posted 13 Sep 2011 05:16 by Jeremy Hudson
Birdtalk
Autumn
IS here. A group of 50 or so
starlings were getting wildly excited doing acrobatic swoops and dives over the
Brympton Way car park yesterday. In
training already for that big event they put on, on the winter levels. http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/264236-hotline-for-starlings
Babcary’s Harvest
A Harvest Craft and Vintage Fair is to be held in Babcary on
10th September. Enticing stalls include
hand-made and artisan gifts, vintage clothes, textiles and antiques. See www.thesixpilgrims.wordpress.com.
Yeovil Flower and Gardeners
Market
This event
takes place in the town centre on Saturday 24th September between
10..00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. The programme includes presentations to Yeovil in
Bloom and Best Kept Allotment winners, a Farmers Market, Yeovil Town
Band and children’s activities.
Buskfest
Buckfest
(busking and festival) brings music to the Yeovil Flower and Gardeners Market
(24th September see above) with musicians performing at
buskstops around the town centre.
Listen out for talent in traditional English Folk, contemporary jazz,
rock and instrumental music of all kinds.
Performers wanting to take part, please contact Yeovillive@hotmail.co.uk
Proceeds made on the day
will go to local charities.
Winter warmers
Heaps of enjoyable autumn and winter activities in
the great outdoors are coming up! How
about seed gathering around Ninesprings (16th October) pumpkin
carving (27th October) and coppice crafts (6th November)
at Ham Hill? Or plan ahead for a crafty
Christmas evening at Ham Hill on 14th December. All details at http://www.southsomersetcountryside.com/latest-news/news-update/countryside-events-for-2011.aspx
Montacute Craft and Farmers Market
Autumn
markets on Saturdays 29th October, 26th November and
17th December in The Old Stableyard at Montacute House. There will be added entertainment at the
October market in the shape of an arty workshop for all ages, to create collages
inspired by the reintroduction of the Great Crane on the Somerset Levels. Damon Bridge, manager of the crane project,
will be there with information about the big birds.. This is the second year of the project and
there’s a new group of fledgling cranes.
Find out about these babies - and the old babies hatched in 2010 –
and best spots for seeing cranes at www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk
Great
Bow Wharf café
This
riverside retreat is to
re-open
its doors this autumn with catering by an exciting new tenant with an
established reputation for good food.
http://www.greatbow.org.uk/
See SAW
events…
During
Somerset Arts Weeks there are loads of events going on. Here’s a taste but go to the website for the
full picture. Night of Light
(30th September at Hestercombe) sounds magical - a journey through
the Gardens filled with light and sound installations. Related (starts 19th
September at Ilminster Meeting House) shows-off the talent of five members of
the same family. Show of Trees
(starts 17th September) is an exhibition of paintings, drawings and
sculptures by six artists, at the Yeovil Innovation
Centre
http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk |
posted 8 Sep 2011 02:28 by Jeremy Hudson
“Thank you so much for our most comfortable room and your very warm welcome. No wonder you are so busy! Margaret and I had a wonderful time all round and can’t wait until we venture down to Chard again which we hope will be sooner rather than later. We intend to stay a bit longer next time so will be in touch again well before we make any plans.” |
posted 11 Aug 2011 12:56 by Jeremy Hudson
Ham Hill Exposed How exciting is this! Ham Hill is part of our furniture and we take it for granted but Cardiff and Cambridge Universities are now carrying out archaeological excavations. The dig is a 3-year programme, with students undertaking the work each summer. If you pass through the field being excavated you will see the cabins and quarters of the archaeologists who are living on site. Extensive geophysical surveying last year will be the focus for the dig and results will be presented to the public through outreach open days and in new interpretation panels. The archaeologists are holding an open day to coincide with Ham Hill Fayre on Saturday 3rd September. Raised viewing platforms are to be constructed so visitors can get an almost-bird’s eye view of proceedings. For up to date information on the dig go to www.hamhillfort.info Dillington House Open Day
Included in writer Simon Jenkins’ 1000 Best Houses in England, Dillington is Somerset’s premier residential centre for adult learning. The 5-star campus accommodation is all en-suite and includes rooms with private decks looking across open countryside. If you’ve never had a Dillington experience, jump at the chance of a taster on 4th September. The house and grounds will be open from 12-midday until 5 p.m. with music and entertainment, talks and tours, free mini-courses and food and refreshments. The choice of courses in Dillington’s new programme (non-residential too) is huge and includes fascinating local topics – Literary Somerset; Starlings: Song and Landscape; The Wild and Wonderful Levels – and many more. Get the full picture on www.dillington.com or telephone 01460 258648. Holiday action
Find out fun things for children to do these summer holidays with South Somerset’s online guide with all the info in one place. http://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/holidayactivities Guild of Crafts in Somerton
Catch the summer exhibition Symphony of Colour ending 3rd September. A colourful and uplifting exhibition exploring colour with new works in quilts, fabrics and textiles, reflective sculptures and more http://www.somersetguild.co.uk/ Drayfest
Drayton’s first festival on 3rd September has music from The Rattlesnakes, Karl Weber and Jakey Zee, local food and cider and camping by arrangement. Drayfest takes place 3rd September, 7 p.m. at Drayton Nurseries. Information and tickets on 01458 251926. East Lambrook Photographic Exhibition
Three Somerset-based photographers will be exhibiting their work at The Malthouse Gallery, 27th August to 10th September, with a mix of landscape, portrait, botanical and travel images. Free parking and free entry, tearoom on the spot and pub across the road. The Malthouse Gallery is at East Lambrook Manor Gardens TA13 5HH, closed Sundays and Mondays but open Bank Holiday Monday www.eastlambrook.com Somerton The French Market comes to Somerton in the Square on 3rd September 9.30 a.m.. to 4.00 p.m. Temptations on sale will include cheeses, sausages, bread, wine and preserves. More stalls in The Parish Rooms, refreshments and free parking. Find out more about Somerton on www.somerton.co.uk Chard Heritage Open Days
8th September from 2 to 4 p.m. Lawrences of Crewkerne will carry out Antique Valuations at £2 an item, portable items only please. 9th September Carnivals In Somerset Promotion Project will have the project’s multi-media vehicle on the museum field. The van uses audio-visual equipment to tell the story of Somerset carnival. Find out more at www.cispp.org.uk or with a leaflet from Chard TIC. In the afternoon, Museum curator, Roger Carter, will lead a Town Walk starting from the museum at 1.30 p.m. and finishing about 3 p.m. 10th September Bill the Bodger will demonstrate the traditional wood-turning craft of bodging. Musical accompaniment from Hillary Mead and local modellers also exhibiting their skills. Cranford at The Bishop’s Palace
A new adaptation of the popular story will be performed in the gardens of The Bishop’s Palace on 19th September, bar and BBQ available. Tickets (two performances) are available from The Bishop’s Palace shop, The Palace Trust Office telephone 01749 988111 ext 200 and from www.bishopspalace.org.uk Montacute Farmers Market Running alongside the October market, there will be a drop-in workshop led by artist Hilda Vaughan to make a Great Crane sculpture with papier mache and garden wire. Damon Bridge, manager of the project to reintroduce cranes on the Somerset Levels and Moors, will also be there with information about the successful project. Saturday 29th October in the Old Stableyard at Montacute House |
posted 12 Jul 2011 05:11 by Jeremy Hudson
Top of the Hill drama
Local groups around Ham Hill and arts organisation Actiontrack are creating a processional performance (20th July) about the arrival of the first Iron Age tribe, who made Ham Hill their home 3,000 years ago. Theatre, music and large-scale puppetry will all be part of the performance. Workshops and rehearsals for makers, musicians and performers are being held in the run up to the performance – details about these and about attending the performance are on this link:
http://www.southsomersetcountryside.com/latest-news/news-update/“from-the-top-of-the-hill”.aspx
From the Top of the Hill is on Wednesday 20th July starting 6.00 p.m. Ancient Tree Hunt
The Woodland Trust is on a quest to record the details of ancient trees across the land. You can enter info about trees you know, onto the Woodland Trust’s register. Learn how to use the hugometer technique to calculate whether a tree would be classified as ancient and search for trees already recorded in this locality. http://www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk/project/hunt/ The Woodland Trust also has a vision that every child should have the chance to plant a tree – find out about FREE tree packs for schools and community groups http://www.treeforall.org.uk/ Craft Fair
Barleymow’s Farm Shop near Chard is holding a Craft Fair on Bank Holiday Monday 29th August and invites makers to book a space to sell their wares. The Fair will run 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., opening at 10.00 a.m. for setting-up. Barleymow’s will be providing cream teas in aid of SURE Cancer Centre at Musgrove Hospital, Taunton. To book a stall telephone 01460 62130. www.barleymowsfarmshop.co.uk Montacute Markets
The September Montacute and Levels Best Farmers market will include All Things Fruit and Vegetable – a question-time session with panel consisting of local growers Charles Dowding, Pete Belben and Adam Powell. For children there will be veg-art and potato print pictures. £5 to book and submit a question – please contact Elaine on 01935 851280 in office hours or markets@farming.co.uk In the Old Stable Courtyard at Montacute House Saturday 24th September.
Chard is a great place to stay. B&B Guest House accommodation is an ideal way of providing a base for exploring the surrounding area - you will always receive a warm welcome, cosy rooms and hearty breakfasts. |
posted 9 Jun 2011 03:53 by Jeremy Hudson
Chard Family Fun Day
Cresta
Leisure Centre is offering a host of exciting sports and activities for children
and adults of all ages on 24th July. Paintball, climbing, bouncy castle,
football skills, trampolining, face painting, tennis, squash and exercise-class
taster sessions are all on the menu and the newly refurbished swimming pool will
be open. For families who want to get competitive, there will be a tug-of-war
competition with categories for children, adults and centre staff.
24th July,
11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. at the Cresta Leisure Centre, Chard.
Free entry but
charges may apply to some activities.
Open
Garden
Discover the gardens of the Self-realisation and
Meditation Centre in Queen Camel. Explore on your own or join a garden tour
which includes areas not usually open to the public and then enjoy a cream
tea!
Saturday 11th June from 2.00 to 5.00 p.m.
For information ring 01935
850266 or email info@selfrealizationcentres.org Yeovilton Airday
Tickets are now on sale at Tourist
Information Centres for International Air Day on Saturday 9th July 2011
when 35,000 people are expected to attend the flying and static display,
celebrating 40 years since the first flight of the Lynx helicopter.
Buy now
to make big savings on ticket prices. Now on sale for adults at £18 (£23 on the
day); Seniors £16 ( £23 on the day); children 3 - 15 £5 (£8 on the day).
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posted 12 May 2011 03:21 by Jeremy Hudson
WHATS HAPPENING IN MAY Tour of Wessex
This cycling fest is on May Bank Holiday weekend 29th to 31st May with headquarters in Somerton. Ride distances to suit all levels up to 320 miles over the three days for the strongest riders. The last day goes onto Exmoor with a total ascent of 9,066 feet. But don’t be daunted, there’s a shorter ride for the less driven! Follow the link for full information or organisers Pendragon Sports Ltd can be contacted on 01963 34125
http://www.pendragon-sports.com/pendragonArticle.aspx?id=148 Show Jumping Events
South West Show Jumping Club has moved from Bicton Arena in Devon to a South Somerset location near Chard . The Club will be staging four of the most important annual show jumping events in the South West at their new site at Higher Purtington as well as other, non-equestrian events. Blackdowns
Bluebells, butterflies, bushcraft and backyard fish farming - just some of the things featuring in activities in the beautiful Blackdown Hills during merry May. More information on the link below or contact 01823 680681
http://www.blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk/ |
posted 28 Mar 2011 08:32 by Jeremy Hudson
Hurry, accommodation in Chard, Someret is being booked up now for Easter so be quick to secure your holiday accommodation. |
posted 12 Jan 2011 08:58 by Jeremy Hudson
[
updated 12 Jan 2011 09:09
]
posted 2 Jan 2011 03:02 by Jeremy Hudson
Book your accommodation in advance and secure special rates for the forthcoming year. Please telephone us on 01460 63839 - special discounted rates can be negotiated for three nights or more. Happy New Year to you all! |
posted 15 Dec 2010 07:11 by Jeremy Hudson
Christmas events in Somerset:
On Saturday 19th December in Yeovil Town Centre from 10 until 4, a Christmas Street Market and Somerset Farmers Market, street entertainment includes carol-singers, the Yokel Juggler and Mr Clown. RSPB
Escape from the frenzy of the festive season to see the starling murmuration at Ham Wall, secretive snipe at Greylake and golden plovers, teal and lapwings at West Sedgemoor. Find out about guided walks at the RSPB Somerset reserves at www.rspb.org.uk/reserves Love Nature? - RSPB’s wildlife guide to the south-west is available now. Register with Take One Distributors for copies on 01233 211411 or visit www.takeonemedia.co.uk Mistletoe – it’s locally grown!
The National Trust and Natural England are running a campaign for people to buy home-grown mistletoe in the run up to Christmas. Somerset is one of the heartlands for mistletoe with its traditional cider orchards but, like other cider counties, the orchards have declined dramatically in the last sixty years and alongside this decline, trade of imported mistletoe is growing. The NT / NE aim to restore traditional orchards, supporting small cottage industries producing cider and juices and promoting the growth of community run orchards. Locally at Montacute, mistletoe is harvested carefully to leave enough for the plant to survive AND for wildlife. A rare mistletoe moth was first found in the UK in South Somerset and is present at Montacute and Tintinhull. More information on orchards and mistletoe at http://www.orchardnetwork.org.uk |
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