Valley Life - November issue by Rob Perkins

READ BY MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE

Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley

NOVEMBER 2020, ISSUE 47 FREE

www.valley-life.com

What now for the Gorge?

News, views and features from Axbridge Cheddar, Wedmore and Winscombe

Inside this issue

welcome . . . Tempting offers at The Riverside in November – Page 4

What does the future hold for The Gorge – Pages 10-11

Enjoy an autumn walk courtesy of Jennifer Hunt – Page 18

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

Welcome to the forty-seventh issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy the offering of news and views from around the Cheddar Valley.

For centuries the gorge has been attracting people because of its natural beauty and its sense of tranquility. But now with the imminent closure of the caves, it’s feared that the numbers of visitors will dry up. But that doesn’t have to be the case. It may well be that the gorge can attract a different type of visitor. And in so doing, there is an opportunity for businesses in the gorge to take advantage of this change.

Of course, the 40 or so people whose jobs will be lost when the caves close will find themselves facing a challenging future, but with the right approach from all those involved in trying to secure new jobs in the area - even during a pandemic there is optimism that jobs can be created. But what is clear is that during the short-term those businesses which continue to operate will need the support of local people. And that’s where our readers can help to make a difference. Never has it been more important to shop locally to ensure that those businesses that we have in the area continue to thrive. . Rob Perkins, Editor

NEWS

A helping hand for local young people

ike many charities Cheddar Youth Trust has felt the effects of Covid-19 on its fundraising, but despite this it has continued to make grants to help the youth of Cheddar. This summer, the trust has made grants for items such as a laptop to enable home schooling, one to help a university student and a grant for sporting facilities, amongst others. Over the years the trust, which is now more than 20 years old, has given grants in excess of £75,000 to young people living in the village, aged from five to 25 years. Grants have been made to help in practical and academic education, in training, in sport, in the arts, in work for communities both here and abroad, to those taking on particular leadership roles and those needing help to volunteer for activities they would love to do. Clive Panchaud, chairman of the trust, said: “But the organisation has been unable to hold its usual quizzes and social functions. “Its funds have taken a hit and fundraising has been non-existent this year.

“So we are appealing to those who might be able to support this really worthwhile local charity. “While we are also still looking for those who might benefit from one of our grants.” So, if you would like to support the trust by way of a donation, contact Mark Meldon on 01934 611822. Cheddar Youth Trust is there to help, so if you know of someone you think could do with its support, then have a look at the website: www.cyt. org.uk or contact Clive Panchaud at clivepanchaud1@ gmail.com Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Mendip is on the look out for youngsters under the age of 18 who have made a differ-

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 47

ence during the pandemic. Roger Burdock from Rotary said: “We are looking for someone who is an inspiration to others. “It may be someone who deserves to have their contribution recognised by our community and who perhaps goes the extra mile to make a difference to the lives of others. Nominations close on 31 December 31 with results in January. The winner receives a cash prize of £100 plus £100 to donate to the charity of their choice. Further details and nomination forms are available from rogerkfburdock@gmail.com or ring 01934 743834.

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Tap Room at the Brewery “Beer and pizza paradise”

Great selection of beers, plenty of outside and undercover seating. Wrap up warm, relax and enjoy a beer in the relaxed & friendly atmosphere beside our fire pit.

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

Riverside Inn & Restaurant Cheddar

2FOR1in November Got the winter blues Easy like Sunday Lunchtime ...

Relax and let us do the slaving over a hot stove! Buy two full price Sunday Roasts on any Sunday during November and pay for only one. All day on Sundays, from 01/11/20 to 29/11/20 upon presentation of this voucher. | Subject to government Covid related guidelines. | Not in conjunction with any other offer.

Thursday Night is Steak Night!

Fed up with having to cook? Buy two steaks from the Grill menu on a Thursday and get a free bottle of house wine! All day on Thursdays, upon presentation of this voucher. | Subject to government Covid related guidelines. | Not in conjunction with any other offer.

NEWS

Offers galore at pub

ne of Cheddar’s best known pubs has again come up with a tempting offer for customers.

a free bottle of house wine. And if you order two full price Sunday Roasts on any Sunday during November you’ll pay for only one.

The Riverside Inn, Cheddar’s spacious conservatory restaurant and comfortable lounge bar provide the perfect environment to eat and drink. And of course all government guidelines are being adhered to and PPE is being deployed to ensure the safety of customers and staff alike.

Or maybe a takeaway? The Riverside team are not only able to serve you within your local friendly pub and restaurant, you can also pre-order freshly cooked, locally sourced food to takeaway. And they’re making payment both easy and safe so you can pay by phone, by app or contactless upon collection.

During November, the Riv-

erside are making it an even more appealing place to eat. If you order two steaks from the Grill menu on any Thursday during November you can get

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

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 47

Spice up your festive season! Our highly-acclaimed Thai restaurant is now taking bookings for the Christmas and New Year period, including our spectacular Christmas Day gourmet Thai lunch. Although life may seem a little bit different this year, here at Zen Thai we aim to make sure that Christmas will still be special while adhering to all of the relevant Government guidelines. We will also be continuing our contactless takeaway service where you can place advance orders via our email: info@zenthaicheddar.com as well as by phone Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm. So whether youâ€™re looking for that special Christmas evening out or taking your food home, remember to book as early as possible to avoid any disappointment. We look forward to seeing you and serving you our mouth-watering Thai food!

Find us at: I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. I eat meat but we have a vegetarian in the family who loves the pineapple rice and tofu massaman curry

Wanderer834 Oct 2020

The Cliffs, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QA 01934 740444 www.zenthaicheddar.com

Spence, Pear and all the staff at Zen Thai look forward to welcoming customers old and new

NEWS

The Gorge’s future may

t has been attracting visitors for more than a century, but now with Cheddar Caves closing for the foreseeable future it seems the visitor trail may dry up too. Which is bad news for the dozens of small shops in the lower Gorge who rely on a steady flow of day trippers visiting the attraction. Longleat Estates, owners of the Cheddar Gorge and Caves, announced that the attraction would close with the loss of 40 jobs in September because of the on-going pandemic. Questions still remain about whether Costa Coffee which is housed in the building above the cave will continue and also if the parking spaces will continue to be operated by Longleat. But can the area survive without the estimated 500,000 visitors who are attracted to the area every year? It well may be that the type of visitor who will be attracted to the area of outstanding natural beauty will change. And businesses in the area are in a good place to take advantage of these changes. Simon Childs, a spokesman for the Cheddar Chamber of Commerce, said: “The closure of the Caves is a major blow

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to the Cheddar Community, impacting the local economy and meaning that some local people will unfortunately lose their jobs. “Despite the cave’s closure there are so many other good reasons for people to visit the Cheddar Valley and the Mendip Hills, including the incredible natural beauty and the multitude of activities that are available in this fantastic part of the world. “However, tourism has

historically been seasonal, with many people visiting the area during the Easter and summer holiday periods though relatively few coming here throughout the rest of the year. “Embracing Cheddar Parish Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Cheddar Chamber of Commerce, the Mendip Hills AONB and the National Trust among others, the Cheddar Vision Group’s objective is to enhance the visitor experience and boost

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 47

NEWS

ay look very different hear that Longleat Estates will be closing Cheddar Caves at least until 2021 and making many of their staff redundant. “It is particularly hard on those involved, some of whom have worked for the business for many years, and will inevitably cause hardship. The parish council understands the pressures on the company from lost revenue during the pandemic, with no end seemingly in sight. “Cheddar’s world-famous caves are a very important visitor attraction, bringing many people to the gorge and we fervently hope that before too long Longleat will be able to re-open all their facilities and welcome visitors once again.”

tourism to benefit local businesses and the broader community, while also being conscious of the need to look after the environment. “To achieve this it’s been recognised that the area needs to attract people who will stay longer, be interested in a broad range of activities, spend more, and not be tied to the school holidays. “This will typically be young adventurous working couples and mid-life couples and

groups “This will encourage inward investment and stimulate entrepreneurialism locally, and will lead to more sustainable employment due to seasonal jobs being less of a factor. “It will not happen overnight, though there is already momentum behind this and with commitment and effort it’s a very realistic ambition.” Peter Colton, chairman of Cheddar Parish Council, said: “The council is dismayed to

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 47

The parish council has expressed that even though the caves are closing, the rest of Cheddar Gorge and the village is ‘very much open with plenty to offer’. Mr Colton added: “Britain’s greatest limestone gorge is itself in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which offers great walks, cycling and magnificent views.” So in these uncertain times, it appears that a new norm will evolve and the area has always managed to embrace that change and will continue to thrive. www.valley-life.com

Reflexions And breathe with reflexologist Sarah Crossman

A day in the life of an anxious student

hese last few weeks have been tough on our family. The bomb shell is summed up in one phrase: Teenage Anxiety.

class to start trying to block the chatter out and focus on the lesson. The boys start messing about. Laughing and staring at me.

The following words are from my teenager: “Every day is difficult now. I wake up with a knot in my stomach. The first words I say to Mum are: ‘I don’t want to go’. I get dressed. I try and eat breakfast. My stomach churns and I feel an emptiness in side.

I start shaking. My chest is tight. I try hard to sit still. I reach for my rainbow chart trying to think of colours and scenes to stay focused. I manage it, but I am exhausted.

“I have stopped pretending everything is fine. My friends know. In fact, everyone knows as I am in and out of class so much – those ones I make it to. Few really understand. Some say ‘calm down’ ‘don’t worry’ – like it’s in my control. “The attacks are scary. I understand the science behind them now. But that doesn’t stop them coming like a train. My hands are shaking. Now my legs are shaking. I can’t breathe. I feel dizzy, and my whole body is shaking. I pick up my fidget spinner. I can’t spin it for shaking. The teach-

The attack didn’t have its way, but I miss the next class. Almost home time. And it’s only Monday.” er is carrying on the class I’m in the back by the door feeling like I am suffocating. I stand up and leave the room. Everyone’s watching. I feel sick and so sad. I am crying my heart out – why can’t I manage to stay in class. I used to be fine. Loved school and studying. A star student. Never skipped a class. None of that matters at the moment. I just want to get through the next class. The bell rings. I am almost done. I sit quietly waiting for the

The realisation that my teenager is growing up and that I can’t action it all away has been the hardest lesson of all. We are taking one day at a time and letting anxiety have a voice. Part of our plan is to use our lovely essential oils to support the whole family and in the coming weeks we will be reseting our gut health, because an imbalance here can be the cause of anxiety. Follow our journey to see how we go @sarahcrossman_lr

Contact Sarah on 07531 831 553 or email sarah@lifereflexology.co.uk

NEWS

We are now taking orders for Christmas From hampers to the traditional turkey, we can help to make your Christmas a success. Just pop in, call or email to discuss your needs and we’ll be sure to help. After a difficult year, everyone here at Cobbs wishes our customers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Our success is down to the unwavering support we’ve had from our loyal customers and we thank you all. OPENING TIMES Monday-Saturday Sunday 7am - 6pm 10am - 4pm The Cross, Union Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3NA Tel: 01934 742521 Email: cobbsofcheddarejc@outlook.com VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 47 www.valley-life.com

Highlighting HighlightingCheddar CheddarValley Valleybusinesses businesses CHEDDAR & DISTRICT FUNERAL DIRECTORS LTD A family-owned and run business offering a 24-hour professional service

• Home visits • Private Chapel of Rest • Burials & Cremations

Reggie’s

Property and Tree Services We also specialise in fencing

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07727 685487 reggiehughes73@gmail.com

Redcliffe Court, 3 Redcliffe Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3ND

• Friendly Honest Service • Free Quotation • • No Job too small or too large • • 24-hour Emergency Service •

Ian Taylor-Rowlands Dip FD. LMBIFD

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

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

Whatever your landscaping needs, contact us for a free quote

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

Highlighting Cheddar Valley businesses

Mitchell’s

WINDOW CLEANING

Domestic & Commercial Windows

Price List £15 • 2/3 Bed semi £15 • Bungalow from • 2/3 Bed detached £16 • 2/3 Bed terraced front only £10 • 4 Bed semi £18 incl. back £5 • 4 Bed detached £20 • Gutter vacuum from £10 • 5+ Bed detached £25 Price on request for conservatories, solar panels and commercial properties Choose between a four and six week cycle

07557 818641

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Autumn Events

Make and Take Introduction Classes* Love Yourself: Thur 5th Nov @ 19:00 Toxic free cleaning: Mon 9th Nov @19:00 Protect your Pets: Thur 19th Nov @19:00 Christmas Gifts: Mon 23rd Nov @ 19:00

Open Sessions

Thur 17th Dec @19:00 (includes Dec prize draw) All events will be held on Zoom

*Charge applies to cover make costs

To book call Sarah Crossman on 07531 831 553

WOODPECKER SERVICES creating customers that recommend

fencing logs landscaping tree and hedging work firewood processing

07912 608519

steve@woodpecker-services.co.uk

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

Create winter joy

eople often comment on the fact that there is nothing to do in the garden in the winter and that they ‘put the garden to bed’ in the autumn, by this I assume they mean cutting all dead seed heads and foliage back, rake up leaves and empty summer pots?

3. Lighting, when it gets dark early in the winter, outdoor lighting not only helps you see you to your front door but it can cheer up the dreariest of evenings. If carefully chosen, lighting which has been installed in your steps, within the plants and even on the patio, looks incredible when viewed from the warmth and comfort of your house.

To be honest I am not sure, as I find winter is one of the best times for weeding, tidying and pruning. Some plants even prefer being moved and planted during the winter. Also ,when the garden is fairly bare, you can see the bones or skeletal structure of the garden and it might be easier to plan new patios, arches or garden areas or even a whole new garden scheme for example. Does ‘putting the garden to bed’ mean that also there is nothing to look at and enjoy? Actually, if your outside space looks boring in the winter you definitely need to do something! You can create a lovely winter garden with these tips below: 1. Plants, think about stem, floral and foliar interest as well as scent, there are plenty

Plant of the month: Any perennials with seed heads that stand up during the autumn and winter.

of plants that can cheer up a winter garden. 2. Seating, think about creating an area in a sheltered part of the garden, where on a sunny winters day you can wrap up warmly, take a cuppa outside and get some fresh air. A pergola for example can be a nice spot for this. This autumn and winter more than any other this may be important because if Government rules allow, you could create a nice space for meeting friends in your garden.

To do this month: Faded flowering plants that are still standing upright and have their seed heads need to stay for wildlife and winter interest. I would encourage leaf collecting from borders and lawns, pile them together in a corner of the garden for wildlife. Make sure you turn the leaves occasionally and keep them moist once they have rotted down to lovely leaf mould in a few years it can be used for seed sowing, or if mixed with compost and soil, for potting compost. Alternatively spread over your garden borders as a mulch and soil improver.

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

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

An autumn walk S tart from St James the Great Church car park and go through the ornate gates that were made to celebrate Queen Elizabeth IIâ€™s Diamond Jubilee. Walk past the magnificent Yew tree, which is estimated to be more than 1,000 years old, and then continue across the churchyard to the far side. Go through the kissing gate in the wall and follow the path across the small paddock to another kissing gate on the left, with a stream running next to it. Immediately after the gate turn left and head uphill through Broad Knoll Wood. The path is quite steep to start with, but soon levels out for a while, where large ferns grow on the woodland slopes. Then continue uphill once again until you reach a kissing gate. Go through, turn left and walk up the field, heading slightly over to the right, where you will arrive at another gate that leads out onto Barton Drove. Turn left again and follow this level track along passed several agricultural buildings. When

make it more than twice as long (and twice as steep!) turn right on Barton Drove instead of left and follow the footpath across the bottom of two fields then down over a third one. The track then passes stables and a house on the right.

you come to the next turning on the right, just passed it on the opposite side is a pedestrian gate. Turn left and walk across the rough ground to some trees and bushes ahead then follow the track along the side to a field gate. Go through and walk straight down through Church Knoll Wood on some well-spaced steps. At the bottom climb over a stone stile and follow the wall down to a kissing gate, which will take you back into the churchyard again. The above walk is only a short one and takes about half an hour. If you would like to

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 45

Continue straight on beside the hedge until you reach a stile. Climb over and turn left uphill â€“ if you zigzag as you walk up it makes it easier! Near the top the path bends to the right and then out through a gate onto Wavering Down. Turn left and head upwards once again, following the boundary wall, until eventually you come to the top of the hill with fantastic views in all directions. After getting your breath back, continue walking downhill adjacent to the boundary wall. At the bottom turn left at the farm, as signposted, and follow the road down to Barton Drove. Turn right and immediately left through a pedestrian gate. Walk: Knoll Woods & Wavering Down Start and End: Church Lane, Winscombe, BS25 1BX

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Tiggiâ€™s Travels Seeing life differently with visually-impaired Tiggi Trethowan

GWR on right track

ith Jackie (my assistance dog) we have just returned from a glorious week in Cornwall. I am Cornish of birth and included in my dubious heritage pirates and an unhealthy connection with rum. When I can I jump on a train and head west to catch up with friends and family. I completely recharged my batteries stomping along endless sandy beaches. Being registered blind never restricts anything I want to do, including travel for work and pleasure. However, there is no way I could do this without the assistance of others. This includes passenger assistance on the train. Great Western Railways offer this free service and are one of the best for this support. They meet me at all stages of my journey making sure both Jackie and myself reach our destination safely. My journey down to Cornwall and because of treacherous weather I had to change trains three times and take three taxis. I simply would

day to get new shoes for the shop, that is over 50 miles carrying a heavy load. He also recounted tales from the second world war including blackouts and the constant rumble of combative aircraft over head. Famously, a spitfire crashed on Draycott Moor.

not have the freedom to move around the country without their help. Thank you GWR. I had the good fortune this week to record a Podcast with a Draycott resident of nearly 87 years Gerald Dally. Gerald vividly described the strawberry special steam train carrying strawberries and sometimes livestock northwards. And how eventually this changed to lorries. Historically, even though the population numbers have quadrupled and we now only have one, there were six shops in Draycott. The son of the proprietor once a month would walk to Bristol and back in one

Gerald remembers the pilot parachuting to the ground and how the local farmer rushed to the crash scene with a pitch fork Just in case it was a German. Recently the village (even in lockdown) managed to celebrate VE day. As mentioned in my previous article the Podcast with newly ordained Reverent Thea Oliver is now available. Demonstrating her faith with her brand new shiny clerical collar is a brave statement. The ordination service, due to Covid, was massively reduced. From thousands to four guests each for each ordinand. The pictures from the ceremony at Wells Cathedral are profoundly moving and very different. With the Bishop of Taunton in full mask and visa using hand gel between each blessing.

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

Weâ€™ll make your home stand out from the crowd

For a free valuation, please give us a call or visit us to discuss how we can help you to sell your property faster than anybody else

01934 742966

2c Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA

01278 785900

5 High Street,Burham-on-Sea Somerset, TA8 1NX

enquiries@laurelandwylde.co.uk www.laurelandwylde.co.uk