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Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley

AUGUST 2019, ISSUE 35 FREE

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Battle for Holwell Lane News, views and features from Cheddar, Axbridge, Winscombe and Wedmore

Inside this issue

welcome . . . Couple bringing a taste of Thailand to Cheddar – Page 5

Pamper yourself in a real beauty salon surrounding – Page 7

Hilliers looking to be a part of the community – Page 9

rob@valley-life.com Valley Life is published by Valley Life Publishing and printed by Flying Colours. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any errors made in advertisements of for claims made by any advertisers which are incorrect. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason. All material submitted for publication, including colour transparencies, is done so at the owner’s risk and no responsibility is accepted by the publisher for its return.

Welcome to the thirty-fifth issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy our offering of news, views and features from the Cheddar Valley. There is a real battle going on in the village and it’s one that the community has to win. Bloor Homes are looking to take ownership of Holwell Lane and deprive the community of a well-loved and wellused pathway to the Strawberry Line and Cheddar Reservoir. We’ve come to accept that developers with deep pockets and almost limitless access to legal support can steam-roller their way over the wishes of local

people, but on this occasion the people must rise up. Not wishing to sound too revolutionary, it is up to us as residents to tell the Land Registry that Holwell Lane cannot be bought. It was designated a public right of way centuries ago and that’s the way that it should remain. No amount of legal chicanery should be able to change that fact. Bloor claim that Holwell Lane is little used - try telling that to the dog-walkers, cyclists and residents who regularly use the pathway. We must overcome on this issue. Rob Perkins, Editor

NEWS

Bloor’s ownership bid comes under pressure

evelopers Bloor Homes have applied to the Land Registry to take ownership of Holwell Lane – a Public Right of Way. The move has been greeted with horror by walkers, dog walkers, cyclists and neighbours angry that it will restrict their access to the Strawberry Line and the reservoir. And now Cheddar Parish Council has added its weight to the opposition by sending a letter to the Land Registry objecting to the change of ownership. The letter drawn up by the parish claiming that the public right of way has been in existence for centuries – dating back to at least the Enclosure Act of 1801. It is calling on the Land Registry to dismiss the application because the Right of Way gives access to other land. The letter concludes that Bloor intend to make a vehicle access across the lane and their intentions are based on monetary gain and diametrically opposed to the original intentions of the owners of the land adjacent to Holwell Lane of dedicating the lane as a Public Right of Way. Bloor’s initial development is nearing completion and

the company has submitted another planning application to build a second phase to the north of their existing site. They are looking to connect the two sites by building a new road across Holwell Lane. Cheddar Parish and Sedgemoor District Councillor Paul Fineran said: “This is just a cynical ploy by Bloor to ride roughshod over a Public Right of Way. “Holwell Lane is a well-used and well-loved right of way and Bloor’s have no right to take ownership. It also gives access to the Strawberry Line which

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

was set up so that children could have a safe route into the village. This application by Bloor would put their safety in jeopardy again as they will have a main road to contend with. “We know that the public will be outraged by what Bloor are trying to do and that’s why we are calling on everyone who uses Holwell Lane to get in contact with the parish clerk where they can pick up a form to register their usage.” • Contact the parish clerk by email: clerk@cheddarparishcouncil.org

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NEWS

Thai restaurant that keeps it in the family

amily recipes from her mother have been the success of Zen Thai as the newest restaurant in Cheddar enjoys a great start to life. Thai-born Pear and husband Spencer Wallace opened for business in mid-April bringing their individual Thai dishes to the area which is no stranger to the couple Spencer spent a lot of his childhood in Badgworth and knew the Cheddar Valley well, while Pear’s family have run a chain of successful Thai restaurants in up-State New York for decades. He said: “We decided to come back to the UK last year and began looking for suitable properties to turn into a Thai restaurant and we looked at seven in the south of England. “But Cheddar was the last one on our list – and it fitted our bill perfectly. I knew the area really well and the property was a perfect size for what we wanted to do. Everything seemed to come together perfectly and we’ve enjoyed a really good start to business.” The restaurant has taken Pear’s Thai family recipes and given it a unique twist which seems to be going down well with

customers. Spencer added: “In the first couple of months we’ve been incredibly busy and much further ahead of where we thought we would be. “We are seeing a lot of repeat customers already and our TripAdvisor postings are all five-stars so it looks as though we are off to a good start. We cook as we eat meaning simply that we serve Thai cuisine, the way we love to cook and eat in Thailand.

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“There’s nothing that really beats a friendly welcome, putting the customers first and offering first-class food at affordable prices. Pear’s family business in New York have been doing this for years and it’s a winning formula that we want to bring to Cheddar.” The 32-seater restaurant which employs seven people is open lunchtimes and evenings from Tuesday to Sunday. For more details go to their website – www.zenthaicheddar.com

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NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Monday- Saturday 7.00am until 6.00pm Sunday 10.00am until 4.00pm

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

NEWS

Sara’s beauty takeover

n Axbridge beautician will be welcoming clients into the sumptuous surroundings of one the town’s most historic buildings. Sara Byrne will be taking over Acutabove Hair Salon just off the town square every Monday to offer that real beauty salon experience. Sara, who retrained as a beautician when her children were young, has been operating successfully as a mobile beautician for many years. Now she is also adding the salon experience to her business

repertoire. She said: “There’s nothing more relaxing than having treatment in a quiet and tranquil setting and the salon is just the place for people to really experience this. “I will be offering a full range of beauty treatments many using vegan and cruelty-free products. “Whatever products my clients choose they can rest assured it will be the very best.” • To book an appointment contact Sara on 07771 990868 or email her at info@sarabbeauty.co.uk

Sewell House

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For further details contact the Resident Warden on 01934 843746 warden.sewell@btconnect.com Sewell House, Belmont Road, Winscombe, BS25 1LQ www.sewellhouse.org.uk VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

Sewell House is managed by Sidcot Friends Housing Society Ltd - a not-for-profit organisation

Help Cheddar Carers Group make their lives a little better!

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Somerset Carers is looking for friendly, approachable people to help make sure the local Carers Group runs smoothly. The group gives Carers the chance to take a much needed break, socialise and access the support they need. Please contact Susi Calder at Spark Somerset, our partner and volunteer co-ordinator T: 01460 202970 E: support@sparksomerset.org.uk sparksomerset.org.uk

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

NEWS

Community focus for garden centre owners

illier Garden Centre is looking forward to being a part of the Cheddar community as it opens its newest store. The Hampshire -based company took over the site previously owned by Wyevale at the end of July. Chris Francis, Hillier Garden Centre and Wholesale Nurseries Director said: “Through this new centre Hillier wants to share the company’s passion for plants, offering gardening expertise and becoming a friendly destination for people to meet, eat and be inspired. “Cheddar is a really impressive destination in the South of England, just like our existing

centres, so we feel it is a great fit. We are looking forward to getting to know the local gardening communities and inspiring them with our great range of quality plants and Hillier expertise. It is very exciting times ahead!” Hillier will go through the process of transforming the new Hillier Garden Centre Cheddar. This will include an update to the plant area, which will be organised using ‘plant for purpose’ displays, allowing gardeners to easily find the right plant for the right place. Hillier will be introducing its popular Gardening Club to Cheddar. Joining is free, with membership benefits including exclusive offers, points every

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

time you shop, inspiring gardening magazines and more. Later this year a programme of workshops and events will be introduced to offer inspiration. A new menu will also be introduced at the restaurant, creating a space for people to meet together among the beauty of plants. Hillier is a horticulture business with more than 155 years of expertise, founded by Edwin Hillier in Hampshire in 1864. Today, the company owns 16 garden centres across the South of England – including the new Cheddar centre – grows around 2 million plants a year across its Hampshire nurseries and is the largest grower of semi-mature trees in Europe.

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Garden time Garden designer Jane Hicks helps you create a better garden

Take time to look at your garden space

’m delighted to be contributing to Valley Life magazine, I have been designing gardens for 13 years now and I love every aspect of it.

purchased from garden centres or online. What do you like or dislike in the garden. If you don’t like a particular plant remove it - just because it’s there and mature for example doesn’t mean you need to keep it - you can replace it with a plant that you do like.

What I want to do in my monthly piece is discuss a bit about how gardens are designed and the time it takes for them to evolve and a bit about suitable plants for seasonal interest. I will mention plants I particularly like and would include in a garden design if conditions allowed. Whether you are planning your own garden from scratch, redeveloping or re-jigging an existing space or even an area of your garden, now is a great time to start. The first thing you need to do when creating your garden is to observe the space. Note details such as where the sun rises and sets, are there any particularly windy areas, how does frost affect the garden. 10

So sit back and observe - an easy job with this lovely weather we are having!

Fences, buildings and patios can all contribute to your very own microclimate.

Each month I will suggest a plant for the season. While writing I’m looking out on a great plant for August; Agapanthus.

This will help you to decide where to place each new component.

It’s suitable for a sheltered sunny flower border with welldrained soil or a pot.

Also look at the soil; is there an area which is particularly dry or wet?

Their blooms come in white, blue or shades of purple on long stems.

What type of soil do you have in our garden clay or sandy or something else?

A few varieties such as Agapanthus africanus have semi evergreen foliage and flowers can be up to 30 cm in diameter - really beautiful. Happy planning!

What’s the pH level of your soil, testers can easily be

Contactwww.valley-life.com Jane Hicks on 07817 041763 or email: designer@janesgardens.co.uk VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

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The Almshouse Tea Shop The Square, Axbridge, Somerset, BS26 2AR 01934 733720 Axbridge’s award-winning Almshouse Tea Shop offers a range of great quality teas and coffees together with a wide selection of tasty cakes, breakfasts, light lunches and afternoon teas to be enjoyed in our lovely 15th Century Almshouse. Open Wednesday to Sunday: 10am – 4pm Gone Fishing Mondays and Tuesdays

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Ian Taylor-Rowlands Dip FD. LMBIFD 12 www.valley-life.com Redcliffe Court, 3 Redcliffe Street, Cheddar, Somerset

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

Back Issues Doctor of Chiropractic Matt Sutton helps to keep you on the move

The need for vitamin D

ften referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ – vitamin D is created when sunlight touches the skin.

The NHS guidance on vitamin D is that everyone over 5 years old (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter.

As we don’t enjoy sunny days all year around here in the UK, there is often confusion around whether a supplement of vitamin D is needed and if so, the amount we should be taking! So, if you’re a tad baffled by the conflicting opinions about vitamin D you may have heard, here’s a bit more info about why vitamin D is so important and the NHS guidance on how much we should all be taking! It’s been known for a long time that vitamin D is important for healthy bones, as it allows absorption of Calcium from our diet into our bones – but research in recent years have also highlighted that deficiencies in vitamin D may be linked to a wide range of health problems. Vitamin D contributes to numerous biological functions in the body, including: normal function of the immune system, maintenance of normal muscle function, cell division, maintenance of normal bones

They suggest that between late March/early April to the end of September, most people can get all the vitamin D they need through sunlight on their skin and from a balanced diet.

and normal utilisation of calcium and phosphorous It’s not as easy as some may think to get vitamin D from diet alone. The main sources of vitamin D can be found in oily fish and fortified egg yolks and milk. So not actually that long a list of foods. We all spend a lot less time in the sun than our ancestors did, and we’re conscious to put on sun protection – so we all get less vitamin D than we used to and most importantly than we need.

So, you may choose not to take a vitamin D supplement during these months. Though people at risk of vitamin D deficiency are recommended to take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year. People with darker skin from African, African-Caribbean and south Asian backgrounds may also not get enough vitamin D from sunlight and so they should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year. It’s advisable to talk to your GP about getting your vitamin D levels tested you’re concerned you may be deficient.

Contact Matt on 01934 235535 or email reception@suttonchiro.co.uk

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

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Contact Matt on 01934 235535 or email reception@suttonchiro.co.uk 14

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

Healthy Eating Nutritional therapist Linda Thomas with some food advice

Don’t give up on fat

here is a lot of confusion regarding fat in the diet. Bad press, conflicting messages and diets which either demonise or promote fat all muddy the waters when searching for a balanced approach to food.

Poor hormone balance contributes to conditions such as polycystic ovaries, infertility and mood swings. Vitamins A, D, E and K need to be eaten with fat as they cannot be absorbed without it. Vitamins and fat are naturally in the same food, e.g. in dairy, but low-fat processed foods have fats stripped out so the vitamins go to waste and your immune system, bones and skin all suffer.

Here are some key points to remember. Natural fat is found in animal products (meat, fish, eggs, dairy) and plant based foods (nuts, seeds, avocado, cocoa). Simple processing (churning, grinding or pressing) extracts “pure” fats such as butter or olive oil. Artificial “trans-fats” are created when food is heavily processed to change the structure of the natural fat e.g. to solidify vegetable oil into margarine or to create artificial cheese found on cheap pizzas and ready meals. Dietary fat often has negative connotations, either by association with cholesterol (and it’s links to risk of heart disease) or with weight gain. But these views are simplistic, outdated and overlook the many positive roles of fat in maintaining good health. Fat is an essential component

of cell membranes which regulate what enters/exits the cell, as well as influencing how well cells communicate (e.g. messages from hormones, sensitivity to insulin or triggering muscle movement). Cell messaging shapes our physical and mental health, with lack of omega 3 fats being associated with depression, conditions such as bi-polar and even increased risk of suicide. Fat is vital for hormone production, including testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones and insulin.

Immune function needs fat. Wound healing, blood clotting and defence roles of different immune cells are compromised if there is insuﬃcient beneficial fat in your diet. Fat makes food taste good and helps fill you up! The body burns carbohydrate quickly but fat is used more slowly so aids stable energy levels and to help us feel fuller for longer. Compare putting cardboard as opposed to coal on a fire – which lasts longer and gives out steady heat? That’s not to say we should over-consume fat. It has more than twice the calories of protein or carbohydrate per gram and can promote inflammation in the body.

Contact Linda on 07768 803198 or email: info@indathomasnutrition.co.uk

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

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Simple, honest and relaxed

ONLINE G BOOKIN

Just a 15 minute walk from Cheddar Gorge

www.petruthpaddocks.co.uk 16

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

NEWS

Mendip walks Jennifer Hunt and her dogs Daisy and Dora take to the hills

Delightful Dolebury

his walk starts from a car park at the end of a no through road at Dolberrow.

Continue straight on across the hill, through a gate and then on to the ridge of Dolebury Warren Camp, which is a bit further up from where you left it earlier.

Go through the small gate and note the information board picturing all the flora and fauna you might be lucky enough to see.

There are fantastic views in all directions on a clear day, including Exmoor and across the channel to Wales.

Then start climbing up the steps – there are quite a few! There is a bench half-way up on which to rest if you are flagging.

Then head down the centre of the camp where you will pass the ruins of the Warrener’s house who bred rabbits for meat and fur many years ago. There are lots of wildflowers to see and identify growing in the grass, which is kept short by the grazing animals.

The steps gradually become more and more spaced out until you eventually arrive at the very top of the ridge. After you have got your breath back, walk up to the right around the perimeter of this iron age hill fort towards the highest point. There is a lovely bird’s eye view down over the woods in the valley below and across to Rowberrow Church. When you have nearly reached the top take the footpath off to the right through the trees. Climb over the stile and walk along the path towards a second stile. There are dog-friendly

openings at both these stiles, although occasionally they can be very hard to pull up! Sometimes there are sheep and/or cattle grazing in these areas so keep your dogs under close control. Continue straight ahead across the hill until the path enters a small pine wood, which is lovely and cool on a hot day. After you emerge at the other side, turn left and walk back along the top of the wood.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

Once you reach the bottom of the Camp continue straight on through the gap and follow the rough track to a wooden gate. Pass through, turn left and walk down this quiet lane until you reach the end. Then turn left again and it is just a short way back to the car park. • Dolebury Warren Camp, Iron Age Hill Fort. Start and End: Dolberrow car park, Dolberrow (oﬀ A38). Postcode: BS25 5NS

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Hair Talk Acutabove owner Sarah Boundy passes on tips on making your hair stand out

A hairdresser’s tale

rom a very young age I knew I was going to be a hairdresser.

My earliest recollection of the hairdressing world was the day my grandma took me with her to the hairdressers. You could smell the blended aromas of perm solution and hair lacquer almost before you turned the street corner. On the promise of a visit to the bakery if I was good I sat quietly amongst the mothballed coats in reception and watched in bewilderment! This was the mid -70s when I think most ladies visited a hair salon on a weekly basis for their shampoo and set, coffee and a good catch up! There were dressing tables in every possible position with ladies sitting in front in varying stages of what I now know as “hair coiffure” - all shouting to be heard above their neighbour! Trolleys with brushes and combs with metal handles, curlers in every colour, size and shape, and hairnets to match. Along one wall the drier

bank- large comfy armchairs that you could lounge in while warm heat from an over head contraption flowed over you as you caught up with whatever The Lady and other such magazines had to offer. You could even change the heat setting yourself - Bliss..... Although judging from the colour of some of their inhabitants perhaps not! It was another ten years before I finally entered into this world as an apprentice hairdresser or more commonly known then as the junior! And by the 80s, gone were the rollers and hairnets as the

“Blow- dry” had finally reached Cornwall. Throughout my career I have witnessed high lighting caps and perm winding give way to foiling and straightening and who knew a “root stretch”would or could ever be desirable? But the one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the happy environment in which we as hairdressers work. Hairdressing is voted as one of the happiest jobs out there, scoring points for job satisfaction, creativity and being able to use your skills every day having fun doing hair!

Contact Sarah at Acutabove, Axbridge on 01934 733666 18

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

Tiggi’sTravels Seeing life differently with visually-impaired Tiggi Trethowan

Rockin’ Rocky rolls on

’ve just got back from a glorious hill walk with both my dogs, Jackie my guide dog and Daphne my pet dog.

same paragraph it said they could savage a dog if inclined or they could become affectionate and tame. The jury’s out on that one but I’m telling you now readers, Rocky is not sitting on my knee watching TV, ever!

It’s such a privilege and gift to live surrounded by the Mendips. Today we ran into a group of young students from south Bristol doing their DofE (Duke of Edinburgh’s Award). We stopped for a chat and one of them told me he’d never seen a cow before so camping out in the wilds had been a challenge. However, they all agreed it was worth the pain for an experience they’d never forget. We may take the micky out of HRH for his driving skills but his charity for over seven decades has really made a difference to some young lives. We salute you sir!

Thank you also for your kind condolences about the loss of our puppy Pip.

completely disinterested which only gives Rocky more determination to win their affection. Recently one hen did show a little interest in him and he simply pecked her on the head.

Many kind readers have been in contact enquiring how my egocentric cockerel called Rocky is settling. “Oddly” in a word!

This is never a good thing to do on a first date! In addition to the dancing and pecking is a huge amount of crowing, clucking and inappropriate head comb shaking.

I think he believes he’s a bird of paradise hopping around the hens on one leg doing a bizarre Hiawatha-type of dance. Needless to say, the hens are

I am, however, getting strangely fond of him and recently looked up “Rhode Island Red Cockerel Temperament and Behaviour” on Google. In the

I have happier news in the shape of Patch (Pips brother) who for various reasons was still with the breeder. He asked us to board him while Patch‘s mother was in season. We were only meant to be fostering him but as you can imagine after three weeks his forever home will be with us. He’s bigger than Pip was being a dog rather than a bitch with a beautiful smooth black and white coat. He was very timid when he arrived not ever having been away from his birth place. However, with treats, love and toys galore he’s a very happy little chap now. My guide dog Jackie took a while to warm to Patch but they are now the best of friends, however, we will never forget our beloved Pip.

Tiggi is a regular speaker at events. Contact her on 07721 329129 or email tiggi1@me.com VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 / ISSUE 35

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