By Harry Mottram: Back in the day everything from newspapers to empty jam jars, empty baked bean tins and oily rags went into the dust bin and nothing was recycled. During the 1980s things changed as it was realised rubbish dumps were overflowing and resources like glass, paper and aluminium were simply being thrown away when they could be recycled and firms and local authorities could cash in on recycling.
Dustbins and dust carts
Increasingly the nation recycles its household waste with even in the last few years in Axbridge food waste and plastics have been included while the list of what can be put out for the dustmen to collect grows. I say dustmen and dustbins and even dust carts as originally they mainly took away the dust from fireplaces and coal fired ranges. Few people have buckets of ash to dispose of now but in an age when everything we buy comes with volumes of packaging there is a need for recycling – which brings me to the collective thanks residents have for Paul Manning who regularly reminds us on the Axbridge Community FaceBook site (https://www.facebook.com/groups/393368381558682) what days we need to put out our rubbish. When he briefly suspended his reminders some of us were in a state of confusion. So thanks to him for the memory joggers. Green bins, black bins, black boxes, green boxes and food caddies – so different from the days of the traditional metal dustbin. And so much to remember. You can double check which days they are collected online at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste/check-my-collection-days/
Reservoir News
Regular walkers, joggers and cyclists who perambulate Cheddar Reservoir will have noticed the water levels are getting low. Large areas of weed, yellow clay and discarded tyres, parking cones and old bottles have been revealed as the area’s demands for the wet stuff increases in the summer. It seems unlikely the level will be as low as it has been in recent summers when islands appeared on the Cheddar side and sailing stopped – since thankfully we keep having rainy periods.
Bristol Water have however closed the Res twice this summer citing public safety over fears people would go swimming. That seems unlikely if you look at the state of the water – but as predicted by Axbridge News it wasn’t so much fears of someone drowning but more to do with anti-social behaviour and litter and perhaps to remind everyone that the Res has a permissive right of way which can be suspended. Normally they close it for one day around Christmas in order to maintain their legal rights over the path around the Res.
Steve Smith, Estates Manager at Bristol Water, said: “We understand that closing the reservoir feels unfair for those who use it responsibly. We want to keep the path open and see closing the reservoir as a last resort. We’re appealing to everyone in the area – especially parents – to remind others to stay to the path if you’re visiting, and that it’s not safe to swim in the reservoir. We’re all for fun and good times, but only when it’s safe, the reservoir must be used for walks on the path only. If our officers and rangers see high levels of unsafe behaviour, and particularly if we see gatherings on the embankment with people refusing to comply with health and safety rules, we will have no choice but to consider closures again.”
Axbridge Carnival
For those new to the town the annual Axbridge September Blackberry Carnival and Fun Fair is one of the town’s big days. A fun fair is set up in the Square from Thursday to Saturday night and on Saturday afternoon carnival floats, walking entries, trade vehicles and vintage cars and vans parade through the town. Thousands of people line the streets and hundreds take part in the procession. It is a day not to miss – and is usually blessed with fine weather. (I say usually as I don’t want to jinx it.)
At Axbridge School’s fete this year’s Carnival Royalty appeared – and they will take pride of place on a lavishly decorated float to lead the procession in September. They are: Carnival Queen – India; Carnival Prince – Robbie; Carnival Princess – Ellie; Flower Girl – Lola. It is a traditional role with many ex-Royals saying it was one of the best days of their lives since they are treated like Royalty as they represent the day. They are our pride and joy.
The carnival dates back decades with its origins in the mists of time – but was given a boost when the bypass was built in the 1960s. And unlike Bridgwater, Taunton and Wells’ carnivals it takes place in daylight at a time of year when it is unlikely to snow – and remains very much as a family event. The carnival committee is a social and welcoming group of residents who organise fundraisers throughout the year – to join them, volunteer on the day or to enter the carnival – visit https://www.blackberrycarnival.com/
Entry forms now available online – so join in – don a costume and have a brilliant day.
This year’s carnival is on Saturday, September 20th, 2025. The roads are closed with the procession gathering in Cheddar Road from around 1pm – where parking is also suspended.
Review of the art exhibition at 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/
Review of the poetry night: https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/2025/07/24/axbridge-news-love-loss-and-toilet-dreams-a-review-and-report-of-the-first-poetry-evening-at-axe-vale-arts-featuring-words-on-canal-boats-a-goose-and-george-floyd-plus-a-recital-of-gk-chester/
Arts Centre News
A reminder that the arts centre is now open – it is the former Methodist Chapel/Church in West Street and named Axe Vale Arts – by its founders Paul Hughes and Pete Harding. The launch day saw hundreds enjoy the music, talks and art exhibition in July while the acoustic night and the poetry nights were well supported. The dates for the next ones are below – while in September Badapple Theatre bring their play ‘Crumbs’ to the arts centre. It follows the life and times of our heroine, an ex-TV baking show host who has recently been “let-go” from a high profile TV show under dubious circumstances. Now trying to re-style herself within the fast-paced and cut-throat world of influencers and social media millionaires, we follow her hilarious slips and trips in her live baking show as she tries to keep the lights- and the oven- on in the face of almost certain doom…
This is a hilarious one-person show from the pen of Kate Bramley (York Theatre Royal/ Badapple Theatre) so expect much comedy AND baking for the audience to taste at the end.
Tickets for the show on Sunday September 28th at www.badappletheatre.co.uk
Calendar of events
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 and hopefully we can sort out a permanent calendar for the town soon.
Sat 2 Aug. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Wed 20 Aug. Axbridge. Acoustic music evening at Axe Vale Arts Centre. 7.30pm.
Sat 23 Aug. Axbridge. The Oakhouse. Music Festival. 5 bands plus DJ. From11am.
Wed 27 Aug. Axbridge. Poetry evening at Axe Vale Arts Centre. 7pm.
Sun 31 Aug. Axbridge. Lamb inn. Pub quiz. 8pm.
Sat 6 Sep. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Thu 18-Sat 20 Sep. Axbridge Fun Fair. Axbridge Square.
Sat, 20 Sep. Axbridge Carnival. 2pm. Procession through the town.
Sun 28 Sept. Axbridge. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Crumbs. Badapple Theatre. 7pm.
Sat 4 Oct. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Sun 5 Oct. Axbridge. Phil Hill in Concert. Carnival fundraiser. Town Hall. 7.15pm.
Sat 1 Nov. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Sat, 22 Nov: Axbridge Progressive Supper. 6pm-11.30pm.
Wed 26-Sat 29 Nov. Axbridge Town Hall. ACT present the play Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial.
Sat 6 Dec. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Sat 20 Dec. Axbridge Square. Santa in the Square celebrations.
Wed 31 Dec. Axbridge. New Year Celebrations in the Square. 11.59pm.
2029
Sat-Mon 25-27 Aug. Axbridge. Pageant/community play. 3pm The Square.
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, YouTube etc
Email:harryfmottram@gmail.com
Website:www.harrymottram.co.uk
You must be logged in to post a comment.