Shepton Mallet feed - This is Somerset

Town stages Bannatyne – the musical

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne has said he can't wait to attend the world premier of a musical based on his life which is being held in the West.

The Scotsman has won over the people of Shepton Mallet, in Somerset, after snapping up the four-star, Grade II-listed Charlton House from administrators earlier this year, saving 62 jobs in the area.

The play will premiere in November at The Academy Theatre in Shepton Mallet. It will depict his affair, divorce and rise from ice cream seller to multi-millionaire entrepreneur.

The two-hour unauthorised account by director Gordon McDougall is based on the 61-year-old's autobiography, Anyone Can Do it.

It will see Bannatyne's character sing of the trials in his life, including his court martial for trying to throw a Navy officer overboard.

Mr Bannatyne told the Western Daily Press: "As soon as tickets are released, I'll be booking my seat for the first night."

Mr McDougall said: "I hope he thinks it's a good idea. He's been quite open about his life, so I don't see a need to hide anything.

"He's a significant figure in the area, hopefully he'll come to see it."

Born in 1949 in the town of Clydebank, Duncan was raised in relatively modest circumstances.

He was told by his mother that she could not afford to buy him a bicycle, so Mr Bannatyneasked the local newsagents if he could start a paper round.

Told he would need a list of 100 potential customers, he painstakingly knocked on many doors and eventually drew up a list of 100 names and addresses, and subsequently landed the job and bought a bike.

In 1964, at the age of 15, Mr Bannatyne volunteered for 12 years with the Royal Navy as a junior 2nd class engineering mechanic stoker.

He served in the Navy for several years before receiving a dishonourable discharge for threatening to throw an officer off a boat landing jetty in Scotland.

He had to serve nine months in the tough Colchester military detention centre before being discharged, aged 20.

In his 20s, Mr Bannatyne moved to Jersey, where he met his first wife, and then to Stockton-on-Tees in the North East.

It was there that Mr Bannatyne's business career began, with an ice-cream van bought for £450. He soon expanded by buying more vans and eventually sold the business for £28,000, founding a care home business instead.

Quality Care Homes was sold for £26 million in 1996, and another business, children's nursery chain Just Learning, for £22m.

Mr Bannatyne has since branched into health clubs, with the popular Bannatyne's Health Clubs chain to his name, and also bars, hotels and property.

Man, what a great way to end filming

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Eurovision stars Brotherhood of Man were the surprise celebrities for the grand finale of the TV filming in Shepton Mallet town centre.

Their appearance was a closely guarded secret as the two months filming for the new prime-time BBC series focusing on changes in British shopping habits over the last 150 years reached its closing climax.

The group wowed the appreciative crowds and performed many old favourites including Save All Your Kisses For Me, Angelo and United We Stand, Divided We Fall.

Hundreds of old and new fans packed out Market Place to hear the group, who in their hey-day held the Number 1 spot in 30 different countries around the world.

The filming finished with a huge street party – forced by heavy downpours from the Market Place into the shelter of the Academy Theatre – where townsfolk said a fond farewell and thank you to the film crew and the shopkeepers and their families who have made their mark on the town.

Suggestion boxes are now in the library and the tourist information centre for people to say what they hope will come out of the town being chosen for the series due to be screened Sunday nights in November and how Shepton can best capitalise on the fame they hope it will bring.

A steering group has been formed to ensure Shepton does not lose out on the opportunity to use the programme to encourage visitors and investment.

Town council chairman Jeannette Marsh, who with husband Terry was among the core shoppers throughout the series tracing changes in shopping habits from the 1850s to the 1970s, said: "We would not have missed it for the world. It has been an exceptional experience and I am sure it will open new doors for Shepton Mallet. We look forward to welcoming many people who will want to come to see Shepton after it has been made famous."

TV superstar Greg Wallace, co-presenter of Masterchef, who will present the new history programme said: "I never knew anything about Shepton Mallet before this – I thought it was just somewhere between Bristol and Bath. But coming here and getting to know it so well has been an absolutely amazing experience. I don't think any programme has tackled anything like this before – it is going to be utterly incredible. It has been the most unique experience to be involved in something like this and I have made so many friends while being here."

Mr Wallace has had to juggle filming between the history show and the latest series of Masterchef and also squeezing in a family holiday in Florida. He flew back especially from Florida for the final day's filming and end-of-series street party."I would not have missed it for the world – I have met some incredible, amazing, friendly people here. We started off with a polite nod and a hello – and now we are all firm friends."

Mr Wallace says the programme will deliver a strong message to shoppers. "I am not anti-supermarket – I am a realist and I realise supermarkets are here to stay. But I just really hope this programme breathes life back into Shepton Mallet town centre as it is the most amazing place," he said.

"I don't think anyone – town planners, councils, developers, people – ever realised when we embarked down the road to out-of-town shopping centres and giant superstores what it could mean and how it could affect our town centres and high streets.

"Anyone seeing this series will want to bring back our dear old High Streets – but there are now no High Streets to bring back.

"We are all guilty, you and me, our parents and our grandparents, local government – everyone who made the decisions in those early days that out-of-town shopping was the way to go, and everyone who turned away from High Street shopping and made that choice to shop out of town.

"I don't think many places actually realise what they have done – but here I am actually witnessing it here in Shepton Mallet first hand.

"If people of all types shop together, chat together and start caring about each other again it can only make it better for the whole community – and make that community more prosperous, safer and happier.

Central Somerset planning applications and decisions

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Decisions made this week:

Flourish Homes have been granted retrospective planning permission for the conversion of a former flat into an office at their sheltered housing complex in Street.

Mendip District Council has given the go ahead to the housing agency (formerly Mendip Housing) for the office in a former flat on the first floor above the communal day room at 24 The Whithys, Street.

Flourish Homes explained the change of use happened from the reorganisation of their social care facilities with the decentralisation of those services from their headquarters at Kilver Court in Shepton Mallet to satellite offices offering a more localised service.

Other decisions recently made include:

A former cart shed at Newton Farm, Burgess Lane, Baltonsborough can be converted into a music room now Mr M Young has been given the go ahead by Mendip planners. Internal access can also be provided to the house through the boiler room.

Mr N Macdonald has been given the go ahead to demolish a single-storey rear extension and conservatory and build a side and rear extensions and extra porches at Little Orchard, High Street, West Lydford.

Mr A Beaton does not need planning permission to put up a hay barn at Ash View Farm, Babcary.

Mendip planners have ruled Mr John Maurice Smith's plan for a proposed garden room at Concorde Cottage, Ham Street, Baltonsborough is lawful.

Final details relating to timber cladding for works at Mr and Mrs G Walker's home at New Oaks Farm, West Lydford have been approved.

Karin Shaw's plans for an extension and garage at The Willows, Greens Drove, Glastonbury have been withdrawn.

Matthew Bissex Architectural Design Ltd have been granted final permission relating to the positioning of a window at the Old Oak House, St Mary's Road, Meare.

Howells Cook Associates Ltd have been granted listed building consent to re-render the front and repair bay windows at Goss House, 26 High Street, Street.

The Butleigh Wootton Estate has been given Listed Building consent to re-build a garage and part of the boundary wall at Marsalls Elm Farm, Marshalls Elm, Street.

New planning applications:

Chris Williams wants to put up an agricultural building at Muchney Farm, Baltonsborough.

Mr and Mrs K Wilmore have applied for permission for approval of final details relating to noise management at Lydford House, West Lydford. The application is linked to the earlier planning approval to change of use on the ground floor of the former bar, restaurant and hotel to a children's pre-school nursery and ancillary accommodation on first and second floor.

Plans for an agricultural worker's home at Old Summer Dairy, Westwood Drove, West Lydford have been put forward by Mr Edward Tabor.

Dr Carol Ashley has applied for retrospective permission for new gates at Barley View, Higher Rockes, Butleigh.

Mr S Evans has applied for approval of reserved conditions relating to materials and finishes from the original permission for five new homes behind 17 and 19 Benedict Street, Glastonbury.

The NatWest Bank has applied for Listed Building consent for restoration and repair work the roof, walls, windows , chimneys, and boiler at its premises at 5 Market Place, Glastonbury. The bank also wants to install three outdoor air conditioning units behind the premises.

Mr N Taylor wants to build an extension with a balcony above at 38 The Roman Way, Glastonbury.

Mr and Mrs A Baker want to build a single-storey rear extension at 2 Pleasant View, Stileway, Meare.

A scheme to demolish a garage and replace it with a double garage and accommodation above including a balcony at Westfield House, Chapel Lane, Meare has been submitted by Mr M Parkinson.

Mr Peter Mirfin wants to demolish a garage and build a two-storey extension with an attic room at 2 Dove Cots Close, Street.

'It all happened just the way he would have wanted'

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Family, friends and fellow sports colleagues of brave cancer victim Dean Gregory turned out for a day of friendly sporting rivalry, fun and fundraising in his memory at Shepton Mallet Football Club on Sunday.

A few outbursts of rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm or the spirits of the crowds whose support raised more than £700 for cancer research and the Dorothy House Hospice in accordance with Dean's last wishes.

Popular Dean died after a long and brave battle against bowel cancer last year. His relatives and many friends held a series of fundraising events to build the Dean Gregory (Gregsy) Memorial Stadium at the Shepton Football Club ground at West Shepton.

Sunday saw a football match in his memory – with Shepton Football club (The England Legends), sporting special shirts with "Gregsy" on, battling it out against Castle Cary (the Brazilian Legends) with the home team beating the visitors 3-1.

But the score did not really matter – everyone was intent on having a great day in Dean's memory and friendly darts and skittles tournaments and a raffle and auction followed.

Shepton FC Chairman John Hugill said he hoped it was the beginning of many more get-togethers in years to come in Dean's memory.

He said: "We hope to keep this going every year for as long as we possibly can and we are grateful to the Castle Cary boys for their support today."

Dean's dad Pete had a silver Dean Gregory Memorial Trophy made to be presented in his memory each year.

Said Mr Hugill: "It was a great game played in a wonderful spirit for a great cause in memory of a great lad."

While the friends all celebrated and remembered a popular pal, pride of place on the wall of the Shepton Club went to a letter of support from Dean's favourite football club – Liverpool.

The letter from Liverpool FC's PR manager Brian Hall said how proud Liverpool were to count him as one of their supporters and also praised his commitment to Shepton.

Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eavis, who performed the official opening of the new stadium in Dean's memory earlier in the week, donated two much sought after Pilton party tickets to the charity auction.

Dean's proud mum Pam said: "Everyone's support has been amazing – we cannot thank them all enough. It was wonderful how many of his friends came along to celebrate his life and it all happened just the way he would have wanted to be remembered."

Unwanted pole dancer fails to spoil the party

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

For the last 25 years the popular Pilton Party has kick-started the action packed Pilton weekend in September which raises thousands of pounds for village ventures.

Tomorrow night Paolo Nutini supported by Stornaway will be entertaining the crowds at the traditional Pilton Party, Saturday sees the Village Show, complete with Flower Show and a barn dance, and Sunday sees the Sports Day and Treasure Hunt.

So this week's Looking Back focuses on the Pilton Party of 2005 – when Kasabian were the headline act.

Despite the band's equipment van breaking down on the way to the event, and a spot of unwanted pole-climbing later on in the proceedings, Friday night's Pilton Party in 2005 ran largely according to plan.

The annual event, organised by Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis is his way of thanking Pilton residents for their support during the world-famous show.

But the previous year it attracted controversy when thousands of people turned up from across the UK after Radio 1 presenter Jo Whiley told the nation that popular band Keane would be playing at the party. The resulting deluge of visitors rushing to the village caused major congestion and disruption.

And so to prevent a repetition of that chaos it was decided from then onwards all tickets had to be bought in advance.

Among those playing at the event were such big-name bands as El Presidente and The Go! Team. And local group Once Under – now known as I am Forever – played to their biggest audience ever as the opening act.

There was one slight snag as it emerged that Brit Award nominees Kasabian's equipment van had broken down on the way to the venue. The headliners still managed to make it on stage, and they were a big hit with the crowds.

But near the end of their appearance, the band had to leave the stage for safety reasons when a man decided to climb 20 feet up a tent support pole right in front of them.

He was told in no uncertain terms to get down by the organisers, and during his descent he was booed and pelted with cardboard cups by annoyed onlookers.

The man was thrown out by security staff, and the event was able to draw to a happy musical conclusion.

Kasabian lead singer Tom Meighan said he was pleased with the size of the crowd, and told partygoers that he had thought that they would be playing at a local fete.

Less cash - more inmates

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

The Independent Monitoring Board for mid-Somerset's jail has voiced worries over proposed new budget cuts and an increase in prisoners.

The news is revealed in the prison watchdog's annual report.

On top of the cuts totalling £350,000, the board has also voiced concerns over proposals to increase the prison population from 189 with an extra 70 more prisoners coming in this year.

"We very much concerned at the proposed budget cuts, and the impact that this will have on both the staff and inmates of the establishment," said Richard Brown, chairman of the Independent Monitoring Board.

But the board also states in its Annual Report for 2009-10 that despite the budget cuts and being the oldest prison in the country, HMP Shepton Mallet continues to be well run with dedicated prison and civilian staff.

The prison, which is 400 years old and gearing up for its anniversary celebrations, has suffered from budget cuts over the past three years, with more expected this year, resulting in reduced educational and work opportunities for prisoners, says the report.

"It is a tribute to the management and staff that many of the budget cuts have been absorbed without even greater impact on the daily running of the establishment," says the report.

"However we are very concerned that further cuts in budgets will result in a reduction in the quality of service that the prison can provide. We would welcome assurance that there will be no further cuts to prison budgets."

The report also states the board's worry that the increase in prisoners would have a "deleterious impact on a very successful prison" and put a strain on existing facilities. "We are concerned that this will lead to a breakdown in the existing harmonious relations which provide an excellent environment for prisoners to progress in their sentences," the report says.

The closure last year of the Aramark Distribution Centre in Shepton meant the loss of 20 activity places for prisoners. And the planned sewing shop due to open last summer still remains uncommissioned.

But the report also points out that even a reduction in teaching time did not deter the 189 prisoners housed there from clocking up more 400 separate qualifications in the last academic year.

It is a Category C prison, which means it caters for long-term offenders. Almost 40 per cent of the prisoners are aged over 50 and 23 per cent are on the Disabled Prisoners Register.

Car parking and coffee shop lead resident fears

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Car parking fees and the new coffee shop proposed by Tesco are the two top issues causing residents concern in Shepton Mallet, a new survey has revealed.

More than 700 questionnaires were issued to residents inviting views on a wide range of local issues from car parking to policing, street lighting to litter and the overall performance of Mendip District Council.

The Residents' Survey was led by town and district councillor John Parham and the results have been published this week by the Wells Conservative Association.

Analysis of the 100 questionnaires returned shows that 87 per cent of those surveyed agree that Shepton Market is good for the town and 78 per cent feel that the recent filming in the town centre has had a beneficial effect on the town's image. And 86 per cent believe that Mendip council should encourage more production companies to use the town as a film or television location.

Ninety per cent of those surveyed believe that Mendip should encourage more businesses to Shepton and the vast majority expressed satisfaction overall with the council's current policies and performance. Two factors causing the most concern were car parking fees and various issues regarding the town's Tesco Superstore, including the proposal for a new coffee shop to be sited next to the store when New Look vacate their premises.

Most of those questioned did not want to see an increase in taxation for any reason.

A small minority agreed that a rise in taxation would be justified in the case of community projects involving young people.

Mr Parham said: "It is vital that we keep in touch with the views and opinions of the residents of Shepton Mallet, not just at election time.

"As well as being of significant historical importance, Shepton Mallet is a vibrant town with a growing population and a valuable role to play in attracting business and prosperity to this region.

"The views of the residents are crucial in shaping the future of Shepton.

"We are delighted that so many residents have taken part in this important survey, offering a vital contribution to their town and allowing us to concentrate on the issues which matter most to the people of Shepton.

"I appreciate the invaluable help that local councillors and activists gave to complete this survey."

Police hit back after drugs raid criticism

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

A senior police officer has said how disappointed he and his team were by criticism from members of the public reported in last week's Shepton Mallet Journal.

The comments were made after two daylight morning drugs raids made by officers in the town two Tuesdays ago.

In both cases police found the homes empty – but they later arrested a woman from one of the homes and she was given a caution for allowing controlled drugs to be produced on her premises.

Following the incidents the Journal was contacted by residents who criticised the police for carrying out the highly visible raids in broad daylight – and claimed they had given occupants time to be alerted and flee.

One resident called the operations "an absolute fiasco" and "a shambles".

Now Inspector Mark Nicholson, the officer responsible for the Mendip area, has expressed his disappointment at the negative comments in the Journal which were critical about the way the operations were executed.

He confirmed that Shepton officers were not involved in either operation.

He said: "When one is conducting such operations numerous factors and risk assessments must be taken into consideration and these then dictate what methods are used at what times of day.

"However, I am delighted that the residents of Shepton Mallet are taking such a keen interest in our operations and it clearly indicates any problems involving drugs are a real concern for them.

"It shows they take the problems very seriously – as we do – and are as keen to stop them as we are. We must harness this feelings of concern in our communities by encouraging all residents to provide us with as much information and intelligence as possible so we can continue in our relentless pursuit to bring offenders to justice.

"We need to work with the public in solving these problems and we need information.

"I would urge anyone with information to come forward and tell us. I would reiterate that anyone can ring Crimestoppers anonymously at any time."

If you have any information about the people involved in the cultivation or supply of drugs, contact Avon and Somerset Police on 0845 456 7000, or you can anonymously call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – they never ask your name or trace the call.

Dobbies aids school's quiet spot

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Dobbies Garden World has been helping pupils at Shepton Mallet's St Paul's School to create a quiet garden within the school grounds for pupils and staff to use.

As part of its Here We Grow campaign, Dobbies donated £200 worth of products including gardening tools and plants to help restore the current school garden.

Expert staff from Dobbies also helped the children to landscape new areas as well as teaching them how to maintain the garden.

Here We Grow is Dobbies' community campaign which gives support, equipment and assistance to the community in the Shepton Mallet area to get growing.

Mark Gibbens, community champion at Dobbies said: "St Paul's School applied to our Here We Grow programme for assistance to develop their quiet garden as they were unsure how they could improve it themselves. Dobbies is delighted to be working with them to create an outdoor space which will be used by all children and staff attending the school.

"Through our Here We Grow programme we have donated some equipment, plants and expert advice to help the children understand how to care for their garden. On the planting day the children were split into groups and worked alongside our staff to landscape their new garden. The children really enjoyed being part of this and were very excited to see the end result."

Dobbies is keen to hear from community groups, projects, schools and charities who need help to plant and grow in their gardens. If you would like to put your group forward to be considered for support, please write to the Dobbies Community Champion at Dobbies Garden World, Mendip Avenue, Fosse Way Industrial Estate, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4PE or for questions, call 01749 333490. For more information, visit www.dobbies.com.

Dobbies also runs regular free events in store to give advice on how to get the best out of your garden, including Gardener's Question Time on a Tuesday evening, regular grow your own and planting workshops and the Little Seedlings Club which is a free fun hands-on workshop to teach children about plants, wildlife and the environment.

For more information visit www.dobbies.com/ Whats-on-at-Dobbies/c

Extravaganza's classical night is safe, says Eavis

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Glastonbury Extravaganza organiser Michael Eavis has pledged the classical night of his two-day spectacular will definitely go ahead next year.

Mr Eavis was keen to quash rumours that he is thinking of abandoning the classical night and only hold a one night pop band performance in the future.

This year's classical night featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and violinist Nicola Benedetti attracted only 3,000 people compared to Madness's sell-out performance with 12,000 fans the previous night.

Within hours of the Extravaganza finishing, the rumours were flying around that the classical night would not happen again because of the low audience numbers.

But Mr Eavis said last week: "The classical night will definitely be going ahead. I would not think of doing the Extravaganza without it.

"It may not be as popular in ticket sales as the popular bands night. But there are still many people who love to come along to it – it is such an experience. It is thanks to bands like Madness attracting such huge support and a full house that we can then afford to carry on and put on the classical night as well.

"This year's classical night was first class – Nicola Benedetti's violin solo brought tears to my eyes."

Mr Eavis said he was already in talks about possible performers for next year's Extravaganza.

He responded to a few complaints about rowdiness of some of the crowds and a bit of "urban exuberance" on the part of Madness. He said: "They were on tour and arrived on a bus and went straight on stage to perform – they got on the bus straight after to go to Bristol Airport and flew off to Tenerife for their next tour date.

" I am sorry if some of the antics and language on the night upset some of the audience – but I don't think they even realised they were playing in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey."

Boys arrested after barn burns down

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Two boys, aged 12 and 13, have been arrested after a blaze ripped through a barn in central Somerset this weekend.

More than 20 firefighters from Street and Glastonbury spent part of the bank holiday weekend dealing with the fire, which destroyed the barn and its contents on Sunday.

Fire engines from Street and Glastonbury raced to the scene at 4.40pm to find the fire ripping through the barn.

"As soon as we got the call, two fire engines from Street and Glastonbury went to the barn on Meareway, on the outskirts of Glastonbury," said Suzie Izzard, a spokeswoman for the fire and rescue service.

"As the barn was already engulfed, more pumps and a water carrier was needed, so crews from Wells and Bridgwater were also needed."

There was also help from the farmer, who used a mechanical digger to try and remove around 100 tonnes of straw and hay from the barn, in a bid to halt the flames.

"At about 9pm, the incident was scaled down to a two pump relief crew from Taunton and Wells, but we were on site until the early hours of the morning," said Ms Izzard.

Dave Turner, station commander at Glastonbury Fire Station, said: "We were on the scene within minutes of being called out – I think there were about 25 firefighters there in all.

"Thankfully, there was no livestock in the barn at the time, and nobody was injured, but there was approximately 100 tonnes of straw and hay in there, so it went up very quickly."

A spokesman for the police confirmed the blaze was believed to have been started deliberately and that two boys from the local area had been arrested.

"Two boys, aged 12 and 13, have been arrested and released on bail pending further enquiries," he said.

"We would urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the fire and may have seen what happened to contact the police on 0845 456 7000."

Resignation sparks vital by-election

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

A by-election could affect the balance of power on Mendip District Council.

Maxine Oxford's resignation means the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats each have 22 councillors – and the Independents two.

She represented the Ashwick, Chilcompton and Stratton ward. Villages in the ward include Binegar, Gurney Slade, Ashwick, Oakhill, Nettlebridge, Stratton-on-the-Fosse and Chilcompton.

Conservative councillor Mrs Oxford was elected in 1997, and resigned after she moved out of the district and was unable to attend any council meetings within the last six months.

According to local government rules this means that she can no longer remain as a councillor. A provisional election date has been booked for Thursday, October 21, although this will be confirmed at a later date.

There is information on the Mendip council website about how to become a councillor, and the criteria that needs to be met to become a candidate.

For more details visit www.mendip. gov.uk and type "becoming a councillor" in the search box.

To stand for election at a district council, a person needs to be at least 18 years of age on the day of nomination, a British subject or citizen of the Irish Republic or a citizen of a member state of the European Union or Commonwealth country and a resident in the UK and either on the electoral register for the Mendip district, or have lived or worked in the district for at least the last 12 months.

They must also meet at least one of these four criteria: they must be registered to vote in the elections for Mendip District Council on the day they are nominated and on the day of the election and remain registered thereafter for at least 12 months continuously up to the day of their nomination and the election; live in Mendip; own or rent either land or premises in Mendip; or work in Mendip. To find out more about the vacancy or for more details about becoming a councillor, contact Mendip's election team on 01749 648999.

Fun run hopes to attract even more people this year

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

The organisers of this year's Shepton Fun Run hope to welcome many new participants in next months' popular event.

The Run sets off at 10.30am from West Shepton Playing Fields on Sunday, October 3, and organisers are looking forward to increased numbers participating this year in the 1km, 5km and 10km races.

Local schools are being invited to take part and a £50 donation is pledged to the school most represented in the 1km race.

Various other prizes will be awarded to individual, local and team runners.

Local businesses are being encouraged to run in the 5km or 10km events and the fastest three runners of every business team will determine who wins.

Local sculptor, Jeff Body and Framptons are donating 20 of his famous sheep to be awarded to all category winners.

The event is being run in association with Wells City Harriers and is also being supported by Red Berry Recruitment, Old Mill, Wells Reclamation, Shepton Leisure, Revolution Fitness, Mendip District Council and Shepton Mallet Town Council and the organisers are very grateful for their support.

The Air Cadets, Army Cadets, Cubs and Scouts will be helping to marshal the event and will also provide refreshments on the day. Entry forms can be picked up from the local Tourist Information Office, Revolution Fitness, MJ Sports or Shepton Leisure Centre or via smfunrun@wellscityharri ers.org.uk.

Contact: Sue Cook 07929 616274, 01749 342674, 26 Old Wells Road, Shepton Mallet BA4 5XL.

Celebrating 100 years with her family and friends

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Street resident Nellie Davies celebrated her 100th birthday with a party with family and friends.

It was held at Wellfield House in Catcott, the care home where she now lives.

Mrs Davies was born in Glamorgan and brought up in Ystradyfodwg.

She came to Street with her parents and lived at The Mead with her three brothers and one sister.

At the age of 14 went into the service of Mr and Mrs Godfrey in Street.

She married Bill Davies from Street and Mr and Mrs Godfrey paid for her wedding dress.

Mr Davies was a builder and undertaker and used to keep the coffins under the stairs in the building now known as The Mullions.

The couple lived in Grange Avenue when they married and moved to Highfield when Mr Davies retired. The couple did not have children. Her niece Virginia Parker said: "They treated me like a daughter and I cared for her after uncle Bill died until she moved to Wellfield House.

"She saw King George V come to the throne in 1910 , the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936, the crowning of George VI in 1936, and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1952 and she has seen two world wars."

Mrs Parker said her aunt had a wonderful day on Saturday – and the icing on the cake was her telegram of congratulations from the Queen.

Tea party was in wonderland

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Fans of Alice In Wonderland – young and old – made sure they did not miss out on a very important date on Sunday.

More than 400 people flocked to the Kilver Court Gardens in Shepton Mallet for the annual Summer Garden Fete.

This year's theme was a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, with the added fun of a fancy dress competition with dozens of people entering into the spirit of the occasion and turning up in costume. Other entertainment included a treasure hunt, a duck race, live music, charity stalls, craft demonstrations, giant chess and croquet games and a bouncy castle.

One of the highlights of the day was performances by young swing singer Tom Carpenter – the Frome 16-year-old who was one of the finalists out of 5,000 other hopefuls in Sky TV's recent Must Be The Music programme.

Charles Lawson, general manager at Kilver Court, said: "It was a huge success and it was great to see so many people of all ages enjoying themselves. We would like to say thank you to everyone who supported it."

Ceremony for Nesta's bench

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

One of the benches in Shepton Mallet's Collett Park has been carefully restored and replaced in memory of a well-known late resident of the town who loved the park so much.

Nesta Fisher, who died two years ago, used to live near the park and loved looking out on it and walking through it with her family.

Her husband, former Whitstone School teacher Bruce Fisher, had one of the older disused park benches restored in her memory.

Last week saw it replaced near the pond and officially unveiled in her memory at a ceremony attended by Mr Fisher, town councillors, park staff and some of Mrs Fisher's many friends.

Town council chairman Jeannette Marsh paid tribute to Mrs Fisher, who was a popular resident in the town, with always a good kind word and a laugh and a joke for people she met.

The restored bench is big enough to seat six people so will be a popular addition to the park and has been placed in Mrs Fisher's favourite spot.

Garden stroll was 'captivating'

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Keen members of Shepton's Horticultural Society's Garden Club visited the Ston Easton Park hotel for an evening stroll round the captivating grounds and gardens.

They sought out the ice house and derelict grotto, identifying Witch Hazel, Catalpa and Mulberry trees along their way, before finally arriving at the impressive walled kitchen garden.

"The kitchen garden was a delight, a Magnolia grandiflora impressed everyone with its huge cream flowers scented of lemon and spice, rows of blue Agapanthus shone out in the evening light while loufa vines draped the walls of the greenhouses," said garden designer Angela Morley, who helped found the club.

"There were surprises in every corner to be appreciated – giant pumpkins, rose scented seating areas, espaliered pears, secluded walkways and an orchard.

"It was a delightful evening both in terms of the weather and company.

"The garden was full of surprises and while the guests dined, we were guessing what they were eating based on the vegetables being grown in the green house."

For more details about the club and the Shepton Horticultural Society, contact Angela on 01749 830205.

Parking fees and shop cafe are top priorities

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Car parking fees and a new coffee shop proposed by Tesco are the top issues causing concern for Shepton Mallet residents, a new survey has revealed.

More than 700 residents' survey questionnaires were sent out asking for views on a wide range of issues from car parking to policing.

The survey was led by town and district councillor John Parham and published by the Wells Conservative Association.

Of the 100 questionnaires returned, 78 said filming of the BBC living history series in the town centre had a beneficial effect on its image.

Man to face trial over assault allegations

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:00:00 GMT

A 24-year-old man will face trial for allegedly assaulting two people outside a pub in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

Timoci Cabenauli Naita, from the Ministry of Defence Army Training, Battlesbury Barracks, Warminster, Wiltshire, entered no plea.

He is accused of pushing Lisa Burridge to the ground during an argument outside the Victoria Inn on June 6. Miss Burridge fractured her right wrist. He is also accused of assaulting Barry Dunn during the same incident. He will reappear before Frome Magistrates on October 27 for his case to be sent to Crown Court.

Hungry tums and rat droppings – customers loved it all

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:00:00 GMT

They've survived mutton made more palatable with spoonfuls of plum jam and redcurrant jelly, and they've tucked into rich venison, full fat butter out of the churns, milk straight from the cow and exceptionally salty bread – "to conceal the rat droppings".

They have religiously turned up all hours in all weathers, wrestled with the different coinage for different eras and patiently waited to play they part.

They have quickly placated younger family members wailing "Mum – why we can't we go to the chippy anymore !"

And the team of stalwarts who volunteered to be "core customers" in the BBC's major new series on changes in British High Street shopping habits over the years being filmed for the last two months in Shepton Mallet's Market place said they would not have missed the experience for the world.

They are the people who put their names forward to take part as "core customers." for the series that will be screened in November.

Over recent weeks they have been buying and sampling the fare that graced shops and tables from the 1870s to the 1970s for the new prime time series by the filming company Wall to Wall Productions.

The crew's cameras have been mainly focussed on the volunteer shopkeepers who forsook their 21st century jobs running businesses to travel back in time.

But they and their families have had a much tougher challenge than their customers. They have had to give up all home comforts and 21st century luxuries of their normal day lives, to live how their ancestors would have done in their same roles in various eras.

From going to be by candlelight, with chamberpots under the beds they have been dressing and living in exactly the same way they would have done in various gone by.

They have celebrated Empire Day and VE Day, rushed out in their nightshirts as the air raid sirens sounded in the1940s and joined in the swinging sixties antics with Mods on scooters.

But their customers have stuck to their parts too, buying all their food stuffs and surviving daily on them through the different eras – though a few admit it has been quite a challenge not to rush up the chippy or the Indian to fill hungry tums of younger family members.

And they are all thrilled to have been part of a riveting journey showing how shopping habits have changed over the years.

The production company scoured the country for a suitable location and finally settled on Shepton Mallet Town centre – once a thriving market town but now feeling the effects of the mighty Tesco and Townsend Retail Park at the top of the town.

And it was thanks to the character of Shepton's historic Market Place and the available empty shops that the production team settled on the historic market town as the ideal location. "We saw it and immediately knew it was perfect for us," said series line producer Jane Atkinson.