals would again be sponsoring an appearance by The Wurzels at this year’s show, which takes place on Sunday, August 18th.

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Stalwarts honoured

FARMING

Frank Wear receiving his award

STUART Ford and Frank Wear, long-standing members of Wrington and Burington Hedging Society, received awards from The National Hedgelaying Society for outstanding services to hedge laying.

The awards were presented by HRH Prince Charles at the Patrons Hedgelaying at Broadfield Farm, Tetbury. BBC’s Countryfile attended the match and Matt Baker and Adam Henson had their own mini-competition, highlights of which are due to be shown on March 10th.

Stuart Ford receives his award from Prince Charles

HORSE RACING Come to the Mendip Farmers

POINT TO POINT RACES SUNDAY 24th MARCH Ston Easton, BA3 4DH • Children’s entertainment • Tote • Bar • Trade Stands First Race 12.30pm

Tel: 01761 241339

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 11

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MENDIP TIMES

Best in Somerset

Men and machines

Photos courtesy of John Holbrook Photography

FARRINGTON Gurney YFC has celebrated its 80th year by being named the Best Club in Somerset. County president Alan Lyons made the presentation to club chairman Jez Kingman.

The club raised £6,500 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance by holding events such as Mendip’s Got Talent, a masquerade Fall Ball and a 130-mile cycle ride from London to Farrington Gurney.

The netball and rugby teams each won their Somerset County finals, with the netball team coming second at South West Area.

Its anniversary celebrations culminate in a black tie event at the Conygre Hall, Timsbury on May 24th. Mendip’s Got Talent is on June 15th and the Fall Ball on October 12th.

Details: farrington.gurney@somersedtyfc.org.uk STATION ROAD, WANSTROW

Available in: 8ft, 10ft, 12ft 12ft Tri-axle • 14ft Tri-axle and demountable

Under cover: just about every imaginable item of agricultural equipment or machinery needed by contractors, livestock or arable farmers was on show in the exhibition halls

THE Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Show at the Royal Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet offered a onestop opportunity to view all types of agricultural equipment, from tractors to fencing tools and feeder wagons to tillage equipment.

Martin Hackett, from Charlton Musgrove, near Wincanton, won the title of South West Agricultural Contractor of the Year 2013.

Pictured are (left) Pat Tomlinson, from sponsors Old Mill, with Sam Skipper, from Hackett’s (3rd left), holding the winner’s trophy. Also pictured are Sam Carver (second left), representing runner-up Chris Burr, from Gurney Slade, and Alan Cotton, vice-president of the show society

READ AGRISERVICES

Tel: 01749 850258

Newly appointed dealers for the superior range of LIVESTOCK & GENERAL PURPOSE TRAILERS See the difference

Ring for more information and prices: Brian Yeates 07977 263794 • Dick Bath 07866 632413

PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

FARMING

On the A359 between Frome and Bruton

Specific features of these types of trailers include: * Continuously welded floor to prevent seepage of water leading to the rotting of the timber under floor * Continuous deck rail around the trailer to prevent spreading * Hanging positions for dividing gates on every arch – heavy duty 2.5mm aluminiium * Choice of open, closed or vents with flaps * Single lever quick release on ramp * Seven leaf spring suspension * Bushed spring hangers * Slam shut cattle gates * Security lock on hitch * Anti-kicking device

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BATH CARAVAN STORAGE

• Secure indoor storage • CCTV cameras • Guard dog • Staffed 24hrs • Automated gate and Door to barn • Wash, Full valet, and servicing.

Member of CaSSOA Phone for details 07980 298497 or 07801 364275

Silver Standard

www.bathcaravanstorage.co.uk email: sales@bathcaravanstorage.co.uk

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Rare prints on show

AN exhibition is to be held at Bath Artists Studios showcasing the work of FC Dixon.

The event is the brainchild of local sisters, Sally Taylor and Suzy Williams, who inherited the artworks from their renowned great uncle.

F.C. Dixon attended the Royal College of Art 1924-28 when William Rothenstein was principal and was the student of artists such as Henry Moore and Paul Nash. He is best known for his etchings of busy London streets in the 1920s.

The collection also includes some of his landscapes, water colours and oil paintings, along with work from his contemporaries including Grace Golden, Kenneth Holmes and Edgar Ainsworth.

Suzy Williams, exhibition organiser, said: “Uncle Charles, as we always knew him, was a hugely talented artist and his work has always been an important part of our family, so we are really excited that we now get to share his collection with the wider world.

Details: www.fcdixonetchings.co.uk

PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

Royal leg up for auction

THE Mendip Auction Rooms saw a strong sale of Fine Art, Antiques and Collectables on February 9th, with good prices being achieved for all categories. In particular demand were items from the collection of the late Alan Sievewright, a highlight being a framed collection of letters signed by Maria Callas, selling to a telephone bidder for £900.

Demand for furniture at Mendip Auction Rooms remains resilient against general market trends. A fine example of a 19th century mahogany sofa table sold above the top estimate at £380. The market for precious metals again remains strong for both silver and gold.

The inaugural Victorian and Later Effects sale held on February 19th saw a good attendance of buyers with items sold including silver, furniture, ceramics, glassware, collectables and more.

Already various items have been entered for the next Fine Art Antiques and Collectables sale on March 9th, including a fine collection of oriental items, plus a pair of stockings worn by Queen Victoria with fine lace detail and with a woven monogram “V.R” brought in by a local vendor.

Further entries for this sale are invited.

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SOMERSET is home to award-winning portrait and wedding photographer Neil Bremner who in January opened his own portrait studio, Made Portraits in Glastonbury. Neil has worked within photography for 16 years and has spent several years working with leading portrait studios across the country. It was a natural progression for him to take the plunge and open a studio of his own.

Neil moved to Somerset from Berkshire with his wife and his daughter Grace back in 2010 shortly after Grace was born, as they wanted to live somewhere more family orientated so where better?

He had the idea of opening on his own at the beginning of 2012 and spent some time looking for the right premises in the right area and was delighted to find ‘The Old Dairy’ barn in Park

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

Corner Farm. It’s a beautiful building in an idyllic location with breathtaking views of the Glastonbury Tor and Somerset itself.

On the Made Portraits website (www.madeportraits.com), you will find some amazing ‘Experience Vouchers’ that can save you money and allow you to try this new state-of-the-art studio out for yourself.

Made Portraits will capture your precious moments in time which can be beautifully presented in a choice of fantastic products. Neil’s distinctively modern style of photography emphasises fresh, fun and real images. Made Portraits exceptional quality and first-class customer service all contribute to creating lasting memories for generations to come.

Neil says: “We want your family session to capture your family being real. We want to create a collection of candid and fun images that will work together to create a complete ‘portrait’ of your family.”

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 15

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Postcards create a stir

TAMLYNS Collector’s Sale on Tuesday February 12th contained the first part of a very large collection of postcards; there are cases and cases of them to be sorted and sold so the next two Collectors Sales promise to have large postcard sections!

If it hadn’t been for the huge seasonal snowfalls which meant that cataloguing was hampered when auctioneer Claire Rawle was stuck the wrong side of a very large drift, this would have been a much larger sale. As it was, although lot numbers were down, prices were certainly high – this part of the market is extremely buoyant, and there were very few unsold lots.

The collection of postcards previously mentioned totalled over £1,400 but elsewhere in that section a collection of mixed topographic cards made £350 and another group of mixed subject cards £330.

Amongst the postage stamps an interesting collection of Commonwealth Queen Elizabeth issues sold for £420; a WWI medal group £310; a GWR “Waiting Room” metal door sign sold for £250; quantity of early but playworn Dinky vehicles £220; a Corgi Batmobile and Batboat £100 and a Matchbox Bulldozer and Fordson Tractor £95.

The next Collectors Sale will be on May 21st and entries are already being accepted. Contact the auctioneers on 01278 445251 or visit 01278 445251 for further information.

PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

Japanese urn sells for £8,250

DISCOVERED in a Clifton property during a valuation

by Clevedon Salerooms, this fine Japanese silver, shibuichi and enamel urn and cover is decorated with panels using a technique known as shibuichi.

The process involves the inlay of different metals into panels of a silver copper alloy.

This example was the work of Tadamasa and despite standing just 23cm high was sold to a telephone bidder at Clevedon Salerooms recent Specialist Sale for £8,250.

If you would like Clevedon Salerooms to discover the treasures in your home why not attend one of their free valuation days or contact the salerooms to speak to a valuer on 01934 830111.

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ARTS AND ANTIQUES

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS 4 5 6 March 18 19 20 March 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5.30pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary

Baccarat Millefiori Paperweight

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

Containing various animal canes and date cane for 1848

Estimate £1,000 - £1,500 Next Specialist Sale Thursday 23rd May

(closing date for entries 24th April) MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 17

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Cadet forces compete on the Mendips

NEWS

Artists in residence

Pippa with some of the artists who worked on the mural Medals and trophy recipients

THE Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Lady Elizabeth Gass made a visit to Yoxter Camp near Priddy to see Army and Air Cadets engaged in friendly competition at this year’s Somerset Inter Cadet Services Competition.

This year’s event included participants from Wells Cathedral School Combined Cadet Force, Normandy and Jellalabad Companies of the Somerset Army Cadet Force, together with Air Training Corps Squadrons from Wells, Glastonbury, Frome, Midsomer Norton and Ilminster, all part of Devon and Somerset Wing of the Air Training Corps.

Adverse weather conditions did not stop the cadets taking part in a wide variety of events, including archery, target shooting, orienteering, first aid, leadership exercises and many other military skills.

Lady Gass presented cups and medals to the top scoring three teams and took the opportunity to talk with the cadets about their experiences and training. Results: 1st Wells Army Cadets, 2nd Taunton Air Cadets, 3rd Jellalabad Company ‘A’ Team Army Cadet Force.

The cadet forces are national voluntary youth organisations. For further information on how to join as a cadet or adult volunteer contact Squadron Leader Dave Rolfe on 07789 954708.

Racing for greyhounds

FROME’S Jan Lake will complete a role reversal for ex-racing dogs in need, when she runs on their behalf in a March half marathon. Jan, chair of trustees with Greyhound Rescue West of England (GRWE) has recently braved extreme weathers in preparation for the event in Bideford.

Jan said: “During the last ten years I have helped GRWE rescue many hundreds of dogs who are in desperate need of help. Now, in the grip of a double-dip recession animal charities are very much in need of support, as the number of dogs being abandoned and abused has never been higher.”

Details: www.justgiving.com/Jan-Lake1 or go to www.grwe.com

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

A GROUP of artists in Frome have made a lasting impression on the venue where they meet.

Members of Frome Artists Café were given a free hand to create a mural in the bar of the Old Bath Arms. Each artist worked independently but used a similar palette of colours.

Pippa Goldfinger, Mayor of Frome, visited the artists as they put the finishing touches to the mural. Pippa said: “I think it’s a really interesting and fun project and I love the transition from one style to another. It’s so Frome!”

Work underway on a section of the mural

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FOCUS ON WEDDINGS

A perfect gem

OVER nearly 30 years John and Paula Harris have turned Cameley Lodge in to a romantic retreat and the perfect wedding venue.

Set in a secluded valley, above lakes, they have a dedicated team of staff who take pride in their work, ensuring you have a perfect day from start to finish.

The atmosphere is professional, yet very relaxed, with beautiful accommodation, with views across the shimmering lakes.

All in all, this place is not just another wedding venue, it’s a hidden gem.

New spring fashions

AT Needful Things of Castle Cary, Spring Fashions have now arrived and are creating quite a stir, with beautiful soft colours and textures in easy to wear separates, ideal for country lifestyles.

Brands include Pomodoro, In Town and Great Plains together with a wonderful range of handbags, jewellery and scarves. Discover your individual style at Needful Things – this season the one-stop shop for ‘mix and match’ styling.

CAMELEY LODGE Cameley, Temple Cloud, Bristol BS39 5AH.

WEDDINGS, ACCOMMODATION, CONFERENCES & RESTAURANT

Email : sales@cameleylodge.co.uk

www.cameleylodge.co.uk

TEL : 01761 452790

Let love Spring into your heart!

Professional and personal service

0800 056 3179 or 01934 744788 www.carolinecrowther.com

25% OFF FOR ALL NEW CLIENTS Keestone House, School Hill, Westbury sub Mendip BA5 1HL

01749 870900

www.westburyhairsalon.co.uk

PAGE 19 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

Perfect hair for a special day

FOR special events, don’t risk having anything less than flawless hair! The Cutting Room will provide you with stunning hair that will ensure all eyes are on you.

On your wedding day, having less than perfect hair is not an option. Call them now to discuss their customised wedding packages and how they can make your day spectacular.

Love is in the air

THE birds are chirping, bees are buzzing, and spring flowers and spring romance are about to be in full bloom. Love is in the air and everyone is catching spring fever. What causes this sudden upswing in romance?

It could be that warmer spring weather puts everyone in a good mood, or at least requires less clothing. It could have something to do with body chemistry, the body’s backlash to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or our physiological response to the abundance of new growth in the world around us.

So whether it’s bright long days, winter finally being over, or fresh spring food that put you in the mood for love, spring fever is out there and you could catch it. Caroline Crowther Introduction Agency are different from an online dating site where they meet their client in person and take time to find out about the sort of person they are, their background and what they are looking for.

They have now been operating for 20 years and have the experience to know how to get the best from their clients and offer the best for them. Much of their client base is from personal recommendation. It is a safer way of meeting someone when dating and they enjoy hearing feedback after that meeting.

They have had some news of one couple who were engaged on Christmas Eve and also had one wedding this February. In both cases, the couples have said they would never have met this special person in their life if it had not had been for Caroline Crowther.

Call and have a chat . . . It could be this spring they can change your life?

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Designer clothes THE Stables at Farrington Gurney are now the new owners of The Bath Frock Exchange in Kingsmead square, Bath, where they sell designer clothes, shoes and accessories on a commission basis.

They have a large range of luxury designer labels in stock including Hermes, Mulberry,

BATH FROCK EXCHANGE & BEAUTY ROOM (Formerly e Stables at Farrington Gurney)

NOW STOCKING MOTHER OF THE BRIDE OUTFITS, ACCESSORIES AND BESPOKE HATS Also available, Beauty and Aesthetic treatments Located at Kingsmead Square, Bath Telephone: 01225 461518

Chanel and Gucci. They also have a selection of mother-ofthe-bride outfits and evening dresses, all in pristine conditon ranging in all sizes and colours.

They also have a designer who can create a unique hat or fascinator to match any outfit, plus evening bags and shoes.

They will be holding an open evening on a monthly basis so you can look around at your leisure and enjoy a glass of wine.

Their March evening will be on Thursday March 14th, between 6pm-9pm, when they will also be launching their men’s designer range. You can look on their website for forthcoming evenings and events.

If you have any designer items you wish to sell, they offer a collection service for anyone living outside the Bath area.

Perfect wedding setting

WHETHER it’s an intimate wedding, a reception for 90 guests, or the wedding ceremony itself, the Best Western Plus Swan Hotel in Wells provides the perfect setting.

Stunningly located in the shadow of Wells Cathedral, the hotel is steeped in 600 years of history.

It isn’t just the location that is out of the ordinary. The hotel has been awarded two AA rosettes for the high quality of its food and is one of only a few hotels to appear in the very first Michelin Guide and still be in it today.

A bespoke service

GET Ahead Hats realise that comfort and confidence is paramount and aim to take the ‘scare’ factor out of buying a hat.

Sue’s farmhouse showroom has all the opulence of upmarket department stores, but with a personal touch that the big retailers cannot hope to match. Clients are given individual appointments and have all the time and privacy they need to get the right look for their occasion.

Showroom visitors are asked to bring their chosen outfit and shoes to the appointment to make sure that the entire look works on the day. While clients are free to try on as many different hats as they wish, they will be guided through the process and advised as to which style will best suit their individual height, face shape and colouring.

Private appointments ensure that every last detail is considered.

With options to hire, clients are able to walk away with their hat of choice without the worry of splashing out on a piece which may only be worn for the one occasion.

Hats created especially for you!

A friendly service with an extensive showroom in a country setting. Hats can be hired or purchased at very reasonable prices.

Withy Fold, Burtle Road, Westhay, Glastonbury BA6 9TT Tel: 01458 860776 www.getaheadhats.co.uk

PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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Classic wedding designs

CLASSIC Flower Designs are well known for their natural, country style flowers. Seasonal flowers, herbs and foliage are blended together to make informal yet beautiful designs, each one created to the bride’s individual ideas.

From their base in the heart of the Chew Valley, they are able to offer a bespoke service that includes as many consultations as you need in the shop or wedding venue, delivery of all your flowers and they’ll even move your arrangements to a second venue on the day!

Classic Flower Designs can create all your flowers for your wedding day. From pretty bouquets, which smell as good as they look to table centres, pedestals, buttonholes, flowers for the cake or your hair – all things are possible!

They are recommended florists at Folly Farm and work regularly at Ston Easton Park Hotel and Coombe Lodge, as well as marquee receptions in private homes. So you can be sure you’re in safe and experienced hands.

They are still taking bookings for this year and looking ahead to 2014, so please do get in touch soon – it’s never too early to book! You can also see more examples of their work by looking at the wedding gallery on their website, www.classicflowerdesigns.co.uk or facebook page, www.facebook.com/classicflowerdesigns.

Please call: 01761 462250 07732 925847 or 07889 976498

FOCUS ON WEDDINGS

A view of the lake

TIPI Events have a wide range of services not to mention their stunning tents that provide an inspriational event whatever the theme. The Giant Hat Tipi structures can come fully equipped with flooring, heating, designed interiors and atmospheric lighting.

As part of their offering they also have a wedding venue for hire with the most stunning views overlooking Chew Valley Lake. Following their successful Eat Drink Bristol Fashion event in Queen Square, they are looking forward to erecting an even bigger structure from May 13th– 27th, see www.eatdrinkevents.co.uk for more information.

You can also download their brand new APP from itunes and design your own event, floor plan and quote. So search for INVENT A TENT – TAP OUT A TIPI APP and get your wow factor wedding. If you are interested or simply want a brochure then please email info@tipievents.co.uk or phone Luke on 07855 492108.

www.blagdonhorsedrawncarriages.com

The Wedding Florists based in the heart of the Chew Valley.

Natural, country lowers for your wedding day

A traditional %lower shop selling cut %lowers, planted containers and ready to go arrangements. You can also buy gifts, handmade treats and cards.

You can -ind them at Unit 5, Fairseat Workshops, Stoke Hill, Chew Stoke, Bristol BS40 8XF Tel: 01275 333095/0780 1953638 • www.classic-lowerdesigns.co.uk ‘Seasonal %lowers, herbs and foliage mixed with a little country chic . . . the English cottage garden in a bouquet’

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 21

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Inspirational flowers

YOUR special day is full of happy emotions and should be marked with the very finest flowers to add to the pleasure of the day.

At Kimberley’s the Florist they offer the very best client service to ensure each happy couple receives perfect flowers for their one in a lifetime day. Their bespoke inspiring creations will delight on every level.

tel: 01934 843800 web: thebridalboutique.biz 36A Woodborough Rd, Winscombe, BS25 1AG PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

Compton House – for choice and quality

YOU will find stunning mother-of-thebride, mother-of-the-groom and wedding guest outfits, wedding hats and a choice of fascinators at Compton House of Fashion in Wedmore. They have sourced over 1000 fabulous wedding outfits from all over the world to bring you the very best in occasion wear.

Your child’s wedding day is one of the most important days in your life and you are second only to the bride and groom. As the next most celebrated individual at the wedding, it is only natural to expect your outfits to radiate sophistication and elegance and your fascinator or wedding hat must be your crowning glory.

Condici – Cream To look your best on the day, let them and navy dress and help you find the perfect attire with their jacket helpful, kindly and supportive staff. They have created a new department providing for wedding guests with a range of outfits and a choice of hats and fascinators at a more modest price.

When you visit Compton House, you can expect to be treated like a Duchess for the day and avoid the hard sell approach. They simply want to help you find the right outfits for your truly special occasion.

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Weddings at the Manor

WINFORD Manor is a privately owned hotel found within a beautiful and scenic part of North Somerset.

Welcoming guests from all over the country, Winford Manor prides itself on its excellent

service and tranquil ambience.

The hotel has 22 high quality and contemporary bedrooms that promise to give guests a comfortable and relaxing nights sleep. With the hotel offering parking and airport transfers, guests can also enjoy a hassle free journey to Bristol International Airport - which is just five minutes away!

Nestled within seven and a half acres of parkland and boasting views of Chew Valley, Winford Manor is the perfect setting for a wedding; the encompassing scenery makes for stunning and unique wedding photos. Winford Manor is licensed for civil ceremonies both in the beautiful Labyrinth restaurant and in the garden.

Menus are bespoke to each couple where traditional wedding breakfasts are served as well as barbeques and buffets. To finish a wonderful day, spend the night in the beautiful bridal suite which overlooks the garden.

FOCUS ON WEDDINGS

Why a toastmaster?

SINCE ancient Greek and Roman times, all important social events have been entrusted to Masters of Ceremonies and today the Toastmaster holds an important place in the celebration of any social occasion, formal or informal. Apart from the actual wedding ceremony, the most significant part of the whole day is the reception. Often the Master of Ceremonies’ role falls to the best man, who has little experience of such an important event.

John Lambert is a qualified and experienced toastmaster, who will make the introduction of guests to their hosts, announce all speeches and toasts, keep the reception to time, ensuring continuity and smooth running of the occasion.

Toastmaster John Lambert FTCL LRAM LGSM • Assists and advises in the matter of speeches and correct behaviour.

• Adds colour and dignity to the event • Ensures no guest Member of the London is overlooked Guild of Toastmasters • Together with the caterer, ensures the meal runs smoothly.

• Gives those informal, personal touches which make the difference to the memory of the day.

– 01934 713761 – www.johnplambert.co.uk

e-mail: john@johnplambert.co.uk e Toastmaster Partnership

Specialists in the Fine Art of Floristry

Telephone 01934 875 736 www.kimberleystheflorist.co.uk

Cadbury Garden & Leisure, Congresbury, BS49 5AA

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 23

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MENDIP TIMES

Baking for Mendip on Red Nose Day!

RED Nose Day is on Friday, March 15th, and if you don’t fancy sitting in a bath of baked beans to raise money for charity, you might think about baking instead. Come on: we can all join in and what better way to help than by baking something delicious!

A couple of things to bear in mind before With JUNE you start: first, remember this is to raise MACFARLANE money and, two, think about how your customers will carry their purchases home. Maybe individual portions would be better than a whole gateau and have you got any bags?

And perhaps now is not the moment to try out the parsnip and chilli flapjacks, unless you are absolutely sure of your audience! Stick to what you know will sell.

MENDIP APPLE MUFFINS

Make these the day you intend to use them. They are quick, light, and the grated apple keeps them moist. If you are taking your baking to the office they will be just right for the coffee break!

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

(makes 8) 200g plain flour 100g caster sugar 50g soft brown sugar 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 90ml milk 80ml sunflower oil 1 large egg, beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 large apples – peeled and grated icing sugar

Preheat oven to 200 C / Gas 6 and add paper cases to a muffin tray. Measure out flour, sugars, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add milk, oil, egg and vanilla. Stir until just combined (mixture will be lumpy). Gently fold in grated apples and spoon mixture into muffin cases.

Add a sprinkle of icing sugar on top of each. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Dust with more icing sugar.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

EXTREMELY SQUIDGY DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES INGREDIENTS

(18 servings) 400g dark chocolate 325g unsalted butter 6 whole eggs, plus 2 yolks 300g caster sugar 50g cocoa powder 80g plain flour

METHOD

Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160/gas4. Butter and base-line a 20cm-square deep baking tin with baking parchment.Gently melt the chocolate with the butter in a bowl over hot water until smooth, then cool a little. Whisk the whole eggs, the yolks and the caster sugar together until pale. Fold the melted chocolate mix into the eggs. Sieve the cocoa powder with the plain flour then fold everything together until evenly mixed. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 30 mins until slightly risen at the edges. Allow to cool completely in the tin.

This is another favourite and you can either sell them as individual cookies or bag them up in units of five. A good recipe for children to help with and it makes a lot!

METHOD

Chocolate brownies are top sellers and these ones are brilliant! Personally I think chocolate brownies should be squidgy in the middle but, if you don’t, just cook for about another ten minutes. They are very seriously chocolatey!

Preheat the oven to 190°C/gas 5 and line three baking sheets with baking parchment. Gently melt the butter in a small saucepan. Put both sugars into a mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter and beat well with a wooden spoon. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl and stir them in, then add the chocolate.

Dot half dessertspoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheets, leaving a good 4cm between them as they really spread out. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cookies are turning pale golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes to firm up. Cool on a wire rack.

Lots of helpful advice, posters, recipes and merchandise are available at http://www.rednoseday.com/ and enjoy baking for Mendip and Red Nose Day!

INGREDIENTS

(makes about 40 standard size cookies) 125g unsalted butter 100g caster sugar 75g soft light brown sugar 1 medium egg lightly beaten 2 tsp vanilla extract 150g plain flour ½ tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 100g dark or milk chocolate, chopped into smallish chunks (break it up, put it in a plastic bag and bash it with a rolling pin!)

June is a former television producer. She is currently a public relations consultant in the food and drink industry and has just started a new blog: www.thekitchenscribbler.blogspot.com

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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FOOD & DRINK

Lesley is a winner

LOCAL butchery business, Jon Thorner’s, has given away a £1,000 prize to one very lucky customer. Lesley Stearn from Evercreech was chosen at random after entering the free prize draw when placing her Christmas order with the award-winning butcher in December.

Jon Thorner’s based in Pylle, has five other butchery counters across the South West and as well as the £1,000 top prize, the local business also gave away hampers worth £50, so every counter had a winning customer to celebrate.

Mrs Stearn, who is a regular shopper at the Pylle farm shop, said: “I didn’t quite believe it when I received the call.

I had to check their website to make sure! But I am delighted.”

The hamper winners were Geraldine Henshall from High Littleton, Sarah Charleton from Upper Westwood, Christine Barry from Shepton Mallet, Christine Sapsead from Charlton Adam, Mrs French from Frampton Cotterell and Joyce Carver from Midsomer Norton.

Managing director Jon Thorner, Lesley Stearn, shop manager Deborah Fillis and butcher manager Sam King.

Jon Thorner’s has been in business for over 35 years and wanted to give something back to its customers, in what has been another tough economic year. Founder and managing director Jon Thorner said: “I wanted to say thank

you to our loyal customers and give them the chance to get something back from us. Congratulations to all the hamper winners and especially to Mrs Stearn, who I hope will spend some of it back in the shop!”

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 25

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MENDIP TIMES

Relaunch for Cheddar farmers’ market

MARCH 2013 DATES

Wells: every Wednesday 9am-2pm All other markets 9am-1pm

Friday 1st Wincanton Saturday 2nd Midsomer Norton & Axbridge Saturday 9th Frome & Keynsham Friday 15th Cheddar New venue: Cheddar Garden Centre

Saturday 16th Crewkerne Saturday 23rd Glastonbury & Yeovil Friday 29th Burnham-on-Sea Follow us on Twitter: @SFM Markets

Somerset Farmers’ Markets

Tel: 01373 814646 www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

Your Power Proudly Supports Sustainability in Somerset Your Power is a Leading Expert in the Field of Renewable Energy.

Whether it’s Domestic or Commercial, We Have the Right System for You. Call Today for Your Free Survey: 0800 924 7364 or www.yourpoweruk.com

SOMERSET Farmers’ Markets has announced that its Cheddar market is to reopen at a new location.

After a challenging winter which saw the recently-established market unexpectedly lose its village centre location with the closing of the Bath Arms, Cheddar Garden Centre has stepped in to make its car park available.

The re-launch date is Friday, March 15th and the market will be bigger and Liz Scott, from Moorland Beef, is one of the producers who will be better than before! The moving to Cheddar Garden Centre Cheddar Garden Centre, on on Draycott Road Draycott Road, offers a generous space to enable a much larger market to take place plus ample free parking and restaurant.

Existing producers who had been building up a loyal following in Cheddar will all be re-locating plus they will be joined by some new faces, including the award-winning Wraxall Vineyard and Wootton Organic Dairy.

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Cooking is about loving the ingredients . . .

FOOD & DRINK

says Bini Ludlow of Somerset based Sweet Cumin Cookery School

WITH Mother’s Day just around the corner and Easter and Father’s Day occasions following in quick succession, now is a good time to reconnect with family and loved ones.

Somerset-based “Sweet Cumin” cookery school owner Bini Ludlow says: “Actions often speak louder than words and saying thank you or I love you can be communicated by cooking a simple heartfelt meal, whether that’s together or as a special treat.

“My cookery school, and my more recent TV appearance, has focused my desire to pass on my love of cooking delicious homemade Indian food to others. I learnt to cook traditional Gujarati cuisine when I was just eight years old. My mother taught me to prepare for married life, and it’s certainly come in handy since!

“All my recipes have a story to tell, passed down through generations, and I’m keen to pass on my knowledge and culinary skills to all who love wonderful tasting food.”

Bini believes that Indian cooking is about loving the ingredients and not rushing the process. You can always tell when time, effort and love have combined to give a dish that wow factor and bring a broad smile to any face.

Bini set up “Sweet Cumin” cookery school to pass on her knowledge to budding cooks, young and old, who want to understand the importance of using spices, try new flavour combinations, and create

and develop their own dishes.

Cookery courses are tailor-made and designed to suit all ages, group sizes and abilities from beginner to advanced levels.

You will go away with a smile on your face and a newly-acquired knowledge and experience that will be with you forever.

Bini said: “My one aim is to make you passionate about cooking!”

Courses start at £45pp or book a full-day experience with lunch and a drink. All courses are relaxed and informal with an emphasis on home cooking.

Food Glorious Food, 6th March, 8pm @sweetcumin

Sweet Cumin Cookery School | 07961 320 193 | www.sweetcumin.co.uk

NEW WEEKDAY TEA DEAL £1 for a cup of tea and cup cake, 2.30pm-4.30pm Monday to Friday RESTAURANT AND FISH AND CHIPS TAKEAWAY 12noon to 2pm and 5pm-7pm CAFE OPEN 9am-5pm midweek Saturday 8.30am-7pm Sunday 8.30am-4pm for breakfasts and Sunday roasts

Function and conference rooms now available for parties, meetings and training

Traditional Fish and Chips, Sunday Roasts, Cream Teas and Ice Cream MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 27

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Buy with confidence

DIARY DATES MOTHERING SUNDAY 10TH MARCH LUNCH & DINNER Three Sittings – (Lunch) 12 – 1.30pm & 2.30pm – 4pm (Dinner) 6.30pm – 9pm. Mothers Day Specials and Roasts served on every session A FUN QUIZ ON MONDAY MARCH 11TH Teams 4/6 members. 8.15pm start FRIDAY 15TH MARCH – EARLY ST. PATRICKS NIGHT. Start 9pm and entertainment provided by ‘Timus O’ Pitman’, guitar and vocals.

Five en-suite bedrooms are available for booking on any night – Ideal location, close to the Bath & West Showground and other local attractions

natterjack

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

PEOPLE’S concerns about the on-going horsemeat scandal show why the local butcher plays such an important role in your food shopping.

Buying from a trusted retailer, such as Farrington’s Farm Shop, which sources traditional local produce, means that you can shop with confidence, as the Jon Thorner’s butchery at Farrington’s knows the provenance of all the quality meat it sells, over the counter and pre-packed.

And it’s Jon Thorner’s meat that Farrington’s catering manager, Pat Brook, chooses as a quality ingredient in home-made dishes, such as ready meals.

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GARDEN FOOD

Rampant rapini

ALSO known as turnip broccoli or broccoli raab, rapini is a very hardy and vigorous turnip variety that, instead of producing large edible roots, produces flowering shoots that are rather like small sprouting broccoli heads.

The main advantage it has over With JAKE traditional broccolis is that it produces WHITSON these shoots very quickly, within two months or so of planting, and can be planted almost all the year round. My last planting was in late autumn in my polytunnel and that supplied me with a harvest of shoots throughout January and February.

I plan to sow again in early March, for a mid-spring harvest. Essentially, as long as it’s not the dead of winter, you can sow rapini whenever you like, and 60 days later you’ll have a crop.

As for the flavour, rapini has a mustardy, spicy bite to it which broccoli doesn’t have. Also, it must be said, it doesn’t have quite so succulent a texture as real broccoli.

Nevertheless, it is quite delicious in its own right and its ease and speed of growth help outweigh these minor cons.

I like wilting down a big pile to eat with a Sunday roast, especially with beef or pork where the mustardy flavour complements the meat. Rapini is also great in stir-fried, or used sparingly in salads. A common dish in our house this winter was Chinese black bean sauce into which we put rapini and everything else we could find in the garden.

To make this I would first make a nice strong stock from a chicken carcass, or pork or duck or goose bones, and then scrounge any flakes of meat I could from it. Then I would make a black bean sauce by frying some grated garlic and ginger and some thickly sliced onions in a wok, before adding a few tablespoons of soaked fermented Chinese black beans (not normal black beans), the stock and the meat.

To this I would add every vegetable I could find – great mounds of greens from the polytunnel, rounds of Jerusalem artichoke (which end up like water chestnuts), slivers of carrot and radish and mushrooms.

After cooking for a few minutes, I’d thicken the sauce with a little cornstarch, season with soy sauce, and serve it with plenty of steamed rice.

Jacob Whitson is a chef and food writer who has worked in many of the West Country’s most prestigious restaurants. He is currently working on his first book, a travelogue detailing the regional foods of Japan.

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

Straight from the horse’s . . . hoof?

With ADRIAN BOOTS

OKAY, I’m going to try really, really hard not to make any references to the current hoo-hah around the horse meat scandal. Anyway, as an antidote to all the revelations surrounding processed food there is a spring plant that produces very chirpy yellow flowers, reminiscent of the dandelion flower. Its neatest trick is that the flowers appear before the leaves and are one of the first indicators

of spring.

Local Somerset names include ‘yellow trumpets’ and ‘yellow stars’ referring to the jaunty spring colours, ‘baccy plant’ and ‘poor man’s baccy’, (yes, it was smoked!), ‘ass’s foot’, ‘calves foot’ and ‘horse hoof’. These names really fit the appearance of this plant and what it was used for.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is an erect perennial that forms large patches due to its creeping rhizome.

The yellow flower heads contain a ray of florets 20 to 35mm across. The leaves appear after the flowers, heartshaped, toothed up to 25cm across.

Found on bare ground, waste places, river banks and roadsides – it is a common plant.

Coltsfoot gains its name from the shape of its leaves: the deep indentation where the stem joins the leaf reminiscent of the V shaped frog of a horses hoof. Also from the fact that it was smoked, did I mention it was smoked?! Yes, the dried leaves were used as herbal tobacco to ease the symptoms of asthma and chest coughs. Not recommended. Fortunately, Coltsfoot’s only real lookalike is dandelion. Unlike colts which seem to be easily confused with cattle. Sorry everyone, I couldn’t resist it. The answer: support British farmers.

Moving swiftly on at a gallop, the petals can be used to make wine, beer or jelly. I’m not going to detail that here so suggest following the usual wine, beer, jam/jelly making methods. Don’t get me wrong, I love wine beer and jelly but what follows is simple and much less time consuming.

Separate the petals from the flower heads and add to olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to make a delightful dressing for any green salad. It really does make an interesting colour and taste contrast to your usual salad dressing.

Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, researcher and farm conservation advisor. You can visit his website www.walkthemendips.com to learn more about the Mendips and his Wild Food Walks.

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 29

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MENDIP TIMES

BEAH

English & Mediterranean Restaurant, Wells

Sunday March 10th

Traditional Roast Sunday Lunch (served from 12 noon) 2 courses £12.95/3 courses £16

JAZZ NIGHT Friday March 22nd

(Special three course menu) with live music from Jazz South West

EASTER SUNDAY LUNCH March 31st

Traditional Roast Sunday Lunch (served from 12 noon) 2 courses £12.95/3 courses £16 Reserve your table now to avoid disappointment

01749 678111 or email: info@beah.co.uk or visit our website: www.beah.co.uk 2, Union Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PU

Relaxed & friendly dining in the heart of Wells

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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THE MANOR HOUSE INN EAT • DRINK • SLEEP

THE QUEEN ADELAIDE BLAGDON

FOOD & DRINK

Phil and Pauline promise you a warm welcome

Real ales, local cider, fine wines and locally-sourced, home-cooked food Dog friendly Children welcome at limited times Wide range of snacks, lunches and meals, with vegetarian options

Mothering Sunday menu

Mothering Sunday bookings now being taken with a traditional Sunday lunch from £9.25 Acoustic night – 7th March from 7.30 Hosted by AJ Webber The 4th night will be on Thursday 7 March with special guests The Willbees – a male duo that tours the South West doing clubs and Festivals! They sing great harmonies covering many styles, and are incredibly funny!

The other special guests for the evening are Jan Vaisey and Ian Harvey; also a duo and have performed in clubs and Festivals throughout the region, again covering many styles, both playing guitars and mandolin.

Andrias Guerin – our own resident Irish Jockey is loved by all. An amazing singer, musician, with a great sense of humour. His song during his last performance about his two lost chickens – a ‘Cock and Pullet’ had everyone falling off their seats!!!

Traditional Sunday lunches served 12–5pm from £9.25 per person Michelin Guide 2012 Eating Out in Pubs Sunday Times 50 best pubs for the weekend

e Manor House Inn Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6RB Telephone 01749 860276 email landlord@manorhouseinn.co.uk www.manorhouseinn.co.uk

Open: Tuesday–Sunday Saturdays 12noon–3pm and 6pm –11pm Sunday 12noon–11pm Food served Tuesday to Saturday 12noon–2.30pm and 6pm–9pm Sunday 12noon–5pm

STARTERS Homemade Cream Of Tomato & Basil Soup Served With Fresh Bread Roll & Butter Classic Prawn Cocktail Served with Brown Bread and Butter Beer Battered Mushrooms Served With a Garlic Mayonnaise & Salad Garnish MAIN COURSE Selection Of Freshly Roasted Meats Brie, Mushroom and Cranberry Wellington (v) All Served with Fresh vegetables, Mashed and Roast Potatoes Salmon Fillet with Hollandaise Sauce Served with New Potatoes and Fresh Vegetables DESSERTS Baileys Cheesecake Served With Fresh Cream or Ice Cream Homemade Apple Crumble Served With Custard or Fresh Cream Homemade Bread and Butter Pudding Served With Custard or Fresh Cream Fresh Coffee & After Dinner Mints £15.95 Per Person

Easter Sunday 3 courses plus coffee £15.95

RESERVATIONS TAKEN ON 01761 463926

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 31

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Planning for the future – consult the experts

TESTAMENTI is a new willwriting business established in the Mendips in 2011. Both practioners are qualified with the Institute of Professional Willwriters and carry £2 million worth of professional liability insurance as well as abiding by a strict code of conduct.

Willwriting is an area that is riddled with unprofessional practioners, who have little training in the intricacies of preparing a watertight will that will truly allow the individual’s wishes to be enacted when they pass away.

Testamenti also prepare lasting powers of attorney, which will allow your affairs to be conducted by a trusted relative or friend, if you are mentally incapacitated by accident or illness at some time in the future.

If you have a successful business you should ensure that you have adequate succession plans in place. The team at Testamenti have made business succession planning a key part of their skill-sets and will help you put in place the key legal documents such as partnership and shareholder agreements that all businesses should have.

Please do not hesitate to call for a free consultation and remember that the entire service is provided in the comfort of your own home. Call them on 01458 210915 or email testamenti@btinternet.com

Praise for Red Berry temps

TWO temporary employees at Framptons Transport Services Ltd. in Shepton Mallet are celebrating after being awarded top accolades from the company and by the town’s Red Berry Recruitment office that found them their jobs.

Emily Reakes has been named the Shepton Mallet branch’s Commercial Temp of the Year for 2012. Emily Emily Reakes was voted for by the company where Tom Abrahams, Warehouse Manager, summed up her qualities as: “great customer service, picked the job up very quickly, very good attention to detail and she brings in the cakes!”

John Baraniecki was voted Industrial Temp of the Year 2012.

Andy Trott, Mendip Distribution Centre Manager at Framptons, said: “John has proved to be an excellent recruit. He is always well presented, punctual and very conscientious. He has picked up all aspects of the job very quickly and has integrated into the picking team very well.”

Each month, Red Berry Recruitment presents the best temporary worker with the “Temp of the Month” award. At the end of the year, two temps (one Industrial and one Commercial) are singled out to receive the “Temp of the Year”. Each receives a £25 voucher of their choice and other goodies.

The results are posted on Red Berry’s website and their social networking John Baraniecki (left) with Frampton’s Andy Trott (right) sites.

Visit: www.RedBerryRecruitment.co.uk or find them on facebook and twitter by searching ‘Red Berry Recruitment’.

Red Berry Recruitment Ltd Make your life fruitful!

Mob: 07973 623868 Shepton Mallet: 01749 330630 Yeovil: 01935 432001 www.redberryrecruitment.co.uk

PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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Photo by Ignyte Limited, Radstock.

Hotel hosts launch event

HOSTED by the Centurion Hotel, Midsomer Norton on the evening of Tuesday January 29th, Aspirations HR and fellow associates of Parasol Business Specialists held their launch event ‘Too Hot to Handle’.

After welcome drinks and canapés, guests were shown the fabulous facilities of the hotel. What followed was a lighthearted and entertaining short performance by ‘Vera’ and ‘Lola’, two fictional cleaners who revealed a chain of events that had recently occurred in the company, resulting in significant issues for the employer and some of its employees.

In groups, guests were asked to consider the shortcomings that had been showcased from four angles; Human Resources, Health and Safety, Healthcare and Financial. The members of Parasol Business Specialists, including Lisa Saunders of Aspirations HR, then provided a useful feedback session, outlining how the Company could have better protected its employees and itself before things became too hot!

The event was a huge success – informative, fun and a great networking opportunity. More information on Parasol Business Specialists and details of future events can be found at www.parasolbusinessspecialists.co.uk.

Finding the right job

HAYS Education works across the UK to provide some of the best opportunities within the education sector to specialist teachers, teaching assistants and support staff. In North Somerset and Somerset, they have a large number of partnership schools and settings who work exclusively with Hays Education for their temporary, contract and permanent recruitment throughout the academic year.

Their North Somerset and Somerset team have dedicated consultants for each discipline within education, which provides you with the expert market knowledge and support that you need for your job search. Due to high demand, they are keen to recruit high quality teachers, teaching assistants, SEN teachers, early years specialists and support staff to join the team.

To apply, you must have school experience, which can be referenced, and offer a committed and flexible approach to your profession in order to be a positive and valuable asset to their partner schools. They offer a range of short-term and day-to-day supply vacancies, longer-term assignments and permanent posts, which can be flexible to meet your requirements.

All fully registered candidates will have access to free online safeguarding training and ongoing CPD opportunities.

BUSINESS

HR Solutions for your Business • Legal Compliance • HR Advice • Remote and onsite Support • HR Practices: Recruitment and Selection, Managing Employee Issues, Pay and Benefits, Training and Development • HR Projects; Contracts of employment, Employee Handbooks, Appraisal Schemes • Improving Business Performance through HR. To arrange a no fee onsite consultation, contact: Lisa Saunders MCIPD MA 07595 954744 • lisasaunders@aspirationshr.co.uk Follow: @aspirationshr View my Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/aspirationshr • Website: www.aspirationshr.co.uk

FINDING THE RIGHT JOB

RAISING ASPIRATIONS IN EDUCATION To discuss or apply please ring 0117 927 9369 or 01392 348 870 or e-mail: samuel.cooke@hays.com kane.finnegan@hays.com jeni.jones@hays.com Hartwell House, 55-61 Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6AD MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 33

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MENDIP TIMES

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

Telephone: 01761 452171 Fax: 01761 453342 www.rhwindowsltd.co.uk

PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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Miles Morgan Travel saves Cathedral City Travel

BUSINESS

CATHEDRAL City Travel in Wells has recently been rescued from insolvency saving the business along with team members Margaret Moulton and Maria Millard. The agent has been bought by Miles Morgan Travel, a local independent agent with 11 other branches throughout the south west.

Miles Morgan started Miles Morgan Travel six years ago after a lifelong career in travel. He worked for a long time with Bakers Dolphin Travel. He then moved to work for Thomson and became their Sales and Marketing Director with responsibility for their 900 shops, 11 call centres, websites and a £70 million marketing budget.

Alongside this he was on the main board of ABTA– The Association of British Travel Agents. After nine years of this great corporate job he realised he missed the “hands on” buzz of travel and decided to start his own company.

Now, six years on, Miles Morgan Travel has recorded increasing sales every year and, despite the recession, this year were awarded the “Travel Agent of the Year” award for the South West.

Miles says: “Our formula for success is simple: we are passionate about travel, and also our customers. We are all well-travelled and use our experience to find the very best holidays for our customers at the very best prices.”

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 35

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Blagdon

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Winscombe

PANCAKE DAY

East Harptree

Chew Stoke

Gerry Hicks, Denise Cutlan, Janet Palmer, Elaine Symes, Frances Aldridge, Maggie Patch and Emma Patch PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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INTERNET

Checking hoax email content

THERE are a lot of good emails doing the rounds, some of which are great fun. There are a few, however, that are malicious hoaxes, but how to sort the wheat from the chaff?

The best thing to do, before you forward it on, is to check.

The example below is asking for a prayer to be circulated, but there are all sorts – false health advice, appeals to find a missing child, computer security etc.

1. Open the email and read carefully.

2. Find a word or two that can be used to check – e.g. the name of a doctor; the title of the email; a unique bit of wording etc, and select it (start at the end of the bit you

want to use and click and hold and drag across to the beginning) 3. Right-click the bit you have just selected.

4. Hover over the words “Search with” and click on the Google (or whatever search engine you prefer) 5. This will take you to some search results, which will probably give you a hint of whether it’s true or a myth.

6. If it’s still not clear – try adding the word “hoax” to the search box and see if that narrows it down – there are several sites (see below) which you can use.

7. Click on the appropriate link and read what it says.

8. Double-check other sites too.

Or you can copy and paste 1. Open the email and read carefully.

2. Find a word or two that can be used to check – e.g. the name of a doctor; the title of the email; a unique bit of wording etc, and select it (start at the end of the bit you want to use and click and hold and drag across to the beginning).

3. Right-click the bit you have just selected.

4. Click the word Copy.

5. Go to your search engine – right-click in the search box and click the word paste.

6. Click on the appropriate link and read what it says.

7. Double-check other sites too.

Sometimes, though, there isn’t a passage that is distinct enough, so then you have to go to your preferred search engine and type in bits from the email, or there are a few sites you can go to direct: http://www.hoax-slayer.com – has 24 categories of hoaxes. http://www.snopes.com http://www.snopes.com/info/top25uls.asp http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/internet/u/current_netlore.htm http://www.hoaxbusters.org Submitted by IT for the Terrified: The Old Cowshed, Station Road, Cheddar BS27 3AG 01934 741751 www.itfortheterrified.co.uk We run a range of courses including, e-Bay, digital photography and genealogy. We also offer individual training, either one-off sessions or a series, at a pace to suit you; a session lasts 2 hours and costs £10. See our web site or contact us for further details.

PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 1 Owl dodged roof by moving near lake for a meal (8,5) 9 Deceit of little value anywhere from Sligo to Galway (9) 10 Had a change of residence in Russia (5) 11 Saw a dense compression of contents (3) 12 Few still coy about cathedral (4,2,5) 14 In Paris errors involve no one taking things lying down (5) 17 Is it magic which has the nature of modernist poetry? (9) 19 Gap all are arranging for a career in the law (9) 20 Something to come down to – to be realistic (5) 22 Sounds like a cold strikes the cricketer – near Downside Abbey (11) 25 Rhubarb a possible filling for a roll (3) 26 Metal though plain got made into various shapes (5) 28 WW2 pin up with pretext of running the Show (4,5) 29 Mrs Rose agrees modification to identify computer faults (5,8) DOWN 1 Line of fire and conflict in South Gloucestershire (7) 2 Now different journalist became proprietor (5)

3 Sheriff ran criminals in for finding money (5) 4 Starboard group of planes exhibit conservative tendency (5-4) 5 Take on tenancy to leave and give up control (3,2) 6 No good as such, but capital performer beyond the fringe (3) 7 Downed a claret so going up in the world (9) 8 Group of pupils in charge of model of excellence (7) 13 My friends and I are keeping a song in the top 10 - from a blank sheet. (5) 15 Possibly helps user cling to horse (9) 16 Tongues of fire lick round what remains (5) 18 Clean a lot to make a difference suddenly (3,2,4) 19 Include 99 in luggage – expected by polar expedition?

(4,3) 21 A very quiet invasion of layers – it does go on (7) 23 Officer – became leading politician? (5) 24 Mulled wine for Arthur on the roadshow (5) 25 Second class fish but showy (5) 27 High point or similar near Glastonbury for example (3)

Answers on Page 79

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Dear Mendip Times, Our local Red Cross Group, which covers the area from Babcary to Fivehead and Kingsbury Episcopi to Compton Dundon needs volunteer collectors for the 2103 Red Cross Week collection, May 5th-11th.

Collections take place both house to house and outside local shops, as preferred by the volunteers. We would welcome offers of an hour or two during this week to help keep our services running in Somerset.

Places with no, or few, collectors include Keinton Mandeville, Compton Dundon, Pitney, Huish Episcopi, Langport, High Ham, Curry Rivel, Kingsbury Episcopi, Isle Brewers, and Isle Abbotts, but extra help in other towns and villages will be just as welcome.

To offer your help please contact me e-mail at cox.cj@btinternet.com or by phone on 01458 273085.

Chris Cox, Red Cross Group Leader, Somerton MENDIP TIMES

phine the Rover!

Peter Pan, the caravan . . . and Jose A COUPLE from Ston Easton have from completed an extraordinary journey a Land’s End to John O’Groat’s driving classic car and sleeping in a tiny caravan. the of members Harper, David Pat and assic and Historic Motor Club, took nine days to complete the journey.

They drove their 1967 Rover P6 and Eriba hitched to it was a 1973 Dutch-built Pan caravan, which is more like a “doll’s house on wheels” than a modern caravan with all mod cons!

The retired couple aimed to travel between 150-200 miles a day at a top took speed of 55mph on a journey which them first to a campsite at Clevedon, re through the Wye Valley and Shropshi across to Hexham then onto the Scottish and Borders, Dundee and Inverness. Pat the at golf David also found time to play was legendary St. Andrew’s – although it course! putting a on only the The Rover – called Josephine – and caravan (Peter Pan), attracted a huge amount of interest as the couple travelled north, staying at campsites on the way. a bed, The caravan is only big enough for cooker and heater, so the couple always toilets and showers with sites for looked and electricity.

Pat said: “People were just so friendly e and wanted to know all about Josephin We made it!

Back at home: Pat and David with

their “companions”

and Peter Pan. They had so many photos taken of themselves.”

David said: “It was a challenge but very enjoyable and we were still talking to each other at the end of it!” on The style of caravan is still popular the continent, said David, where people take a more basic view of caravanning and campsite facilities are much better.

y Pat said: “We bought Peter Pan especiall for the trip as Josephine can’t pull too of him much weight, but I’m now so fond that I don’t want him to go and the grandchildren love using him as a playhouse.” trip Pat kept a detailed diary during the and is now writing up the story as a present to their family.

En-route to John O’Groats

Josephine at the start of the journey. There wasn’t enough space for the caravan to be in the photo

Champagne celebrations inside Peter Pan

Dear Mendip Times, The write-up of our trip which appeared in the January Mendip Times (Peter Pan, the caravan . . . and Josephine the Rover!) was very well done by Mark Adler. Due to this write-up, I was invited to speak to a local WI group about our trip which included photographs, maps, books and a memory stick presentation.

I mentioned that my best friend was looking forward to hearing all about our trip when we returned as she was suffering from Motor Neurone Disease. However, she died a fortnight before we set off. On the trip, people were asking if they could take pictures of Josephine and Peter Pan, or see inside Peter Pan or sit in Josephine. If I had had thought about it at the time, I would have asked for donations to MND in memory of my good friend, Edna.

I said that at the WI talk and when I finished my presentation, I was presented with a cheque for £35, which I am sending to MND

LETTERS

in memory of Edna. Thank you so much for printing our story and giving me that chance to donate some money to MND in memory of a lovely lady, Edna. Regards to you and your staff.

Pat Harper PS: A friend pointed out that in the February issue, myself and my daughter and two grandchildren were in the picture taken at the Royal Bath and West show page 10.

Dear Mendip Times, Paulton Hospital League of Friends has opened its new shop in the village. We would like to thank all our helpers and people like Carpet Fabrics Direct, Wellington Signs and Designs and Mr and Mrs Pierce for their hot water system and fridge given to us free of charge for our kitchen.

The old shop, after 14 years and making over £135,000 for Paulton Hospital, is now in the past; we are now at 22 High Street, Paulton, next door. It is a charity shop to be proud of, for Paulton and our community.

We are Terry and Caroline cut a cake to celebrate the always looking opening of the new shop in Paulton for donations of small items of furniture, toys and paperback books, so please come along and support your hospital.

Yours sincerely, Terry and Caroline Wynne, MBEs, Paulton Hospital League of Friends, Paulton.

Dear Mendip Times, The Mendip Players are an amateur drama group which has enjoyed putting on pantomimes, plays, murder mystery evenings and other shows with both children and adults.

When rehearsing we meet on a Wednesday evening in Draycott and Rodney Stoke Memorial Hall. We also meet socially, including summer skittles. We would welcome new members and are keen to encourage members who wish to be part of the group off stage as well as on i.e. stage management, directing etc.

We are having an open meeting on Wednesday, March 13th at 7.30pm at the hall. The open meeting is an opportunity to encourage people who may be interested to come along, meet us and have fun with a view to putting on our next murder mystery evening.

Please come along to the meeting or please call Bea on 01934 744771 or Roger on 01934 744476 for more information.

Vicky Brice, Publicity Officer MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 39

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EDUCATION

The benefits of independent education

EDUCATION choices for parents are never easy. These decisions are made harder by tough economic conditions. Many parents are debating whether to delay independent education in favour of their local state primary – opting to pay for education later in their child’s/children’s lives.

Many professionals from within the sector advocate that if you only opt for part private education then make it the early years for your child to gain the maximum benefit long-term. Ian Murphy, Headmaster of All Hallows Preparatory School at Cranmore, near Shepton Mallet is a firm believer that the early years in independent education really do reap benefits.

He said: “The early years of a child’s life are the most formative in so many ways. Independent education from age four brings a wide range of tangible benefits including significantly lower pupil/teacher ratios, single year classes (so many state primaries are now forced to mix key stages of education), access to specialist teachers for subjects such as languages, PE and games, art and drama.

“At All Hallows, the younger children also benefit immensely from a wide range of facilities on-site including a seven-acre woodland area which houses our ‘Forest School’, an LTA accredited tennis academy, swimming pool, Astroturf, cricket and rugby pitches, fully equipped science laboratories, theatre, art and ceramics facilities, ICT facilities, libraries and access to an extensive activities programme.

“For parents, it really is a ‘one-stop shop’ with a vast array of opportunities for the children and superb ‘wrap around’ care for busy parents. During these formative years, the opportunities afforded to the children at All Hallows mean that they develop independent learning skills for life, they learn to take chances and calculated risks, to embrace opportunity and not to be scared of failure.

“They develop resilience, fantastic social skills and embrace an active, healthy lifestyle – all essential for thriving later in life. We aim to develop fully-rounded individuals who truly contribute and embrace all that life has to offer.”

PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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WILDLIFE

RECENTLY I was privileged to travel to Sweden to present three programmes for BBC Radio 4.

The week before my visit the temperature around Stockholm had been almost constantly -15 to -20 degrees centigrade, but when I arrived it was a mild -2. The snow was deep

By CHRIS everywhere, except the roads, pavements and SPERRING runways which were kept efficiently clear so MBE that life could carry on uninterrupted.

I was to record two full programmes for the Living World Series; one being about birds of the Taiga Forest and the other about tracking large carnivores, as well as a short piece for the Saving Species series. The stories seemed very different, yet they would ultimately come together, highlighting the unexpected links between species and proving that nothing lives in isolation.

We started in the county of Vastmanland, which is roughly the same latitude as the top of Shetland. I was in awe as our guide pointed to the south and said: “There you can see the last oak tree, now look north and this is the start of the Taiga forest.”

The Taiga (also known as the Boreal) Forest is a band of coniferous trees that circles the globe just beneath the largely treeless tundra of the far northern hemisphere. It runs through Canada and Alaska, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Japan, and makes up 29% of the world's forest cover, making it the world's largest land biome. It was obvious that any wildlife surviving here all year round needed to be tough and I was astonished by how many species were not only surviving but thriving in this forest.

As we set out my guide informed me that we were in the heart of Swedish wolf territory, and that there were several packs in the area. Grey wolves have made a good recovery in Sweden after being shot out completely in the 1960s; the first wolves only returned in 1983 and there are now around 170-200. A pack of wolves in Sweden only contains family members; two adults and their pups, so not the extended family that most people are familiar with from North America.

With great excitement and help from our Swedish wolf tracker we found our first wolf track. With recent snow fall we had to uncover the footprint from just beneath the fresh snow and, as we moved on, our tracker, Pierre, a local ranger, informed us that we were following two wolves. Further on into the trees we found obvious signs of wolf territorial markings where both adults had been marking against trees in much the same way that dogs do.

After a few miles it became noticeable that the tracks were becoming very much clearer, and there was no need to move fresh snow from the prints any more.

View towards the Taiga along the ice roads of Sweden

Photography by Chris Sperring

The blue tit and the wolf

Pierre informed us that these tracks were only an hour or so old.

We measured the prints and they were 11cm long (I compared it to my lurcher/cross Doberman dog at home whose print is seven cm long!). Amongst these very fresh wolf tracks we could now see other tracks. A mountain hare appeared just in front of one of the wolves, and then Pierre pointed out that something else was following the wolves. The tracks were familiar to me, it was a fox.

Slightly further on we found a great disturbance in the snow, not a kill but perhaps a close shave. It was obviously wild boar moving off the path at speed followed by an enormous three-four metre leap from one of the wolves… and still the fox was following.

Pierre explained that when the wolves make a kill (usually wild boar or moose) there will always be leftovers and this is why the fox was following them. He explained that foxes aren’t the only animals that do this. Wolverines and even pine martens are known to follow wolves too. Throughout our time tracking the wolves we saw many different species of bird, including the nutcracker and the magnificent crested tit.

One big surprise for me though was seeing lots of blue tits. This bird is so familiar to us all, and is one we worry about during our cold spells in Britain, yet here it was in Sweden where the night temperatures can be as low as -25 to -30. As I marvelled at the sight of these birds in such harsh conditions Pierre mentioned that they also follow the wolves. He explained that once all the predators have had their fill, great flocks of these small birds will descend upon the wolf kill and strip clean any leftover meat and fat. This is what gets them through those cold Swedish nights, which of course is no different to us at home putting out the fat balls. This all just shows how delicate the balance of nature is, and how many species would be affected if the wolf was removed from its environment.

The future of wolves in Sweden is not assured, as there is still conflict with people. The hunters (also after moose and wild boar) don’t like them because they compete for prey and also kill hunting dogs. One of the main problems though is that almost the entire Swedish wolf population is descended from the original pair that moved into the country in 1983. No new wolves are able to enter the country from Russia because the reindeer herders in the north of the country shoot them on sight. They don’t like wolves because they scatter the reindeer herds and it can take them days or even weeks to regroup their herds. This barrier has created a highly inbred population and there is great controversy over how to manage the problem.

If you would like to learn more you can “listen again” (the programmes have already been transmitted) at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01qkx9w

Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 01275 849287 or via chris.sperring@btinternet.com

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 41

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MENDIP TIMES

Historic footsteps

THIS is an unbeatable ramble from Bradford-on-Avon with history, beauty, views, a river, canal, an aqueduct and good refreshment. Walking is on good quiet dry lanes and tracks and along the River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal. It is an ideal walk at any time, but good now when the ground may still be soggy.

PARK: In the spacious station car park on the south side of the River Avon in Bradford-on-Avon. Park in Zone B. Pay for four hours parking £2.40 (free on Sunday) to be on the safe side. Toilets here.

START: From the car park you can see the station which runs a regular Great Western railway service. Go out the far end of the car park and turn right on Riverside Walk and stay down alongside the Avon, looking across to a glorious landscaped garden on the other side.

The river provided the power for the wool mills that gave the town its great wealth. The town has several 17th century buildings dating from the most successful period of the local textile industry. Daniel Defoe, visiting Bradford in the early 18th century, commented: “They told me at Bradford-on-Avon that it was no extra-ordinary thing to have clothiers in that county worth £10,000 to £40,000 per man” (equivalent to £1.3 million – £5.3 million in 2007.

Pass a swimming pool on your right and go into another car park by the Riverside Inn. Turn left in front of St Margaret’s Hall.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

1. FOOTBRIDGE Reach a footbridge over the river. The bridge was named at the end of November in honour of an Olympian from the town, Ed McKeever, Britain’s 200m kayak sprint gold medallist.

On the other side come to Holy Trinity Church – a church built on cloth. It dates back to Norman times but was almost completely remodelled in the later Middle Ages, when Bradford-on-Avon was a prosperous cloth town. It is packed with memorials to the townspeople of past centuries.

It’s worth a quick detour to the right along Church Street towards the town – where you could have a quick coffee – to see one or two of Bradford’s several historic buildings.

Return to the church and just above it on the other side of the street, is one of the town’ s historic gems – the peaceful little Saxon church of St Laurence, which could possibly date back to the time of St Aldhelm, 709. It has fairly recently been rediscovered and carefully renovated and is still used for worship. This is the only complete church of Saxon architecture in the country.

Continue along the right side of the parish church and at the end go up a path up steps, past metal railings. Pass the Chantry, founded around 1420, which started life as a house for supporting a chantry priest whose job was to pray for the soul of wealthy clothier Thomas Horton, who died in 1530.

2. NEW TOWN Reach the road in New Town. Opposite in the wall is an old spring known as Lady Well. Turn left. Newtown was a development in the second half of the

17th century on land that belonged to the Methuen family, one of the most powerful clothier families in the town.

There were formerly four pubs and some shops here, but today there are none.

Pass one of the old breweries or malthouses on the right, run by the Wilkins Brothers.

Along here you should pick up any sun and enjoy fine views over the town.

Ignore any side turns and continue on into Belcombe Road which should be very quiet apart from some traffic on the adjacent railway line.

Electronic gates on the right give a clue to an imposing mansion on the right, Belcombe Court which you can just glimpse. This is an 18th century landscape park surrounding a 15th century mansion extended and improved

by John Wood the Elder in 1734.

3. AVONCLIFF LANE Fork left down the lane to Avoncliff station which is even quieter. After several minutes, there are open fields on the right. Shortly, find a marked footpath on the right over a stile. Go up the field, past a power pole, to the top left corner where a low stone stile with dog gate brings you onto a stony track.

4. TURLEIGH Turn right up the track and soon come into the beautiful hamlet of Turleigh. It becomes Tarmac. Stay climbing up ignoring a side path. Prosperity through the wool trade came here in the 18th century, evidenced by some of the large fine Bath stone properties. Many of the smaller houses were occupied by quarrymen from a nearby stone quarry, stonemasons and tanners. A local boy

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who made good was John Daniel Heal, born here in 1825 and who became mayor of Brisbane, Queensland.

Walk through the village and drop down to a T-junction with another gorgeous property ahead. Turn left and climb gently. Before the top, turn left up steps on a footpath. After a kissing gate, follow the path and look for a stile on the left which brings you to The Peace – part of the Manor garden – a grassy, landscaped area which has been set aside for the peaceful use of the public. Go up through this to a low squeeze stile at the top. Cross the track, through a small band of woodland and onto a drive/track in the old part of Winsley.

5. WINSLEY Turn left passing the manor grounds on your left and soon reach a bend and junction with the small village hall. For a very quick detour to the Seven Stars, a very welcoming village pub, featured in the 2013 Good Beer and Good Pub Guides, turn right up here and right again – only a couple of minutes away.

To continue our walk, keep straight on up the No Through Lane, and immediately go through a stone opening and along a walled path. There is an unusual curved stone squeeze stile at the end.

Keep straight on (not left) and gently drop down the path with stunning views over the valley. At the end, go to the side of a gate and onto a small lane.

6. LANE Go straight on (right) and soon climb briefly. Carry on along another lane flanked by stone walls and shortly bend down left. Go down steps and left on the footpath down a private drive. This takes you quite steeply down and continues on down a footpath at the end to bring you on to the side of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

7. CANAL Turn left on the narrow path along the edge all the way to a packhorse stone bridge no. 174 over the canal.

8. BRIDGE Come up on to this and cross and turn left along the towpath. Just below the bridge is a well-sited seat ideal for a picnic in the sun. The Kennet and Avon canal, 87 miles long, is one of the most splendid lengths of artificial waterway in Britain and is a fitting memorial to the canal age as a whole. John Rennie (1761 – 1821)

WALKING

5.1 miles, 2.5 hours walking, but plenty of time for exploring.

OS Explorer 156 Chippenham & Bradford-on-Avon, grid ref: 823 606

was the architect. From Bristol to Bath the waterway follows the natural course of the River Avon before the canal links it to the River Kennet at Newbury, and from there to Reading on the River Thames. In all, it negotiates about 100 locks.

Having moved goods of various kinds for years, it is now a much-loved leisure canal. Its commercial role declined with the coming of the railways during the 19th century and it was finally abandoned in 1928. Thanks to incredible work by volunteers it is once again a beautiful and active waterway and wildlife area.

In a few minutes start to see the moored craft which spread out from Avoncliff.

9. AQUEDUCT Reach the aqueduct at Avoncliff which carries the canal over the Avon and the railway line. It was built by John Rennie and chief engineer John Thomas, between 1797 and 1801 but the stone was not of the best quality and the central span sagged and a great deal of expensive restoration has taken place to keep it up and running. Cross and go right down steps to a welcoming cafe (open at weekends in the winter). Go under the aqueduct and ahead is the popular Cross Guns pub, a 16th century pub with a riverside garden. Turn up right and then bend left back onto the canal towpath, with the canal on your right and river left.

You leave Avoncliff to the sound of the rushing weir close to former cloth mills and have about a mile along the towpath.

Soon pass a notice for Barton Farm Country Park. However, don’t go down at this point. Continue to enjoy the canal path and the colourful narrowboats.

Wisps of smoke from some of the chimneys show there are residents! As I

walked along here, a steam train came along the line in the valley – quite a treat.

After a while, pass two new seats oddly placed facing opposite directions.

10. COUNTRY PARK At a footbridge over the river, bear down left to Barton Farm Country Park and continue our journey along the banks of the Avon. Eventually come to Barton Farm and the renowned 14th century tithe barn.

11. TITHE BARN Go through the arch in the wall, with a historic plaque, and reach the barn and old farm buildings, now used as shops and craft workshops.

Turn left and go out of the farm area (with a cafe opposite) and then go left past a children’s play area and immediately right to rejoin the river. With the river on your left, go on and under the railway bridge and bear up right to the car park.

OAKHILL WALK FEBRUARY MENDIP TIMES A reader wrote to say that she became lost on my Oakhill walk. Here for the removal of any misunderstanding is a rewritten section 8, which was the paragraph causing the problem.

8. WOODS Continue on down. Reach a fence and follow the path down to the right, still in woods, and come down to the edge of the stream. Turn left with the stream on your right and reach a tarmac drive by a farm entrance. Continue on, with stream now on your left, to a T-junction with a lane.

The Seven Stars, Winsley, 01225 722 204.

Cross Guns, Avoncliff, 01225 862335

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 43

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MENDIP TIMES

West Countryman’s Diary

IT’S the middle of February and already I would like the world to slow down a little bit so that I can get off. The year is moving on, the evenings are beginning to stay lighter for longer, and the weeks seem to rush by.

The snow has gone and I’m sure that With LES everyone managed to enjoy it in some way DAVIES MBE or another. I took some of the best snow pictures ever this time and thankfully it didn’t disrupt my work too much. I spent a day pruning in the snow at Mere Coombe Farm in Blagdon, where the snow fell down my neck, my feet got damp and cold, but the tea in the flask stayed hot all day long. There is always going to be something positive to be gained from every challenging situation.

I’ve noticed that the birds are starting to take an interest in the nesting boxes and it won’t be long until they are building nests and rearing this year’s additions to the world. I am hoping for a better year this time and perhaps we will get it.... far too soon to get excited yet though! I can remember snow in April, (1966) and snow that lasted up until Easter, (1963). There is still time for a little more on the Hill, but this late in the season it won’t hang around quite so long.

The plants have started to move as well. A good display of snowdrops this time and a few adventurous crocus heads have started to appear in my front lawn. The hedgerow bottom has some budding primroses, a plant that seems to fly in the face of all convention, often being in flower during January. The signs are there and as every day passes we come closer to spring and summer.

Looking back with my normal pair of rose-tinted glasses, I try to recollect what it was like during this ‘transitional’ period between winter and spring. March was always a cold month that dried out the ground ready for the spring sowing. I remember days of sunshine but with a cold wind that burned my face and the dust that stung my eyes from ‘working’ the ground.

It was a time of hope and expectation, as the exit from winter began. Days were longer and so everyone worked longer to take advantage of the time available. Cold it could be and in the days long before heated, soundproof tractor cabs the only protection from the elements was a very heavy overcoat with the collar turned up, (not to look cool, but to keep the wind out) a cloth cap, overalls over the normal shirt, pullover(s), trousers and wellington boots, often with the tops turned down (to try and look cool).

No gloves mind you because that was what upright tractor exhaust pipes were made for. This was achieved by rubbing your hands together in the hot exhaust gasses, whilst stood up on the running boards and trapping the steering wheel between your thighs to maintain direction. As a person with somewhat “knobbly” knees they too became cold, but were kept above freezing by the warm air blown back along the engine by the radiator fan. The Massey – Ferguson 65 was very good at this, but I don’t recall the same comfort being experienced with the Fordson Major – anyway enough tractor rivalry and recollection for now!

Don’t forget Mothers Day on March 10th. As a small child that was always a day to get up early and go out into the field

OUTDOORS for a small bunch of primroses that would be proudly presented wrapped in some silver foil from a cigarette packet (although I would hasten to add not mine at that age). Today it’s another ‘anniversary factory’ with shelves full of cards and shops full of flowers, chocolates and all manner of other things for us to buy.

With all this I feel there has been something lost and that is not the simplicity of “how it used to be”, but the true reason, to thank the person who brought you into this world and often struggled to raise you. She is the person who has never thought bad of you and has always had something nice to say about you.

Mothers are the people who never stop fighting your corner against the rest of the world. Sometimes we really need to remember what these things are all about.

I’ve wassailed the trees and pruned the boughs, so everything should be good for the year ahead, but if I am to believe the old rhyme, then Candlemas Day, (February 2nd) was a fine day that warmed my face and the heart, as I remember: “If Candlemas Day be fair and bright Winter will have another flight But if Candlemas Day be clouds and rain Winter is gone and will not come again.”

Perhaps my earlier comment about there still being time for a little more of what winter has to offer may come true after all.

With brighter days and (I hope) warmer temperatures, many people will think more about getting out and about on the Hill or into the countryside around them. The waterproof clothing and boots should certainly have been tested to the limit this time and in need of maintenance. I have found that ‘Dubbin’ is still manufactured for leather boots, but have also found that the saddlery wax used by horse riders is excellent for boots. It leaves an oiled finish and gets right into the leather, it’s easy to apply with a sponge and doesn’t have to be heated up before it’s applied. Where has this stuff been hiding all my life!

If you fancy a guided walk then check out the Mendip Society’s list of walks, including one with me around Winscombe on March 16th. Also for your diary, another reminder about the Arthritis Research UK annual sponsored walk on Good Friday March 29th. Again more details are available from their website, or contact me for the local organiser’s details.

British summer time will begin on Sunday 31 March.... Yes!!!

I’m always happy to hear from you, so drop me a line at Les.Davies@westcountryman.org.uk

PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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Learn, share and be inspired at Yeoniversity AS we hurtle towards Easter – how did that happen? – we are preparing for an action packed season of events in the valley.

By TOM DE Our school visits PASS are already underway.

Since the beginning of the year eight primary and secondary schools have visited us at our education centre, Wills Barn which is perched on top of the Mendips. In February we also hosted 60 AS level geography students at our Yeo Valley HQ Lecture Theatre. The students learnt about our story as well as the importance of healthy soil and its link to healthy plants, healthy animals and ultimately healthy people.

These activities are part of our Yeoniversity: an opportunity for us and anyone – both children and adults – who visits Yeo Valley to learn, share and be inspired. Our Yeoniveristy encompasses a wide range of experiences covering food and cooking, business and community, farming and countryside and gardening and environment.

The Yeo Valley Yeoniversity team has been busy researching an exciting calendar of events. They’ve been trudging through the Mendip snow to

find the perfect wild foraging spots; meeting with top chefs and cooks to discuss cookery courses; and sampling our spring/summer menus to ensure that all the food that we serve our guests is seasonal and delicious.

Amongst the activities we will once again be holding our popular Farm Adventure Tours. Led by the charismatic Les Davis MBE, these tours offer a great chance to take in the full glory of the

YEO VALLEY

Mendips and discover how our way of organic farming looks after the landscape we love. Of course along the way we’ll take you up to the farm (on our purple Bedford army truck) where you’ll meet some of our cows.

We will also be repeating our Garden and Food Tours. Whether you’re a keen gardener, a green enthusiast, or just fancy a relaxing day in the Somerset countryside, you’ll have a lovely time strolling around the Yeo Valley Organic Garden – one of a handful of ornamental gardens to be certified organic. During the day our expert team will give you plenty of tips and ideas to take home, showing you how easy it is to do things organically – from creating wonderfully rich compost to making comfrey tea.

You’ll even get a cookery demonstration showing you how to get the most from some of our native Somerset bounty.

Of course all our tours begin with tea, coffee and homemade biscuits, include a lunch made with the best locally sourced ingredients we can find (including the meat and dairy from our farms) and finish with tea accompanied by our delicious homemade cakes.

Information and booking for all of our events can be found on our website so make sure you keep logging on to www.yeovalley.co.uk to see what we have on offer.

Tom de Pass is head of communications and events at Yeo Valley, a family-owned farming and dairy processing business based in Blagdon, and will be bringing us a monthly report on their activities. The Holt Farms organic farming operation has 1250 acres on the Mendip Hills and in the Yeo Valley beside Blagdon Lake. www.yeovalley.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 45

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MENDIP TIMES

Success with seeds

AFTER 50 something years in horticulture I am still enthralled by the magic of scattering what appears to be small bits of sand on some compost and seeing the seedlings emerge. Raising plants from seed can be very rewarding and it is very tempting to get carried away when the seed With MARY catalogues plop through the letter box, or PAYNE MBE browsing around a garden centre.

But there is a fine line between success and failure, particularly when dealing with flowering or woody plant seeds.

Vegetable seeds on the whole are less fussy.

The first requirement a seed needs when you want it to germinate is water and we usually supply this associated with some sort of compost. I would recommend that you purchase a compost specifically recommended for seed sowing as this has lower levels of nutrients than multipurpose composts, which are fine for many seeds, but not for others.

Antirrhinum seedlings, for example, are very sensitive to nutrient levels and may germinate but then go yellow and decline. Do not risk using old compost for seed sowing as the chances of fungal infections are too high.

Put the compost into a pot or tray, level it off and firm it down lightly. Then water the container before sowing the seeds, ideally by standing it in a shallow container of water and allowing the compost to soak up until the surface looks damp before letting it drain. Then scatter some seed evenly over the surface. Do not be tempted to sow the seed too thickly.

Fine seed should not be covered but for larger seeds the latest recommendation is to cover the seed with a thin layer of horticultural vermiculite. This material absorbs water and so keeps the seed moist but it also allows light to get to the seeds and light is very important for most seeds to germinate. In our gardens we put a 50mm (2”) layer of mulch over the soil to prevent the light getting to the weed seeds so they do not germinate.

In the absence of vermiculite a thin covering of compost will suffice. I suggest you now wrap the container tightly in cling film, this prevents it drying out and it should not need watering again until after the seeds have germinated. A few seeds, such as cyclamen, actually need dark conditions in which to germinate.

Having dealt with the water requirement of our seeds, we must now address what temperature they require to encourage germination. All too often it is assumed that seeds require warmth, but many do not, indeed too much heat can force the seeds to go dormant. This is common with the primula family.

Many annual flower seeds will appreciate some gentle warmth either on a kitchen windowsill or a more sophisticated thermostatically controlled propagator. Seeds of hardy herbaceous perennials such as Helenium, Rudbeckia and Phlox actually prefer a fluctuating day/night temperature so a sophisticated propagator may be a disadvantage.

Seeds of woody plants and alpines need a period of cold followed by a warmer spell, mimicking winter followed by spring, before they will germinate and this can be imitated by putting the sown seed container in a refrigerator for a period of weeks, or by sowing in the autumn and leaving the tray or pot outside in a cold frame, protected from mice. Plants vary considerably in their germination requirements so it is important PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

to read the instructions on the seed packet carefully – although these are not always as helpful as they could be.

Once your containers of seeds have been put in the most suitable conditions regarding light and temperature, you just have to play the waiting game, but be attentive, and inspect them twice a day for signs of germination. As soon as the first tiny green seed leaves appear it is vital that the container is moved into a position where the seedlings get as much light as possible.

Early in the year our light levels are low and seedlings on a window sill become drawn up and spindly. A glasshouse is better provided the temperature is suitable. In the absence of a glasshouse a south facing windowsill can be utilised, but the containers need to be turned daily to prevent the seedlings bending towards the light. It is better to sow seeds a bit later in the year than to risk low light levels once they have germinated.

Once the seed leaves have fully expanded, your seedlings can be moved on, either into individual cell trays or, for more vigorous plants, small pots using a multi-purpose compost. It is important to handle the seedlings very carefully during this transplanting stage, and they should be held by one of their two seed leaves, not by the neck of the seedling, as this area is too easily damaged.

Dibble a hole deep enough for the roots and gently lower the seedling in such that its roots are not broken and then gently tuck it in using a dibber. Do not be tempted to press it in using your fingers. Then water in the newly transplanted seedlings. At this stage I like to drape a piece of horticultural fleece over them just for a couple of days while they recuperate and grow new roots.

All this may sound rather demanding but your efforts will hopefully be rewarded with a host of new plants and the satisfaction that you have successfully mimicked what Mother Nature does so well. Not only will you have plenty of plants for your own garden but spares to share with friends.

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MARCH GARDEN TIPS

G Cut dogwoods (Cornus alba types) and willows (Salix) that are grown for brightly coloured winter stems down to almost ground level now. This encourages young new shoots that always have the best colour.

G Protect newly emerging Clematis shoots from attack from snails, especially those growing low down.

G Prune most roses now, (climbing, rambling and shrub roses are best pruned in summer after the main flush of flower). Cut back to 6-8” from the ground and cut just above a bud, prune out any branches that are crossing to leave an open centre. Remove any root suckers as close to the roots as possible (neatly tearing them off discourages more). Cut out any weak, dead or diseased shoots.

G Start spraying roses for blackspot, rust and aphids with Roseclear Ultra* as soon as the leaves appear. Early spraying is essential!

G There is still time to transplant evergreen shrubs before it is too late but remember to disturb the roots as little as possible and keep as much soil attached to them as you can.

G If you haven’t done it already, prune Buddlejas back to about waist height and trim Lavateras back to healthy new shoots.

G Prune hardy Fuchsias back to strong new shoots. Tidy up straggly Penstemons. Give them all a feed with Vitax Q4.

Courtesy Cleeve Nursery

GARDENING

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Tel: 01934 813261 www.westongarden.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 47

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MENDIP TIMES

Taking care of nature

WOULD you like a beautiful garden that not only looks amazing, but supports our stunning British wildlife?

Established local gardening business, Jody’s Garden Services, now offers a garden design service that puts wildlife at the heart of the design.

They believe that

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Garden design service that puts our British wildlife at the heart of the design.

We design, build, advise and maintain.

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gardening is not only about having a beautiful looking garden, but also taking care of the wild things that live there. With an understanding of garden wildlife requirements, considerations at the design stage can create both a beautiful and relaxing garden, as well as a living and thriving eco-system for our struggling British wildlife.

They provide a guide, explaining the plants and features that are in your garden design, and why they are there, what their purpose is, and crucially what species these are aiming to attract.

Jody’s Garden Services was established by Jody Fairish, who is also the Village Orderly for Dundry and also provides regular gardening advice on Bristol’s Community Radio.

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ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES – PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

The walled garden of Badgworth

By Steve Egginton

SIMON Jones got a bit more than he bargained for when he moved to his new apartment at Badgworth Court, just off the A38 south of the Mendips. He and his seven neighbours have found a secret walled garden.

Within walls 30 feet tall, it had remained smothered in brambles, trees and undergrowth for years. When Simon moved in two months ago he started cutting through beyond the door into the two linked walled areas – finding tumbledown greenhouses and potting sheds.

The scale of the discovery is exciting gardening experts and environmentalists; Prince Charles has written saying he “hopes that the kitchen garden will once again flourish”. Cannington College is among the organisations hoping to help make that happen.

Simon, a manager with the company that makes Henry’s vacuum cleaners in Chard, said: “It’s absolutely mindblowing and the aim now is to restore it to its former glory. Apparently at one time it was a tourist destination – 150 years ago they were growing pineapples here.”

The house itself dates from the 17th century and was previously the country seat of the Ascott and Fownes Luttrell families, then a school and convalescent home, before being bought for development.

Simon was brought up in Wrington – his late father A.T.M. (Trevor) Jones holds the record as the youngest batsman to score a century for Somerset – and Simon was looking to return to his roots, after living in London for years.

He said: “My car broke down in Wells, so I stayed at the Swan, and saw the details for Badgworth Court and decided it was the place for me. To then discover this amazing garden was just incredible. We’ll be restoring the stream and planting a wildflower meadow as well.

“I’m seeking expert advice at every step of the way to make sure the work is done within very strict parameters – it would be fantastic to have the original plans. It’s a massive project.”

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Restoring gardens at Ston Easton Park THESE men have a mission – to restore the gardens at Ston Easton Park to their former glory. By the summer it’s hoped the hotel will be virtually self-sufficient in vegetables, fruit and cut flowers – as well as having home-grown loofahs available for the bathrooms.

Steve Hargreaves (left), from Frome, is leading the effort after 27 years in charge of the gardens at another hotel, Homewood Park. It’s involved clearing years of neglect, restoring beds, walled gardens and glass houses.

Dale Toten (centre) from Stoke St. Michael, used to be with a concrete works, but has turned his passion for growing vegetables in to a job, with the task of planting more than 100 varieties. The third team member is Ricky Thatcher, from Dinder.

The hotel’s general manager Denis Verrier is behind the plans to restore the gardens to the glories of Georgian and Victorian times.

He said: “The first task has been to clear away, to make good, and see what is there. Now we can begin to plan. For example at one time they used to grow apricot, peach and nectarines, against a south wall, protected by fleece and curtains – we are going to do that.

“In France we have a tradition of growing pears in bottles, with liqueur, and we will do that. We will also be donating any surplus from the garden to charities or food centres. We even have someone interested in buying some of our wild garlic from us.”

GARDENING

With over 36 acres to take care of, they have set about their task with gusto, to ensure this country house hotel has a country garden to be proud of.

General manager Denis Verrier MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 49

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MENDIP TIMES

Help is at hand

NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH

RECENT (and persistent) wet weather has opened our eye to the requirement to look after our assets under foot, namely the soil, structure and its drainage. The prolonged period of wet has stressed our soils, washing many of the good nutrients through it, compacting the surface and where the water has stood for a long time killed many of the flora and fauna within it.

Hopefully we shall have a respite from the wet and some good warm weather in the spring. The advice from Queen Thorne is to fork over beds, adding good quality organic matter such as mushroom compost; this will replenish nutrients and relieve the compaction adding good slow release food here too.

The lawns have also taken a battering from moss, compaction and disease. Look to de-compact the lawns, small with a fork, larger ones through a contractor. Over the long-term, feed and top-dress the lawn, kill and remove the moss, scarify and overseed, don’t be too eager to do this until the weather is warm enough, (to ensure the seed will take).

As the garden may be looking very poor, it’s a good time to look at its layout and drainage, perhaps a time to change and develop the garden to maximise its use and minimise its maintenance. Although the year was wet and we did not get to enjoy the garden, many plants did and the growth was immense.

Look to prune the plants in the near future to prevent a jungle occurring. If a bit, some or all of the above, is too much for you, call Queen Thorne Landscapes who can visit and cost the improvement works for your garden, so you can enjoy the sunny summer to come at ease.

Extend Your Home and Maximise Your Outdoor Space Consultation Design Construction Planting Water Features Turfing & Seeding Renovations Ground Preparations Wild Flower Meadows Lawn Care

www.queenthorne.co.uk

Lowarth Garden and Landscape Design Chelsea Flower Show Silver Gilt medal winner

< Beautiful, practical gardens < Inspiring planting < High quality hard landscaping < Treehouses and other structures < We aim to exceed your expectations Please contact us to arrange a free consultation Alistair Barlow Mobile: 07971 264261 Tel: 01373 812031 Website: www.lowarth.com

PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

Fairfield in spring

FAIRFIELD, near Stogursey, has an informal garden of great variety, surrounding the house which dates from the 12th century, but was largely rebuilt in Elizabethan times.

The 18th century park has fine trees and views of the Quantock Hills and the sea. The woodland garden is particularly interesting in spring, with many naturalised and unusual bulbs including snowdrops, crocuses, cyclamen, daffodils, fritillarias, wood anemones and bluebells among flowering shrubs and trees.

The walled former kitchen garden now includes interesting small trees, shrubs and grass, with a rose garden and herbaceous border. Children and adults can enjoy the small paved replica of the original maze.

There are many kinds of apple in the traditional orchard with daffodils planted in the grass, leading on to more woodland and pleasant walks.

Fairfield has much to enjoy whether exploring or relaxing.

NGS opening details: Sunday March 10th, 2pm-5pm.

Admission: £3.50, children free. Postcode: TA5 1PU

01935 850848

ECATCHER MOL

NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01275 332966

Other Gardens Open for the NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet available from local Garden Centres. Or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk

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How to plant your own wildflower meadow THERE is a growing interest in wildflower meadows, encouraged by recent television programmes highlighting the benefits of flowers that will attract pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies.

Insect pollination plays a significant role in the production of many fruits and vegetables, and research into the decline of our insect pollinators has suggested that a rich, varied and plentiful supply of nectar and pollen is vitally important for their survival.

As well as having an important job to do, wildflower meadows are absolutely beautiful to look at, and there is no reason why we can’t all enjoy this in our own gardens.

Sherborne Turf supply a full range of seed mixes to grow wildflowers and grasses for companion sowing. You will need to check your soil type in order to choose the right seed for your particular area, and also to determine the optimum time of year for sowing. Generally, wildflower seeds are best sown in the autumn,

GARDENING

when the ground is still warm, although for clay soils you would be advised to sow during late spring.

There are certain things to remember when preparing a site for wildflowers. Contrary to their usual advice for establishing lawns, the soil needs to be under-nourished, the poorer the better. This is because you want your wildflowers to take over, and not the turf!

The ground still needs to be properly prepared and weed-free, and ideally in a sunny location (although they do supply a mix for slightly shaded areas). So to begin with, set aside an area of your garden, and remove any weeds by digging in and turning the ground over, leaving poorer soil at the top.

Event has spud appeal!

EDINGTON • BRIDGWATER • SOMERSET TA7 9JN Tel 01278 722977 • Fax 01278 723108 • email sec.gwilliam@btconnect.com

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! TRACTOR & AUTOMOWER DAY

Keen gardener Betty Dudden, from Shepton Mallet, with her daughter Jackie Foley, of Castle Cary

GARDENERS’ thoughts turned to spring at a Potato Day event in Castle Cary.

Keen growers were able to choose from more than 80 varieties of potatoes, along with onion sets, shallots and garlic as well as heritage seeds.

The event, at the Constitutional Club, was organised by Pennard Plants, which supported a similar event on the same day in Frome organised by Sustainable Frome and Vallis Veg.

TO BE HELD HERE AT EDINGTON ON SATURDAY MARCH 23rd – 10am till 4pm Come and try our range of machines and talk to the experts so that you can be sure to choose the right machine for you.

New ride on garden tractors from £1299.00 inc vat.

Save up to £100 on selected mowers and up to £600 on selected garden tractors.

All part exchanges considered Also why not visit the ‘ORCHARD CAFE’ SITUATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF OUR COUNTRY STORE.

Our plant, shrub and tree expert – Don – will be on hand to answer any of your gardening questions.

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 51

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MENDIP TIMES

Horses – and other health horrors

WHAT’S more likely to kill you, a horse-burger or a hospital? Sadly, it’s the latter, although you might not realise it from how quickly the media moved on from the horrors of hundreds of avoidable deaths at Mid Staffordshire hospital to what’s in our burgers.

Very cheap food is very attractive to those with very little money, but you get what you pay for and as supermarket

By Dr PHIL buyers drive prices ever downwards, who knows what ends HAMMOND up in those ‘too good to be true’ sausages?

Ironically, horse meat is at least as healthy as cow, although you wouldn’t want too much ‘bute’ in your burger. Phenylbutazone is used by vets to treat arthritis and gout in horses but banned in humans. So in theory, a horse meat burger could contain bute but the chance of serious side effects in humans is rare (1 in 30,000) and you’d need to eat 600 horse-burgers a day to be in any danger.

A bigger scandal is the yuck factor. We’ve been illegally tricked into eating old nags when we thought we were getting young cows, but it probably won’t kill us. So let’s all buy local and know what we’re eating. And enjoy all the terrible nag gags.

As with all scandals, the government will have known for some while that there could have been a problem but decided not to act. In the case of Mid Staffs there were clear warning signs a decade before action was taken to protect patients. In 2001, the public inquiry into the Bristol heart scandal (a story I broke in Private Eye 21 years ago) made 198 recommendations about the need for a relentless focus humanity, honesty, transparency, quality and safety that put patients at the heart of the NHS. Most have just been repeated

by Robert Francis QC, who’s added another 92. And I bet you can’t name one.

There are so many vested interests and barriers in medicine preventing patient-centred care, it’s hard to know where to start. Professional and institutional loyalty, fear of blame, failure and litigation, exhaustion, lack of time, information, training and motivation, not enough staff with the right skill mix and more recently, market forces that undermine the neutrality of professional judgment.

But you won’t get a more self-interested profession than politicians and the failings at Mid Staffs – and indeed all the NHS scandals I’ve covered in the last 25 years – were made far worse by the politicisation of the NHS. This isn’t to say the NHS has not improved over the years. It delivers, by and large, care that ranges from competent to truly excellent.

The problem is that the pockets of disastrous care are hidden from view and denied both by frightened front-line staff and a hierarchy that exists to serve its political masters and deliver only good news to Downing Street in time for the next election.

As I watched Francis deliver his verdict, I was absolutely staggered that no individuals have been held to account. He passed out little bits of blame to everyone, conveniently allowing powerful politicians and NHS leaders completely off the hook. Labour politicians went into the Commons expecting a roasting – Mid Staffs went on under their watch and it was they who pushed hospitals to become Foundation Trusts when they were clearly not up to it and oversaw a bullying a culture of hit your targets ‘or else’. But everyone in authority has got off scot-free. The Commons and Department of Health heaved a collective sigh of relief and the debate became a pointless platitudefest.

I’ve spent the last few weeks campaigning for the head of the NHS, Sir David Nicholson to show true leadership, accept responsibility and stand down. Without accountability at the top of an organisation, you won’t get it at the bottom. At the time of writing, he’s still refusing to budge, and what smells like corporate manslaughter is being washed away as far as possible from Whitehall. Some things never change.

For Dr Phil’s DVDs, books and tour dates go to www.drphilhammond.com

PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

Animals and vegetables

YOUNGEST child is looking out at the dreary scene before him. “The rain is ruining my childhood,” he announces and with countless rugby matches cancelled this winter, along with various other events and activities over the previous year, I understand his concern.

However, I suggest that he might want to go outside anyway. I need to do some work and the prospect of the seven-year-old indoors and in front of a screen for the whole day is not attractive.

Why don’t you help your sister with the pony?” I suggest. The eleven-year-old has taken on the challenge of a lonely pony, living in a nearby field. “You could help her with the feeding and grooming.”

A little while later the sun has appeared and middle and youngest child are seen chatting together as they make their way across the fields towards the pony. When he returns he enthusiastically describes how he gave the pony “pony nuts and haylage”. He tells me that he was chatting about being a “special agent”.

But when the horse-meat scandal breaks later that week, a debate is ignited in our house about the merits, or otherwise, of eating various animals. Mendip Dad buys a take-away to celebrate the end-of-term.

Everyone eyes the beef in black-bean sauce suspiciously.

“I’m not eating that,” says eldest child.

“It’s horse.” This declaration is enough to ensure that I am left eating the beef while everyone else fills up on the remaining dishes.

“Actually, it’s really unfair on the cows,” decides the seven-year-old. “I mean I like horses but why does everyone care about eating them and no-one cares about eating cows?” I try and explain that people are upset because they thought they were eating cows and then found out they were eating horses and they did not like being lied to. “I think I might become a vegetarian,” he declares.

“We have evolved to eat meat,” says eldest child. “And you’ll never be able to eat a meat lasagne again.” I am tempted to explain the part Findus has played in the current scandal but decide against it.

Instead I try and explain the merits of a plant-based diet and how, if we could evolve from eating meat to eating vegetables, we might avoid human extinction. By the time I have finished everyone has left the table. Bon appétit!

MENDIP MUM

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HEALTH & FAMILY

COURT HOUSE RETIREMENT HOME CHEDDAR

Accommodation available now with full en-suite Court House is a very special place to live, the very fact that it is made up of different areas of accommodation adds to its attraction. e Main House with gracious large rooms with full en-suite looking out onto different aspects and personalized with Resident’s own furniture and pictures etc. A spacious Drawing Room with doors to a covered veranda and patio area leading onto lawns and flower beds. e Courtyard which has lovely vaulted accommodation with full en-suite and cleverly concealed kitchenettes where Residents can make a cup of tea or a snack for themselves or their guests and small raised gardens so that the people living there may, if they so wish plant and tend their own flowers. e lovely cottage accommodation full of character with a large Victorian style conservatory looking towards St. Andrews Church and doors opening out from a lovely sitting room to a tranquil garden.

Putting all of this together with the very special care given by dedicated staff that respect and give privacy and dignity to all who live here, you can see why people who come to live at Court House are so happy to have found this very special place.

Respite Care also available

“One of the most beautiful and well kept retirement homes I’ve ever seen”.

– e Photographer

Please contact Chris Dando 01934 742131 Website: www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 53

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MENDIP TIMES

Green shoots and red bricks pave the way

I’M fed up with hearing doom and gloom about the economy all the time, so I thought I’d focus on something positive which has been happening in our area.

So, full marks to Somer Valley FM with their Pathway to Employment initiative. This project seeks to help people trying to get a job

By SIMON to maximize their communication skills, SELBY improve their interview techniques, CVs and general approach to gain employment success. The station is working closely with Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Worklessness Programme and Job Centre Plus.

Over the last two months this initiative has provided work placements for ten people, three of which have now successfully gained employment. Having got a job, one of these individuals was still so keen that he returned for the last four days of his course, became a volunteer and now has a permanent show on

Agencies join forces to make roads safer

Friday evenings. Another 19-year-old who had been a “NEAT” (Not In Employment, Education or Training) and who had never had job or work placement also went on to gain a job working in a Bath restaurant.

Station Manager Dom Chambers said: “We aim to develop peoples’ transferable skill and the self-discipline that employers have a right to expect in future employees. People on our initiative gain real experience and the confidence to gain employment and we are working towards expanding what we can offer people to a much bigger audience in the near future.”

In a similar vein, I am hearing about many people who have decided to set up their own businesses and are doing well; this area has a proud history of nurturing new ventures (see the feature about the Red Brick Building elsewhere in this issue of Mendip Times) and also in attracting established businesses to relocate here. I’d be keen to hear from people who are establishing the “green shoots” of a new Mendip economy.

COMMERCIAL and private vehicles were checked for safety as part of a multiagency operation around Mendip.

Operation Fluid was the latest in a series of safety checks co-ordinated by Police

Judith Whitty, who runs AJ Taxis in Street with her husband Andrew, was happy to bring their vehicles to the checkpoint

PSCO Mel Rowlands

Police awards

Community Support Officer Mel Rowlands, based at Street.

Police officers, PCSOs, officers from Mendip District Council and the Benefits Agency were all involved in the operation.

Jim Gilbody, Mendip’s licensing enforcement officer, said: “We have to reinforce the message that badlymaintained or unsafe vehicles can be lethal weapons.

POLICE officers and volunteers from East Somerset have been recognised for their hard work and achievements by their peers at a special awards ceremony.

The event was attended by Somerton and Frome MP David Heath, Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens, Mayor of Frome Cllr Pippa Goldfinger and senior officers from the district.

The Sandy Padgett Trophy – in memory of the late Chief Superintendent Sandy Padgett – was awarded to the member of the Special Constabulary who had shown the highest level of commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to their role and to their colleagues. This was presented to Section Officer Steve Cook for Frome Police Post volunteers with town mayor Pippa Goldfinger

PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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COMMUNITY

Looking good for river revamp

SUPPORT is growing for a major investment to improve a stretch of the River Frome in the town.

A local charity – Friends of the River Frome – has been holding discussions with Frome Town Council which has led to a strategic review of the waterway between Spring Gardens and Feltham Bridge.

One of the main proposals is to create a lower walkway with seating and planting. Charity chairman Nick Ray said: “As seen in the town’s consultation exercise Vision for Frome and other public consultation, the particular desire within Frome for an attractive and welcoming area between the Town and Button bridges has been of prime importance and the report provides a number of possible options for providing lower access along the banks with additional seating and aquatic planting, all of which would make a welcome difference to the town centre.

An idea by landscape architect Patrick Conn of how the river in the town centre might look

Members of the charity prepare to take part in their first litter pick of the year along the riverbank

“Other proposals include improving access and amenity at Rodden Meadow and creating new foot and cycle paths to join with existing ones to create access along the river throughout the length of the town.”

Friends of the River Frome consulted widely with other local groups and individuals that have an interest in the river, including Frome Missing Link (Sustrans), Frome Canoe Club, Frome Recreational and Open Grounds Society, Mendip Power group, Millennium Green Trust and The Civic Society.

Nick added: “With the clear budget commitment of Frome Town Council to improve paths and access to the river and the possibility of further funds from Mendip District Council, the future looks bright for the River Frome.”

G FoRF and other organisations are asking people to support a town-wide litter pick on Saturday, March 9th, from 10am-12noon.

The meeting points are Frome Canoe Club, St John’s Shops, on Rodden Road, The Mount Community Centre and the Tesco store at Stonebridge.

the work he has put in over the past year, which included jumping into a freezing river in Frome earlier this year to save a man who had fallen into the water.

There were overall awards for both Mendip and South Somerset as well as individual awards for both areas. Among the other winners were: Officer of the Year: PC Tony Brooks (Somerton); PCSO of the Year: Gary Maule (Frome); Team of the Year (voted by Specials): Yeovil Team Two; Team of the Year (voted by Regulars): Frome Team One. In Mendip, neighbourhood awards were presented to:

Neighbourhood Team of the Year: Frome; Neighbourhood Officer of the Year: PC Rachel Clark (Frome); PCSO of the Year (voted by Specials): Tim Richards (Street) and PCSO of the Year (voted by Regulars): Gary Maule (Frome).

Response/CID awards: Investigator of the Year: DC Sean Garrett (Wells); Response Officer of the Year (voted by Specials): PC Becky Meecham (Frome); Response Officer of the Year (voted by Regulars): PC Dan Williams (Wells) Specials: Special Constable of the Year: Section Officer Jeremy Lane (Frome)

1 Brinsea Road, Congresbury, North Somerset BS49 5JF

01934 835858

and at Mendip Suite, Pudding Pie Lane Surgery, Pudding Pie Lane, Langford BS40 5EL Do you suffer from; • Achilles Tendon Pain • Corns, callus or bunion pain • Chilblains • Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain) • Arthritis • Athlete’s Foot • Ingrowing Toenails • Sports Injuries • Verrucas • Diabetic Foot Care • Full lower limb Biomechanic assessments undertaken • Orthotic Prescriptions

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 55

(Photo courtesy of Eyecatchers Photography)

For more information, visit: www.fromeriverfriends.org.uk

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MENDIP TIMES

MOTORING

SHIPHAM MOTOR GROUP Turnpike Road, Shipham, Winscombe BS25 1TX

Bailey approved body shop and workshop

G Caravan Servicing G Annual Habitation Checks G Alu-Tech Bailey Approved Repairers G Warranty Maintained G Damp Repairs G Accident Repairs G Insurance Repairs G Accessory Fitting

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With a vast experience of old and new models, along with our Volvo Trained Diagnosticians; you can be sure that your Volvo will receive the highest quality service but without Main Dealer prices!

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For servicing, repairs and sales of all makes of caravans and motorhomes

UBLEY MOTOR SERVICES MG ROVER & LAND ROVER SPECIALIST

Sales – Service – Parts – Repairs ALL MAKES SERVICING – VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, AIR CONDITIONING, MECHANICAL & BODY REPAIRS Collection/Loan Car by arrangement

Open Monday - Friday 9am–5pm; Saturday 9am–1pm

Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

MOT TESTING STATION COMPETITIVE PRICES ON TYRES, BATTERIES AND EXHAUSTS

ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY SERVICE

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CLEEVE HILL, UBLEY BS40 6PG Telephone: 01761 462275 (24hrs) www.ubleymotors.co.uk

Property page:Layout 1

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House sales rise THE number of housing transactions in the South West grew during January, says the latest RICS housing market survey. During January, chartered surveyors across the region reported a further increase in the number of newly agreed sales with a net balance of 16 per cent more respondents stating that levels rose.

In tandem with this, prices remained broadly stable during the first month of the year.

Seven per cent more respondents stated that prices fell rather than rose last month (from five per cent). While still negative this does mean that prices have remained fairly consistent from December.

Along with other signs, RICS says this suggests that the very worst may be over for the region’s market.

Page 1

PROPERTY Despite this, demand from would-be purchasers in the South West fell since the start of the New Year, with a net balance of seven per cent of surveyors suggesting that new buyer enquiries fell during January. This was also accompanied by a slight fall in the number of homes coming up for sale as surveyors suggested that poor weather may have contributed to the softer figures.

RICS Residential Spokesperson for Somerset, Mike Woodliffe of Woodliffe & Co, Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors said: “Despite the poor weather in January there are encouraging signs.”

Looking ahead, chartered surveyors in the region are optimistic that the price stability seen in recent months will persist over the coming three

OF THE VILLAGE AND OFFERING WELL PROPORTIONED ACCOMMODATION OVER TWO FLOORS.

Superb period features throughout: Flagged reception hall, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Sitting Room, Bespoke Kitchen with Aga, Family Room, office, Utility and Laundry room, Four Double Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms, Attic Bedroom 5, Store Room, Cellar, Double Garage, Gated Drive, Parking, GUIDE PRICE £799.950 Gardens and potential annexe. EPC rating F. Ref: 24499

BUILDING DESIGN & DRAWINGS • PLANNING APPLICATIONS • BUILDING REGULATIONS • STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS Contact: Neil or Stuart Email: Email: neil.dando@purpleplan-it.co.uk stuart.cload@purpleplan-it.co.uk Mobile: 07966 398076 M: 07792 632492

www.purpleplan-it.co.uk

CHEDDAR SOMERSET

WEST END NAILSEA AUCTION

STONE BUILT DETACHED EDWARDIAN FARMHOUSE IN NEED OF RENOVATION, SET IN 4.24 ACRES

DETACHED COTTAGE WITH OUTBUILDINGS, GARDEN AND ORCHARDS AMOUNTING TO APPROX. 1 ACRE

WEST HARPTREE CHEW VALLEY

HANDSOME DETACHED GRADE II LISTED MANOR HOUSE, LOCATED IN THE CENTRE

months and, more significantly, they anticipate prices beginning to move a little higher as the year wears on.

Meanwhile, future transaction levels are expected to remain on an upward trajectory, with 29 per cent more surveyors expecting property sales in the region to rise rather than fall.

Range of stone and tile outbuildings in yard, formal gardens, paddock and selection of agricultural outbuildings.

Farmhouse accommodation: Four double bedrooms, two reception rooms, kitchen and breakfast room, scullery, family bathroom and cloakroom. Southerly views and lane location. Epc rating F. Ref: 24485. For Sale by Auction (unless sold prior) Tuesday 14th May 2013.

GUIDE PRICE £450,000

The cottage does require some modernisation and has planning consent for extension. Set well back from road, pretty cottage garden, 2 orchards, working well. Epc rating E. For Sale by auction Tuesday 19th March 2013 (unless previously sold). Ref: 24478 GUIDE PRICE £475,000

CHEW VALLEY

NEXT COLLECTIVE LAND & PROPERTY AUCTION

AT

ON TUESDAY 19TH MARCH AT 7PM MENDIP SPRING GOLF CLUB, HONEY HALL LANE, CONGRESBURY BS49 5JT

Lots include 30 acres land & stone barns at Portishead, investment land at Hewish, 20 acres in lots at Congresbury, and The Hollies, West End, Nailsea TWO THRIVING CHEW VALLEY BUSINESSES FOR SALE DUE TO RETIREMENT • South Bristol – Milk round & bottling plant • Butchers shop & equipment: Leasehold shop premises available. Equipment to purchase.

SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD STONE HOUSE WITH ADJOINING COTTAGES

Well proportioned family accommodation with plenty of period features. Four bedrooms, two reception rooms, bespoke kitchen and family bathroom. Studio annexe with 3 rooms, two storey annexe with sitting room, kitchen, double bedroom and en suite bathroom.

Adjoining stone outbuilding – former coach house – plenty of scope, subject to planning consent. Up to 5 acres available by separate negotiation.

GUIDE PRICE £595,000

Wrington Tel: 01934 864300

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 57

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MENDIP TIMES

History of an English village THE village of Shapwick, south of the Mendips on the Somerset Levels, may well be the most closely-studied village in England.

Archeologist Mick Aston, formerly of Channel 4’s Time Team, started planning a study of the village back in 1985. Now his book, written with Durham University professor Chris Gerrard, Interpreting the English Village, Landscape and Community at Shapwick, has just been

Roman coins discovered in 1998

published.

It covers 10,000 years of the area’s history, including the context for the world-famous timber trackways, and the discovery of ten new Roman settlements, including the Shapwick Hoard, more than 9,000 Roman coins, found in 1998, now on display at Taunton Museum.

Mick was working in the extramural department at Bristol University – “the evil Thatcher got rid of it” – when a colleague, Nick Corcos said he had discovered a 1515 survey with field names at Shapwick, which could provide the basis for studying how the village then developed.

Mick said: “This grew into what a local history project should be, involving schools, colleges, history societies, and experts, studying the buildings, archaeology, documents and maps, doing geo-phys, and digging test pits to learn the history of the area.

“We found flints 10,000 years old, trackways, iron age settlements and a lot of Roman stuff. We learned how a collection of farms became a planned village. You begin to realise that this little tin-pot place became connected to the world from about 1600 onwards.

“A former Archbishop of Australia was from Shapwick; there are connections with the East India Company and French privateers. At one point we found a collection of very fine pottery, then realised this had been given by wealthy donors to the Poor House. The wealth of material is fantastic.”

He’s currently involved in a similar study around Winscombe and Sandford where he lives.

Mick Aston (left) with Chris Gerrard

Previous finds from the Sweet Track

Mick visits Catcott School

Details: The book is published by Windgather Press, available from www.oxbowbooks.com 9781905119455, £25.00, PB, 416 pages, 233 illustrations.

PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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HISTORY Herding cattle at Manor Farm

By Mark Adler

RESIDENTS of Witham Friary have been delving into their past in preparation for an exhibition in Frome Museum.

People who have lived in the village for many years have been sharing their memories about growing up and working in the farming community near Frome.

Their reminiscences have been recorded for posterity. Maps, photos and other memorabilia have been collected for the exhibition which will be held in the museum in March.

The history group was set up in 2011 and held an exhibition to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations last year, attracting several hundred visitors.

Roy Wheeler, who is now retired, said: “I used to live in Witham Friary many years ago and then moved to Frome. I

A postcard of Witham Manor Farm today

found out about the project at the village fete.

“I though what a brilliant idea and perhaps I might have some useful information stored in there somewhere!

I’ve been to every meeting so far.”

Project co-ordinator Michael Gorman

said: “It’s been a real privilege to hear about the history of Witham Friary straight from the people who have lived and worked here for so many years. There are some great stories.”

The Witham Friary History Project now has its own website and holds regular meetings on different aspects of the history of the village.

Michael added: “A lot is known about the village’s medieval history because of the friary but we thought it was important to gather its living history. We have been able to gather photos and make digital recordings of people’s memory.

“In the future we are looking at the possibility of publishing a book.”

G The exhibition opens the new season at Frome Museum and begins on Tuesday, March 12th and continues until Saturday, April 27th. The museum will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Did you used to live in Witham Friary? If so, the Witham Friary History Project organisers would love to hear from you.

The Seymour Arms has been at the centre of village life for many years

Contact them through their website: www.Withamfriaryhistory.org.uk MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 59

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Musician of the year

HOLLY Greenwood-Rogers is Churchill Young Musician of the Year 2013. The atmosphere was electric in St. John’s Church Churchill as the seven finalists in the Churchill Young Musician of the Year Competition performed their chosen works to a thrilled audience.

Peter Hewitt, Director of the Royal College of Music, Junior Department, headed up the panel of judges, with Adrian Trapp and Aly Harper. Their task was difficult as the competitors performed to a high standard, introducing themselves and their pieces with confidence and some humour.

Richard Owen, cello, Flora Cooknell, clarinet, Georgina King, piano, Lucy Fews, violin, Holly Greenwood-Rogers, French horn, Paul Hickman, voice, and Andrew Beadle, viola, entertained the enthusiastic audience with pieces by a wide variety of composers, from Mozart to the contemporary David Shire.

To divert the attention from that agonising wait whilst the adjudication took place, one of the longest-standing Churchill Music! Champions, John Pocket, presented the Raymond Hayter Song Prize generously donated each year by local resident, Beryl Roper, which this year was awarded to Hannah Lowrie.

The chair of the judging panel, Peter Hewitt, said: “Tonight we

All the finalists for Churchill Young Musician of the Year 2013

Clash of the choirs

A DOZEN choirs and singing groups will be in fine voice as they compete head to head in The Clash of the Choirs, in Wedmore.

Following last year’s successful event at St Mary’s Church, performers will once again try to impress the audience in the light-hearted competition featuring a clapometer.

Holly Greenwood-Rogers with Peter Hewitt

heard a really enjoyable recital with a very happy atmosphere, and a very creditable level of performing of which Churchill Academy and Churchill Music! should be very proud.”

Holly Greenwood-Rogers followed the family tradition as Churchill Young Musician of the Year 2013, receiving the generous cheque from the anonymous donor; Lucy Fews won the Audience Trophy and Flora Cooknell, the youngest ever competitor, won the Junior Trophy.

All winners also have the opportunity to perform in a special concert at the invitation of Churchill Music!’s partner, St. George’s Bristol, on Monday, February 4th and thanks to the generosity of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, free membership of the BSO Vibes scheme for young musicians.

Dr. Barry Wratten drew the evening to a close by congratulating all involved; competitors, music staff, parents and supporters. Churchill Music! were also congratulated for their enthusiasm and untiring search for excellence.

The contest, on Saturday March 9th at 6pm, is being staged by Friends of St Mary’s – a group which helps maintain and enhance the historic building. With 180 singers taking part, tickets for The Clash of the Choirs are expected to sell quickly.

Priced at £6 and £2 they are available from The Cottage Gallery and Paper Shop in Wedmore.

Details: David Hopkins 01934 710149, dahopkins@aol.com PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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MUSIC

Musical memorial

AN annual music competition in memory of a talented former pupil was held at Sidcot School and raised £200 for charity.

The Catrine Basil Music Awards saw students from the 17th Century Quaker school in Winscombe compete with pupils from the Friends’ School, Saffron Walden in Essex.

Catrine was adopted from Guatemala and attended Sidcot Junior School when she was seven. In 2003, when she was about to take her A-Levels, the 17-year-old slipped on a narrow coastal path, fell down a cliff face and died whilst on holiday in Greece.

Sidcot set up the competition in her memory ten years ago with Catrine’s mother, Malin Basil of Brent Knoll.

From Mali to Mendip by Mark Adler BREAK time at Writhlington School and the restaurant is a mixture of organised chaos and a wall of sound; hardly the ideal place in which to grab a brief chat over a coffee with musician and school recording studio manager Dan Harper.

By his own admission he has always been obsessed by music technology, spending most of his grant as an environmental management student on recording equipment. Later, as an aid worker in Ethiopia and then Mali, Dan started recording local singers and bands. A fan of post-punk music – everything from U2 and The Cult to Adam Ant and Bow, Wow, Wow – Dan

Hawa and Dan in the recording studios at Writhlington

began a musical project called Invisible System, fusing the African sounds with guitar, bass and synthesizer and calling on contributions from a wide range of musicians, including Adrian Utley from the band Portishead.

Now Dan, who lives in Frome with his Malian-born wife Hawa (a textile technician at the school near Radstock), is waiting to hear if Invisible System has been successful in the Songlines World Music Awards 2012 under Best Cross Cultural Collaboration and Best Group.

Dan works with post-16 students at Writhlington, running the recording studio, which is also available for hire.

The costs are kept as low as possible to appeal to younger bands and musicians.

Writhlington is a business and enterprise academy, probably best known for its award-winning orchid growing project.

Dan said: “The Songlines awards are the very highest in world music and it’s an honour just to be nominated.

“I was so lucky to come to Writhlington at a time when the new school was being designed and I was asked to come up with the spec for the recording studio.

“To be able to run a recording studio, encourage young musicians and indulge in my love of world music at the same time is everything I could imagine.”

Gala concert

SOPRANO, Dame Felicity Lott, will star in a gala concert at Wells Cathedral at 7pm on Saturday March 9th. The concert is in aid of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust for its endowment appeal to provide bursaries for talented young singers from disadvantaged backgrounds; proceeds will also be shared with the charity, Help for Heroes.

For more information about Dan and Invisible System and the recording studio, visit: www.harperdiabate.com

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 61

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MENDIP TIMES

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The Raesides decided to move from Wiltshire because Jon’s job as a business development executive for a major retail group entailed a good deal of West Country travelling. After a fair amount of on-line research, Vanda had a shortlist of properties she and Jon agreed to visit. They fell in love with Wayside Cottage as soon as they saw it.

One of the first things that appealed to the Raesides when they first saw Wayside Cottage was the colour and style of the windows.

Vanda said: “Something needed to be done but being new to the area we didn’t know who we should ask about windows.

Fortunately, recommendation led us to Kingfisher, based just down the A38 at East Brent . . . and they have been wonderful.

Not only did they have the right range and choice for our type of property, they could also match the colour we wanted. What I also really liked was the courtesy, helpfulness and complete absence of pressure.”

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PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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Spring clean your AGA

HOMES & INTERIORS

IS your AGA more shabby than chic? Why not treat it to a Spring Clean and return the sparkle to your AGA? Cook and Heat, the South West’s independent AGA specialists, have just launched their new spring offer – a combined AGA Clean and Service starting from £195 for a twooven AGA to £215 for a four -oven including VAT. Alternatively, you may just choose to have an AGA Clean which starts at £95. Debbie Thornton from Cook and Heat says: “Our process involves steam cleaning and uses non-caustic safe materials that will make even the dirtiest AGA shine. People often ask me which parts of their AGA will be cleaned?

“The answer is the top plate, lids (both inside and out), front plate, doors/door liners and oven tunnels are all steam cleaned.

The cleaning process takes between two and three hours and has amazing results. We are the only independent AGA specialists in our area to offer this service as part of our in-house customer package.”

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 63

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MENDIP TIMES â&#x20AC;˘JANUARY 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE 64

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JACKSONS

Jacksons Fencing – news, topical treats and more . . .

Spring is in the air. Have you noticed every week it’s that little bit lighter in the evenings? The birds are singing a bit louder and later in the day as well . . .

IT’S a naturally optimistic time of the year, when you can harness your enthusiasm and start, not only planning garden projects, but also getting them off to an early start.

With this in mind we’ve launched our “beat the spring rush” offer. We will be giving 50% off delivery charges on orders placed in March for any products in the Good Fencing Guide and our new Equestrian range. This will mean you will be at the front of the queue and will get your order nice and early, before we get into our busiest time. Full details and T&Cs can be found on your local page jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal Back in December I mentioned our unique 25 year guarantee and some of the lengths we go to that set us apart from the crowd. Well further to this is the news that we’ve published the Definitive Guide to Quality Timber Treatment.

This is in response to some misleading reports in the farming press, that instead of making the subject of timber treatment clearer, has actually lead to even more confusion.

So, to cut through all the myths and hype about this complicated subject Jacksons has published this helpful, nononsense guide to the dos and don’ts of timber treatment. I know it may not be world changing news for everyone, but if you are a farmer, a professional in the landscaping industry, or a householder that wants to know how and why we can guarantee our timber for 25 years, the answers are all there.

It’s not a sales tool though, the booklet covers: vital information on timber types, timber physiology, species suitable and not suitable for treating, kiln drying, pressure treatment, chemical loading, traceability and responsible sourcing. Handy bedtime reading for those who want to know more!

You can download a PDF of the guide from the website. louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk

W

I N

B

A

C

I R D

To be in with a chance to win this delightful, handmade stone Chilstone Bird Bath, simply log on to your local page, address below and follow the easy instructions on how to enter. The draw closes 31.3.13.

Previous Prize Draw winners are posted on the web page.

To enter go to: www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/bathlocal

H I L S T O N E

B

A T H

!

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 65

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NEWS

Award winning!

Acker still going strong

(l:r): Mike Phypers, David Sheridan and Vicky Bratt show off their certificate

JAZZMAN, Acker Bilk, has just celebrated his 84th birthday, but shows no sign of slowing down. Since the start of the year he’s performed in Germany, Tewkesbury and Birmingham and is off to Grantham in Lincolnshire on March 8th to perform with Kenny Ball and Chris Barber!

THE community-run village shop in Mells has won the 2012 Countryside Alliance Village Shop Award in the South West.

Known as the Village Oscars, the prize is awarded for commitment to the community, the rural economy and the countryside. As a regional champion, the shop now goes forward to the UK and Ireland final. Mells Village Shop will be competing against ten fellow regional winners from across the UK. David Sheridan, chairman of Mells Village Shop Ltd, said: “This prestigious award is worthy recognition of the tremendous job done by Mike Phypers, our shop manager, Vicky Bratt, café manager, and by staff members, volunteers and our supporters in the community.

“Their hard work has been central to the success story of Mells Village Shop and Café and the management team and I are extremely proud of their achievements.”

To see dates for the year: http://www.ackermusicaagency.co.uk/acker_dates.html

Taste and style

Lifeboatmen’s auction

John Newman’s Honda Shadow trike captured Graham and Kevin’s imagination whilst he was visiting Killens Auction Rooms next to Rookery Farm Studio. He allowed the team to use the trike as part of their photo shoot. John, of Winford, is pictured with Emily, one of the wedding dress models

Crew with mayor and Zara Davis

THE annual RNLI dinner dance in Weston-super-Mare ended with a surprise, when some of the volunteer crew offered their own services in a fund-raising auction. A plumber, carpenter and two electricians were auctioned as was a trip in the Bristol Channel on a power boat belonging to another crew member.

This surprise auction added nearly £300 to the total amount raised during the evening. Guests of honour included the Weston Town Council mayor Cllr David Hitchens with his wife and Zara Davis the World Speed Sailing record holder, who is a keen supporter of the local RNLI lifeboat station.

THE team at Rookery Farm Photo Studio were the ideal choice when Bridal Boutiques of Winscombe wanted the best quality images to showcase their wedding dresses at exhibitions and events.

Photographers Graham Jones and Kevin Mitchell were able to make the most of their purpose-built studio and the surrounding countryside at Binegar, near Shepton Mallet, to show off the wedding dresses with stunning results. They offer exactly the same quality with their bespoke wedding service.

Graham was a Top Ten award winner at the Guild of Photographers’ presentation evening. The guild, established in 1988, is a highly-respected association that supports photographers committed to high standards, and is seen by many as a “mark of trust”.

G See Wedding feature, page 19 MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 67

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MENDIP TIMES

Fashion show success

A CHARITY fashion show in Wells Town Hall has raised £2,500 towards research into Motor Neurone disease.

The show was hosted by the Mayor of Wells Councillor Maureen Brandon to raise funds for her chosen charity, The Motor Neurone Disease Association. It was held in memory of her great friend Edna Hopkins, who died in September 2012 of the disease.

The show, organised by Edna’s daughter Karen Butt, featured Phase Eight and Whicketts of Wells and was attended by more than 150 people.

Among the guests were David Hitchins, the mayor of Weston-super-Mare and his wife Carol, the mayoress, and Terry Porter, the chairman of North Somerset Council and his wife Jan. Karen said: “We had raised over £17,000 in her memory and the show helped us raise even more for research into this dreadful disease and to support those affected by it.”

Maureen Brandon (centre) with her mayoral consort Alistair Glanville (left) and show organiser Karen Butt (far right)

For further information about MND please see www.mndassociation.org

Charity on the farm

THE Craftshed is a not-for-profit, community group based at a Day Care Centre on a working farm in Priddy. Their main aim is to run creative and vocational workshops for people with learning difficulties and mental health needs in the local area.

During some of their workshops members produce beautiful handmade country charms such as bird homes, glassware, candles, as well as jams, sauces and cakes, which are sold at market.

They are always looking for local volunteers to join their workshops, particularly those with any craft skills that they would like to share.

Their main focus at the moment is their kindling project; pallets are collected and recycled from local businesses in Wells. The group get together in the workshop to remove any nails and split the pallets into the perfect kindling size pieces, ready for bagging up. These are on sale at Priddy Good Farm Shop for a donation of £2 each.

The Craftshed takes part in many local events, like the Mendip Ploughing Match and Harptree Fower Show, where they won various prizes for our lovingly grown veggies. Look out for them, as the weather begins to improve.

Details: 01749 674431 or at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Craftshed

PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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A lasting legacy

RUTH Burgess, aged 87, from Weston-super-Mare, who devoted a quarter of a century to supporting Weston Hospicecare, has left it a legacy worth £250,000 following her death.

Founding member and former trustee, Mary Armstrong, said: “When Weston Hospicecare was set up in 1989, Ruth was one of the first people to offer her enthusiasm and prayerful support.”

Her endless support of the charity included organising events for the Friends of Weston Hospicecare, cooking up chutney and other goodies to sell, doing door-to-door and street collections and representing the hospice at many events.

Gill Auden, chief executive, said: “It is a very special person who works hard all their lives to make things easier and better for other people. That is what Ruth has done with a lifetime of devotion to charity and the community that she loved.

“Now with this wonderful donation in her will she continues to make a difference to local people who rely on, or will rely on the hospice to get them through what is a very difficult time. We cannot thank Ruth enough for what she has given the hospice over the last 25 years.”

G Tony Edwards, aged 72, from Shipham handed a cheque for £15,227 to Weston Hospicecare to say thank you for the excellent care they gave his late wife Pam. Since she died in June 2012, Tony has dedicated his time to raising money for the Pamela Edwards Memorial Fund and it was always his hope to raise over £10,000 to pass on to the Hospice.

CHARITIES

Charity celebrates 10 years of royal patronage

The countess meeting Garreth Berridge and family at the SW Centre in Bridgwater, Somerset.

IT’S ten years since the Countess of Wessex agreed to become president of children’s charity Brainwave. The charity works with families to deliver home-based individual therapies and exercises to help children with disabilities and developmental delay reach their full potential.

Brainwave CEO, Phil Edge, said they have been measuring their progress since then: “When The Countess agreed to become president of Brainwave we had one centre in Bridgwater, but in the past 10 years Brainwave has reached out across the UK with centres in the South East and the North West and satellite clinics in Ireland and Scotland so that families can access Brainwave wherever they are based in the UK. “We are so grateful for the support the countess has given us over the past 10 years. One of the things that is of most importance to us is the fact that the countess has met so many of the families who attend Brainwave and always takes time to talk to them as well as remembering everyone she has met from previous visits.”

The Countess visited Brainwave in 2012 to mark its 30th anniversary and during the time she has been president the number of children on a Brainwave Programme has doubled to 550.

Details: www.brainwave.org.uk email: enquiries@brainwave.org.uk or phone: 01278 429089.

Dust off your walking boots

ON Good Friday March 29th, Sue Gearing, Les Davies and MAPS (Mendip Area Perambulation Society!) are once again leading walkers over the Mendip Hills for the Butcombe Brewery Pub Walk in aid of Arthritis Research UK. Walkers are encouraged to raise sponsorship to help fund vital research into painfully debilitating arthritic diseases. A new route is in the final planning stage but be assured, the cost of £12.50 will include mulled wine, supper and transport.

Details: Suzie Ladbrooke, The Old Sweet Shop, Church Street, Wedmore BS28 4AB, tel: 01934 713906 email s.ladbrooke@arthritisresearchuk.org

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 69

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MENDIP TIMES

GOLF

Mendip Golf Club – the all year round golf course

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MENDIP Golf Course is already famed for its magnificent views and the quality of its playing surfaces but it has just set a remarkable club record of being open to play 18 holes almost constantly throughout the last three winter months.

The club is proud of its well-drained upland course but the fact that there are no winter tees and almost never temporary greens even in the most adverse weather conditions is a testament to the effort expended to make this a remarkable golf course. Golfer Magazine has confirmed once again that Mendip is in the top 150 clubs in the country.

Mendip offers great value for money too with very competitive membership fees, a full range of men’s and ladies’ competitions throughout the year and plenty of tee time for social golf. The ladies have a particularly vibrant section whilst the seniors play more than 40 matches a year. The tee does not have to be booked although members’ golf is always given priority before 10.30am.

The club’s management are constantly looking ahead to improve the course and the clubhouse facilities in the true tradition of a members’ club. Investment in new practice facilities of a six-hole academy course and driving range will open up the club to anyone wishing to try the game without having to attempt the main course from the outset. Very attractive deals are offered for membership of the academy course.

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CAVING

Flooding takes its toll

THE exceptionally wet weather of last year has affected our caving activities, particularly in systems prone to flooding.

Caves such as Swildon’s Hole and Longwood Swallet have been abandoned to the water on several occasions, and cavers have sought other, drier holes to explore.

With PHILIP Cave diver training in Wookey Hole has HENDY also been postponed. Fortunately, there have been no rescues caused by sudden surges of water underground.

Many digs have been affected as well. The diggers in Spider Hole are working their way down through a boulder choke, removing some rocks and then grouting others in to stabilise the shaft. Clearly, when water is pouring down over the boulders, it is impossible to apply cement.

At Templeton, the north shaft, now at more than 72 metres below the surface, has often been flooded to a depth of ten metres or more. Various problems with pumps and other machinery have limited our ability to remove this water, so progress during the latter part of 2012 was slow.

The major part of The Frozen Deep in Reservoir Hole is well above the water table, so new passages have been discovered and explored. The sump in Dingley Dell is still awaiting further exploration, though, as there has been too much water to allow divers to enter safely.

It is now more than two months since Cheddar Gorge was closed, as water flowing from Black Rock Gate had lifted tarmac from the road surface and scoured deep trenches along the roadside, particularly at the lower end of the Horseshoe Bend. The Highways people did manage to make a start on repairs, only to see their work undone by a further surge of water.

Some drainage occurs at Sow’s Hole, a small sinkhole under a low cliff a few hundred metres below Black Rock Gate, but most of the water flows on down the Gorge, to sink in road drains near Gough’s Cave.

This water is run-off from the southern slopes of Blackdown.

Most of this eventually finds its way into swallets, to emerge from the risings at the lower end of Cheddar Gorge. However, the natural sinkhole to Scouring at Horseshoe Bend Longwood Swallet, near the top of the Longwood Nature Reserve, has been blocked by debris, so instead of sinking there, the water flows on down the valley and eventually into the Gorge.

Interestingly, no water has come from Blackmoor via Velvet Bottom; the sinkholes and swallets above the causewayed road are able to absorb all the flow.

Clearly, the Highways

Cave Guide at Gough’s

Department cannot repair the Gorge road while water is still flowing over the Tarmac, but it is proving difficult to find a way of diverting the water. Recently, representatives from the Highways Department, Somerset Wildlife Trust (which manages the Reserve), Cheddar Caves and cavers walked the area to look at the problem.

The solution is to clear the blocked swallet, but machinery cannot be used. Apart from the difficulty of arranging access for a digger, there are fears that allowing organic matter and other debris into the underlying cave would upset the ecosystem, and maybe choke the lowest point, named Reynold’s Rift. This is a long narrow crawl, which eventually becomes too tight for even the slimmest caver.

Water is known to fill this passage rapidly after heavy rain, and once blocked, it could be impossible to clear. Cavers from various clubs are planning to divert all of the water past the choked swallet, and then dig it out by hand. This may take some time, and depends on a reasonable dry spell when the stream has subsided.

The water flowing down the Gorge has no direct effect on Gough’s Cave, although it is an indicator of the amount of flow in the underground drainage system. The cave has flooded on several occasions since last April, but although the main entrance has twice acted as a resurgence, with water flowing out and into the road, it has not been as disastrous as the great flood of 1968.

After heavy rain, gradually the water in Skeleton Pit rises, as flood water backs up in the underground river. Several streams enter the show cave near the entrance. This water enters a drain by the Fonts, and discharges into the Skeleton Pit. When the level in the Pit reaches a certain level, the water backs up and the cave begins to flood. This can happen at an alarming rate, at up to a metre an hour and on two occasions visitors have had to be given wellie boots to allow them to get out of the cave.

Most regard it as an adventure and something out of the ordinary. All that can be done then is to wait, maybe several days, for the water to subside, when the task of cleaning out the accumulated mud and silt can take place before the cave is reopened for visitors. Even Cox’s Cave has not escaped, as sometimes too much water enters the cave for the pumps to cope. Seeing up to a metre of water in the lower parts of this cave is a rare sight.

We all hope that 2013 brings some drier weather and less risk of flooding. It is also important that the Gorge road is reopened as soon as possible, as it is a well-used route.

Phil is a member of Wessex Cave Club and has been caving for the last 44 years. Still active, his main interest is in digging to try to find new caves. He has published a caving cartoon book and collaborated on the recently-published Swildon’s Hole – 100 Years of Exploration.

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 71

Photography by Phil Hendy

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Scurry success for Somerset

DEREK Archer and his groom Ros Gray from Blatchbridge, near Frome, won the British National Championship for Scurry driving with their wonderful ponies Bonnie and Clyde at the Royal Berkshire and Newbury Show and are very keen to promote the sport in our area.

With CELIA The Scurry Driving Association is the GADD society that provides membership and competitions. Scurry Driving is a competitive equestrian sport in which a pair of ponies race against the clock around a course of up to 14 pairs of cones. This will include a slalom feature; or a box and on each cone is a ball. If they knock a ball off then five seconds is added to the time for the first one and then 10 seconds for every subsequent ball after that.

This class was propelled into the limelight during the heyday of the BBC coverage of the Horse of the Year Show and Olympia as the thrilling competition always had the crowds on their feet. There are two height classes, one for 12hh and under and one for 12.2hh to 14.2hh. The first six from each height class goes forward to a championship for a prestigious final.

All breeds of pony can be used although the most prolific are the agile Welsh Mountain ponies. Ponies need to be well mannered and well trained to cope with the excitement of a busy show. The carriages are specialist scurry vehicles which must have a working brake and ponies need to be at least four years old.

The groom may join the team at the beginning of the year in which they reach 14. Before anyone is allowed to compete in

March 2013 show dates Saturday 2nd Eventers Jump Training at King Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre, Greinton Monty Roberts at The Hand Equestrian Centre Sunday 3rd Quantock Riding Club Eventers Challenge at King Sedgmoor Equestrian Centre, Greinton BS Seniors Show jumping at Badgworth Arena Wednesday 6th British dressage at Stockland Lovell Manor, Fiddington Lower evening show jumping at Badgworth Arena, Axbridge Thursday 7th Wincanton Races at Wincanton racecourse Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th Eventers Weekend at Stockland Lovell Manor, Fiddington The West Country Game Fair at Shepton Mallet Saturday 9th Polden and Bridgwater Riding Club at Cannington College, Bridgwater

PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

Bonnie & Clyde in action at Newbury 2012

Scurry competitions an individual assessment is carried out, the first part is at home by a trained assessor, and the second part at their first competition.

This is a brilliant scheme and the assessment covers all the practical and essential safety aspects such as harnessing up, putting the ponies in to the vehicle and safe driving techniques.

Wouldn’t it be a good idea if all riders were assessed in all equestrian disciplines before going on to compete? Once the driver has passed the assessment they will then be classed as a novice driver for the first full year of competition.

For those who would like to find out more about the sport there is an Open day on Sunday March 10th at Litchfield Equestrian, Arborfield, Reading. All are welcome but please call Derek Archer on 01373 465317 or email derekarcher100@aol.com to book your place.

Sunday 10th Unaffiliated dressage at Leyland Court Farm, Bristol Monday 11th Taunton races Wednesday 13th Higher evening show jumping at Badgworth Arena, Axbridge Saturday 16th British dressage at Stretcholt Equestrian Centre, Bridgwater Mid Somerset Riding Club unaffiliated dressage at Sparkford Unaffiliated show jumping at King Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre Sunday 17th BS Seniors show jumping at Badgworth Arena, Axbridge Wednesday 20th Unaffiliated dressage at Stretcholt Equestrian Centre, Bridgwater Lower evening unaffiliated show jumping at Badgworth Arena, Axbridge Saturday 23rd Unaffiliated dressage at Kingfisher

Equestrian Centre, Castle Cary Sunday 24th Unaffiliated dressage at King Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre Unaffiliated dressage at Leyland Court Farm, Bristol Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th British dressage at Badgworth Arena, Axbridge Sunday 24th Mendip Farmers Point to Point at Ston Easton Wednesday 27th Higher unaffiliated show jumping at Badgworth Arena, Axbridge Friday 29th Unaffiliated dressage at Urchinwood Manor, Wrington Saturday 30th Mid Somerset Riding Club mini combined training at Sparkford Sunday 31st Polden and Bridgwater Riding Club Arena Eventing at King Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre, Greinton

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Three Counties Harness Club

IF you want to start carriage driving, the Three Counties Harness Club can help.

The Three Counties Harness Club was started in 1991 by a group of likeminded enthusiasts, some of whom knew very little about driving at the time! Their membership now ranges from novice drivers to national competitors and represents almost all of today’s carriage driving disciplines.

So whatever your interest, they probably have someone who can help you get started, or show you what it is all about.

Their members wide-ranging interests are reflected in a varied schedule of activities including training days, fun days, often with cones and obstacles, quiz nights, talks, visits and drives. The drives have included wonderful ones around the Badminton Estate, by kind permission of His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, and the National Trust’s Stourhead estate.

They have members who compete in Private Driving (showing) and Driving Trials (obstacles/cones/dressage) both indoors and out. They have members who just like to potter around the lanes.

The club has a long association with Driving for the Disabled groups including Somerset Levels RDA Carriage Driving Group based near Glastonbury. Indeed some of their RDA members are not only very talented drivers but extremely competitive and exceptionally hard to beat!

The club has always been keen to encourage new and novice drivers and their events and activities aim to suit all levels of ability and skill.

Their members have a wealth of expertise and in the past have been invited to provide demonstration and display teams at many shows and equine events in the South West. Their demos have included ‘How to Get Started’, single and multiple driving displays, ‘Harnessing Up’, and a very popular musical Quadrille, with both disabled and able-bodied drivers skilfully proving that carriage driving is a wonderfully universal sport for all ages and abilities.

From miniature Shetlands upwards, they have them all at the Three Counties Harness Club, so if you have ever hankered to

RIDING

‘have a go’ at carriage driving, have a chat with them. Their next ‘get together’ is a Natural Horsemanship and Logging demonstration on March 23rd.

They then have a Fun Day at the end of April where they are planning to organise some ‘Have a go’ sessions.

Details: www.threecountiesharnessclub.com or contact Shelagh Hillier 01225 316274 (answermachine) shelagh.hillier@freestead.co.uk or Linda Lee 01566 783529 linda@lml.name

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 73

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Triple champion

LOCAL rider, Hilary Barnard, was recently invited to Cheval Passion, in Avignon, France, to receive her award for winning the European TREC League 2012, and is pictured (second from right) with Herve Delambre, FITE President, on the left.

Hilary takes part in TREC, an equestrian multi-skill sport, involving navigating an orienteering route of about 45kms, followed by an obstacle course on the second day, all with the help of her pony, Harvey.

Hilary is also the current BHS TREC Champion, a title she also won in 2011, and winner of the BHS TREC League for 2012, again a title she retained.

RIDING

Spring around the corner – the tragedy of horse meat scare

AS we start to approach the spring months and look forward to riding our wonderful horses with some sunshine on our backs the whole of the equestrian community is still slightly in shock after the recent horse meat scandal which has been so widely publicised in recent weeks.

It was the Channel 4 Despatches programme shown on February 18th that I found particularly distressing after watching the secret filming of some disgusting abattoir scenes of horses being beaten, pushed and stunned before slaughter.

I think the fact that there have been traces of Bute found in horse meat carcasses is also very upsetting as that proves that horses entering the food chain have indeed been either family pets or competition horses and I doubt very much if their owners or carers were intending them for human consumption.

Horses are wonderful, trusting and loyal creatures and it is without doubt our duty as horse owners to ensure that they are treated with the utmost respect and dignity right up until the end.

It seems that they only way we can ensure this at the moment is to have them put down on home turf by either our trusted vet or the local hunt kennels because at least we can control then what happens to the end.

It is hard to believe that there are people out there who can be so cruel and act with such an ill sense of morality and horse owners should definitely join forces to fight for the correct treatment to the end for all our trusted equine partners.

Celia Gadd

Abandoned ponies

ON one of the coldest days of the year so far, these two little ponies were dumped and left to fend for themselves on a busy main road between Bridgwater and Glastonbury. A concerned member of the public put them in a nearby field for their safety as a temporary measure and alerted the police and the RSPCA. Since the ponies were healthy and now being looked after, these authorities were no longer offering their services to help, leaving the lady with two ponies that she did not know what to do with.

The two ponies, named Josh and Tabitha have been signed over to the charity South West Equine Protection (SWEP) in Devon. The charity will now always own and be responsible for these two ponies so they will never end up in this situation again.

It is a sad truth that many ponies in this current economic climate are ending up dumped.

Last year SWEP took in 11 abandoned ponies from different locations across the South West.

If you would like to help SWEP care for these ponies by making a donation go to their website www.swep.org.uk or to find out more contact the office on 01822 854823.

PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

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Skittle teams needed

Race around the valley

SPORT

THE first-ever Chew Valley 10k will take place on Sunday June 16th from 9.30am. The 6.2 mile race will start and finish at Bishop Sutton Primary School and head out towards East Harptree, in the shadow of the Mendip Hills.

The challenge then comes in the shape of the hill up to Hinton Blewitt, where your energies will be rewarded with wide views over the Chew Valley Lake. The final stretch comes in the drop back to Bishop Sutton, where the finish tape will, no doubt, be greeted with glee!

The race is organised by the Bishop Sutton Primary School PTA with sponsorship from The Home and Kitchen Store, based in Wrington.

Details: www.chewvalley10k.co.uk

Rebels manager steps down

Skittlers at the Poachers Pocket at Chelynch

ORGANISERS of the Mendip Farmers Hunt Skittles League are appealing for more teams to join them in time for the next season.

The league – formed in 1948 – has teams based around Mendip, from Wells and Shepton Mallet to Chew Magna and Timsbury. It runs cup competitions in addition to league matches.

Up to 56 teams can takes part each season, from September to April; there are currently 52 teams, including two ladies teams.

League chairman Rob Croker, a retired pig farmer from Binegar, said: “Skittles is an important part of the social scene on Mendip and we are very keen to see it thrive.

“We would appeal to pub landlords who have skittle alleys to support the league and encourage teams to enter.”

G The league’s presentation dance will be held on Friday, May 10th at Farrington Gurney Memorial Matches can be serious but fun Hall.

For more information, e-mail: mendipfarmersskittles@hotmail.com

STEVE Bishop, team manager of “Cases” Somerset Rebels speedway, is to stand down from the role due to increasing work and family commitments.

Bishop will always hold a special place in Rebel history as he was the first ever race winner for the club after they were formed in 2000. He said: “This has not been an easy decision for me to make and I have thought long and hard about it, but increasing work and home commitments have meant that I cannot really devote the time necessary to the role.”

Garry May becomes the main team manager in time for the start of the new season on Friday, March 29th.

Blackthorn appeals to Robins

Shepton Mallet Cider Mill visitors meet Bristol City players in Harry’s Blackthorn Bar at Ashton Gate before the game.

STAFF and their families from Shepton Mallet Cider Mill enjoyed an afternoon of hospitality at Bristol City Football Club.

Blackthorn, the mill’s leading brand, has supported The Robins for many years and this season was also made the club’s first official Principle Partner. The mill staff were joined by four players - midfielders Neil Kilkenny and Cole Skuse, defender Louis Carey and goalkeeper Lewis Carey - before watching the club beat Nottingham Forest 2-0.

Gerry Watts, Production Controller at the mill, said: “I first saw a Bristol City game in 1965 and then was coached at my school by the legend John Atyeo, so the club has always meant a lot to me. “ Long-time supporter, Andy Davies, a warehouse operative, added: “To have a tour of the stadium, meet some players and then see the team win a match, along with all my mates from work – what a brilliant day out.”

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Rugby maths Seeking new players

A wicket falls as Cranmore host Wincanton.

St Mary’s pupils Evie and Olivia during one of the Tackling Numbers sessions

A SIX-week programme based on rugby to inspire children to enjoy mathematics is proving to be a big success with pupils at St Mary’s primary school in Timsbury.

The course is part of Bath Rugby’s Tackling Numbers project, put together by MBNA and Premiership Rugby and delivered by the club’s community coach, Jack Howden.

Pupils learn the intricacies of numbers through the medium of sport. Measuring rugby pitches, calculating scores from matches, measuring their own height and handspan and comparing them to those of real rugby players, are just some of the fun activities. They also take part in outdoor, rugby-related games.

Year 4 teacher Hannah Smythe said: “They really enjoy it and it’s great to see them engaging with all the activities.

It’s good for them because it enables them to see maths in a real life context rather than just maths in the classroom.”

Jack said: “Today we collected data from the children’s favourite skills such as passing, tagging and dodging. From this we created bar graphs, pictograms and tally charts to reflect the information collected.”

Right on cue

A STUDENT at Norton Hill School will be competing in the finals of a national youth pool tournament.

Sam Burr, a Year 11 student, has been a member of the Somerset County Youth Pool Team for the past two year. Sam joins a team of 11 players and three substitutes who will take part in the event in Great Yarmouth; to qualify for the team each individual pool player had to go through trials to prove their suitability as a competitor.

Sam, who plays for Paulton Rovers B Team, said: “At the event we will be competing against the best youth teams in the country. The event will take place over two days in March and the winning team will be crowned the national champions.”

Headteacher Alun Williams said: “We are thrilled to hear that Sam has made it through to the National Finals. It is a testament to the many skills our students have whether they’re in or out of school. I am sure that Sam will do extremely well in the competition.”

PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

WITH the lengthening days, thoughts start to turn to the delights of cricket and preparations for the season begin. Cranmore cricket club is looking for new players of all shapes, sizes and ages.

The club runs three Saturday teams in the Somerset League and other teams on a Sunday and midweek and players are needed of all standards from serious to recreational. One of the features of the club is a strong tradition of fathers and sons playing together.

All from 13 years upwards are welcome and many players are men who returned to cricket when they wanted to play with their teenage sons.

Winter nets, courtesy of All Hallow’s School, start on Sunday, March 3rd and run for the next six weeks at 7.00pm. If you are interested in finding out more please ring Darren Butt on 07891 977983. We look forward to seeing you.

Alan Stone G Huish and Langport Cricket Club also welcomes new players.

Its pre-season indoor net sessions are being held on Sunday mornings from 10am-11am at Huish Sports Centre.

For more information, e-mail Toby Strang: toby@strang35.freeserve.co.uk

Couple win the double

MARTIN and Debbie Owen from Priddy have triumphed at Britain’s biggest sled-dog race, held by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, at the foot of the Cairngorn Mountains.

Shown on TV, it was the 30th anniversary and with an entry of over 190 teams and well over 1,000 dogs it is the biggest sled-dog race in the UK. Martin was delighted with his day’s racing winning the four-dog class, in a time of 13 mins 15 secs, setting a new course record and fastest time of the whole event beating the larger six and eight-dog teams. His nearest rival was 1 min 33 seconds behind.

To make it even better he also won the three-dog class by 52 seconds; this was the biggest class of the event with 47 entries. He did it with Shifty, Kola and Glider. Martin said this was unbelievable considering that in March last year they were told that Shifty would probably never run again, after suffering a serious leg injury whilst in the kennels at home.

They said thanks were due to their vet Mike Guilliard, and their supporters.

Details: keilogomartin@gmail.com

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Football focus

A PIONEERING link between a Mendip primary school and Frome Town FC is attracting widespread interest.

Nicola Coles, a teacher at Bishop Henderson Primary School in Coleford and avid non-league soccer fan, has taken on the role of Education Liaison Officer at Frome Town FC. Nicola is currently developing an educational programme which can be used in schools using football as a focus.

Nicola hit upon the idea of using football as a teaching aid after watching a game at Frome and seeing one of her pupils in the crowd. Officials at the club were delighted to get involved and have paid several visits to the school’s Kingfisher Class.

So far, Darren Perrin, manager of Frome (nicknamed The Robins), vice chairman Ivan Carver and club secretary Ian Pearce have visited the school to see and to talk to the children. Pupils interviewed Darren as part of a project in which they have to write biographies of local people; Ivan and Ian presented the school with a shirt signed by the team which won promotion to the EvoStick League Southern Premier Division in a play-off final in the 2010-2011 season.

Pupils also designed posters to attract more supporters to The Robins and flags to wave on match days. They also worked on a football-themed display of the class’s learning “goals”.

Nicola is now planning a number of different football-related topics to expand the resource for other schools. As well as literacy and numeracy, Nicola believes players’ health, fitness and dietary regimes could be used as guidelines for a healthy living aspect.

Darren said: “It was great to see children so passionate about education and learning and also what a connection the class and the school are getting with Frome Town and some of the displays and work they have done is fantastic – it was a pleasure to be able to go in and help out.”

Sharon Chalk, one of the parents, said: “My son previously had shown no interest in football much to the despair of his dad. He has now become a football enthusiast and it really has brought the family together. He now comes home excited about his learning and is a passionate supporter of Frome Town Football Club.”

Nicola said: “We want to roll out the programme to all the schools in the Frome area and possibly beyond and we are getting a lot of interest from other clubs. It’s a great way of connecting

SPORT

Nicola with Gary Collinson, Frome’s development manager

clubs with their local communities.”

The FA Charter Standard Scheme is the best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and safeguarding children for all clubs outside the Football League and Premier League. As a benchmark for quality, the award will improve the playing experience for all.

Frome Town AFC currently holds Charter Standard Community status, which is the pinnacle award for Charter Standard Clubs.

The main focus of the Community Club Award is to become the centre of football within the local community and to offer football provision for all in the best possible learning environment.

Brendan Dix, Somerset FA’s Football Development Officer, said: “It’s wonderful to hear that Frome Town AFC have introduced an educational liaison officer within the club.

“Good relationships with local schools and colleges is key to help target new players and to promote the good work that a club is doing. Educating children through football is a superb concept and is a very creative tool for learning; it’s great to see one of Somerset’s Charter Standard Community Clubs fully endorse this concept.”

One of the football displays in the classroom at Coleford

Kingfisher Class with the signed Frome Town FC shirt

Frome Town FC is planning to dedicate one of its forthcoming home games to Bishop Henderson School.

For more information, visit: www.frometownfc.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 77

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Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

From Friday March 1st From Friday March 8th

From Friday Mar 22nd From Mar 29th

COMING UP:

Cloud Atlas (15) Song For Marion (PG) This Is 40 (15) Hansel & Gretel in 2D & 3D (15) Hitchcock (12a) Oz: The Great and Powerful (PG) The Croods in 2D & 3D (cert tbc) Jack the Giant Slayer in 2D & 3D (cert tbc) The Host (cert tbc)

G Book in person G Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk G Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

Cheltenham preview

FOLLOWING a successful weekend for both Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls and the Tizzard family during Wincanton Racecourse’s Kingwell Hurdle Day, both will be on hand at the course’s Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening on Thursday, February 28th.

The evening, sponsored by Paddy Power, will be hosted

by Channel 4 Racing’s Alice Plunkett with colleague Tanya Stevenson on hand to offer advice on market movers, bankers and blow outs.

Nicholls and local jockey Joe Tizzard will be on the panel to answer questions about their runners at the Cheltenham Festival and to give their opinions on their rival’s horses.

Join them from 7pm with the panel starting at 7.30pm for an evening of informed entertainment. Tickets cost £20 each and include a hot supper. To book call 01963 32344.

G CHAMPION Hurdle contender Zarkandar enjoyed the perfect warm-up for the Cheltenham Festival with a dominant win in the Kingwell Hurdle. Trained by Nicholls at Ditcheat, Zarkandar was odds-on at Wincanton. He has now won seven out of nine starts over hurdles in his career.

Zarkandar has now won seven of nine starts over hurdles in his career and the victory maintained his 100% record this season. Zarkandar is second favourite for the Cheltenham race on Tuesday, March 12th. He will be up against last year’s winner Rock on Ruby, who used to be trained by Nicholls.

But there was less good news in Ditcheat after Tidal Bay was found to have suffered a minor stress fracture and will not run in the John Smith’s Grand National in April. The 12year-old had been allotted top weight of 11st 10lb for Aintree.

Advice for dog owners

A SEMINAR for dog owners is being held at Walton Village Hall, near Street on March 23rd starting at 3pm. It will offer a wide-ranging mix of legal issues that are important to dog owners, particularly concerning liability.

Tea, coffee, and cake will be available and money raised by a raffle on the day will be split between two Charities ‘The Cinommon Trust’ and ‘The World Horse Welfare’.

Details: Emma at Axe Valley Vets 01934 712229 or email emma@axevalleyvets.co.uk.

The 8-Week

Mindfulness Meditation MBCT Course

A course of clear mindfulness meditation instruction combined with CBT to help lift mood, prevent depression, anxiety and stress (NICE Approved).

September, February and April in Bath, Wells and Bristol For information call John Waller UKCP: 01761 437214 or Email: jlwaller@uk2.net www.mindfulnesscoursesbath-bristol.co.uk

PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013

Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers just a few miles from your business

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WHAT’S ON

Charles is in a cast of his own Pamper evening Charles Jardine

ANGLING expert, cook, painter and entertainer Charles Jardine has been confirmed as one of the stars of the West Country Game Fair in Shepton Mallet in March.

The all-rounder will be returning to the two-day event at the Royal Bath and West Showground for the fifth time, such is his popularity. The show takes place on Saturday, March 9th and Sunday, March 10th.

Charles will be entertaining anglers and non-anglers alike with his whimsical, yet educational and entertaining fly casting displays: both indoors and outside. Visitors to the show can expect broom-sticks, long fly rods, short fly rods, rods for salmon, saltwater and just about everything in between. He will also be showing visitors how to cook the catch once it has been caught. In between, he’ll be exhibiting some of his paintings and picking up his brushes.

This year, organisers are also setting Charles a challenge and are creating Ready-Steady-Game-Cook: Charles will be allowed to select five basic ingredients and then have to prepare an unknown item of game.

Charles is a noted international fly fishing and casting demonstrator. He has been part of the English Commonwealth fly fishing team – winning gold on two occasions and won individual silver at the ESPN American outdoor games.

He is Chairman of the Fly Dressers Guild and is currently involved as national director for the Countryside Alliance Foundation’s Fishing for Schools initiative.

The initiative is a short angling course created to offer skills and confidence to young people. They work with teachers and schools to motivate children to engage with their learning and learn new skills.

Last month we offered three family tickets in a competition for the Game Fair. The winners are: Mr. D. Showering, Woollard, Bristol; Mrs C.F. Sandall, Nailsea; Mr D. Whittle, Bagley, near Wedmore.

THE Wellsway at West Harptree will host a pamper evening on Wednesday March 20th from 6:30pm until 10pm. Admission is free, so pop along and enjoy an evening of pampering and retail therapy.

Mini treatments will be available alongside a variety of stallholders ranging from wine to ladies fashion. To complete the evening, unwind in the tea shop or enjoy a glass of something in the licensed bar.

The Wellsway have chosen to support NRAS (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society) during the evening by holding a raffle. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the joints, causing swelling, joint damage and deformity. It can affect different systems in the body, including tendons, ligaments and internal organs.

Chocolate lions

CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club are staging the second Cheddar Valley Chocolate Festival on Saturday March 9th at Kings of Wessex Academy. Doors open at 10.30am. Admission is free.

Refreshments are available.

There will be cupcake decorating workshops for children (big or little!) to have fun with for £1 a go, starting at 11am and 2pm and you can take home or eat what you make. There will be a wide range of chocolatiers present so you can stock up for Mothers Day or Easter.

Details: www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk

Ladies Pamper Evening Wednesday 20th March 2013 6:30pm – 10pm Pop along and join us for an evening of pampering and retail therapy Enjoy taster sessions from local therapists and shop from a variety of stalls. Licensed bar, tea and coffee.

Free admission.

Fundraising for NRAS (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society)

The Wellsway Harptree Hill, West Harptree, BS40 6EJ 01761 221382 enquiries@thewellsway.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2013 • PAGE 79

ACROSS: 1 Woodford Lodge, 9 Connaught, 10 Dacha, 11 Wad, 12 City of Wells, 14 Riser, 17 Imagistic, 19 Paralegal, 20 Earth, 22 Chilcompton, 25 Bap, 26 Ingot, 28 Jane Guise, 29 Error messages.

DOWN: 1 Wickwar, 2 Owned, 3 Franc, 4 Right-wing, 5 Let go, 6 Dud, 7 Escalator, 8 Classic, 13 White, 15 Surcingle, 16 Relic, 18 All at once, 19 Pack ice, 21 Happens, 23 Major, 24 Negus, 25 Bling, 27 Tor.

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Station reopens

SANDFORD Station Railway Heritage Centre reopens on Good Friday, March 29th and will open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am-4pm, until the end of October.

This is a rare opportunity to visit an authentic, early Bristol & Exeter/GWR station, one of the only remaining of its type to be open to the public. The ticket office, waiting rooms and platform have been transformed into a ‘bright as new’ authentic experience of the great railway era – it even has a carriage and wagons alongside the platform! There’s access from the Strawberry Line path at Sandford. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated and drinks are available.

Abbey inspiration

Mary (left) and Bronwen in front of the Lady Chapel

THE vibrant colours of Glastonbury Abbey have inspired a series of new works by artist and printmaker Bronwen Bradshaw, who is based near Barton St David.

Bronwen made a series of prints 15 years ago based on the rich shades of blue and red which decorated the abbey at its height and some of which can still be seen in the Lady Chapel.

Now she has turned her attention to the surrounding landscape between Glastonbury and Wells in a partlyretrospective, partly-new exhibition at the abbey. The latest works were sketched during the recent floods.

Called Holyest Erth, the exhibition pays tribute to the Abbey as a sacred space and to areas such as Panborough, Marchey and Nyland. Bronwen said: “On revisiting the subject at the invitation of the abbey curators, I found myself striking out into the landscape. I wanted to explore the flatlands between Glastonbury and Wells and the chain of seven small hills stretching to the Mendips in the north that once were islands in winter: Beckery, Meare, Godney, Panborough ‘Barrow’ Hill, Marchey, Nyland and Avalon itself.

“Although not always as imposing as other nearby hills, these hills and mounds, were perhaps home to hermits, each with its own chapel, I like to think that they were revered and much visited by the monks. And they were most likely sacred places much earlier than the Christian period suggests.

“In all the mud and winter chill of the recent floods, I found myself entranced by the watery landscape and its holy islands.

This new series of etchings is my way of communicating this enchantment.”

The exhibition also features work by Ama Bolton, Jane Paterson, Maggie Stewart and Clare Diprose, members of Bronwen’s book-making group. Mary Gryspeerdt, the abbey’s assistant curator, said: “At the abbey we want to feature work of the highest standard and to support local artists.

“We also have a policy of holding contemporary exhibitions which link with the Abbey’s own collections. This exhibition reflects the rich colours once used to decorate the Abbey and pays homage to the Abbey’s once famous library through the display of hand-made books.”

The exhibition runs until Sunday, May 12th.

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The Mendip Times What’s On Guide for March Wednesday February 27th Somerset Women, a talk by Jane de Gruchy, archivist at Somerset Heritage and Libraries service, for the Friends of Weston-super-Mare Museum, 7.30pm at the museum, Burlington St, Weston BS23 1PR. Somerset Wildlife Trust, East Mendip Group, badgers, with Adrian Coward, rugby club, Gypsy Lane, Frome, 7.30pm.

Thursday February 28th Bees and Bee-keeping, a talk by David Maslen for Chew Valley Wildlife Group, 7.45pm, Chew Magna Millenium Hall, £2.50 includes refreshments.

Turbulent times, dynamic business – a banker’s perspective – talk for the North Somerset Rural Business Forum by Humphrey Richards, Lloyds Bank, 7.30pm at Winford Manor Hotel, BS40 8DW. Non-members welcome, cost £5. Details: Sue Pritchard, 07767 008662.

Somerset Smallholders Association – a talk on all forms of renewable energy, including off-grid system for barns and stables, speaker from Puragen, 7.30pm at Ruishton Village Hall, Ruishton TA3 5HX, £2 for non-members.

Friday March 1st The sharp end of Mendip – traditional songs and dance tunes from the Mendips and North Somerset, many collected by Cecil Sharp 100 years ago. Concert by the Hotwells Howlers at Shipham Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6 (£5) from 01761 462690, 01761 419224 or on the door.

Exciting new Perennials and Hellebores, an illustrated talk at Cleeve Nursery, 7.30 – 9.30pm. RHS recommended event hosted by Alan Down. Tickets £6 members, £8 non-members, includes glass of wine.

Open Mic Night at Redhill Village Hall, from 8pm, hosted by Jerry Blythe, free admission.

Saturday, March 2nd Chris Jagger and his West country Band. Red Brick Building, Morland Road, Glastonbury. 8.30pm. Tickets £8 on the door. Proceeds to support the Red Brick Building. www.redbrickbuilding.org.uk Team Romania auction of promises, Wells Town Hall, £10 to include substantial buffet supper, 7.30pm. Details: Keith Rudyard 01749 670256 rudyard86@tiscali.co.uk Sunday March 3rd Car Boot Sale in aid of St Andrews Church, Blagdon, from 9am, in the car park of the Yeo Valley headquarters at Rhodyate, Blagdon. Entries: £5 for stands, £1 for those on foot. Details: 01761 462508 or Tinawaterden@aol.com Curry lunch at the Longhouse, Mill on the Brue, in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice, Somerset. 12.30pm. Tickets £15 per person. Includes an auction of prizes and a chance to go on the Mill on the Brue famous zipwire!

Email tricia@millonthebrue.co.uk or ring 01749 812307.

Tuesday March 5th Weston-super-Mare Film Society, “In love with Alma Cogan”, to be screened at the Winter Gardens, 7.45pm, £3/£4.50 non-members. Contact: 01934 834866.

(Note: this replaces “Late Bloomers”, the film previously advertised).

Klimt and the Viennese secession – a kiss for all the world, a talk by Douglas Skeggs for the Mendip Branch of NADFAS at the Bath & West Showground.

Details: 01749 760652 or tony@fountainhouse.info Wednesday March 6th Mendip Hills through the Ages, talk by Les Davies for Cheddar Valley Railway Walk Society AGM at The Oak House, Axbridge, 7.30pm. Admission free, all welcome.

Thursday March 7th Wells Evening Society, David Edwards, Our Energy Future, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm Friday March 8th A Fun Evening with her own brand of poetry and humour from Muriel Lavender from Frome. An International Women’s Day event at Henten Village Hall, organised by Mid-Somerset Oxfam. Tickets £12, include ploughman’s, from local Oxfam shops or 07739 817136.

Garden Re-Leaf Day at Cleeve Nursery. A mix of Comic Relief and Sport Relief which raises money for Greenfingers to plant gardens around children’s hospices.

Saturday March 9th Frome Society for Local Study, James Bond: The Impact of Monastic Undertakings on the landscape, towns and villages around Frome in East Somerset, Assembly Rooms, Frome 2.30pm.

Cheddar Vale Lions Club’s Chocolate Festival, 10am – 4pm at the Kings of Wessex Academy. All things chocolate, including chocolate-inspired jewellery.

Details: www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk or 01275 472873.

The Clash of the Choirs, St Mary’s Church Wedmore, 6.30pm. 12 local choirs, 180 singers and 450 cheering groupies. Tickets: The Cottage Gallery and the Paper Shop. Details: 01934 710149.

Seedy Saturday – Seed Swap, Potato Day and Green Fayre at Farmborough Memorial Hall, 10am-2pm. Details 07849 055 339 or seedswap@farmborough.org.uk Faure Requiem and James MacMillan – Bath Choral Society in concert in Bath Abbey, 7.30pm. Tickets: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk or 01225 463362.

Gala Concert at Wells Cathedral starring soprano Dame Felicity Lott with Wells Cathedral Choir. Organised by Wells Rotary and Cathedral Chorister Trust in aid of the Trust and Help for Heroes. 7pm. Tickets from £10 to £25: 01749 672773.

Croscombe Spring Charter Market. 10-12 noon Croscombe Village Hall.

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The Brue Boys Male voice choir, East Pennard Church, East Pennard, nr. Shepton Mallet. 7.30pm. Tickets £10 including glass of wine and refreshments. For information, phone 01749 860266. Proceeds in aid of repairs to the church roof.

Mid-Somerset Decorative and Fine Arts Society, Artists on the Lagoon, Caryford Community Hall, Castle Cary, 10.45am. Details: 01458 442212.

Wednesday March 13th Tales of an Old Gardener, talk by Arthur Bryce for Nailsea & District Horticultural Society, 7.30pm United Reformed Church, Stockway North, Nailsea.

Wells Civic Society, Thomas Fowler and the Connect Youth of Wells, Wells and Mendip Museum, 7.30pm.

Thursday March 14th Songs From The Shows with The Keynsham Singers at Stoke St. Michael Parish Church, 7.30pm. Tickets £8, incl refreshments, from 01749 840660, 01749 840475 or at the door.

Friday March 15th Showcase Concert at Cossington Village Hall for the Cossington Young Musicians’ Fund. 7.30pm. Details: 07786 267438 or www.cossingtonconcerts.com Saturday March 16th Bleadon Village Market, 9-12.30 in the Coronation Halls. Details: www.bleadon.org.uk/market Country & Western Supper Night at Redhill Village Hall from 8pm. Live music.

Free admission, all welcome.

Sunday, March 17th Car boot sale at Huish and Langport Cricket Club, Field Road 1pm to 4pm.

(Sellers Pitch £5 - set up from 11.45am). In aid of club funds Tuesday March 19th The Josiah Spodes: Pottery Pioneers talk by Pam Wolliscroft for Mid-Somerset DFAS, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 11am. Free parking. £6 at door. Contact: 01963 350527.

David James auction, Mendip Spring Golf Club, 7pm, lots include 30 acres land and stone barns at Portishead, investment land at Hewish, 20 acres in lots at Congresbury, and The Hollies, West End, Nailsea, and two Chew Valley businesses for sale due to retirement.

Wednesday March 20th Ladies Pamper Evening at The Wellsway, Harptree Hill, BS40 6EJ. Taster sessions, stalls, refreshments and licensed bar, 18.30 to 22.00, free admission.

Details: enquiries@thewellsway.co.uk or 01761 221382 Plants, People and Places, a talk by Roy Lancaster for Henton Gardening Club at Henton Village Hall, Nr Wells, BA5 1PH, 7.00pm. Tickets: Members £6.00 Guests £8.00. Details: 01749 672084.

Friday March 22nd The Last Hours of Pontius Pilate, with actor Bill Moore - a one-man play by Radstock playwright Ian Taylor. St Peter’s Church, Camerton at 7.30pm. £5 incl light refreshments. Proceeds towards Help! Counselling (Bristol) and St Peter’s church. Details: 01761 470606 Pagoda playing at Hornblotton Village Hall, 7.30pm. Food available, bring your own booze. Tickets £10 from 01963 240282 or bowencolin@hotmail.com Details: www.hvh.btck.co.uk Jeremy Huggett’s Dart Valley Stompers –Trad Jazz at Timsbury Conygre Hall, BA2 0JG,8pm-11pm, £8 on the door. Bar & food. Donation to MS. Details: 01761 471245 or www.mendipmusic.com Saturday March 23rd Reel People Film Society charity film evening, 8.15pm at Kilmersdon Village Hall. Proceeds to Kilmersdon Community Park. Tickets £12.

Nailsea & Backwell Rotary Club bookstall outside Waitrose in Nailsea, 8.30am3.30pm. Book donations to Roger Smith on 01275 854076.

Frome Society for Local Study Penny Young: The World of William Cobbett, preceded by the agm, at 2pm, Assemby Rooms, Frome.

Faure Requiem, performed by The Bath Chorus with organist Paul Dowbekin.

Holy Trinity Church, Frome, 7.30pm. Tickets – priced £10 – are now available from the Cheese and Grain Box Office 01373 455420 or from the church office on 01373 453425.

Sunday March 24th Exploring Feltmaking, workshop 10am-4pm, St Edmunds Community Hall, Glastonbury, £40 including materials. Bookings: Jennie Loader 01458 834071 www.jennieloader.co.uk Thursday March 28th Chew Valley Wildlife Trust: Fantastic Wildflowers a talk by Pat Chant & Chris Phillips celebrating the best wild flowers and plants and the best places they have found them in this area. Chew Magna Millennium Hall, 7.45pm. £2.50 incl refreshments.

Friday March 29th – Monday April 1st Sculpture Trail at University of Bristol Botanic Garden, 10am-5pm, entry £3.50, children and Friends free. Details: 0117 331 4906 www.bristol.ac.uk/botanicgarden Good Friday March 29th Sandford Station Railway Heritage Centre re-opens for 2013 – it will be open weekends and Bank Holidays, 11am-4pm, until the end of October. Admission free. www.sandfordstation.co.uk Saturday April 6th Nailsea & District Horticultural Society Spring Show, 12.30pm, Nailsea School.

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