Axe Vale Arts
Work continues at readying the former Methodist place of worship – now Axe Vale Arts – in time for the launch day on Sunday July 6. Volunteers have been putting in the hours with paint while others have been cleaning and preparing the ground floor and outbuildings ready for visitors. A keyboard, amp and mics have been donated while Pete Harding and Paul Hughes have been putting together a programme of events on the day. These include live music, an art exhibition and an introduction to a regular poetry evening. Teas and coffees will be on offer – although there is no drinks licence – part of the lease agreement from the church authorities.
More details will be released soon – keep an eye on local social media and visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/583188354145782
Assisted Dying
Parliament has voted by 314 votes to 291 to continue the passage of the Terminally Ill Adults Bill, which now goes to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. MPs were allowed a free vote on the bill, meaning they did not have to follow a party policy. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the measure, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Health Secretary Wes Streeting voted against. MP Tessa Munt who represents Wells which covers Axbridge voted in favour of the new bill. Full details of the law at https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3774
Somerset’s MPs voted as below on the bill: (Info from from Somerset Live)
- Wera Hobhouse (Bath, Liberal Democrat)- AYE
- Dan Norris (North East Somerset & Hanham, Independent) – AYE*
- Dan Aldridge (Weston-super-Mare, Labour) – AYE
- Sadik Al-Hassan (North Somerset, Labour) – AYE
- Gideon Amos (Taunton and Wellington, Liberal Democrat) – NO
- Adam Dance (Yeovil, Liberal Democrat) – AYE
- Sarah Dyke (Glastonbury and Somerton, Liberal Democrat) – AYE
- Sir Ashley Fox (Bridgwater, Conservative) – AYE
- Rachel Gilmour (Tiverton and Minehead, Liberal Democrat) – AYE
- Tessa Munt (Wells and Mendip Hills, Liberal Democrat) – AYE
- Anna Sabine (Frome and East Somerset, Liberal Democrat) – AYE
King John’s Hunting Lodge
The museum plans to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. But they need our help – and have asked residents to bring any memorabilia to King John’s Hunting Lodge so the items can be loaned for the exhibition. A gas mask, uniforms and medals, ration books and magazines or newspapers covering the conflict that began for Britain in 1939 and ended in 1945 would be great if you have them. The war against Japan continued into the late summer of that year. August 15 is the official V-J Day for the United Kingdom, while VE Day was in May.
Dean Packham of the museum said: “Here at Axbridge Museum, our Collections & Exhibitions team are planning a celebration of the 80th Anniversary of end of WWII. If anyone in town has material to exhibit, stories to tell or an interest in this period we love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at kingjohnshuntinglodgemuseum@gmail.com.”
Cider dispute
Sandford cider firm Thatchers has won a legal battle with Aldi over the marketing and packaging of their Cloudy Cider Lemon. It’s another episode in a long running battle with Aldi who Thatchers said are ‘passing off’ their own brand Taurus Cloudy Cider Lemon since it is so similar to their original design. The BBC reported that in January the High Court in London dismissed Thatchers’ case, but the latest hearing has led to a judge ruling in Thatchers’ favour. Aldi has said it will appeal. The products were launched two years apart. In the January ruling, Judge Melissa Clarke concluded there was a low degree of similarity between the products and no likelihood of confusion for consumers. Thatchers had claimed Aldi was “misleading shoppers to believe that the ciders are the same, or in some way linked”. And in the latest ruling from the Court of Appeal, Lord Justice Arnold said Aldi had infringed Thatchers’ trademark with its “sign”, referring to the imagery on the product’s packaging.
Junior Footballers Wanted
Axbridge Saxon FC are running free training sessions for 5, 6, and 7 year olds (current Years 1 & 2) throughout the summer on Saturdays at 10am on the Furlong. They announced online: “Bring your child and see if they want to play with this friendly, inclusive club. Our coaches are FA trained and we aim to make football fun. PM if you want to ask any questions, or just turn up on Saturday. We’re also recruiting in older age groups, particularly current years 3 & 4 – same time, same place!”
The junior football club has seen parents bringing their children to Axbridge to play from surrounding villages and towns – as the club has a kind and supportive ethos. Meanwhile the veterans continue to play five a side on Friday nights at Wedmore.
The men’s senior team Axbridge United are already in pre-season training after being crowned as Champions last season in the Weston super Mare and district football league. If you are interested in playing for ‘The Bridge’ see their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057415330683
Diary Dates
Axbridge Review is edited by Harry Mottram and is published for the interest of himself and fellow residents.
Harry is a freelance journalist. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Blue Sky, YouTube etc
Send your news to: harryfmottram@gmail.com
Website:www.harrymottram.co.uk
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