Valley Life Magazine - at the heart of the Cheddar Valley

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Valley Life At the heart of the Cheddar Valley

MARCH 2019, ISSUE 30 FREE

www.valley-life.co.uk

A head for heights News, views and features from Cheddar, Axbridge, Winscombe and Wedmore

Inside this issue

welcome . . .

Local bands help to boost Trotterfest fund-raiser – Page 4

Axbridge tea shop scoops a triple award – Page 9

Heated meeting opposes Bloor Homes expansion – Pages 10-11

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.

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2

Welcome to the thirtieth issue of Valley Life and we hope you are continuing to enjoy our offering of news, views and features from the Cheddar Valley.

Community spirit is rife in this issue with residents opposing the plans by Bloor Homes for further development on Upper New Road, while the local library is thanking residents for helping to stave off the threat of closure.

These two episodes covered in depth in this issue show just what can happen when people feel strongly enough to oppose unpopular moves by the authorities.

This should be good news for those opposing the Bloor Homes development.

The lack of enough school spaces for would-be residents could put a spanner in Bloor Homes development. Somerset County Council has already opposed a similar plan on the Yeo Valley site because of a lack of schooling in the area.

Local authorities need to be aware that piecemeal development cannot be allowed to go on without the necessary infrastructure to accompany it.

Doctors, schools and dentists are also needed to accommodate growth.

Rob Perkins, Editor

NEWS

Come and find out what your library has to offer

C

heddar Library will be throwing its doors open to celebrate having seen off another threat to its existence.

He said: “This is our chance to say thank you to all of those in Cheddar and beyond who have helped us to continue the vital service we provide in the area.

The library avoided closure last year because it is a thriving community hub and seeks to encourage more visitors; especially those who may not have visited a library for a very long time.

“So many people, like The Friends of Cheddar Library were inspirational in the way they took on the campaign to save the library and we want to show how we now see the service moving forward.

On Saturday, March 30, the library will be holding an Open Day to showcase some of the exciting new developments it will be offering..

“So many groups in the village are dependent on using the library’s services that it will also be a chance for them to show off what they do.

Library assistant Jem Thompson-Smith, pictured, is putting together a whole range of offerings – from author visits to musical performances.

“We want to encourage even more people to make use of what we have to offer here, not only in terms of traditional library services, but also making

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

use of the 13 various groups who call the library home.”

The library will be hosting Glastonbury-born author and playwright Nell Leyshon as well as several music acts including The Portraits, Sam Evans as well as a surprise act.

There will also be a 3D printer and virtual reality glasses to explore as well as a demonstration of the new self-service kiosk.

Jem added: “The challenge now is to invite even more people to visit their library, become new members and try out all that we have to offer and be part of our future. We will also be looking for new volunteers to help out in the library.”

www.valley-life.co.uk

3

NEWS

Trotterfest comes of age

M

ost music festivals take place on warm summer days, not so with the inaugural Trotterfest 1, which took place on a crisp winter’s evening in a tent at Crickham’s timeless Trotters pub .

With a line-up to match that of a Glastonbury on a Saturday evening the Trotter Inn was rocking from the outset, when DJ Richard Smith launched into his excellent eclectic set of classic rock song for all ages, in the Trotter pool room. Then it was outside into the tented beer garden for the first of two

sets performed by the headline act, The Funkydillies, who had the audience of 200-plus boogying from the outset. It was then the turn of the reformed Fairlands School band Digitalis, who were supported by some of the present Kings of Wessex sixth form on stage.

The seven-piece ‘Funkydillies’ are named after lead singer Tony Dillie who’s dulcet tones were talent spotted by keyboard/trombonist Matthew Hill while Tony was putting up a fence in his garden. The powerhouse of the band is slap bassist Ian Fergusson

Cheddar Vale Lions Club

Spring Fair

whose inspiration is Chic’s Nile Rodgers.

As BBC Points West Weather presenter he was able to give some reassurance that it would stop raining on the day - much to the relief of organiser Jon Meadowcroft. All profits have been sent to WaterAid. There’s another chance to hear the Funkydillies on March 23 at St Andrew’s Hall along with three-course Thai meal all for £21.

The fundraiser is for cheddartennisclub.co.uk and tickets available on their website.

Riverside Inn & Restaurant Cheddar

March Sundays

At Cheddar Village Hall Saturday 27th April 2019 10.00 am - 2.00 pm Free Entry

Sunday in Springtime

don’t slave over a hot stove

let us do the hard work!

Buy One Get One Free on Sunday Roast during March

All proceeds to Lions Community projects

4

For stall availability telephone: 0845 833 7402 Or email: information@cheddarvalelions.org.uk

www.valley-life.co.uk

Get a free Sunday Roast main course for each Sunday Roast main course purchased in March.

One voucher per transaction (max six people).

Valid on 03/03/19, 10/03/19, 17/03/19 and 24/03/19.

Excludes 31/03/19. All day until we run out.

Not in conjunction with any other offer.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

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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

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

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5

NEWS

Mother’s Day surprise in store at The Riverside

A

s regular visitors to the Riverside Inn in Cheddar will know there is always something going on.

Not a week goes by without a quiz night, an open mic session or a gig by a local singer or band.

Mother’s Day is no exception where, backed up by a great menu, landlords Huw & Jo Davis bend over backwards to make it a special day for all of the Mum’s dining in the River-

6

side’s conservatory restaurant.

For the last couple of years the Riverside have teamed up with Cheddar beauty therapist Cheryl Childs of Cheryl Childs Beauty.

Mother’s Day 2019 is no exception and Cheryl is donating a £50 voucher to be won by one lucky Mum dining on the day.

This is in itself a result of the Riverside’s wide range of activities and events, as Cheryl is a member of the

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Riverside Business Group which meets fortnightly and comprises a wide range of local business people, all of who are able to network over a superb Riverside breakfast and collaborate in the way that Huw, Jo and Cheryl are doing in respect of Mother’s Day. So whether it’s to book a table for Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 31, or to get along to Business Group breakfast meeting, give Huw or Jo a call on 01934 742452 today.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

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Riverside Inn & Restaurant Cheddar

Mother’s Day Sunday 31st March

Pamper your Mum make her feel special, take her out to lunch at the Riverside on Mother’s Day, one very lucky Mum will ...

Win a £50

Cheryl Childs Beauty Voucher

Every Mum dining at the Riverside on Mother’s Day will be entered into a prize draw.

Cheryl Childs

Beauty | Skin Care | Anti-Ageing

The Riverside Inn … in the heart of Somerset 8

Cliff Street | Cheddar | Somerset | BS27 3PX | 01934 742 452 info@riversidecheddar.co.uk | riversidecheddar.co.uk www.valley-life.co.uk

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

NEWS

Almshouse Tea Shop brews up more success

A

xbridge’s Almshouse Tea Shop is celebrating being voted one of the South West’s best small cafes.

Owner Nicky Frewin, pictured, picked up a Bronze award in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in the café/ tearoom of the year category.

It comes just two months after winning the gold award in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards.

Just as importantly for Nicky and her team was receiving the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Certificate of Excellence which recognised consistently good service and top review ratings.

Nicky said: “I am really chuffed that my amazing team’s hard work and dedication has been acknowledged by these prestigious awards. They reflect the passion and attention to detail that has gone into making The Almshouse such a special place to visit.

“I purchased the building in 2011 after it had lain empty for nearly four years and am proud of the transformation to this beautiful building and the boost that The Tea Shop has given Axbridge as a destination. This is such a wonderful part of the world that it’s great

to see so many people, both local and from further afield, enjoy The Almshouse.

“We are blessed to be at the centre of some great walks around the Mendips and together with the Strawberry Line and the growing number of cyclists visiting the area we are benefiting from this growth in tourism.”

The Almshouse is only one

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

string to Nicky’s bow as she is also a competitive sea angler.

Nicky has eight caps competing with The England Ladies Shore Angling Team, both in the Home Nations and at International level.

The highlights of her England career were winning the Gold Medal in Ireland and competing in the World Championships in South Africa in 2017.

www.valley-life.co.uk

9

NEWS

Bloor Homes ‘ridiculous’ p

C

ries of “ridiculous” from a packed extraordinary Cheddar Parish Council meeting greeted the plans by Bloor Homes for the second phase in the village.

More than 200 residents gathered at Fairlands School to express their disgust at the latest development which would see no new access on to Upper New Road.

Many residents argued that Upper New Road already posed a real safety risk not only to pedestrians but also to motorists.

During the meeting, many people wondered where the new schools, doctors, dentists and other services would be to accommodate the 134 homes planned for the development.

But it was the question of access which dominated the meeting.

Bloor Homes’ application wants those living on the second phase to use the existing access rather than building a new access road on to Upper New Road from the second phase.

Mark Williams who lives on the Bloor Homes site, said: “When I bought my house I was prepared to put up with a certain amount of site traffic for up to 18 months.

“But what I’m looking at now

is another three or four years of site traffic rumbling past my front door.”

Another Bloor Homes site resident, Kathryn Munday, pointed to the fact that walking from the development into the village was like taking your life in your own hands.

She said: “It’s an accident waiting to happen walking along Upper New Road.

“I cannot tell you how dangerous it is to walk along Upper New Road with a youngster in a buggy. As a mum with a youngster in a buggy I think it

will be a major safety issue.”

Cheddar resident Kay Richardson added: “Another 134 homes will mean potentially a further 270 cars and up to 270 children needing places at local schools.

“If Sedgemoor want to build new homes here, then some thought ought to be given about schools for those being encouraged to come to the village.”

Villager Patrick Westby urged Sedgemoor to listen to the views of those living in Cheddar.

NEWS

plan booed by residents

He said: “If Sedgemoor want the support of the community then they have to respect the community’s views.

“For too long now, the community has been ignored over issues such as schools, transport and Section 106 agreements which would have benefited the community being ignored.”

Cheddar Parish Council planning committee chairman Clive Panchaud told the meeting that Somerset County Council had objected to a plan to develop on the Yeo Valley site because of a lack of schooling in the area.

He said: “The county don’t think there’s enough early years, first, middle and upper school provision for the 100 homes on that site.

“So where does that leave the proposed Bloor Homes second phase?”

Cheddar Parish Council voted unanimously to reject the application after hearing the strength of feeling expressed by all those who had turned out to the meeting.

Council vice-chair Lynne Goodfellow said that during a planning inspection into

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

the Neighbourhood Plan the inspector said that access on the second phase should be via new access road.

She said: “I have deep concerns about what Bloor are trying to do here.”

Councillor Paul Fineran said: “I’m shocked that this application has come forward and it breaches so many conditions it is almost a comedy of errors.”

• To make your views known go to www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/ planning_online and quote planning reference number 17/19/00005.

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

Healthy Eating Nutritional therapist Linda Thomas with some food advice

A body spring clean S pring is just around the corner - time to throw off the winter duvet, hoover the cobwebs and get into the garden.

wine/beer/coffee for occasional consumption.

• Avoid “low fat” versions of food. They generally compensate with additional sugar, salt and artificial flavourings. These ingredients can hinder nutrient absorption and are harder for your liver to process.

It makes sense to spring clean our body and tackle any winter weight gain so we are energised to embark on these activities.

Here are some simple places to start:

Get into the habit of checking labels and if sugar (in any form) is in the top 3 ingredients it’s not good news for your waistline or liver.

• Look after your liver as it is key to digestion, metabolism, detoxification, circulation and hormone balancing. It works hard! Aim to put more “beneficial” things into your body and less “inflammatory”.

So, lots of plain filtered water, more vegetables, fruit, unrefined carbohydrate (brown rice, oats, wholemeal pasta etc) and “good” fats – oily fish, nuts, olives, seeds and avocado – will help your liver breakdown waste products, balance cholesterol and provide better hormones.

• Eat more “bitter” foods. These stimulate digestive enzymes and stomach acid to break down your food more effectively. They also support the liver.

Foods to include are watercress, rocket, chicory, broccoli,

lemon, lime, walnuts and raw cacao (add it to smoothies or porridge for a very chocolatey flavour).

• Ditch fizzy drinks and large lattes. Not only are they laden with inflammatory sugar (or chemicals to replace sugar) but they play havoc with blood sugar balance and therefore impact on insulin – a slippery slope to Type 2 diabetes.

As a general rule, don’t drink your calories – choose water, mint tea, or herb/fruit infusions instead and save the

• Restrict the time you eat and rest your digestion. Food from meals fuels us for about three hours, after that we use stored fat for energy. Limit eating to a 10 or 12 hour “window” (e.g.

8am to 6pm or 7am to 7pm).

Finish eating 3 hours before bedtime and avoid snacking – make meals filling (plenty of vegetables helps here) so you don’t get hungry between meals.

Of course, these are just general guidelines and there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” style of eating, so if you feel a more tailored approach would suit you, contact a qualified Nutritional Therapist who can design a plan for your personal needs.

Contact Linda on 07768 803198 or email: info@indathomasnutrition.co.uk VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

www.valley-life.co.uk

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Green Matters Green-fingered tips from garden designer Robin Pargeter

It’s tomato time again

M

arch is the month when I begin my annual obsession with growing tomatoes.

temperatures are a risk and regular checks of the weather forecast is necessary to avoid losing the crop; bring the plants indoors or provide heating to a greenhouse if temperatures are set to drop.

Following in the footsteps of three generations of my family, I spend more time and energy on this crop than anything else in the garden.

Only in late May when the risk of frost has passed should they be planted out in an unheated greenhouse or directly outside.

Tomatoes prefer deep rooting so using large, deep pots is a good choice.

Although tomatoes are high maintenance gardening, as far as I am concerned the rewards are well worth it.

There’s a huge number of varieties to choose from, but I tend to go for a mix of cherry and beef tomatoes. The cherries make beautifully sweet salads whilst the beef are full of flavour and perfect for slicing.

This year I have chosen Sweet Million and Country Taste but I always have Gardener’s Delight, too, as they produce tasty large cherries and are reliable croppers.

I usually try one or two new ones and I might go for the purple coloured Chocolate Cherry for a change.

In early March sow seeds in cells and to ensure reliable germination don’t allow the tem-

perature to drop. A propagator is ideal but a bright window sill will do if that’s not an option.

Within two or three weeks the seeds should be up. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when four leaves have sprouted.

It is then a question of getting the young plants hardened off so that they can be grown on, ideally in a greenhouse or brightly lit porch.

They are tender plants so low

Grow bags are popular but are quite thin so really not ideal. I plant mine in a compost-filled trench in my greenhouse, giving the roots plenty of room to spread, and reducing the chances of the plants drying out.

Tie the plants to a cane as they grow and pinch out side shoots from the main stem. Once the first flowers have set and tiny tomatoes appear, regular feeding with tomato fertiliser is the route to a big crop.

The first picking is always a special pleasure, and who knows, you might find that you have caught the tomato bug, too.

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

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VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

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

Prepare for the piste M any of you will be hitting the ski slopes soon, so here’s are a few tips to get the most out of your ski trip this winter and prevent injuries.

Do this with your knee bent to a comfortable angle to get the maximum benefit.

• On the slopes – Ensure you warm up before skiing and stretch at the end of the day.

Start off gently taking one warm up run down the easiest slope each time before more challenging terrain.

• Build your strength – Leg and core strength are important to make sure you soak those bumps ripples and moguls as you’re on the slopes on your skis or snowboard.

Take plenty of breaks and listen to your body – pain is a warning sign!

For the legs (glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps) I find exercises like lunges and squats are best to develop this, and the plank for your core strength.

• Back pain – Repetitive stress and fatigue on the back is common with skiing. With an acute injury use ice rather than heat to help reduce inflammation.

• Build your endurance – Most of us hit the slopes and plan on skiing all day even if it’s been months or years.

By the time the afternoon comes around the body is tired which is the prime time for injuries and accidents to happen.

Building your cardio endurance at least 6 weeks before getting on the ski slopes by exercising 3-5 times is recommended.

The best exercises to prepare for skiing are running/cycling

or the cross trainer for a whole body workout.

• Improve balance – Balance is an important factor in skiing.

Using a wobble board can help to improve balance and build up your ankle muscles.

Howeve,r I tend to use the basic stand on one foot whilst you brush your teeth or you’re waiting for the kettle to boil.

Always be careful when carrying skis or boards. Leave them standing upright so you don’t have to bend to pick them up. Carry them over your shoulder, swapping shoulders regularly.

• Check in with us – If you start to feel your back is niggling, or had previous back episodes and dropped off your exercise routine, taking action earlier is always better. You’ll get more out of the trip and save yourself injury!

Contact Matt on 01934 235535 or email reception@suttonchiro.co.uk VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

www.valley-life.co.uk

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NEWS

Local sea cadets need your help

A

xbridge and Cheddar Valley Sea Cadets (Training Ship Goathland) are looking to help recruit more volunteers to help grow the unit.

Chairman Barry Hamblin said the unit now has 30 cadets in the senior and junior sections and they are enjoying a full and varied training programme.

He said: “Sea Cadet units do not exist to recruit for the Royal Navy but all the young people who enjoy their time as Sea Cadets have a great deal to offer when they leave school.

“Due to our success we ur-

gently need more staff to help run the unit. We also need volunteers to do the necessary background work.

“Could you give us an hour or two each week to do some administration, drive our minibus or help with building maintenance?

“There is so much to do and we desperately need your help to ensure our young cadets get the full experience we want to offer.”

For more information please email co.axbridgeseacadets@ gmail.com or telephone Barry on 07979 994126

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Sewell House is managed by Sidcot Friends Housing Society Ltd - a not-for-profit organisation 16 www.valley-life.co.uk

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

Protecting your pension

W

hile Pensions Freedoms - introduced in 2015 – have allowed many people to convert their savings into more profitable forms of investment, there have been some serious downsides.

Switching to investments that offer more exciting returns than the traditional annuity has many attractions… but concerns have always remained that some savers are rushing into making poor decisions which could seriously affect their ability to fund their future retirement.

Worst of all, many have been scammed out of their savings by unscrupulous individuals - often cold calling people heading towards (or even in) retirement and offering enticing returns.

To put the problem in context, since their introduction, some £23bn has been accessed by savers from the age of 55 – some putting their funds into other forms of investment, others taking out up to 25% of their pot in cash, tax free.

During that time, the Insolvency Service has applied to the courts to wind-up 24 companies that have carried

to pensions – although there will inevitably be concerns that some unscrupulous operators will either ignore this ban or find ways round it - including going online to trap unwary savers.

out a form of pension misuse.

It estimates that there have been close to 3,750 victims connected to those 24 companies, who between them have made £202 million worth of contributions.

The pension misuse varies from convincing people to access their pensions and invest in unregulated schemes to pension trustees not carrying out their duties properly.

Victims of pension scams last year lost an average of £91,000 each to fraudsters.

The government recently announced a ban prohibiting cold-calling in relation

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

The long-overdue cold call ban was in response to rogue Introducer firms cold-calling people, misleading clients about their expertise and offering guaranteed returns which they couldn’t deliver. So, to help prevent you from becoming a target for pension abuse, the Insolvency Service recommends: • Be wary of calls out of the blue. Get the company’s name and establish their credentials using the FCA’s Financial Services Register.

• Seek financial guidance or advice before changing your pension arrangements or making investments.

• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making any decision about your pension and be wary of promised returns that sound too good to be true.

For further information about scams you can visit the ScamSmart website and if you suspect a scam, you can report it to Action Fraud UK.

www.valley-life.co.uk

17

COLUMN

MONEY MATTERS

with Mark Meldon

Acutabove continues its success story in Axbridge

Some 3.6 million people aged 65-plus in the UK have retired earlier than they expected due to circumstances out of their control, research revealed.

According to retirement provider Just Group illness (25%), redundancy (21%) and care demands (10%) are the main reasons.

Only one in four (26%) said they retired early because they had enough pension or savings that they could afford to stop working.

However, the latest Office for National Statistics UK labour market report, published in January, showed the employment level for people aged 50 plus was more than 10 million for the period September to November 2018. The research shows that for many the dream of early retirement may actually be more of a nightmare, according to Stephen Lowe of Just Group.

He said: “Ill-health can strike at any time and becomes more likely the older we are, while redundancies are a difficult point in many people’s careers”.

Women are around one third more likely to retire early due to illness, while one in five were able to choose to leave the workforce for positive financial reasons.

This is why it is vital that people do make financial plans as early as possible ahead of retirement and are aware of their options. It means they should be in a better position to manage any nasty shocks.

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I

n 2007, hair stylist Sarah Boundy made the bold step of moving away from her native Cornwall to set up a salon in Axbridge.

Almost 12 years on and her venture Acutabove has become one of the top hair salons in the area.

Sarah said: “Being such an active community holding numerous events throughout the year Axbridge turned out to be the perfect place to be part of and grow a new business.

“I was passionate about building a hair salon based on great hair styling and excellent customer service. This is something I’ve instilled in all the employees who have passed through the salon over the years.

“But we’ve also changed where we work. The salon has undergone refurbishment, its unique design focuses on relaxation and luxury that

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complements the nostalgia of the old building. As an Aveda salon our business revolves around caring for the world we live in - so come and discover the properties of up to 99% naturally derived ingredients - Aveda believe that what you put onto your body should be as healthy and natural as what you put into it.”

Every appointment begins with a complimentary neck and shoulder massage followed by consultation, a relaxing shampoo and hair treatment and styling products especially chosen for your hair.

Sarah added: “With many years of experience as stylists we strive to give you the best care, service and creativity because we want all our clients to go away feeling and looking beautiful with beautiful hair!”

Call 01934 733666 or visit www.acutabovehair.co.uk to book an appointment online.

VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

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

A colourful harness W inter finally struck mid-February. I LOVE snow and so does Jackie my guide dog.

eyesight I could see a brightly coloured moving object with a black nose and a very waggy tail.

The Mendip Hills looked picture perfect as we set off with childlike excitement for a hill walk.

Unbeknown to me Jackie, who was only doing her job staying close to the side, had become attached to a scarf and fabric stall which was now inadvertently being dragged up the street with us.

On route, a very good friend texted me to check I was OK. She’s the type of lovely friend that if you don’t reply within five minutes sends out the air ambulance!

I stopped at the next stone style to reply that I was indeed OK. As I sat down, however, I toppled backwards completing a full and impressive backward somersault.

As I tottered to my feet I wondered at what precise age we “fall over” changes to “had a bit of a fall?”

The owner of the stall, who had been quietly reading her book suddenly startled to full attention, was running after us shouting “please stop!!”

If you get a chance, pull out your bus pass and do the same journey. The scenery is amazing as you go over the Mendip Hills and meander through gorgeous villages.

I texted my friend a few minutes later to say I had been fine but thanks to her concern I was now black and blue!

On arrival in Bath the sky was azure blue and Jackie in full resplendent yellow harness guided me up the main high street which is flanked by shops and interesting market stalls.

Only two days earlier the weather had been glorious.

Jackie and I grabbed the spring vibe travelling to Bath on top of the 173 bus from Wells.

As we marched forward I became aware of a certain tension in my guide dog harness handle attached to Jackie. Looking down through my very blurry

After much apologising on my part and quite a bit of time detangling Jackie we went on our way.

I was regaling to a very good friend about my humiliating fabric foray.

She sympathised and told me that her husband, sadly in the extreme throws of dementia, was recently asked by a doctor what or who the most important thing in his life was.

He replied: “Keeping my trousers up”. I don’t know about you but I think that’s a life mantra we can all live by.

Tiggi is a regular speaker at events. Contact her on 07721 329129 or email tiggi1@me.com VALLEY LIFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 30

www.valley-life.co.uk

19

Thinking of selling your home?

For a free valuation, please give us a call on 01934 742966 2c Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA enquiries@laurelandwylde.co.uk laurelandwylde.co.uk