Valley Life magazine - at the heart of the Cheddar Valley

Page 1

READ BY MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE

Valley Life

Picture: BradWakefield

At the heart of the Cheddar Valley

FEBRUARY 2019, ISSUE 29 FREE

www.valley-life.co.uk

Looking Gorge-ous News, views and features from Cheddar, Axbridge, Winscombe and Wedmore


Inside this issue

welcome . . . Expansion planned for Strawberryfield Park – Page 4

Draycott company hands out GEM of an award – Page 6

Can you help to save a life of the endangered toad – Page 10

Contact us 7 Tower Close, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3XQ Tel: 01934 741099 Mob: 07704 606151

rob@valley-life.co.uk Valley Life is published by Valley Life Publishing and printed by Pixel8Media. 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.

2

Welcome to the twenty-ninth issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy our offering of news, views and features from the Cheddar Valley. With the New Year well underway, we can begin to look forward to some warmer weather and the prospect of another great spring and summer. Two businesses in the Cheddar Valley are gearing up to cater for the influx of tourists who flock to the beauty of this part of the world every year. Strawberryfields Park has been quietly gathering rave reviews from customers as their blend of up-market

accommodation and superb location seems to have hit the spot with holidaymakers. While, Cheddar Ales is also hoping to attract new customers by offering its beers for sale in a taproom planned for their Winchester Farm headquarters. Both are attracting people to the area who will spend time and money in the Cheddar Valley and that can only be good for the local economy. Sedgemoor Council has already identified the need to keep visitors in the area longer than just a few hours and both of these enterprises will hopefully do this. Rob Perkins, Editor


NEWS

Cheddar Ales taps into a market on its doorstep

C

heddar Ales are hoping to open their own taproom after applying to Sedgemoor District Council for a licence. The owner of the award-winning brewery, Jem Ham, pictured, wants to transform the former office on the ground floor of their Winchester Farm brewery into a bar that could be open on Fridays and Saturdays if permission is granted. Until now Cheddar Ales had only held the occasional beer festival on the site, but they now want to tap into the growing number of tourists coming to the area. Jem said: “We have had initial discussions with Sedgemoor about gaining a licence and we are currently going through

the application process. We have been so focused on making sure our beers are in as many places as possible that we’ve forgotten somewhat about the local market on our doorstep. “Initially, we are hoping to open on Friday evenings and Saturday lunchtimes as well as evenings. “All of our seven core beers and any seasonal offerings and special one-off brews will be available making for a fairly unique experience. “Where else can such a wide range of beers be found locally? We also intend to offer more regular brewery tours and even hands-on brewing experiences too. “Somerset may be synonymous

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29

with cider but here at Cheddar Ales we produce some award-winning ales which are equally as tasty. “It is also a chance for those living locally to come and try our beers – people don’t have to walk along the busy main A361 as there is a footpath to the site and we hope to advertise that fact more widely once we are open.” The brewery which currently employs four people will be looking to take on part-time bar staff once the application has been granted and the building work completed. Jem added: “It will mean transforming our old offices and showroom into the bar where customers can come relax and have a drink.”

www.valley-life.co.uk

3


NEWS

Strawberryfield Park set for major expansion

A

major expansion is being planned for Draycott’s Strawberryfield Park site which will see the number of lodges increase from 25 to 41. The owners have seen numbers of visitors increase substantially since they opened the park in 2010. The site currently has 25 luxury lodges on the site, 19 of which are available to let with another four due to come available before Easter. A planning application has now been submitted to see a further 16 cedar timber clad lodges being built on an adjacent site which it is hoped would become available in 18 months’ time. Owner Mike Pearce said:

4

“Nationally there has been a big increase in the number of people taking short break holidays at home and we are benefitting from that trend. “The number of visitors has increased from just over 1,800 in 2016/17 to more than 2,600 in 2017/18 and we anticipate that those numbers will only increase. “More and more people are opting for these types of holidays and although there are similar types of accommodation in the Cheddar Valley what we are offering is substantially different. “Our lodges are aimed at couples and so, unlike other sites, are busy all year round and not just during the school holidays and the summer.

www.valley-life.co.uk

“I believe that the development will be good for the community as a whole as it will bring even more money into the community which will benefit other local traders such as pubs and restaurants.” The planning application has been supported by Cheddar Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a letter to Sedgemoor District Council planners. Chairman Julian Sayer said: “Whilst accepting that the Cheddar Gorge will always attract day-trippers, one of our key aims is to attract visitors able to spend more and stay longer. The problem has been that the area has very little quality accommodation. Strawberryfield Park caters for exactly this type of visitor.”

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29


Riverside Inn & Restaurant Cheddar

February Offers Got the winter blues? Nothing on TV? Fed up with having to cook? buy one get one free during February 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 01/02/19 to 28/02/19 excluding 14/02/19. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

buy one get one free during February 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 01/02/19 to 28/02/19 excluding 14/02/19. 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

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29

www.valley-life.co.uk

5


NEWS

Draycott business hands out a GEM of an award

A

Cheddar Valley healthy living business which was only established two years ago is going from strength to strength. Such has been the success of the Total Wellness Club, Draycott, that they have just given out their first annual award to recognise the work of a nutritional therapist. The first winner of the GEM Award is Trish Tucker-May, pictured right, centre, whose Passion4Juice business impressed Neil and Jo Fellowes, the owners of Total Wellness Club. Neil said: “The award was run and promoted entirely online via social media and direct marketing. The response was brilliant, which was further testament to how much people listen to and react to good reviews and want to share that knowledge and their experiences. “Congratulations to Trish, on a thoroughly deserved win. She received so many glowing reviews and clearly has a client following who value the work she has done with them.” Trish discovered juicing just before she started university and fell in love with it, it

6

provided a quick, delicious and simple way of getting the nutrition she needed. It also cured her from her allergies and asthma, which had plagued her for most of her life. As a result, she began sharing her ideas and knowledge with people and dreamt of turning it into a business. She left her job and launched her business at the Glastonbury Festival in 2003 and since then thousands of festival-goers have experienced the remarkable award-winning taste sensations that are Passion 4 Juice. Trish said: “Winning the awards of Nutritionist of

www.valley-life.co.uk

the Year has been a fantastic honour. I am delighted to be supported by the Total Wellness Club and the GEM Awards. “It is wonderful to receive so many 5* reviews from raving fans. I am very grateful. It will mean a hugely successful year as I can reach out to more people with my message about health and nutrition. I love supporting my clients, no matter where they are in their health journey. “The award has helped me gain more publicity and exposure. Working in collaboration with Total Wellness Club has helped me with strategy, marketing and getting new clients.”

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29


WOODPECKER SERVICES creating customers that recommend

fencing logs landscaping tree and hedging work firewood processing

07912 608519

steve@woodpecker-services.co.uk

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29

www.valley-life.co.uk

7


Landscapes West Our team of landscapers can provide all aspects of landscaping services for any type and size of project

Landscapes & design • Patios & fencing • Block paving • Building work • Grass cutting • Gravelling • Paving • Turfing • Tree work • Digger and driver available • Digger hire • Driveways & patios cleaned • Drives tarmacked • Garden clearance

Whatever your landscaping needs, contact us for a free quote

T: 01934 732873 • M: 07557 041472 E: landscapeswest@outlook.com

8

www.valley-life.co.uk

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29


NEWS

St Andrew’s appeals for new recruits to the team

S

t Andrews Bell Ringers are looking for more recruits to join the group.

The sound of church bells ringing across the village is quintessentially English and the team would be delighted to increase its number so that not one of the eight bells is ever silenced. Tower captain Bridget Knutson said: “St Andrews Church in Cheddar has eight bells and, currently, a team of only eight ringers. “This means that not all eight bells are rung on every occasion as not all of us can be there all of the time. “We ring on Sundays from 9.15 until 9.55am for the morning service and also for special services, such as Remembrance and Christmas, and on national occasions as well as for some weddings. “We are making every effort to increase our team of ringers and, if you have ever learnt to ring and are interested in revisiting this sociable, worthwhile and ancient hobby, you would be very welcome at one of our Tuesday practice evenings, between 8 and 9pm.

contact me on 01934 742187 to arrange a suitable practice evening to come along, have a go and see if it is for you.

“Or, if this is something you’ve always wanted to try, please

“You do need to be reasonably fit to get up the 40 or so steps

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29

to the ringing chamber, but the ringing of bells does not need much muscle; it’s much more about technique. We are a friendly bunch of people, so come along and have a go.”

www.valley-life.co.uk

9


NEWS

Toads need your help this spring

T

he annual toad migration begins in February and March which will see thousands of amphibians make the hazardous journey across busy roads to their spawning grounds. Toads numbers are now in rapid decline due to habitat loss and road traffic accidents during the annual migration. Last February and March more than 300 toads died in Winscombe, which is a strong hold area for toads in the West country. There are organised patrols for volunteers at mass migration

sites, which include Winscombe and Priddy. Volunteers don high-viz jackets, buckets and torches and pluck the toads off the road during warm damp evenings at peak traffic times. The patrols are supported by the Wildlife Trust and the Reptile and Amphibian Group for Somerset. Anyone interested in volunteering to save the toads can email the Winscombe toad patrol leader Joy at joytrus@ hotmail.co.uk and the Priddy patrol leader John on jdickson61@aol.com

Sewell House

CHEDDAR & DISTRICT FUNERAL DIRECTORS LTD A family-owned and run business offering a 24-hour professional service

• Rented self-contained, en suite accommodation for the active elderly • A home cooked three course midday meal • Trial flat for up to four weeks, when available • 24-hour emergency cover • Freedom from household management • Lift available to first floor and sitting room • Independent living within private community • Close to centre of a thriving picturesque village • Spacious landscaped gardens • Friendly home from home • Activities and outings • Guest accommodation • Views of the Mendip Hills • Welcome to people of any faith or none • Charges are fully inclusive

• Home visits • Private Chapel of Rest • Burials & Cremations

Contact 01934 742958

Ian Taylor-Rowlands Dip FD. LMBIFD

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

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

Redcliffe Court, 3 Redcliffe Street, Cheddar, Somerset


NEWS

Money for groups in Cheddar

C

heddar Parish Council is inviting local groups to apply for grants of up to £500 in its annual small grants award scheme.

new initiatives. Awards are made for the benefit of people living in the parish of Cheddar and must be spent within one year.

This year a total of £6,000 is available to help fund projects that will benefit the community.

Application forms are available from the Clerk to the Parish, Parish Hall, Church Street, Cheddar BS27 3RA. Or you can contact 01934 743217 or email clerk@ cheddarparishcouncil.org.

Voluntary, community and not-for-profit organisations may apply, including registered charities, churches and schools. Up to 50% of the cost of projects will be funded and applicants must show how the balance will be raised. The Council will support a diverse

range of projects including, but not exclusively, the promotion of community development and self-help, meeting gaps in services, support for the rural heritage, reducing crime or the fear of crime and developing

Cheryl Childs

Beauty | Skin Care | Anti-Ageing CACI non-surgical face lifting Jessica nail care and colour Outback Organics waxing Electrolysis / thermology Eye treatments Gift vouchers

First visit? 20% off Bring this advert along to your first appointment and receive 20% off your bill. Minimum spend £18. Excludes retail, trials and courses. Not in conjunction with any other offer.

By appointment only

Forms can also be downloaded from the website www. cheddarparishcouncil.org. The deadline for submission of applications is March 31, 2019.

PUBLIC NOTICE Mr Ham is applying for the Grant of a Premises Licence for Cheddar Ales, Winchester Farm, Draycott Road, Cheddar BS27 3RP. The Licence if granted is to enable the sales of alcohol on and off the premises. Any person wishing to make representations in relation to this application may do so by writing to the Licensing Unit, Sedgemoor District Council, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR. Representation may be made for 28 consecutive days from the date of this notice. A copy of the application for the grant of the above licence is kept by The Licensing Unit, Sedgemoor District Council, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR. The application can be viewed Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays, except bank holidays. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for making a false statement is a Level 5 fine on the standard scale.

Cheryl Childs Beauty

Cheddar | Somerset | 01934 744384 cheryl@cherylchilds.co.uk | www.cherylchilds.co.uk VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29

Dated: January 18 2019

www.valley-life.co.uk

11


WITH TRUESPEED

BROADBAND EVERYTHING

IS POSSIBLE

GET THE BROADBAND YOU DESERVE

REGISTER ONLINE TODAY www.truespeed.com OR CALL US ON

12

www.valley-life.co.uk

01225 962 555

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29


Healthy Eating Nutritional therapist Linda Thomas with some food advice

The UK’s silent killer H igh blood pressure isn’t high on the list of reasons which drive people to seek professional advice about Nutrition. But it should be. The British Heart Foundation estimate that up to 15 million adults in the UK are living with high blood pressure (hypertension), and of these, half are undiagnosed. This is a concern because hypertension can increase your risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, diabetes, kidney failure, peripheral vascular damage and dementia. Symptoms of hypertension can include headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems but very often there are no symptoms until you suffer a serious event such as a heart attack. Factors which increase your risk of hypertension include age, being overweight, high intakes of alcohol or coffee or salt, lack of regular exercise, low intake of vegetables and fruit, smoking and poor sleep. Genetics can also play a part, especially for people of African or Caribbean descent.

blood pressure. Most people are aware of the advice to follow a diet low in sugar and salt. In addition, certain nutrients are particularly beneficial, including magnesium, potassium, Vitamin K2, Vitamin D and “good” Omega 3 fats. You should aim to get these from your food rather than relying on supplements.

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, you may be offered medication to help manage it. Different medications have different actions and so more than one type may be prescribed. Unfortunately, these drugs may cause side-effects such as dizziness, depression, erectile dysfunction or sleep disturbance and so further medication may be added, for example Viagra or anti-depressants. Rather than relying on medication, you can choose to make changes in your diet and lifestyle to help reduce high

Foods which contain these nutrients include beetroot, dark leafy greens such as kale, chard and broccoli, blueberries, dark chocolate (80% cocoa solids), sweet potato, avocado, parsnips, pulses, chickpeas, egg yolk, butter from grass-fed cows, salmon, sardines, mackerel and seaweed. Recommended meals include: • Scrambled egg with smoked salmon and a slice or two of avocado • Salad of rocket and spinach with roasted beetroot, butternut squash, feta and walnuts with olive oil and lemon dressing • Baked salmon fillet served with jacket sweet potato plus steamed kale and chard dressed with olive oil and herbs.

Contact Linda on 07768 803198 or email: info@indathomasnutrition.co.uk VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29

www.valley-life.co.uk

13


Green Matters Green-fingered tips from garden designer Robin Pargeter

Winter sense of smell

A

t this time of year, leaden skies and biting winds prevent even the hardiest souls taking the time to look round their gardens.

to their own devices, they can be grown in a container and pruned to the desired size. A good structural evergreen plant is Christmas box, or Sarcococca confusa, with tightly packed small leathery leaves.

However, if the effort is made, there are still rewards to be had and with less to catch the eye, our sense of smell helps us appreciate that the garden is not entirely dormant. The cold temperatures mean there are few insects around so some plants try to beat the competition by attracting pollinators with strongly scented flowers, and we can be the beneficiaries of this. A whiff of sweet flower fragrance on the breeze is a lovely reminder that some garden plants are still at work.

It has small, almost insignificant flowers so that the first time you notice it is in bloom is when you catch a whiff of their sweet fragrance.

They’re not the strongest scented but do flower reliably and in good numbers so you still get a good fragrance.

Viburnums are useful shrubs for a variety of locations and uses in the garden, and are hardy and robust.

Witch hazels, pictured, bare their pretty flowers on leafless winter stems, in a variety of colours and my favourite is Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’, with a beautiful scent.

The best for winter flower and fragrance is Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’, which has white and pink flowers from autumn right through to early spring.

There are more strongly scented versions, such as ‘Aurora’, but not all of them are fragrant so take care to pick the correct one. Although these will grow into a decent sized shrub if left

Most of the winter scented plants are shrubs, but while the standard garden snowdrop has no fragrance there are some varieties with a honey scent and worth a try. Look for Galanthus ‘Magnet’ or Galanthus ‘Atkinsii’. Other scented bulbs are Narcissi and hyacinths, which can be grown inside in pots. To best take advantage of the fragrance flowers, plant them alongside paths or near doors so you frequently pass by them. They favour a sheltered spot so that the smells are not whisked away on the wind and a position in the sun is helpful for bringing out the best of the smells.

Contact Robin on 07957 207067 or email: info@rpgardendesign.co.uk 14

www.valley-life.co.uk

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29


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

Steps for a better life W e love New Year’s resolutions. It’s a time when new hobbies emerge or you commit further to something you love.

regime further into the year. A sound body can produce wonderful results in your overall health, especially when linked with the other parts of the optimal health approach.

This could be walking those extra few steps a day, training for a race later in the year or taking up that dance class you have always been tempted by.

Consistency is key. We are creatures of habit and the quality of our habits determines the results. Essentially this means what you do today, sets you up for tomorrow. This could be preparing food for the week ahead, getting to bed earlier or planning an exercise slot into your schedule.

Whatever it is, we want you to excel at what you do, and enjoy it. Here are a few tips: Address the whole picture. The different aspects of your health support and strengthen each other when given equal attention. If one area is neglected whilst another is vigorously pursued, the whole picture can unravel. Here are the five cornerstones of optimal health, address these and you’ll be able to make changes that last: • Regular exercise and movement • Joints and muscles in good alignment • A varied diet of fresh natural foods • Healthy spine and nerves • Relaxation/mindfulness

Start with a good foundation. In an effort to get healthier our exercise levels increase throughout January/February, however many people develop injuries from this as they have missed one of the fundamental components listed above. The most common issue is when the spine, neck or pelvis are out of alignment at the start of the get fit phase and injuries start to develop. It’s not uncommon for these to spread to the knees, elbows and shoulders too. This is why the body must be assessed and helped back to proper alignment. Ensuring that you can carry your fitness

Keep consistent in the pursuit of your health goals and the changes will come. Getting support can really help keep you on track, and this could be in the form of a gym partner, running/walking groups or a local slimming world. We would love to help you get back to doing the things you love, or setting the best foundation for activities you’re taking up. We want you at your best and would love to see how we can help for 2019. And remember, keep it simple, start with a good foundation and be consistent.

Contact Matt on 01934 235535 or email reception@suttonchiro.co.uk VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29

www.valley-life.co.uk

15


do more than a job change a life Become part of a great care team at Greenhill House in Cheddar

Whether you already work in care or are thinking of starting a career helping others, we would like to hear from you. The value of working for Somerset Care PART OF A COMMITTED TEAM

LONG SERVICE AWARDS

COMPETITIVE RATES OF PAY

PENSION SCHEME

PAID INDUCTION

DISCOUNT SHOPPING SCHEME

FREE TRAINING

REFER A FRIEND SCHEME

CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

ATTENDANCE BONUS

ONGOING MENTORING & SUPPORT

GAIN NATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS WHILST WORKING

SOMERSET CARE GROUP AWARDS

Send your CV to jobs@somersetcare.co.uk or

Phone 01823 448 321 www.somersetcare.co.uk/jobs Appointments are subject to a satisfactory certificate from 16 www.valley-life.co.uk the DBS. We are an equal opportunities employer.

winner

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29 2012/13


Later Living Tony Watts OBE looks at the issues as we grow older

The old are hit hardest

A

new Which? report shows that most broadband providers are NOT rewarding loyal customers with the best tariffs – and that older people are overpaying the most.

New TalkTalk customers, meanwhile, saved £84 a year less than their loyal counterparts. Alex Neill, MD of Which?, is advising users to switch providers if they want a good deal.

What’s more, switching could also significantly speed up your broadband…

He said: “The majority of users have been with their provider for over five years, 41% have never switched broadband and around half have never tried to negotiate with their broadband provider.”

When your broadband supply came up for renewal last, did you check out that your provider was still offering the best deal? Which? has found that almost three quarters (72%) of the broadband customers it surveyed had stuck with their provider for more than two years - and that many were overpaying as a direct result.

enticing deals… but unless you renegotiate at the end of the contract you are likely to revert to a higher monthly charge.

Even more telling is the fact that, according to Broadband Genie, customers aged 55 and older are overpaying the most.

For instance, the average annual broadband bill paid by BT customers after their initial deal ran out was £540 a year. Customers who haggled with them for a better deal paid just £372, while new customers still won out – paying a mere £320.

So why is this happening? It’s well known that broadband providers – as with providers of many other services - win over new customers by offering

Customers who went back to Virgin Media get a better deal, say Which?, paid an average £384 a year, saving themselves £156 in the process.

Further, they calculate that not haggling or shopping around is costing the average user a whopping £220 a year.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29

Meanwhile, Ofgem say that half of British homes could switch to a FASTER broadband service if they looked around… as well as get a better financial deal. Go to www.boostyourbroadband.com and you’ll be guided through the three simple steps to find out what broadband provision is available locally – and how to shop around for a better deal. They also have a handy downloadable reference guide in there to take you through the process. So, if you want to start saving money in the New Year, this is a great place to start… whatever your age!

www.valley-life.co.uk

17


COLUMN

MONEY MATTERS

with Mark Meldon

Put your best foot forward for St Margaret’s Hospice

I keep meeting people who own ‘investment bonds’ that they bought many years ago, sometimes through an IFA, but often from a ‘nice man from the bank’. These are lump-sum investments with no particular end date. They were popular in the past, perhaps because they paid high commissions. Technically, these are life insurance policies and thus have special tax rules – these can catch people out. After you make your investment, you are allowed to withdraw up to 5% per annum of the amount you invested each year without an immediate tax charge, partly offsetting the tax the insurance company has to pay on the investment fund. This allowance is cumulative over 20 years. I met with a lady who wished to cash-in her bond. She had been taking the 5% withdrawals each year for 18 years (£90,000) and the bond itself had increased in value from £100,000 to £225,000. Her income was inside the 40% tax band. Had she just cashed in the bond, she might have faced an income tax charge of £42,998. I was able to show her ways of minimising the tax, including giving bits of the bond to her grandchildren if she wanted to, and spreading her encashment over a few years. Investment bonds – easy to get in to, but need careful though come exit time! 18

T

he Mendip Men’s Walk returns on Saturday, March 16 in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice. Beginning at 12 noon on Wells Cathedral Green, this charity walk is open to men and boys over the age of 8. The walk is approximately 6.5 miles long and ends at Tor Rugby Club, and takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete. Participants will then be able to watch a live match, followed by the Calcutta Cup, the Six Nation’s rugby clash between England and Scotland on the big screen in the clubhouse. Peter Lugg, Chairman of Candlelight Care who organise the Mendip Men’s Walk, said: “We are delighted to bring the Mendip Men’s Walk back for a third successive year. “Candlelight Care has worked closely with St Margaret’s Hospice in Yeovil for several years, not only to deliver care to its patients living in their own

www.valley-life.co.uk

homes but also for advice and staff training, and we look forward to raising a great deal of money for this worthy cause.” St. Margaret’s is a Somerset charity which supports people with any life-limiting illness, their families and carers. Last year St. Margaret’s cared for 3,800 people, the majority of which were cared for in their own homes. Over 1,200 volunteers help St. Margaret’s to care for people at the end of their lives, and it is estimated that 1 in 3 people in Somerset will need their support during their lifetime. It costs St. Margaret’s in excess of £12.5m per year to run the service, and after NHS funding they still need to raise over £10m to deliver their care. Entry fee is £25 for adults and £15 for under-16s, which includes a pasty and a pint or soft drink at the end. Places can be booked at www. somerset-hospice.org.uk

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29


Tiggi’sTravels Seeing life differently with visually-impaired Tiggi Trethowan

Tackling the escalator

I

’m already feeling guilty about my Christmas/New Year indulgences.

Needless to say, Jackie dog made a near perfect entry and exit while I stumbled behind her like a cartoon drunk.

So if it’s OK with you, I’m going to focus on some of the funnier things I’ve been getting up to recently with Jackie my guide dog.

We made it! Sixteen times later and feeling decidedly queasy we all fell into a coffee bar where I discovered ordering a coffee was harder than mounting a moving staircase.

As of March this year Jackie and I will have been together for one year. She’s my first guide dog.

Did you know there are at least six types of milk on offer now in trendy coffee bars?

I do also have a pet black Labrador called Daphne who remains happily on the sofa with the TV remote firmly in her paw.

As the attendant (sorry Barista!), looking decidedly bored waiting for my choice of milk, I spluttered, “milk from a …. cow, please?” I might as well have been chewing straw!

She’s an old lady now and very happy to wave myself and Jackie off from the warmth of her blanket. Because I work quite a bit in London, the City Guide Dogs team thought it wise to train me and Jackie to use escalators, the moving stair type. When I graduated as a guide dog owner in May, I was issued with a passport allowing Jackie to come everywhere with me including boats, planes (in the cabin), restaurants and loos. It always makes me laugh

when I emerge from a toilet cubicle following a large black dog. Escalator training is a separate exam. So last week we linked up with our GD trainer at Paddington Station and after a thorough briefing we nervously approached an escalator and launched ourselves onto the mercy of the metal beast!

The happy ending to our successful and sometimes terrifying day, we were upgraded to first class on the train home. I was aware whilst sipping my complimentary coffee, milk already selected, sitting opposite us was a famous politician who clearly bonded with Jackie dog. He said (without a hint of Brexit in his voice) “you’ve never really lived until you’ve felt the love of a dog”. Isn’t that the truth!

Tiggi is a regular speaker at events. Contact her on 07721 329129 or email tiggi1@me.com VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019 / ISSUE 29

www.valley-life.co.uk

19


Following the huge success of our Christmas colouring competition, we’re pleased to announce the following winners:

Madison Robinson (11)

Freddie P (6)

Joshua Bird (8)

Georgia Kunda (4)

Thank you so much to all children who took part. We had some great entries from children of all ages which made it very difficult for our judge, Julian Sayer, to choose from. Congratulations to our winners. We hope you enjoy your prizes. Watch this space for our next competition by liking our Facebook page

01934 742966

2c Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA enquiries@laurelandwylde.co.uk laurelandwylde.co.uk


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.