Valley Life - May 2021 by Rob Perkins

READ BY MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE

MAY 2021, ISSUE 52 FREE

Valley Life

Let the good times roll News, views and features from Axbridge Cheddar, Wedmore and Winscombe

NEWS

Inside this issue

welcome . . . Tennis club opens up for business afer pandemic – Page 4

Norm Longley’s new book on Slow Somerset – Page 9

An Axbridge man who victim of an arctic disaster – 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-second issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy the offering of news and views from around the Cheddar Valley.

never change and the work of charity organisations such as the Cheddar Vale Lions have used the pandemic to continue to carry out their fantastic work.

As more and more people resume some sort of normality, it’s probably time to reflect on what has happened over the last year or so.

They have adapted to the changes we have all faced but have still managed to carry out their vital work in helping those in our community who are in need. And for that we should all be thankful.

The pandemic has forced everyone to think differently about the way that they live their lives and carry on their businesses. With such seismic changes comes challenges for everyone, and while change is never easy, it is something that we have all had to get used to. Thankfully, some things

Something else that never changes is this wonderful part of the world in which we live and a book by a local author pays tribute to the joys of living in this part of the world. Rob Perkins, Editor

Tablets give patients help, thanks to Lions

he success of the appeal by the Cheddar Vale Lions has led to an added bonus to Weston Hospital.

decided to contact local hospitals to see if they had a need.

Throughout the charity’s laptop appeal, the Lions also received numerous iPads and tablets.

“It was thought that there was a particular need during this time when patients are not allowed visitors, so they could have a means to talk to their relatives.

Sylvia Cook, from Cheddar Vale Lions said: “Some have been distributed with the 87 laptops to families, the majority of these to our local community.

“University Hospitals Bristol & Weston Hospitals jumped at the offer and all 14 devices were delivered to Maria, Head of Volunteers at Weston Hospital.

“However, there were still 14 iPads and tablets left to go to needy causes. “After discussing the project at our recent meeting it was

“As well as being used for patients to talk to families, they will be using them with the Dementia patients for when the volunteers chat to them

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MAY 2021 / ISSUE 52

regarding any memories they may recall. “ They can be used to then show them pictures on the screen relating to them. “Huge thanks to all who donated these items, most from our local community, and they have gone to a real worthy cause in the NHS. We are still taking in devices if anyone has any to donate. We have schools and families waiting, as well as contacting our other hospitals to see if they require any small devices.” If you do have any devices you can contact Sylvia by email sylvia.cook@sky.com

www.valley-life.com

NEWS

Cheddar tennis club is open for business

he courts at the Sharpham Road premises are looking in great condition as Cheddar Tennis Club welcomes back members after the easing of the lockdown restrictions with a 25% reduction in membership fees this year.

There is a wealth of opportunities available to suit a variety of tastes including social tennis, men’s, ladies, and mixed team play, inter club competitions cardio tennis and individual and group coaching sessions offered by Stephen Pearce an experienced Level 4 LTA qualified coach. The club has a strong youth section organised by Stephen with sessions for all ages and abilities on offer each week and fun courses running during the school holidays. New to the club this year 4

www.valley-life.com

Cheddar

At last we can welcome the people of the Cheddar Valley back to the Riverside

We all look forward to

The club prides itself in being fully compliant with Covid secure guidelines prioritising safety and enjoyment for all. New members of all abilities including beginners, rusty returners and experienced campaigners are welcome to join the friendly club which has four all weather carpeted floodlit courts enabling play all year round.

Riverside Inn & Restaurant

seeing you all soon! is the pay and play scheme for non-members aimed at attracting local residents and visitors to the area to enjoy the wonderful facilities on offer. The courts can be booked on the club’s website for only £5 an hour. The club is delighted to congratulate Chairman and Welfare Officer Sarah Strawbridge who was recently named as Somerset LTA volunteer of the year. The award recognises her boundless enthusiasm and commitment to the club particularly in the last Covid restricted year when she has been a shining light guiding all members through

challenging times. Sarah is passionate about promoting diversity within the club and has worked tirelessly to make it an inclusive venue welcoming those who face mental and physical challenges in life. Never resting on her laurels, she is currently exploring the possibility of adapting the premises to facilitate wheelchair play. Her achievement is incredibly well deserved, and her name has now been put forward for a regional award. Very well-done Sarah! For more details go to www. cheddartennisclub.co.uk, the club’s Facebook page or from coach Stephen Pearce on 07904 061301 or email stephenfpearce@gmail.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MAY 2021 / ISSUE 52

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for our opening times

and for special offers

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NEWS

Programme looks to attract more women

f you think that the Women’s Institute is all about jam and singing Jerusalem - then think again.

Cheddar Gorgeous we have a lovely programme of events which will help ease you into being a member of the WI.

The Cheddar Gorgeous WI are looking to recruit new members to their cause.

“We have everything from Zoom Bingo and outdoor picnics to finally some indoor guided alcohol tasting.

Beccy Lloyd from the group said: “We appreciate that everyone will have felt the rollercoaster of the past year. “As we move into a different path on our roadmap, here at

“Drop us a line for more information - it could be just what you need.” The WI is offering the chance to try the WI before you buy.

Beccy added: “So if you’re looking to try new things and meet new friends you can visit us up to 3 times before deciding to join as a member - at a cost of £5 per visit. “We have a wide programme of activities over the coming months so there will be something for everyone. “Come and join us and you’ll soon find out that the WI is more than just jam and Jerusalem.”

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A

MEMBER

Now is a great time to join the WI, make new friends and get to know people from your area. We have an exciting programme planned for 2021 and we always love to welcome new faces. Did you now that you can try the WI before you join? Yes! You can visit us up to 3 times before deciding to join as a member (at a cost of £5 per visit)– so why not take a look at our planned events and give us a try*.

BINGO IN A BAG - APRIL 12TH

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF - MAY 10TH

event with a sports masseur to guide us through how to take care of ourselves using massage.

event. Bring a blanket and a snack (we will provide a drink) and enjoy being back with the group.

PICNIC TIME - JUNE 14TH

Find us at:

HISTORICAL TOUR OF CHEDDAR - JULY 12TH

event. Meet for a guided walk through Cheddar, learning everything you never knew about our village.

A must visit - best Thai restaurant for miles!

SUMMER FETE - AUGUST 9TH

event with fun games and maybe a bit of country dancing, if you feel inclined! An

In the meantime we will continue to offer our full menu of mouthwatering Thai food through our contactless takeaway service Thursday to Saturday from 5.00pm. We are really looking forward to seeing you all again and serving you our highly-acclaimed Thai food!

CREATIVE WORKSHOP - SEPTEMBER 13TH An

As this is likely to be an extremely busy period, we are now accepting advance table reservations, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

game with goodie bag provided.

As we start to countdown the days and weeks until the end of lockdown, we will be re-opening for dine-in customers from Tuesday, 18 May 2021.

You can reserve a table now via our website - www.zenthaicheddar.com or by telephone on 01934 740444

OF CHEDDAR GORGEOUS WI?

There are exciting times ahead...

Grand Re-opening

If you want beautiful Thai food served in a lovely setting with attentive and friendly staff, this is the place for you

event where we will be getting crafty.

DRINKS TASTING - OCTOBER 11TH

event where we will be sampling and learning about a locally-made tipple or two.

www.valley-life.com

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MAY 2021 / ISSUE 52

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

on e o s b g in com n pe ins O W in

Butchers • Fishmongers • Delicatessen

NEWS

Taking life slowly is the key to new book

t’s no exaggeration to say that after 25 of writing and updating a multitude of different guidebooks, researching and writing Slow Somerset – a process that took around two years – was the one that gave author Norm Longley most pleasure.

to do, we also loved Draycott Sleights, not only because we hardly saw another person, but the views from here are among the best in Somerset, and that’s saying something. Further Somerset highlights included spotting Common Cranes on the Somerset Levels, which were recently reintroduced here 400 years after becoming extinct, nosing around the country’s smallest still functioning church (Culbone on Exmoor), and a midwinter stroll along Clevedon Pier, Britain’s only intact Grade 1 listed pier.

This extraordinarily diverse county frequently confounded expectations, from the discovery of the third largest set of standing stones in the country (at Stanton Drew) to exploring the wreck of a Norwegian barque on Berrow Beach.

Hog roasts or barbecue we can help with all you summer food needs Opening hours Monday - Saturday 7am-6pm Sunday 10am-4pm The Cross, Union Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3NA Tel: 01934 742521 Email: cobbsofcheddar@outlook.com

Throw in a couple of heritage railways, historic lighthouses, bracing coastal and moorland walks, and sensational views from the likes of Black Down and Dunkery Beacon, to name but a few of Somerset’s lofty heights, and it was an absolute blast. But one of the greatest joys was having the opportunity to explore what was literally on my doorstep, not only because I got to write about the people and places you rarely hear about in other guidebooks, but I never truly appreciated what was just down the road – though isn’t that often the case?

Cheddar was one such place. Whilst the caves are familiar to many, it was the valley’s lesser-known sights that really caught my imagination. Walking the Strawberry Line – which we did in four separate stages – introduced me to some wonderful sights: from Cheddar reservoir, through to Axbridge, with its superb little museum and the brilliant Roxy cinema, and beyond to Winscombe and Sandford, whose old station is now the site of a fabulous heritage centre. Whilst a circular walk around the gorge top itself should be high on anyone’s list of things

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MAY 2021 / ISSUE 52

Naturally there was plenty of cheese and cider to boot during the course of research: don’t miss Somerset Cider Brandy in Burrow Hill – uniquely the country’s only apple distillery – and if you’ve never been to Roger Wilkins’ Cider Barn, make haste before he retires! There is no better time to indulge in this wonderful county of ours, even if you do have to stay fairly local – and if Slow is your thing, then Somerset will be too. To get a copy of Slow Somerset contact dclongley@ hotmail.com or 07814 032532

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NEWS

Axbridge son who perished in the arctic

olomon Tozer left Axbridge in 1834 to pursue a career in the Royal Marines – 14 years later he was one of the 129 members of the ill-fated expedition to try to find a north-west passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

to mainland Canada. By that time eight officers and 15 men had died. It is thought all the survivors died of starvation or disease on. The 250-mile trek. Several expeditions searched for them, and poignant relics were found, although the note was not discovered until 1859. In 1854, during John Rae’s search expedition several relics were found including a Royal Marine sword, pictured left, which would have been carried by Sergeant Tozer.

The career soldier was born in 1811 to John Wickham Tozer and Mary Ham and baptized on December 25, 1817 at St. John the Baptist, Axbridge. When he was young he worked as a carpenter in the town but enlisted in the Royal Marines as a private on November 12, 1834. He was clearly an outstanding marine and his superiors identified him as a potential leader. In 1837, just three years into his career he was promoted to corporal and seven years later he rose to the rank of sergeant. In March 1845, Tozer signed up for the Franklin expedition as the leader of HMS Terror’s Royal Marine detachment. Now the fate of Solomon Tozer, played by actor David Walmsley, pictured far right, and the rest of the expedition has been transformed into a BBC TV series by director 10

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A few skeletons were discovered over the years and Inuit people told of starving men dropping as they walked. In the 1980s the graves of four early victims were examined. Sir Ridley Scott. His fictitious account plays out the horrors that might have befallen the expedition in The Terror. But the real life story of the deaths of all the expedition’s 129 brave souls is just as gripping. When veteran Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin set out with the ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror in 1845 to find a north-west route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, he was expected to complete his mission within three years.

Such a discovery would bring huge economic benefits and the expedition was hot news. The ships were well tested on previous polar voyages. Captain Francis Crozier, 48, captain of HMS Terror, had served on three previous Arctic expeditions. Commander James Fitzjames, 31, commander of HMS Erebus had experience of arduous overland journeys. James Reid, a whaling captain from Aberdeen, was the ice-master - someone with special experience in navigating vessels in icy waterways.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MAY 2021 / ISSUE 52

Both ships had steam and sail power and reinforced bows to cope with the ice. On a lighter note, Lady Franklin presented Erebus with a pet monkey. There was a library of more than 1,000 books and 7,000lbs of tobacco. When HMS Terror sailed from Greenhithe, Kent on May 19, 1845 the crew and Royal Marines included Solomon Tozer, 34, a sergeant born in Axbridge. He was said to have worked as a carpenter before enlisting. The last Europeans to see the expedition were crews

of two whaling ships which saw them in August 18456 in Baffin Bay. Erebus and Terror were never to be seen again - until their wrecks were discovered in 2014 and 2016.

Their bodies proved to be extraordinarily well preserved by the permafrost. Remains of men who died later suggest that by the end survivors resorted to cannibalism.

In 1846, the ships became trapped in ice off King William Island in Arctic Canada.

In 2014, a Canadian team found the wreck of HMS Erebus in 36-feet of water and in 2016 the Arctic Research Foundation found Terror in pristine condition 79 feet below the surface.

According to a note dated April 1848, signed by Crozier and Fitzjames and found by searches years later, Sir John Franklin died in June 1847 and after two winters on and around the stricken ship, the survivors set off to walk across the island and sea ice

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MAY 2021 / ISSUE 52

The terrible cold that claimed so many lives was again helping to tell their story, a tale as chilling as any fictional horror. www.valley-life.com

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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

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NEWS

Annual parish council meeting re-arranged

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

heddar Parish Council had to cancel its annual parish meeting planned for Wednesday April 21 in order to comply with the period of mourning for Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The meeting will now be held at 7pm on Wednesday May 5 via video conference on Zoom. Last year the annual meeting was cancelled altogether because of the pandemic, so this is an opportunity for

or groups who have given exceptional service to the community.

parishioners to hear what the parish council has been doing since 2019. In addition to the chairman’s report on council activities the parish council will be announcing the winners of the community service awards which are given to individuals

The council will also be announcing the successful applicants for parish council grants, given each year to local community groups. Zoom link details for joining the meeting will be published on the agenda a few days before the meeting. For more information contact clerk@cheddarparishcouncil. org or call 01934 743217

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MAY 2021 / ISSUE 52

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NEWS

Hillier Garden Centre Cheddar

hillier.co.uk

Having recently undergone a transformation, Hillier Garden Centre Cheddar is the ideal destination for all your gardening needs.

New challenge for summer flower show

nstead of their traditional indoor event Cheddar Flower Show Committee are inviting people to take part in a village-wide event in August, a Flower and Scarecrow Trail.

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Cheddar Flower Show Chairman, Chris Sims said: “Many people have enjoyed walking, gardening and creative crafts over the last year, and we wanted to combine these in a celebration of summer. “We are asking villagers of all ages to join in our Summer Challenge by making a scarecrow, or by planting pots, hanging baskets or flower beds, or decorating their gardens with homemade flowers, pom-poms, garlands or bunting, or even yarn-bombing. “All featured items must be in front gardens and visible from the pavement or gate, so no-one will go into the garden.” The Flower and Scarecrow Trail will run from Saturday August 14-28 when everyone’s handiwork and green fingers can be admired by people following the Trail Map.

It will not be judged, but every participating household will receive a small memento. “Chris added: During August we will also have a Virtual Show on Facebook, when people can post a photo of anything they have made or grown, such as craft, cookery, flowers, or artwork. ”Just for kudos, no prizes,

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MAY 2021 / ISSUE 52

but there will be a prize for the tallest sunflower in the Grow a Giant Sunflower Competition for families. We hope that Cheddar folk will enjoy this Summer Challenge.” Details of how to take part are available on Cheddar Flower Show Facebook Page, and by contacting cheddar. flowershow@yahoo.com

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Mitchell’s

NEWS

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A walk with a view

tarting from the BCYC Reservoir entrance on Cheddar Road, walk up the short lane directly opposite and cross straight over the main road, taking care here as there is fast traffic. Then walk up the lane and through the first gate. Until recently you could see the impressive St Michael’s Cheshire Home across the fields to your right, but unfortunately there is now a tall fence blocking the view. The house was built in 1878 by Matilda Gibbs for patients suffering from tuberculosis and in memory of her three children tragically lost to TB. She was the wife of William Gibbs who owned the Tyntesfield Estate in North Somerset. When you reach the top of the lane go through the second gate, turn left and climb over the stile, which also has a convenient doggie pop hole! Turn right and then almost immediately take the small track on your left next to a large tree and just before a metal trough. When the track joins a wider path turn left again and follow

this gradually sloping path upwards through the trees. Take the second sharp turning on the right, which takes you up across the side of the hill. When you reach the top of the slope the stony path levels out and there is a lovely view of Cheddar Reservoir stretching out below. There is also a convenient stone bench on which to sit and take in the view. Then carry on along the track and take the righthand fork down through the trees. At the end, opposite a wall, turn right and walk down the wide, steep slope to the bottom. Over on the right there is a small, disused quarry from many years ago. Go through the pedestrian gate on the left and follow the path under a row of huge lime trees. Continue

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MAY 2021 / ISSUE 52

on through a gate and down Parsonage Lane, from where you may be able to glimpse the other side of St Michael’s Cheshire Home through the trees on your right. A bit further down on the right you will pass The Parsonage, which was originally built for the resident Chaplain and included its own stables and coach house. When you reach the bottom of the track and come out onto the main road, turn right and walk along the pavement to the original Lodge House and entrance to St Michael’s. Then cross over the road at the bollards and walk down Cheddar Road back to where you started. Walk: Fry’s Hill Start and End: Cheddar Road, Cheddar Postcode: BS26 2DL

www.valley-life.com

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

Hitting the airwaves

ith my assistance dog Jackie, we have just returned home after recording a podcast with some members of the bell ringers of St Leonards Church in Rodney Stoke. It is the first time in six months I have been able to meet community members outside with my microphone in hand. Sitting under the notorious yew tree on the north side with our faces in the sun did indeed feel spiritual and uplifting. The contributors spoke so lovingly about the history of their medieval church sitting in such gorgeous surroundings of the Somerset levels looking out towards Glastonbury. A hugely exciting thing happened to me last week. I was contacted by the BBC Radio 4 programme, “Saturday Live”. They were interested in my life story relating to my diverse career in TV, working in the winter months with Bear Grylls on his worldwide survival series and the summer as the Event manager for BBC Antiques Roadshow. And how my sudden sight loss has impacted

the confidence I needed. The week leading up to the show was a myriad of sound and safety checks with lovely chats to the programme researcher.

on my current life. They were also fascinated to hear about my podcast series Draycott Diaries. I have always had a positive outlook on life, both before and after my diagnosis. I have of course faced huge hurdles coming to terms with blindness. But if I can demonstrate to others a positive view of sight loss, then my job is done. I have done many talks over the years but never on live radio. If I’m honest, recorded via zoom and not having to leave my sitting room and more importantly my bathroom! Suited me very well and it meant Jackie dog could snooze next to me with her head on my foot giving me all

On the record day itself and waiting to “go live” I found myself in a virtual waiting room with the star guest Mel Giedroyc. We had a lovely chat and she was keen by the wonders of technology to have a tour round my home and to meet the glorious Jackie dog who didn’t seen that bothered a celebrity was staring at her! The whole Saturday Live Team were wonderful, funny and compassionate. Rev Richard Coles is even nicer (if possible) in real life and both he and Nickki Bedi went out of their way to ease any nerves. Whenever there was music including “the inheritance tracks from Alice Cooper” we all danced but obviously kept our headphones firmly on so the producer Corrina …could keep us all in check! Honestly, it was the best party Ive been to in years and two hours of my life I will never forget. Thank you Saturday Live!

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

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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

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