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APRIL 2021, ISSUE 51 FREE

Valley Life

Time to dispel the blues News, views and features from Axbridge Cheddar, Wedmore and Winscombe

Inside this issue

welcome . . . Move to encourage more visitors to Cheddar Valley – Page 4

Party time as Cheddar Ales Tap Room re-opens – Page 6

Plea for help over italian PoWs in the Cheddar Valley

– Pages 10-11

rob@valley-life.com Valley Life is published by Valley Life Publishing and printed by Flying Colours. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any errors made in advertisements of for claims made by any advertisers which are incorrect. 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 fifty-first issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy the offering of news and views from around the Cheddar Valley. Well whisper it quietly, but it seems that we are on course to some sort of normality following on from a year that has changed everyone’s lives. Perhaps now we can start to look forward to a summer which doesn’t involve sitting in our own homes or gardens. For some normal will be very different to what we are used to but there is one thing that has come out of the pandemic which we hope will continue and that is the sense of

community which the virus has created.

The last year has seen many of us get to know our neighbours better, nod to people out on our walks and look after those who have been vulnerable. This sense of community has been great to witness and now the needs of individuals are being met, it’s time to turn our attention to the businesses in our community. They need our support as much as our neighbours and friends if they are to survive. Let’s make use of these businesses as they gradually re-open. As the saying goes use them or lose them. Rob Perkins, Editor

NEWS

A change of gear as business moves up

he lockdown may have been a quiet time for many, but for Beccy and Simon Lloyd at Extra Mile Printing it has been anything but. Over the past year, their business has been transformed and now includes an electric bike hire venture, boutique bunkhouse accommodation as well as their original print and design business. A large part of the changes have been driven by the couple’s desire to be a greener and more sustainable business. Beccy said: “We had only just fitted out the shop when the pandemic began and the lockdown gave us time to rethink what we wanted to do. “One of Simon’s relatives had opened an E-bike shop in Cornwall and we believed that venture fitted in well with what we wanted to do here in Cheddar.” So together with Keith Thomson, Cheddar Bike Hire was born and a consequence of that was the development of the Velo Loft - a self-contained apartment above the shop which sleeps six. Simon said: “The two ventures go hand-in-hand. We

The new team, from left to right, Keith Thomson, Amy Hook, Zach Newsome, Beccy Lloyd, Melza Homewood, Harriet Gardner and Simon Lloyd

want to attract more people to the area to ensure it becomes the outdoor capital of the South West and to do that you need accommodation and that’s what the Velo Loft will offer.” The couple’s print and design business has not been forgotten. Beccy added: “If anything we’re actually growing Extra Mile. We’ve taken on more staff, a new designer and studio manager to add to our existing production, admin and finance team.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE APRIL 2021 / ISSUE 51

“It is all about trying to ensure that we are making the best possible use of the space at the office. “So I suppose you could say we have swapped our clothes rails for bike stands, but that’s the way we want to go. “We are very focused on being a part of the new vision for Cheddar to try to make it into the outdoor capital of the South West. “And at the same time we are committed to being a green and environmentally-friendly business.”

www.valley-life.com

NEWS

Making the most of the Cheddar Valley

his month sees the Cheddar Vision Group launch discovercheddar.co.uk, a new website dedicated to promoting Cheddar as the destination from which to explore and enjoy the Cheddar Valley, the Mendip Hills and the surrounding area, writes Simon Childs. Comprising Cheddar Parish Council, Sedgemoor District Council, the Mendip Hills AONB, the National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Cheddar Chamber of Commerce among others, the Cheddar Vision Group’s objective is to boost local businesses, create jobs and benefit the broader community, while also being conscious of the need to look after the natural environment. The site will evolve and grow over time and is aimed at attracting the kind of people who value everything this area has to offer, people who will responsibly enjoy the natural environment, want to stay in the locality and will appreciate the many fantastic cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops. A key focus will be to promote Cheddar as the Outdoor Capital of the South West, this is of course 4

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because the area has so much to offer people who enjoy outdoor adventurous activities as well as those who simply like being out and about within the wonderful countryside that surrounds us. Additionally people who are interested in the outdoors are typically not tied to the school holidays, are less likely to be put off by bad weather, and therefore they are able to visit at any time helping our visitor related businesses to thrive throughout the year. The Cheddar Vision Group would like to acknowledge the work of Extra Mile Adventures Ltd (Cheddar Bikes), for their work on the Discover Cheddar website. Discover Cheddar will link visitors with local outdoor activity providers who offer cycling, climbing, caving, riding, walking and more,

and will feature an events calendar giving visitors even more reasons to visit the area throughout the year. The site will also provide all sorts of information on the local area, including environmental and conservation matters alongside places to eat, drink and stay. Eligible businesses within the Cheddar Valley will be able to be featured at no cost as long as they sign up to the Cheddar Vision ethos. The group’s plans were in place well before the pandemic hit us, however after a year when so many local businesses have suffered extended periods of closure, the need to boost the visitor economy is crucial. Visit the groups facebook page Cheddar Valley and the Mendips or contact clerk@ cheddarparishcouncil.org.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE APRIL 2021 / ISSUE 51

Riverside Inn & Restaurant Cheddar

Huw, Jo, Daniel and

the Riverside team look forward to opening our doors to the people

of the Cheddar Valley

like or follow us!

for our opening times

and for special offers

for local people

NEWS

Better late than never

heddar Ales are to hold a grand opening of their Tap Room - a year after the pandemic put paid to the first attempt. Jem Ham, managing director at Cheddar Ales said: “It is with great excitement that we have reorganised our grand Tap Room opening from 2020. “It had to be postponed at the 11th hour due to the Covid outbreak. Whilst we were sort of unofficially open from July until October last year we wanted to give you the opportunity to use your

tickets bought last year at our new event .” The Tap Room will be open from 2pm with local band One for The Road playing two 45 minute slots between 8.30 -10.30pm. There will be six cask beers on tap and three keg beers along with wine, gin, cider, prosecco and a range of soft drinks. Jem added: “The Pizza at the Brewery will be fired up as usual and we are looking at having a hog roast or Barbeque in the evening as well if

we can sell enough tickets. “All this of course relies on Boris’s roadmap running straight and true and we will of course honour your tickets at future events should this one also have to be postponed due to restrictions.” The fun keeps on coming at the Tap Room with another music event on Saturday, July 24 when By Imitation Only will be taking to the stage at Winchester Farm.. Tickets for both events cost £5 (or £7.50 on the door) at www.cheddarales.co.uk

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

www.valley-life.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE APRIL 2021 / ISSUE 51

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

Grand Re-opening In line with the Government’s planned easing of lockdown, we are now accepting table reservations for the 18th May 2021 onwards. This is likely to be a very busy time, so please book your tables as early as possible to avoid any disappointment. You can reserve a table now by telephone on 01934 740444 or via our website - www.zenthaicheddar.com In the meantime we will continue to offer our full menu of mouth-watering Thai food through our contactless takeaway service Thursday to Saturday from 5.00pm. We are really looking forward to welcoming you back in to the restaurant and serving you our highly acclaimed Thai food

Find us at: Best takeaway food in Cheddar Food is visually stunning, fresh and tasty. I always get a seafood dish and it never ceases to impress The oh2021 - January 2021

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

Spence, Pear and all the staff at Zen Thai look foward to welcoming everyone back

Butchers • Fishmongers • Delicatessen

With Easter just around the corner now is the perfect time to place your order for the best locally-sourced produce Opening hours Monday - Saturday 7am-6pm Sunday 10am-4pm The Cross, Union Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3NA Tel: 01934 742521 Email: cobbsofcheddar@outlook.com

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NEWS

Italian PoWs who we

n Italian woman is seeking the help of people in the Cheddar Valley to help piece together the life of her father - an Italian Prisoner of War during World War Two. Francesca Pietro’s father Sergi who passed away in 1967, was held at a camp in Somerset between 1942-46. Now she is looking for anyone who has any memories either of her father or other Italian PoWs during that period. Francesca said: “This is a bit of a long shot aimed at Somerset people. I am the daughter of a POW who was held prisoner in that camp. “I am looking for photos and news that may have had something to do with him since he passed away in 1967. Now if you have any news about it I would be delighted.” In Somerset there were several camps including the one at Goathurst. Brockley, Yeovil, Wells, Cross Keys near Taunton and even one at Ashton Gate in Bristol helped to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of German and Italian PoWs. The plea for help from Francesca was sent to local journalist Harry Mottram, from Axbridge. His publication Strawberry 10

www.valley-life.com

Italian Prisoner of War Sergi Pietro who was held in Somerset

Times ran an article several years ago about how Somerset had been enriched by immigrants and in the 1940s it was Italians who came to the county – as POWs. The article sparked the memories of Linda Hocking of Bridgwater whose father came to the area following the collapse the Italian army’s campaign in North Africa. Thousands of Italian soldiers were taken captive by the British army and sent to camps across the country for the duration including the

one at Goathurst. Mrs Hocking said: “My father, Salvatore Zuncheddu, was also in the POW camp at Haswell House, Goathurst. He was captured in Tobruk, North Africa, and was shipped to Somerset for the remainder of the war. Whilst in the camp, he taught himself to speak, read and write English, knowing this would help integrate him in his unfamiliar surroundings.” In Scotland Giovanni Bellachioma taught himself

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE APRIL 2021 / ISSUE 51

NEWS

ere held in Somerset Like Salvatore Zuncheddu Giovani settled in Somerset rather than home. Linda Hocking said: “After the war dad was de-mobbed, and he was offered work and living accommodation with the Moxey family, who lived in Burtle. “Dad saw this as a perfect opportunity to perhaps make a future for himself in England, together with his wife, Rosetta, who was still back home in Sardinia at that time. “He brought my mother over from Sardinia to join him, and ‘Nan Moxey’ taught my mother to speak English.

Sergi Pietro in his regimental unifrom prior to his capture in North Africa

tram (née Bellachioma) of Axbridge. She said: “He made a ring from a silver coin she said as they had time on their hands. His friends also decorated the inside on a hut with plaster which they turned into a chapel.

Giovanni Bellachioma and his wife Linda

English writes Linda Mot-

“They were really amazed by the Scottish soldiers who wore kilts, but like many of his comrades they were moved to Somerset and was in a camp somewhere near Bridgwater.”

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE APRIL 2021 / ISSUE 51

“My mother was welcomed into the family and treated like a daughter and she recalls many happy memories of helping around the house, cooking, cleaning and with the harvesting.” Mrs Hocking said: “My parents remained in England for the remainder of their married life. “Sadly, dad passed away, aged 89 years old, five years ago, on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. My mum lives in Bridgwater and she still keeps in touch with the remaining members of the Moxey family.” If you have any memories of Sergi Pietro contact Harry on harryfmottram@gmail.com www.valley-life.com

Reflexions And breathe with reflexologist Sarah Crossman

Our gut bacteria is a key to our health

e all know what the last 12 months has brought us worry, confinement, grief, stress.

I asked him if places like America, for example, suffer more forms of long Covid as a result of eating more processed food

But collectively it has also brought about a huge surge in awareness. An awareness of self-help.

He said: “Not just America, Britain too. But we can change our microbiome, and the way to do it is through diet.”

What can I do to help myself, my family, the people I care for? This awareness has caused people to look for ways they can support their bodies and minds in more natural ways. To help their bodies to be stronger. This awareness has created a surge in interest in complementary medicines and I believe this momentum will continue as we gain more understanding of this virus and why it affects people differently. The way forward is integrated health – where complementary, and alternative medicine is used with mainstream healthcare settings to support the health and

well-being of everyone who can benefit from it. There was a recent article in The Spectator by Tim Spector - a British epidemiologist and science writer. In the article he talks about our microbiome and how it effects our immunity. He says: “On average, it looks like Covid affects people on poor diets, and we’ve got some early suggestions that poor diet affects severity, so I think it makes sense that the gut micro-biome is going to be key to this.”

Our microbiome (the bacteria in our gut) is key to our health. It has been linked to virtually every process in our body. Imbalances have been implicated in countless health issues, some being the deepest chronic health issues of our time. It isn’t all doom and gloom though. Your body is amazing, and it is possible to have a positive impact on your microbiome by making lifestyle and dietary changes. • If you would like to hear more on about how your microbiome is key to your health please get in touch.

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

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Back Issues

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

Take care as you put a spring in your step

s the daffodils are springing up and we get into - hopefully - less restricted times you might start, or continue to enjoy the garden.

to bending and lifting. Tips for using the ladder: When using a ladder or steps, make sure you are always facing it, keeping your shoulders, hips and knees pointing in the same direction.

We don’t often think of gardening as exercise but it is, and you’ll get the most out of it and you body if you treat it in the same way.

Rather than leaning or reaching, move the ladder or step regularly to keep up with where you are.

So here’s a guide to keep your back in good shape whilst looking after the garden.

Any kind of ladder must be firmly and safely planted in position and, if possible, have someone else there to keep an eye on things.

Warm up: Start with a brisk walk around the garden or gentle star jumps to get the heart rate up, you want to be on the edge of starting to get out of breath. Then move on to the lighter jobs you have to do to and build to the larger or heavier jobs now you’re thoroughly warm. Break up the job: Even if your garden is covered in leaves, don’t go raking up leaves for an hour in one go. Aim for spending 20-30 min-

Clothes: Wear moderately warm, comfy clothes that don’t restrict your movements. utes on any one thing and take regular breaks. Perfect time for a cuppa! Make it easy for yourself: Use tools to cart around the heavy bits, sack-barrows and wheelbarrows are and absolute god sends when it comes

You should be a little bit chilly to start with and this will encourage you to get working and warm – better for your immune system too! Seek professional advice: If you want to prevent back aches/pains or are experiencing some now, give us a call to stay well and keep active!

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

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NEWS

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

Bluebells all around

owards the top of Cheddar Gorge park in the lay-by near the Black Rock Noticeboard. Go through the gate, walk up the track to another gate and then continue straight on.

flows through a gap in the wall making a waterfall and pool underneath, which look very pretty. The path then continues on over a small wooden bridge where the trees are draped in bright green moss making it look like a fairy grotto.

A bit further up you will pass an old lime kiln and quarry on your left. Keep walking up the wide path, passing a stone stile and then a kissing gate on the right, until you reach the end of the track. Continue through the gate and on through a second gate into Longwood Valley Nature Reserve. You can then either (a) turn right and walk up the widely spaced steps to the top of the wood. There is a seat at the top where, in the spring, you can sit and admire the beautiful bluebells that cover the woodland floor as far as the eye can see. Continue walking along the path that winds through the top of the wood and down the steps at the end - then turn right and continue as below*

or (b) continue straight along this stony path through the bottom of the wood. You will pass Longwood Swallet on the left, which takes the overflow water from the stream above and is quite a sight when there has been a lot of rain. Eventually you will hear running water and arrive at the stream, which disappears into a large hole called Longwood Sink. After heavy rainfall, the hole fills right to the top and then the water overflows down the path to Longwood Swallet mentioned above. A bit further up the stream

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE APRIL 2021 / ISSUE 51

Walk up the slope and steps ahead and climb over a stile at the top. Continue up the field beside the wall towards a stone stile on your right. Once you have climbed over, turn right and follow the footpath around the edge of the field. Go through the gate ahead and then walk straight on to a second gate. The path then continues downhill to a stile at the bottom. Climb over, turn right and walk a short distance to a kissing gate. Go through, turn left and you are then once again on the footpath through Black Rock, which will take you back to where you started. Walk: Longwood Valley Nature Reserve Start & End: Cheddar Gorge Postcode: BS27 3QF

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

Jackie’s special name

rather wonderful thing happened this month. I found out a hidden secret about my Guide Dog Jackie.

Event Manager for ten years and Margie for 40. I was in charge of up to six thousand visitors and she was charged with selecting Antique items to record.

Every litter of guide dog puppies born are named alphabetically. According to current records Jackie should have a name beginning with V. I decided to do some research. It appears Jackie is a very special dog indeed. It transpires a gentleman called Steve, a lorry driver by trade, travelled internationally on a regular basis he collected foreign change that he would give to charity. His wife Jackie worked in Morrison’s and was dotty about dogs. Becoming completely over whelmed if an assistance dog came into the store. Sadly, Jackie died tragically early leaving behind her devoted husband and their son. In his wife’s memory, Steve continued to collect loose change and organised marathons and other fundraising events. With the support of his son and close friends, he raised

It was off to Locking for me this month for the first of my jabs. I was quite surprised by how emotional I felt. I suppose we have all being living in a weird parallel world of tension and worry. £5,000 in total which enabled him to select a guide dog puppy in training for the “name a puppy scheme”. It was my glorious assistance dog Jackie that was given the honour of carrying the memory of a wonderful woman dearly loved and missed by her family and friends. Now I know the story, walking with Jackie dog I feel justly proud. For my Podcast series this month I chatted with one of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow experts Margie Cooper. It was wonderful to reminisce about working on a National Treasure. Our conversation was from two very different perspectives. I was the

Keeping distant from friends and at times wary of the people we love, just in case they carried the deadly disease. I would like to say thank you so much to the Vaccination centre. They were so kind, patient and well organised. They even offered Jackie dog a seat. With my vaccinations done and the anticipation that the world will be returning to some normality soon, I have booked a trip to Scotland with Jackie dog in August. We are flying together for the first time and I am both anxious and excited. Jackie travels everywhere with me so launching her to 30,000 ft shouldn’t be a problem, I hope!

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

Come and visit our new office in Wedmore

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

01934 710222 The Old Bakery The Borough Wedmore BS28 4EB

01278 785900 5 High Street, Burham-on-Sea Somerset TA8 1NX

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