a significant day for fans to celebrate the sci-fi franchise Originating from the pun "May the Fourth be with you", it began in 1977 and has since been embraced by Disney and by Lucasfilm the production company founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas While the day is celebrated by fans of all stripes some Star Wars enthusiasts once took their fandom a step further – by identifying as Jedi Knights on the national census the movement took off as both a cultural in-joke and a tongue-in-cheek nod to the spiritual weight fans saw in the Jedi philosophy What started as a grassroots internet campaign soon turned into a surprisingly widespread response across the UK A forceful 390,100 people in England and Wales wrote in "Jedi" as their religion in the 2001 census but this more than halved to 176,600 in the 2011 survey The most recent census for 2021 showed less than 1,600 people said they were Jedi Knights across the two nations – wiping out the Jedi Order Due to the dramatic decline and the cohort not meeting the minimum threshold the Office for National Statistics did not publish figures for Jedi Knights in the latest survey The group is instead lumped into the "No Religion: no religion" subcategory alongside people who claimed "Heavy Metal" was their religion 2011 Census data showed 458 people in Mendip wrote in Jedi as their religion Imitating the most optimistic national scenario – where 1,599 people identified as a Jedi – it would mean the estimated number of Jedi Knights in the area fell to just four people in 2021 While the trend of identifying as a Jedi began in the 2001 Census as a joke for many there are others who believe in the philosophy even sought charitable status in the UK in 2015 the Charity Commission ruled it did not meet the criteria under UK charity law The commission said in its report that Jediism lacked the "necessary spiritual or non-secular element" Despite the census figures turning to the Dark Side the Star Wars franchise is still expanding The second season of Andor on Disney+ – a critically acclaimed prequel to the movie Rogue One – has generated rave reviews since its release last month And Marvel’s eagerly awaited Star Wars comic book series will be released on May 7 and Han and show fans what happened after the Return of the Jedi With the franchise continuing to grow 48 years on from the first film there is a new hope the 2031 Census will see the return of the Jedi Tel: 01761 258030[email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 John Harris and family revisit the first serious hill-walk they made in a landscape that’s more comforting than challenging – just what they’re looking for at this time of year Sat 28 Dec 2024 08.00 CETLast modified on Sat 28 Dec 2024 14.32 CETShareI moved to Somerset in 2009 from a home in Wales between Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) and the Black Mountains The change took me closer to London and rid me of painfully long train journeys The little I knew about my new home county was mostly centred on two attractions: the Glastonbury festival and Cheddar Gorge – that deep topographical crack that draws thousands of tourists to caves overpriced cheese and the kind of shops and cafes that make it feel like a mid-level English coastal resort It didn’t seem to offer much of a substitute What I didn’t know about was the other 70-odd square miles of the Mendip Hills the weekly walks I eventually started doing with my two kids took us to this part of Somerset again and again not nearly as spectacular as the landscape I’d left behind but replete with its own charms: faint echoes of the Lakes and Yorkshire Dales and walks that perfectly suit the cold months a proper outing can be done without being overly arduous and if the weather doesn’t turn too hostile a day outside can deliver a lovely cosiness: the landscape is friendly and comforting Start and finish Cross, SomersetDistance 5 milesTime 3-3½ hoursTotal ascent 286 metresDifficulty moderateOS map with GPX track of the route In common with a lot of neurodivergent people he has a deep connection with the outdoors and a seemingly insatiable love of walking and the sensory exhilaration they provide: when he was little he would greet any downhill section of a walk with a euphoric which seemed to approximate the feeling of flying he is an enthusiastic and determined hiker we have seen just about every corner of the Mendips Ebbor Gorge is another wondrous gap in the hills – in this case unsullied by roads – which can be included on routes that start and end in the small cathedral city of Wells Walks close to Cheddar might begin among the madding tourist crowds but you can soon find yourself amid open fields woodland and paths that wind around its clifftops I remember eating sandwiches in a biting crosswind and conditions so clear that we could see all the way to WalesBut our favourite place is the uplands of Wavering Down and Crook Peak and a five-mile up-and-down loop that starts and finishes in the village of Cross little more than three miles from Cheddar – and less than an hour’s drive from the centre of Bristol this was the first halfway serious hill-walk the three of us ever did which opened the way to the week-long trails we have done over the past three years (Hadrian’s Wall was the last) John Rosa and James take shelter from the wind on the west side of Crook Peak.Our first visit here was when James was eight and Rosa had just turned six a former mountaineer whose lifelong love of walking defies his age last accompanied us when he was 81: the dateline on the photos I took on my phone was 28 December 2017 – a sunny I remember eating sandwiches in a biting crosswind while crouching behind a wall and conditions so clear that we could see all the way to Wales though it took no more than three and a half hours mostly on a 30-minute climb that begins under a big cliff of quarried rock After a slog on a slope that leads to a trig point with the perfectly circular Cheddar Reservoir tucked into the hillside and the anomalous Brent Knoll in the middle distance a clear view – even on an overcast day – to the Bristol Channel and beyond St Andrew’s Church in Compton Bishop.The ridge forms an undulating green ribbon that soon tips into a long descending stretch – the kind that James used to rejoice in running down we usually take a moment to look at – and sit on – one of this locality’s defining sights: a hulking stone bench seemingly created to resemble a small megalith In memory of a local man named Herbert Peart an artist and sculptor who lives in the same town as me: Frome Cooper painstakingly got the single slab and supporting stones he needed up here using a tractor and trailer The bench has now settled into the landscape as a permanent symbol of the simple pleasures it delivers captured in a chiselled line taken from the mountaineer and poet Geoffrey Winthrop Young: “Only a hill but all of life to me.” an album he has been obsessed with since he was little) I have read accounts of walking here that moan about the motorway’s distant roar but I actually like it as it heightens the feeling of being way above the ordinary world The view from the top of Wavering Down there’s a gradual – and sometimes muddy – descent into Compton Bishop a tiny village whose church dates back 800 years we took the opportunity to enjoy 15 minutes of serene silence The route back to the start takes you directly under the ridge you have just ascended and walked along and within half an hour you’ll be back in Cross the village was the home of the genius English comedian Frankie Howerd who lived there until his death in 1992; if you don’t fancy trying to soak up any lingering hilarity he left behind you might be in the mood to visit one of its two pubs you could visit nearby Axbridge: Somerset’s smallest town whose beautiful medieval square suggests something from rural France or Germany anyone who came here seeking the Mendips’ magic ought to have felt it The winter onset of dusk makes the landscape look even more dramatic and as we get in the car there’s always an unspoken resolution to return to this place: only a hill We use some essential cookies to make this website work We’d also like to use analytics cookies so we can understand how you use our website and make improvements to your services Somerset Council has submitted proposals to the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government to update the Mendip Local Plan Part II (LPP2) which runs to 2029 The LPP2 site allocations plan was adopted by the former Mendip District Council in December 2021 but was subject to a successful legal challenge The Limited Update document identifies 9 sites capable of delivering 569 dwellings by 2028 More than 120 housing sites were put forward or considered in the process The Limited Update is now subject to examination by an independent Planning Inspector with public hearings likely to take place in early 2025 Representations to the finalised proposals which were published in July will be taken into account The submitted housing sites do not make changes to the adopted Mendip Local Plan Part I or change other policies in LPP2 Once the Inspector has reported and the policies adopted, the Limited Update will form part of the Development Plan for Mendip alongside Local Plan Parts I and II. The Limited Update, supporting documents  and representations made can be found by selecting ‘Mendip (East)’ on the Council’s Adopted Local Plans page Details and progress of the examination will be updated online via the Council’s Mendip Local Plan Part II Limited Update Examination page A new Somerset wide plan is in preparation which will consider future housing sites after 2029 Visit our Contact us page for more information and advice on how to get in touch with one of our support teams Mendip Rail has seen off the last of its O&K hopper wagons that carried aggregates in and out of its Somerset quarries for more than 35 years Or register with RAIL to keep up-to-date with the latest news RAIL is Britain's market leading modern railway magazine The new service started in October and can take between 40 and 50 lorries off the road each time it runs Freight operator wants official accreditation for Cricklewood depot Rail Minister makes comments at Rail Partners' parliamentary reception for rail freight Welcome to schooltravelorganiser.com. This site uses cookies. Read our policy Schools and academies can claim a free print subscription to School Travel Organiser magazine Or keep it digital and register to access our web content for free and receive the magazine’s digital edition to your inbox as well as the fortnightly email newsletter By 2025-05-02T14:33:00+01:00 CEO of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom explains how teachers and EVCs can enhance their outdoor learning with the charity’s latest online materials The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom has online resources to help create more engaging learning experiences Learning outside the classroom (LOtC) is a powerful way to extend and enrich education It encompasses everything from bringing visitors into school using your school grounds and visiting local sites like museums to residential experiences here and overseas To help your school get started or enhance your existing practice the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom is offering free resources to create more engaging and memorable learning experiences that have impact Our three simple resources help capture what you are already doing and help you take more of your lessons into school grounds Teachers and EVCs can use Exploring your current LOtC which is a questionnaire to help you understand what your school is already doing and spot opportunities to do more. There is a simple step-by-step guide on Starting your LOtC journey which offers hints and tips on how to develop your LOtC and get everyone on board you can use the ’Using your school grounds’ resource to discover a whole school approach to taking learning into your school grounds which is one of the first steps to extend your curriculum beyond the classroom Learning Outside the Classroom can range from taking lessons into the school grounds to residentials we have developed these new resources as a simple introduction to planning inspiring and engaging learning experiences beyond the classroom “Many schools already offer their students fantastic LOtC opportunities however these experiences are often seen as a one-off or an add-on and are not effectively planned for or monitored; these resources will help schools understand how to do this to optimise the impact for students and the school.” The resources were developed with teachers from some of the Council’s LOtC Mark schools to ensure they are as relevant and useful to teachers as possible associate executive principle at the Meridian Trust which operates a number of LOtC Mark academies said: “As a leader working alongside a number of schools within the Meridian Trust we have worked with and been supported by CLOtC over the past two years to embed learning outside the classroom into our schools’ curriculum I was asked to provide feedback on these new resources “The team from CLOtC have again produced an excellent set of resources to help schools to progress their learning outside the classroom practice This suite of resources will help to guide schools on their journey and focus on enhancing learning opportunities for pupils “They will encourage schools to evaluate what they are currently providing and move forward with new ideas especially in relation to their local learning environment.” The evidence is strong and consistent that learning beyond the classroom has a wide range of benefits for students and schools Improved academic performance – Research consistently shows that LOtC helps students apply their learning in realworld contexts deepening understanding and improving retention LOtC experiences tend to be very memorable Enhanced personal and social development – Experiences beyond the classroom build confidence teamwork, communication skills and resilience Research has shown that educational visits help students with their development and wellbeing Boosted wellbeing and mental health – Learning beyond the classroom reduces stress, increases physical activity and supports wellbeing Stronger sense of belonging – Exploring local communities and working together outside the classroom helps students feel more connected to their school and community Increased engagement and motivation – Making learning hands-on and relevant sparks curiosity and enthusiasm helping students feel more involved in their learning and generate an enthusiasm that comes back with them into the classroom Find out more about how the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom can support schools to start, embed and develop their learning outside the classroom at www.lotc.org.uk/educators/developing-your-lotc The 2025 Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Conference will take place on Wednesday 12th November at the Royal Armouries in Leeds The 2024 Council for Learning Outside the Classroom’s National Conference had a focus on supporting students to thrive Pupils and teachers reported a significant impact on engagement and behaviour linked to learning outside the classroom as part of an 18-month project Chase Terrace Academy in Staffordshire had a memorable and poignant trip to Kraków Adamsdown Primary School pupils became scientists for the day when they visited Techniquest the science discovery centre in Cardiff Bay talks us through a range of considerations to discuss when taking pupils on overnight visits Site powered by Webvision Cloud A MODERNIST home in the Somerset countryside – designed and extended by renowned architects over the decades – is up for sale was designed by acclaimed architect Ray Moxley in the 1960s before being extended later by award-winning fellow architects following a major renovation by the current owners The listing said the property “remains a showcase of mid-century features and period detailing” “Its 3,200 sq ft of space is divided between a main single-storey house and a two-bedroom stone cottage that can be used as either one or two houses,” it said “Beautifully landscaped internal courtyards and surrounding gardens of around half an acre are set in harmonious equilibrium with the rural environment beyond “While the immediate location is private the house is just two miles Chewton Mendip and four miles from Wells Frome and Mells also reachable in around 30 minutes by car.” featuring wall-to-ceiling glass in many areas a wood burner in the main living space and flagstone floors the property is on sale for £1.895m and for more details Follow us on Facebook Subscribe to the Newsletter The New Blackmore Vale Magazine The New Stour & Avon Magazine Salisbury & Avon Gazette Latest NewsNewslettersCommercial SearchFrome Town vs. Mendip Broadwalk: Somerset Premier Cup Preview and Ticket InfoZeb Baker-SmithFeb 252 min readSteve Jupp takes a look at Wednesday night's county clash in BA11 A switch of venue caused in no small part by the weather gods brings Western League newcomers Mendip Broadwalk for a first-ever visit to Badgers Hill in a rearranged Somerset Premier Cup quarter-final tie The two sides’ preparation for this encounter could not have been more different with the Bristol outfit not having kicked a ball in anger since the first day of February when they drew 1-1 at Cadbury Heath since the postponement of the original tie on February 4th Frome have crammed in FIVE Southern League fixtures Knowle-based Mendip Broadwalk were formed as recently as 2015 following a merger between Mendip United and Broadwalk FC and immediately won the Bristol Premier Combination before moving rapidly up through the various levels of the Somerset County League they finished second and fifth in the Premier Division before being crowned champions last season and with it the prize of promotion to Division One of the Western League They have acquitted themselves well in their first campaign at Step Six and currently occupy thirteenth spot after 31 matches played (W 12 The respective paths to the quarter-final stage: Mendip Broadwalk                                                   Frome Town Bye                                              First Round                Brislington (a)    W 4-1 Wellington (a)  W 4-0               Second Round          Bath City  (a)      W 2-0 Should the contest be all-square at the end of ninety minutes a penalty shoot-out will decide and the prize for the winners will be a semi-final appointment away at Paulton Rovers The latest information on ticketing which can be bought on the Fanbase app or website is as follows: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/ChooseQuantity?ticketId=8700&fixtureId=9542 Listen to the latest episode of the Dodge The Question podcast Recorded at Badgers Hill either side of the Frome Town FC v Gosport Borough FC game on Tuesday night Guests include Callum Gould and Geoff & Gerry Urch https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xbW5bgZrVyNc96IMkSfrs?si=03f8c3bd21634d48 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-38/id1751186747?i=1000694120551 You can also listen on Frome.FM radio every Friday at 5pm (repeated on Saturday 3pm)  Secure your entry and make the most of hospitality packages for all of our games at Badgers Hill on the Fanbase app and website https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Dashboard Terms and conditions Privacy Covid19 Policy Report It Startlists and details for the Junior Tour of Mendips (National Series Event) and The Clive Tiley Memorial Stage Race (Nat B) Friday Course map here Send your results as well as club, team & event news here Powered by WordPress. Designed by Date published: 2025-02-11 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Focusing on prevention, Trading Standards A Chew Valley letting agent has been fined £10,000 for failing to comply with client money protection regulations following an investigation by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team.  was found to be operating without the necessary safeguards to protect client funds after the investigation revealed that the company did not have the required client money protection in place putting tenants’ and landlords’ funds at risk.  This breach of regulations led to the issue of a penalty notice for £10,000 Mendip Property Management Ltd appealed the fine through the First-tier Tribunal and a hearing took place on February 4 Tribunal Judge Brian Kennedy KC upheld the penalty and directed the agent to obtain client money protection He stated “In all the circumstances it seems to the Tribunal that the Respondent has acted reasonably and within the Law cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We take the protection of client funds very seriously This fine serves as a reminder to all traders that they must comply with regulations to ensure the safety and security of their clients’ money.” If you are a letting or property management agent in the private rented sector in England and you hold clients’ money, you must join a client money protection scheme. For further details and a list of the approved schemes visit https://www.gov.uk/client-money-protection-scheme-property-agents  The council runs an approved trader scheme called ‘Buy with Confidence’ where residents can search for local businesses who have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards. Anyone looking for a local business is encouraged to visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk   residents can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service who work in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Trading Standards Following their recent success at the Mid-Somerset Festival the Mendip Men male voice choir is set to perform a series of fundraising concerts this summer The Mendip Men Male Voice Choir is preparing for a series of summer concerts following their recent success at the Mid-Somerset Festival The Mendip Men will team up with Westfield Voices for the first concert of the year. It will be a fund-raising performance organised by Midsomer Norton Rotary with the Mendip Men bringing old favourites and new material into the repertoire Funds raised will go to Rotary Midsomer Norton Boot Swap and other Rotary charities The choir will continue with fundraising for Rotary at its next concert, when it will team up with the Chew Valley female choir Vox in Frox. Chelwood Bridge Rotary will be the hosts, raising funds for Great Western Air Ambulance and other Rotary charities The choir’s next concert on Saturday, June 7, will bring the Mendip Men together with Cowbridge Male Voice Choir from South Wales. Cowbridge MVC will be fresh from a tour of the Lake District and will join the Mendip Men at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Weston-Super-Mare for a Harmonies for Hospice concert, raising funds for Weston Hospicecare The concert is being organised by Weston-Super-Mare Rotary This will be the first joint concert with Cowbridge MVC this year The Mendip Men will be on tour in South Wales in September and will join Cowbridge MVC on stage at Llantwit Major School on September 19 There will be another opportunity to see the Mendip Men in June when they perform Songs from Stage and Screen at Holy Trinity Church All proceeds from the concert will support the restoration of the church organ This concert will take place at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church on Monday it’s an opportunity for the choir to raise money for its own funds which will help it to continue to offer fundraising concerts for charities and other good causes throughout the year said: “Success at the Mid-Somerset Festival has fired up the choir for our summer season the concerts give us a great opportunity to help raise funds for a range of charities and good causes including Great Western Air Ambulance and Weston Hospicecare which do such great work for the communities here in the South West “We look forward to singing with several other choirs this term and enjoying sharing our music far and wide and we are delighted to welcome the superb woodwind player Emma Powell as our guest soloist at our annual concert on Monday 14th July Hope to see you at one (or all!) of our concerts.” For further information about the choir’s summer concerts, visit https://www.mendipmen.co.uk/performances, where full details of the concerts and ticket sales can be found. Comments Tel: 01761 258030[email protected]Follow us took part in the national ‘Love Your Local Market’ (LYLM) campaign which celebrates traditional markets and its dedicated traders generate jobs and create vibrant atmospheres in high streets attracting visitors that contribute to the local economy Mendip Markets operates seven weekly markets throughout the year every Tuesday to Saturday with over 160 regular traders providing high quality local products from farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to unique artisanal crafts Learn about Somerset’s markets here: Markets (somerset.gov.uk) SearchFrome Town 3 - 0 Mendip BroadwalkHarrison RichardsFeb 273 min readAfter four consecutive draws in a row for the Robins in the league Frome switches to domestic cup action as Mendip Broadwalk headed to Badgers Hill after being rearranged for the 3rd time in the space of a month Danny Greaves decided to rest some of the key players with six changes in the starting 11 a regular in this competition between the sticks the Robins first felt how to cope and manage with the pitch conditions after the groundsmen had been working on this pitch since 10am that morning due to the heavy rainfall overnight the first big chance of the game went to the visitors as they thrived on the conditions no defensive player could get a foot on it which meant that Hughes was able to take a strike against Tylek but was saved by the frame of the goal was limbering with some sort of discomfort but reinforcements were made as Pierce Mitchell came on the deadlock was broken by talisman James Ollis After missing out on illness the past week he’s come back with a bang as Curtis Hutson’s lofted cross was met with a perfectly timed header into the bottom right corner Vaughan’s classy cross was met once again on James Ollis’s head Archie Ferris doubled the lead; the forward was set up perfectly for him not to miss as Ollis laid off a simple pass round the Mendip defender leading to Ferris tapping home another goal Last chance of the half went to the underdogs this time with some impressive passing on the left wing from Mendip offering a chance for Biggins to take aim but the man on a dual registration loan with Bradford Town made a simple diving stop to keep the scoreline 2-0 to the Robins at halftime The second half started with 2 substitutions for the home side as it was clear Danny Greaves wanted to rest both Ferris and Monks Mendip came out looking to get back into the game as Cousins fired from aim the Dodge wrapped up the game with a 3rd goal of the evening a dominant display for the forwards this evening with some tricky footwork from James Ollis putting Albie through on goal and placing the shot into the bottom left-hand corner Two more switches for the Robins with Ollis and Maidment off It could have easily been four at Badgers Hill with Dugan being played through on goal but the Mendip Broadwalk defender lunged into the ball out of nowhere to stop an almost certain goal this quarterfinal tie was wrapped up with ease for the Somerset side this evening Sponsored by 2024-10-01T07:46:00+01:00 Why making time for screen-free adventure is important for young people and how Mendip Activity Centre in Somerset can help Students problem solving on their screen-free outdoor adventure with Mendip Activity Centre Mendip Activity Centre has run school activity residentials for over 30 years and recognises the benefits of technology-free adventures Working with educators to create screen-free school trips in Somerset Mendip encourages children to look away from their phones so they can discover the benefits of physical-world experiences and activities Young people use digital tools and social media every day and in recent years it has become evident that they have fewer places to spend time away from screens While technology is beneficial in many ways excessive use can lead to mental health challenges and fewer opportunities for immersive experiences that help build a positive sense of self and in recent years it has become evident that they have fewer places to spend time away from screens.  educators have recognised the physical and mental benefits of natural outdoor spaces and activities such as increased happiness and reduced stress and anxiety School trip organisers and staff at Mendip witness first-hand how children interact differently with the environment once they are away from digital devices Bev Howden, a teacher from St Matthew’s High Brooms CE Primary School, commented that her favourite part of Mendip residentials is “seeing the children enjoy being out in nature and away from technology.” She also loves “the freedom the week offers to children who Excited student running over kayaks and paddle boards on a river during an outdoor residential at Mendip who has been bringing students to Mendip for many years highlights a particularly transformative moment in Mendip’s private rocksport quarry: “…between the instructors’ encouragement and seeing their class teacher hanging off a cliff edge children [see they] really can achieve anything they want…[it’s] just fantastic!” Young people benefit from a technology-free school trip any time of year crawling through an ancient cave system or observing the plants and wildlife of the stunning Mendip Hills National Landscape smell and feel natural environments that challenge their preconceptions and invite new connections Joe Braidley facilitates this interest in the environment by encouraging young people to be inquisitive and curious: “It’s fantastic when they start asking why something formed this way “They become more energetic… they can relate to each other and appreciate each other’s abilities in new ways.” Time spent adventuring outside can help put things into perspective and learners can discover their capacity for resilience This is particularly helpful when preparing for exam time or transitions to a new school year build confidence and discover new personal capabilities Through screen-free school residential trips Mendip Activity Centre aims to help young people develop a positive life-long relationship with challenge For more information on Mendip Activity Centre’s school activity residentials visit www.mendip.co.uk/school-residentials or email info@mendip.co.uk What’s new for schools visiting Up at The O2 and how a climb can inspire your students Young learners from St Mary’s Church of England School had a blast when they visited The Roman Baths to discover its many historical highlights whether you’re looking for high-thrill seeking adventure to improve team work or you are wanting a residential for young adventurers Conway Centres has programmes for all ages it’s an opportunity to bring classroom learning to life in an immersive hands-on environment with over 30,000 animals Discover what awaits pupils on a trip to Club La Santa in Lanzarote an ideal place to build new skills through engaging activities in a new environment businesses and visitors are being invited to give their views on proposals to renew the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control in Somerset East – the area formerly covered by Mendip District Council Somerset Council has launched the consultation to seek views on a proposal to make an order reintroducing 3 restrictions These restrictions relate to dog fouling and dog control in the Somerset East area The proposed order also covers dog exclusion zones within the play areas designated for children aged under 5 in the Somerset East area The Public Spaces Protection Order for dogs in the area was due for renewal in July 2024 and this consultation seeks views on reintroducing the expired order A PSPO is an order that is enforceable under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 They are used to protect the public from behaviour that affects the quality of life of people in the area If you need a paper copy, please call the Council on 0300 123 2224 to arrange a postal delivery SearchMendip Broadwalk vs. Frome Town: Somerset Premier Cup Preview and Ticket InfoZeb Baker-SmithFeb 32 min readSteve Jupp jots down his thoughts ahead of a county clash with Western League opposition The Robins take a break from their hectic league programme on Tuesday evening and turn their attention to the Somerset Premier Cup quarter-final stage with a first-ever visit to A last-four berth awaits the winners who will join Paulton Rovers and Weston-super-Mare along with either Street or Clevedon Town whose postponed tie has been rearranged for next week were formed as recently as 2015 following a merger between Mendip United and Broadwalk FC They immediately won the Bristol Premier Combination and moved rapidly up through the various levels of the Somerset Senior League The Bristol outfit have acquitted themselves well in their first campaign at Step Six and Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Cadbury Heath leaves them in tenth spot with a record of P 31 (W 12 Mendip Broadwalk                                                   Frome Town Bye                                              First Round                  Brislington (a)    W 4-1 Wellington (a)  W 4-0               Second Round          Bath City  (a)      W 2-0 The latest information on ticketing according to Mendip Broadwalk is as follows: Cash and card are accepted on the turnstiles Steve & Zeb chat to club chairman Derek Graham https://open.spotify.com/episode/0UmsWBYJ6Lf3ECWhI1doZD?si=047b6957542a4526 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-35/id1751186747?i=1000686886049 Tessa was the Member of Parliament for Wells from 2010 – 2015 winning the seat from the Conservatives and ending their 87-year rule Tessa is passionate about representing residents and organisations in our community once again Tessa is known for listening actively to locals and has an outstanding reputation and proven track record from strong opposition to MPs holding second jobs to campaigning to keep our rivers Tessa has a long-standing commitment to openness and transparency demonstrated by being the first MP to publish her tax returns and record every gift received while serving as MP Tessa has held regular surgeries in the constituency’s city villages and hamlets and her record of 704 MP’s surgeries remains the highest of all MPs.  As MP for Wells, Tessa co-ordinated the campaign to keep the Bishop of Bath & Wells in the Bishop’s Palace and secured £51m in funding for cancer equipment for local hospitals. Tessa stuck by her principles and resigned from her ministerial post in Government after voting against fracking. See Tessa’s record of action The Liberal Democrats will use your contact details to send you information on the topics you have requested. Any data we gather will be used in accordance with our privacy policy at www.libdems.org.uk/privacy. To exercise your legal data rights, email: data.protection@libdems.org.uk Promoted by the Liberal Democrats, 1 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PN.Website by Prater Raines The result of the election in the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency is: Meg Powell-Chandler (Conservative) – 12,501 Tessa Munt is elected as the MP for the constituency Full results for Wells and Mendip Hills The Mendip Hills National Landscape organisation has launched a consultation to gather feedback on priorities for the management of the countryside over the next five years. Shaping the 2025 to 2030 management plan, the team wants to hear from residents, businesses and visitors to the area about what they think the plan should focus on. The consultation asks what people love about the area, and what steps the Mendip Hills partnership can be taken to improve it. The partnership is the overarching body that brings all the relevant authorities together that conserve and enhance the national landscape. The plan covers the themes of nature recovery, climate change, people, and place. It sets out the Partnership’s approach for managing Mendip Hills with these themes in mind. Jim Hardcastle, manager of Mendip Hills National Landscape, said: “The Mendip Hills is a distinctive and nationally important landscape, with diverse habitats supporting abundant wildlife. “We know it’s a place that so many enjoy and care about. Such a special place requires careful and considered management. As we prepare the next management plan, we want to know if we’re prioritising what matters most to you – the people who live, work in, and explore the area. “We invite you to share your thoughts with us to help shape the future of our countryside.“ From the last review, the organisation realised that people were concerned about the loss of nature so it created a Nature Recovery Plan for the area and a Nature Recovery Ranger, who now leads practical work across the landscape. Tel: 01761 258030[email protected]Follow us THE Mendip Male Voice Choir (MMVC) is preparing for its festive season of Christmas concerts which begin in early December with performances across the region Their first performance will take place at the Bath Christmas Markets The choir will perform under the arches at Abbey Green in Bath on Monday the Mendip Male Voice Choir will perform at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church The Christmas concert will raise funds to support MHA Communities which helps people over 55 stay active and socially connected in their community the Mendip Male Voice Choir will join the Stanton Drew Community Choir for a candle-lit concert at St Mary the Virgin Church Rounding off the Christmas season for the choir is its own annual Christmas Concert at St John Baptist Midsomer Norton Mendip Male Voice Choir chairman Richard Luscombe said: “We are really looking forward to our Christmas Concerts helping to raise funds for local charities while also spreading some much-needed Christmas cheer Our Christmas concert at St John’s is usually a sell-out so please book early to avoid disappointment.” Mendip Male Voice Choir was formed as the Timsbury Male Voice Choir in 1919 drawing in men from the Somerset coal-mining community centred on the village The choir has continued to grow since then even though coal mining ended around 50 years ago The choir became a registered charity some years ago to help to raise thousands of pounds for charities and good causes with a series of concerts throughout the year The choir currently has 67 members arranged in four sections Kate Courage recently re-joined as Musical Director taking over from Jamie Knights who directed the choir for 11 years Kate was Jamie’s predecessor and has the distinction of being the only musical director to have directed the choir twice Kate studied Music and English Literature at University and has taught including twice conducting the Royal Albert Hall Schools Proms with a massed choir of 500 children singing two of her compositions Tickets for the Mendip Male Voice Choir’s Christmas concerts can be purchased in advance through Ticketsource. Visit ticketsource.co.uk where you can find further details and complete your booking. Tel: 01761 258030[email protected]Follow us Mendip's motorists will have a road closure to avoid nearby on the National Highways network this week as it is only expected to cause slight delays shows that one closure is due to start over the next two weeks: slight delays (under 10 minutes): A36 Northon St National Highways is responsible for maintaining motorways and major A-roads so closures of smaller roads will not be included in their schedule Tel: 01761 258030[email protected]Follow us The limestone escarpment of the Mendip Hills runs eastwards from the Bristol Channel at Brean: a dividing line between the Somerset Levels in the south and the Chew Valley in the north Formed by colliding landmasses 270 million years ago sculpted by water and ice into rounded whalebacks and precipitous gorges it’s an area pockmarked with caves and the remnants of human history Cheddar has England’s largest gorge: a truly startling three-mile-long Neighbouring Wookey Hole’s extensive cave network was the site of Britain’s first cave diving expeditions and is still used for ageing cheese Both attractions draw paying visitors in great numbers Mendip Dance Club is hosting a dance afternoon as part of the nationwide campaign from 2pm to 5pm at Chilcompton Village Hall Anna Gifford will lead a musical theatre session followed by contemporary dance with Fleur Hoefkens-Lee The cost is £10 which includes tea and biscuits during a social session. Places must be booked in advance at [email protected] More information is available at www.mendipdance.wordpress.com. Tel: 01761 258030[email protected]Follow us Drivers in and around Mendip will have a National Highways road closure to watch out for this week But motorists will be able to take some solace in the fact that it is only expected to cause slight delays Tel: 01761 258030[email protected]Follow us The Strawberry Line currently runs uninterrupted from Yatton railway station to Wedmore Road in Cheddar, and will eventually reach all the way to Collett Park in Shepton Mallet. Numerous extensions to the multi-user path have been implemented over the last few years, with the focus being on closing the gap between Shepton Mallet and Wells via the neighbouring villages. The Strawberry Line Society published proposals in early-March for a new link near Kings Academy in Cheddar, extending the existing route from the village’s reservoir down to local housing developments. Work on this new stretch is now officially under way, with the preliminary elements aiming to be in place by the end of the Easter holidays and the new section being open to the public within a matter of months. Mick Fletcher, chairman of the Strawberry Line Society, was joined in the grounds of the academy on Monday (April 7) by around a dozen other volunteers and contractors to begin fencing off the section of the playing fields where the path will be erected. David Parkin, who has been involved in the Strawberry Line project for more than 20 years, had the honour of digging the first sod of earth out as part of a wider commencement ceremony. He said: “We’ve had such terrific help on this project from the academy. We want to acknowledge their co-operation on this. “For a long long time, we’ve repeatedly tried to get a route through in this direction and it’s been repeatedly blocked by one thing or another – so it’s a terrific day to see this happen.” Mr Fletcher added: “We’ve had tremendous co-operation from the school, but also the multi-academy trust and the Diocese of Bath and Wells – all three have had to be involved in this. “We’d also like to thank our neighbours – we’re taking a little portion of land just to make sure we don’t cut off the edge of the rugby pitch, and they’ve been really helpful as well.” This new section of path will be constructed near Cheddar’s household waste recycling centre, coming around the site of the leisure centre and sloping behind an existing bund at the end of the north-western corner of the playing fields. The new fence will run along a significant stretch of the school’s western boundary, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to pass through while preventing unauthorised access to the school grounds. Where the path veers away from the playing fields at a crucial pinch point, Strawberry Line volunteers have already planted 450 trees on neighbouring land, which has been secured for the path under a 50-year lease. South of the playing fields, a new walking and cycling bridge will be constructed over the Cheddar Yeo – along the lines of the bridge installed over the B3136 West Shepton in Shepton Mallet back in October 2024. For more information on the Strawberry Line visit www.thestrawberryline.org.uk. Tel: 01761 258030[email protected]Follow us Somerset Council has “failed” to address road safety fears surrounding new homes near the Mendip Hills, according to the local parish council. The Church Commissioners for England – which are responsible for managing the Church of England’s buildings and investments – has been in conversation with Westbury-sub-Mendip Parish Council since the spring of 2022 about building homes on Roughmoor Lane, west of St. Lawrence’s Church. Illustrative plans for the development were made public in February 2023, with the parish council making a plea to Somerset Council in December 2024 to address its road safety concerns, claiming local children would be “in serious danger” if the proposals were implemented. Outline plans of the development, comprising 60 homes and a community hub, were formally published in late-January and are currently out for public consultation, with Somerset Council expected to make a final decision by the end of the year. But the parish council has called for any decision to be delayed until safe pedestrian links from the new homes into the village can be secured, claiming that the level of local engagement to date has been “not acceptable”. The development site was allocated within the Mendip Local Plan Part II, which was approved by councillors in December 2021 – with planning officers predicting it could support up to 40 new homes. The Local Plan notes that “traffic generation will need to be carefully considered”, noting the issues with achieving a safe access from the site onto the A371 and calling for “further investigation” into this matter. A spokesman for Thrive Architects (representing the Church Commissioners) said: “The new primary access will provide for a safer connection with Roughmoor Lane and provide space for a community green. “The plans promote strong visual connections with the existing landscape and heritage assets. “These plans will provide a development that is designed to respect village morphology and character.” Parish clerk Sue Isherwood laid out the local concerns in a statement which was published on Somerset Council’s official planning portal. She said: “The importance of the provision of safe pedestrian access to the core of the village has been headlined by us to local authority officers, to the Church Commissioners and their agents since at least 2022. “We wish to lodge a holding objection to this application, as the data relevant for the assessment of pedestrian safety was not shared with us as requested, and there has been no meaningful reason given why that is the case. “No further consideration of the proposal should be concluded until after the parish council has had time to develop solutions in agreement with highways.” Ms Isherwood had previously raised concerns about the proposals when Somerset Council’s full council met in Bridgwater shortly before Christmas, requesting a meeting with the relevant officers. Chris Langdon, who is heading up the creation of the Westbury-sub-Mendip Neighbourhood Plan, stated at the same meeting: “For much of the route through the village, there is no pavement and there is no safe place to cross. “This has been a major concern of the parish for many years, with increasing heavy vehicle use, restricted width and many bends with poor visibility. “We now have the prospect of a planning application which seeks to develop some 60 houses on the opposite side of the road from most facilities – the school, pub, shop and post office.” The A371 runs between Cheddar and Wells on the south-western edge of the Mendip Hills national landscape (formerly area of outstanding natural beauty, or AONB), with numerous tight bends and very limited pavements. Efforts to provide a car-free route between the two settlements have been taking shape in recent years, with a lengthy section of the Strawberry Line active travel route opening between Westbury-sub-Mendip and Easton in September 2023 (and work currently under way on an extension of the route towards Wells). Somerset Council’s recently published Local Transport Plan commits the authority to, among other projects, “the completion of a traffic-free or low-traffic Strawberry Line and development of other rural trails”. Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, responded in December 2024 that he was happy to meet with the parish council, but added it “may be better to wait until a planning application has been submitted.” A final decision on the outline plans will be taken by Somerset Council later in the year. A reserved matters application, specifying the detailed design and layout of the new homes, would have to subsequently be approved before any construction could commence. Tel: 01761 258030[email protected]Follow us Prototype 08e locomotive 08308, built by Positive Traction has successfully completed two weeks of trials with Mendip Rail at Heidelberg Materials’ Whatley Quarry in Somerset one of the most challenging locations in the UK for internal rail movements The trial began with locomotive familiarisation training for drivers and shunters across all shifts followed by precise calibration of the PT Powertrain™ traction equipment to meet the demanding depot and yard requirements both pushing and pulling over 1000 tonne trains from the bottom of the yard up through the reverse curves harsh gradients and quarry sidings up to the stone loading area This enabled the gathering of useful data regarding battery life hill start capability and fast charging through regenerative braking – all of which was found to be more than satisfactory Director of Positive Traction said: “The ability to put the locomotive through its paces in one of the harshest aggregate sites has confirmed our expectations The fact that it outperforms a standard 08 shunter whilst having the added benefits of all round visibility air drying equipment and improved lighting really shows that this design is well placed to support any industrial setting These great results are a testament to Engineering Director Paul Riley and his team for their efforts from drawing board to real life application.” Rail Operations Manager for Mendip Rail said: “We are committed to exploring all options when it comes to making our equipment safer more reliable and more sustainable for the future It’s been good to watch the teamwork through and overcome any challenges and watching it propel a thousand tonne train up into the quarry was great to see” Operations Manager for Whatley Quarry said: “As the pioneers of Net-Zero Concrete Heidelberg Materials are paving the way to decarbonise our industry When we invited the Positive Traction team to bring their locomotive for testing we were curious and naturally apprehensive we are satisfied with the results of the trials and happy to have played our part in helping the team really see what their locomotive can achieve with loaded trains and with steep hills on our doorstep.” 08308 has now returned to base in preparation for a schedule of testing with train operating companies Positive Traction would like to extend their thanks to Heidelberg Materials Rail Logistics Manager Daniel Welch and his team at Whatley as well as staff from Mendip Rail and Freightliner for their support during the trials Rail Business Daily’s market leading news and profile enhancement services enable your business to tell your story to the wider rail community Engage with thousands of readers via our rail news platforms including the hugely popular 7am newsletter rail news website and Rail Director magazine you agree to us sending you emails on behalf of railbusinessdaily.com Somerset Council has joined residents and volunteers to celebrate the opening of another 2 new sections of the Strawberry Line a traffic free greenway through the county representatives from the Council joined volunteers for a ribbon-cutting ceremony formally opening the Dulcote Extension and the West Shepton Link The Dulcote Extension is an 800m stretch from Dulcote Quarry to Churchill Batch Lane The West Shepton Link runs from Hitchin Lane to Ridge Road a 1.3km stretch that includes a 15ft-long bridge that was craned into place last month and allows path users to safely cross the B3136 The Strawberry Line is a traffic-free path reaching from the Mendips to the sea The path is a unique and pioneering multi-partnership project between Historic Railways Estate and private landowners has helped the project by providing guidance and investment where possible Construction was supervised by volunteer led charitable organisation Greenways and Cycleroutes and work carried out by local contractors MP and KM Golding The Strawberry Line volunteers together with volunteers from the neighbouring Friends of Windsor Hill Tunnels project have provided key support and helped with clearance and construction on the project through regular weekly volunteer sessions and at Greenways workcamps This has included supporting with all aspects of the path vegetation clearing and preparatory works ahead of construction managing the local ecology and maintaining the path itself The grand opening event really showcases the importance of the local community and volunteers your efforts have transformed the disused railway into a vibrant pathway for everyone to use This triumph gives more people the opportunity to leave their cars at home and get into active travel – which is great for health The converted railway line now provides a link for walkers cyclists and horse riders through wonderful Somerset countryside The Strawberry Line project encourages people out of cars while promoting active travel and a healthy lifestyle It also supports local businesses along the route too helping to achieve a number of the Council’s key priorities Work is also progressing on further sections of the Strawberry Line and Somerset Circle that will the traffic free network continue to grow in coming years For more information, visit Strawberry Line’s Discover the line page