By Harry Mottram: I try to do a write up every now again on stories of interest to me and fellow residents – some more related others broader in scope. No news on Cheddar Res 2 but there is an update on the original reservoir – it is finally beginning to refill – although slowly. The faulty inlet valve at Sharpham Road end hasn’t been fixed so no gushing waterfall there but you can see that there is water being pumped into the Res below the tower. And the levels are slowly rising – a relief to those concerned about a Christmas hosepipe ban.
Remembrance footballers
You will all have read about the Christmas Day football match between the German and British troops in World War One when the insanity of war stopped – for at least 90 minutes. Football and Remembrance have always had a connection and this year more so when the players from Axbridge Saxon Junior Football Club collected money from the sale of poppies in the town centre last week. Writing on Facebook the club noted: “Huge thank you to our players who once again gave up their morning to support the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal – and a big thank you to everyone who bought poppies and pins. As a club we are so proud that our young people show their pride and support for Axbridge on and off the pitch.”
Well done the lads.
Chicken Farm Issue
A few years ago when I worked on the Cheddar Valley Gazette there was an exchange of letters in the newspaper between those who objected to the smell of the chicken farm at Townsend. The farm had its defenders who said the smell was part of the agricultural scene of the countryside while those who disagreed said it was not acceptable. The issue (excuse the pun) blew over eventually and it is fair to say the smell is not what it was but with Bellway building homes close to the farm the issue has arisen again. Someone thinking of moving into the estate has asked the question in the Axbridge Community Facebook site. In general, the answers said yes it could smell when they clean the sheds but let this answer from a resident provide some information: “Lived here 18 months, next to Bellway. Yes, the chicken farm can smell when they empty [the sheds] and the wind blows in the right direction. But. If you want to live in the Country, you have to accept that the Countryside smells on occasion.”
Boutique’s long goodbye
As you may be aware the town’s only boutique is closing. The last of the stock housed at Ripley’s on The Square is in its final days with some brilliant bargains on offer. Ripley’s gave this notice on Facebook: “Another great day at Ripley’s for Axbridge Farmers market yesterday, thanks to everyone that popped in and said hi. I’ve left a rail of clothes in Ripley’s that will remain there for the week, in fact I’ve just topped the rail up with a few more items. All Hidden Boutique stock, coats, clothes, shoes and boots have 25% off. I’ll be taking everything away Saturday 8th so pop in and have a rummage before it’s gone. Saturday 8th is due to be my last day of trading, although my mum has reminded me I have a rail of party wear stored at her house (whoops) so during December’s Farmers market (Saturday 6th December), if Lou will have me I will make one last appearance as The Hidden Boutique with a rail of party wear only!”
Carnival Time
Axbridge Carnival has been going for decades – in fact nobody knows when it began – but it has been a fixture in the month of September as long as blackberries ripen or people can remember. It is run entirely by volunteers and periodically goes through a crisis when former members of the committee and helpers retire, move house or decide they want a rest. This year the carnival was run by a brilliant group of mainly young women – but some have decided to step back – so new volunteers are needed. It’s a great occasion but needs planning and fundraising to ensure it can take place. So do volunteer to help – even as someone with ideas to raise the cash needed to stage it.
There’s a super website at https://www.blackberrycarnival.com/ that gives more info and the email is axbridgecarnival@gmail.com – do drop them a line so we can continue the tradition.
Job vacancies
Axbridge Town Council has a couple of vacancies for those wishing to take part in the civil life of the town. I call them the good guys since the Mayor, Town Crier, Councillors and the Town Baillif are all volunteers who try to make the town a better place for us all – without a salary. There currently is a vacancy for a councillor – anyone more or less can apply – the motivation is always to be a servant of the people by ensuring the Furlong Field is kept in good order, planning proposals are properly looked at, events such as public meetings are held along with a multitude of tasks which in the main are left unsung and unnoticed. The other vacancy is that of Sergeant at Mace – together with the Town Crier and Bailiff it is ceremonial role – tricorn hat, maces and cloak are provided for days like Remembrance Sunday, Carnival procession and civic ceremonies in general. Back in the day both the Sergeant at Mace and Bailiff had powers of arrest and detention. In the pageant there is a scene when the Bailiff breaks up a riot – in the days before Sir Robert Peel created the police force. Sadly although there are people a Sergeant at Mace would like to arrest it is a ceremonial role – but a great one since you become part of the town’s history.Please contact the Town Clerk for details or visit the website at https://www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk/.
Somerset Confidential and GWR
The news site run by journalists Andrew Lee, James Garrett and Susannah Hickling have been exposing scandals in Somerset as well as giving in depth features on all aspects of the politics of the county. To find out more of their work and subscribe to their newsletters visit https://somersetconfidential.substack.com/about
They have a couple of stories this week which may be of interest to Axbridge residents – the first is about whether GWR will be nationalised. It is owned by First Group in Scotland but the Government implied it would come into public ownership once the date of the franchise ran out – now that looks like 2028 if at all. Don’t forget First Group also own the buses locally in much of the county.
The other story will chime with those who have had friends or family who needed help from the NHS due to mental health problems. They reported: “On World Mental Health Day, we reported on the closure of yet more mental health beds in Bridgwater. The view of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which looks after mental health in Somerset, is that having mental health beds on a secure ward is not the best way of treating mental health patients. So it was not such a big surprise to learn that as a result of a collaboration between South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWAS) and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (the Trust) a specialist Mental Health Response Vehicle (MHRV) has been commissioned. It was more of a surprise to learn it has been in service for over a year.”
There’s much more to this story – so it is best to check it out and subscribe at https://somersetconfidential.substack.com/about
Please note I have no financial or work relationship with Somerset Confidential.
Axbridge Diary of Events – see https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/diary/
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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Sun 2 Nov. Town Hall. Engagement evening at 7.30pm for next year’s pantomime.
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Wednesday 5th November Axbridge Town Hall , 7 for 7.30 start, monthly WAGS ladies group are having a Xmas craft evening with the chance to make a festive wreath , Xmas origami stars and gift tags , and candle decorating, new members are always made very welcome ( non members pay £4) all you need to bring is greenery and or xmas decorations for a wreath if you’d like to make one , and a pair of scissors! If you’ve not joined us before , why not come and give it a try !
oh and there’s a bar serving wine and soft drinks ! What’s not to like !!
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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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Sun 9 Nov. Axbridge Remembrance Sunday. Laying of wreaths at Church Steps. 10.50am. Followed by a Service of Remembrance in Axbridge St John The Baptist Church.
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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. Cross Memorial Hall 2.30pm: The life, times and tragedy of a Somerset
country lad. Talk by Ian Tabrett. 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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Fri 5 Dec. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Preview of an art exhibition A Common Ground, with the work of six local artists on show in the Undercroft Gallery – the former school room below the former Methodist Chapel. 6.30-8.30pm. And on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December during the day – 10am to 4pm. My review of the first exhibition held there earlier this year: https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/2025/07/08/axbridge-review-from-the-abstract-to-the-realistic-and-from-enigmatic-to-the-monographic-axe-vale-arts-first-exhibition-reveals-an-inspiring-range-of-creativity/
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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. Preview of an art exhibition A Common Ground, with the work of six local artists on show in the Undercroft Gallery – the former school room below the former Methodist Chapel. 6.30-8.30pm. And on Sunday 7 December during the day – 10am to 4pm. My review of the first exhibition held there earlier this year: https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/2025/07/08/axbridge-review-from-the-abstract-to-the-realistic-and-from-enigmatic-to-the-monographic-axe-vale-arts-first-exhibition-reveals-an-inspiring-range-of-creativity/
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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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Sun 7 Dec. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Preview of an art exhibition A Common Ground, with the work of six local artists on show in the Undercroft Gallery – the former school room below the former Methodist Chapel. 6.30-8.30pm. 10am to 4pm. My review of the first exhibition held there earlier this year: https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/2025/07/08/axbridge-review-from-the-abstract-to-the-realistic-and-from-enigmatic-to-the-monographic-axe-vale-arts-first-exhibition-reveals-an-inspiring-range-of-creativity/
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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. Church Rooms. 2pm. Crafternoon.
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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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2025
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Wed 15 January. 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 17 Jan. Axe Vale Arts, LIVE MUSIC. Randy Swindlers. The Old Methodist Chapel, West Street, Axbridge. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets £10, £8 concession. See https://therandyswindlers.org/
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Sat 24 Jan. Quiz Night in the Town Hall. In aid of Friends of the Church who care for the statues, memorials and the historic and social structure of the church – and are not part of the Church of England but lovers of history. Taster question: What language was spoken by the first inhabitants of the town? Second question: Who wrote A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder? And finally: How many are there in a baker’s dozen? More details to follow.
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Sat 7 Feb. Axe Vale Arts, LIVE MUSIC. Ciderhouse Rebellion. The Old Methodist Chapel, West Street, Axbridge. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets £10, £8 concession. See https://theciderhouserebellion.com/cider-with/
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25 Wed-28 Sat March. Live Theatre: Axbridge Community Theatre present J.B. Priestley’s I Have Been Here Before, in Axbridge Town Hall. 7.30pm. Details soon. https://www.facebook.com/AxbridgeACT/?locale=en_GB
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Sun 12 April. Robin Hood. Axe Vale Arts. Drama for young children about the outlaw of Sherwood Forest. Details to follow.
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Sat-Sun, 6-7 June. Axbridge Open Gardens. In aid of the Friends of Axbridge Church. A chance to visit lots of gardens – including the allotments – and soak up the hard work of the town’s gardeners – and maybe join in this year and open your green space as well.
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24-28 Nov. Town Hall. LIVE THEARE. Pantomime. Dick Whittington. Axbridge Community Theatre. 7.30pm Nightly.
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2029
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Sat-Mon 25-27 Aug. Axbridge. Pageant/community play. 3pm The Square. See https://www.facebook.com/groups/209118200277392/
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Harry Mottram
Axbridge News is edited by Harry Mottram and is published for the interest of himself and fellow residents.
NOTE: Everything I write on Axbridge News is in the public domain – anyone can look up the information or ask the odd question. I just put it together so it makes sense to me.
Harry is a freelance journalist. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube etc
Email:harryfmottram@gmail.com
Website:www.harrymottram.co.uk
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