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JULY 2022, ISSUE 65 FREE
Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley
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A right royal knees up News, views and features from Axbridge Cheddar, Wedmore and Winscombe
Inside this issue
welcome . . . Event to mark advent of the Strawberry Line – Page 4
Music festival hits all the right notes for the Lions – Page 6
Community comes together for a giant picnic – Pages 10-11
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Welcome to the sixty-fifth issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy the offering of news and views from around the Cheddar Valley.
hope that the Department of Transport is willing to commit serious resources to tackle anti-social driving in the area.
Can we hope that finally the scourge of loads cars barrelling through the Gorge and village might be coming to an end?
On a brighter note, what a wonderful Platinum Jubilee long weekend we all enjoyed.
Well it seems as though there are moves afoot to make the problem a thing of the past - and not before time. The problem has been around for years and everyone has been either uninterested or impotent to deal with the issue. James Heappey’s intervention - and not before time - is a welcome one and we can only
Perhaps the weather could have been kinder especially for those in Draycott, but the event really did bring the community together in a way that was fantastic to see. Families of all generations gathered together on Sharpham Road and made the most of the entertainment and hospitality on offer. Rob Perkins, Editor
NEWS
Noise cameras to deter boy racers
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or years now the problem of anti-social driving in and around Cheddar Gorge has been a problem. Residents and visitors to the area have complained bitterly that the peace has been shattered by cars with loud exhausts. off the area for residents’ safety.
Now state-of-the-art noise cameras could be trialled at Cheddar Gorge to prevent rowdy drivers and noise pollution from large-scale car meets.
He added: “I will of course keep constituents up to date with any progress and continue to work with key stakeholders to find other solutions for the issues at the Gorge.”
James Heappey, Wells MP, has nominated the Gorge as a test location for the innovative cameras which can detect individual cars and bikes breaking noise limits. The MP said: “This is a great opportunity for the village, and I am pleased with the collective effort to put together what we think is a very credible bid to be a part of the Government’s trial to install noise cameras. “These will help the police identify vehicles which are causing issues and be a big deterrent. “I think it is clear Cheddar qualifies for this trial, and I do hope the Department For
Transport look favourably on our application.” Mr Heappey, along with Cheddar Parish Council has tried to tackle the issue of car meets for a number of years - with the problem coming to a boiling point shortly before the Covid pandemic. A gathering of more than 400 cars met at the Gorge, driving erratically and forcing police to cordon
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE JULY 2022 / ISSUE 65
With the technology in its design phase, MPs can submit applications to trial the noise cameras in their local area to restore peace and quiet to communities most affected by anti-social driving. Residents have previously complained about boy racers visiting after dark, citing cars spinning in the car parks, noisy vehicles and the village being used as a race circuit. Vehicles with particularly loud engines and exhausts could be taken off the road.
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NEWS
Building a safe route for children to cycle
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special tea party to commemorate the work which on to create the Strawberry Line cycle track was held in May. Speaking at the event, one of the founders of the section from Axbridge to Cheddar Keith Herring said the reinvention of the old railway line into a path was an accident. Or nearly an accident. He said: “It was around 1984, that a young lad was cycling to Cheddar from Axbridge along Upper New Road when he came off his bike. “As he lay on the road a coach travelling behind him nearly ran over his head. As a result of that myself and some concerned parents decided we’d have a walk down the rail track to see if there was an alternative route - which we did.” The then Kings of Wessex Headteacher and the parents formed a committee. He said Callow Quarries provided tons of stones and gravel for the path, Sedgemoor District Council were also very helpful, and various people raised money including David Pas4
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coe of St Michael’s Cheshire Homes through sponsored walks and swims. In 1990 the path was opened and at the opening ceremony the young lad who had prompted the movement to create the path attended. “It’s now been 32 years and the path has been very successful,. “My one word is a thank you to the present group and also the hundreds of people who have helped over the years. I’ve been as proud of the cycle path as much as anything else I’ve done here.” David Parkin of the society said many people think the Strawberry Line is somehow
cared for and maintained by local councils when it is almost entirely the work of the volunteers. He said: “We had some very good donations for that including Margaret’s sponsored walk, and a grant from Somerset Community Foundation matching some of our reserves, a generous donation from the Riverside Inn – in particular Hugh Davies – also from Cheddar Walking, Axbridge Town Council, Cheddar Parish Council and many others gave donations.” He also said Petruth Paddocks’ Julian Sayer had been very supportive and Councillor Paul Finneran had given good advice.
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE JULY 2022 / ISSUE 65
A taste of summer The sun is always shining and the taste is always tropical at our award-winning restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Thai food including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options Book a table either via our website www.zenthiacheddar.com or by email at info@zenthaicheddar.com Our contactless takeaway service is available six nights a week too, so there’s never been a better time to enjoy some of our highly-acclaimed Thai food. Find us at: The service was great, everyone was so friendly and attentive. The food was absolutely beautiful.
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NEWS
It’s double delight for Cheddar Valley U3A
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heddar Valley U3A held a garden party at Cheddar’s Old Vicarage to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and also to mark 40 years of the u3a in the United Kingdom. This was one of several social events put on by the group during the year, and was very jolly and well-attended, with entertainment and colourful displays. Anyone who is retired or semi-retired can join u3a, there are no age limits, and the joining fee for the Cheddar Valley branch is £10 per year.
title originated in France, where the movement began) provides a valuable way in to the local community for people who move into the area, especially those who move to be nearer their children.
Members run interest groups for like-minded people, and currently Cheddar Valley offers around 40, on subjects as diverse as reading groups, walking groups, Scottish or Ballroom dancing, French, German and Spanish groups, Scrabble, Rummikub, MahJong, boules, singing for pleasure, watching classic films, card-making and card playing, a regular quiz group and many others. There is a monthly coffee morning from 10am-11.30 at Cheddar Village Hall on the third Thursday of each month - the next one will be on August. 15 And a speaker is pro6
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Anyone interested in joining, or in finding out more about what is on offer is very welcome to come along to any coffee morning. vided on the first Thursday of each month to talk to us on a variety of interesting topics, again at Cheddar Village Hall, at 2pm, from September through to May each year, with no speaker meeting in the summer months of June, July and August
Or you can contact our membership secretary, Ann Filer at annfiler020@gmail. com, 01934 740065 who will send you full details for joining, and a copy of our latest newsletter. We also have a Facebook page with more information.
u3a (which stands for university of the third age - the
Why not come along and find out what is available?
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE JULY 2022 / ISSUE 65
NEWS
Call for volunteers
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n urgent plea for help has gone out for more volunteers at a Cheddar charity shop. Prickles Hedgehog Rescue run a popular and friendly charity shop in Cheddar which is part of our concerted efforts to rescue and rehabilitate hedgehogs who are in trouble. Ellen Longacre from the charity, said: “We are looking for volunteers to help man the shop and would love to hear from anyone with a little spare time on their hands.
for anyone who might be able to work in the shop on a Saturday or Monday from 10am-4pm.
“We are especially looking
“Alternatively, there are half
days slots on those days from 10am-1pm or 1pm-4pm.” If you feel you can help please call 07806 744772 to speak to or leave a message for Penny.
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NEWS
Music festival hits the right notes for Lions
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unshine greeted campers and day visitors to the Club’s first Country Music & Camp-out Festival at Petruth Paddocks, Cheddar, courtesy of owner Jules Sayer. Lions Marcus and Tom fronted the event for the club raising valuable funds for local good causes. Whilst attendance was unpredictable the club is delighted with its success and look forward to expanding the event next year, as it is now recognised on the circuit of Country Music events across
the country. The weekend kicked off with campers arriving on Friday afternoon. Music started at 12 pm until 6 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Artists performing were Daniel Beard, Ed Cox and Souls n Stone on Saturday with Paul Weston, Trey Jackson and Dusty Road on the Sunday. Attendees were quick to get on their feet dancing and even encouraged some of our ‘fitter’ Lions to join in. Feedback has been extremely positive from being delighted with the location of the site
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE JULY 2022 / ISSUE 65
and its facilities, together with the friendly atmosphere, so word of the event will spread. It all bodes well for next year when the club plan for it to be bigger with more stalls plus displays already offered by Western Authentic Camp-out & Quick Draw Shootouts. The club expresses its gratitude to owner Jules for welcoming our visitors to Petruth Paddocks and to Gregory’s’ Transport for providing the Stage. Date for 2023 will be announced soon so put it in your diary!
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NEWS
Community picnic success
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heddar celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style with a community picnic at Sharpham Road Playing Fields organised by Cheddar Parish Council. The event was free to attend and everyone in the village was invited to bring a picnic and come along to enjoy the occasion with friends and family. By lunchtime there were several hundred people spread over the playing fields in warm sunshine. The first part of the proceedings was a parade of fancy hats and crowns, judged by chairman of the parish council Derek Bradley-Balmer, aided by former councillor Anne Fontaine and Ruth Motion, Assistant Curate at St Andrew’s Church. Live music was provided throughout the afternoon, first by the Cheddar hand bell ringers who gave a delightful performance and later by the U3A rock band who performed classic hits from the sixties and seventies with great gusto. It was a true social event, and the Parish Council would like to thank those community organisations which helped make it a success. By the time the inevitable summer showers arrived everyone agreed that it had been a thoroughly enjoyable day.
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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE JULY 2022 / ISSUE 65
NEWS
ss at Jubilee celebrations
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE JULY 2022 / ISSUE 65
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Back Issues Doctor of Chiropractic Matt Sutton helps to keep you on the move
How a chiropractor can aid a colic baby
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e specialise in keeping the whole family healthy, thriving and getting the most out of life.
Tips for dealing with colic at home include lots of cuddles when they’re unsettled, sitting them upright during feeding to stop them swallowing air.
This means your child’s health is at the very core of our practice. Making sure they are developing naturally and getting the best start in life is something that drives us every day.
Wind them after feeds and gently rock them over your shoulder. A warm bath can help.
With colic being a very common problem in the first few months, we’ve put together a guide for you and your family to help your newest additions using natural methods. We love seeing children get the best start in life, allowing you to enjoy those precious early months with them to the full. The main sign of a child experiencing colic are intense crying episodes. Now of course all babies cry, but if your little one is healthy and well-fed but cries more than three hours a day, three days a week for at least a week, then this is most likely colic.
If you’re still having no luck, chiropractic care is a safe and natural method of relief from the symptoms of colic. Other signs include: • Bringing their knees up to their tummy or arching their back • Writhing and squirming when lying flat on their back • Clench their fists • Going red in the face • Experiencing lots of wind • They have become hard to soothe/settle. There is no consensus on the exact cause of Colic, however, common explanations are; gas, infant acid reflux, food allergies or sensitivity such as a cow’s milk allergy.
Supported by 26 years of research analysed in the British Medical Journal and listed on the NHS website as a treatment option, this gentle and natural treatment has become more popular due to its effectiveness. If you’d like to know more about how we can help your children get the best start in life through natural means, we’d love to help. We want to help provide your family with the best of health so you can enjoy your time with each other for many years to come.
Contact Matt on 01934 235535 or email reception@suttonchiro.co.uk
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Sport talk A look at the feats of our sporting men and women with Alan Cooper
New man at Cheddar
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ormer club assistant manager Michael Dangerfield has been officially unveiled as Cheddar Football Club’s new first team manager during the last month. Dangerfield who follows in the footsteps of the likes of Jared Greenhalgh, Shaun Potter and latterly Craig Mawford, all of whom have left a legacy during their respective tenures, takes on the role looking to stabilise his squad as both he and the club prepare for the oncoming Toolstation Western League (Division One) season, which starts on Saturday, July 30. Commenting on his appointment, Dangerfield said “I am enormously proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to try to take Cheddar Football Club forward into next season. The club means a lot to me, and I will give it my all” Chairman Matt Postins said: “Michael is a well known and loved face at the club, and he will be drawing from many years of experience at this level. “All of us here at Bowdens
Park consider Michael’s appointment will be a recipe for ongoing success” One of Dangerfield’s first tasks will be, by his own admission, to assess his squad as he looks to replace a number of experienced players who have either retired from playing or have stepped down a level. So there is little doubt that the new manager will be looking to arrange a number of testing pre-season friendly matches before the big kick off. An intriguing looking game is to take place at the club’s Bowdens Park home Friday July 8, when a Cheddar Past & Present XI are to take on an
VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE JULY 2022 / ISSUE 65
Adam Jones XI. The match is dedicated to club stalwart Karen Heal who was diagnosed with cancer late last year, but thankfully, Karen is now in remission as of April this year. All proceeds from the match will be in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The match kicking off at 7:30pm. In local news, with Winscombe FC looking to celebrate their centenary and Draycott scheduled for new management, much more news will be available during the coming months as this page takes on the new title of Sports Talk from next month.
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Tiggi’s Travels Seeing life differently with visually-impaired Tiggi Trethowan
Cornish heritage calls
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till wincing from the vets bill for my lame Cockerell Gordon, don’t ask! But with the joys of Jubilee and celebration still fresh in our hearts. Jackie, my assistance dog and myself, boarded the train for my homeland of Cornwall. With the help of GWR train assistance, nothing holds back the dynamic duo. Met off the train at St Austell by my best friend Lindy we headed for her home. A gorgeous cottage situated at the top of St Anthony’s head on the spectacular Roseland peninsular. As young girls Lindy and myself discovered a secret path down some very steep rough stone steps to a beautiful deserted beach. Most definitely first used by smugglers for their bounty. I’m sure I have pirate blood somewhere in my DNA and I know my intrepid desire to do what I’m not supposed to, especially with only 10% eyesight, comes from this inheritance. I was instructed to meet these friends at the top of a vaguely
familiar cliff where a path used to start to my secret paradise. And with additional ropes and ladders, after a cry of “launch the blind woman,” they winched me down the last remaining totally overgrown and crumbling steps. The beach was even more beautiful than I remembered and the turquoise sea was more Caribbean than Cornish. After a short recovery when we got back to the cliff top it was a swift two hour walk on the sea path to a restaurant called ‘The Hidden Hut’.
An old wooden building serving the most delicious food. Situated on the beach just beyond Portscatho. We sat on makeshift benches looking out to sea and toasted the success of our illegal “launch” eating the best pasties in Cornwall. On the way home we stopped off at the family farm called Curgurrell overlooking Gerrans Bay. In season you can pop into the old farm buildings and pick up lobster or crab both caught daily. Heading home for a fish barbeque I truly felt a rush of contentment.
Listen to the latest Draycott Diairies Podcast available at www.draycottdiaries.com
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