By Harry Mottram: With talks ongoing over ending the war in Ukraine it was perhaps the 80th anniversary of the end of war in the Far East that made the ceremony in Axbridge more poignant. Often called the forgotten war the battles across southeast Asia involved thousands of British service men and women along with our American, Chinese, Indian, New Zealand and Australian allies. A two minute silence was observed in the Square on Friday 15th August, 2025, at noon, a proclamation was read and a wreath laid on the war memorial, while thoughts of those involved in the brief ceremony turned to those events 80 years on – and to thoughts that war is still a horror that continues to haunt Europe.
Orchard Road
Despite the graphics and information for a new estate of 43 properties off Orchard Road disappearing off their website, developer Strongbox told Axbridge News today that a planning application will be submitted in September. It was something of a mystery since they had dropped flyers through letterboxes and asked for feedback in what they termed a consultation. Axbridge News noted that a number of objections were made with the main issue being the potential of at least another 43 vehicles using Orchard Road as the access. There is access via the path running alongside Mendip View Gardens to a gate and technically if the path was cleared of vegetation, it is wide enough for a vehicle to pass along. The field is currently used for grazing by sheep. The field to the east of the plot has been cleared of bushes and undergrowth although most of the mature trees have been kept – but again that field can be accessed by the path – although it is not connected to the Strongbox plans. The Taunton based developer previously said on their website that they will hold a public meeting for residents in the town hall with the Town Council when the time comes.
Cheddar Reservoir
No updates to report on Cheddar Reservoir 2 although walkers and cyclists at the Res will have noticed the low levels of the reservoir. Bristol Water reported last week it was approximately only a third full compared to being roughly 50% full at this time last year. They are urging everyone to conserve water as they’d prefer to avoid a hosepipe ban and other restrictions. Rain is forecast for next week which should ease the situation as the fourth heatwave-come-drought continues for a few more days. They have asked families to go easy on paddling pools with these words: “Even a modest size pool can use around 600 litres of water – the bigger ones can use up to 5,000 litres. The average daily water use per person in the South West is just over 150 litres a day. Refilling a paddling pool a few times a week can send your water usage soaring.” It’s times like these that those of us who can recall the 1976 drought would like to see someone like Denis Howell appointed as Minister of Rain. That drought ended dramatically with heavy rain just days after he was appointed making him the most successful Government minister ever.
King John’s Hunting Lodge
If you have never been to King John’s Hunting Lodge – the home of the town’s museum – then pop along as it is an amazing building with the wonkiest staircase in England and a huge collection of exhibits. Plus they are looking for volunteers as it is run by er… volunteers. If you’re interested in the history of Axbridge and the surrounding area, you may be interested in joining as a trustee. A small group oversee the running of the museum which is open from spring to autumn and is housed in in the 15th century merchant’s house owned by the National Trust. If you have a few hours each month to spare then please look at the website https://kingjohnshuntinglodge.co.uk/index – and apply via https://www.sparkachange.org.uk/o/King-Johns-Hunting-Lodge-museum
The Lamb Inn
On Wednesday 20 August there will be Morris dancing outside the pub at 8pm. It is a sight to behold as Morris sides as they are known have been dancing in the Square since Shakespeare’s time and before. Their history and near extinction caused by the losses of manpower in World War One is long and fascinating. And to see English men and women dancing in the street is a joy to behold. There’s also a Ladies shopping event that night at the pub from 7.30pm – see their Facebook site for details.
The main news though is the reopening of the back room used for meetings and skittles in the past. It was to be honest a bit neglected, but Butcombe have invested in a refit and the final look is a restored skittle alley, revamped bar, smart seating and good lighting to make it an attractive venue for meetings and events. It was officially opened by the Mayor Pauline Ham and the Town Crier Nigel Scott on Saturday 9th August.
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.
Wed 20 Aug. Axbridge. Lamb Inn. Morris dancing. 8pm. 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. From 11am.
Sun 24 Aug. Axbridge. Bristol Brass Band at St John the Baptist Parish Church. 7pm. free.
Wed 27 Aug. Axbridge. Poetry evening at Axe Vale Arts Centre. (Former Methodist Chapel, West Street.) 7pm.
Sat 30 Aug. Axbridge. Lamb Inn. Weston Ukulele Players. Cider Shed. 9pm. Free – proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospice South West.
Sun 31 Aug. Axbridge. Lamb inn. Pub quiz. 8pm.
Sat 6 Sep. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Sat 6 Sep. Axbridge Square. Coin collection – unwanted foreign coins being collected in aid of Friends of Axbridge Church as well as fashion jewellery (donated) & coffee & cake in the Town Hall during the market.
Thu 18-Sat 20 Sep. Axbridge Fun Fair. Axbridge Square.
Friday 19 Sep. Cheddar Reservoir 2 Consultation. Axbridge Town Hall from 4-8pm.
Fri 19 Sep. Cross Memorial Hall. An evening with John Buckler. 7.30pm.
Sat, 20 Sep. Axbridge Carnival. 2pm. Procession through the town.
Sun 28 Sept. Axbridge. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Crumbs. Badapple Theatre. 7pm.
Fri 3 Oct, Axbridge. Music concert. Phil King in the Town Hall in aid of the carnival.
Sat 4 Oct. Axbridge Farmers’ Market. 9am-1pm. The Square.
Sat 4 Oct. Axbridge Square. Coin collection – unwanted foreign coins being collected in aid of Friends of Axbridge Church during the market.
Sat 4 Oct. Axbridge. St John’s Parish Church. Concert by Joyful Spirit Choir. 7.30pm. In aid of Friends of Axbridge Church.
Sun 5 Oct. Axbridge. Phil Hill in Concert. Carnival fundraiser. Town Hall. 7.15pm.
Sun 12 Oct. Axbridge. Axe Vale Arts Centre. (Former Methodist Chapel, West Street.) ADANNAY: Home Is Where You Make It. British-Caribbean singer-songwriter. 7pm.
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.
Sun 21 Dec. Axbridge Square. Christmas Farmers’ Market. 10am.
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
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