By Harry Mottram: Visitors to Cheddar Reservoir during the last few days will have noticed works taking place at the Sharpham Road side of the man-made lake. Under the Water Industry Act 1991 Bristol Water carried out excavations under their Emergency Draw Down Project to expose an existing pipe running along land next to Sharpham Road and the access road to the car park. At one time the path around the reservoir was closed at the entrance from the car park to the public while part of the rugby ground and other areas along the road were also excavated. Axbridge News understands the work is related to preparations ahead of work to construct Cheddar Reservoir 2. A second consultation is set to take place this year before planning proposals are finalised.
In presentations last year South West Water who own Bristol Water outlined what they called the ‘zone of operation’ that included several fields to the south and west of the reservoir earmarked for activities along with much of the Sharpham Road area including the playing fields – and the Strawberry Line linking Axbridge to Cheddar. More details on the proposed reservoir and its long pipeline to Devon are on the website of WCWE England and Wales, West Country Water and Environment (formerly known as West Country Water Resources) at https://www.westcountrywaterandenvironment.org/flagship-projects/cheddar-reservoir-sro/about-the-cheddar-2-sro-project
WCWE were tasked by the government under the National Framework for Water Resources to create a regional water resources plan that looks ahead to 2050 and beyond. The Pennon Group in Exeter own South West Water. Work is expected to begin in 2028 with a completion date of 2030 or later.
Cross talk on Cheddar Reservoir 2
This Wednesday there is a talk by Axevale Climate Action on theenvironmental aspects of the proposed Cheddar 2 Reservoir.Join Helen Gavin, the Environment Lead, is to talk on the environmental aspects of the Cheddar 2 Reservoir project. The action group said they are looking forward to ‘understanding what will be proposed to support wildlife and biodiversity through the project.’
The meeting is open to all and is on Wed 25th March in Cross Memorial Hall at 7pm. Refreshments available for a donation to cover costs. I would attend but have a ticket for the play in Axbridge that night.
JB Priestley revisited
Axbridge Community Theatre are staging JB Priestley’s play I Have Been Here Before in the town hall this week with a run from Wednesday 25th to Saturday 28th March 2026, nightly at 7.30pm with a further run in Bristol at the Alma Tavern for two nights next week. Directed by John Bailey the cast includes some familiar faces from the town. Liz Browne and Chris Jarman play the unhappy couple of Janet and Walter Ormund, while Tony Wilson plays the mysterious Dr Gortler – a German refugee – who seems to know more than he’s letting on. Jude Wilson plays schoolteacher Oliver Farrant, while the proprietors of the Black Bull Inn where the action takes place are Sally Pratt and Sam Shipley who are played respectively by Sian Tutill and Phil Saunders.
Written in 1937 the drama is one of Priestley’s ‘Time Plays’ which have an element of déjà vu in which a character appears to be able to look back into the past. No spoilers though. John Boynton Priestley or JB Priestley as he mainly known was a highly successful novelist, playwright, screenwriter and broadcaster. In his time in the 1930s and during the war he was one of the most famous men in England. Famed for his wartime radio broadcast, the author of The Good Companions and his play An Inspector Calls. ACT have previously staged Time and the Conways – another of his ‘Time Plays’.Tickets on sale online at: Axbridge Community Theatre event tickets from TicketSource. – and in the Post Office
Photos of the dress rehearsal by Adam Clutterbuck.
Axe Vale Arts Centre
This week the former Methodist Chapel and now The Axe Vale Arts Centre features an exhibition of work by local artists Ros and David Cuthbert in the Undercroft Gallery in West Street. There’s a private view on Friday night and the show is open on Saturday and Sunday – see the poster for details. There are plenty more events on at the centre in April and May – for details see the Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/groups/393368381558682/user/61577360096860
Note: I get asked this frequently so just to repeat I write up these stories from time to time out of personal interest – all the information is in the public domain – I put it together, so it makes sense to me. I am not paid – my main job is covering Bath for Bath Voice News and ICSM of Bridgwater which is about business insolvencies.
Axbridge Diary
I try to keep this diary of what’s on in the town up to date – so do send in your events to me as it gets thousands of reads a month – I’ve moved it to a new spot on my website. See https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/journalist/axbridge/diary/
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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
Our next production is one of J.B Priestley’s mysterious “time plays” – “I Have Been Here Before”. Sian Tutill will be playing Sally Pratt, landlord’s daughter at the remote Black Bull Inn. Performance dates are: 25-28 March at Axbridge Town Hall and 31 March to 1 April at the Alma Tavern in Bristol. Tickets are on sale at: https://sites.google.com/site/axcomtheatre/ and in Axbridge Post Office.
Artwork – Lucid Dreaming II by Barry Cawston
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd
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Sat-Sun, 28-29 Mar. Art exhibition.
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Sunday 29 March. Sale.
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Sun 29 Mar 2026. Local Talent Showcase. Axe Vale Arts Centre
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
With Holly Gray and George Evans.
These Sunday afternoon slots are an opportunity for talented local musicians to perform live and showcase their material. Come along and enjoy!
Free but suggested donation of £5 on the door. Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/axbridge/axe-vale-arts-centre/local-talent-showcase/e-emjoky
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Sat 4 April 2026. Beginners Writing Workshop. Axe Vale Arts Centre
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
Every great story pivots around three essential narrative drivers: people, place and plot.
Learn how to identify these in works of literature, how to develop and curate your own ideas, and what tools to use to make them unique to you and your writing.
This workshop will use group activities, inspiration-stimulating writing exercises, and seminar-style discussion to help you hone your writing voice and if you want to, a current piece of work. You are encouraged to bring the writing tools you prefer, whether it’s notebook and pen or Notes App.
The workshop runs from 10am to 4pm with an hour for lunch.
Coffee and tea will be available during the workshop, but please bring lunch with you. Alternatively there are a number of places to buy lunch in Axbridge Town Square (just a 3 minute walk from the workshop venue).
There are just 12 places available for this workshop, so please book early to avoid disappointment!
About the Tutor:
Emily K Goodman is a published short story writer, editor for Axe River Books, and holds an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa. After attending the Manchester Writing School Teaching Creative Writing course, she ran writing workshops for Leonard Cheshire, DareShack, Weston Writers Nights, the Wessex Learning Trust, and hosted The Short Story Salon for two years.
Her specific area of interest is getting people into writing who may not have followed the formal educational path expected.
Her workshops are also relevant to people keen to spend time on practical, energising work to support their creative development.
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Wed 8th April. LIVE MUSIC Walking River Trunk. Axe Vale Arts Centre
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
Nelson Dias and Zé Costa (aka Walking River Trunk) are talented Portuguese folk/blues musicians with a broad repertoire. They play their own compositions in English as well as covers of artists such as Neil Young, Dylan, Johnny Cash, Pearl Jam, The Cure, Glen Hansard, and Tom Petty. They also play some excellent classic Portuguese songs.
Nelson and Zé’s warmth and passion for music never fail to engage and charm their audiences. Why not come along and be charmed, by an evening of music with this fabulous duo.
Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/axbridge/axe-vale-arts-centre/walking-river-trunk/e-rbxmzz
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Sat 11th April. Introduction to Life Drawing.
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
To learn to draw the human figure is a huge challenge and a joy.
You do not need to have done life drawing previously, but you should already have some drawing experience. The Tutor Ros Cuthbert will give tuition and guidance throughout the day. We will spend the day working from a nude model. There will be short poses as well as longer ones. Bring your preferred drawing materials and paper, and a drawing board if you have one. Easels will be supplied. The workshop runs from 10am to 4pm with an hour for lunch.
Coffee and tea will be available during the workshop, but please bring lunch with you.
Alternatively there are a number of places to buy lunch in Axbridge Town Square (just a 3 minute walk from the workshop venue). There are 15 places available for this workshop, so please book early to avoid disappointment!
About the Tutor:
Ros Cuthbert MA (RCA) RWA, graduated from the Central School of Art and Design in 1974. She was tutored by the visionary painter Cecil Collins, and studied relief printmaking with internationally respected wood engraver Blair Hughes-Stanton. She went on to study her MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art where she explored the figure, pattern and still life subjects, winning the Figurative art Prize in 1977. Ros’s career spans five decades, and in that time she has worked in watercolour, oils, mixed media, and relief printmaking.
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Sun 12 April. Local Talent Showcase. Axe Vale Arts Centre
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
With Jenny McNamara and Ross Wallis.
These Sunday afternoon slots are an opportunity for talented local musicians to perform live and showcase their material. Come along and enjoy!
Free but suggested donation of £5 on the door. Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/axbridge/axe-vale-arts-centre/local-talent-showcase/e-emjoky
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Mon 13 April. Axbridge Town Council. 7.30pm. Full Council Meeting.
The Town Council meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:30pm in Axbridge Town Hall. The two Committee meetings also take place in the Town Hall: Planning and Licences; Personnel and Protocol. These committees generally meet on the fourth Monday of each month. An additional planning meeting may also be held immediately before Council where necessary.
Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings and may speak for up to three minutes, in accordance with standing orders. This must be in relation to the business to be transacted at that meeting or business that is relevant to the council’s legal responsibilities. Please be aware that the Council is only permitted to deal with business on the agenda. A query raised during public participation may therefore be referred to the relevant committee or advisory group to address outside of the meeting.
For more on the council, how to join, and to see other meetings visit https://www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk/
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Fri 17 Apr 2026. Axe Vale Arts Centre. The Lost Trades. LIVE MUSIC. 7.30am.
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
The Lost Trades are a Folk Americana trio from Wiltshire. They make a sound reminiscent of the California folk scene of the late 60’s and early 70’s. Specialising in three-part harmonies they combine quality song writing, faultless arrangement and perfect stage presence. They play an inter-changing and inter-weaving number of instruments including guitar, ukulele, bass and percussion. They have made 3 albums to-date including The Bard, The Book and The Barrel, which spent 8 months in the official UK Folk album chart.
Join us for an evening of delightful music with this quality act.
Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/axbridge/axe-vale-arts-centre
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Friday 17th April. Axe Vale Arts Centre. 10.30 to 12.30pm. Introduction to Haiku writing.
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
Discover the art of Haiku writing, with poet and short story writer Hamish MacNeil.
This is a workshop for beginners who want to know more about the history of Haiku, and to learn the gentle art of writing these delicate, finely balanced poems. Why not come along and have a go?
A free haiku workbook is included with the ticket price.
Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/axbridge/axe-vale-arts-centre
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Fri 24 Apr – Last Wednesday’s Work Shirt. Live Theatre in the Axe Vale Arts Centre. Organised by Take Art at The Old Methodist Chapel.
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
See https://peabientheatre.co.uk/
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Sun 26 Apr 2026. Hickory Dickory. Axe Vale Arts Centre. 2pm, 5pm.
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
Award-winning Garlic Theatre have been touring with their brand new glove puppet show, and we are delighted to welcome them to Axbridge! Join us for a merry slapstick 2 person show, starring glove puppets, silly museum curators, dozy delivery drivers, a magnificent clock and that song you’ve all been waiting for….you know the one! For children aged 3-8 years and their families.
About Hickory Dickory Dock…
In the marvellous Museum of Clocks is a wonderful Mouse Clock for all to see. One day the clock is broken and a brave little mouse runs away… In another part of town Mrs Hickory orders a new alarm clock and a huge box arrives on her doorstep. Why is it so big? And what is that squeaking sound inside?
As time ticks by, can Mrs Hickory and her cat Dickory catch the mouse running all over the house, and will the beautiful old clock ever chime again?
The show has a running time of 50 minutes. Pre-show, there will be an opportunity for children to get to know the characters with drawings that they can colour in. After the show there will be another opportunity to meet the puppets themselves. A truly magical afternoon for children and families alike.
About Garlic Theatre
Garlic Theatre is an award winning, international visual theatre company that has toured to 21 countries outside the UK. Penny Francis OBE described Garlic Theatre as one of the main puppetry companies in the UK producing wholly original work. Garlic Theatre tours successfully to theatres, festivals, art centres, village halls and schools to average audience figures of 20,000 per year. Founded in 1997, Garlic Theatre has a fantastic reputation for unusual, funny, eccentric and highly original performances that fire the imagination of children and adults.
Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/axbridge/axe-vale-arts-centre
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Sat 9 May 2026, 11:00AM. Drumming Workshop – 2 sessions
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
Target group is 14-25 year olds.
There are two drumming workshops on Saturday 9th May, this is the morning session 11am-12pm (duration one hour). (There is also an afternoon session for 16 years upwards, which is set up as a separate event on the Box Office).
The workshop, run by tutor Eliza Wylie, will be an introduction to traditional West African drumming using Djembe drums and Dundun drums.
There will also be fun with rhythm games and some movement.
You do not need any previous drumming or musical experience.
There are just 15 places available on this session, so please book early to avoid disappointment!
About the tutor:
Eliza Wylie has been playing West African drums since 1992 and loves sharing the rhythms.
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Sat 9 May
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Mon 11 May. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Literary Collective and the Books, Bakes & Banter event.
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
Somerset Day at 10.30am – launch of Lu Hersey’s new book on Somerset Dragons & Folklore.
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Sat 16 May. Introduction to Clay & Glazing (two days included)
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
This is a two-session Ceramics Workshop, over two Saturdays. The ticket price includes both sessions.
Session 1 – Saturday 16th May ’26, 10am – 12pm. Introduction to Clay
Session 2 – Saturday 20th June ’26, 10am – 12pm. Introduction to Glazing Clay
If you have ever wondered about making ceramics why not try your hand at some of the basic techniques in a fun and relaxed environment?The first workshop will introduce you to clay – creating small and easy pieces using a variety of techniques with lots of hands-on practice in a relaxed atmosphere.
To get the most from this workshop it is best to attend both sessions. The pots created in the first session will be fired, and ready for you to experiment and apply a simple decoration with underglaze, which will prepare your pottery for a final glaze firing.
Your finished work can be collected later, by arrangement with Axe Vale Arts.
Coffee and tea will be available during the workshop.
There are just 8 places available for this workshop, so please book early to avoid disappointment!
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Wednesday 20 May. Axe Vale Arts Centre.
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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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Sun 7 June. Singing.
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
Join singer and workshop leader Lauren Holloway from Three Rivers acapella trio for a full day immersive singing workshop, which is open to anyone who enjoys singing in a group setting. Lauren and Three Rivers trio enthralled our audience recently at their acapella concert. During the day you’ll learn traditional 3 part-harmony polyphonic folk songs (meaning taught in 3 part harmony) from around the world, including songs from the Republic of Georgia, The Balkans and Apalacia. If you love singing with others and want to experience the joy of these beautiful and emotive songs then come along and join Lauren at Axe Vale Arts on Sunday 7th June. There is no need to read music as all songs will be taught by ear and words will be provided. Over 16’s only. The workshop runs from 10am to 4pm with an hour for lunch. Coffee and tea will be available during the workshop, but please bring lunch with you.
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Sat 13 Jun. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Writing Workshop – Flash Fiction / Humour.
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
About the Tutor:
Christopher Fielden is an award-winning and Amazon bestselling author. He is also an award-winning editor. His work has been featured in books published by independent press, established magazines and many competition anthologies.
The workshop runs from 10am to 4pm with an hour for lunch.
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Sat 20 June. Axbridge Rumble in the Jumble. 11am-3pm.
It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to spring cleaning and having a sort out. Put your unwanted stuff in a box and have a stall at the 2026 Axbridge Rumble in The Jumble. To be held on 20th June 11pm till 3pm.
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Sat 20 June. Introduction to Clay & Glazing (Part 2)
Axe Vale Arts Centre, West Street, Axbridge (The former Methodist Chapel) United Kingdom, BS26 2AA.
This is a two-session Ceramics Workshop, over two Saturdays. The ticket price includes both sessions.
Session 1 – Saturday 16th May ’26, 10am – 12pm. Introduction to Clay
Session 2 – Saturday 20th June ’26, 10am – 12pm. Introduction to Glazing Clay
If you have ever wondered about making ceramics why not try your hand at some of the basic techniques in a fun and relaxed environment?The first workshop will introduce you to clay – creating small and easy pieces using a variety of techniques with lots of hands-on practice in a relaxed atmosphere.
To get the most from this workshop it is best to attend both sessions. The pots created in the first session will be fired, and ready for you to experiment and apply a simple decoration with underglaze, which will prepare your pottery for a final glaze firing.
Your finished work can be collected later, by arrangement with Axe Vale Arts.
Coffee and tea will be available during the workshop.
There are just 8 places available for this workshop, so please book early to avoid disappointment!
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Sat 27 June. Axe Vale Arts Centre. Introduction to Textile printing with Stencils. 10:00AM
In this workshop run by tutor Soraya Schofield, you will learn how to print with textile inks and medium, using stencils onto fabric.
You will work towards designing and printing your own tote bag to take home with you. Soraya will take you through the basics of textile printing, showing you how to draw and cut your own designs so they can be printed and layered onto the fabrics.
If you are nervous about your drawing skills, don’t worry, as Soraya will have some photographs and show you how to create a design from there. There will also be lettering available for anyone wanting to devise their own slogan along with their designs.
This workshop is perfect for beginners or anyone with a little knowledge of textile print.
The workshop runs from 10am to 4pm with an hour for lunch.
Coffee and tea will be available during the workshop, but please bring lunch with you.
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10th October. Murder Mystery evening in the Town Hall. Organised by Friends of the Church
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Sat, 21 Nov: Axbridge Progressive Supper. 6pm-11.30pm.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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24-28 Nov. Town Hall. LIVE THEARE. Pantomime. Dick Whittington. Axbridge Community Theatre. 7.30pm Nightly.
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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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