The Somerset View - March 2014

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A word from the EditorSpring is on it’s way, the long winter is now officially over - well according to my calendar it is! With the warmer weather on its way and lighter evenings, we all should be feeling more positive, but spare a thought for all the flood victims around the country, whose lives will take a long time to get back to normal.Nick Carter, our Sales and Marketing Manager, has now left the company - we would like to thank Nick for all his hard work and effort with the magazines, and wish him well for the future. Patsie Fowler will be taking over from Nick in Sales and Marketing. The first two months of 2014 have flown by, and I am sure many of you are working towards planning community events; if you are, please let us know so we can include it in our What’s On/Gig Guide section.All contributions are gratefully received. Please, keep them coming!

Steve DrewEditor

The Somerset ViewEditor Steve Drew

Advertising Patsie Fowler

Studio/Production Dave Collingbourne

Marketing & Promotions Ian Williams

and a special thank you to Somerset Council, Weston Hospicecare and Jane Allen of the RSPBPhotographic contributions Rich Collar and Dave Collingbourne The Somerset View, Pony Publishing Ltd. Locking Farm Business Park, Locking Moor Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS24 8PJ

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01934 820041OR email: [email protected] for a rate card and media pack. Printed by Flying Colours.www.westonandworleview.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error or negligence for any services provided by advertisers or for any content of this publication

The views expressed in this publication may not necessarily represent those of Pony Publishing Ltd. or its associates.

All material within the magazine, whether editorial or advertising, is copyright of Pony Publishing Ltd. and may not be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

This months front cover image shows Admiral Hood’s Monument, Butleigh© PonyPublishing

04 COUNCIL FLOOD NEWSUp-dates from Somerset Council on the Somerset Levels situation

05 THE HOOD MEMORIALThe memorial to Sir Samual Hood, Admiral and Nelson mentor.

06 WHAT’S ON!The March events guide supplied by you!

08 RSPB FLOOD RESPONSENews from the Avalon Marshes Centre

11 THE GREAT CHEDDAR BAkE OFF!Another Weston Hospicecare initiative

1� WESTON AIR FESTIVAL!The Red Arrows confirm attendance

14 SOMERSET SPEED CAMERASCouncil to sell them back to the Police

At a glance – March

Welcome to Aerial Circus PhotographyCall 0791 020 7073 www.aerialcircus.webs.com [email protected]

Call 0791 020 7073 www.aerialcircus.webs.com [email protected]

4 Advertise with us and reach thousands of people across Somerset. Simply call 01934 820041 and we can discuss your needs.

New centre for flooding donationsThanks to the hard work of all the organisers and volunteers, a more suitable place has been secured and set up for the donations and collections for flood victims.The new centre is located at: The Old Somerfield Distribution Centre, Huntworth Business Park, Junction 24 Bridgwater TA6 6PSU.(Bridgwater MOTO motorway services is off junction 24, first left after passing the garage.)Donations can re-commence now. Everything can be taken here between 10am – 3pm, 7 days a week.

ITEMS NEEDED:-Food (that is in date)ToiletriesSaucepansKitchenwareTowelsBeddingClothesFootwearToysBooksStationeryPaper cups & plates

COLLECTIONSFlooding victims can go and pick up what they need between 10am to 3pm, 7 days a week.Please take ID to confirm your address.For security reasons only pre-arranged volunteers can staff the centre, however drop off of donations are fine.We have no capacity to accept furniture at the moment and cannot store flammable items e.g. deodorant spray canisters.

During opening hours you can contact by phone on: 07754 407282Article supplied by Somerset Council.The Somerset Council Newsroom is being constantly updated so check out the updates @www somersetnewsroom.com/Kindly re-produced using information from the FLAG Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FLAGSomerset/

FLOOD ASSISTANCE CENTREA Flood Assistance Centre is open at the Bridgwater YMCA on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2pm until 8pm, and Saturdays, from 10am until 4pm.The centre offers a range of services and advice for people affected by, or who are likely to be affected by flooding.THE CENTRE OFFERS ACCESS TO:Practical advice and support, including information regarding Insurance matters, benefits, housing issues and links to local authority services. Information regarding financial support and grants.Help with transport needs.Advice and support about personal wellbeing, including services for people needing support with anxiety and distress.Social care services, including information regarding mobility issues.Information about flood-related issues, including animal welfare.Advice on how to dispose of sandbags and flood-damaged furniture etc. Don’t forget the Police’s new dedicated email address: [email protected]

Communities in Somerset have reached a crisis point as they cope with extensive and long-term flooding. For many it is the second time in two years they have been affected, with whole communities being cut off for weeks.The response within the communities themselves has been magnificent but there is only so much they can do for themselves. Somerset Community Foundation is urgently appealing for donations to relieve the immediate hardship people are facing and support their recovery over the coming weeks and months. With your support, we will help families and communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible.For more information about the Somerset Flood Relief Fund and up-to-date news, check out the website: www.somersetcf.org.ukTel : 01749 344949 e-mail : [email protected]

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Hood Memorial

If you’re travelling through Compton Dundon on the road from Somerton to Street, you may well notice on the top of Windmill Hill, an incredible monument sitting between the trees.

Completed in 1831 to a design by the architect, Henry Goodridge, the Hood monument is a memorial column to Sir Samuel Hood, Vice-Admiral (1762-1814).

Sir Samual was a seaman of considerable courage and daring, fighting in many of the naval

confrontations that built the Royal Navy’s considerable reputation at the time - mostly against the French, both pre and post revolution. Many times the battles were with squadrons that Lord Nelson also fought in.

Sir Samual was the cousin (once removed) of the more famous Admiral Samuel Hood, 1st Viscount Hood. Admiral Hood was mentor to Lord Horatio Nelson, and the famous World War 2 Battlecruiser, HMS Hood, tragically sunk by the German Battleship ‘Bismark’ in 1941, was named after the 1st Viscount.

The monument is a 110 feet (33.5 m) tall, Tuscan column.

The proportions of the monument were based on those of Trajan’s column in Rome.

Sir Samual’s family has lived in the area for centuries and the monument was originally linked to the Hood family home at Butleigh by a mile long avenue of cedar trees.

There was originally a doorway in the base, but this was sealed in 1990. The crown on the top of the monument is a sculpture on a nautical theme. It has the transoms of four galleons, interspersed with four mainsails above laurel wreaths and surmounted by a naval crown. It was carved by Gahagan of Bath.

The memorial has fine views of the Tor.Many thanks to all who contributed to this article.


What’s On – March 2014Somerset Events 1st – 31st MarchWelcome to our new events guide. Kindly contributed too by YOU. The listing covers up-coming Events in March and a Somerset local Gig Guide.

Theatre, Arts and Events

7th MarchSomerset Flood Relief Charity Fundraiser with The MangledwurzelsThe Oaktree Arena, Oaktree Park, Bristol Road, Edithmead, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4HA

An evening of Wurzels-flavoured, cider-fuelled Scrumpy & Western entertainment from The Mangledwurzels to raise money for the Somerset Flood Relief Charity Fund Tickets £10.00 available from the Oaktree Arena Box Office.

Tel: 01278 782216 Contact Debbie

For more information visitwww.oaktreearena.com/

15th March - 16th MarchST PATRICK’S DAY BEER FESTMarine Parade, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1AL

Don your Irish costumes, grab your mates and jig your way down to the Grand Pier on 15th & 16th March for a pint of some of the finest ales in Somerset! And don’t worry there’ll be lots of Guinness too!

01934 620238

For more information please visit the website:www.grandpier.co.uk

16th MarchLambing Fun Day with Tractor TedRodway Farm Cannington, Somerset TA5 2LS

Visit Bridgwater College’s Rodway Farm and meet the new-born lambs, and special attraction Tractor Ted! Take a tractor/trailer ride, see the amazing sheep dogs, sheep shearing, dog agility, falconry displays, and the ferret racing!

Ticket PricesFamily: £12 (2 adults and up to 3 children) Adult: £4Child: £3 (under 1s free)

20% off all tickets bought online.

Bridgwater College’s Rodway Farm is located 5 miles from Bridgwater on the Hinkley Point road, in Cannington, TA5 2LS.

www.bridgwater.ac.uk/events

27th March - 30th MarchSPRING STEAM GALAWest Somerset Railway, Minehead Station, Warren Rd, Minehead TA24 5BGThe Spring Steam Gala will feature visiting locomotives as used on the ‘Withered Arm’ and a recreation of the ‘Atlantic Coast Express’ supported by the WSR Home Fleet Steam Locomotives.Tel: 01643 704996 For more information, booking and timetables, please visit the website;www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

30th MarchMothers Day @ The OaktreeThe Oaktree Arena, Oaktree Park, Bristol Road, Edithmead, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4HA

Two Course Meal only £10.00 per person

Contact the Oaktree ArenaTel: 01278 782216 For more information visitwww.oaktreearena.com/

Up-coming March 2014 events


4th MarchOpen Mic Night Hawthorns Hotel8-12 Northload Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9JJ01458 831255www.lemonrock.com/hawthornshotel

5th MarchRoss Kirk The Venue Club 42 South Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 1SL9pm - Midnightwww.lemonrock.com/venueclub

7th MarchDaz’s ‘Rock 4 Charity’ Multi Band Showincluding Dreamscape, The Bipolar Bears, Silver Train, Unison, Loaded, The Poppies, Dave Hook, Andrew Hirthe, Teresa Alexander, Stacey Lou Hunt, Jake Sims, Chloe Hood and special guests!

The Grand PierMarine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 1ALTickets £1007748 024158www.grandpier.co.uk

GrouvecatThe Street Inn1-3 Somerton Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0DR01458 844010Contact Jason or Rachelwww.thestreetinn.com

8th MarchSun Dog DaysThe Street Inn1-3 Somerton Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0DR01458 844010Contact Jason or Rachelwww.thestreetinn.com

12th MarchQuiz Night Hawthorns Hotel8-12 Northload Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9JJ01458 831255www.lemonrock.com/hawthornshotel

14th MarchDave RichUnity ClubLeigh Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0HA01458 446183Contact : Estelle Sparks www.daverich.co.uk

15th MarchThe O’MalleysThe Royal Clarence Hotel,31 The Esplanade, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset TA8 1BQ07837 370710Contact : Mac or Johnwww.myspace.com/theomarley39s

21st MarchThe Real DealThe Street Inn1-3 Somerton Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0DR01458 844010Contact Jason or Rachelwww.thestreetinn.com

29th MarchTwoManTing Hawthorns Hotel8-12 Northload Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9JJ01458 831255www.lemonrock.com/hawthornshotel

Retro The Malt Shovel2 Wembdon Rd, Bridgewater, Somerset TA6 7DN01984 757389

Local Gig Guide - March 2014

Send us a list of your upcoming gigs to [email protected] thanks to www.Lemonrock.com and others for their contributions


RSPB & theAvalon Marshes Centre News from Ham WallDespite heavy rain and driving wind battering the reserve over the last few weeks, we have actually faired quite well. Water levels are high but the only casualty has been the closure of the Loxtons Trail.Levels are beginning to drop externally now so we should soon be able to shed some water to get back to more desirable levels. Reedbed management has continued with the Truxor (an aquatic reed cutter) in for another week recently. He managed to open the area in front of the 2nd viewing platform a little more and has also been working on the islands in Waltons looked upon by the new hide. The New Year saw the opening of the new structure in Waltons (The Tor View Hide). The walk up to it and the hide itself (all accessible by wheelchair) gives the feeling of being more out in the middle of the reedbed and should be a great addition to the reserve. The surfacing of the new car park has gone out to tender and we are awaiting all the quotes, while work is also progressing slowly with drawings etc from the architects for the new hide on the north of the reserve – work to be carried out here between August and November this year to meet planning regulations (as with the new car park work). Scrub cutting continues to clear ditch edges and rides in the wet woodland although some areas are hard (or impossible) to access. Our large Thursday volunteer group will be helping out at Natural England’s Shapwick Heath (good partnership working) and up at Swell Wood for our Somerset colleagues over the next few weeks as we have a lean spell in terms of work for a large group.

The high levels of water have pushed most of the wading birds out to the flooded fields locally but good numbers of duck are present, with hundreds of Teal on site. Bitterns, Marsh Harriers, Kingfishers and Great White Egrets feature regularly (daily), while Barn Owls seem to have reappeared in the last month or so after completely vanishing, or so it seemed, for a few of months after a complete failure to breed this season. A million Starlings roosting in local reedbeds gives them something to get through the winter, with vole numbers likely to have plummeted after this wet spell.More unusual species for us have been harder to come by but we have seen Goosander, Pintail, Goldeneye, Merlin and Peregrine in recent weeks.

There are good numbers of Siskin & Redpoll on the reserve along with occasional sightings of Redwing and Fieldfare. Other sightings include a pair of Tawny Owls, Bullfinch, Green Woodpecker and drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker. Many species are beginning to show signs of breeding plumage and territorial behaviour – a reminder that spring will soon be on the way! Let’s hope a drier spell is on the way also to improve things across all the reserves.The new hide has offered good views of Marsh Harrier, Bittern and a selection

of wildfowl along with occasional sightings of Bearded Tit and regular Stonechat sightings. The feedback from visitors on the new hide so far has been very positive. Many thanks to all the volunteers who put in so much time and effort into the construction of the hide and path. Steve Couch – Assistant Warden, Ham Wall

rspb.org.ukLet’s give nature a home

The RSPB is the country’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. Together with our partners, we protect threatened birds and wildlife so our towns, coast and countryside will teem with life once again. We play a leading role in Birdlife International, a worldwide partnership of nature conservation organisations.

The Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership (AMLP)The partnership is made up of English Heritage, Environment Agency, Hawk & Owl Trust, Natural England, RSPB, Somerset County Council and Somerset Wildlife Trust. The project is based at the Avalon Marshes Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay, Somerset, BA6 9TT - email: [email protected] Tel: 01458 860556. The Scheme runs from 2012 to the end of 2015.

© John Crispin

© John Crispin


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Red Arrows confirmed for Weston Air FestivalThe world-renowned Red Arrows will perform at the Weston Air Festival on Saturday 21st June.The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team will perform a thrilling precision flying display, featuring their trademark formations, close-passes and dynamic loops and rolls. To mark their 50th display season, the Red Arrows will be sporting a striking new tailfin design at this year’s event.As well as a full weekend programme of air displays on Weston seafront, the air show will incorporate the town’s Armed Forces Day celebrations with military exhibitions and displays. Following the flag raising ceremony there will be marching displays, military bands, and the Sealed Knot Black Powder Display by Sir Henry Tillier’s Regiment of Foote. Sunday also promises to be action-packed with fun for all the family, featuring arena displays, fun fair rides, trade stands and a variety of activities and refreshments.Cllr Felicity Baker, the council’s executive member for tourism, said: “It’s with enormous pleasure that we’re bringing the air day back to Weston given its 30-plus year association with the resort.”“This is the latest addition to what promises to be a packed summer of events on Weston’s seafront. We really hope people will come and enjoy the event and spend the weekend in the resort enjoying our many and varied attractions.”

Keep up to date with all the festival news and soon-to-be announced competitions on www.n-somerset.gov.uk/airfestival and on Twitter @WestonSeafront.See more at: http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/News/Pages/Red-Arrows-confirmed-for-Weston-Air-Festival.aspx


Alison’s Buffets54 Redcliffe StreetCheddar, Somerset BS27 3PF

Buffets for ALL occasions Weddings, Birthday Parties, Funerals, Corporate Eventst: 01934 742958 email: [email protected]

Speed cameras will be switched back on!Fixed safety cameras will soon be switched back on in Somerset after Somerset County Council agreed to sell the cameras to Avon & Somerset Constabulary for £1 each. The decision was made by Somerset County Council on Monday 17 February to transfer ownership of the safety cameras to the police. Last June, the Chief Constable Nick Gargan commissioned a review of the Constabulary’s policy towards speed cameras and opened up new conversations with Somerset County Council to consider if fixed safety cameras could be reintroduced. The Chief Constable and the Council have now agreed the police will take responsibility and ownership of the cameras and operate them on the highway network on the proviso that no costs whatsoever are incurred by the County Council. Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, Cllr Harvey Siggs, said: “We will continue to work closely with the police to improve highway safety and reduce traffic speeds at known road casualty sites. The police have agreed to take full responsibility for the cost and maintenance of the fixed safety cameras and will enforce all speeding offences, and we support them in their decision.” Superintendent Ian Smith said: “We are pleased that plans to reinstate static speed cameras in Somerset have moved a step closer. We are keen to reinstate fixed cameras in Somerset as soon as possible and we will promote the activation when it happens. “The ongoing work we have undertaken with our partners to reinstate static speed cameras in the force area is based on national research showing that cameras add value to road safety. There is also more than £2million worth of camera infrastructure currently lying dormant

on the roadsides in the force area. We believe that the static cameras can be operated in a cost-neutral way and that reactivating them for use alongside our mobile camera vans will help in making our roads safer.”

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The Somerset View - March 2014