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Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley

MARCH 2020, ISSUE 42 FREE

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Spring is on its way News, views and features from Axbridge Cheddar, Wedmore and Winscombe

NEWS this issue Inside

welcome . . . The extension to the cemetery nears reality – Page 5

Cheddar Lions hand out awards to two schemes – Page 7

The upholsterers making a name for themselves – Pages 10-11

Welcome to the forty-second issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy the offering of news, views and features from the Cheddar Valley. It’s nice to see that businesses are thriving in our community.

Nothing regenerates an area quicker than having a wide range of successful and diverse businesses bringing in jobs and services to the Cheddar Valley. The philosophy of once again people making use of local businesses rather than going further afield seems to be a growing one. And Cheddar Ales and Pretty Sitting are two businesses which seem to be riding this new

wave of enthusiasm for buying local. It’s also good to see that Cheddar Parish Council has completed the negotiations to extend the cemetery at Sharpham Road. I know this has been a long-winded affair, but the council must be congratulated on concluding what will be a much-needed extension to the current site. Finally, let’s hope we’ve seen the back of the torrential rain which has led to February being one of the wettest on record. And as the picture on the front shows, spring really is just around the corner and with it - hopefully - the warmer weather. Rob Perkins, Editor

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.

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2020 / ISSUE 42

NEWS

Celebration brewing as Tap Room opens

Joel Hancock, left, and Jem Ham raise a glass to the opening of the Tap Room at Cheddar Ales’ brewery on Winchester Farm

heddar Ales will be officially opening their Tap Room next month with a celebration evening to mark the event.

Tap Room looks. But now we are ready and we hope that the community will come along and celebrate the occasion with us.

For managing director Jem Hall, it’s the culmination of more than 12 months planning to allow visitors to taste the beers on offer at the brewery. Saturday, April 4 will see the Tap Room officially opened with local band One For The Road playing live at the Winchester Farm venue.

“There will be 11 beers on offer as well as ciders, gin, wine, soft drinks and a range of bar snacks. One of the more exciting developments will be the brewing of bespoke, one off brews only available at the Tap Room. There will also be hot food options to help soak up the beer.

He said: “It has been a long process to get the licence, planning permission and make it so that we are happy with how the

“I’m sure it will prove to be a great success and we want to use it to showcase the range of award-winning ales we

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produce in our brewery.” Tap Room manager Joel Hancock added: “I think this is something that will really go down well with not only local residents but those coming into the area throughout the year. The tours of the brewery have always been popular but this is putting it on a completely different footing.” Entry to the event will cost £5 with tickets available on the door, but they can be bought online from the website to avoid potential disappointment - www.cheddarales.co.uk. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

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Cheddar Parish Council News

NEWS

working to provide a better community

Cemetery extension vision now a reality

ontractors worked through wet and windy conditions to lay out the area with sheep fencing, a new roadway, native hedging and fifty silver birch trees. Seeding of the muddy area with grass and meadow flower mix will be completed when the ground dries out. Temporary fencing will be removed to open out the cemetery once the grass is established. • Holwell Lane ownership and rights of way rumble on as Bloor Homes apply to take ownership of the lane.

are very useful and currently being collated and discussed before sharing with the Police and Somerset Highways.

The Parish Council is responding via the Land Registry Office and has applied for Village Green status to protect this area from bisection by road traffic generated by Bloor Phase 2.

• Awards to individuals or small groups who have given exceptional service to the community will be presented at the Annual Parish meeting on April 22. If you would like to nominate a local resident or group please get in touch.

Our application is currently being considered by Somerset County Council. • Thank you to those who returned the Speeding and Dangerous driving leaflets with vital evidence.

• Grants of up to £1000 for local projects to benefit the community can be made by voluntary, community and not-for-profit groups by 25th March. More details available via the clerk and PC website.

Your responses and comments

• We have said farewell to our

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2020 / ISSUE 42

Clerk, Hazel Brinton, who moves on to North Somerset Council. Our thanks to Hazel and best wishes for her new role. We welcome a locum clerk, Jo Swift, who will be doing her best to assist you, along with Sam Peake. • A Great British Spring Clean event, organised jointly by Cheddar PC and Plastic Free Cheddar will take place on Sunday, March 29 at 10am, meeting at the Leisure Centre car park. Equipment provided but gloves would be useful. Please join us for litter picking.

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NEWS

Cheddar Vale Lions help out two causes

heddar Vale Lions Club has handed out grants totalling £450 to two worthwhile causes in the village.

aim to support children and their families. Sylvia added: “The club received a wonderful letter from a young boy supported by this organisation as he was to be part of a team they have entered for the Ten Tors challenge.

A cheque for £400 was presented to The Café in Cheddar being run by a new team, Hannah & Neil, pictured right. Cheddar Vale Lions spokeperson, Sylvia Cook, said: “ They have changed the way the café is managed and it is now very much a community hub in the village, who are determined to keep it going with the help of volunteers. “We wish them every success for the future. and we hope that people will go in and say

hello, have a coffee where you will find a very welcoming atmosphere and locals to chat to. “This is a very worthwhile cause and we hope it receives the support it deserves.” The second cheque, pictured top, worth £50 was presented to “Ups & Downs”, a Down Syndrome support charity who

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“Each member of the team needed to raise an amount to help with their equipment and training. The club granted him £50 to help him along the way and met him at their training day on the Quantocks. We were really impressed with Sam and will be following his progress through the challenge.”

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NEWS

The end of The Crown?

pub which has been part of the Axbridge landscape for centuries is in danger of closing. The owner of The Crown on St Mary’s Street has submitted a planning permission to Sedgemoor District Council to change the use of the pub into a house. The move has caused many residents to mourn the loss of such as landmark and there are conversations going on as to the prospect of turning it into a community pub. These discussions are still very much in the infant stage.

The Crown on St Mary’s Street, Axbridge

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NEWS

Pretty Sitting riding rec

ong-term friends Jillian Humphrey and Lucy Mead have been championing the recycling idea for decades. But only now is society beginning to sit up and listen and that has led to success for their fledgling re-upholstery and interior decorating business Pretty Sitting Upholstery & Interiors in Cheddar. The venture which opened for business last June is now thriving as its ethos is becoming something that more and more people are buying into, said Jillian, an upholsterer for more than eight years. The twice-weekly courses run at the workshop on Tweentown are proving such a success that Jillian is preparing to offer week-long courses to satisfy demand. Such has been the success of Pretty Sitting that the two women, who have more than 30 years experience between them, have already had to take on another employee, while the company has been shortlisted for the South West finals of the Federation of Small Business environmental awards. Jillian said: “It’s been a whirlwind six months since we opened and although we were convinced we were doing the right thing, I don’t think we realised just what an appetite there was for restoring, reusing 10

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Pretty Sitting owners Jillian Humphrey, left, and Lucy Mead in their shop on Tweentown. On the right, a newly-pad

and re-loving.” Lucy added: “People are shunning the idea of throwing away perfectly good furniture and turning to places like ours to bring older pieces back to life. “Our motto of restore, reuse and relove is something that we have been banging on about for years, but it seems that society is now coming round to agreeing with us.”

Jillian said: “It’s a throwaway society now, we buy things cheaply and then just throw them away - but where is away? It’s a very small planet and we are just piling up waste around us and destroying the planet in the process. “We want people to buy well, restore when needed, love them again and keep them out of landfill. “ The success of TV pro-

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NEWS

ecycling phenomenon our workshop. Or, better still, sign up for one of our upholstery courses and learn to do it yourself. As a business, we always look to buy well, to make, mend and sell to our customers great quality recycled and hand made products. “And we promote the use of natural fibres and fillings, wherever possible and looking to buy British and indeed local products, wherever possible.” Education is a big part of what Jillian and Lucy put at the core of their business. Jillian and Lucy are fully qualified upholsterers with over years of experience between them. Jillian said: “We run a programme of courses and classes in upholstery and related crafts for the home.”

wly-padded chair from their showroom

grammes like The Repair Shop and Money for Nothing have shown that there is a real interest in bringing once loved pieces of furniture back into the fold. “I was brought up in a family where make do and mend was the philosophy so I was always interested in sewing and upholstery. So now I’m bringing that philosophy to our business. We are passion-

ate about handmade, thrifty and eclectic interiors and can help you create the look that you want by using up-cycled, restored and vintage pieces. “We are committed to conserving, restoring and re-loving old furniture to save it for future generations. “We try to save old furniture and fabrics from going into landfill so if you have no use for something that you think we might like, bring it along to

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The showroom on Tweentown is crammed with pieces which have been lovingly restored and Jillian is encouraging people to come in and visit. The company also offers a cushion refilling a sofa repair service. Jillian added: “We try to extend the life of saggy sofas by replacing seat pads with high quality foam guaranteed to last at least 12 years or put in extra feather fillings. Where possible we can repair broken springs without the need for full re-upholstery.” • Contact Pretty Sitting on 01934 752725 or email info@ prettysittingvintage.co.uk

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NEWS

Pageant News Keep up to date with what’s going on in Axbridge Pageant 2020

Pageant is taking shape

t was an evening with a difference in the ancient Somerset town of Axbridge as Saxons mingled with Victorians, Tudors chatted with the Home Guard… and scores of people signed up to fight in historic battles. The past and present collided at a recruitment and information session for the 2020 Axbridge Pageant. Held in the Town Hall, the event gave local people a chance to embrace their inner historical character or to take on a role behind the scenes. Whole families signed up for the Lady Day Fair and Edwardian scenes as well as the Monmouth Rebellion where they could wave off their loved ones to fight in two different conflicts hundreds of years apart. One lady offered a flock of sheep complete with sheep dog for the Lady Day Fair, while equestrian Liz Scott pledged to bring fellow horse riders to the occasion. The Tite family will once again be putting the diesel into the Second World War scene with a vintage tractor and trailer to 12

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give the Land Girls a ride into the Square. And Mrs Tite is keen for her 1970s moped to make an entrance in the post war scenes. Artistic Director of the pageant John Bailey said: “It’s been very busy with a lot of people committing themselves to more than one scene - which is really heartening. “It’s still not too late to sign up but it is essential to have the names for each scene committed very soon so the costumes can be arranged.” Producer John Kendall said: “A lot of people have come to the town in the last ten years and so don’t know about the pageant. With the display boards and the video running

throughout the evening they had a chance to soak up the concept and become engaged with it – and sign up.” Wardrobe mistress Barbara Wells said: “I think once people saw the costumes we had on display and the photos of some of incredible outfits they became hooked. “It is a chance to be a character from the past and become living history – and that’s what got so many excited.” The Axbridge Pageant 2020 is over the bank holiday weekend in August, Saturday to Monday, August 29-31, in the afternoon. If you missed the event and would still like to take part email John Kendall at production@axbridgepageant.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2020 / ISSUE 42

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

Preparation is the key if you’re going skiing

any of will be hitting the ski slopes soon, so here’s are a few tips to get the most out of your ski trip this winter and prevent injuries.

• On the slopes – Ensure you warm up before skiing and stretch at the end of the day. Start off gently taking one warm up run down the easiest slope each time before more challenging terrain. Take plenty of breaks and listen to your body – pain is a warning sign!

• Build your strength – Leg and core strength are important to make sure you soak those bumps ripples and moguls as you’re on the slopes on your skis or snowboard. For the legs (glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps) I find exercises like lunges and squats are best to develop this, and the plank for your core strength. • Build your endurance – Most of us hit the slopes and plan on skiing all day even if it’s been months or years. By the time the afternoon comes around the body is tired which is the prime time for injuries and accidents to happen. Building your cardio endurance at least 6 weeks before getting on the ski slopes by exercising 3-5 times is recommended. The best exercises to prepare

• Back pain – Repetitive stress and fatigue on the back is common with skiing. With an acute injury use ice rather than heat to help reduce inflammation. for skiing are running/cycling or the cross trainer for a whole body workout. • Improve balance – Balance is an important factor in skiing. Using a wobble board can help to improve balance and build up your ankle muscles. However, I tend to use the basic stand on one foot while you brush your teeth or you’re waiting for the kettle to boil. Do this with your knee bent to a comfortable angle to get the maximum benefit.

Always be careful when carrying skis or boards. Leave them standing upright so you don’t have to bend to pick them up. Carry them over your shoulder, swapping shoulders regularly. • Check in with us – If you start to feel your back is niggling, or had previous back episodes and dropped off your exercise routine, taking action earlier is always better. You’ll get more out of the trip and save yourself injury!

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

NEWS

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

Draycottâ€™s delights

he entrance to this walk is situated a quarter of a mile down the hill from the Mendip Gliding Club.

when you get to the bottom, walk along to the right and through the gate back onto New Road;

Park on the side of New Road where it is widest and there are gates on both sides of the road. Go through the one to Draycott Sleights Nature Reserve (on the left if facing uphill). Walk straight ahead along the path and, on reaching a water trough, turn right through the kissing gate and head uphill towards the left, on a small track. At the top there are two rocky outcrops near to one another, where you can sit and admire the wonderful views in all directions. Then continue along the small track which runs beside the edge of the escarpment. You will pass the ruins of an old stone building down on the left and, in Spring, the rough grasslands spread out below are absolutely covered in cowslips. Also, you may be lucky enough to see and hear the Skylark singing its little heart out. Eventually the track leads downhill to a kissing gate and information board. You can 14

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then either turn right (before the gate) and follow the boundary wall up hill and all along the top, next to the Mendip Gliding Club Airfield. You may see gliders being towed up into the air and then floating around silently in the sky above. The path continues down into a dip and on past a barn and dewpond. Keep following the boundary wall uphill until the track drops quite steeply downwards. If you find this too steep you can walk a bit further along to the right and then down, where it slopes gradually. Either way,

Alternatively, go through the gate, turn left and walk down the wide, grassy path to another gate at the bottom. For a shorter walk continue straight ahead on the path, past a dew pond and then along under the beautiful row of beech trees, of which there are about a hundred, back to the start;.Or continue on down the hillside, next to the boundary wall, until you reach the very bottom. Then walk along to the left through a narrow strip of trees. At the end of the wood carry on across the hill next to the boundary wall and then head upwards towards the row of beech trees at the top. Again, in the Spring, you will see pink orchids growing on these slopes as you make your way up. When you reach the wide path turn right and walk back to where you started. Walk: Draycott Sleights Nature Reserve. Start & End: New Road, Draycott Nearest Postcode: BA5 3BX

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NEWS

Healthy Eating Nutritionaltherapist therapistLinda LindaThomas Thomaswith withsome somefood foodadvice advice Nutritional

Mighty magnesium M agnesium is an important mineral which has a role in over 300 different metabolic functions but can be overlooked when considering creating a balance diet.

• The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of magnesium is 300-400mg per day for adults but it is estimated that 70-80% of the population may be deficient in this vital nutrient. increasing your intake of magnesium rich foods is the best way to address this rather than taking supplements as magnesium from foods is better absorbed by the body.

Some important health benefits of magnesium include: • Improved sleep - magnesium interacts with neurotransmitters which favour sleep so a deficiency means it is harder to nod off or causes a more broken pattern of sleep. • Efficient muscle function – magnesium makes muscles relax while calcium makes them tense up so a balance of these two minerals is vital for good muscle function. Some common problems experienced when we have low levels of magnesium include headaches and muscle cramps. • Digestion – magnesium deficiency can contribute to constipation as the muscles of the digestive tract can become tense and prevent effective movement of digested food and waste through the large intestine and colon. • Stress management – low levels of magnesium have

been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. The exact mechanism for this is unknown but when the “fight or flight” reaction is triggered (whatever the cause – emotional problems, over-work, tiredness, over-exercise or even pain and illness) the adrenal glands produce stress hormones such as cortisol and this uses large amounts of magnesium • Cardiovascular function – magnesium transports electrolytes into cells and these are important for nerve signals which control the muscle contractions of a normal heartbeat so low levels of magnesium can contribute to irregular heartbeat. In addition, magnesium deficiency can contribute to high blood pressure and increased risk of stroke.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2020 / ISSUE 42

Foods to include regularly in your diet include leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, cabbage, brussels etc), almonds, avocado, natural peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, oats, quinoa, lentils and beans will help ensure you are getting adequate supplies of this vital mineral. An examples of a magnesium rich recipes include porridge with pumpkin seeds and almonds, kale and lentil soup, mixed bean salad with spinach and avocado, or salmon with quinoa stuffed pepper and broccoli. Magnesium can also be absorbed through the skin so a warm bath with Epsom salts (magnesium flakes) can improve magnesium levels and aid sleep.

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Step out for hospice

he annual charity walk from Wells Cathedral Green to Tor Rugby Club for St Margaret’s Hospice returns on Saturday, March 14 – with a big difference!

greeted at the end of the walk with a medal, pasty and pint (or a soft drink for children), and can then watch England play Italy in the Six Nations on the big screen in the clubhouse.

Following numerous requests the organisers of the event have opened it up to women and children, and hope that the renamed ‘Great Mendip Rugby Walk’ will turn into an annual family tradition.

The entry fee is £25 for adults and £15 for 12-18 year olds, with under-12s taking part free of charge. Places can be booked at www.st-margarets-hospice. org.uk

The walk begins at 1.30pm on Wells Cathedral Green and ends at Tor Rugby Club, a distance of approximately 6 ½ miles. Participants will be

Peter Lugg, Chairman of Candlelight Care who organise the Great Mendip Rugby Walk, said, “We are delighted to bring the walk back for a fourth successive year, and to open the

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

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

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

event up to the whole family. Candlelight Care has worked closely with St Margaret’s Hospice in Yeovil for several years, not only to deliver care to its patients living in their own homes but also for advice and staff training. To date our charity walks have raised £10,000 for the Hospice, and we look forward to raising more for this worthy cause this year.” Last year St. Margaret’s cared for 4,900 people, the majority of which were cared for in their own homes. Over 1,200 volunteers help St. Margaret’s to care for people at the end of their lives.

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

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Award-winning ales, brewed on the slopes of the Mendip Hills

Party time at Cheddar Ales

To celebrate the opening of our new Tap Room please join us for the big launch on Saturday, April 4 from 5pm

• 11 Beers • Live music from • Ciders local covers band • Gin and Wine • Food • Entry £5 on the door to include branded glass and first pint All Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult at all times

Cheddar Ales, Winchester Farm, Draycott Road, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RP Tel: 01934 744193 • Email: sales@cheddarales.co.uk

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

How to highlight your garden’s best features

ighting is very important in a garden for practical applications such as entrances, safety and direction, but if thought through carefully it can be a great design feature highlighting interesting aspects such as trees or sculpture.

stems and foliage. If plants are adjacent to walls, well positioned lighting can create stunning silhouettes. For contemporary garden steps, chic strip lights set beneath the edge of the tread of garden steps and beneath built in benches can also be used to define different areas of a garden.

When it comes to creating an impact, less is more: soft colours, low level lighting and think how the fixtures will look during the day. Highlight mature trees by either placing a spotlight at the base of the trunk and using up lighting to illuminate the branches and canopy alternatively, position the light fixture high up inside the tree and directing the light downwards towards the ground. This type of lighting can also be used effectively to highlight garden sculptures, careful consideration is needed to suit the type of fixture and the direction in which it is illuminated. To create the feeling of more space in a small garden, an

Employ an electrician to help you do it properly, buy plug and play lights or solar lights, the choice is yours.

ambient lighting scheme can make your garden seem bigger. Incorporate soft recessed uplights around the perimeter of patio or along each side of pathways. String lights suspended beneath a pergola, tree or shrub can also be effective. Spike lights are easy to push into the soil of your bedding area and offer directional lighting, they will highlight architectural plants and trees,

Plant of the month: Daphne’s (all of them) are fabulous this month with their beautifully scented flowers. Plant it in moist soil, sheltered conditions and sun or part shade. To do this month: I think March is all about preparing for the warmer seasons to come, jobs involve sowing a few seeds, keeping on top of the weeding, Potted plants need top dressing and if you haven’t already spread a layer of compost on your flower beds, do this now.

Contact Jane Hicks on 07817 041763 or email: designer@janesgardens.co.uk

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

The dangers of love

irst and update on my chicken affairs. Having said I would never have another cockerel after the loss of Rocky. A lovely friend, who knew I was in deep mourning for my hen, delivered the magnificent Gordon and I haven’t looked back since. He is stunning being pure white with a black tail and collar. The only sadness so far has been Gordon’s lovemaking which can be a little bit overwhelming at times. Recently during a passionate embrace with my little red Warren hen, she keeled over and died of a heart attack. What a stud!? Tiggi’s Travels have taken me to our Draycott annual village pantomime, Cinderella. Community is close to my heart and the coming together of a group of villagers prepared to don wigs, wear lots of makeup and frankly dress in extraordinary guises, gets my vote. Pantomime it seems originated in Italy as part of the Commedia dell’arte street theatre in the 16th Century.

Described as comedic moments, stock characters and great physicality, the Mendip

my trainer hiding in bushes and furtively following us around Cheddar. Anybody who viewed this extraordinary scenario would think I was in an episode of CSI. As a guide dog service user I am indebted to Guide Dogs and was interested to research how and when the UK organisation started. In 1931 two amazing women in Mersey trained four German shepherd dogs in a humble garage. However, the first service animal training schools originated in Germany during World War One, to enhance the mobility of returning veterans who were blinded in combat. Historical research shows evidence of dogs guiding blind people right back to the 16th- Century.

Players have plenty of all three! It’s not just the performance but the gathering of the community to share in joyfulness and laughter. I didn’t take Jackie my assistance dog and took a friend instead to guide my path. The difference was, Jackie dog does not drink red wine and my friend does. Consequently our journey home, with laughter and singing ringing in our ears, was a little haphazard.

In fact, a recent mural was discovered dated 1st century AD depicting a blind man being led by a dog. Today there are nearly 5,000 people in the UK like myself achieving life changing independence because of their assistant dogs.

Jackie dog and I had our two year Guide Dog assessment this week and I’m happy to report we passed with flying colours. The test comprised of

“The blind man walks wherever the dog pulls, And so I answered.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s 19th Century verse from her novel Aurora Leigh.

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

This property in Hannay Road, Cheddar had multiple viewings booked and received an offer within EIGHT hours of it coming on the market

If youâ€™re thinking of selling give us a call and weâ€™ll be happy to book you a free Market Appraisal

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