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DECEMBER 2021, ISSUE 59 FREE
Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley
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Tom’s rickshaw heroics News, views and features from Axbridge Cheddar, Wedmore and Winscombe
Inside this issue
welcome . . . Your views on bus services are sought – Page 6
New interactive board for walkers is unveiled – Page 8
Remembering those who failed to return home – Page 10
Welcome to the fifty-ninth issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy the offering of news and views from around the Cheddar Valley. In this issue, we focus on a young person who on the face of it may be unremarkable. Thomas Walsh lost his dad three years ago and was suffering greatly from the tragedy. Bad things do happen in the world, like war, natural disasters, accidents. But out of those situations always arise stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Contact us 7 Tower Close, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3XQ Tel: 01934 741099 Mob: 07704 606151
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And that’s exactly what has happened in Thomas’s case.
With the help of The Space charity based in Cheddar he has found the strength to cope with his grief and his part in the Rickshaw Challenge has helped him to talk about his feelings of loss. Anybody who was outside The Riverside Inn to see Tom ride into the village must have had a tear in their eye to see how this young man has turned his life around. The community spirit that resonated throughout Tom’s emotional return to Cheddar was something which will live long in the memories of those who were there. Well done Tom. Rob Perkins, Editor
NEWS
Village turns out to greet hero Thomas
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heddar teenager Thomas Walsh became the toast of the village as hundreds of people turned out to witness his part in this year’s Rickshaw Challenge as part of Children In Need fund-raiser. Tom’s world was turned upside down in 2018 when his dad Rod was killed in a car crash on the M5 and his mom Ceri was critically injured. Thankfully, Ceri made a full recovery, but Tom’s mental scars were deep-rooted and he found it difficult to talk about losing his dad and the accident. As part of his learning to cope with his dad’s loss and what happened on that terrible day, Tom turned to The Space – a CiN funded charity to help him. And 16-year-old Tom was able to repay the time and dedication of those who work at The Space by completing the Rickshaw Challenge with TV presenter Matt Baker. The pair cycled more than 30 miles – sometimes in torrential rain – through the Somerset countryside with the highlight riding into Tom’s home village where he was given a heroe’s welcome. After his gruelling eight-hour
Tom Walsh, centre, waves to the crowd alongside TV presenter Matt Baker, left, and Tom’s mum Ceri
challenge, Tom said: “I think my dad would be very proud. “Obviously if dad was here I wouldn’t be where I am now and I’m only doing this because he isn’t there and even though he’s not here I still think he’d be very proud that I’ve just done this absolutely crazy adventure.” Ceri said: “It’s an amazing achievement really. To have come out of something so awful and to be doing this today with everybody behind us and just to watch Thomas’s confidence has been amazing. “Since he knew was selected on to the team this year, he has changed so much. We’ve had
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 59
to speak about the accident a lot more and that’s one of the things Thomas didn’t like doing. He didn’t like doing things like that.” Matt Baker said: “It was an incredibly emotional moment riding into Cheddar because the whole village knew what the family have been through and they wanted to be out there showing their support. “It was a privilege to experience it and really the heart of this year’s challenge is taking the rickshaw to those places that are really important to these young people and those places that have really helped them to get through.”
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NEWS
Festive Night back to its former glory
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arols will be sung, mulled wine quaffed and mince pies gorged as Cheddar puts on its annual Festive Night 0n Friday, December 3. Despite having missed out last year because of the pandemic, the annual pre-Christmas jamboree will again see roads closed between the Market Cross and up the Gorge as pedestrians take to the streets to sample the delights on offer in the village. St Andrews Church sees the official launch of Festive Night with parish councillors and residents taking part in a service that ends with a rocket being fired from the bell tower to mark the start of the entertainment. Shops along Bath Street will be opening their doors while Factory Bargains will hosting a Festive Fayre on their premises. The Bath Arms will be hosting a pig roast, the proceeds of which will be going towards the Cheddar Youth Trust, while the Cheddar Male Voice Choir will be in full flow with various carols. Cheddar Fire Service will again be accompanying Father Christmas as he makes 4
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his way through the village streets, no doubt to the delight of all the youngsters. While Cliff Street car park will again host a plethora of market stalls, tombolas and funfair rides. Parking will be available at Kings Academy until 9pm. The event which is presented
by Cheddar Parish Council and Cheddar Chamber of Commerce is being sponsored this year by Factory Bargains and Cheddar Gorge and Caves 2020. There is a Christmas Civic Service at St Andrews Church at 5:30pm with a firework set off at 6pm to mark the start of Cheddar Festive Night.
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 59
Riverside Inn & Restaurant Cheddar
New Year 2022 offers
2022
In the meantime, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at the Riverside!
buy one get one free bottle of house wine in January! free in January … Buy two full price main courses during January and only pay for one. Not applicable to groups of six or more.
Choose a free bottle of Riverside house wine per couple with any two main courses. Red, rosé or white wine - subject to availability.
All day. Valid from 02/01/22 to 31/01/22. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
All day. Valid from 02/01/22 to 31/01/22. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
free bottle of house buy one get one free in February … wine in February! Choose a free bottle of Riverside house wine per couple with any two main courses. Red, rosé or white wine - subject to availability.
Buy two full price main courses during February and only pay for one. Not applicable to groups of six or more.
All day. Valid from 01/02/22 to 29/02/22 excluding 14/02/22. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
All day. Valid from 01/02/22 to 29/02/22 excluding 14/02/22. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
The Riverside Inn … in the heart of Somerset Cliff Street | Cheddar | Somerset | BS27 3PX | 01934 742 452 info@riversidecheddar.co.uk | riversidecheddar.co.uk
Cheddar Parish Council News
working to provide a better community
Let’s not miss out on a better service
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re you a bus user? Would you like to be able to commute to work or college in an environmentally friendly way or need better connections for hospital or shopping visits?
Currently Somerset has the second lowest number of passenger journeys per head in England. To make vast improvements Somerset County Council has put together an ambitious bus plan for its bid for £162million from the Government’s Bus Back Better Plan. Two Parish Councillors are already involved in the Somerset Bus Partnership which needs to know the views and needs of Cheddar residents. The SCC timescale is very tight and we do not want Cheddar to miss out on bus improvements. Please email, write, phone, use PC Facebook or twitter to comment and make suggestions to the clerk. • Vandalism incidents involving Parish Council Property have sadly increased over the year. 6
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The sum for repairs to the bus shelter, benches, defibrillator phone box and equipment in Hannah More Park have now reached £983.
areas of the village, especially anti social behaviour and driving and reporting back to and liaising with the Parish Council.
Vandalism at the new Pavilion in early November will also cost about £2000. Repairs are necessary but councillors wish residents’ money could be spent more productively around the village.
As residents we must continue to report new incidents on 101 (999 in an emergency) as this ensures incidents are officially recorded, count towards area statistics, which in turn determine how resources will be used.
• Cheddar Policing has received increased area resources.
• Cheddar Community Pavilion at Sharpham Road is nearly ready for opening but has been beset by delays to the power supply and is awaiting a new meter and further electrical work. However, signs are up and the original wing with improved changing facilities is being used for sports.
There are now two teams actually based in Cheddar on different shift patterns but with a Police Constable and Police Community Support Officer on each shift. They are prioritising certain
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 59
Find us at: The Cliffs, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QA 01934 740444 www.zenthaicheddar.com
Have a Zen little Christmas We are now accepting table reservations for December and the festive period, including our New Year’s Eve extravaganza Make sure you don’t miss out by booking a table on our website www.zenthiacheddar.com or by email at info@zenthaicheddar.com Our contactless takeaway service is also available throughout the festive period, so there’s never been a better time to enjoy some of our award-winning Thai food. Exceptional Thai Food The taste at this restaurant was exceptional. From the depth and flavour of the food to the exceptional service. Journey39078 - November 2021 Fantastic meal!
NEWS
New technology is helping all walkers
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heddar Parish Council has installed a new information board displaying a fascinating walk around the historic parts of Cheddar. The two- mile circular route takes in more than a thousand years of history, from the Saxon area around Kings of Wessex Academy, past the parish church of St Andrews, which dates from the fourteenth century, right up to historic nineteenth and twentieth century buildings. There are 35 buildings and monuments featured on the walk, including churches and pubs and a number of private dwellings, but these can only be viewed from outside. The walk is mostly on level pavements, with some narrow footpaths. Leading local historian Sue Shaw of Cheddar History and Archaeology was part of the Cheddar U3A group which researched and devised the walk in 2012 and initially promoted it through pick-up leaflets. Now walkers can scan the QR code on the map and download details onto their mobile phones. The information board is located in the 8
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U3A’s Sue Shaw with the new information board on Roynon Way, Cheddar
entrance to Sainsbury’s car park in Roynon Way.
open days, to allow distancing.
It is also one of a number of walks around the Cheddar area featured on the Cheddar Walking website www.cheddarwalking.org.uk
“Nonetheless a good sample of activities was available, by way of a brilliantly entertaining and informative big screen rolling slide and video show, put together by Geoff Farnie, demonstrating many of the various group’s talents.
• The U3A held a highly successful open day to showcase some of the activities they offer. Frances Snelling from U3A said: “It was designed as a scaled down version of usual
“There was a high number of visitors and many new members signed up over a free cup of coffee.”
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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
NEWS
Teamwork is key to Zen Thai’s success
The Zen Thai team, front left to right, Spencer and Pear Wallace, owners, middle row from left, Yimmy, Inn, Karn, Nuchy, back row from left, Liam Dale, Nic Jones, Tin, Bright and Cameron Chew
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heddar’s Zen Thai restaurant is celebrating another accolade after being given a 2022 Good Food Award. The blue ribbon prize which showcases the top restaurants in the country comes on the back of a 2021 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award given to the family-run restaurant in Cliff Street. Owners Pear and Spencer Wallace, who opened the restaurant in April 2019, put the success of their venture down to the teamwork
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among a tight-knit group of hard-working staff members. He said: “Pear and I wouldn’t be in the position we are today without the dedication of all those who work alongside us. “These awards are as much for them as they are for us and the restaurant. “It hasn’t been the easiest over the last 18 months or so, but they have all stepped up to the challenges we’ve had to overcome. “And these awards are fitting
accolades for their work. I also want to thank all those people who voted for us. “We have loyal customers from many people in the Cheddar Valley and beyond and Pear and I would like to thank them for their continued support. “Our reputation over a wider area will grow on the back of these awards too. We already have people coming from great distances to try our highly acclaimed award-winning Thai food and we hope this trend will continue.”
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 59
NEWS
Remembering those who did not return
The Remembrance Day parade in Cheddar comes to a halt to begin the wreath laying at the Memorial Cross
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 59
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NEWS
Business club’s gift to vital hospice work
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Paul Winspear, chief executive of Weston Hospicecare, right, receives a cheque from Riverside Business Club members Huw Davies, left, and Di Litten, centre
VL59 Weston.JPG
iverside Business Club handed over a cheque worth £500 to the chief executive of Weston Hospicecare. The networking group which meets every fortnight at the Riverside Inn, made the donation from money raised throughout the last year. Paul Winspear told the group that the vital work carried out by Weston Hospicecare can only survive on generous donations such as the one handed over by The Riverside Business Club. He said: “To say the last 18 months has been challenging is
a gross understatement as far as the charity is concerned. “During the pandemic we had to completely change the way that we deliver our service. “For more than 30 years we’ve given palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses completely free of charge. “We deliver expert care from our base in Uphill where there is a 10 bedroom inpatient unit, along with a day and wellbeing centre. “To complement our in-house services, we have a team of community nurse specialists who care for patients, and their families, in their homes.”
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While the pandemic hit the charity’s fund-raising events, new ways of raising money had been evolved and Weston Hospicecare is now in a better place to continue its vital work in the community. Paul added: “It’s through donations like these that we will continue to thrive in the community where it is most needed and I can’t thank you enough.” Di Litten said: “Weston Hospicecare is a charity which is very close to all our hearts and it was great to hear from Paul that the charity will continue it’s amazing work throughout the area.”
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Cheddar Chat Follow all the news from Cheddar AFC with football writer Alan Cooper
Mawford’s men in a period of transition
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o quote an old saying, a month is a long time in football and this phrase could not be more apt than looking back at the club’s results over the past month. Riding high in the Toolstation Western League (Division One) Cheddar’s Cheesemen currently occupy second place in the league table. Although they can be thankful for their incredible start to the season in which they secured six straight wins as the club’s form has been indifferent since the amazing early season lift off! Of 22 league goals scored, fourteen have gone into their opponents net in the last four games whereas of the 25 goals conceded, nine have been conceded in the same period. So there has been plenty of goalmouth action for the football enthusiast. By manager Craig Mawford’s own admission, his players
are currently much a team ‘in transition’ and with the inherent difficulties caused by the pandemic coupled with a degree of player unavailability this can perhaps account for two successive four goal home defeats. The latest reverse came against runaway league leaders Welton Rovers in mid-November. The team boast a mixture of experience and youngsters learning their trade at Western League level and as the year draws to a close, all eyes will be on Bowden’s Park as the club continues to add
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021 / ISSUE 59
to its stature as older heads in yellow shirts continue to nurture younger players coming through. Mawford’s men will be looking to end 2021 on a positive note. With attentions turning towards the festive season, the team enter December with successive away games at Wincanton and Sherborne but welcome Bishops Lydeard to Bowden’s Park on Boxing Day (Sunday 26th December), which kicks off at the earlier time of 1pm, club officials hopeful of a bumper attendance.
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Johnny’s Discos
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The Pet Shop
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UNIT 1B SAXON COURT, UNION STREET CHEDDAR, BS27 3NA 01934 741199
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Mendip walks Jennifer Hunt and her dogs Daisy and Dora take to the hills
Visit Read’s Cavern
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ou can leave your car in the large car park towards the bottom of Burrington Combe, opposite Link Lane. Cross over the road to the post box and walk along to the left.
up the track for a short way before turning left down a narrow gully (which may also be a stream!) and cross over the stream at the bottom. Go through the gate at the top and turn left, which will take you back onto the main track once again.
Then turn right up a narrow, steep footpath immediately after the house. When you reach Link Lane turn left and walk uphill. Turn right on the footpath opposite the second house which will take you into Mendip Lodge Wood. Follow the main path along through the trees until you eventually reach the ruins of Mendip Lodge, details of which I have written about previously. Take the next turning on the left and continue up the track a short way before turning right, which will take you out onto Stoney Lane. Turn left and walk up under the ancient beech trees on each side – you can now see why it’s called Stoney Lane! When the lane levels out you will pass a grassy area on the left partly enclosed by old metal railings – this used to be the tennis court for Mendip Lodge a long time ago.
Turn right and follow the level track along until you reach a barrier. The road then continues down past the University Hut and on over a cattle grid. Keep walking down until you reach the top of the last rough bit of track, before it becomes a tarmac road.
Continue on passed a field gate and down to where the lane divides into three ways. You can then either keep left and carry on up the track or, if you would like to see the cave entrance to Read’s Cavern, take the second turning on the left. Then turn left again shortly afterwards and walk along the narrow path that leads to a small open area and the cave. As you approach you will be able to hear the noise of the stream as it disappears down into the cave, especially if there has been heavy rain. Once you have finished exploring, continue walking
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This has always been known as “Dolly’s Ledge”. Many years ago Dolly the horse would pull her cart all the way up the hill as fast as she could until she felt the back wheels go over the ledge at the top. Then she knew she could stop and have a well-earned rest! Continue walking down to the end of Link Lane or take the short cut that you came up earlier. Distance: 2.5 miles Walk: Read’s Cavern Start and End: Burrington Combe Nearest Postcode: BS40 7AT
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