Valley Life - September

READ BY MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE

Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley

SEPTEMBER 2019, ISSUE 36 FREE

www.valley-life.com

An admirable Summer News, views and features from Axbridge Cheddar, Wedmore and Winscombe

Inside this issue

welcome . . .

Axbridge Pageant is given a timely lifeline – Page 5

Cheddar Parish Council news and notices – Page 7

Cheddar Food Festival gets bigger and better – Page 16

Contact us 7 Tower Close, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3XQ Tel: 01934 741099 Mob: 07704 606151

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.

2

Welcome to the thirty-sixth issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy our offering of news, views and features from the Cheddar Valley.

This month sees the first column from Cheddar Parish Council in which they will be keeping residents in the village abreast of everything that is going on in the parish.

The council is made up of people who really do want the best for our community and without them Cheddar would be a very different place.

Issues such as Bloor wanting to take ownership of Holwell Lane is one of many the parish

bring to people’s attention and we would be the poorer without them.

September also sees the return of the Cheddar Food Festival. Now in its third year, the event is growing bigger and better with more and more stalls offering the delights of local produce. So, why not take a stroll down to the Gorge on September 8 to get a real taste of what is being produced locally.

And finally, it would be a shame if the Cheddar-Felsberg Twinning Partnership was lost completely - if there’s anyone out there interested in taking up a role in the organisation get in contact with the parish clerk.

Rob Perkins, Editor

NEWS

Could you help keep twinning spirit alive?

I

n 1984, Cheddar WI president Terry King organised the first trip to the German village of Felsberg.

It was to become the first of many visits between the two communities and forged lasting friendships.

Now aged 95, Terry is hoping that someone will take up the reins and continue the work that she and her friends began 35 years ago.

The two communities officially twinned in 1987 thanks to those pioneering trips organised by Terry and her husband Robert, who was fluent in German.

Terry, who was born and brought up in the village, said: “I think it’s now time I encouraged someone a little younger than myself to have a go.

“I’ve had great pleasure over the past 35 years and I’d like to think that someone else will derive as much joy as I and my husband had. It’s such a worthwhile cause to be involved with and Felsberg, like Cheddar, is such a wonderful place.

“Over the years there has been numerous visits to Felsberg and I’d like to think that these will carry on .”

Peter Colton, chairman of

Terry King with Peter Colton and the twinning document

Cheddar Parish Council, added: “Terry and the original organisers of those trips did a wonderful job in establishing the partnership. So all the hard work has been done, now it’s time for someone to continue what has become a really worthwhile partnership.

Hannah More Cottage garden.

The Burgermeister of Felsberg Volker Steinmetz has written to the parish council to say that they would, if possible, like to have a contact in Cheddar so that they could continue the connection, even if not to the same degree as before.”

“We marked the 30th anniversary with their last visit to Cheddar, when they gave us two trees which are planted in

• Anyone interested should contact the parish clerk on 01934 743217 or clerk@cheddarparishcouncil.org

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

www.valley-life.com

3

Riverside Inn & Restaurant Cheddar

Fancy fish on Friday!

Kick off your weekend with Cheddar Ales beer battered cod, thick cut chips & peas, homemade tartare & a glass of house

wine or a pint of bitter, lager or cider*

All for only £12!

Friday, midday to 9.30pm | *select products

The Riverside Inn … in the heart of Somerset

Cliff Street | Cheddar | Somerset | BS27 3PX | 01934 742 452 info@riversidecheddar.co.uk | riversidecheddar.co.uk 4 www.valley-life.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

NEWS

Axbridge Pageant is given a timely lifeline

A

xbridge Pageant, one of the UK’s most famous community pageant events, has secured major funding for next year – by far the biggest in its 50-year history – helping to ensure that the event can be held.

Enable Promotional Marketing, based in the historic town square but serving major brands all around the world, is providing a package of sponsorship money and technical support.

Over the last half a century, Axbridge Pageant has become a key part of Somerset’s rich tradition of carnivals and community events.

John Bailey, left, Axbridge Pageant Director and Neil Barnes shake hands on the deal

to secure the financial foundations we need for such a huge event, but this is a massive start for us.”

The next Pageant will be held over three days in the last weekend of August 2020; each day in front of over 600 people, a cast of upwards of 400 local performers will be supported by over 100 volunteers… all of whom who give their time, experience and skill to ensure this unique event goes from strength to strength.

Neil Barnes, MD of Enable, said: “The Pageant happens in the Square right outside our office window. As a Somerset-based business with a worldwide client base, and we’re keen for all directors, managers and staff to get involved in the Pageant, ‘giving back’ to our community by passing on what we can about our town’s history.”

Pageant Director John Bailey said: “We are massively grateful for Enable’s support, without which we would simply not be able to put on such a spectacular show. We will still be looking for other sponsorships

Pageant Director John Bailey added: “Planning for the event is well underway and everyone involved is already getting very excited - we’ve had several hundred local people already

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

signing up to be involved and more are getting in touch every day.

“The clock is ticking, with just 13 months to go now before the Square will become a living history book for three enthralling days.

“But the hard work starts here. We know from all the previous occasions that all the hard work will be rewarded with the culmination of those three days when we depict this marvellous town’s history. Critically, all of this will be down to the hard work of the people of Axbridge – all parts of the community coming together for a common cause.”

The new Pageant website is at www.axbridgepageant.com www.valley-life.com

5

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

6

www.valley-life.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

Cheddar Parish Council News

working to provide a better community

Meet the team aiming to improve Cheddar

M

embers of the Parish Council elected in May by public vote, with one co-opted member for Nyland, are all volunteers living in Cheddar who want to make the Village a safe and attractive area with plenty of amenities. Most councillors are pictured right before the annual Village Walkabout when Parish Council owned properties and open spaces are checked and assessed.

This pilot article is aimed at giving you the latest news.

Your feedback and views are very important. Please talk informally to Councillors or visit the Clerks at the Parish Hall, email clerk@cheddarparishcouncil.org or phone 01934 743217.

• Speeding in the Gorge is an ongoing concern. Councillors regularly meet with Police, Longleat and Somerset Highways for a way forward.

Action is slow and frustrating. We are also very aware of increased speeding around the Village and researching Speed Indicator devices or other methods of slowing traffic.

• Holwell Lane public footpath is under threat. Plans submit-

Standing from left; Martin Kay, David Comber, Peter Colton, Alan Flack, Clive Panchaud, Barry Carter, Alan Anderson, Paul Fineran. Seated from left; Corran Fineran, Lyn Goodfellow, Anne Fontaine, Mandy Kelly

ted by Bloor Homes show the access road for the phase 2 development crossing Holwell Lane which is a frequently used pedestrian route. Please look out for the flyer, to be delivered by councillors, which gives full details of how you can support the Parish Council’s bid to protect this historic route.

• Sports Pavilion extension plans are moving ahead following a public consultation. A grant from the Hinkley Fund has been secured to part pay for an enlarged pavilion at Sharpham Road playing fields to suit the needs of a growing village. CCTV partly funded by a police grant was recently

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

installed on the existing pavilion. This also scans a large area of the sports field for added protection.

• Cemetery extension plans are also progressing well. Plans have been drawn up by a local landscape designer to make this a beautiful and peaceful area. The work has now been put out to tender.

• Rights of Way in the Cheddar Parish have to be registered.

Please drop in for an open evening and informal chat between 6-8pm on September 13 at the Parish Hall to check maps and ensure that routes are on the Definitive Map. www.valley-life.com

7

WOODPECKER SERVICES creating customers that recommend

fencing logs landscaping tree and hedging work firewood processing

07912 608519

steve@woodpecker-services.co.uk

sarab beauty.co.uk

Pamper Days

Wax treatments

Manicure and pedicure

Eye treatments

Eyelash extensions

Facials and massage Savour the pleasures of a salon experience when Sara takes over at Acutabove every Monday

Henna brow

8

Spray tan

To book an appointment contact Sara on 07771 990868 or email: info@sarabbeauty.co.uk www.valley-life.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

Drink

Cheddar Food and Festival

Sunday 8th September

2019

10am - 4pm Cheddar Village is full of pubs, restaurants, shops and cafĂŠs serving a fantastic range of local produce.

sponsored by

Located in the lower gorge, the Cheddar Food & Drink Festival supplements Cheddar’s fantastic fayre by bringing in around 40 stalls and offering a wide range of the finest produce anywhere in the South West, from strawberries to cider, sausages to cheese, English wines and finest ales.

Live Music during the afternoon in Lakeside carpark commencing with Sam Evans from midday.

Organised by: Cheddar Chamber of Commerce c/o Riverside Inn | Cheddar | BS27 3PX VALLEY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36 01934LIFE 742452

Free Entry!

www.valley-life.com

9

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

Preparation is the key to a succesful design

I

f you would like to design your own outside space, whether you are starting from scratch or if you would like to change one or two areas, do note it can take some time to get it right.

for a sheltered sunny flower border with well-drained soil.

Their small long lasting bottlebrush type flowers which butterflies and bees love come in white, blue or pink and last a long time with leaves that have a minty fragrance.

Here are a few starting tips. I briefly described in the August issue how by observing the space it would help you to plan each elements placing/position in the most effective way.

Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’, pictured, is my favourite it grows to 1m tall.

Hyssops go equally well in a cottage or contemporary garden and especially between ornamental grasses.

The next job is to make a sketch or better sketches of the garden; it’s a good idea to have fairly accurate dimensions at this point as well if you can.

Place each existing element that you want to keep on your drawing.

If you dislike a particular feature or plant remove it - it’s no good keeping it you might regret it.

Now make a list of everything you want in your garden, patio, arches and include practicalities such as car parking, bins and washing lines.

10

You will need to bear your budget in mind of course.

By now you may have a good idea where you want to put things and now is the fun part; draw or write on the sketches where you want each feature to go bear in mind, orientation, practicality and direction.

Now onto my favourite plant in September which is the Agastache (hyssop). It’s suitable

Leave their spent flowers to provide interest for the winter.

These plants are short lived however so need replacing every few years.

Garden care: If you have noticed spaces in your garden borders this summer, most perennial plants can be divided and now is the perfect time.

This job can be done every 2-3 years and will give you more plants for free. Some plants prefer to be divided in the spring so do check.

Contact Jane Hicks on 07817 041763 or email: designer@janesgardens.co.uk www.valley-life.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

Landscapes West Our team of landscapers can provide all aspects of landscaping services for any type and size of project

Landscapes & design • Patios & fencing • Block paving • Building work • Grass cutting • Gravelling • Paving • Turfing • Tree work • Digger and driver available • Digger hire • Driveways & patios cleaned • Drives tarmacked • Garden clearance

Whatever your landscaping needs, contact us for a free quote

T: 01934 732873 • M: 07557 041472 E: landscapeswest@outlook.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

www.valley-life.com

11

NEWS

Finds expert on hand

I

f you have found an item locally that you would like identified, the Axbridge & District Museum may be able to help you solve your mystery.

Laura Burnett will be at the museum on Saturday, September 14 from 1pm-4pm to offer advice and assistance.

Laura, the Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme working through the Somerset Heritage Centre, will be happy to discuss your find with you.

Rosemary Barron, from the Axbridge and District Museum said: “You won’t receive a valuation, but Laura will be able to help you discover its relationship to its historic or prehistoric period and will, if necessary, take it away for an additional expert opinion.

further research projects.

“However small, that item you’ve discovered could be important!”

Axbridge & District Museum is located in King John’s Hunting Lodge, Axbridge Square.

“She may also be able to tell you if your find is likely to be classified as treasure trove or not.

It is open daily, 13.00-16.00, and entrance is £2.50. You can use the same ticket all season.

National Trust members and under-16s visit free of charge.

“Your find may help archaeologists, too. Past finds have led to many exciting

For more information visit the museum website at www. kingjohnshuntinglodge.co.uk

Roger Bailey, Fellow, International Institute of Risk and Safety Management

Is Safety a problem in your Company?

Do you worry about Safety?

I have worked in Health and Safety for 39 years, during which time I have assisted many different businesses with their various problems I write Procedures and Systems in a pragmatic and easy way that is understood by the Whole workforce.

Need help?

Please contact Roger Tel: - 07785331671 or roger@rbsafety.net 12 www.valley-life.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

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

Don’t let long drives be a pain in the back

Y

ou’ve loaded the car and you’re off on holiday! As more of us are choosing to stay in UK during this great weather, taking in the beautiful sights of Devon and Cornwall or up into the wilds of the west coast of Scotland, long drives are par for the course.

• Recline your seat. Just ever so slightly, so that it’s not bolt upright. This will support and complement the gentle S shape of the spine. You should rest your back against the seat comfortably, not leaning forward away from it. Aim for a roughly 110-degree angle between your back and your thighs.

The extra time spent sitting in a car seat can be bad news for our backs because it causes more pressure on the lumbar discs compared to standing up.

• Extra support. Pop a small pillow behind your lower back for extra lumbar support. If this makes no difference try and use one to sit on, it will raise your hips up higher easing hip aches.

A study by Volkswagen and the British Chiropractic Association revealed that 70% of van drivers who spend seven hours behind the wheel each day take an average of 15 days off each year as a result of work-related back pain. Most of us have experienced feeling stiff and sore when getting out of the car after a long journey. This is probably a result of the poor posture whilst driving. So, here’s how you can avoid some of these issues: • Adjust your seat position.

You should be able to com-

fortably see over the steering wheel, with your legs should be resting at a gentle angle when touching the pedals – you shouldn’t have to stretch to far.

Similarly, you shouldn’t have to stretch to reach the steering wheel. Your hands should fall naturally and comfortably on the wheel.

• Set your mirrors. Set the mirrors whilst sitting in a good upright posture, this way if you slouch over the journey you’ll be prompted to sit up when the mirrors look off.

5• Never fully straight. You should be able to push the pedals to the floor while maintaining a slight bend in your knee. This will ensure you don’t compromise your lower back position in an effort to depress the clutch.

Take a break every hour or so and have a walk around the car park at the service station, this will make you less stiff when you get there! Enjoy your holidays!

ContactSEPTEMBER Matt on 01934 or email reception@suttonchiro.co.uk VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE 2019 / 235535 ISSUE 36 www.valley-life.com

13

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

www.valley-life.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

Healthy Eating Nutritional therapist Linda Thomas with some food advice

Is fasting the answer?

T

raditionally fasting has been a part of life for many cultures for thousands of years.

to ensure the meals you eat are as nutritious as possible – every mouthful matters! Choose lots of vegetables, pulses and wholegrains for fibre, vitamins and minerals, plus good quality protein (organic or grass-fed chicken and meat, wild fish such as herring eggs and beans or tofu) and some healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado and coconut oil).

Ancient hunter-gatherers could only eat when food was readily available, and fasting is also part of many religions including Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

Intermittent Fasting (IF) is a modern health trend and refers to a pattern of eating – it’s not what you eat but when you eat.

The benefits promoted by IF include weight-loss, increased energy levels, management of chronic health conditions and supporting a longer, healthier life.

IF means limiting the number of hours in the day when you eat. Popular patterns include a daily 16-hour fast so that you have an eight-hour eating “window”, or 24 hour fasts when you only consume water 1 or 2 days a week.

The popular 5:2 diet can be a “fasting” diet if the restricted calories on two days a week (typically 500-600) are consumed in an 8 hour period, but if you “graze” on 3-4 “snacks” throughout the whole day it is not a fasting diet.

Fasting is not for everyone.

Some people should avoid it for health reasons (e.g. have had eating disorders, are trying to conceive or are pregnant/ breastfeeding or are underweight) whilst others just don’t feel good on it.

Limiting when you eat usually leads to an overall reduction in the amount of food consumed and so can aid weight-loss, providing you don’t binge during your eating hours!

Other health benefits of IF include reduction of high blood pressure, overcoming insulin resistance (related to development of diabetes), management of cholesterol levels, reducing joint pain and other inflammatory conditions.

When doing IF it is important

This particularly applies to people under stress, not sleeping well or who have a driven or anxious personality and so benefit from steady blood-sugar levels to support adrenal function. But some people feel great on it – more energy, more alert and improved digestion are some of the reported benefits.

If in doubt, consult your GP or a registered Nutritional Therapist for advice as to how Intermittent Fasting may help improve your health.

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

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

www.valley-life.com

15

NEWS

Food festival returns

T

he growing trend towards customers buying more local produce has led to a real growth of food festivals - and Cheddar is no exception.

But it’s not just cheese that will be on offer at the third Cheddar Food Festival which will take place on Sunday, September 8.

Having attracted 20 food and drink stalls in 2017 and more than 30 last year, the 2019 Cheddar Food & Drink Festival will feature more than 40 stalls.

They will provide a fantastic range of local produce and supplementing Cheddar’s already excellent pubs, restaurants, shops and cafés.

The 2019 Cheddar Food & Drink Festival will run from 10am until 4pm and will again be located in the Lakeside carpark car park at the bottom of Cheddar Gorge, with stalls also situated in the nearby Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company court yard.

The day will see a lot activities for all ages including live music from the superb Sam Evans of the band Verdisa from midday.

Sewell House

• Rented self-contained, en suite accommodation for the active elderly • A home cooked three course midday meal • Trial flat for up to four weeks, when available • 24-hour emergency cover • Freedom from household management • Lift available to first floor and sitting room • Independent living within private community • Close to centre of a thriving picturesque village • Spacious landscaped gardens • Friendly home from home • Activities and outings • Guest accommodation • Views of the Mendip Hills • Welcome to people of any faith or none • Charges are fully inclusive

Help Cheddar Carers Group make their lives a little better!

d Secon day s e Wedn h c a e f o month

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.

For further details contact the Resident Warden on 01934 843746

Please contact Susi Calder at Spark Somerset, our partner and volunteer co-ordinator T: 01460 202970 E: support@sparksomerset.org.uk sparksomerset.org.uk

16

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

warden.sewell@btconnect.com Sewell House, Belmont Road, Winscombe, BS25 1LQ www.sewellhouse.org.uk

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

www.valley-life.com

NEWS

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

A very special walk

T

he entrance to the lane is located on Warrens Hill, where the houses finish and a hedge begins (going towards the quarry).

until you come to a wider path.

Although your destination is straight over to the far side, it is easier to walk down to the right a little way until you find a track going across without any brambles to trip you up.

The road then grows wider, where it is safe to park. The best time to visit is on a Saturday or Sunday when the quarry is closed and there are no lorries going up and down.

Then turn left and follow the path up to a gap in the trees, which leads to a kissing gate and out onto the bridleway.

After walking up the lane a short way you will pass through a metal gate with a sign saying “The Perch - Site of Special Scientific Interest�.

Continue up and around to the left and on through a kissing gate.

Head straight across the rough ground, keeping the high hedge on your left to start with.

There is a good view from here of Cheddar Reservoir spread out below (see picture). Then the track enters a wood and after a little while you will come to a large dew pond, which was recently dug out.

Turn right immediately afterwards, head uphill and through a kissing gate. Make the most of the level path to start with as it soon becomes a lot steeper as it winds up through the wood!

As you walk up you will notice

dormice boxes attached to the hazel trees. If you find a hazelnut shell with a neat hole nibbled in the top you will know that the kernel was eaten by a dormouse and not a squirrel.

After about 15 minutes walking the path forks (with a tree in the middle). Turn right and go through a kissing gate. In the autumn, when the undergrowth is heavy, the gate can easily be missed. Follow a narrow track across the hill

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

Turn right and walk down the wide, stony lane. Towards the bottom of the hill you will see another excavated dew pond, which is now as big as a swimming pool. A few years ago it looked like a tiny, shallow pond and you would have never guessed what was hidden beneath! Now the dogs love having a swim in here to cool down on a hot day. Continue to the end of the lane, through the metal gate, turn left and then retrace your steps to the road.

Walk: The Perch, Site of Special Scientific Interest Start and End: Warrens Hill, Cheddar. Postcode: BS27 3LP www.valley-life.com

17

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

Greying gracefully D id you know that just over half of UK woman colour their hair?- Either at home or professionally. But when and how do we stop?

I’ve been colouring my hair since I was about 14 and like many woman my age it all started with a sachet of “Shaders and Toners” wash in and wash out shampoo that promised a touch of colour and amazing shine - and it did although most of the “Rich mahogany” liquid probably ended up on the bathroom carpet and halfway up the wall!

From here we progressed to the lighter shades of Sun-In “get Sun kissed hair” by simply spraying hydrogen peroxide and water into your hair and dry with a hairdryer.

I’m trying to look at the brown to orange hair transformation through objective eyes!

Thankfully for me, my DIY hair colouring came to an abrupt end as I entered a career in hairdressing but in the following years when a younger colleague pointed out I would soon be colouring my hair as a

by gradually going lighter on each root application and start using deep cleansing shampoos to help lighten up the intensity of the colour naturally.

A shorter cut with layers can add texture and distract from the “tramline” grey regrowth - perfectly straight one length hair will have a more obvious regrowth.

necessity rather than for fun I became well and truly hooked on hair colour.

Many woman go to the salon at least every six weeks and as hair gets greyer and colour doesn’t cover so well it may be even more.

So how do we stop? Without a doubt embracing the grey and growing your hair slowly is the most difficult and not for the impatient.

Here are a few ideas to discuss with your stylist! If you have a very dark colour make a start

Leave a few extra weeks before your colour and add darker and lighter foils to the hair to blend the demarcation or talk to your stylist about adding thicker highlights to the mid lengths and ends to help break up the colour.

With the trend for silver ash tones still in full swing with our younger counterparts, now is the perfect time to introduce pastel ash tones to your hi lighted hair.

Whichever way you decide don’t completely ditch your colourist: There’s probably less than 10% of us that grey evenly to a silky and beautiful platinum silver so adding a few hi or low lights for contrast or a toner will always make your hair look more premium.

Contact Sarah at Acutabove, Axbridge on 01934 733666 18

www.valley-life.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

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

Summer treat - hardly

I

’m really beginning to wonder if I’m cut out for having an animal small holding. To remind those who are new to “Tiggi Travels”, I have recently taken on a hormonal cockerel called Rocky. Last Saturday my favourite hen snowy vanished from the garden.

I know you can buy chickens in Tesco’s for less than a fiver but anybody out there who owns chickens will understand my distress. Snowy was fearless in the face of adversity and it is my sad belief she lost her little life trying to protect her friends.

Where was Rocky, I hear you ask? God knows, probably admiring his reflection in the pond! However, he has remained broken hearted and now crows a sad lament, endlessly!

I love the summer when you can take off to the beach with a friend at the drop of a sombrero. Throwing my guide dog and beach towel into the back of my friend Zoë’s car, off we went. I had researched a nice beach and cafe that fitted the brief nicely. Setting the sat nav,

selling cakes that day because of the weather and it being out of season. I measured 23 degrees on my iPhone and for reference today is August 8.

our destination was due in 30 minutes. One and a half hours later, we arrived at a muddy stretch of sand with a rundown building.

Not the place I had in mind but at least a greatly needed hostelry for tea and cake. Entering the café, I use this word loosely; we were greeted by a bolshie man who said I couldn’t bring my guide dog in.

When I casually mentioned the 2010 Disability Act he weakened and we made our way to the counter. Longingly we stared into an empty cake display cabinet.

Apparently, they were not

We decided to take our rather sad pot of tea to an outside table. As we took our first sips of tepid nothingness the grumpy man came out to say he was cleaning the toilet and if we wanted to “go” we had to go now as he was to lock the door after sanitation. We dutifully ‘weed’ and returned to our table just as, and by an extraordinary coincidence, in walked one of the experts from BBC’s Antiques Roadshow who is now a celebrant (facilitator at marriages and funerals.)

A lovely chat ensued about celebrations of life and Clarice Cliff when out pops grumpy man, again! This time he said we had to leave as he was locking up.

With heavy hearts, me, a TV celebrity, exasperated friend and one guide dog headed home. I give that café a zero rating. Even Basil Faulty could not have competed with grumpy man at the soulless beach café.

Listen to the latest Draycott Diaries Podcast available at www.draycottdiaries.com VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 36

www.valley-life.com

19

Looking to sell your house quickly?

Sold

We sold this property for the full asking price within 48 hours For a free valuation, please give us a call or visit us to discuss how we can help you to sell your property faster

01934 742966

2c Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA enquiries@laurelandwylde.co.uk laurelandwylde.co.uk