Weston-super-Mare Fake Festival is a welcome addition to the hugely successful Fake Festivals tour, the only touring tribute of its kind.Taking place on Saturday 24th May at Clarence Park, Weston beach front, early bird tickets are already on sale and flying out the door from the Fake Festival website, www.fakefestivals.co.uk.

With a line up boasting the best tributes to BRIT Award Winners the Arctic Monkeys, U2 and Coldplay, as well as local support acts, this year’s festival will certainly have the tent rocking out.

“Last year I ran my first Fake Festival at Keynsham, and it was a fabulous success, as well as great fun to do,” says Peter Marsh licence holder of Weston-super-Mare Fake Festival. “This year I have decided to add Clarence Park to the Fake Festivals tour, after much demand from the local region.”

“The festival last year at Keynsham had such a great atmosphere, and it was really good to be able to give something back to the local community. We’re hoping they will embrace Weston-Super-Mare Fake Festival with the same enthusiasm, so we can return year on year as it becomes set in the local calendar.”

Advanced tickets from 25th April 2014:Adult (18+) £20.00Young Person (10-17 yrs) £10.00Family (2xAdult, 2 x Young Person) £50.00Child (0-9 yrs) FREE

Tickets on the door:Adult (18+) £25.00Young Person (10-17 yrs) £15.00Family (2 x Adult, 2 x Young Person) £70.00Child (0-9 yrs) FREE

For more information about Weston-super-Mare Fake Festival and The Big Fake Festival,please visit www.fakefestivals.co.uk or telephone 0800 652 2852

Alison’s Buffets54 Redcliffe StreetCheddar, Somerset BS27 3PF

Buffets for ALL occasions Weddings, Birthday Parties, Funerals, Corporate Eventst: 01934 742958 email: Ali2Der@aol.com

www.westonandworleview.co.uk The Somerset View May 2014 �

A word from the EditorWe all know that Somerset is a beautiful county, but I think that at this time of year, with the hawthorn in blossom and the fields lush and green, our county looks at its very best!The onset of Summer brings with it an exciting mix of events for us to join in with, as well as inspiring some of us to get round to those odd jobs around the house which we have put off throughout the winter months.The Somerset View is the ideal resource to find the right people to help with house repairs, sprucing-up the garden or a bit of personal pampering - don’t forget to tell our advertisers that you saw them in The Somerset View (and whilst they are doing the hard work foryou, take a look through our What’s On pages and take yourselves off for a bit of fun and relaxation!)If you’re planning your own event, the marvellous people at C4 Events offer a one-stop solution for entertainment and Public Address Solutions.Remember to send your up-coming events to us and we’ll get them in the next edition. All contributions are gratefully received. Please, keep them coming!

Steve Drew, Editor

The Somerset ViewEditor Steve Drew

Advertising Patsie Fowler

Studio/Production Dave Collingbourne

Marketing & Promotions Ian Williams

and a special thank you to: Somerset Council, Burnham Food Festival, RSPB and Strode College

Photographic contributions: Rich Collar and Dave Collingbourne The Somerset View, Pony Publishing Ltd. Locking Farm Business Park, Locking Moor Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS24 8PJ

To advertise in The Somerset View call

01934 820041OR email: steve@ponypublishing.co.uk for a rate card and media pack. Printed by Flying Colours.www.westonandworleview.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error or negligence for any services provided by advertisers or for any content of this publication

The views expressed in this publication may not necessarily represent those of Pony Publishing Ltd. or its associates.

All material within the magazine, whether editorial or advertising, is copyright of Pony Publishing Ltd. and may not be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

This months front cover image showsBluebell Glades,Wrington Hill© Aerial Circus Photography

04 STRodE CoLLEgE NEWSStudent Awards for 2013-2014

05 CAN YoU TAKE ThE hEAT?Burnham’s Food Festival heats up!

06 WhAT’S oN!A selection of May events and gigs

09 hEdgEhog STREETThe RhS puts hedgehog Street on the map

11 RSPB – AVALoN BURSTINgBitterns return to the levels

1� FIRST WoRLd WAR WoRKShoPShelp for those researching the period

15 FAKE FESTIVAL – MAYTribute Band fest is nearly here.

At a glance – May

Welcome to Aerial Circus PhotographyCall 0791 020 7073 www.aerialcircus.webs.com rich@aerialcircus.co.uk

Call 0791 020 7073 www.aerialcircus.webs.com rich@aerialcircus.co.uk

4 Advertise with us and reach thousands of people across Somerset. Simply call 01934 820041 and we can discuss your needs.

Strode College Student Awards Celebrating Outstanding Progress and PerformanceStrode College in Street celebrated the outstanding progress and performance of twenty-nine students from across Somerset at an awards evening held in Strode Theatre at the end of April.

The awards recognised the hard work and achievements of students who completed a wide range of courses at the college last year, including A Levels, vocational qualifications, higher education qualifications, apprenticeships and courses for adults.

An audience of over 350 family, friends and staff heard how each student had worked hard to achieve their goals, showing great commitment to their studies, a tremendous work ethic and an admirable attitude to learning and life.

James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said: “Our awards evening is a fantastic opportunity to congratulate some of our most outstanding students for their achievements, and to catch up with them and hear what they are doing now. It is also a great opportunity to celebrate the high quality and commitment of our teachers who supported these students.

“At Strode we are determined to help people achieve their potential, academically and personally, so that they can progress in their goals for further study and successful careers. We provide quality learning opportunities for so many people, mostly students aged 16 to 18, but we also teach courses for other ages, levels, abilities and interests. Tonight’s awards highlight the achievements of 29 of the 1500 students who enjoy learning with us each year – we value all of them and take great delight in their success.”

In 2013, Strode College equalled its best ever results for advanced-level 16-18 education, significantly above national benchmarks.

The 2014 league tables show that Strode is the best school or college in Somerset for maximising students’ potential at A Level and the best college in Somerset for adding value for advanced vocational courses. Strode is in the top 6% of institutions nationally for maximising students’ potential by adding value at A Level and for BTEC vocational courses.

Strode College is currently accepting applications for the following courses which begin in September 2014: A Levels, vocational qualifications at level 2 and 3, HNDs, Foundation Degrees and higher level professional qualifications. The college’s new brochure with details of courses for adults starting in September 2014 will be published in May.

The Overall Student of the Year Award went to John O’Rourke.John, who lives in North Brewhan, Bruton, was formerly a pupil at King Arthur’s School.

A Levels Studied:

Chemistry A*, Math A*, Government & Politics A, Biology A and Extended Project A*

John’s now at Cardiff University, studying Medicine.

College switchboard 01458 844400 College Fax 01458 844411.Strode College, Church Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0AB.

www.strode-college.ac.uk

Twenty-nine students were honoured at Strode College’s annual awards evening which celebrated their outstanding achievements and the diversity of education and learning opportunities available at the College.

www.westonandworleview.co.uk The Somerset View May 2014 5

Since launching in December, the south-west heat of the UK Chilli Cook-Off Championships has attracted entries from businesses keen to prove that their chilli is the best in the world!

The Burham-on-Sea Food and Drink festival, will play host to the official South West England Chilli Cook-off

on 24 May 2014! Hugely popular in America, the Chilli Cook-off phenomenon is now well and truly established the UK. Entrants into the competition will have 4 hours to cook a gallon of Chilli con Carne from scratch, using nothing but uncooked ingredients.

Each team’s Chilli will be judged by a panel of experts to determine the winner of the £200 cash prize. Festival attendees can also get involved by tasting each team’s Chilli and voting for their favourite! The competition is open to any team wanting to take part – but local businesses have embraced the opportunity to prove that their recipe is the best.

Highbridge business, The Embroidery Shop, is entering a team. Owner, Andy Greigg, told us “I think my chilli is amazing and I am looking

forward to competing. I have planned a few extra practice cooks before the big day, but I am sure it will come out on top.”

Local estate agent business, Saxons, is getting behind this competition as sponsor and have also entered a team. Director Graham Thompson told us “it makes sense to us to back such a popular local community event – the festival brings thousands of people into Burnham and we hope that they will all be chilli lovers in May! We are looking forward to supporting the winning team at the UK finals.”

Festival organiser, Beverley Milner Simonds, said “the winner of the UK Final will win a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada with flights and accommodation included, to represent the UK in the World Food Championships. The prize purse for the Chilli category is a whopping $25,000!”

The chillis will all be sold for charity at the end of the competition, benefitting The Coastguards Association and Highbridge Foodbank.

You can enter your team today by visiting www.ukchillicookoff.co.uk

Beverley & Sarah Milner Simonds

www.burnhamonseafoodfestival.org

Follow us on Twitter @bosfoodfest(imagery of 2013 contestants © www.ukchillicookoff.co.uk)

Hot Stuff!

There are now only limited places left for the competition to be held on 24th May.

So if you have been considering entering a team, contact us without delay!

6 Advertise with us and reach thousands of people across Somerset. Simply call 01934 820041 and we can discuss your needs.

What’s On – May 2014Somerset Events 1st – 31st MayWelcome to our new events guide. Kindly contributed to by YOU. The listing covers up-coming Events in May and a snap-shot Somerset Gig Guide.

Theatre, Arts and Events

10th MayBridgwater Soul ClubCastle ClubCastle StreetBridgwater Somerset TA6 3DD Bridgwater Soul Club’s “Saturday Night Get Down and Boogie!”Playing on the menu will be some great dance music; Soul/Reggae/Ska/Funk/Disco/Break Beats Lounge...8.00pm - Midnight! Age: 18+(01278) 431302

10th MayLadies Day @ Minehead!West Somerset Railway, Minehead Station, Warren Rd, Minehead TA24 5BGThe day will feature consultations, treatments, sales stands, discounted train tickets and much more. Entry to the station at Minehead is free but treatments will be chargeable.Fashion display by Grace at No 5!Reflexology, Reiki, Manicure stands,Natural Energy healing,Afternoon Tea (pre-book only)For therapy treatments please call 01643 704996, for more information, please visit the website;www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

20th MayFREE concert by US College Choir - Furman SingersWELLS CATHEDRALCathedral Green, WellsSomerset BA5 2UE Free concert by American College from South Carolina. The Furman Singers will perform a programme of choral classics, spirituals, folk songs and popular piecesTel: 01306 741000 www.wellscathedral.org.uk/

24th – 25th MaySOMERSET LIVE!Music Festival WeekendTHE OAKTREE ARENA, Oaktree Park, Bristol Road, Edithmead, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4HAFantastic line-up of local musical talentVisit the website for full detailswww.summersetlive.comTickets from £15, purchase On-LineOaktree Arena 01278 782216

25th & 26th May 2014International RC Air Show Fleet Air Arm MuseumRNAS YeoviltonIlchester, Somerset BA22 8HT Major international model air show will return to the Fleet Air Arm Museum. The international RC Air Show showcases the best radio controlled flying displays from around the world.Tel: 01935 840565 www.fleetairarm.com/

29th MaySouth Somerset Creative ClubShakspeare Arts & Glass, Westover Trading EstateLangport TA10 9YULast Thursday of every month4:00pm – 6:00pm

Creative Club is an informal networking group that meets to provide a place where the local, but dispersed community of professional creative people can come together to share interests, bounce ideas around and spark off one another.

If you have any questions or would like to just inform us of your attendance, please email facilitator, Laura Cullen.

Tel: 01458 252633 info@creativesomerset.com www.creativesomerset.com

31st MayLevels’ Best Farmers & Craft MarketsMontacute HouseYeovil, Somerset TA15 6XP An award winning farmer’s and craft market showcasing the best from across the Somerset Levels.Between 30 to 40 stall holders every month in the beautiful setting of Montacute House, a National Trust property. Entry to the market and grounds of the house is free as is the car parking.Friendly, local and free.10.00am – 2.00pm

Tel: 07973378735www.levelsbest.co.uk/

Up-coming May 2014 events

West Somerset Railway

www.westonandworleview.co.uk The Somerset View May 2014 �

2nd MayLazy Daze Hawthorns Hotel8-12 Northload Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9JJ01458 831255www.lemonrock.com/lazydaze

3rd MaySix Machine (part of the Burnham Beer Festival) The RitzHigh St, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset01280 645645sixmachineband.wordpress.com

10th MayGary French’s Rhythm Method The Crown & Backpackers4 Market Place, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9HD01458 833353www.glastonburybackpackers.com

17th MaySoulville ExpressEMI Sports & Social Club20 Priory Road, Wells, Somerset BA5 1TB01749 672066Contact: Sharon Turnerwww.emiclub.co.uk www.soulvilleexpress.co.uk

Pearl & The Diamond GeezersUnity Club Leigh Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0HA01458 446183Contact: Estelle Sparks www.patdg.co.uk

The StanleysThe Oaktree Arena Bristol Road, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4HA01278 782216www.thestanleys.jimdo.com

21st MayRoss Kirk The Venue Club42 South Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 1SL07950 848697www.rosskirkmusic.webs.com

24th MayPowercut The King William Inn,19 Market Place, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9HL01458 831473www.powercutmusic.co.uk

The Relics The Kelways InnSomerton Road, Langport, Somerset TA10 9SJ01458 252683www.lemonrock.com/kelways

25th MayThe Back Door Man Blues Jam Hawthorns Hotel8-12 Northload Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9JJ01458 831255www.hawthornshotel.com

31st MayIn AdditionUnity Club Leigh Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0HA01458 446183Contact: Estelle Sparks www.lemonrock.com/unityclubstreet

KyotieThe Railway Inn High Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset TA8 1AS01278 784828Contact: Jason www.Kyotie.com

Local Gig Guide - May 2014

Send us a list of your upcoming gigs to Steve@ponypublishing.co.ukOur thanks to www.Lemonrock.com and others for their contributions

www.westonandworleview.co.uk The Somerset View May 2014 9

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show puts Hedgehog Street on the MapHedgehog-friendly garden selected for international horticultural show 8th –13th July 2014The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) are pleased to announce that their joint submission for a hedgehog-friendly garden has been selected as one of this year’s summer gardens at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The charities’ summer garden, called Hedgehog Street, aims to raise awareness of the plight of threatened hedgehogs and show how gardeners can help the species in their very own back yard.

Created by award-winning garden designer Tracy Foster, the garden will feature various elements that are beneficial to our native hedgehogs.

Hedgehog populations in the UK have plummeted by over a third in the last ten years, and one of the factors contributing to this decline is tidy, fenced-in gardens.

Fay Vass, Chief Executive of BHPS explains: “The decline of hedgehogs can be attributed to a number of environmental factors, including neat and tidy gardens that are isolated from one another by fences or walls, preventing hedgehogs from finding shelter, food and mates. The average range for a hedgehog in an urban area covers about 500 gardens, so we need people to help these iconic creatures by joining up their gardens.”

One of the simplest steps gardeners can take to help hedgehogs is to link gardens in their neighbourhood by teaming up with their neighbours to make a small hole in shared boundaries so that the creatures can roam freely. A hole that is 13cm2 in size at ground level will be big enough for a hedgehog to pass through.

Jill Nelson, Chief Executive of PTES said: “The hedgehog is known as the ‘gardener’s friend’ and by creating a summer garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show we hope to prove to professional and amateur gardeners-alike that it is easy and inexpensive to create a hedgehog-friendly space, no matter what type of garden you have, whether modern and contemporary or wild and rustic.”

For more information about Hedgehog Street and how to help hedgehogs in your garden and neighbourhood, visit:

www.hedgehogstreet.org

www.ptes.org

www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk

www.tracyfostergardendesign.co.uk

10 Advertise with us and reach thousands of people across Somerset. Simply call 01934 820041 and we can discuss your needs.

50,000 South West Seniors call for “Minister for the Ageing Society” The body representing over 50,000 older people in the South West, has called upon the main political parties to build into their election manifestos the creation of a new ministerial post to deal with the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly ageing society.The South West Seniors Network (SWSN) has also prioritized new laws to provide greater safeguarding from abuse for frail, older people and changes to the tax system which currently penalize those with modest pensions.“We will shortly be heading into the next election,” said Brian Warwick, Chair of the SWSN, “and at our AGM we asked our members for their priorities. Every political party is well aware of the power of the ‘grey vote’ – there are over 14.5 million people aged 60 and above in this country, most of whom vote, and we are looking to engage with the main parties on the policies that would win their support.“We want all the parties to make clear what their policies will be on current benefits available to older people – especially bus passes and winter fuel allowance. The gap between seniors on low incomes and the rest of the community is also widening, especially those below the tax threshold who received very little help in the recent budget.”The seniors in the region have also called for changes which would provide greater safeguarding for vulnerable adults living in care. “At the moment we have the nonsensical situation where someone living in care provided by the local authority has a greater level of protection and more human rights than those paying for their own care. How can that possibly be right?” demands Mr Warwick.

For more information, visit the websitewww.seniorsnet.org.uk

www.westonandworleview.co.uk The Somerset View May 2014 11

RSPB & theAvalon Marshes Centre Avalon Marshes bursting at the Seams!With the chill of the early March morning doing its best to freeze fingers and toes, staff and volunteers from three of the Avalon Marshes conservation organisations (RSPB, Natural England and Somerset Wildlife Trust) took to the paths and tracks of the marshes an hour before dawn, ears alert for the sound of the booming bittern. They were not disappointed...

The line of the graph still seems to be pointing to the skies, with last year’s peak count of 34 birds, rocketing to 41 birds confirmed with a query on a possible 3 more!

This enigmatic bird has suffered a catastrophic decline over the last 150 years and is only now beginning to makes steps towards recovery, aided by the efforts of conservation organisations such as RSPB, NE and SWT.

Carrying out this survey would not have been possible without the help of the 30 or so volunteers who turned out in the dark and the cold to take part in this important conservation work. They were duly rewarded with a slap-up fried breakfast cooked by staff!

Ray Summers, Warden RSPB Ham Wall

rspb.org.ukLet’s give nature a homeThe RSPB is the country’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. Together with our partners, we protect threatened birds and wildlife so our towns, coast and countryside will teem with life once again. We play a leading role in Birdlife International, a worldwide partnership of nature conservation organisations.

The Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership (AMLP)The partnership is made up of English Heritage, Environment Agency, Hawk & Owl Trust, Natural England, RSPB, Somerset County Council and Somerset Wildlife Trust. The project is based at the Avalon Marshes Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay, Somerset, BA6 9TT - email: info@avalonmarshes.org Tel: 01458 860556. The Scheme runs from 2012 to the end of 2015.

Bitterns in the reedbed ©John Crispin

RSPB Up-coming May Events

International Dawn Chorus DaySwell Wood – £8 PER PERSON An early morning walk followed by breakfast at the Crown Inn.Sunday 4th May, 6.30am – 8.30am Booking essential contact 07774 620879.

Mr Boombastic WalkHam Wall – £7.50 per person. Bitterns followed by breakfast at Meare Manor. Booking essential 01458 860449.Sundays 4th, 18th May, 6am – 9am

Bitterns in Hot PursuitHam Wall – FREE EVENT. Have a chat with our wardens on the 1st Viewing Platform and watch the bitterns. Thursdays throughout May, 10am – 3pm.

Avalon Marshes Open DayAvalon Marshes Centre, Family event. Booking essential contact: 01458 860120/834326Sunday 25th May, 10am – 4pm

Froglets and Tadpoles Holiday ClubHam Wall, £3 per child. Learn all about nature’s babies.Booking essential: 01458 860494Tuesday 27th May, 10.30am – 12.30pm

Froglets and Tadpoles Holiday ClubSwell Wood, £2 per child. Dormice Day – learn more about these rare creatures. Booking essential: 01458 252820Thursday 29th May, 2pm – 4pm

COMPETITION TIME!

APRIL WOOKEY HOLE COMPETITION PRIZE WINNER:

Jan Nunns, Newquay

APRIL HAYNES COMPETITION PRIZE WINNER:

Mr P Jeans, Henton, WellsWELL DONE TO YOU BOTH!TO ENTER THESE COMPETITIONS SIMPLy EMAIL yOUR

ANSWERS, ALONG WITH yOUR CONTACT DETAILS TO:

WIN@PONyPUBLISHING.CO.UK

THE WINNER WILL BE CONTACTED SOON AFTER THAT

DATE. ALTERNATIVELy SEND yOUR ANSWER, By POST TO:

COMPETITIONS, PONY PUBLISHING LTD., LOCKING FARM

BUSINESS PARK, LOCKING MOOR ROAD,

WESTON-SUPER-MARE, SOMERSET, BS23 8PJ.

ALL ENTRIES MUST REACH US BY 20/05/14. * TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY (SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS)

www.westonandworleview.co.uk The Somerset View May 2014 1�

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Workshops launched

on how to research theFirst World WarAre you researching an ancestor who served in the First World War? Do you want to know more about the contribution your community made to the war effort? During May the Somerset Heritage Centre in Taunton is offering two workshops on how to research the First World War.If you want to find out more about the role your relatives played in the war, or about the effect the war had on your community, there are a number of resources available at the Heritage Centre to help you. Led by archivist Liz Grant, the workshop will show you how to use sources such as Somerset newspapers, school records, online resources and information from national institutions, to research topics such as First World War personnel, a Somerset community or the County Regiment. The workshop will guide you through the sources available, teach you how to interpret the information and show you how to share your research with others. There will also be a question and answer session.The workshops take place on Wednesday 7th May at 2.30 pm and Tuesday 13th May at 7.00 pm. They will last for an hour and a half and cost £5 per person, payable in advance. To book, call 01823 278805 or visit the Somerset Heritage Centre on Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, TA2 6SF. David Hall, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Heritage Services, said: “The stories which emerge from First World War research are powerful reminders of what the war meant to Somerset. These workshops are an opportunity to get started on a fascinating journey into the past.” The workshops are part of the Somerset Remembers project; the county-wide project to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

For further information visit: www.somersetremembers.wordpress.com

14 Advertise with us and reach thousands of people across Somerset. Simply call 01934 820041 and we can discuss your needs.

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THe FeSTivAl oF leARning And AdulT leARneRS’ Week, 2014Somerset Libraries would like to hear from any learning providers across the county interested in running taster sessions in library spaces during the Festival of Learning in May and June which culminates in Adult Learners’ Week, 14th to 20th June.Perhaps you belong to a club or society that is seeking new members and could offer a demonstration, workshop or talk, raising the profile of your interests?

Some of the typical sessions offered in the past have been creative writing, family history, various IT sessions, jewellery making and author talks, while the less typical offers reported from across the country have included a spinning workshop, make-up workshop, keeping chickens in your back garden, an evening of Edwardian entertainment, and pet first-aid and health.

So – if you’d like to offer to share skills with others or have an idea of a session that you’d like to see hosted by a library near you, please don’t hesitate to contact Wendy Miller-Williams at Frome Library, email wmiller-williams@somerset.gov.uk or call 0845 3459177