Axbridge News: comments on Lidl’s plans for a supermarket near Axbridge close with concerns over congestion, pedestrian and cycle access on Upper New Road – but many are in favour
Byharrymottram
Dec 15, 2025
By Harry Mottram: Reading the comments on the application of a retail store on Upper New Road which close on Monday 15 December 2025, there is an obvious split between those who want it to open and those who don’t. The main concerns of those who oppose the plans are on the practical aspects of adding a supermarket to an already busy road which can be gridlocked during the school run and other times. With roadworks and sets of lights regularly installed on the A371 between the turning to Axbridge and St Andrews Church in Cheddar many will have often wondered if it would be quicker to get out and walk.
The plans for Lidl (17/25/00051/GNN) on the Somerset Council planning portal show the layout of the proposed store and its car parking – but shows no sign of a pavement or cycle path access. There is a pavement on the opposite side of the road but without a pedestrian crossing – and from the Axbridge side – a pedestrian crossing further up at the junction with Shipham Hill – it is a hazardous crossing on a busy day.
Back in September Cheddar Parish Council objected to the plans on the issue of pedestrian access but also on congestion and whether with Sainsbury’s, Tweentown and Tesco in the village there was a need for another grocery store. Many of the comments in favour of the supermarket cite the need for a cheaper food store as Lidl is generally seen to be at the budget end of grocers with some slating Sainsbury’s as ‘a rip-off’ shop. It should be said prices at shops do fluctuate and are adjusted for different areas and what competition. Most who were in favour liked the idea of a shorter drive compared to a trip to Sainsbury’s or further afield to Budgens in Churchill or Asda in Highbridge.
Now the application has closed technically a decision could be made almost immediately with Lidl hoping (and perhaps expecting) for a green light. There has already been according to some reports of preparatory works on the site – which would necessitate the demolition of the house which stands on the land. Now it is up to the planners – but if they do agree with perhaps some modifications then the area could see the super market opened in 2027. Which is when just up the road Bristol Water could begin building their new access road to the reservoir. It would appear the valley is set for massive new developments in the next 24 months – and I’ve not even mentioned the plans at the old Yeo Valley site just yards away also off the A371.
For the record Lidl is a private grocery chain based in Germany dating back to the 1930s although it wasn’t until 1994 that the firm opened its first shop in the UK. In the 1970s the company began to focus on discounting – some say they copied Aldi’s model – but that is contested – the point being the two rivals now dominate the small supermarket sector across Britain and Europe with thousands of stores. The store says it pays a minimum of £13 an hour and will be recruiting new staff – and offer benefits including enhanced holiday entitlement, life assurance and optional health and dental insurance. They add: “Lidl GB is the only discounter to offer a colleague discount in store and has the most competitive maternity pay package in the sector. Lidl does not operate zero hours contracts. All Lidl recruitment specifically targets our stores’ primary catchment areas (usually less than a five-minute drive from the store). This means that around 80% of the jobs will be filled locally, providing a real boost to the local economy.”
Don’t forget to check out what’s on in the town at https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/diary/
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Axbridge News: Cheddar Reservoir 2, parking in the Square, Boxing Day hunt faces ban, Santa in the Square, Strawberry Line Closure and the Axbridge Diary with what’s on in the town
Byharrymottram
Dec 13, 2025
By Harry Mottram: Christmas is nearly upon us so a brief reminder of some of the events in the town to mark the festive season. Marking the celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ there is a carol service in St John the Baptist parish church at 6pm on Sunday 21st December and a Christingle service on Christmas Eve in the church at 4pm – always popular with families. This is followed by Midnight Mass at 11pm with a Christmas Day service in the church at 10am.
Santa in the Square
Christmas isn’t Christmas without Father Christmas and the man in red will make an appearance on Saturday, 20th December when he arrives in style in The Square. Qualifying children will receive a present while The Square is filled with hundreds of people with the road temporarily closed for safety reasons. The Sports and Social are behind the event which features a stand with mulled wine, braziers to warm your hands on, a pig roast, children’s entertainment and organised carol singing. It’s a lovely atmosphere and a chance to catch up with friends and get in the festive spirit. The fun starts around 4pm and continues into the early evening and should you wish to continue celebrating there’s a silent disco in the Lamb Inn later – while the night before there is outdoor cinema by the Oakhouse with the screening of It’s A Wonderful Life – check details on the Axbridge Diary at https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/diary/
Cheddar Reservoir 2
Walkers and joggers will have noticed the reservoir is now around 90% full with water entering from an inlet under the Sharpham Road tower which is good news for the yacht club members. Meanwhile Axbridge News understands preparations for Cheddar Reservoir 2 continue with surveyors and engineers checking out the fields and geology of the fields around the reservoir – including the route of the new access road and the construction of the new treatment works off Portmead Drove on the Axbridge side.
West Country Water and Environment or WCWE (on behalf of Bristol Water owned by South West Water) who are behind the project to build the new reservoir and the pipeline linking it to Devon was tasked by the government under the National Framework for Water Resources to ensure there is enough water for the area in the coming years.
WCWE said: “Once operational, the new reservoir will permanently reshape the land, becoming a new visual feature. We are reviewing temporary and permanent access options for the new reservoir from the A371 in the north, Middle Moor Lane and the Lower New Road in the south.Construction will bring increased traffic and temporary disruptions, which will be carefully managed. All aspects, from environmental impact to public safety, are being carefully considered in the design process.”
Consultations begin in earnest in 2026 with planning applications the following year and construction expected to begin in 2028 or 2029 with completion a couple of years after that.
Strawberry Line Closure
On Tuesday 16 December 2025, the Strawberry Line will be closed from 9am to 5pm to all users between the Woodborough Road bridge and Winscombe Sports Club for essential Ash dieback safety work. The work is scheduled to take one day, but may extend into Wednesday 17 December if required and is being carried out by North Somerset Council. The diversion is through the car park at the football club, down the Vinery, Lynch and Green or Woodborough Road rejoining at the former station.
Trail Hunting Ban Plan
Consultations begin next year driven by a cross-party parliamentary group called The New Hunting Ban on bringing to an end trail hunting which replaced traditional fox hunting in 2004. The group said: “Since the passing of the Hunting Act 2004, fox hunting and other forms of hunting with hounds have continued almost unabated across England and Wales, with only lip service paid to the concept of “trail hunting” – a practice that has only ever existed on paper. In reality, hunting never ceased, and hunts continue to kill wildlife, abuse dogs, antagonise locals, and disrupt rural life. Enforcement of hunting law has been difficult, prosecutions rare, and convictions even rarer. The 2004 Act, while a significant step, failed to account for the determination of hunts to evade the law.”
If parliament approves of a ban on trail hunting, then the annual Boxing Day meet in the Square will see its days numbered. In recent years voices have been raised against the meet with passions running high on both sides. Nationwide polls continue to show a majority against all forms of hunting with hounds while parliament is likely to pass the legislation should it be proposed in the next couple of years. For more see https://thenewhuntingban.com/
Parking in The Square
Axbridge Town Council’s consultation over proposed plans to change the layout of parking places in The Square has now ended. The plans in discussion with Somerset Highways and Axbridge Town Trust address the changing nature of vehicles with these three main concerns: Small size of parking spaces: The dimensions of current spaces are often insufficient for modern vehicles, causing difficulties for drivers; Misuse of the disabled parking bay: The designated bay is not legally enforceable and, therefore, is frequently used by vehicles without a valid Blue Badge, preventing access for those who need it; Obstruction caused by parking near the Co-op: The first bay outside the Co-op is a frequent point of obstruction, particularly for buses navigating the area.
The proposed changes are outlined below and shown on the attached plans:
- Disabled bay relocation: The disabled bay will be moved to a space on the north side of The Square, facing the Oak House. This new bay will be clearly marked with a sign, making it legally enforceable.
- Wider spaces on the north side: The row of spaces on the north side of The Square will be widened, reducing the total from 8 to 7 accessible spaces.
- Access to the north side: The road to the north of The Square, by The Lamb and Ripleys will be widened, creating easier access.
- Reallocation of the current disabled bay: The current disabled bay will be converted into a general parking space.
- Revised spacing near the Alms House: The space adjacent to the Alms House will be moved back towards the edge of the road. This will create space for a bike rack, reduce “fly parking,” and make it easier for people to get in and out of their cars on the south side of The Square.
- Parking layout on the west side: The spaces on the west side will be moved towards the Hunting Lodge by half a space, away from the junction with Old Church Road. This area will be hatched, and the remaining spaces will be wider, reducing the total from 5 to 4.
The town council said: “The cost of this redesign work will be paid for by Axbridge Town Council, using money received from The Community Infrastructure Levy funds from the construction of Lavender Rise. While there will be a net loss of two parking spaces in The Square, we believe the improvements will significantly benefit residents. Additionally, the recent provision of 12 new public spaces at Lavender Rise should compensate for the reduction. The improved navigation will also reduce the threat from the Bus Company to reroute the bus.”
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Axbridge News: The Annual Charity Progressive Supper raises £1,701 in one night
With more than 100 residents taking part in the Axbridge Progressive Supper an impressive £1,701 was raised on the night for local charities. Held on Saturday 22 November 2025, starting and finishing at the Oakhouse Hotel via many homes in the town the annual event will be donating £567 to Cheddar Food Bank, Axe Vale Arts and Friends of Axbridge Church. The money came from the fees people pay to take part and the raffle held on the night.
Co-organiser Anna Dawson said she was delighted with the figure and thanked Marina and Dave at the Oakhouse and all the diners and hosts who took part in the unusual extended dinner. Anna also said without the help of Nicky Frewin, Rachel Wilkinson and Steve Dawson administrating the courses in the Oakhouse and Sue Binns and Heather Dugmore selling over £400 in raffle tickets the evening could not have happened. She said: “Thank you very much to all who took part, 108 participants this year! Special thanks to our 39 hosting pairs from the west in Compton Lane to the far end of Cheddar Road in the east. We know how much effort all the hosts put into making the evening such a success and we really appreciate all the delicious food, drinks and hospitality given. We hope you will join us next year.”
Co-organiser Margaret Cowie said each year the supper supports local charities and groups which in the past has included the parent teacher group at the school and the Axbridge Pageant. The Food Bank based in Cheddar was supported again this year due to the cost-of-living crisis that has hit many families. New this year is the Axe Vale Arts Centre based in the former Methodist Chapel in West Street which stages a number of music, arts and drama events with the hope of being able to buy the redundant church in the future. Previously the supper had donated to The Friends of Axbridge Church who raised money for a new accessible ramp for the historic building to enhance the visitor experience and with this donation more work can take place in preserving the monuments within the church.
To find out more about the supper including the date of the next one visit the Facebook group site at https://www.facebook.com/AxbridgeProgressive/ and find out more at https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/journalist/axbridge-news/axbridge-features/progressive-supper-2025/
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Axbridge Theatre Preview: It’s WAG on WAG as Rebekah Vardy goes head to head with Coleen Rooney in a very 21st century celebrity legal drama staged in Axbridge Town Hall
By Harry Mottram: In a drama all about saving face, ego and incredible wealth – the footballers wives of Jeremy Vardy and Wayne Rooney face each other in court following Rebekah Vardy’s decision to sue Coleen Rooney for defamation over leaked private messages about her private life. Mrs Rooney was convinced Mrs Vardy was behind the leaks and set a trap to expose her fellow WAG – and the phrase Wagatha Christie was born.
In 2022 the libel case finally arrived in court with the public and media gripped. From the transcripts of the court case TV script writer Olivia Hennessy created the play Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial which was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award – and now you can witness the drama in Axbridge Town Hall this week. Directed by Phil Saunders of Axbridge Community Theatre the cast features some well known local faces in what will no doubt have you gripped up until the final judgement.
There have been various documentaries about the court case and a two part Channel 4 drama – in which the lives of the Wives and Girlfriends of famous footballers are laid bare for all to see – along with the eye-wateringly high legal bills. Meanwhile their husbands continue with their footballing lives. Wayne has recently retired from a long career which ended when he managed Plymouth and Derby while Jamie is still playing top flight football – this time in Italy.
Words from Axbridge Community Theatre: “Edited from seven days of High Court transcripts, witness the case of Rebekah Vardy v Coleen Rooney as it unfolds, in their own words. A story stranger than fiction that blurs the boundaries of tabloid scoop, court case and soap opera, this trial explores privacy and celebrity in modern Britain whilst asking “who is Davy Jones and where exactly is his locker”? While the country was captivated, only a handful of people witnessed what happened behind closed doors. Now you can too! This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. Rehearsal Photography by Adam Clutterbuck.”
Tickets are still available for Wednesday and Thursday at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/axbridgecommunitytheatre
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Axbridge News: Bristol Water confirm Cheddar Reservoir 2 is on – and the real reason for the delays
By Harry Mottram: Six years after it seemed the diggers where about to move in to excavate Cheddar Reservoir 2 in the land between the Clay Pits and the Cheddar Yeo there’s still no sign of work beginning on what will be one of the county’s largest infrastructure projects.
That’s actually not quite true as in the last few weeks contractors have been taking soundings in the land south of the current reservoir ahead of any major work taking place. I made an enquiry to the press office at Bristol Water about Cheddar Reservoir 2 and after a wait Water Supply Optimisation manager Owen Smith got back to me.
Basically, due to the amount of time that has passed since 2018 when it appeared it was all systems go for the new reservoir Bristol Water needed to resurvey and re-evaluate the project in case things have changed.
He wrote: “The work developing the Cheddar 2 proposal is very much ongoing and is being progressed by West Country Water Resources (a combination of Bristol Water, Wessex Water and South West Water). As you can imagine such a significant infrastructure project requires time to collect information and develop proposals, whilst the key principle of increasing the volume of storage to make more water available from our existing resources remains the same, where the water is going and how it is connected into each water company has evolved – so it’s not as simple as just refreshing the previous plans. I appreciate the local community would like to hear more, and further updates will be provided in the coming months.”
Back in 2018 there were several issues that arose, the first being the cost which caused OFWAT to kick out the plans as the bill was essentially being passed on to customers which would have seen an above inflation hike in our water bills. Another issue was acquiring the land as it is all farmland off Hellier’s Lane with the farm at Gypsy Lane submerged along with some other agricultural buildings. There was also the problem of the Clay Pits beloved by anglers which may have to be sacrificed for the project, along with around 100 mature trees and about two miles of hedgerows which are cover for numerous wild animals, birds, flowers, plants and insects. Bristol Water assured the public that new trees would be planted to compensate for the loss and the new reservoir would be designed to encourage a range of wildlife habitats.
The geology of the area will not have changed but at the time of the first enquiry there was a local story of anthrax infected cattle being buried in the fields after the First World War. No evidence was found to support this or the theory there may have been either a Romano British or Early Medieval harbour on the Levels.
Whatever the outcome of the latest plans clearly the decision to proceed with what will be a massive infrastructure project has been taken.
Last year writing in the trade publication Greg Pitcher reported: “South West Water will invest £2.8bn to upgrade a third of water treatment works in Devon and Cornwall, reduce leakage to less than 10%, create a water grid to ensure all strategic reservoirs are connected and invest in large reservoirs starting with Cheddar 2 in Bristol. Water companies have set out plans to almost double their spending on the network during asset management period (AMP) 8, 2025 to 2030. The utilities filed their business plans to regulator Ofwat on Monday 2 October, asking for permission to hike customer bills to allow them to invest a combined £96bn in 2025-30. If approved, these proposals will see a raft of infrastructure projects carried out in AMP8 to improve the reliability of clean water supplies and reduce sewage spills into rivers and seas. Sector body Water UK said utilities had asked for approval to build 10 reservoirs as well to use cutting-edge technology and nature-based solutions to slash wastewater overflows.”
Initially I assumed the delay was due to a change of Government this summer and the ongoing bad publicity over pollution of rivers and the sea by the water utilities of which South West Water was implicated – especially over the Brixham incident which say households having to boil their water. Since 2018 Bristol Water was acquired by South West Water based in Exeter and part of the Pennon Group has plans to expand. Earlier this year they bought Sumisho Osaka Gas Water UK Limited, the holding company of Sutton and East Surrey Water plc (“SES Water”). Now the project is back on the utility’s agenda with South West Water confirming it hopes to have the new reservoir in operation by 2033 – some 95 years after the first one was opened just before WW2.
Axbridge News 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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October 11, 2024
Axbridge News: the reason why the levels in Cheddar Reservoir were so low this summer despite the unseasonably heavy rain
By Harry Mottram: It was a paradise for wetland birds, swan, ducks, coots and waders such as herons, dunlins and egrets but for many humans Cheddar Reservoir looked (and smelled) rather weird. Huge areas of the floor to the reservoir were exposed as water levels dropped to near drought levels with the yacht club unable to use the jetty as islands appeared and the vast clay floor partly exposed.
Depsite the heavy rain in the summer with a particularly soggy June and September according to the Met Office it wasn’t as wet as 2012 – the wettest summer since 1891. It was also cooler this summer than normal while Somerset saw above average rainfall in September when usually the levels rise quickly – but that didn’t happen until the start of October when water was being pumped into the Reservoir at a much higher rate.
The reason given by Bristol Water is perhaps not the one I for one had expected. I had summised it was Barrow Tanks where the water was going in the Southern Resilience pipline constructed in 2018. In fact it was a problem in Chew Valley Lake that had to be fixed with water pumped from Cheddar Reservoir.
We operate our reservoirs and wider network as one conjunctive system due to the high level of interconnectivity we have, this means that we can vary our supply strategy for a given scenario. Cheddar reservoir level can vary quite significantly throughout the year, the summer of 2023 was particularly wet and levels remained unusually high, whereas 2024 started wet, but this summer was less wet than 2023.
This is a statement from Bristol Water to my inquiry: “We have had good flows into Cheddar Reservoir this year, we have also pumped out a large volume too. This year we had an extended blue-green algae outbreak on Chew Valley Lake so we reduced our abstraction during these periods, whereas Cheddar was not affected and provided support. Additionally, when the inflows are good and the environment is wetter a good autumn/winter refill is the most likely scenario and we can drop the level lower.”
Chew Valley Lake is a flooded valley with the work to create a dam, remove thousands of tons of soil, rocks, trees, hedgerows and the village of Moreton begun in 1951 and completed in 1956. It is the fifth largest man made lake in the UK running to around an area of around 1,200 acres is size when full. Like Cheddar Reservoir Chew Valley Lake allows sailing and fishing and other water based activities but these were suspended due to high levels of blue-green algae in June as the algae can be harmful to people and animals causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Axbridge News 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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Cheddar Reservoir Two is back on
This article is from earlier in 2024 and since then there has not been an update on the new reservoir from South West Water – possibly to the change of Government in July and issues over pollution in the summer of 2024.
By Harry Mottram: Back in 2018 we thought the Cheddar Reservoir two project was dead. Ofwat had pulled the plug on the plans to dig a huge new reservoir south of the current one cost grounds. The plan had been to give the water customers the bill – which was ruled out by the regulator. Instead a pipeline was dug linking the Res with Barrow Tanks near Bristol – with the pipes running under the Strawberry Line and through Shute Shelve Tunnel.
Now the project is back on the utilities’ agenda with South West Water confirming it hopes to have the new reservoir in operation by 2033 – some 95 years after the first one was opened just before WW2. The plans were put forward earlier this year but have come to everyone’s attention in an article in the New Civil Engineer.
In the trade publication Greg Pitcher reported this month: “South West Water will invest £2.8bn to upgrade a third of water treatment works in Devon and Cornwall, reduce leakage to less than 10%, create a water grid to ensure all strategic reservoirs are connected and invest in large reservoirs starting with Cheddar 2 in Bristol.
“Water companies have set out plans to almost double their spending on the network during asset management period (AMP) 8, 2025 to 2030. The utilities filed their business plans to regulator Ofwat on Monday 2 October, asking for permission to hike customer bills to allow them to invest a combined £96bn in 2025-30. If approved, these proposals will see a raft of infrastructure projects carried out in AMP8 to improve the reliability of clean water supplies and reduce sewage spills into rivers and seas. Sector body Water UK said utilities had asked for approval to build 10 reservoirs as well to use cutting-edge technology and nature-based solutions to slash wastewater overflows.”
In 2013 it was Bristol Water who were behind the plans which would have seen a huge reservoir dug south of the current Res swallowing up the Clay Pits, Gypsy Lane Farm, Helliers Lane and Hythe Lane off the B3151 Wedmore Road. Since then the management of Bristol Water has been taken over by South West Water who clearly have major plans for the region. Apart from cutting down hundreds of mature trees, scrubbing out miles of hedges the project would mean massive amounts of earthworks and road traffic of heavy plant and trucks.
Back then there were concerns over anthrax infected livestock that had been thought to have been buried in the area decades ago, fears that the excavations would destroy a possible Saxon port linked to the River Axe and more fancifully a Roman farm. And rather more to the point there was a suggestion it would need a new road from the A38 by the petrol station up the valley to the site to accommodate the site traffic.
I was reporting for the Cheddar Valley Gazette then and it was a huge story – with people living in the homes near the potential site concerned their house values would plummet – let alone their concerns of all the dust and noise created by the construction.
Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby writing for Somerset Live reported today (October 13, 2023): “Plans for a new reservoir near the Mendip Hills in Somerset appear to be back on the table, according to recently published plans. Bristol Water first teased plans for a second reservoir in Cheddar back in 2013, claiming that the reservoir would be built to the south of the village’s existing reservoir and could hold up to nine billion litres of water.
“The project (dubbed ‘Cheddar Two’) was scrapped in April 2018, with the water company claiming it was no longer needed and would focus on reducing existing leaks in its system instead.”
Patric Bulmer, head of water resources and environment at Bristol Water, stated at the time: “The information we now have on population growth and climate change has moved on significantly since we proposed the Cheddar Two project.
“That, coupled with our planned reduction in leakage and work to improve water efficiency means we no longer believe the reservoir is needed.”
Ofwat will publish a draft determination for each company by June next year. These will be consulted on before final determinations are set in late 2024.
David Black, chief executive at the regulator, said: “The water industry needs to deliver a step change in investment and performance to clean up our rivers and seas, while also helping to ensure that we can meet the challenge of climate change.
“Company business plans are an important first step in the price review process. Ofwat’s role is to forensically scrutinise their proposals, to ensure any increase in bills is justified, efficient and delivers significant improvements in river and bathing water quality. We will assess how companies are helping customers to afford any bill increase.
“As we work through the business plans we will continue to monitor companies’ performance, hold them to account for delivering improvements and push them to build meaningful plans to change.”
Daniel Mumby said the project’s revival has now been corroborated within South West Water’s business plan – though it will require Ofwat’s approval by June 2024 before it can begin the process of securing planning permission afresh. The plan said: “As part of our continued investment in the UK water sector, customers of Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and those in the Isles of Scilly are set to receive their largest ever investment in their water infrastructure and in resilience, building on the track record for water services we have delivered in Devon and Cornwall, and sharing the learnings from the extended drought.
“It’s also why we’re resurrecting the previously disregarded plans for the Cheddar Two reservoir, that will benefit customers across the Greater South West. Our merger with Bristol Water, driven by synergies and strategic water resources benefits, and our active progression of the need for the new Cheddar Two reservoir, brings benefits to all of the wider South West region, including the Wessex region.”
In the late 1930s Cheddar Reservoir was constructed mainly by men with picks and shovels. A steam digger was brought in along with a branch line from the Cheddar Valley Railway to bring in materials to the site. Built as a saucer shape and relatively shallow it was state of the art at the time – with a second one planned to go along side – hence the straight side on the Axbridge side meaning it has the shape of a giant strawberry. The plan for the second Reservoir in 2013 was changed as the land to the west of the Res had since had a refuse tip built – now a grassed over field – and properties had been built that would have been in the way.
Now it is wait and see – Ofwat will publish a draft determination for each company by June next year. These will be consulted on before final determinations are set in late 2024. Remember there is likely to be an election next year and these costs could spiral as they did for HS2 so despite the plans nothing is certain in this 21st century world. One this is certain though – with more homes being constructed in Axbridge and Cheddar – and plans for even more in the region – the demand for water will only grow.
My thanks to George Tyte for spotting the Somerset Live article.
Your thoughts on the subject to harryfmottram@gmail.com
Axbridge News 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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Axbridge News: update on the Oakhouse Hotel in Axbridge following issues over it’s apparent closure and attempts to book it for weddings
Byharrymottram
FEB 12, 2024
By Harry Mottram: In the last few weeks there have been a number of comments online on various social media platforms about problems booking rooms and events such as weddings at the Oakhouse Hotel in Axbridge.
Residents know it has not been open on a regular basis for some weeks although there have been occasional wedding receptions. Various rumours have circulated about it being in administration, being up for sale along with a plan to mothball it until trade picks up.
The hotel is not up for sale as the owner Steve Jenkins has made plain on the Axbridge Community FaceBook site. He wrote: “Hi all, I own the building and confirm there are no plans to sell the Oakhouse. However, the current tenants have clearly decided to close the business, from what I can tell, indefinitely. I am working on resolving the situation asap and am hopeful the hotel and bar will re-open in Spring. I suggest anyone with a booking reach out to the email addresses and any mobile numbers they currently have for the existing tenants. Unfortunately, I cannot help with this, as I have no legal authority to influence any business decisions in relation to the hotel company nor share its data. This is the responsibility of the tenants and directors. I assure you I feel as passionately about the the Oakhouse as anyone does and will update you further in due course.”
A look on the Government’s Companies House website that lists all limited companies and gives details shows that at the moment it is not in administration – information that is in the public domain.
There have been a number of officers and owners of the hotel over the years but at present they are Luke and Melanie Sturman who it is understood hold a lease. Luke’s correspondence address is in Wareham in Dorset and Melanie’s is at the Oakhouse. A confirmation statement was made on 3rd January this year while Melanie made a change of details to Companies House last summer with an indication she was ‘a person of significant control’.
The Grade II listed building and hotel has had a number of transformations over the years – originally constructed as two houses and in the early 20th century it was for a time a petrol station. It dates back to (according to most sources) to the 11th century – but only in parts such as a fireplace and the well – one of the hotel’s most interesting features. However, the property was rebuilt and much of the building dates from the 17th and 18th centuries with later modernisations.
To echo Steve Jenkins’ comments – we all hope the hotel and restaurant will reopen soon as it is one of the town’s finest buildings set in a wonderful location and part of Axbridge’s business community.
Axbridge News 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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Axbridge News: remembering Johdi Russell with the annual Purple Ball that raises awareness of sudden death from epilepsy with SUDEP Action
Byharrymottram
JAN 14, 2024
By Harry Mottram: The Purple Ball commemorates the life of Johdi Russell from Cheddar – organised by her family and friends – and raises cash for SUDEP Action – the charity dedicated to raising awareness of epilepsy risks and tackling epilepsy deaths including Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.
Johdi Russell was just 17 when she suddenly died in October 2017. In a BBC article by Emma Elgee written at the time Johdi’s mum Tanya said: “Johdi was amazing and absolutely hilarious, she was one of those girls who always went above and beyond for people. I always describe her as like sunshine on a rainy day.”
Emma wrote: “Since then Mrs Russell, who also has epilepsy, has campaigned to change processes in hospitals and GP surgeries to make sure families with children with epilepsy are informed about SUDEP. She also hosts a yearly ball to raise money for SUDEP charities and support other bereaved families.”
SUDEP is a rare condition which affects around one in every 1,000 adults with epilepsy each year. According to SUDEP Action, the cause of SUDEP is not yet known, with researchers investigating a range of possibilities such as the effect of seizures on breathing and the heart.
Their services include bereavement support, counselling, help with understanding the inquest process and in collaboration with UK research teams, the involvement of bereaved families and professionals in research through the Epilepsy Deaths Register. See https://sudep.org/
The Purple Ball is an impressive event raising thousands of pounds for SUDEP Action – and features a three course meal, music, dancing, entertainment, a raffle – and above all a great night out. This year the event is on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare. Tickets are now available – scan the QR code on the poster or visit https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/thepurpleball2024inmemoryofjohdirussell
If you have been affected by an epilepsy death, please contact our support team on 01235 772852. Visit https://sudep.org/ for more information and see Johdi’s story at https://sudep.org/my-story/stories/johdi
To read Emma’s article see https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-67156694
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Axbridge News: Axbridge Progressive Supper donates £500 to the Cheddar Foodbank, Axe Valley Men’s Shed and the Axbridge Blackberry Carnival
By Harry Mottram: Last year’s Axbridge Progressive Supper raised £1,542 in a combination of the tickets for the starters, mains and sweets plus the raffle organised by Margaret Cowie. As a result the committee of Kirsty Edwards, Zoe Hebden, Margaret Cowie, Sarah Boundy and Harry Mottram have been able to award £500 each to three local charities: Cheddar Food Bank, Axbridge Carnival and the Axe Valley Men’s Shed. The charity supper is under the umbrella of the Axbridge Action Committee – with the £42 being held over to the next progressive supper which is on Saturday 30th November 2024.
Representatives of all three charities were on hand for photographs to mark the donations on Saturday, 3rd February 2024, during the monthly Farmers’ Market in Axbridge Square. The Annual Progressive Supper has raised cash for local charities for the last four or more decades with all the cash going to the chosen charities and is a voluntary run event with all the cash going to charities. New people are always welcome to join the committee (please email harryfmottram@gmail.com to join – it’s a lot of fun and you get to meet lots of new people). In already in 2024 new members Barbara Wells and Anna Dawson have joined.
Axe Valley Mens’ Shed is a registered charity and member of the UK Men’s Sheds Association. If you want to help support their work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of local men and the restoration of the former Axbridge Railway Station as their new HQ, then please make a donation on our GoFundMe page. For details visit https://axevalleymensshed.org/
Cheddar Food Bank is a part of the Trussell Trust, the charity that works to end the need for food banks in the United Kingdom. It “is based on, shaped, and guided by Christian principles” and supports a network of over 1,200 food bank centres to provide emergency food and compassionate, practical support to people in crisis, while campaigning for long-term change to the structural issues that lock people into poverty. It is located at Unit 8, Wessex Business Centre, Cheddar BS27 3EJ. To enquire about how to obtain a food parcel, or to make a food donation, please contact the foodbank by phone on 07922 309369, or by email at info@cheddarvalley.foodbank.org.uk. For more details and to help or donate visit https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/cheddarvalley/
Axbridge Carnival Committee organise the Annual Blackberry Carnival in September which coincides with Blackberry Fun Fair in the Square. It takes a lot of work to put on this popular and long running community event so they are always in need of extra hands, donations and sponsors. In recent years there has been increased rules over carnival events which increase the costs of running Axbridge’s family event – hence the need to fundraise. Their Face Book page is at https://www.facebook.com/AxbridgeBlackberryCarnival/?locale=en_GB
The Axbridge Progressive Supper is held every year near the end of November or the beginning of December and features three courses chosen by diners out of a hat – so they have no idea where they will sit down for their three courses – each in a different location. For details visit the Face Book page at https://www.facebook.com/AxbridgeProgressive/
The next progressive supper is on Saturday 30th November 2024.
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Axbridge Review: it’s official – the next Axbridge Pageant is set for 2029 to mark the 800th anniversary of the town’s Plantagenet charter – so mark your diaries
By Harry Mottram: To celebrate the awarding of the town’s 13th century charter, the next Axbridge Pageant slated for 2030 has been brought forward by 12 months by the Axbridge Pageant Trust to 2029. The new date will see the huge community play held in the town square staged over the August bank holiday weekend of Saturday-Monday, August 25-27, 2029, daily at 3pm.
In 1229 a charter granted by King Henry III (800 years before 2029) freed Axbridge traders from tolls and recognised the town as an important market centre in the county. Wool had become one of the town’s wealth generating industries as sheep on the Mendips became big business. Guilds were established to protect the commerce in Axbridge making it a centre for the lucrative trade and for the Crown a vital source of taxation and revenue. It is also the 750th anniversary of the charter granted by Edward I in 1279 allowing Axbridge to hold a fair.
The Axbridge Pageant Trust and the town crier Nigel Scott said it was important to mark the year as the charters gave the town an independence and a prosperity which began the process of leaving behind the constraints of medieval England.
Nigel Scott said: “The pageant has come to define the town since its inception in 1967 when the history play was created in the town square to celebrate the opening of the bypass which freed the narrow streets from through traffic. From that humble beginning the pageant has become globally famous with live streaming on social media, plus television and radio coverage, the subject of a social research project by universities and its cast of hundreds of local people. It was repeated in 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010 and again in 2022 – having been put back two years by the Covid crisis. People travel from around the world to see the three-day event complete with associated live music concerts – and so it seems appropriate to mark the 800th anniversary of the Plantagenet charter.”
The pageant trustees said more details will be announced in the coming months but asked residents and fans of the pageant to mark their diaries for August Saturday-Monday, 25-27, 2029.
Photo: Nigel Carson
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The annual carnival proves a success with fine weather, large crowds and of course… Barbie and Ken
By Harry Mottram: The annual Axbridge Blackberry Carnival was a huge success on Saturday 23rd September, 2023, and was blessed with fine weather. Large crowds lined the route and with plenty of entries the procession passed through the Square packed as usual with the rides of the fun fair.
The organisers said: “Thank you to everyone who took part and to those who volunteered to marshal the route – with who we could not hold the carnival. Once again Axbridge came good to make the carnival a wonderful family event. And everyone who put an entry in is a winner in our eyes. The creativity and originality of the entries never ceases to amaze us – so thankyou to everyone involved and to those who spend so much time making the costumes and dressing the floats.
“The wonderful Carnival Queen and Princesses (and their parents), the Town Crier and the Mayors who very kindly open the carnival for us. Thanks to the amazing people in the community who help us with moving planters and street furniture, putting out road signs and traffic cones and clearing the decks for the big day. Plus, the wonderful people who put on their high vis to become stewards on the day to help us to keep everyone safe and photographer Toby. And the brilliant first aiders, the traffic marshals, the clean-up crew who put everything back to how it was. Thanks to the local council and traffic management for keeping us on track health and safety wise – the Post office staff who help us hand out entry forms and risk assessments, plus the local pubs, cafes and Coop for keeping us fed and watered.
“Also thanks to the Judges who give up their time on the day, and Ben who provides us with the PA, Harry for providing us with lots of publicity, Vick’s Mum for doing the posies, and Toby and Stellan for being our official photographers for the day. And not forgetting the lovely fairground team who come to Axbridge every year to add to the fun and excitement of Carnival Day.
“Our Chairman Robin Mace who oversees everything and keeps us on the straight and narrow. Mel and Sophie who smash the procession organisation, Vicky who smashes the town hall proceedings and Di Owen who holds us all together. And a very special mention to our newest committee member who only joined us about three months ago but has had no choice but to hit the ground running and has got us all organised and on track – not always an easy task and we couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you Karen!”
A funding appeal has been launched to raise cash to pay for next year’s carnival – to donate go to Just Giving and search for Axbridge Carnival. With increased paperwork and costs from the County Council it is a huge task for the small group of people on the carnival committee to ensure the event continues with a target of £5,000.
The procession was led by the civic party known as ‘the chain gang’ with the Axbridge Mayor Councillor Frankie Mitton, the town councillors, the mace bearer, town crier Nigel Scottand, the bailiff plus mayors and civic leaders across the county who accompanied them.
The results for Axbridge Blackberry Carnival 2023 are: Overall Winner, Barbie and Ken; Wackiest Entry, Barbie and Ken; Best Entry on Wheels, Thunderbird; Walking Juniors, 1st place – Rhythm Fever, 2nd place – Saxons Supporters Club; Open Walking, 1st place – Surfers against Sewage, 2nd place – The Government Inspector, 3rd place – Frolicking Fairies; Junior Trailers, 1st place – Hakuna Matata, 2nd place – Buzzing Brownies; Open Trailed, 1st Axbridge Harvest Home; Best Dressed Driver, Liz Scott.
The Castle Cary Majorettes known as the Cygnets also provided a spectacular aspect to the procession, plus there were some colourful entries that raised a smile including George Tyte’s tractor pulling the Harvest Home float, the Carnival Queen and her princesses, the Only Fools and Horses entry with a three-wheeler, several classic cars and motorcycles, chopper 70s cycles and of course the many walking entries including the Adams Family, witches and Laurel and Hardy – featuring the former mayor Edith Channon.
The Axbridge Blackberry Carnival has a long history and has seen a revival in recent years with more entries, large crowds and rain-free passes from the weather gods. There is plenty more on their Facebook site – but they always need more help in organising and of course fundraising. Without the work of the likes of Bev Davies in the past ant Di Owen, Andy Corp, the Caple family, Cath Frith the chairman Robin Mace, and many more – it would not happen – so do lend a hand – or at least visit the Just Giving site and chip in a few quid.
Next year’s carnival is slated for Saturday 21st September, 2024, although the date is to be confirmed.
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Axbridge Review – feedback from the public meeting on the campaign to Save The Axbridge Methodist Church moves on to some practical steps to realise the dream of an arts centre
Byharrymottram
Dec 1, 2024
By Harry Mottram: The two main people behind driving the campaign to Save The Axbridge Methodist Church have published the ideas, feedback and next steps for the project following a public meeting in Axbridge Town Hall.
On Monday 25th November, 2024, around 60 or more people attended the meeting to give their opinions and thoughts on the project to keep the church for community use. The meeting had a panel of interested parties including Paul Hughes and Peter Harding who are driving the plan along with in advisory roles Councillor Pauline Ham, the Mayor Graham Page and the Reverend Andrew Bell and Malcolm Gale from the Methodist Church.
Following the meeting Paul Hughes published a statement on the Next Steps.
1. People at the meeting gave clear voice that they wanted to see the Methodist Church Building saved for use by the community.
2. We now need to pull together clarification of the feasibility of the centre and make sure that we can make our case to The Methodist Church and work together with them to move forward.
3. Reach out and find out about other churches which have been converted into art centre – such as David Hall in South Petherton and the building in Cinderford
4. All attendees provide contact details if they want to be kept informed and get involved. This will be followed up and a Steering Group will be established.
5. We will send initial feedback/proposal to the local Methodist Leadership Team. We will ask for clarification on costs and need for a Structural Survey.
6. We will aim to set up a Charitable Incorporated Organisation or Community Interest Company but in the interim the ‘Axbridge Arts Interest group will come under the umbrella of the Axbridge Action Group.
What emerged from the public meeting was the prospect of a three-year lease while the Axbridge Arts Centre Interest Group are able to assess its viability. These would be restricted by the stipulation by the Methodist Church authorities that the lease if offered would ban the sale or consumption of alcohol. At the end of the three years the group would have the option to buy the building. Based on present figures that is likely only with the help of grants and fundraising.
One imaginative idea from the public meeting was the suggestion the town could be sold to fund the purchase of the church – but this won’t happen as The Town Trust would almost certainly block the idea. Another idea was to suggestion the church would be renamed The Axbridge Ark which seemed to gain approval from the attendees.
It is now up to the Axbridge Arts Centre Interest Group to try and realise the next steps while the pressure is on to come up with a proposal for the church authorities to consider who wish to put the property up for sale with what Axbridge Review understands to be in the region of £200,000. The steering group also need some information as regards the conditions of the building and any associated potential costs for upkeep and updating suitable for an arts or community centre. The Methodist Church authorities will make a decision in March 2025 so the clock is ticking.
For more on the public meeting see https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/2024/11/25/axbridge-review-rev-andrew-bell-no-booze-if-methodist-church-is-leased-church-authorities-will-sell-to-highest-bidder-while-the-public-suggest-various-ideas-in-a-packed-town-hall-including-its-sa/
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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Axbridge Review: update on the annual Boxing Day meeting of Weston and Banwell Harriers in Axbridge as anti-hunt group doubles down on their opposition
Byharrymottram
Nov 29, 2024
By Harry Mottram: Axbridge Town Council has responded to questions from Alyson Rogers of Action Against Foxhunting over their jurisdiction of the town square and whether they have the power to prevent the annual Boxing Day meet of the Weston and Banwell Harriers. In response to the question the council said in a statement (as reported by Alyson Rogers): “Further to your email I just wish to reiterate that Axbridge Town Council has no jurisdiction or involvement with any events taking place in The Square.”
The Square is largely the responsibility of The Town Trust who also look after the town hall – a Grade II listed building – who also have no powers to prevent the hunt from meeting in the Square. Trail hunting is currently legal in England and Wales – it replaced the traditional hunt under the 2004 Hunting Act which allows for one or two dogs to ‘flush out’ a fox from a hedge or thicket. There has been abuse of this aspect of trail hunting which is the reason why Labour have pledged to outlaw trail hunting completely.
Anti hunt groups have been putting pressure on parish and town councils to ban hunts from meeting in public places on health and safety grounds in order to end the practice. In reply to Axbridge Town Council Alyson Rogers said: “We are well aware that the Town Council and Town Trust have no powers to stop the hunt meeting there, but they both have a duty of care, particularly as the Weston & Banwell hunt have not applied for a road closure. We are asking you as a council to contact the Weston and Banwell Hunt to ask them not to come to Axbridge on Boxing Day for health and safety reasons. We have shown that the event, because of the lack of a road closure and the closing of parking slots contravenes the law. We have also shown that the majority of Axbridge residents don’t want the hunt here, and as a council, it is important that you speak for the people.”
The anti-hunt group also presented a petition with 240 signatures to the council to back up their claims that the hunt was not wanted by residents. However, as it stands the hunt can meet legally in the Square even if vehicles have difficulty in passing through or to find somewhere to park due to the large numbers of people, horse riders and hounds. The hunt supporters argue it is only for a few minutes – an hour at most that they occupy the Square. And at midnight on New Year’s Eve the Square is packed with people celebrating midnight – and again traffic would find it very difficult to pass through for a short time. Alyson Rogers also criticised the Town Trust as she says they effectively facilitate the meeting by ‘closing the car park.’ She has promised to again demonstrate against the hunt on the day.
The Countryside Alliance are adamant there is no reason for hunt meetings not to take place and have organised counter-campaigns to combat attempts to curtail lawful hunting activity from taking place on council land, public spaces and on private land. In Tiverton in Devon (one of several places where the hunting community face opposition) they said: “The Tiverton Hunt’s annual Boxing Day meet is always incredibly well attended, with families from all over the local area flocking to the town centre to cheer on the spectacle. Many attendees use the opportunity to shop locally, supporting local hospitality and retail at an important time of year.”
The Countryside Alliance added: “Boxing Day meets are enjoyed by thousands of people from all walks of life, in many cases bringing much needed footfall to towns and village centres, boosting support for local businesses. Often criticism of these popular events is whipped up by small groups of activists from outside the local area.”
Maddy Jennings and Andy Trigg of the BBC reported that in 2022, official figures compiled by the Labour Party showed there were 438 convictions under the Hunting Act since 2010 over abuses of the law. A Defra spokesperson said: “This government was elected on a mandate to introduce the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in a generation, including banning trail hunting.” Before the General Election, in June, then shadow environment secretary Steve Reed tweeted that Labour would “end trail hunting that allows for the illegal hunting of foxes, deer, and hares to continue”.
Axbridge Review has not approached the town council or the town trust for a comment but understand the town council do not have any jurisdiction over activity in the Square and the Town Trust have not breached any laws by not banning or restricting the Boxing Day meet. Also, we understand Somerset Council has approached the hunt over the meeting as they have jurisdiction over the roads in the Square.
Just to reiterate it is as far as Axbridge Review understands the annual Boxing Day meet of the Weston and Banwell Harriers is entirely legal while those wishing to demonstrate their opposition are also within the law to make their point made on the same day.
I have written more on this subject at https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/2024/11/13/axbridge-review-the-towns-boxing-day-hunt-meeting-set-for-more-opposition/
For more on Axbridge Town Council visit https://axbridge-tc.gov.uk/
For more on The Countryside Alliance visit https://www.countryside-alliance.org/campaign-for-hunting
For more on Action Against Foxhunting visit https://www.actionagainstfoxhunting.org/
For more on the Weston and Banwell Harriers visit https://www.wildlifeguardian.co.uk/hunts/weston-and-banwell-harriers/
For more on the law visit https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/hunting-act-2004
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