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APRIL 2022, ISSUE 62 FREE

Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley

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Pump track hits the mark News, views and features from Axbridge Cheddar, Wedmore and Winscombe

Inside this issue

welcome . . . Arts trail is back and it’s bigger and better – Page 6

Volunteers needed for new visitor centre – Page 8

Blood, sweat and tears at The Riverside Inn – 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 sixty-second issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy the offering of news and views from around the Cheddar Valley.

The news that Huw and Jo Davies will be leaving The Riverside Inn has come as a shock to many. As tenants at the pub, they always knew that their lease might not be extended but what they have achieved over their 21 year tenure at the popular hostelry can only be applauded. Not only have they been great supporters of organisations in the village, but they have also given jobs to countless number of young people who have

started their working lives at The Riverside.

We can only hope that the incoming owners of The Riverside will be as generous to the community as Huw and Jo have been over the years. Let’s wish the two of them all the best in the future and thank them for their support to the community which is a better place for them having been a big part of it. The Cheddar Arts Fringe Festival returns at the end of the month and it’s great to see them return to the village calendar - they’ve been badly missed in the last two years. Rob Perkins, Editor

NEWS

Pump Track dream becomes a reality

t was back in December 2018 when Ride Mendips met with residents to discuss a Pump Track in Cheddar. Now more than three years later and their vision has become a reality. The pump track on Sharpham Road playing fields was opened in April and has already become a success among fun and dedicated riders. Grant Garge from Ride Mendips has been with the project from day one. He said: “There has been a real sense of everyone pulling together on this

project.

Pump Track a reality.”

“We have had terrific financial support from British Cycling, Sedgemoor District Council and the Hinkley Point C Fund.

Work on the site began in January and completed in March since when youngsters have been using the Pump Track. All of them have agreed it is a great addition to the facilities that young people have in the area.

“But the biggest saving has come from Hanson Aggregates who supplied and delivered all the raw material for the track - which was about half of the overall cost. “We’ve also been supported by Cheddar Parish Council who have helped to push the Pump Track through. “While local businesses have donated to help to make the

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Grant added: “It’s also free which means that they can come down here anytime and use the Pump Track. “We’ve already seen some real talent at the track and it’s great to dream that one day one of these might be an Olympian or World Champion.”

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NEWS

Cheddar arts trail is back after lockdown

fter a two-year absence from the village calendar due to the pandemic, The Cheddar Arts Trail will be making a welcome return at the end of the month. And this year’s event will be even bigger than before with more than 40 artists taking part in 14 venues across the village. The festival starts on April 30 and runs until May 2 with artists opening their doors from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Bridget Hemmings, chair of Cheddar Arts and Fringe Festival, said: “We are really looking forward to the Ched4

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dar Arts trail 2022, following two years of no trail. “We have come back bigger and better with more than 40 artists in 14 venues. There is a wide variety of artists: potters, painters, artists working textiles and photography. “Several artists will also be offering workshops during the weekend. Come along and have a go! Most venues have great accessibility and many offer refreshments. Fliers will be delivered locally and there will be a CHAFF brochure with a QR code , so that you can download the information onto your Smart phone.

“We have also updated the website so that you can find information about each artist.” This is the fifth time that CHAFF has held such an event. It was the brainchild of local artist Katrina Atkinson in 2014. She said: “My only real stipulation was the festival had to be kept within Cheddar, any other local artists who wished to join CHAFF had to exhibit within the village. “I felt it was important for the local community to keep it accessible to all ‘A walking trail of open studios’ around our lovely village.”

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NEWS

Recycling scheme to help Air Ambulance

he Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance charity are set to benefit from a recycling initiative set up by a Cheddar owner. Beccy Lloyd has signed Extra Mile Printing & Embroidery up to collect oral care, beauty and personal care waste, saving it from landfill and incineration Local residents can drop off their oral care, beauty and personal care waste of any brand to Extra Mile Printing & Embroidery on Lower North Street, Cheddar. The scheme has been set up by Colgate and Hello Oral Care Recycling Programme and the Garnier Personal Care and Beauty Recycling Programme to collect the waste.. Beccy, right, said: “So far the community has helped us collect almost 1,700 units of waste to send to TerraCycle for recycling. Making use of the public drop-off location is a great way to do something positive for the environment and for the community.” For each unit of waste collected on its programmes, TerraCycle points are award-

ed that can be redeemed as a monetary donation to charity. By creating its own public drop off point, the business is benefiting the environment and raising funds to support the life-saving work of the air ambulance. Beccy added: “There are very few people in our area whose lives haven’t been touched in some way by the work of the

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incredible Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. They save lives every day and provide an invaluable service. “I’d encourage everyone in Cheddar and the surrounding villages to think twice before throwing out their waste and check if it’s something we can accept at our drop off location on Lower North Street, which is open 24/7.”

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NEWS

Volunteers needed for new visitor centre

Richard Miller (left) introducing new volunteers to the Cheddar Visitor Information Centre Centre.jpeg

he visitor information centre in Cheddar Gorge is now being run by local volunteers under the management of the Cheddar Community Partnership and more volunteers are needed to help. The centre, owned by Sedgemoor District Council, was being run by the National Trust until the Covid pandemic hit their business and they were forced to close it two years ago. Now the Community Partnership has taken it on, with the blessing of both Cheddar Parish Council and the Chamber of Commerce, 6

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re-opening for limited hours at weekends only since last October. This has proved very successful with a steady flow of visitors seeking advice on local walks from the gorge and other information. With the main visitor season fast approaching and Longleat having announced their intention to re-open the caves before Easter the partnership would like to extend the opening hours and needs more volunteers to help. Volunteers can indicate how much time they can give at the centre and will be fitted into the rota accordingly.

New members can expect to work alongside experienced staff initially until they are familiar with the role and, before making a commitment, volunteers will be given an induction session by Richard Miller who knows the centre well, having worked there for several years as a volunteer with the National Trust. No special skills are needed, just some local knowledge and a willingness to help visitors to the gorge. Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering should email: cheddargorgevic@gmail.com

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“Welcoming you all back from March” Follow the ‘Ale Trail’ signs from the Trail’ signs from the footpath near Tesco to us here at Winchester Farm. A great selection of beers, ciders, gin, wine & prosecco. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Relax and enjoy a beer in our friendly working brewery. Check current opening hours on our website

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

NEWS

Grants for local groups

heddar Parish Council is inviting community organisations to apply for grants of up to £1,000 for projects which benefit people living in the parish. The grants are available to voluntary and community groups, registered charities, churches and schools. The council will support a wide range of applications, including schemes which meet a gap in local services, provide new opportunities or activities for people, environmental projects and schemes which help to reduce crime or the fear of crime. Last year the council gave funding to Cheddar Youth Club, the Methodist Church, and Cheddar Community Partnership for their Wild

Cheddar initiative. Grants were also awarded to Cheddar Vale Lions Club towards their Youth IT scheme for re-purposing laptops and tablets for children and secondly for their Operation Easter Bunny. This involved giving all local care home residents a chocolate egg and greeting card

to cheer them up during lock down and the staff were given tins of chocolates. Full details of the requirements and the application form are available at www. cheddarparishcouncil.org/ community-grants or by contacting theclerk@cheddarparishcouncil.org 01934 743217. The deadline for applications is April 6, 2022.

Curtain rises again at Kings

heddar Arts is back after a gap of two years in which it was closed down due to the Covid pandemic. Cheddar Arts is a collaboration between the Kings of Wessex School and the village community, centred on the school’s state of the art studio theatre. The season begins on Friday, 8

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May 6 with A Royal Night Out, while on Friday, June 10, Toni Collette and Damian Lewis star in Dream Horse.

Tickets and information are available online at www. thelittleboxoffice.com/cheddararts

And the season closes on Friday, July 8 when Will Smith stars in King Richard.

For queries and help, email. cheddararts@gmail.com

The doors of Kings Theatre at the Kings of Wessex School open at 6.45pm and performances begins at 7.30pm.

Payment via the booking system is by credit/debit card only and cash will only be accepted for tickets sold on the door.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE APRIL 2022 / ISSUE 62

NEWS

Blood, sweat and tears

fter more than 21 years, Huw and Jo Davies walked out of The Riverside Inn at the end of last month for the very last time. In that period, The Riverside had become more than just a pub, it was for so many people the beating heart of the village and will not be the same without Huw, Jo and latterly Daniel behind the bar. The pub was bought by Stonegate Pubs in 2020 from Enterprise Inns and while Enterprise concentrated on leasing pubs to individual publicans, Stonegate want to manage their own properties. Huw said: “We knew about the decision not to renew our lease six months ago, we tried to negotiate with Stonegate to try to remain in place but it soon became obvious that they wanted us out. “We would only be throwing away money on legal fees trying to fight the decision, so we graciously accepted defeat and leave with our heads held high.” It was in 2001 that Huw and Jo moved from The Gardeners to take on the lease at The Riverside. Huw always wanted the pub to become a central part of the village and he went about creating an atmosphere that

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would be attractive to as wide a market as possible. Whether that’s sports bar on a big sporting Saturday afternoon, a Mother’s Day Sunday lunch or as home to one of the many community groups that used the premises - The Riverside was successful at being all things to all men and women. Huw added: “The last couple of years obviously haven’t been easy with the pandemic. “But we really tried during the lockdown to keep the staff working so that the pub would be looking as best it could be when we were

allowed to open. “It’s been a matter of blood sweat and tears and a year ago we were up on ladders painting the eaves and windows so that building was in the best possible shape it could be to welcome customers back. “I would like to think that we’ve been committed to playing full part in village life. “From sponsoring sporting teams to raising funds for schools, The Riverside has always gone out of its way to help. “I hope that will continue, but it won’t be with me at the helm and that hurts if

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NEWS

rs of Riverside tenants arate our business and family lives which is crucial in this trade.” Over the last couple of years The Riverside really has become a family business. Huw said: “Having all three of us working at the pub really has brought us closer together and we’ve really enjoyed making it a real family business. “I’m not saying that I’m not gutted at having to leave the place that we’ve literally given blood, sweat and tears to make a success.

I’m honest. People have been very kind saying that they can organise protests about the way we have been treated. “But we just want to remember the good times we’ve had here and the good friends we’ve met over the 21 years we’ve been here.” The 28 full and part-time staff at The Riverside have been guaranteed jobs under laws transferring businesses from one owner to another. Huw added: “The staff over the whole of our time here have been the backbone of our success. “It’s sometimes a little daunt-

ing to see the children of former workers applying for jobs in the pub. “We’ve seen couples marrying having met while working at The Riverside and that’s what has made it such a special place.

“But at the end of the day business is business and I have to accept the decision by Stonegate not to renew our lease. “It’s a shame that the end of our time at The Riverside has come, but we will find a new venture. “We leave knowing that The Riverside has become an integral part of village life.

“Jo and I moved into the flat above the pub when we first took over and Daniel spent his first year there.

“We’ve had some great times at The Riverside and we’ve made some life-long friends throughout our time there.”

“But Jo was adamant that she couldn’t bring up a family there and so we moved into a family home in the village.

Stonegate Group is the largest pub owner in the country with more than 3,200 properties.

“This was probably the best thing that could’ve happened because it allowed us to sep-

Its brands include Slug & Lettuce, Walkabout, Classic Inns and Proper Pubs.

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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.

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. 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.

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

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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Cheddar Chat Follow all the news from Cheddar AFC with football writer Alan Cooper

New assistant needed

he club has been rocked by the resignation of its popular assistant manger Michael Dangerfield for family reasons. Dangerfield who first joined the club in 2016 and featured prominently in their notable first FA Cup campaign that same year, gained further prominence as the club’s under-18s coach before becoming Mawford’s assistant He forged a formidable managerial partnership. Meanwhile the club are advertising for a replacement assistant manager and have requested that prospective applicants contact secretary, Bruce Harvey initially by email to harvs360@hotmail.co.uk With the final month of a season of roller-coaster results rapidly approaching, Craig Mawford’s Cheesemen were given the best possible tonic with a remarkable result at Oldland Abbotonian’s on March 19 with a 4-1-win demolishing of their Bristol adversaries, two goals from Ethan Reed with added strikes from Robbi Maggs and Ricky Bennett completing the rout. What makes this

result more notable is that the club had not won since late November and the astounding result came one goal short of equalling their best win of the season [their 5-0 trouncing of Gloucestershire based outfit Tytherington Rocks) last October. The unpredictable weather conditions in recent weeks have turned the Toolstation Western League fixture list on its head and Mawford and his team face the prospect of nine games in the final six weeks of the season, with three games inside the last ten days of March. The Cheesemen’s sudden return to form could well see them climb back into the top six should results against Almondsbury, Radstock and

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Lebeq United. They then go to Gillingham on April 5 before hosting Hengrove Athletic on April 9 in their penultimate home game. A busy Easter schedule sees Mawford’s men head to Bishops Lydeard on Good Friday before hosting Warminster on Easter Monday. Cheddar’s final two fixtures see the players take the road to near neighbours Wells on St George’ Day where they will be hopeful of avenging a 0-4 home defeat earlier in the season. In what could well be a decider for a final play-off position, the club travel to Bath-based Odd Down on April 30 in their last game.

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

My island memories

y first professional job as a stage manager was with a merry band of wet behind the ear’s actors and musicians on the island of Jura.

nothing in 45 years on the island had changed. George Orwell’s house still stood isolated and dark on the cliff top with a stunning circling pair of golden eagles above.

Now 45 years later, as a pilgrimage, I returned with my sighted guide and friend Louise and my guide dog Jackie.

The village hall where we had performed 45 years previously, was exactly the same. I was keen, however, to return to Jura House which had been owned by the Laird. In 1975 he had kindly let our theatre company stay in the basement. It met all our needs whilst we produced our two shows in the village.

After a long and challenging journey, we received a warm Scottish welcome and were cheerfully directed to our room. The room was toasty warm and the views from our window were spectacular. Straight out to sea and the islands on one side and straight into the Jura whisky factory on the other - perfect. As night fell and the slate gray skies darkened, we raised a glass to my return with a wee dram…. or was it three? I had persuaded one of the islanders in the bar the night before to dig out his old minibus, literally, and fill it with petrol. We arranged to meet at a secret location the next day for a bumpy island tour. I should

mention that Jackie dog had woken me at 5am that first morning with a renewed energy. Together we crept from the slumbering hotel and went down to the beach. Watching the day light creep into the leaden sky and feeling the wind and soft Scottish rain on our faces was sublime. After a hearty breakfast and an extra two bacon rashes for Jackie dog we were set for the day ahead. The minibus though frail and over an hour late, eventually turned up and never let us down. I was reassured

So, it was a huge shock as our battered minibus turned into the drive of Jura house. Our guide told me the original grand property had been bought by a hedge fund manager some years ago. He spent tens of millions turning Jura House into a sumptuous and vast country mansion. With an Olympic sized swimming pool, golf course and five-star accommodation. I sat sadly with Jackie dogs head on my lap remembering a grand Scottish house which had been a refuge and our adopted home, now unrecognisable.

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

Admire the view at top of the Mendips

his month the walk starts from the top of Burrington Combe where there is a large car park.

Down. The trig point is actually situated on top of one, although it has been capped with stones to protect it from all the visitors’ feet.

But instead of walking up the road and around the bend to the beginning of the walk, it is much safer to take the small path through the trees, which comes out opposite the footpath sign. It is also possible to park on the side of the road here as it is very wide. Cross over the road and walk up the very stony track straight ahead. Go through the gate across the path and carry straight on until you come out onto Black Down. When I did this walk in mid-March the paths were extremely wet and muddy but hopefully, by the time you read this in April, it will have dried out quite a lot. Keep to the left and follow the path uphill next to the boundary hedge. Eventually it levels out and you will arrive at a crossroads where there is a gate and informa-

tion board on the left. Turn right directly opposite the gate and follow the deep-set footpath across the hill until you arrive at the trig point on top of Beacon Batch. This is the highest point of the Mendips at 1,066 feet. There are wonderful views from here in all directions, although if it is a windy day you will not want to be looking at them for very long! There are many Bronze Age Barrows (or burial mounds) on the summit of Black

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Exmoor ponies roam the hill, keeping down unwanted vegetation. In April/May bluebells flower over large areas of Black Down turning the hill blue but, as it is so high up and colder, the flowers come out much later than lower down. Then make your way back by turning right near the Ancient Monument sign and following the wide path down over the hill. When you reach the bottom, which only takes half the time you took going up, walk down the lane you came up earlier. There may even be an ice-cream van waiting for you in the car park if you are lucky! Walk: Beacon Batch, Black Down Start and End: Burrington Combe Nearest Postcode: BS40 7TZ www.valley-life.com

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