Valley Life - At the heart of the Cheddar Valley - November issue

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Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley

NOVEMBER 2019, ISSUE 38 FREE

www.valley-life.com

Arts Quarter takes off News, views and features from Axbridge Cheddar, Wedmore and Winscombe

Inside this issue

welcome . . .

Quilters ready for their next fund-raising mission – Page 5

Second book for group of Cheddar writers – Page 7

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

The news that Cheddar is to have its very own Arts Quarter is great news. The community interest company will be a home to resident artists as well as artists looking to sell their goods.

Contact us

This is just the sort of initiative which deserves to be supported because it is one which has been created by people in the community looking to bring more local produced goods to the area.

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

In these days when everyone is looking at the

Arts Quarter ready to welcome artists – Pages 10-11

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.

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provenance of goods - be it food or art - this is the sort of venture which will be a growing trend.

On another note, publications like Valley Life were the subject of a BBC Radio 4 programme which claimed that local publications were one of the few growing sectors of the media market.

That was good to hear especially as Valley Life is trying to bring local news and features to a community which has been deprived of locally-produced material for far too long. People like to hear what is going on in their area and relying on unreliable material from Facebook and Twitter isn’t good enough.

Rob Perkins, Editor

NEWS

Kings to benefit from Matt’s Olympic spirit

K

ings of Wessex Academy has an all-new Sports Department this year, led by former Olympic rower Matthew Wells, writes Hannah Rowe.

Matthew, pictured right, won a bronze medal in the Men’s Double Sculls at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games with Stephen Rowbotham, below, and began teaching after retiring from competitive rowing.

He comes from a teaching background, as his father was a Headteacher and his mother a Deputy Headteacher, and although he wants to focus on education he believes there are lessons from his sporting career which he can use to inspire the pupils.

He said: “During my career I faced disappointment in team selection and injury setbacks, and learning to overcome these is an important life lesson which I can pass on to them”.

He has already begun the process by encouraging his staff to celebrate their own disappointments and mistakes to facilitate their own development.

Matthew’s main ambition for the Academy is to give each pupil a lifelong association with physical activity. He explained that when he was

studying for his Masters Degree he looked at the reasons why children do and don’t engage with sport, and is hoping to provide a safe environment at the Academy within which pupils can try out a variety of different activities to find one or more which suits their skills.

The sports programme will therefore vary every term to enable them to try as many sports as possible, which will include a racquet sport, a mixed-gender team sport, and an individual activity.

On a personal level, Matt sets himself a new physical challenge every year. After compet-

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 38

ing in a boxing match, playing rugby, and completing an Ironman, his current challenge is the Newport Marathon next April, followed by an ‘Ultra’ race. The Academy’s new Head of Sport clearly hasn’t lost his competitive drive! www.valley-life.com

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NEWS

Stitching up a treat for Draycott quilters

D

raycott Quilters are staging their biennial show of work on Saturday, November 9 in the Memorial Hall, Draycott.

Between 10am and 3pm quilts will be on display and there will be a sale of handcrafted gifts and Christmas goodies.

This small group of experienced and highly skilled quilters, pictured top, has been meeting in Draycott for over 15 years.

Once every two years the group selects a new charity and then they start to plan their next show.

Group tutor Helen Greenwood said: “We meet weekly to exchange ideas, to sew and to develop new skills. We use various techniques of hand and machine piecing and quilting.

“Our projects can involve each member making a quilt for themselves. But we also work on joint projects for charities, where each member makes a section or sections of the quilt and then it is assembled.

“There are always lots of design decisions to be made during the making of a quilt. That is the fun part and is what makes all our quilts unique.”

One of the joint projects has been the making of a large quilt, pictured - 7 foot 8 inches square, which took almost a year to complete and con-

Helen added: “We can often be found making Christmas decorations in the spring, in preparation for a November show.

sists of hundreds of separate elements.

The group has been raffling the quilt over several months and the amount raised currently stands at almost £1,300. Raffle tickets will be available at the show and the draw will take place there. Money raised will go to Guide Dogs.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 38

“This year we have chosen Guide Dogs, because of one of our members has a connection with Tiggi Trethowan of Draycott. We hope to raise over £2.500 for this worthy cause, which will mean that we can name a Guide Dogs puppy.

The £3.50 admission charge includes a hot drink and slice of homemade cake.

To find out more about the quilters go to their website www.draycottquilters.co.uk www.valley-life.com

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NEWS

Local writers put pen to paper for charity

I

Five member of The Riverside Writers group with leader Sue Purkiss, centre front, and their latest book Just Write

n 2012, the Riverside Writers met for the first time – now seven years on and they have produced their second publication.

The book “Just Write” is a collection of stories and poems from the eight group members – ranging in genre from horror to comedy.

Author Sue Purkiss leads the group of eight members and is impressed with the quality of the writing that they produce.

She said: “The aim of the group has always been to write and

enjoy the process of writing – and it seems to be working.

a bigger group at the moment though we are looking.”

“Everyone who joins the group really enjoys writing and it shows in the quality of work they create.

The group’s second book “Just Write” is out now and costs £5 with half the price being donated to the Cheddar Youth Trust.

“After every meeting, there is homework to complete and the following meeting we discuss everyone’s work.

The books can also be bought from Cheddar Valley Press or through Sue Purkiss’s website – https/:suepurkisswriter.com or through Amazon.

“There is some real talent within the group and we would love to be able to take on more budding authors or just people who enjoy writing, but we just can’t find the space to accommodate

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 38

• The U3A will be hosting a coffee morning and arts and crafts fair at Cheddar Village Hall on November 21 from 10-11.30am where the books will be on sale. www.valley-life.com

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NEWS

Arts Quarter looks to giv

A

n Arts Quarter dedicated to showing off the talents of some of the area’s artists is set to open in the next few weeks.

The Cheddar Arts Quarter is the brainchild of artists Tracy Burkinshaw and Ellen Grady who have set up a community interest company and taken out a lease on a property at the foot of The Lippiatt in the lower gorge.

The quarter will not only house working artists but will also be a showcase for other artists to exhibit their work and act as a shop front for their work.

The not for profit company will show off truly local work made by locally working artists.

There is a growing tendency towards buying goods which are produced locally that the Arts Quarter is hoping that they can cash in the trend as well as producing bespoke art which can’t be bought elsewhere.

Textile artist, Ellen, said: “The area has always been a very attractive place for artists as we have seen with the success of the Cheddar Arts and Fringe Festival (CHAFF).

“But we wanted to set up a place where local artists could work as well as sell their goods.

“There are so many artists who are having to juggle home space with their work space

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www.valley-life.com

Preparation work starts on the first day at The Arts Quarter from left, Ellen Grady, Jacqui Randell, Helen Curnow, Al

and, as I found, it becomes very difficult. So the Art Quarter is looking to cater for those artists who have outgrown their own home.”

very rewarding, there’s nothing like being among like-minded people who can give you encouragement or just be there when you are feeling a bit low.

Jeweller Tracy Burkinshaw added: “I’ve worked on my own for many years now and the Arts Quarter is a great step forward because it enables you to be alongside other artists.

“This is why I think it will be such a great success.”

“You can bounce ideas off each other and they will all be experiencing the highs and lows of running their own businesses.

“While working alone can be

There are currently eight artists who have signed up to take space in the new Arts Quarter with another 30 artists expressing an interest in selling work in the shop.

Along with Ellen and Tracy, other artists include: 3D needle filter Heidi Davies, upcycler

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 38

NEWS

give artists a real home

rnow, Alex Curnow and Tracy Burkinshaw, above, and Tracy right, with some of the tools of her business

Sarah Hawkins, ceramicists Lucy Brown and Sarah Neal and painter Ness Robinson.

Tracy added: “The plan for the space is for their to be shop as well as a place where artists can work. We want to make it into a real hub for artists and people interested in buying local artwork to gather.

“Cheddar attracts a lot of people to the area and it would be great to offer visitors the chance to take home some locally produced artwork made by local artists.”

Mother and daughter team, Helen and Alex Curnow are another of the artists who have signed up to join the Arts Quarter.

The pair are behind Agatha & Reggie an artisan soap maker who have been working from home since they began their business.

Alex said: “It’s great to be on the ground floor of a project like this.

“The beauty about being in such a social place is that it gives you the chance to mix

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 38

with other artists and realise that the problems you may well have been getting you down have been experienced by others and they can help you out.

“Although we are a small business we have plans to grow and this opportunity will give us the chance to sell more of a locally made product” The Arts Quarter is planning an official launch in November and is hoping to be up and running in time for Festive Night on Friday, December 6. www.valley-life.com

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Feel at home with Greenhill House We provide residential and specialist dementia care in a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment. We also have a suite available for couples to stay together.

Whether you are interested in day care, short-term respite breaks or a long-term stay, get in touch with us now to arrange to come and look around.

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Sewell House

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

What is your style?

M

ost people have a certain style that they like in the interior of their house; contemporary or cottagey for example.

It’s a good idea to stick to your particular style for the exterior as well, so use a similar colour paving to the interior flooring, ‘borrow’ wall or curtain colours and use these for the plants.

This can make the house feel larger and if the link is cleverly done will create an easy flow between inside and out.

If you’ve collected lots of ideas for your space and if you have an idea of where you want each feature to be, using a sketch plan of your garden with tracing paper over, try drawing out ideas and shapes keep in mind things such as how the weather affects the garden and where the sun will be at each time of the day etc.

You could break the garden up into a series of separate areas or ‘rooms’ that you have to walk through one by one.

This can be achieved with walls, wooden or metal trellis, hedges, tall shrubs or in a small garden a cleverly placed arch can work.

If you have a long straight garden, this works particularly well, each area could have a different shape, planting scheme or flower colour, creating an exciting garden for discovery.

partial to full shade and can cope with a dry site. Just when other plants are fading, Liriope blooms from August until November, flower colours are purple or white. Whether you use it to line a shady pathway or plant it beneath a tree its green grassy foliage will give interest all year round.

• Garden care: Bulb planting can still be carried out. Leave dead flower heads on strong • Plant of the month: The stemmed shrubs and perensmall (45 cm x 30 cm) This not only makes a garden nials; it’s great for sculptural evergreen perennial Liriope, more interesting but it can interest in the winter plus good make a small garden seem larg- pictured, muscari is great for er than it really is. difficult conditions, it’ll tolerate for wildlife.

Contact Matt on 01934 235535 or email reception@suttonchiro.co.uk Contact Jane Hicks on 07817 041763 or email: designer@janesgardens.co.uk 14 www.valley-life.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 38

Healthy Eating Nutritional therapist Linda Thomas with some food advice

Get ready for winter

I

love this time of year. It’s the perfect time for hearty soups, bracing walks followed by the joy of a real fire, long soaks in the bath and tackling jobs I’ve put off all summer.

indulge in less healthy foods.

Avoid weight-gain by controlling carbohydrate cravings created by foods such as breakfast cereals, bread, cake and sweets. These foods raise serotonin levels, thus fooling your brain into thinking you are happier.

But for many people there is a strong temptation to “hibernate” on the sofa, eat lots of “comfort” food and generally be less active. Sadly, this can lead to a weakened immune system, increased weight and, for some people, feelings of depression.

But as the “sugar rush” wears off you crave it again and again.

Starting your day with higher protein options such as eggs, peanut butter on wholemeal toast or porridge with plenty of nuts, seeds helps avoid this rollercoaster effect.

Adopting some healthy winter habits will help you overcome these problems and to avoid that number one New Year Resolution - Lose Weight.

Support your immune system with Vitamin C. Winter coleslaws, roasted vegetables, vegetable soups and root vegetable and bean stews help keep vegetable intake high.

oregano all support immune function by reducing inflammation and acting as antioxidants. Mushrooms are also have immune-boosting properties.

Try to include two portions of green veggies a day – spinach in stews, broccoli with dinner or bubble and squeak with Brussels or cabbage are tasty choices.

Keep your digestion “regular” to support immune function and optimise detoxification of waste products. Fibre is your friend here - oats, apples (cooked or raw), lentils and nuts or seeds are good choices.

Fibre is also filling and can reduce the temptation to over-

Herbs and spices are important too – turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, ginger, garlic and

Omega 3 fats is shown to lift levels of depression, reduce joint pain and stiffness and enhance brain function. Eat natural forms of Omega 3, found in oily fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon, herring etc), walnuts chia seeds and ground flax seed.

Get outside more. Daylight, however weak, supports immune function, improves mood and helps with sleep patterns.

Even if it’s just a stroll around the garden with your morning cup of tea or a walk to the shops, get outside every day – rain or shine!

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

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 38

www.valley-life.com

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Mendip walks

NEWS

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

Hazel Manor heaven

T

his month I have described two walks, both starting and finishing from the same place, depending on how far you want to walk.

beech tree-lined avenue where you set off earlier.

• Walk Two (approximately 40 minutes) Carry on through the gates and a short way along turn right over a stile in the hedge. Then follow the wide, grassy track between the trees.

Park on the side of Nordrach Lane under the trees and just before Hazel Manor Lodge.

Walk through the large gates and up the beautiful beech tree-lined drive.

See how many species you can identify as there are quite a few (if the leaves haven’t dropped).

There are also lots of wildflowers each side of the track in the summer.

In spring, the grass verges each side are full of daffodils. Then when you arrive at the second gates: • Walk One (approximately 1 hour) Turn left over a stile and walk along the straight track. At the end turn right over another stile and walk along under the overhanging branches. Beware there may be animals grazing in the field here, which is open to the path.

Climb over the next stile (with dog-friendly opening) and then follow the track round to the right to a high metal gate.

Pass through and walk up the wide, grassy path, which leads you around the edge of a very large field. The path is fenced on both sides and so it is safe 16

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for dogs. Eventually, at the end of the long path, go through the gate and nearby you will see a large tree trunk on which walkers can sit while admiring the view of Blagdon and Chew Valley Lakes.

Then proceed on along the fenced track to a lane. Go through the gate and turn right.

Climb over a stile and continue to the end of the lane where it meets a hard track. Turn right and then follow it back to the

Ignore any turnings on the left or right and eventually you will have the pleasure of Chew Valley Lake suddenly appearing before you over the hedge.

Climb over the stile and turn sharp left across the field to another stile, both of which have dog friendly opening - beware of animals.

Walk across the grass to a hard track and then follow it back to the beech tree-lined avenue where you set off earlier.

• Walk: Hazel Manor Estate.

Start and End: Nordrach Lane, Near Charterhouse (off Burrington Combe Road B3134.

Postcode: BS40 6LG

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

What’s new for 2020?

I

n the days before I moved to Somerset, I owned a fashion boutique running alongside my hair salon and I was always apprehensive about choosing my Autumn/ Winter Collection in January!

But whilst the inspiration comes from the runway I ask myself what will we see filter through to our high street salon and how will we stylists and our guests interpret these looks?

Especially as I was based in Cornwall and everything that was fashion came from London! Were my customers going to be ready for these new looks?

During the spring/summer ‘19 we saw hi-lighted foils finally give way to balayage and root shadowing. The main colours predominantly being cool ash and icy shades but as autumn/ winter approaches we are seeing guests turning to the warmer shades of coral, peach and copper and I’m absolutely loving that some of our more “mature” ladies are opting for something different and adding a flash of vibrant colour or a pastel toner.

Bearing this in mind and inspired by a recent trip to Worldhood Hair and Fashion Show I decided that it was time to get creative in the salon and look ahead to 2020.

With fashion month now over we looked to the styling on the runway to see what’s going to be hitting our Instagram in the months ahead as gone are the days when the only inspiration came from clients armed with the latest “Hair Flair” magazine!

As far as haircuts are concerned 2020 had every shape covered. Bobs, lobs, pixie cuts and fringes (or Bangs!) of all lengths are in, but as in previous years long hair reigned supreme! Soft , romantic waves and curls are featured by all the fashion houses with even 18

crimped hair being a common theme. The favorite product of hairstylists this season is undoubtedly gel, whether it is used to fix a ponytail to bring a glossy shine to a bun or to scrape hair back off the face.

Deep side and middle partings and fringes were sculpted into waves or baroque patterns using generous helpings of gel emanating a 60’s demeanour.

The simple pony tail; worn either sleek and low with the band covered in a wrap of hair or high and swinging with the ends curled. Braids were also given yet another haute couture re-imagining with double box braids and cornrows adorned in pearls and crystals, along with statement hair accessories such as ribbons and scarves braided into the hair.

Curling wands and irons have been top of the Christmas list for a few years now and we have seen a definite shift from the smooth and straightened to soft curls and waves - the brushed out wave becoming ever popular. Long gone too are the elegant intricate updo’s as our brides and prom goers opted for romantic, un-done natural messy buns and loosely pinned half up styles with pulled out braids. So what’s your style? Are you ready for something different?

Contact Sarah at Acutabove, Axbridge on 01934 733666

www.valley-life.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 38

Valley Life Directory - get your business noticed call Sara on 07951 644669

Tiggi’s Travels Seeing life differently with visually-impaired Tiggi Trethowan

Life in the countryside

T

he autumn is now fully upon us and that wonderful expectation of snuggling up in front of a log fire seems so appealing.

However, life marches on and as always “Tiggi’s Travels” take me and my guide dog Jackie on more interesting journeys.

Firstly, an update on my chicken debacle. For those who have not read my articles before, I have a very lovely but slightly erratic Cockrell called Rocky who recently lost his first love to the Fox and now his second love Amber has passed away.

I feel wholly responsible for this as I recently bought into the flock two rescue hens. In my neighbours words they look a little bit slutty! If they were girls I think you’d find them hanging outside a salubrious nightclub with a rollup on their lips!

However, Rocky is completely besotted by them and has deserted his replacement love Amber who consequently died of a broken heart. I know “it’s just a chicken” but I get extremely attached to my animals!

On a happier note I have been

DRAYCOTT QUILTERS draycottquilters.co.uk

QUILT SHOW

and sale of handcrafted gifts

Saturday 9th NOVEMBER 10am until 3pm

Draycott Memorial Hall Latches Ln, Draycott, Cheddar BS27 3UE

Admission £3.50 includes tea & homemade cake supporting

having a huge amount of fun with my new Podcast series Draycott Diaries.

This Podcast series is all about community in the present age.

A glimpse into people’s busy lives. My intention is to make an audible capsule for future generations as a historical point of reference.

There are nine episodes available. I have had the joy of meeting so many wonderful and very different members of my village including sheep farmers, a postman, a horsewoman, a charity fund-raiser, our vicar and most recently the editor of this magazine.

Everybody I talk to has been so generous. Letting me have a glimpse into the more private parts of their lives. I thank them for their bravery and I know for everybody who listens to their stories; it brings a sense of pride.

With my guide dog Jackie at my side I am proud to announce as an existing Ambassador for Guide Dogs, I am the newly-appointed coordinator for the ‘Strawberries’.

This is a new Guide Dogs fundraising and information group predominantly covering Cheddar and the nearby villages. We have several exciting events coming up including blind skittles and a film night with a very special guest!

If you would like to meet me and Jackie dog and hear more about how you can support Guide Dogs, we will be at the Draycott Hall on November 9 with the amazing Draycott Quilters.

They will be raffling a beautiful quilt for Guide Dogs and there will be other extraordinary handmade items to view. See you there for a welcome cuppa.

We can’t wait to meet you!

Listen to the latest Draycott Diaries Podcast available at www.draycottdiaries.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 / ISSUE 38

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