By Harry Mottram: Like any town, parking is an issue in Axbridge. Whether it’s getting a ticket for overstaying your stay in the Square, blocking the pavement by using it as a parking bay or not enough places to park near your home meaning a long walk from Houlgate Way or Cheddar Road parking is a perennial problem for many. Unless of course you don’t own a car.
The Square
A market place, a stage for the pageant or a fun fair venue the Square is many things including a car park. There have been many changes over the years to what is essentially a Georgian and Victorian public space with at least three late Medieval buildings fronting it. Since the turn of the century new planters, cycle units, benches and public seating for the Old Almshouse Tea Rooms, Oakhouse and The Lamb have made it a more social space. Cars spaces are fewer than before but you can still park there for a limited time – if there’s a space – and ideal for a quick visit to the shop.
Axbridge Town Council are consulting on potential improvements and are asking residents for their comments and thoughts. In a post on their website the clerk has written: “Following feedback from residents, Axbridge Town Council is proposing improvements to parking in The Square. We have been in discussion with the Axbridge Town Trust and Somerset Highways and are now consulting with residents and businesses to gather your views.”
The issues are the small size of the spaces in the light of larger modern cars, the misuse of the disabled parking bay and the continued problem of vehicles blocking the road by the corner to Meadow Street next to the Co-op meaning buses cannot get through.
The council have proposed changes which would see fewer but wider spaces along with other adjustments with maps and details available at https://www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk/plannedparkingimprovementsinthesquare/ where there is a form to complete for comments but you can add your thoughts on their Facebook or email or at the Post Office. A couple of riders – the council is represented by volunteers from the town who work unpaid, and they cannot respond to comments posted on third-party pages, such as “Axbridge Connected” or “Community” pages. Feedback open until the end of November.
Furlong Field
The town’s main park and playing field once owned by the Church authorities and now the town has been transformed in recent years with an improved playground, a beach hedge around the school’s playing field, the Jack Todd Changing Rooms, a youth shelter and a multi-sport bounce back zone. Now the good and continuing work of the council has seen it awarded. Somerset Playing Fields Association has awarded Axbridge Town Council a Commendation for the Furlong Recreation Field in recognition of making a valuable contribution to the provision of community play and sport facilities. The Association was honoured that Mr Mohammed Saddiq, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset kindly agreed to present the awards to Pauline Ham, Mayor of Axbridge.
South West Water
Cheddar Reservoir is owned by Bristol Water which in turn is owned by South West Water with the ultimate owner being the Pennon Group in Exeter. South West Water have been given a telling off by the Environment Agency due to the amount of pollution in rivers and the sea they are responsible for. The utility has been rated red for its environmental performance for the 14th year in a row, meaning it is “significantly below target”, the Environment Agency has said. The company reports the BBC was given two stars out of a possible four in the annual Environmental Performance Assessment report for 2024. The agency said the water firm had never risen above a two star rating since the assessments began in 2011.
The worst incident was sewage leaking into the sea was at Exmouth but there were other incidents in the rivers of Devon. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said the government was taking action by bringing in new penalties to ban unfair bonuses for water firm executives and introducing a single water regulator. The CEO of South West Water Susan Davy is retiring having earned only £803,000 in the last financial year after receiving £191,000 in long-term bonuses. If only some of that cash could have been spent on Cheddar Reservoir’s Sharpham Road inlet where a mechanical failure has meant no water entering from there for more than a month leaving the reservoir level very low.
Heritage Talk
This Saturday – November 1st – there is an evening of talks on the town’s historic buildings in the town hall. It is a free evening of illustrated talks and films about the town’s many historic buildings and the secrets they hold. Of war, of peace, poverty and wealth – their social history will be brought to life by a number of residents and expert speakers who have seen huge changes in the town as they celebrate Axbridge through memories, music, history and anecdotes featuring the Town Hall’s state of the art laser projector and screen. Contributions from The Friends of Axbridge Church – a non religious group who help to maintain the fabric and monuments of the building for visitors to enjoy – the Trustees of Axe Vale Art Centre on their plans for the former Methodist Church – the local history society based at King John’s Hunting Lodge Museum – and the Town Trust who care for the Square and the Town Hall with notes on the long history of the town’s centre piece.
Incidentally the Friends of Axbridge Church who are not connected to the Church of England but whose aims are: “to advance the education of the public through preservation, maintenance, improvement and beautification of Axbridge Church in the Diocese of Bath and Wells and the monuments, fittings and fixtures, stained glass, furniture, ornaments and chattels of the Church and Churchyard belonging to the Church acting at all times as a non-denominational Charity which will not provide funds to promote the doctrine of any religion,” or to put it more succinctly: preserve, protect and enhance. The Friends are looking for a new treasurer – so do have a think and volunteer if that is something you can do – and some along on Saturday. See https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/diary/ for more events in the town.
Boutique closes
The Hidden Boutique at Ripley Antiques is to close leaving a retail hole in the town’s trading scene. Writing on Facebook the proprietor wrote: “I’m afraid to say ‘The Hidden Boutique Company – Axbridge’ will be closing its doors. I will be having two closing down sale days both of which will be in Axbridge where it all started. I will be at the Farmers market inside Ripleys on Saturday November 1st and then again on Saturday 8th November. I have no old stock so all stock will be current Autumn/Winter and will be reduced to clear. Room permitting I will also bring along party wear which will be greatly reduced. Thank you to all my friends and customers, the last few years have been so much fun, thank you for your support, see you in Axbridge on Saturday November 1st and 8th.”
Wild animal
You may have read that pine martens have been reintroduced on Exmoor. The small cousin of the stoat and weasel lives mainly in the forests of Scotland and further north in England and Wales and was once common across Somerset. Loss of habitat and the actions of man have seen it extinct here – until now. Several now live in the woodlands of Exmoor – and one has been seen on the Mendips – whether that is a visitor from ‘up north’ or one of the Exmoor ones we don’t know. But like beavers, wolves, bison and elks that used to roam the woods of Somerset – several centuries ago – they are a welcome addition to our wildlife. Although free range chickens should take note.
Cheddar Reservoir 2
I have said to anyone who will listen that if Cheddar Reservoir 2 does go ahead it will lead to a massive economic bonanza in the area. Like Hinkley Point C and the building of the M5 there will be a huge increase of infrastructure, housing, businesses and employment as a result. And judging by the £1bn price tag from South West Water it has already begun with a preliminary market notice under the Procurement Act 2023 published for the new reservoir. Work will include the pipeline to Devon plus a new treatment works at The Res – an access road and various work enclosures for workers, materials and equipment let alone the reservoir itself. If you are interested in the various contracts up for grabs – visit https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055597-2025
Axbridge News and Harry Mottram
For more news, views, reviews, previews and features about Axbridge visit www.harrymottram.co.uk
Also visit the Axbridge Community FaceBook site at https://www.facebook.com/groups/393368381558682
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Or email him at harryfmottram@gmail.com
Axbridge Diary of Events
By Harry Mottram: Some Axbridge dates coming up. Send Axbridge events to me and I’ll try to keep the list updated. Email: harryfmottram@gmail.com I’ll also post on my website at www.harrymottram.co.uk
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News. Axbridge Progressive Supper Tickets now on sale for the event on 22 November. See https://www.facebook.com/AxbridgeProgressive/
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Fri 31st Oct. Hallowe’en Outdoor Cinema. The Oakhouse. 7pm. See poster.
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Fri. 31st Oct. Axe Vale Arts Centre. LIVE MUSIC: 3 Rivers. Female acapella trio from Bristol and support. Doors open at 7.00pm. (Axe Vale Arts Centre is based at the former Methodist Chapel in West Street, Axbridge. More at https://www.facebook.com/groups/583188354145782/) See https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/axe-vale-arts
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Fri 31 Oct. Lamb Inn. Live music from Green Light Effect. 9pm. Fancy dress encouraged.
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Sat 1 Nov. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
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Sat 1 Nov. Axbridge Heritage Evening. 7pm doors. Town Hall. Pay bar. Free entry. No tickets – just turn up.
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Sat 1st Nov. Oakhouse. Race Night. In aid of Axbridge United Football Club. Come and support your local football club and get involved in our Halloween Race Night at The Oakhouse on Halloween Weekend, Saturday 1st November. A fun filled night with money to be won from betting on horses, a huge raffle with lots of prizes and with the oak hosting we know it will be a lot of fun so please get involved. We are sure it’s going to be a great night. Money Raised will go towards Axbridge United Football Club. See osdtonSpre419tt1a04cl80ut10l8gml1gu1fa918h5h79uic65lfclc9mi5 ·
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Sun 2 Nov. Town Hall. Engagement evening at 7.30pm for next year’s pantomime.
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Fri 7 Nov. Christmas Shopping in the Town Hall. 3-8.30pm.
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Sat 8 Nov. Church Rooms. 2pm. Crafternoon.
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Sat 8 Nov. Last Dance Saloon. Axe Vale Arts Centre, Axbridge, BS26 2AA
Multistory Theatre and Axe Vale Arts present ‘Last Dance Saloon’, a captivating new show that explores love, legacy and the future we envision for coming generations. Filled with music, dance, drama and laughter, it promises an engaging and thoughtful evening of theatre.
Two people, no longer in the first flush of youth, meet at a dance retreat in Buenos Aires. A spark is ignited. With family ties in Chile and Devon, they navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship sustained by tango sessions in Argentina that include unexpected flights of the imagination.
See https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/axe-vale-arts
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Mon 10 Nov. Axbridge Town Council Meeting. Town Hall. 7.30pm. Public welcome. See https://www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk/
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Fri 14 Nov. Axbridge School PTA Quiz Night. 7.30pm. School Hall.
Get your thinking caps ready and join us for an evening of fun, laughter and friendly competition at our Axbridge C of E Academy PTA Quiz Night. £5. Come as a team or we’ll help you join one on the night — everyone’s welcome! There’ll be prizes for the top team, plus refreshments and plenty of laughs along the way. Your support helps raise valuable funds for our school community – every ticket sold goes straight back into enriching the children’s experiences here at Axbridge. Organised by https://www.facebook.com/kirsty.edwards and the PTA committee.
For more on the school visit https://axbridgefirstschool.co.uk/
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Sat 15 Nov. Axe Vale Arts Centre. LIVE POETRY: Attila the Stockbroker. Currently on tour with his show Heart On My Sleeve. John Baine is an English punk poet, multi instrumentalist musician and songwriter. More at https://www.attilathestockbroker.com/ (Axe Vale Arts Centre is based at the former Methodist Chapel in West Street, Axbridge. More at https://www.facebook.com/groups/583188354145782/)
See https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/axe-vale-arts
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Wed 19 Nov. CMH 2.30pm: The life, times and tragedy of a Somerset
country lad. Talk by Ian Tabrett. King John’s Hunting Lodge. See https://www.kingjohnshuntinglodge.co.uk/
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Wed 19 November. Axbridge. Axe Vale Arts Centre. LIVE POETRY AND SPOKEN WORD: Open night. Turn up and see Simon Rennie to get a slot to either read, perform or simply listen. 7pm. £2 donation. Non Alcoholic bar. Simon is a published poetry and leads the evening with an interval at around 8pm. (Axe Vale Arts Centre is based at the former Methodist Chapel in West Street, Axbridge. More at https://www.facebook.com/groups/583188354145782/) See https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/axe-vale-arts
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Sat, 22 Nov: Axbridge Progressive Supper. 6pm-11.30pm. Begins at The Oakhouse. See https://www.facebook.com/AxbridgeProgressive/ This article is from last year but all the does and don’ts and top tips along with the timetable are spot on. https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/…/axbridge-news…/
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Wed 26-Sat 29 Nov. Axbridge Town Hall. THEATRE. ACT present the play Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial. More at https://sites.google.com/site/axcomtheatre/home The image is from the Channel 4 production. Axbridge Community Theatre stage the drama.
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Wed 26 Nov. Axe Vale Arts Centre. LIVE MUSIC: Acoustic Music Night. Featuring a variety of acts – just turn up and you should be able to perform a couple of numbers. 7pm. (Axe Vale Arts Centre is based at the former Methodist Chapel in West Street, Axbridge. More at https://www.facebook.com/groups/583188354145782/
See https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/axe-vale-arts
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Sat 6 Dec. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
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Sat 6 Dec. Axe Vale Arts Centre. LIVE MUSIC: Reg Meuross. English singer and songwriter based in Somerset. 7.30pm Doors 7pm. (Axe Vale Arts Centre is based at the former Methodist Chapel in West Street, Axbridge. More at https://www.facebook.com/groups/583188354145782/) For more on Reg see https://www.regmeuross.com/ See https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/axe-vale-arts
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Mon 8 Dec. Axbridge Town Council Meeting. Town Hall. 7.30pm. Public welcome. See https://www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk/
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Fri 12 Dec. Axe Vale Arts Centre. LIVE MUSIC: Scarlett Stone Jazz Quartet. 7pm doors. 7.30pm. The Scarlett Stone Jazz Quartet are bringing one of their most popular evenings, ‘Songs from the Silverscreen and Stage’ to Axe Vale Arts. Join us for an evening that transports you back through the Golden Age of film and Broadway hits, including some of your favourite songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Doris Day and many more.
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Sat 13 Dec. Axe Vale Arts Centre, Axbridge. Scrooge – A Christmas Panto.
Touring Pantos and Axe Vale Arts present ‘Scrooge – A Christmas Panto!’, a festive, fun-filled adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens. We all know the tale of Scrooge – a mean, miserly and miserable man who doesn’t know how to celebrate Christmas. Containing all the time-honoured pantomime components, some well-chosen music, and with a nifty twist or two in the story, ‘Scrooge – A Christmas Panto!’ is guaranteed to appeal to all ages. Plenty of fun, laughs and audience participation for all the family!
See https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/axe-vale-arts
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Sun 14 Dec. Axe Vale Arts Centre, Axbridge: Jane Taylor
Come and join us for an entertaining and festive evening of candlelit music at our amazing new arts venue. See https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/axe-vale-arts
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Wed 17 December. Axbridge. Axe Vale Arts Centre. LIVE POETRY AND SPOKEN WORD: Open night. Turn up and see Simon Rennie to get a slot to either read, perform or simply listen. 7pm. £2 donation. Non Alcoholic bar. Simon is a published poetry and leads the evening with an interval at around 8pm. (Axe Vale Arts Centre is based at the former Methodist Chapel in West Street, Axbridge. More at https://www.facebook.com/groups/583188354145782/)
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Sat 20 Dec. Axbridge Square. Santa in the Square celebrations.
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Sun 21 Dec. Axbridge Square. Christmas Farmers’ Market. 10am.
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Wed 31 Dec. Axbridge. New Year Celebrations in the Square. 11.59pm.
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