Valley Life - the comeback issue - July 2020

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Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley

JULY 2020, ISSUE 43 FREE

www.valley-life.com

Blooming great to be back News, views and features from Axbridge Cheddar, Wedmore and Winscombe

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Inside this issue

welcome . . .

Key workers treated by Anwwar’s cookery skills – Page 4

How the Parish Council reacted to the pandemic

corona

and the

– Page 6

Cheddar Valley Community

let’s help each other ... www.facebook.com/groups/coronacheddar/

Need any help?

0333 772 1934

Fancy a chat?

0333 772 1935

Lines open 8am to 8pm

Lines open 8am to 10pm

How the Coronavirus gave rise to a real sense of community spirit – Pages 12-13

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.

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Welcome to the forty-third issue of Valley Life and I hope that all our readers and advertisers have come through the pandemic without too much trauma.

The lockdown which started on March 23 obviously had a major effect on all walks of life in the Cheddar Valley - and Valley Life was one of those businesses which was adversely affected.

But what we witnessed in the immediate aftermath of the lockdown was something quite remarkable.

A new sense of community spirit was fostered with the aim of looking after those most vulnerable in our area.

The Coronavirus group set up in Cheddar and Axbridge became a lifeline to all those who were unable to get out and carry on their normal lives.

Such was the success of the initiative that at its height there were more than . . . volunteers.

It was thanks to those volunteers that life was made bearable for all those vulnerable people in our community.

Now that the threat to our community’s health has been addressed, it’s time for us now to give life support to those businesses which need our help.

Never has it been more important to shop local.

Rob Perkins, Editor

Maria’s voice brings lockdown harmony

I

t may have started in Italy when people sang to each other to overcome the loneliness of quarantine during the pandemic.

But, like the virus, it quickly spread across the world as people sought the power of music to ease fears and bring communities together.

And that has been the case with one Cheddar resident who has been using her voice to bring cheer during the lockdown weeks.

Grandmother of six Maria Florey entertained her neighbours every Thursday evening during the ‘Clap for Carers’ get together.

But it hasn’t just been the neighbours who have enjoyed Maria’s voice, the Cheddar mum has been entertaining residents at several care homes in the Cheddar Valley as they endured the lockdown.

She even serenaded a local couple who were celebrating their anniversary to make up for not being allowed to meet up with family or friends.

She said: “I have been singing since I was a youth, but never really done anything with my voice before.

“It all started when a friend of

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mine said her mother-in-law who was in a care home would love to hear me sing.

“I went along and it went down a storm and the look on the faces of the residents made it all worthwhile.

“Since then I’ve gone to quite a few homes and the residents and staff have really enjoyed it JULY 2020 / ISSUE 43

and I’ve loved it too. I do a lot of songs including opera and You’ll Never Walk Alone made famous by Captain Tom. “It means so much to them now especially with the social distancing.”

So watch out for Maria - she might just be Cheddar Valley’s answer to Susan Boyle. www.valley-life.com

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Anwar spices up the life of key workers

P

robably still best known as the former owner of Cheddar Cottage, Anwar Hussain, is cooking up a new image for himself.

Our menu has changed to allow us to serve you both at the pub, and also for you to pre order & take home.

Anwar, who also runs his own Bangladeshi cookery courses as well as acting as your own chef for small parties, was keen to help key staff.

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We’re back ...

So we’re ready to serve the Cheddar Valley community as we have done for the last 20 years, both as a pub, and now also in your homes.

With nearly 300 meals distributed, Anwar and his wife Shopna, have become just two of the real heroes of the lockdown.

“But I didn’t know how well it would be taken up - I’ve been amazed at the response and I’m just pleased I’ve been able to give something back to those who have been working so hard for our community.

Cheddar At the Riverside we’re getting prepared for the “new normal”, though we can’t ignore the challenges, the pain and the grief that many have experienced directly, and we’re eternally grateful to the key workers who carried on while we had to stop.

During the lockdown, Anwar, pictured right, a member of the Rotary Club of Mendip, has put his culinary skills to work on four occasions to provide free take-way meals to NHS, care home staff and essential workers.

He said: “I saw how hard these people were working and wanted to make their home lives a little easier. We came up with the idea of giving them a take-away meal so that they wouldn’t have to cook after a hard day at work.

Riverside Inn & Restaurant

“I must also thank Nim at Tweentown Garage who has allowed me to distribute the meals to key workers.”

Anwar’s Cheddar Chauffeur and Taxi business funded the first meal with the owners of Spice Cottage funding the second.

The last two were funded by donations from two Rotary VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE

Club of Mendip members.

Club president elect Ceri Davies said: “We are extremely proud of what Anwar has done to support the dedicated essential workers, who either work or reside in our community.

Whenever and wherever in the world there is a human crisis, you will find Rotary quietly at work.”

JULY 2020 / ISSUE 43

Though we’re still supporting our local suppliers to provide you with freshly cooked locally sourced food. And we’re also making ordering as easy as possible so you can order & pay by phone, by app or contactless upon collection.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Riverside Inn … in the heart of Somerset

Cliff Street | Cheddar | Somerset | BS27 3PX | 01934 742 452 info@riversidecheddar.co.uk | riversidecheddar.co.uk

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Cheddar Parish Council News

working to provide a better community

Moving out of lockdown

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Keeping clients safe

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usinesses throughout the Cheddar Valley have been badly hit by the pandemic.

lockdown we want you to know you’ll be in safe hands at Acutabove.

“We have split our team into two shifts to allow more space for social distancing and we’ll try and accommodate as many guests as possible by opening longer hours, Monday to Saturday.

Some have had to close down completely while others have found innovative new ways of doing business.

But every on of these businesses are looking forward to the day that they can get back to some sort of normality.

T

hroughout lockdown the Parish Council has continued to function effectively, albeit with our clerks working largely from home and council meetings held by video conference.

Community spirit has been wonderful and we give special thanks to the local food retailers who have served us so well and the businesses which have provided home delivery and take-away services.

We are particularly grateful to the many volunteers in the Coronavirus Community Support Group and the foodbank for providing lifelines to people in difficulties and of course we applaud the key workers in the

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NHS and all other essential services for helping us through the pandemic.

village to visitors again without causing disturbance to the residents.

We have been pleased to keep our parks open for people to exercise and enjoy the fine weather. Unfortunately this has also resulted in a lot of litter and we ask people to take it home for recycling if there are no available bins.

Work to complete the extension to the cemetery has continued and it is now ready to receive burials. Please contact the assistant clerk to make arrangements: 01934 743217.

Another unwanted outcome has been an increase in anti-social and dangerous driving and groups gathering in the gorge.

We are working harder than ever with the police and major landowners to try to stop this.

We have also held discussions with the police and businesses over ways to safely open up the VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE

Finally, on June 1st we welcomed Sarah Catling as our new Parish Clerk in place of Jo Swift who has been covering the position since February.

Sarah will be working with our Assistant Clerk Sam Peake.

For the time being no visitors are allowed at the parish offices and Hannah More Cottage and the sports pavilion at the playing fields remain closed.

JULY 2020 / ISSUE 43

“Still conscious of our environmental responsibility, freshly laundered gowns and towels will be used for every guest.

Sarah Boundy, the owner of Acutabove, Axbridge, is just one of those who can’t wait to reopen.

be apprehensive about coming back to her salon.

And she has a reassuring message for customers who might

She said: “As we open our doors for the first time since

“And we will be operating a one-way system around the salon to allow for sanitisation and so keeping us safe at all times.”

WOODPECKER SERVICES creating customers that recommend

fencing logs landscaping tree and hedging work firewood processing

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steve@woodpecker-services.co.uk www.valley-life.com JULY 2020 / ISSUE 43

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE

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NEWS

New role for Catling

C

heddar Parish Council has appointed a new Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.

Sarah Catling, pictured, took up the position on June 1, replacing Hazel Brinton who left the parish council in February.

Sarah joins from the Mendip Hills Area Outstanding National Beauty Unit where she was the Support and Communications officer.

She brings excellent local knowledge to the post, having lived in Cheddar since 2003.

She has also been involved with various community

Sewell House

groups throughout that time.

And previously she has worked at the Kings of Wessex Academy for nine years.

Chairman of Cheddar Parish Council, Peter Colton, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the job. With lockdown easing the parish council is very busy once again and she will undoubtedly be a great asset.”

• 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

Peter added that Sarah will be working with Assistant Clerk Sam Peake, but the parish office itself remains closed to all visitors for the time being and meetings are being held via video conference.

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

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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 8

www.valley-life.com

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JULY 2020 / ISSUE 43

NEWS

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Virtual live event to help hospice funds

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The Lipinski Band will be one of several acts at the Big Virtual Weston Fest with proceeds going to WestonHospice Care

lastonbury may have been cancelled but Weston Hospicecare has teamed up with Reaper Events bring live music to your gardens and homes.

The Big Virtual Weston Fest will be streamed on Weston Hospicecare’s Facebook page and YouTube channel between 3-10.30pm on Saturday, July 4 with local bands playing 30-45 minute sets, with the event hosted by actor, performer and entertainer Steve Apelt.

It will be streamed live from the White Noise Rehearsal and Recording Space with seven bands ready to entertain including:

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE

• The Lipinski Band • The Voice’s Harrisen LarnerMain • Cheekbone • Fantastique • The Weeds • Taylor Topham • And…Britain’s Got Talent’s Dennis Demille It is definitely not a festival you want to miss, so be sure to save the date, fire up the sound systems and get ready to let your hair down!

A WestonHospice Care spokesman said: “Enjoy the music, share your photos on social media by using #TheBigVirtualWestonFest and donate to our cause.”

JULY 2020 / ISSUE 43

The WestonHospice Care team have exclusive festival T-shirts on sale to add to the Glastonbury vibe and help you to look the part during the big day and are the first step to building your very own festival, more ideas to come in your Fest pack soon!

All proceeds will support the care given to those in Westonsuper-Mare, North Somerset and Sedgemoor with life-limiting conditions.

You can support WestonHospice by texting “WESTONFEST” to 70085 to donate £10.

To edit the amount you give, text “WESTONFEST” followed by the amount you wish to give. www.valley-life.com

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he Corona Cheddar Valley group has connected people and been a facilitator, an enabler, though it is really only a vehicle through which amazingly enthusiastic and generous local people have been able to help each other, writes Simon Childs As the Coronavirus pandemic spread around the world earlier this year a lot of communities in many countries set up their own support groups.

It seems that a Facebook group connecting elderly, vulnerable or self-isolating people with willing volunteers was at the core of many of these activities.

It certainly was for us.

The initial idea came out of a message exchange between Mike Belch, Julian Sayer and myself.

The Facebook group was set up on March 15 and we were very soon joined by district councillor Lisa Methley, Amit and Emma Shah, Stuart Edmonstone and Julian’s daughter, Kelly Kostyla; the nine of us forming the initial core team.

The response from the community on Facebook was absolutely amazing however it was evident that we were not engaging with many people potentially in need of support, so we set up a telephone hotline that is operated by around 20 fantastic volunteer

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corona

and the

Community spirit triumphs despite the virus Cheddar Valley Community

let’s help each other ... www.facebook.com/groups/coronacheddar/

Need any help?

0333 772 1934

Fancy a chat?

0333 772 1935

Lines open 8am to 8pm

Lines open 8am to 10pm

call handlers from 8am to 8pm daily.

To communicate this we distributed a couple of information cards throughout Cheddar, Axbridge, Cross, Compton Bishop, Rackley and Weare to connect with people not online or not on Facebook.

The second card introduced the chat line for people who may be isolating and simply feel like talking, and is manned daily by Rotary Club of Mendip and Cheddar Vale Lions Club members.

And to minimise contact VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE

between volunteers and people who are isolating or vulnerable, a payment system was introduced under the auspices of Cheddar Chamber of Commerce. Our call handlers are able to take payments by phone or BACS and we reimburse the volunteers via BACS. We’ve also established a fund to cover people who are unable to pay either due to hardship or not being able to access funds, and we have received a number of extremely generous donations.

Most recently, thanks to Cllr Lisa Methley’s efforts, JULY 2020 / ISSUE 43

Sedgemoor District Council have agreed to allow us to provide our volunteers who are shopping in Sainsbury’s, Cheddar with parking permits for Church Street car park.

Today the Facebook group has very nearly 2000 members; we have around 100 local people “registered” with us comprising call handlers and the frontline volunteers.

We’ve taken well over 1000 calls, have logged nearly 600 requests for help, and the payment system has transacted over £6,000.

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So a lot has been achieved in three months or so, and there is still a long way to go in respect of the impact of Coronavirus on our community.

that have been particularly acute during this pandemic, though they are needs that will still exist long after Coronavirus is a distant memory.

However we’ve all agreed that we don’t want the enthusiasm and goodwill to disappear along with Corona, and while quite understandably some of the amazing volunteers feel that as life gets back to normal they have to take a step back, many are committed to the post Corona future of the group, whatever shape and form it will take.

If you need help in anyway, or after reading this you feel you’d like to get involved, then please connect with us.

After all we’ve identified needs JULY 2020 / ISSUE 43

Ric Canham, a volunteer from Axbridge, added: “It’s been a rewardfromg and humbling experience, the smiles and thank-yous from people you’ve never met are a real boost in these strange times. I will carry on with volunteering - it’s brilliant!” www.valley-life.com

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Highlighting Cheddar Valley businesses

Why shopping local

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Highlighting Cheddar Valley businesses

is now so important

s we begin to ease our way out of lockdown, Valley Life is bringing a special feature highlighting just some of the businesses that are back open.

Zen Thai are now open for take-away only, offering as close to our full menu as possible.

Never before has it been so important to support those local businesses who have come through their most difficult of times .

And shopping local is not only good for local businesses, it is good for the environment and keeps the local economy bouyant.

Living in such a fantastic location has many benefits but imagine just how difficult it would be if, whenever we wanted anything we had to drive to Weston, Bristol or beyond.

We have so many great businesses on our doorstep and that’s why buying local is so important.

We are now licensed for Off-Sales too, so our full range of beers and wines are available for you to take home and enjoy with your meal.

The food in my opinion is some of the best I have ever sampled.

Crab Rangoon starter was like nothing I have ever tasted Nick, October 2019

Find us at: The Cliffs, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QA 01934 740444 www.zenthaicheddar.com

You can place advance orders via our email - info@zenthaicheddar.com - as well as by phone Thursday to Sunday from 4pm, with final pick up at around 9pm.

Remember to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.

We look forward to seeing you and serving you our highly-acclaimed Thai food once more!

Spence, Pear and all the staff at Zen Thai hope all our customers old and new continue to stay safe

Mitchell’s

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mitchellswindowcleaning@hotmail.com

Highlighting Cheddar Valley businesses

Why shopping local

Highlighting Cheddar Valley businesses

is now so important Throughout the lockdown Cobbs of Cheddar has been able to remain open to serve the Cheddar Valley community.

Estelle Cobb said: “The pandemic has been a worry for everyone, but we have tried out best to continue to support the local community.

“And in return, they have supported us throughout this dreadful time.

“In fact, the scare has led to us opening a new delivery service to help those who haven’t been able to get out.”

Your Local Specialist Cleaning Service

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Tel: 01934 235 855 www.copperbeechcleaning.com

We are now back from lockdown and open for business with bookings now being taken from July COVID-19 UPDATE: • All our work will be carried out wearing the appropriate PPE during our visit.

• We will maintain a safe working distance whilst in your property for your and our health and safety • We are looking forward to getting back to what we do best: Cleaning/sanitising your carpets and home furnishing

Come and learn about essential oils in our introduction class. group classes private events or 1:1 consultations Contact Sam or Sarah 07531 831 553 E: info@prepforlife.co.uk FB: @prepforlife

Natural support for your health & wellbeing

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Online news for area

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website that serves the Cheddar Valley with hyper-local news and what’s on, but without the annoying advertising is going from strength to strength.

Cheddar Nub News is an online newspaper solely for Cheddar and the surrounding area. It is hyper local so the articles are about what’s important for the village.

Editor Tim Lethabyww, pictured, said: “We will not be publishing any generic Somerset-wide stories to encourage clicks.

“Unlike other platforms we do not get any revenue ‘per click’

so we don’t need to resort to click bait, annoying op-up ads for surveys.

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

Two different walks

“Our aim is for the user to access locally-relevant conten t in a pleasant viewing format.

Importantly, our business model relies on your input.

P

ark in the pull-in directly opposite Rackley Lane and then walk up the little track to the gate and go through.

“Nub News intends to fill the vacuum in local news created by the closure and consolidation of local newspapers. We want to promote local causes and businesses. We want to encourage people to shop locally.”

For Compton Bishop - carry straight on beside the hedge.

Shortly afterwards you will see a small cave on the left, which can be climbed up to and investigated, although it is only shallow.

For more information about the website contact Tim at tim. lethaby@nub.news

Continue walking ahead, keeping to the right of several forks in the path. You will then pass a gate, which you will come through on your return journey. Walk on adjacent to the boundary wall from where you can look down over the Church and to the hills beyond, which I always think look like large pillows!

The footpath then drops down and becomes a wide, grassy path, which runs parallel with a large field.

At the top pass through a wooden barrier across the path and carry straight on uphill.

When you get to a second wooden barrier turn right and head out across the side of the hill.

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Dora takes in the view from the top of Crook Peak

from here across to Glastonbury Tor and beyond. Eventually the path drops down to a stony track. Turn right past a couple of houses and then continue down quiet Coombe Lane, which is a no through road, until you get to the junction at the bottom. Turn right into Church Lane and walk up past the Church and then carry on around to the left on Butts Batch.

A few minutes later you will come to Vicarage Lane on the right - proceed up to the top and through the gate you saw earlier. Then keep to the left and return the way you came.

Again, there are lovely views

For Crook Peak - turn immediately left after the gate and follow the path uphill, which gets a lot easier after the initial steep bit. You will notice a

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cave on the left of the path with a drop down to it. Walk on up over the grassy hillside until you arrive at the very top!

It is well worth the climb to take in the fantastic panoramic views in every direction. It is also quite exhilarating when it is a windy day. You can then either return the same way or walk along the wide grassy path and take the first footpath on the right down towards Compton Bishop.

At the bottom keep walking straight on along the edge of the wood, parallel with the field, and then continue down until you reach the car park.

Walk: Compton Bishop or Crook Peak Start and End: Webbington Road, Compton Bishop Nearest Postcode: BS26 2HJ www.valley-life.com

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

Simplicity is key for good garden design

O

ver the past eight months I have briefly in the room available, suggested various ways of designing your own garden.

I started by explaining how to measure and draw a plan of your space to a scale on paper, setting out and placing elements that you want in our garden, the important of observing where the sun is at different times of the day and how the weather affects the space.

Suggestions for ideas on means to create a garden in scale with your surroundings and how to link this with your house.

I’ve also advised on ways to give the illusion of a bigger area by breaking the garden up and how to include features such as sculpture and methods regarding incorporating illumination in the evening.

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

The right posture is key to a healthy life

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parent admonishes, “Chin up, stop slouching!” A teacher demands, “Sit up straight in your chair!” A drill sergeant commands, “Hold your shoulders back and chest out!”

A dance instructor reminds, “Find your centre!”

striking but simple this is especially important in a small space.

Next month I will start on the planting scheme with suggestions on how a planting scheme can look attractive throughout the year.

There are endless possibilities to make an attractive cohesive house and garden.

Plant of the month: The Tulip, one of my favourite plants. brilliant to cheer us up after a wet and cold winter. Shown here are the Pink lily flowered Tulipa ‘Mariette’ and the reliable almost black petaled Tulipa ‘Paul Scherer’.

But the top tip is to do the above but keep the design

There are so very many varieties and some are more reliably

perennial (flower every year) than others, so it’s a good idea to do some research before buying. Plant them deeply in a sunny spot and in November.

To do this month: Keep weeds at bay, divide herbaceous perennials, lots of pruning can be carried out now such as cutting penstemons and ornamental grasses down.

Hebe and many other summer flowering shrubs can be pruned to shape now as well as trimming spring flowering shrubs once their blooms have faded. Finally deadhead bulbs and sow hardy annuals outside.

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

As adults, we no longer have someone nearby to dole out daily reminders, how does following – or not following – the instructions we grew up hearing early in life affect us in the coming years, and how does posture affect our overall health?

In the journal Biofeedback, a study found that simply choosing to alter body posture to a more upright position improved mood and energy levels.

The subjects walked down a hallway in a slouched position and then skipped down the hallway.

The whole group reported slouched walking decreased energy levels while skipping increased energy. The partic-

an excuse to walk around the office, make a cup of tea or get some fresh air.

Did you know that your posture can predict your future risk of disability? According to a study just published in Journals of Gerontology Series, the shape of a person’s spinal column may be an indicator of their need for home assistance in later life.

If you knew you could do something now to change things down the road, would you do it? ipants were also asked to rate their general depression levels.

Those generally more depressed noted far lower energy levels after slouched walking than those who were generally not experiencing depression.

Rather than slouching, consciously bringing yourself upright can relieve discomfort, low mood, and increase energy throughout the day.

Try the 50/10 rule if you sit a lot at work. For every 50 minutes you sit, get up and move around for 10 minutes. Find

No one wants to require help with bathing, feeding, dressing, going to the toilet and other simple activities of daily living later in life.

It’s time to get your spine and nervous system checked for imbalances, whether you feel them or not.

The evidence is clear: If you want to live an active, healthy, long life, you must have a healthy spine and nervous system. Contact us today to book an appointment for yourself or someone you know.

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

Hair Talk

Tiggi’s Travels

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

Seeing life differently with visually-impaired Tiggi Trethowan

Independence Day is just round the corner

S

ince lockdown began one of the things at the top of everyone’s “missing the most” list is an appointment with their hairdresser.

new social distancing measures has been a logistical challenge, and with some guests now into their sixth month since visiting the salon, the need to get roots sorted and inches off has led to booking lists running into weeks.

Hairdressers have been given the date of July 4 (aka Hair Independence Day) as the date that they can set about putting thenation’s locks back in shape!

Just some of these changes will include stylists working in different teams to allow more customers through the doors where space is limited. Single use gowns and towels and both stylist and client wearing face masks like at the dentist will be the norm and for a period of time luxuries such as magazines will be removed and refreshments may not be provided.

Although the hair industry is not considered to be a vital service, lockdown has unquestionably highlighted the need for the profession to be classified as essential.

But it goes way beyond outgrown ends and roots, as guests not only miss their hour to flick through the glossy magazines, the freshly brewed coffee, and the neck and shoulder rituals on offer but the profound relationship they have with their salon and stylist.

Apparently, the average woman stays longer with her hairdresser than her husband! The salon is not just about makeovers!

Social distancing in a hairdresser’s salon is near enough

impossible in an industry that relies on touch, so how will that “New Normal” look when we are finally allowed back?

As a salon owner and stylist, planning the big reopening and getting our heads around the

Every owner will have a different set of issues to work round but the crucial thing will be to ensure that all businesses have the health, hygiene and safety of their clients at the forefront.

And though our salons may look a little different from July, after weeks of financial havoc and logistical headaches, we cant wait to return to our crowning glory.

Contact Sarah at Acutabove, Axbridge on 01934 733666

Strawberry and hats

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ith the strawberry season upon us it has reminded me of a very happy and rainy afternoon at Seagers farm.

fascinator. Everybody she met loved it and so her creative story began. She switched to hat making and now rubs shoulders with hat designers such as Piers Atkinson and Philip Treaty. Her designs are quirky and fun. Her themed collections have included confectionery and skateboarding. I spent most of a morning, however, trying to stop Jackie my guide dog from dragging out haute couture into the muddy garden.

It was just before we went into lockdown I had the pleasure, escorted by my assistance dog Jackie, of chatting and recording a podcast for my “Draycott Diaries” series with Chris and Andrew Seager.

They are our much beloved local strawberry growers. They told me all about the challenges of strawberry growing and their use of bees for pollination. They have used bees for many years and consequently sell heavenly honey at their Seagers fruit and vegetable stall situated between Draycott and Rodney Stoke on the A371.

The Seagers family proudly support the local community with Christmas trees and Pumpkins for the festive seasons. Both Chris and Andrew had been concerned they would lose a majority of their picking team from abroad due to Brexit. But as we stood chatting in the February rain, none of us had any idea the Covid-19 pandemic was about to strike. I hope to catch up with Chris and Andrew shortly

to find out how they have coped during these immense challenges.

A few days later Jackie dog and I were off again and met up with the Milliner Chloe Haywood. Her brand Chloe Haywood London is one of the top twenty British hat designers for ethical production.

She started her career originally as an actress. One day she was stuck for something to wear to a wedding. Ever resourceful, Chloe stuck a few beads and other bits she had lying around to make a hair

During lockdown, I have been immensely proud of how my community has pulled together and I wanted to honour the amazing things community members have been doing during this unprecedented time. As a documentary strand to my main podcast series I have recorded six ten-minute shorts reflecting on life stories “making a difference”.

These segments include a vet talking about cats suffering mental health. A sewing group making PPE and the increased need of the Draycott Community shop and Cheddar Valley food bank. I have set out to make an audio historical account of how a particular village came together in a crisis.

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

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Old Station Mews, Cliff Street, Cheddar, BS27 3FH

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