Mendip Living Jun

YOUR FREE COPY

JUN/JUL 2026

MENDIP

LIVING

BROWNIE

POINTS

DECADENT RECIPES TO DEVOUR

SUMMER HOME

UPGRADES

Transform your home for the

perfect summer

JUNE IN

THE GARDEN

Essential jobs to

tackle this season

TRAVEL | HOME & GARDEN | FOOD & DRINK | BEAUTY | INTERVIEWS

C O N T E N T S

A NOTE

from the editor

18 15

DECADENT JACK

HOME UPDATES

Editor Katie Thomson

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk

Assistant Editor Kate Norris

Publisher Sally Thomson

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose

Contributors

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave,

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence

STEIN BROWNIE INTERVIEW RECIPES & RECIPE

22

FOR ADVERTISING

Account Manager Adrian Hill

e adrian.hill@minervapublications.co.uk

t 01225 984496

Front cover courtesy of Gower Cottage Brownies

42 04

NEW COMPETITIONS

SEASON FASHION

41

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Hilperton BA14 6JB

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failure of an advertisement to appear, or

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errors, omissions and misprints. No part of

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The opinions expressed within are not

necessarily those of the publishers.

Welcome summer...

I had my first English

strawberry

As we move

this

into

week,

June and

and

July,

my

word,

everything

it was

starts

beyond

to feel

delicious

a little

- more perfectly relaxed. sweet, The it evenings was a

very stretch good out, advert the garden for eating chairs

seasonally. come back I’ve into tried regular to echo use,

this and the in all hopeful my recent British fruit ritual and of

vegetable “shall we eat purchases, outside?” and begins it’s

had — usually a transformative followed by someone effect on

my checking cooking three - everything weather apps just

tastes and deciding better to - risk more it anyway. vibrant,

needing less seasoning and

just This overall issue has very a lovely tasty. summer

feel, with plenty of inspiration

I’m for making the the most most of the of

cooking season at whilst home. I Our still summer have a

kitchen home upgrades - mine is feature due to looks be

ripped at the improvements out in two weeks that and can

it make will be a real camping difference, stove from and

air beautiful frying for flooring two months and better from

there! glazing I’ve to already ideas for picked making my

kitchen,

the garden

but

feel

it got

like

me

a true

thinking

extra

about

room. Whether

all the other

you’re

areas

planning

that

a bigger project or simply

need updating in my home. If

looking for ways to make your

you are thinking of a similar

home flow more easily into the

refresh, please check out our

outdoors, it’s a reminder that

home pages this edition -

summer living often starts with

they’re full of inspiring trends

the spaces we use every day.

and a few timeless classics.

We’re also very happy to

We’ve feature also brownie got recipes some lovely from

editorial Kate Jenkins on of the Gower best Cottage plants

for — easy pollinators share, - it’s ideal never for

been picnics, so important garden to gatherings support

wildlife or school-holiday in the garden. treats, and

dangerously good with a cup of

The tea. Consider competition yourself guide warned. this

issue is a bumper one - we

have Alongside an the outdoor lighter seasonal furniture

set pieces, from our Bramblecrest Living Well worth with

nearly Dementia £3,000, feature plus a looks cordless at

lawnmower support, understanding worth £679 to and get

that the ways garden people in shape. can continue This,

plus to live a with lot more dignity, makes connection it well

worth and care. a look and an enter!

We hope will be you back enjoy the again issue in

August — and - I’ll that be fully somewhere rebooted

and

between

recharged

the home

into

inspiration,

summer

mode.

the brownies

See you

and

then!

the summer

days out, you find something to

brighten the weeks ahead.

Katie

Katie

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

PROMOTIONAL PARTNERSHIP

Ways with Wood:

Celebrating the Life

and Work of Harry

Brockway (1958–2024)

A retrospective open at Somerset Rural

Life Museum 23 May – 2 September 2026

The South West Heritage Trust is delighted to present a celebratory

exhibition honouring the life and work of Glastonbury-based artist

Harry Brockway (1958–2024). Bringing together a significant selection

of his wood engravings, woodcuts and wooden sculpture, the

exhibition offers an in-depth look at the creativity and craftsmanship

that shaped his distinguished artistic career. Ways with Wood opens

at Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury, Somerset, 23 May to 2

September 2026.

Harry Brockway was an exceptionally skilled printmaker, sculptor,

illustrator and stone carver. Alongside making independent prints, he

created wood-engraved illustrations for an impressive range of major

and independent publishers, from Penguin to The Folio Society. His

work appears in editions of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and in texts

by Philip Pullman, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Mark Twain and W. B. Yeats,

among others.

In addition to his wood carving, Brockway worked as a self employed

stone carver and monumental mason, contributing to restoration

projects across the UK, including Wells Cathedral. His diverse

portfolio extended from stonework for The National Trust and

memorials for The Lettering Trust, to commemorative coins for The

Royal Mint and t-shirts for sustainable fashion brand Finisterre.

Florence West, Harry’s eldest daughter, said: “An inextricable part

of Dad was his creativity and his dedication to the artwork that he

produced. He was passionate, meticulous and exceedingly humble

about his remarkable skill as an artist.”

South West Heritage Trust Exhibitions Manager Mel Coussens said:

“This exhibition pays tribute to the remarkable skill, imagination and

deep commitment to craft that defined Brockway’s creative life. His

legacy continues to influence contemporary wood engraving and

woodworking, inspiring artists, makers and illustrators today.”

Born in 1958, in Newport, South Wales, Brockway studied sculpture

at Kingston Polytechnic and The Royal Academy Schools in London,

later training as a stonemason at Weymouth College. He was an

active member of The Society of Wood Engravers and The Royal

Society of Painter-Printmakers. He worked from a small studio at the

bottom of his garden where he continued to develop his practice in

wood engraving, letter cutting, sculpture and design. Every day he

downed-tools to take his daily walk up Glastonbury Tor.

In addition to the exhibition, Somerset Rural Life Museum will host a

series of related events, including an afternoon talk, wood engraving

workshop, walk around Glastonbury Tor and creative drop-in activities

for children in May Half Term and the summer holidays.

Exhibition

Workshops

Talks

Tours

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

PAINTED PASSIONS

We highlight local artist in and around the

Mendip area. This issue we meet Artist

Bridgit Doolan...

I first moved to Frome from Bruton

when I was 19 and rented a flat above

a shop in the High Street. I very much

consider it my happy place. I currently

live in a nearby village and I’m lucky

enough to be surrounded by meadow

fields which give me endless inspiration

to paint. I’m currently working on a

fun and funky floral collection painted in

acrylic.

I believe that everyone deserves to own a piece of original

artwork that speaks to them and makes them smile. Art, to me, is

about freedom of expression and throwing away the rulebook. I

find it incredibly liberating to take my canvases outside to splatter

and whip them with paint with complete abandon. It gives my

pictures a real sense of movement and explosion. Viewing

images of flowers increases happy hormones and decreases

stress. I love to know that I have created something that people

can enjoy and will make their days just a little bit better.

At the start of 2025 I decided to make my paintings more widely

available to the public. I’ve launched a website and am taking

part in regular local pop-up events to show my work, including at

the Cheese & Grain during the Frome Independent markets. I’m

there again in Nov and Dec. The people of Frome have been so

supportive. I love the creative vibe in this town. There’s nowhere

else quite like it.

Much of my work is sold locally but it gives me great pride to

know that some of it travels far and wide. Several pieces have

been bought by a collector in America and I have recently sent a

large original to a London client by courier.

On August 12th, I will have a two-week exhibition, at the nearby

Corsham Gallery. My paintings will fill the front windows looking

into the high street - where peacocks wander freely in the town

centre, which is an amazing sight. I also take part in spring and

autumn exhibitions with the Frome Art Society at Black Swan

Arts in Frome. Hope to see you there!

https://bridgitdoolanart.com/

FROME FLEA MARKET

& CRAFT FAIR

West Woodlands Showground Frome BA11 5ES

ANTIQUES, COLLECTABLES, VINTAGE &

RETRO, ARTISANS, ARTISTS & MAKERS

*CLASSIC & SUPERCAR MEET*

*CHILDRENS’ FUN RIDES/INFLATABLES*

14 JUNE 12 JULY

9 AUGUST 11 0CT

250+ STALLS

Call 9AM – 3PM Entry £3

07722752404 (under 16’s free)

Frome’s leading independent Art Gallery, Art

Materials Supplier and Bespoke Picture Framers.

Catherine Hill –

One of the many

original pieces we

have available by

Frome based artist

Colin Brown.

Church Steps –

The latest Frome

collage by the

hugely popular

Frome resident

Violet Von Riot

Evening Sky

– Catherine Hill –

Our most popular

piece by Bath artist

Tom Davey.

www.fromefleaandcraft.com

Westway Shopping Centre, Frome BA11 1BS

Tel: 01373 464528 retail@studioartandframe.co.uk

www.studioartandframe.co.uk


Circus of Curiosities:

An Exhibition of Moving Marvels

Open 4 July 2026 – 3 January 2027

New Special Exhibition at the American Museum & Gardens

Visitors are invited to discover the joy of

movement, craft and invention at Circus

of Curiosities: An Exhibition of Moving

Marvels, opening 4 July 2026 at the

American Museum & Gardens in Bath.

This vibrant exhibition celebrates the art

of automata – playful, intricate mechanical

sculptures brought to life by hand. Created

by leading contemporary makers this

touring exhibition by Cabaret Mechanical

Theatre, invites visitors of all ages to explore

a world of animated models, toys and

whimsical characters.

Featuring 25 vibrant and witty mechanical

sculptures, brought to life at the push of a

button or the turn of a handle, the exhibition

draws on the spectacle and storytelling of

the circus. From hand-cranked delights to

surprising interactive moments, each piece

reveals the creativity and craftsmanship

behind these mesmerising moving artworks.

Visitors are encouraged to engage directly

with the displays, discovering the humour,

ingenuity and artistry that make every

automaton unique. Alongside the exhibition,

families can enjoy a dedicated creative play

area, offering hands-on opportunities to

experiment, build and be inspired, alongside

chilling out in the big top.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS

• 25 interactive automata activated at the

push of a button or a turn of a handle

• Circus-inspired mechanical sculptures by

international artists

• Opportunities to explore how moving

artworks are designed and made

• A creative play area with hands-on activities

for families

“Circus of Curiosities: An exhibition of Moving

Marvels is a joyful celebration of creativity

and craftsmanship. These remarkable moving

sculptures capture the imagination in such

a simple, magical way. We’re delighted to

bring this exhibition to Bath and to share the

wonder of automata with our visitors this

summer and beyond. We hope it inspires

curiosity, creativity and a sense of play in

visitors of all ages.”

- Lucy Littlewood, Director, American

Museum & Gardens

“Automata have a unique power to delight

and disarm - there is something genuinely


PROMOTIONAL

PARTNERSHIP

magical about watching a handcrafted figure

spring into life at the touch of a button. This

exhibition brings together some of the most

gifted mechanical artists working today, and

I am thrilled to share their work with visitors

at such a wonderful venue. I hope it sparks

wonder, and perhaps the urge to start making

something of your own.”

- Sarah Alexander, Director, Cabaret

Mechanical Theatre

Circus of Curiosities: An Exhibition of

Moving Marvels is a touring exhibition

from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, the

internationally renowned organisation

dedicated to contemporary automata. For

over four decades, it has championed artists

who combine engineering, storytelling and

humour to create kinetic artworks that

delight audiences around the world.

CABARET MECHANICAL THEATRE PRESENTS

CIRCUS OF

CURIOSITIES

AN EXHIBITION OF MOVING MARVELS

A

brand new

interactive

exhibition

Fun for

the WHOLE

family

4 JULY 2O26 – 3 JANUARY 2O27

americanmuseum.org


Summer of Family Fun Launches

at Shoemakers Museum

A summer packed with history, creativity, theatre and

family entertainment is coming to Shoemakers Museum, as

the new attraction celebrates its first summer season in the

heart of Somerset.


Located beside the famous Clarks Outlet

Shopping Village, the museum is making full

use of its spacious gardens and beautiful

walled orchard to host a vibrant programme

of events and activities for visitors of all ages.

The museum, which opened in

September, celebrates the shoemakers

behind the 200-year-old Clarks brand,

still headquartered in the Quaker village

of Street. Permanent exhibitions and

interactive displays explore the evolution

of shoemaking, shoe shopping and the

workers behind one of Britain’s most iconic

footwear companies. Visitors can also revisit

many familiar shoes from decades past.

Recreated 1950s and 1980s shoe shops

offer a nostalgic journey through changing

fashions, from mods and rude boys to

colourful dayglo styles and fantasy-inspired

children’s designs.

Visitors can also enjoy two temporary

exhibitions this summer. A Walk in our

Shoes launches in June, featuring work by

local artists inspired by community, identity

and creativity, with opportunities to meet

the artists every Wednesday. Later in the

summer, another exhibition will showcase

some of the museum archive’s more

unusual and exotic treasures. With more

than 100,000 objects and 25,000 shoes in

the collection, the temporary programme

allows even more stories to be shared.

Guided museum tours introduce highlights

from the permanent exhibitions, while

archive tours offer behind-the-scenes

access to rarely seen items and insight

into the craftsmanship, innovation and

community stories behind the shoes we

know and love.

Shoemakers Museum is an oasis in

Street, with gardens offering outdoor

seating to enjoy coffee, cakes and savoury

refreshments from the café, alongside a

full programme of summer entertainment

including go-karting, historic cars and

open-air theatre performances ranging from

Shakespeare to Agatha Christie against the

backdrop of the historic Grange building.

Visitors can bring a picnic or enjoy

refreshments from the Shoemakers Café and

make a day of it at Shoemakers Museum.

The museum and café are open daily from

10am to 5pm. Tickets are annual passes,

with discounts available online.

Find out more at

shoemakersmuseum.org.uk


MEET THE

Fromies

WE TALK TO

LOCALS IN

AND AROUND

FROME WHO ARE

PASSIONATE ABOUT

WHAT THEY DO...

THE ELIZABETHAN

EVENING

Fiona Carruthers

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE

ELIZABETHAN EVENING?

Now in its third decade, the Elizabethan

Evening is a popular outdoor theatre

event held every summer in the village of

Corsley.

As well as a community event for all the

family, proceeds are donated to local

charities. So far, the event has raised

almost £90,000; this year’s performance

on Saturday 25 July is supporting Frome

College Young Carers and the Youth

Adventure Trust.

WHERE IS THE EVENT BEING HELD?

The Elizabethan Evening is held in

the gardens of Corsley’s historic

(Elizabethan!) Manor Farm, built and

lived in by Sir John Thynne while

building his grand estate at Longleat.

The lawn seats an audience of up

to 500 with the house providing

a spectacular backdrop to the

performance.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?

This summer, theatregoers are invited

to enjoy a swashbuckling production of

The Three Musketeers, performed by

renowned outdoor theatre specialists and

Elizabethan Evening favourites Illyria.

Bring your own seating - a chair or a rug

- grab some friends and we’ll do the rest.

We have a licensed bar, plus tea, coffee,

brownies and ice cream for sale (cash

or card).

Gates open at 4pm, with the performance

starting at 5pm. Performance time is 2

hours plus a 20-minute interval.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE CAST?

Illyria’s mission is to offer outstandingly

enjoyable theatre available for everyone.

With casts of just four or five professional

actors per production, it strives to create

shows true to the authors’ intentions

without being slavishly reverential.

DO WE NEED TO PRE-BOOK?

It’s best to book tickets in advance – we

have sold out in previous years. Despite

being outside, we do have limited

numbers. Tickets are available through

www.theelizabethanevening.com

WHAT ABOUT PARKING?

There is plenty of free parking on site

with attendants to help you find the best

spot. We also have a dedicated area for

disabled parking.

FROME FLEA MARKET

Claire Townsend

TELL US MORE ABOUT FROME

FLEA MARKET AND CRAFT

FAIR?

Frome Flea Market & Craft Fair is a

lively, welcoming event where visitors

can explore a rich mix of attractions.

Browse the Flea Market for hidden

treasures, vintage finds, and quirky

bargains, or discover beautifully

handmade goods from talented

artisans, artists, and crafters in the

Craft Fair. Enjoy the impressive display

of Classic Vehicles, adding a touch

of nostalgia. With children’s rides,

inflatables, and entertainment, it’s a

fun-filled day out for families, friends,

and curious shoppers alike.

YOU’VE GOT A LOVELY

RANGE OF REFRESHMENTS AS

WELL?

Set on a spacious site with both indoor

and outdoor stalls, the event offers

plenty of room to explore, along with

ample parking for visitors. A wide

variety of refreshments caters to every

taste, including award-winning pasties,

roast pork rolls, wild boar and venison

burgers, Greek gyros, and delicious

homemade cakes. Enjoy milkshakes

and ice cream while relaxing, soaking

up the lively atmosphere, and listening

to fantastic live music throughout the

day.

AND CLASSIC CARS AS WELL,

RIGHT?

All Classic Vehicles gain free entry to the

event. This is becoming a popular meet,

with over 100 Classic Vehicles attending

our last event - there is no need to prebook

and everyone is welcome to stay

for as long as they wish.

West Woodlands Showground,

Bunns Lane, West Woodlands, Frome

BA11 5ES

Public - Entry from 9am

£3 per adult (under 16’s free)

Early Birds - Entry from 6.30am

£10 per adult


2026

12 - 20 September

www.agathachristiefestival.com

WHAT’S ON

JUN - SEP 2026

05

JUN

07

JUN

11

JUN

UK FOO FIGHTERS

FOO FIGHTERS TRIBUTE

BATH KOMEDIA

K-POP SUPERSTARS

MATINEE K-POP SHOW

BRISTOL FLEECE

NEWTON FAULKNER

FEELS LIKE HOME TOUR 4

FROME CHEESE & GRAIN

25 LOGICALTRAMP

JUN

12

JUL

17

JUL

24

JUL

24

JUL

07

AUG

13

AUG

11

SEP

12

SEP

26

SEP

SPIRIT OF SUPERTRAMP

BATH KOMEDIA

NIK KERSHAW

FULL BAND SHOW

BATH KOMEDIA

PARKER BARROW

HOLD THE MASH TOUR

FROME TREEHOUSE

ERIC JOHNSON

TEXAPHONIC TOUR


THE SMITHS LTD

+ TRANSMISSION

TRIBUTE TO THE SMITHS & JOY DIVISION

BATH KOMEDIA

ULTIMATE COLDPLAY

FULL LASER SHOW

BATH KOMEDIA

ONE NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

COUNTRY HITS

BATH KOMEDIA

MIKE DAWES

PROGRESSIVE ACOUSTIC TOUR


MAGNUM

ROCK BAND


GET YOUR

TICKETS NOW

PRESENTS

HUGH CORNWELL

FULL BAND SHOW

STROUD SUBSCRIPTION ROOMS


“WOULDN’T

IT BE GOOD”

80s ICON NIK KERSHAW ON

STILL LOVING THE SPOTLIGHT

6 in 26 - a micro-anniversary tour - sees Nik Kershaw

and his band heading out on a limited run of shows

to celebrate 50 years of ‘responsible adulthood.’

Mendip Living’s Ade Hill caught up with

Nik to find out more...

YOU’RE BACK CELEBRATING

50 YEARS IN THE MUSIC

BUSINESS APPEARING AT

BATH’S KOMEDIA ON 12TH

JULY WITH “6 IN 26”. TELL US

MORE!

Yeah, a night of celebrating the hits from

over the years. People want to hear the

classic tracks of course, but there will be

loads of stuff. We just love getting out on

the road to play gigs and we love playing

in the West Country.

THERE’S A LOT GOING ON

AROUND THE WORLD RIGHT

NOW. 6 IN 26 IS A CHANCE TO

FORGET THAT FOR A COUPLE

OF HOURS, RIGHT?

Yep, exactly that. A chance to lose

yourself. We’ll be on stage giving it our

all and hopefully making it a memorable

night in Bath.

I’VE GOT TO ASK YOU ABOUT

YOUR BAND. YOU ALL LOOK

LIKE YOU’RE HAVING A LOT OF

FUN ON STAGE?

Yes, we have been together as a band

for quite sometime now. We’re all great

mates and we love hanging out with

each other. Apart from anything else it’s

a brilliant reason to play a concert. That

and having to share a tour bus. I have

been on tour buses before and there’s

been a bit of an atmosphere, which really

isn’t very nice. They are simply all bloody

good musicians.

THEY SAY NEVER MEET YOUR

HEROES, BUT HAVE YOU AND

WHO WERE THEY?

David Bowie is one of them. We were in

the same room, but I just couldn’t bring

myself to say hello. I wanted to of course,

but I couldn’t justify just how much he


meant to me, so I kept my mouth shut and

simply smiled. He must have thought that

Nik Kershaw is a right miserable bastard.

Another one was in LA at a Pink Floyd

after party and Joni Mitchell is sat on this

sofa. I so wanted to go over and say hello

to an absolute legend, but it was as if

someone had nailed my feet to the floor –

I just couldn’t do it.

YOU WERE 27 WHEN YOU

PERFORMED AT LIVE AID.

HOW DID YOU FEEL KNOWING

THAT YOU WERE GOING TO

BE SINGING IN FRONT OF AN

ESTIMATED GLOBAL AUDIENCE

OF 1.9 BILLION?

Oh god! That was just amazing, it was

absolutely amazing but terrifying. You

can’t describe just how terrifying that

was. It wasn’t just the amount of people

out there at Wembley, it was the 2

billion people that were supposed to be

watching it on the television. What got

to me was being surrounded by all of my

heroes and my peers; I just didn’t want

to mess up. You hadn’t seen your crew,

you hadn’t seen your gear, so walking

out onto that stage was literally just like

jumping off a cliff without a parachute.

CASTING YOUR MIND BACK,

HOW WAS IT THE FIRST TIME

THAT YOU APPEARED ON TOP

OF THE POPS?

I have to be honest Ade and say that it

was just a bit surreal really. The whole

experience just didn’t seem to be very

real. I had been watching Top Of The

Pops on and off all my life on the telly and

for a start the studio looks really huge but

when you get there it is really tiny. Then

you find out that there aren’t hundreds

of people in the audience; there is about

twenty all being herded about when

the cameras are not running them over.

When I did Top Of The Pops you were

not allowed to perform live, the whole

thing had to be recorded, and I thought

to myself is this really going to be on the

television as it just seems like a rubbish

gig (laughter).

I RECENTLY SAT DOWN WITH

YOUR MATE CHESNEY HAWKES

AND WE BOTH AGREED THAT

YOUR FIRST ALBUM “HUMAN

RACING” IS STILL A BRILLIANT

ALBUM. WHAT ARE YOUR

MEMORIES ABOUT MAKING IT?

It was recorded at Sarm Studios in

Aldgate in east London. It really was a

magical time as I had just got a record

deal, and the record company were

spending all this money on me and

giving me all this attention and hopes

were high. I was surrounded with brilliant

musicians and the top producers of the

day. It was the summer of 1983, and it

took 10 weeks to record. I used a “guitar

orchestra” approach, featuring up to

20 guitars on some tracks to achieve a

specific, aggressive sound. “Wouldn’t It

Be Good” was one of the last written for

the album which got released in February

1984 and hit the Top 5 in the charts.

YOU’RE BACK IN FROME AT

THE CHEESE AND GRAIN NEXT

MARCH 20TH FOR AN EVENING

OF SONGS AND STORIES.

WHAT KIND OF EVENING WILL

IT BE?

It’s an intimate show and I’d done a

couple of them at the end of 2025 and

really enjoyed doing them. It’s like

having a conversation with the audience

about my music career with a few

songs thrown in of course. I’m looking

forward to coming back to Frome!

S O U V E N I R E V E N T S P R E S E N T S

WITH VERY SPECIAL GUESTS

DJ SETS

SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 2026

VIVARY PARK TAUNTON

IN AID OF

NORDOFF & ROBBINS

E L E C T R I C S U M M E R . C O • T I C K E T S V I A U N I V E R S E . C O M

West Somerset Railway

England’s Longest Heritage Railway

Travel through the Quantock Hills and along the

meandering coastline between Bishops Lydeard

and Minehead. With ten unique and picturesque

stations, you can travel in style behind one of

our heritage locomotives to one of the many

destinations along our line.

On-Board Catering • Souvenirs and Gift Shops •

Heritage Locomotives and Carriages

Bishops Lydeard, TA4 3RU • Minehead, TA24 5BG

Visit: www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk


Night at the Abbey 2026

Saturday 12th September 2026

When: 2pm to 11pm | Where: Main Abbey

Tickets on sale: Tier one tickets are

now sold out. Tier two general sale is

available.

Night at the Abbey returns for a latesummer

celebration of music, light and

atmosphere in the historic grounds of

Glastonbury Abbey. As day turns to

night and the ruins glow under beautiful

illumination, the site comes alive with

multiple stages, a world street-food

market, independent traders, and bars

serving everything from local ales to

cocktails.

This is the first in a series of

announcements about the event

taking place in September 2026 and

includes announcements across three

stages below. Further announcements

will take place in early 2026. With the

Extravaganza not taking place in 2026,

Night at the Abbey is your chance to

enjoy bands and DJs in this beautiful,

unique location.

Main (Dan’s) Stage – From Dub to Disco

(via Bluegrass)

Headlining the night is Sophie Ellis-

Bextor, bringing her unmistakable discopop

sparkle, powerhouse vocals and joyfilled

performance. They’re joined by The

Blow Monkeys, weaving sophisticated

pop and soulful hooks; An Dannsa Dub,

all the way from Scotland blending

traditional melodies with deep, resonant

dub; and The Often Herd, celebrated for

their inventive, melodic bluegrass fusion.

King Arthur Stage – Finest

Electronica

For those seeking all day groove and

movement: Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip)

delivers an eclectic DJ set rich in

colour and rhythm, while Phil Hartnoll

(Orbital) channels the euphoric, rave-era

heartbeat of one of electronic music’s

most influential acts. More acts still to be

announced.

The Nook – DJs in the Trees hosted by

More Tea

Tucked away beneath the trees, The

Nook hosts Grant Plant alongside

local selectors spinning deep, soulful

selections and dancefloor treasures —

part hidden rave, part secret garden

gathering. Stay tuned for more DJs being

announced for this unique experience.

Promotional Partnership

The Lineup so far features:

• Sophie Ellis-Bextor

• Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip) DJ Set

• Phil Hartnoll (Orbital) DJ Set

• The Blow Monkeys

• The Often Herd

• An Dannsa Dub

• Grant Plant

• VIGI

• Short & Sweet

TO BOOK TICKETS

https://www.glastonburyabbey.com/

whats-on/concerts/night-at-theabbey-2026.php

FROME FESTIVAL EVENTS AT

Friday 3rd July

Kiki Dee & Carmello Luggeri

Doors 7pm, concert 7.30pm

Tickets £26pp

Saturday 4th July

Celebrating Frome Festivals

Origins

Midday to 1pm Tickets Free Event

Saturday 4th July

Anne Bourne & James Watts:

Opera & Heartsong ~ A

Journey Through Resonance

5.30pm to 11pm

Tickets £15 under 18’s £7.50

Thursday 18th June

Swing from Paris

Doors 7pm Tickets £18 in

advance, £20 on the door.

EARLY BIRD tickets

at £16 until 4 June

Under 18s £10

(must be accompanied

by an adult)

Sunday 5th July

The Somerset Knights

Templar Symposium

10am to 4pm. Tickets £31

Sunday 5th July Evening

Purple Elephant’s Fundraising

Ceilidh & Barn Dance

Doors 7pm

Tickets £22 under 14’s £14.

Monday 6th July

Cacao Ceremony & Sound Bath

7pm to 9pm Tickets £26

Wednesday 8th July

Jackie Oates & Belinda

O’Hooley folk duo

Doors 7pm Concert 7.30pm

Tickets £18

Thursday 9th July

Spafford Campbell & support


Tickets £16

Friday 10th July

An Evening with Timmy

Mallet

Doors 7pm curtain up 7.30pm

Tickets £22.50

Saturday 11th July

West African Dance

Workshop

11am to Midday Tickets £12

Afro Salsa Dance Workshop

2pm to 3pm Tickets £12

Sura Susso & Amadou Diagne


Tickets £20

Sunday 12th July

Boubacar Samake & Support

Doors 7pm concert 7.30pm

Tickets £22

For more details or to book tickets please go to either

www.rooklane.org or https://fromefestival.co.uk/


Consider the

Wondrous


This September, a brand new festival will be

launching in Somerset, paying attention to

the wonder of the natural world and our place

within it.

Consider the Wondrous is a collaboration between Gareth Howell-

Jones, author and bookseller for the Hay Festival and Tina Gaisford-

Waller who runs Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books in Frome.

Here, Gareth tells us a bit about the festival and what nature lovers

of Somerset and beyond might expect.

What is Consider the Wondrous and how did it come about?

Aside from the day job as bookseller at The Hay Festival, I am also

an author and have written two books about how we can all benefit

from tuning into the world around us. Our fast lives can kid us into

believing we sit outside of nature or above it, but we are very much

part of the natural world. Incredible things can happen to us when

we slow down and appreciate this. The germ of this festival has

been sitting with me for some time...

Why Somerset?

Well, I live just outside Hay but obviously the town has a wellestablished

festival of its own. So I had been scouting for the perfect

place to launch Consider the Wondrous, and a visit to Frome for

a book event was all the convincing I needed. It’s a beautiful and

accessible part of Somerset, and it felt like just the right place for the

festival to take root.

What can we expect?

Expect a weekend of book talks, conversation, walks and a

dash of music all in the beautiful surroundings of Rise on Whittox

Lane, Frome. The Rye Bakery is on hand all weekend to provide

refreshments. The programme is shaping up brilliantly with

confirmed appearances by Horatio Clare, Charles Foster, Dara

McAnulty, Cal Flyn, Joseph Jebelli, and more!

How can we find out more?

Tickets will be on sale this Summer (mid to late June) and more

information can be found at www.considerthewondrous.com.

Consider the Wondrous 19th & 20th September 2026.


NEXT-LEVEL BROWNIES

Rich, indulgent and endlessly adaptable,

brownies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

In The Brownie Book: Wickedly Irresistible

Chocolatey Bakes, Kate Jenkins reimagines

the classic with creative twists and bold

flavours. Kate’s kindly selected three

standout recipes to try at home.

MATCHA BLONDIE

Building on the lusciousness of our white

chocolate blondie base, we have infused half of

the batter with earthy matcha powder to create

a visually striking and delicious bake with an

unusual flavour profile.

INGREDIENTS

175g (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, diced

150g (5½oz) white chocolate, broken into small

pieces

300g (1½ cups) caster sugar

1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract or paste

150g (1 cup plus 2 tbsp) plain flour

½ tsp baking powder

3 eggs

2 tbsp matcha powder

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/

Gas 4).

Put a medium (about 20cm/8in) heavy-based

saucepan over a medium heat. Add the butter

and melt slowly, stirring continuously. Turn the

heat to low, add the chocolate and stir until

completely melted and smooth.

Take the pan off the heat. Add the sugar and

vanilla and mix thoroughly. Add the flour and

baking powder and stir until combined and

smooth, with no lumps.

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs for 20–30

seconds until light and frothy. Carefully fold into

the chocolate mixture to form a thick batter.

Divide the batter evenly between two bowls.

Add the matcha powder to one bowl and mix

until fully combined.

Allow to cool slightly for 10–15 minutes, then

spoon alternating dollops of each mixture into a

lined tray to create a marbled effect.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are

set and the centre slightly soft. Leave to cool

completely, then slice into 12 pieces.


PEANUT BUTTER

SALTED CARAMEL

BROWNIE

I’ve taken our classic chocolate brownie

base and transformed it by creating a

salted caramel layer running through the

bake. I’ve included peanut butter and

chopped, lightly salted peanuts for extra

indulgence and texture, but if that isn’t

your bag, just leave them out.

For the salted caramel

100g (1⁄2 cup) light soft brown sugar

175ml (3⁄4 cup) double cream

50g (1¾oz) unsalted butter, diced

1 tsp sea salt

300g (10oz) crunchy peanut butter

(optional)

For the brownie batter

175g (6oz) unsalted butter, diced

100g (3½oz) dark (70%) chocolate, in

small pieces


½ tsp vanilla extract or paste

100g (3⁄4 cup plus 1 tbsp) plain flour


3 eggs

50g (1¾oz) lightly salted peanuts, chopped

(optional)

METHOD

Begin with the salted caramel. Combine the

sugar, cream, butter and salt in a saucepan

over a low heat and stir until dissolved.

Increase the heat and simmer for 2–3

minutes until golden and syrupy. Remove

from the heat, cool slightly, then stir in the

peanut butter. Spread evenly into a lined tray

and freeze until firm.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/

Gas 4).

Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the

chocolate and stir until smooth. Remove

from the heat, add the sugar and vanilla,

then mix in the flour and baking powder until

combined.

Whisk the eggs until light and frothy, then

fold into the mixture to form a smooth batter.

Spread half the batter into a lined tin. Place

the frozen caramel layer on top, then cover

with the remaining batter. Sprinkle with

peanuts if using.

Bake for 40 minutes until the edges are set

and the centre slightly soft. Cool completely,

then cut into 12 bars.


AT RUDGE

Newly renovated, independent

country pub with 5 beautiful letting

rooms and large dining room.

Serving elevated pub classics,

generous Sunday roasts,

real ales & ciders.

Open Wednesday - Sunday.

@fullmooninnrudge

fullmooninn

01373 830936

office@fullmooninn.co.uk

www.fullmooninn.co.uk

SUMMER GARDEN

Now Open!

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME

oba

old bakery artists

A group of like-minded artists residing in the Somerset Creative Triangle

between Bath, Wells & Frome.

WATERCOLOURS, OIL PAINTING, TEXTILES, ACRYLICS, CERAMICS, PRINTS AND MORE

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

WELLS CATHEDRAL: 15th - 27th June ‘26

WEST BARN, BRADFORD ON AVON: 24th - 27th July ‘26

WELLS MUSEUM: 18th - 29th August ‘26

TO FIND OUT

MORE, VISIT

oldbakeryartists.co.uk


RASPBERRY RIPPLE

BROWNIE

Childhood memories of summers spent

at the seaside were the inspiration for

this recipe. Regardless of the weather,

a Whippy ice cream was a must — and

with raspberry topping, it became an

unforgettable taste combination.

INGREDIENTS

175g (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, diced

100g (3½oz) dark (70%) chocolate,

broken into small pieces


½ tsp vanilla extract or paste

100g (3⁄4 cup plus 1 tbsp) plain flour


3 eggs

For the raspberry swirl

125g (4½oz) white chocolate

75ml (2½fl oz) soured cream

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp natural raspberry flavouring (we use

Foodie Flavours, available online)

1 tbsp raspberry jam

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C

fan/350°F/Gas 4).

Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add

the chocolate and stir until smooth.

Remove from the heat, mix in the sugar

and vanilla, then add the flour and baking

powder and stir until combined.

Whisk the eggs until light and frothy, then

fold into the mixture to form a smooth

batter.

For the raspberry swirl, melt the white

chocolate in short bursts, stirring until

smooth. Mix in the soured cream, egg,

flavouring and jam until well combined.

Spread half the brownie batter into a

lined tray. Spoon over half the raspberry

mixture, then cover with the remaining

batter. Add the rest of the swirl mixture

and create a marbled effect with a

cocktail stick.

Bake for 35–40 minutes until the

edges are set and the centre

slightly soft. Cool completely, then

slice into 9 pieces.

Full versions of these recipes

can be found in The Brownie

Book: Wickedly Irresistible

Chocolatey Bakes by Kate

Jenkins (DK, £16.99), with

photography by Kim Lightbody.


Sadlers Restaurant Unveils

Vibrant New May Menu

Sadlers Restaurant is blooming this season with the launch of our brandnew

May menu, bringing a sun-drenched taste of the Mediterranean to

Wells. Known for our commitment to local Somerset produce, this month

we are celebrating the art of sharing with an extensive new selection of

authentic tapas dishes...

From the crunch of our Spring Pesto Arancini

to the rich, coastal flavours of Steamed

Mussels in Somerset Cider, our tapas plates

are designed for social dining. Whether you

are stopping by for a light mid-week bite or

gathering the whole family for a weekend

feast, there is a dish to delight every palate.

SAMPLE OUR NEW TAPAS

SELECTION:

• Pan con Tomate: Tomato toast, garlic

confit and olive oil.

• Baked Hake: With saffron, chickpeas

and spinach.

• Roasted Prawns: With burnt chilli and

garlic butter.

Sadlers also features signature mains

including Pork Shoulder & Trotter Ragu and

Sirloin Steak served with roasted asparagus

and fried new potatoes.

Our Seasonal Set Menu For those seeking

a sophisticated yet accessible dining

experience, our seasonal set menu offers

the very best of the kitchen’s creativity: Two

Courses – £18.95 | Three Courses – £24.95

The Full Sadlers Experience We believe

great food should be enjoyed by

everyone. Sadlers remains proudly family

and dog-friendly, ensuring no one is left

behind. For those who prefer to dine in

the fresh air, our heated al fresco seating

provides a comfortable outdoor setting,

day, or night.

OPENING HOURS & LAST

FOOD SITTINGS:

• Tuesday – Friday: 12:00pm –

2:30pm & 5:00pm – 8:30pm

• Saturday: All-day service from

12:00pm – 9:00pm

Visit us at Sadlers Restaurant, Wells, to

explore the new flavours of May.


V 01749 681982 | I @sadlersrestaurant

D www.sadlersrestaurant.co.uk

FOODHALL - BUTCHERY - DELI - KITCHEN

Your one-stop destination to eat, shop and takeaway just off the A36 in Norton St Philip

Open Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 5:30pm | 9am - 4pm Sunday

Norton St Philip, Bath, BA2 7NG | flourish-group.co.uk/farleigh-road


The Corn Store

Farm Shop and Cafe


Frome welcomes a new Farm Shop and Cafe...

Tell us more about The Corn Store Zoe?

The Corn Store is an independent, familyrun

farm shop and café on the outskirts

of Frome. We’re passionate about serving

our community with locally sourced

produce, gifts and everyday essentials,

alongside homemade food and great

coffee in a relaxed countryside setting.

Where did the idea come from?

We wanted to diversify our farm business

so it could be passed down to the next

generation. The journey began four years

ago and, although our first planning

application was rejected, we believed

we had something special to offer the

community.

Restoration began in May 2025,

transforming our former grain store with

a new insulated roof, concrete floor, wall

insulation, plumbing, electrics and solar

panels into a welcoming farm shop and

café.

When Grampy George built the barn for

cattle in 1976, he probably never imagined

it would one day become a farm shop and

café. Over the years it housed cattle, pigs,

sheep and grain - now, in its 50th year, it’s

proudly The Corn Store.

Where are you based?

The Corn Store is at Adams Hill Farm,

Chapmanslade, near Frome, BA13 4AR.

What3Words: found.collected.defenders

What’s on the menu this summer?

Our menu celebrates the best local

produce, with options for all dietary

requirements. Alongside our signature

breakfast baps, sandwiches and toasties,

we’ll be serving homemade quiche,

salads, and sweet treats. Just simple,

classic, homemade food done well.

You also stock local gifts, right?

Yes! We’ve carefully curated a range

of locally made gifts and artwork,

showcasing talented makers from the

area. We’re proud to offer customers

something unique while supporting local

creatives.

Can I bring my dog?

Absolutely - The Corn Store is completely

dog friendly, inside and out. We offer

treats for four-legged visitors too,

including puppuccinos, pup sausages,

Marshfield Farm Scoops dog ice cream

and Green & Wilds treats. There’s also a

dog wash and outdoor seating available.

Is there parking?

Yes, we have ample free parking, including

disabled spaces. We’re also surrounded

by public footpaths, making us the perfect

stop before or after a countryside walk.

Where can I find out more?

We share regular updates on our socials

@cornstorefarmshop and on our

website: www.cornstorefarmshop.

co.uk. You can also email us at info@

cornstorefarmshop.co.uk or pop in and

speak to the team - we’d love to welcome

you soon.

Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm.

Breakfast menu served 9am to 11.30am

and lunch menu served 12pm to 3pm.

The Corn Store is a new, independent,

family-run farm shop and café on the

outskirts of Frome. Dogs welcome both

inside and out. Serving a range of locally

sourced produce, gifts and everyday

essentials, alongside a small menu of

homemade food and great coffee in a

relaxed countryside setting.

The Corn Store, just off the A36 on the A3098 Lodge Hill, Chapmanslade, BA13 4AR

What3Words: found.collected.defenders.

Follow us on our socials @cornstorefarmshop to find out more.

www.cornstorefarmshop.co.uk


At The Apple Tree Inn, we believe a pub should feel

like a home-away-from-home; a place where the fire is

warm, the pints are poured with care, and the welcome

is genuine. Whether you’re a familiar face or stepping

through our doors for the very first time, we are truly

glad to have you with us.

Our pub has a proud history, standing here as a

freehouse which dates back to 1674, nestled in the

gentle, rolling Somerset countryside. Over the centuries,

weary travellers, local farmers, walkers, families and

friends have all gathered under this very roof — sharing

stories, laughter, and the everyday joys of life. We’re

honoured to continue that tradition today, preserving

the charm and character of our past while welcoming the

lively community of the present. Within these old walls,

every creak of the floorboards and every seat by the fire

holds a memory.

So pull up a chair, settle in, and make yourself

comfortable. You’re welcome here - not just as a visitor,

but as part of the ongoing story of The Apple Tree Inn.

Cheers to good company, good food, and the simple joy

of being together.

The Apple Tree Inn,

West Pennard,

Glastonbury

BA6 8ND

Contact us

contact@theappletreeinn.co.uk

01458 258194

www.theappletreeinn.co.uk

oka.com

SUMMER HOME UPGRADE

Invest in Your Home This Season

As the days grow longer and life

spills out into the garden, summer

is often when homeowners start

looking at their houses with fresh

eyes. Rooms feel brighter, doors are

left open, gardens become part of

daily life again — and suddenly the

potential for improvement becomes

easier to imagine.

For some, that might mean a major

renovation: a new kitchen, improved

glazing, a redesigned layout or a

garden room. For others, it may be

smaller but still impactful changes,

such as new flooring, shutters,

lighting, planting or outdoor furniture.

Whatever the scale, a well-planned

home upgrade can make your

property more enjoyable now while

adding comfort, efficiency and longterm

appeal.

DESIGNER TIP

Before changing a layout, think

about how you use the room

at different times of day. A

space that works for breakfast,

homework, entertaining and

quiet evenings will always feel

more successful.

This summer, the smartest projects

are those that improve how a home

works as well as how it looks.

OPEN UP YOUR

LIVING SPACE

One of the biggest shifts in modern

home design is the move towards

flexible, light-filled spaces that

support the way families really live.

The kitchen, in particular, is no

longer just somewhere to cook. It is

often the heart of the home: a place

for homework, entertaining, relaxed

suppers and everyday conversation.

Rethinking the layout of a kitchen,

dining room or family room can

make a dramatic difference.

Removing a wall, widening an

opening or repositioning storage

can help a home feel more spacious

and sociable. An island or breakfast

bar can create a natural gathering

point, while better lighting, flooring

and cabinetry can refresh a room

without changing its entire footprint.

It is also worth thinking about

how each space connects to the

next. Do you move easily between

kitchen, dining area and garden?

Is there enough storage for daily

life? Good design is not just about

creating a beautiful room — it is

about creating a room that supports

real life.

BRING THE

OUTSIDE IN

Few upgrades transform a home

quite as instantly as improved

glazing. Sliding doors, bi-fold doors,

French doors and larger windows

can flood interiors with natural light

and create a stronger connection

between house and garden.

A darker room can suddenly feel

brighter and larger, while a garden

becomes part of the view all year

round rather than something

enjoyed only on sunny days. Wide

expanses of glass can also make

entertaining easier, allowing guests

to move naturally between indoor

and outdoor spaces.

The right choice will depend on

your property, budget and lifestyle.

Sliding doors can offer slim

sightlines and uninterrupted views.

Bi-folds can open up almost an

entire wall. French doors may suit


Inspirational bespoke interiors. Handmade for your home.

Since 1987, we have helped customers

create beautiful rooms that incorporate

their unique ideas and inspirations.

From kitchens, bedrooms and

bathrooms to studios and home offices,

all of which are lovingly made in our

own workshops in Devon.

KITCHENS, BEDROOMS, BATHROOMS & MUCH MORE

Visit our showrooms, website or book a FREE home design visit today.

Telephone 01363 773533

www.ashgrovekitchens.co.uk

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DESIGNER TIP

Treat the area just outside

your doors as an extra room.

Add lighting, seating and

planting so it feels intentional,

not like an afterthought.

Harvey Jones

Quorn Stone

period homes or smaller spaces.

Modern glazing can also offer

excellent thermal performance,

helping homes stay comfortable

throughout the year.

For older properties, the key

is balance. New windows and

doors should improve comfort

and efficiency without stripping

away character, particularly

in conservation areas, listed

buildings or homes with traditional

architectural details.

CREATE SEAMLESS

INDOOR-OUTDOOR

LIVING

The dream of indoor-outdoor

living is not simply about installing

large doors. It is about making

the transition between home and

garden feel natural, attractive and

easy to use.

Flooring can play a major role.

Choosing complementary materials

inside and outside can help create

a sense of flow, even if they are not

identical. Level thresholds, where

possible, make access easier and

more elegant. Lighting also matters:

soft garden lighting, wall

lights or carefully positioned

spotlights can make an

outdoor space feel inviting

long after sunset.

Think too about what sits

immediately outside the doors.

A terrace, patio or deck can act

as an extension of the kitchen or

living room, giving you somewhere

to eat, sit or entertain. Even a

small courtyard can feel much

more usable with the right seating,

planting and lighting.

The most successful spaces are

designed around real habits. If you

love relaxed family meals, prioritise

a dining area close to the kitchen.

If you enjoy evening drinks, think

about comfortable seating and

warmth. If children or grandchildren

use the garden, make sure there is

clear visibility from the house.

MAKE MORE OF

THE GARDEN

Outdoor living has become one

of the most desirable elements of

a modern home. A garden is no

longer just a patch of lawn or a place

Wooden Adirondack Chair

(with footrest), £239, hauslife.

co.uk; Ocellus Outdoor

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for summer barbecues. With

thoughtful planning, it can become

an extra living space, dining room,

play area, home office or peaceful

retreat.

Garden rooms remain popular

for those wanting more flexible

space without moving house. They

can work beautifully as offices,

studios, gyms, guest spaces or

hobby rooms, particularly when

properly insulated for year-round

use. Pergolas, awnings and covered

seating areas can also extend the

season, offering shade and shelter

when needed.

Outdoor kitchens and built-in

cooking areas are another growing

trend, especially for those who

enjoy entertaining. But a successful

outdoor space does not have to be

elaborate. A simple patio with good

furniture, layered planting and a

practical route back to the kitchen

can be just as effective.


Discover a handmade kitchen that is designed around you - crafted to fit your space, your

lifestyle and your budget. Contact Elliot Maggs to discuss your ideas.

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Bronze Light Switch, £55, dowsingandreynolds.com;

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Cushion, £38, hauslife.co.uk

When planning a garden upgrade,

start with purpose. Do you want

somewhere low-maintenance?

A space for entertaining? A quiet

retreat? A family-friendly garden?

Once you are clear on how the

space should work, choices around

landscaping, planting, paving and

furniture become much easier.

THINK ABOUT

COMFORT AND

EFFICIENCY

The best home upgrades are not

only about appearance. Practical

improvements can make an

enormous difference to daily

comfort, especially in older homes.

Energy-efficient windows, improved

insulation, underfloor heating,

smart controls, better ventilation

and high-quality flooring can all

help a home feel more comfortable

and cost-effective to run. These

elements may not be the most

glamorous part of a renovation, but

they often have the biggest impact

on daily life.

Lighting is another area worth

serious thought. A single overhead

light rarely does a room justice.

DESIGNER TIP

Do not leave finishes until the

end of the budget. Handles,

lighting, window treatments and

flooring are the details that often

make a project feel complete.

Layered lighting — combining task,

ambient and accent lighting —

can change the mood of a space

completely.

Storage is equally important.

Beautiful rooms quickly lose their

appeal if there is nowhere to put

coats, shoes, toys, paperwork,

appliances or everyday clutter. Builtin

storage, boot rooms, utility areas

and clever cabinetry can help keep a

home feeling calm and organised.

ADD THE

FINISHING

TOUCHES

Sometimes it is the final layer that

brings a project together. Paint

colours, curtains, shutters, blinds,

rugs, tiles, handles, furniture and

accessories can all influence how

a room feels. These details add

personality and create flow.

Shutters and window treatments can

be particularly effective in summer,

offering privacy, light control and a

polished finish. Soft furnishings can

introduce colour and texture, while

mirrors, artwork and lighting can

help a space feel considered rather

than simply renovated.

This is where local specialists can

be invaluable. Interior designers,

kitchen companies, flooring experts,

glazing specialists, landscapers

and home furnishing retailers bring

practical knowledge as well as style

oka.com

advice. They can help you choose

materials that suit your lifestyle,

avoid costly mistakes and create a

cohesive result.

START WITH THE

RIGHT ADVICE

Every successful home project

begins with good advice. Speaking

to local experts early can help

clarify what is realistic, what

permissions may be needed, how

long work might take and where

your budget is best spent.

It is also wise to think ahead. If you

are investing in glazing, how will it

affect flooring, heating and garden

access? If you are redesigning

a kitchen, does the lighting plan

support the new layout? If you are

landscaping, will the space work

beyond high summer?

The most satisfying upgrades are

rarely the result of one isolated

decision. They come from looking at

the home as a whole — how it flows,

how it feels, how it functions and how

it supports the people living in it.

Whether you are planning a major

renovation or a series of smaller

improvements, summer is the

perfect moment to invest in your

home. With the right guidance,

thoughtful design and attention to

detail, you can create a space that

feels brighter, more practical and

more enjoyable for years to come.


What NOT to put into Self Storage

We asked the team at Giant Storage in Frome to share the items

that — however lovingly packed — simply cannot come along for

the ride...


1. Leave the fire hazards at home

Petrol, propane, aerosols, fireworks, paint

thinner — the kind of things lurking at

the back of every garage. In an enclosed

storage unit, these become a genuine

safety risk, so they stay behind. Loose

lithium batteries and old car batteries are

also on the banned list, since they can

leak or combust when left unattended.

Time for a trip to the household recycling

centre, perhaps.

2. Food is not welcome (and neither are

its friends)

Fresh food, frozen goods, half-open bags

of pet food, houseplants — it all sounds

harmless until you remember what likes

to eat it. Rats, mice, and insects are not

fussy guests, and once they’ve found a

way in, they tend to stay. The only food

that makes the cut is commercially sealed,

non-perishable tins. Everything else? The

food bank will thank you for it.

3. It’s a storage unit, not a studio flat

This one might raise an eyebrow, but yes

— people have tried. A storage unit has

no natural light and no climate control. It

is not a legal or safe place for a person (or

a pet) to stay. Not even temporarily. Not

even if they’re very small.

4. Keep it legal

Stolen goods, unlicensed weapons, illegal

substances — storage facilities are legally

required to report suspicious activity, and

they do. There’s no wiggle room here, and

frankly, there shouldn’t be.

5. Dry only, please

Damp clothing, un-defrosted freezers,

anything still holding moisture — these

are mould’s best friends. And mould, once

it takes hold, doesn’t stop at one box.

Make sure everything going into storage

is properly dry and clean before the door

closes.

6. Your most precious things deserve

better

Sentimental jewellery, family heirlooms,

original artwork, important legal

documents — storage isn’t the right

home for these. Standard insurance

policies often have surprisingly low limits

on high-value items, and a bank safe

deposit box will give you far greater

peace of mind.

7. The simple rule of thumb?

If it can leak, smell, catch fire, or get you

arrested — it’s staying home. For anything

you’re not sure about, the Giant Storage

team are on hand to advise. They’ve

heard it all, and they won’t judge.

Doing good locally

Giant Storage is currently offering a

completely free 20ft storage container

— for a full 12 months — to one local

charity in each of three locations: Frome,

Salisbury, and Yeovil. A free man and van

service is included to help with the move.

It’s the kind of quietly generous thing a

good local business does, and it deserves

a mention.

Find Us in Frome

The Cotton Works, Vallis Rd, Frome

BA11 3EN | 01373 481104

Open 24 Hours!

https://giantstorage.co.uk/

FIRST

MONTH

FREE

FROME

The Cotton Works

Vallis Rd, Frome

BA11 3EN

BOOK NOW

01373 481104

giantstorage.co.uk


MOVING TO FROME

WITH A GERMAN TOUCH

A local family have opened a brand

new German kitchen showroom...


You and the family moved to Frome

and set up home along with the

opening of KUTCHENHAUS. What

was the appeal?

Frome had been on our radar for a long

time before we made the move. Becky

and I wanted to be closer to family,

somewhere with proper countryside on

the doorstep but still with a real sense

of community and culture. Frome

ticked every box. The independent

shops, the markets, the creative

energy, it felt like a town that genuinely

makes things happen rather than just

talks about it. Opening Kutchenhaus

here felt like a natural extension of

that, bringing something we’re really

proud of to a town we love.

What was it that drew you to the

Town as a family?

We moved to Frome in 2021 with

our two children, Poppy and Charlie,

and it just clicked from day one. The

combination of brilliant schools, easy

access to the countryside, and a town

centre that’s actually full of life rather

than chain stores is rare. The kids

can roam, there’s always something

happening, and you bump into people

you know on the high street. After a

few years of looking at different places,

Frome was the one that felt like home

before we’d even unpacked.

Transforming the old Shoe Zone

shop, that had been empty for a few

years into a beautiful showroom

looked like a labour of love?

It absolutely was. The unit had been

sitting vacant for nearly a decade,

so there was a lot to undo before we

could even start thinking about what

it would become. We’ve completely

transformed it from top to bottom,

opening up the space, bringing in

proper natural light, and creating a

showroom that actually feels like the

kitchens we design, calm, considered

and inviting. It’s been a real labour

of love but it’s also been a privilege.

Bringing a long-empty unit back to life

on the high street feels like the right

thing to be doing.

Tell us a little about your team in the

Frome store?

Neil and Kayleigh run the Frome

showroom day to day and are a

fantastic addition to our wider team.

They’re the friendly faces clients meet

first and they’re brilliant at guiding

people through the design process

from that very first conversation.

Behind the scenes, Patrick and Jodi

manage our projects, making sure

every kitchen runs smoothly from order

through to installation, and I oversee

everything across all three stores.

We’re a small, hands on team and we

like it that way. It means clients always

know who they’re dealing with.

You have stores in Bristol and Bath

and in the marketplace in Frome.

How have you found it since opening

your third store?

We opened the Frome store in October

2026 and the response has been

brilliant. Bristol and Bath have been

going from strength to strength, and

Frome already feels like it’s found its

own rhythm. Each store has its own

character because each town does,

and Frome’s customers tend to really

care about design, provenance and

getting the details right. That suits us

perfectly.

How would you describe

KUTCHENHAUS?

Kutchenhaus is German engineering

and design, delivered locally. We

design and supply beautifully made

German kitchens at prices that are

genuinely competitive, without any

of the usual showroom theatre or

hard sell. We want people to feel

like they can walk in, have a proper

conversation, and leave with a clearer

idea of what’s possible.

What makes KUTCHENHAUS

unique?

The combination of quality, value

and service is hard to find elsewhere.

Our kitchens are made in Germany

by Nobilia, the largest kitchen

manufacturer in Europe, which means

precision engineering, incredible build

quality and a huge range of options.

But we pair that with a local team who

actually design your kitchen with you,

manage the project, and are still here

long after the kitchen is in. It’s the best

of both worlds.

Modern Technology plays a big part

in the kitchen today. KUTCHENHAUS

can offer that and more, right?

Definitely. The kitchen is the most

tech-rich room in the house now

and we love working with the latest

appliances. Bora’s QVac built-in

vacuum sealer, Kaelo’s integrated

wine cooler, downdraft induction

hobs that do away with the extractor

hood entirely, boiling water taps,

combi-steam ovens, the lot. We use

3D design software so clients can

see exactly how their kitchen will look

before a single cabinet is ordered,

which takes a lot of the guesswork out

of the process.

Big or small you can cater for all

sizes of kitchens?**

Absolutely. We’ve designed everything

from compact galley kitchens in flats

through to huge open-plan island

kitchens in rear extensions. Every

project gets the same care and attention

to detail, regardless of size or budget. A

small kitchen designed brilliantly is just

as rewarding as a big one.

Can I visit to discuss my kitchen

dreams with you and the team?

Please do. There’s no appointment

needed, just pop in. We’ll put the kettle

on and have a proper chat about what

you’re thinking. Whether you’re at the

daydreaming stage or ready to order

next week, we’re happy to help.

What are your opening times in

Frome?

We’re open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am

to 5pm.

Where can I discover more about

KUTCHENHAUS Frome?

The best way is to pop in for a

coffee and a chat, we’re right in the

marketplace and always happy to see

people. Otherwise, our website has

plenty of inspiration, project galleries

and information on the ranges we offer.

Finally, they say all the best parties

are in the Kitchen.

They’re not wrong. The kitchen has

become the heart of the home in a

way it never used to be, where people

cook, eat, work, talk and end up at the

end of every party. That’s exactly why

we love what we do. A great kitchen

makes all of that better.

uk.kutchenhaus.com


DESIGNING THE KITCHEN

OF YOUR DREAMS WITH

DIMENSIONS

At Dimensions we create bespoke kitchens

with exceptional quality, thoughtful design,

and lasting craftsmanship for homeowners

ready to invest in their forever home.

We look after a huge range of clients. However, there is a

common theme among our clientele. Most have already been

through the stage of buying cheaply when they were first

starting out. Many have learnt the hard way about problems

that often occur with budget materials and DIY designs.

What our customers want when they come to us is to invest

in excellent quality fittings and to have a design that reflects

what they really want in their forever home.

The bespoke and design-led approach is also important.

Dimensions offers 3D design support and tailored solutions,

helping homeowners visualise and customise their kitchen

before installation. This level of planning leads to better results

compared to generic designs, especially for unique spaces or

specific lifestyle needs.

The kitchen is one of the most frequently used spaces in a

home, so improving its quality can significantly enhance daily

living. Lifestyle changes can also drive upgrades. As families

grow or habits evolve, homeowners may need more storage,

better lighting, or improved functionality. Open-plan living and

indoor-outdoor spaces have become increasingly popular so

ADVERTISING FEATURE

many people remodel their kitchens to create a more social,

connected space.

Another major motivation is increasing property value. Buyers

tend to focus heavily on kitchens when choosing a new home,

and a durable, visually appealing space can make a property

stand out.

For many homeowners, the upgrade is not just about

function or resale value—it’s about creating a space they

genuinely enjoy spending time in. There is so much choice

at Dimensions, clients will inevitably be able to create a

beautifully styled room that makes them smile every day.

Homeowners choose Dimensions because we deliver a

combination of high-quality materials, tailored design, and

dependable local expertise—key ingredients for a kitchen that

looks better, works better, and lasts longer.

O’Brien’s Range Cookers Ltd are a small

family business that maintains low

overheads and many years industry

experience specialising in the supply,

service and repair of AGA, Rayburn,

Heritage and many other range cookers,

not to mention conventional boilers

in all fuel types. We also specialise in

re-enamelling, bespoke metal finishes and

ElectricKit / eControl electric conversions

for AGA cookers.

Here at O’Briens we have been selling

Everhot cookers for about 10 years so have

plenty of experience in giving our customers

the best advice. We find it’s not just about

selling an appliance but making completely

sure it’s the best fit for our customer.

Unlike some companies that “subcontract

out” parts of the job when an Everhot

Come and

see us for

everything

Everhot

replaces an existing appliance

that may have provided central

heating as well as cooking, we can safely

remove the old appliance and provide a

new central heating source, be it a modern

conventional boiler, air source or hybrid. We

are a “one stop shop”.

Why not give us a call or drop us an email

and arrange a time to come and see us?

We will pop the kettle on. You can even

come and try an Everhot for yourself. The

company itself is carbon negative, so if after

some careful consideration you do decide to

start your own Everhot journey you will feel

safe in the knowledge that you to are doing

your bit.

Visiting us will also give you a chance to see

at first hand the Everhot stove. It will literally

go anywhere without the need for a flue. The

vibrant colour of the one we have here in

the showroom almost makes you feel warm

without even switching it on. The fact it has

its own internal oven is an added bonus

that allows for endless possibilities. The only

thing you will need to do is choose your

favourite colour.

O’Briens Range Cookers Ltd – Blatchbridge farm,

Blatchbridge, Frome BA11 5EJ

01373 463535 – service@obrienscookers.co.uk


SHOP ONLINE VISIT SOPHA.CO.UK

CREATE

SOMETHING

GREAT AT SOPHA

AS ORIGINAL AS YOU ARE, FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME...

BEDS

SOFAS

FURNITURE

| hello@sopha.uk | 01278 55 77 55 | 2-4 Church Street, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3AE

Bon Appetit Tin Trays, £15, Yellow & White

Check Napkins, £4.75, Lemon Enamel Plate,

£15, Metal Reusable Plates, £6,

talkingtables.com

Tomato Handle

Wooden Salad

Servers, £29.50 oliverbonas.com

Geometric Acrylic Jug &

Tumbler Set, £40, coxandcox.co.uk

PICNIC SEASON

Picnic season brings fun & charm to outdoor dining: here are some

beautiful - and practical - baskets, blankets, tableware and serveware...

Brambly Cottage Sunnyside Melamine

Serving Dish, £34.85, wayfair.com

Bon Appetit Napkins, £4.75,

talkingtables.com

Contrast Rim Acrylic Jug £14

marksandspencer.com

Green & White Stripe

Picnic Blanket, £25,

procook.co.uk

Picnic Basket, £80

procook.co.uk

Leela Striped Cutlery

Set, £44.99,

laredoute.co.uk


Longcroft at Cubis Bruton:

A Year of Bruton Life

Michele and Bruce are celebrating over 12-months

of living in one of Bruton’s most exciting and energy

efficient new developments. A year, they say,

that has been marked by space, warmth and an

unexpected sense of community.

We caught up with them to hear what it’s really like

buying a new-build home, and living in the soughtafter

town of Bruton.

After years of Victorian renovations and “far too

much time getting them up to a suitable standard”

a new-build home felt like a welcome exhale.

“Here, the only thing we need to think about is

painting the walls at some point,” says Michele,

“the insulation is incredible in winter and we’ve just

experienced how good it is in summer too.”

For the couple, and their dog, Longcroft has struck

a perfect balance: cleverly planned energy-efficient

living space for two, yet easily able to welcome

friends and family.

But it’s not just the house

that’s charmed them.

“Everyone is friendly and

willing to answer questions.

It’s a lovely place to arrive

as newcomers” says

Michele, who longed for the

countryside, but didn’t want to feel isolated, the

location is pitch-perfect. Bruton’s cafés, post office,

vets, dentist and doctors are all just a walk away. “A

decent coffee on foot is very important,” Bruce laughs.

Highly sustainable

3 & 4 bedroom homes at

Longcroft, Cubis Bruton

Set amongst the stunning Somerset countryside

and minutes from Bruton’s trendy high street,

these homes are ideal for those seeking rural living

combined with easy access to city connections.

Prices from £449,000

Now in its final selling phase,

don’t miss your chance to

make the move to Longcroft

at Cubis Bruton.

SCAN HERE FOR

MORE INFO

SHOW HOME OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY, 10AM TO 5PM

CUCKOO HILL, BRUTON BA10 0AF

Call 01749 598088

Visit acornpropertygroup.org

Prices correct at time of print. Photographs used for illustrative purposes only.


Bespoke Roofing Services

Family-run

Roofing & Building

Contractor

More than 30 years in the business

FASCIA BOARDS ~ GUTTERING ~ FLAT ROOFING CHIMNEY STACKS

All Work Guaranteed For 10 Years

Dear Homeowner, Due to the current economic situation, we are offering huge savings

on all types of roofing work. From a single tile to a new roof. We also install maintenance free

UPVC facia boards that will not crack or peel and will never need painting.

Spray Foam Removal Service Available.

Complete overhauls - 10 tiles replaced, chimney re-pointed and ridge and hips

guttering cleaned out from £695

New Flat Roofs - Single garage from £1,500

New Roofs - Terraced from £4,650, Re-guttering from £675, Terraced excluding down pipes

Plastic - Fascia – Soffits & Guttering – Three bed semi from £1,750

We also do moss removal at very competitive rates!

Reading: Bath: 01225 0118805661

391 3864

Newbury: Shaftesbury: 01635 01747 899540 702116

www.bespokeroofingservices.co.uk

www.bespokeroofingservices.co.uk

E: E: bespokeroofingservices@gmail.com

SUMMER

SPECIAL

Gutters cleaned

out and repaired

from £95

MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO TO GET GET THOSE JOBS THAT NEED DOING DONE!

NOTES FROM THE

Garden

Flower shows abound at this time of the year

and they are a fantastic opportunity to see new

plants, see how other people use their garden

space, look for garden accessories - and chat to

other gardeners too.

Gardening clubs, garden magazines, TV programmes all vie to

show us the best of the best but sometimes things don’t go to

plan, plants fail, plans don’t get executed and you can feel a bit

down - but nature somehow has a way of not letting you feel

down for long. If the big picture

seems a long way away, start with

the small picture.

New gardeners are often daunted

by all of the advice, adverts, show

gardens, perfect gardens etc - but

actually every single gardener will

share takes of what didn’t worksometimes

very funny stories too!

Just one beautiful plant, one home

grown courgette, one birds nest in

your garden - is enough.

Starting small is good. If you

have a big garden maybe target it in bite size chunks. Restore

one border, prune one tree, plant a few beautiful pots and give

yourself a pat on the back.

Enjoy the perfection, recognise the hard work and chat to other

gardening enthusiasts - having your own outside space - a

balcony, a patio, even a window box should be a pleasure and

the more you do the better you get!

Enjoy the sun, use a water butt if you are able, don’t forget

water for birds and bees and remember “A weed is a plant that

has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to

grow in rows.” - Doug Larson

For more advice, visit Matt Biggs’ website:

www.matthewbiggs.com


SMART JOBS FOR JUNE

to keep your garden looking its best

June is one of the most rewarding

months in the garden. Borders are

bursting into life, lawns are growing

quickly and outdoor spaces

become somewhere to relax and

entertain as the evenings stretch

longer.

A little regular maintenance now

helps keep everything looking

beautiful through the rest of

summer — and prevents those

small jobs turning into bigger ones

later in the season.

KEEP THE LAWN

LOOKING ITS BEST

With warmer temperatures and

occasional rainfall, lawns tend

to grow rapidly in June. Regular

mowing encourages thicker growth

and keeps grass looking lush and

healthy.

Avoid cutting the lawn too short

during dry spells — slightly longer

grass helps protect the roots and

retain moisture. Edging paths,

patios and borders also makes a

surprisingly big difference, instantly

giving the garden a well-kept look.

Modern cordless mowers such as

the STIHL RMA 235 battery mower

have become increasingly popular

with home gardeners. Lightweight,

quiet and easy to store, they

make routine mowing quick and

convenient for smaller to mediumsized

lawns.

TRIM HEDGES BEFORE

SUMMER GROWTH

TAKES OFF

Many hedges benefit from a light

trim in early summer to keep them

neat and encourage dense growth.

Formal hedges such as box, privet

and yew respond particularly well to

gentle shaping during June.

For taller hedges and shrubs, a

dedicated hedge trimmer makes

the job far quicker and easier.

Battery models like the STIHL HSA

45 hedge trimmer offer plenty of

cutting power while remaining

lightweight and easy to handle for

most garden tasks.

Always check carefully for nesting

birds before trimming, and aim for

light shaping rather than heavy

pruning.

DON’T FORGET TOOL

MAINTENANCE

Reliable tools make garden jobs far

easier, particularly during the busy

summer growing season. Whether

using traditional petrol equipment

or newer battery-powered tools,

keeping blades sharp and engines

or batteries well maintained helps

ensure everything runs smoothly

when you need it.

Many gardeners choose to have

equipment professionally serviced

once a year — a simple service can

often extend the life of tools and

maintain peak performance.

KEEP PATHS AND

BORDERS TIDY

With plants growing vigorously, it’s

easy for paths, patios and borders

to become cluttered with grass

clippings, fallen leaves and early

weeds. Regular light clearing keeps

outdoor spaces feeling fresh and

welcoming — especially if you’re

planning garden gatherings or

summer barbecues.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL

STIHL STOCKIST

Your local authorised STIHL dealer

can offer expert advice on choosing

the right equipment for your garden

— whether you’re maintaining a

compact lawn or managing larger

hedges and borders.

They can also help with:

• Demonstrations of the latest

petrol and battery garden

tools

• Servicing and maintenance

to keep equipment running

smoothly

• Replacement parts,

accessories and seasonal

advice

Speak to your local STIHL dealer

to find the right tools for the

season ahead.


AK SYSTEM TOOLS -

for medium-sized

to large gardens

ƒ

GET THE LATEST STIHL BATTERY-

POWERED TOOLS FROM HUNT FOREST

GROUP TODAY.

STIHL Approved Dealers offer excellent service,

expert advice and best-in-class maintenance for

your tools. With years of experience in the garden

machinery industry, we‘re ready to help.

Visit us today to find out more about the latest STIHL

tools and get the right tool for your needs today.

STIHL – a pioneer in power and garden tools for 100 years

Find your local Hunt Forest Group branch at

Green Ore

Green Ore, Wells, Somerset BA5 3ER

Tel: 01934 741 166

Opening hours:

Monday – Friday: 8.00am – 5.00pm

Saturday: 8.00am – 12.30pm

www.huntforest.com

Email us at info@huntforest.com

THE GARDEN PLANNER

Planting & Garden Design

elizabeththegardenplanner.com

07814 959520

We are independent funeral directors serving Frome and the

surrounding areas. With over two decades of experience, we

provide a personal, compassionate and professional service.

• 24 Hour Personal Service

• Private Chapel of Rest

• Arrangements made in your own home if required

• Pre-paid funeral plans with Golden Leaves

• Traditional and Green Funerals

• Direct Cremations

R20 Marshall Way, Commerce Park, Frome, Somerset BA11 2FE

01373 476277 | office@waynekellyfuneraldirectors.co.uk

www.waynekellyfuneraldirectors.co.uk


Puzzle Time

Summer Word Search

Would you like to advertise in this space?

Get in touch to find out more: 01225 984550 or

email studio@minervapublications.co.uk.

I E V E G O G G L E S H F W O

S T A D T N B F T L X O H Y M

F N H F G S A N S U G L P V O

V L O U O A W M G R O I H K P

Y B I R N K R I E X J D D S V

K L L P K D I D M T M A H U A

K E T U F E E S E S W Y M N I

Z B H A E L L R W N U O N G C

E A E H L S O I S C I I A L E

J R A U M P K P N T K N T A C

A B T Q B T D I S G O R G S R

S E W A E E A Y E X B R G S E

S C A I D M M J R S R W M E A

S U V S T A Y C A T I O N S M

V E E U B E A C H B A L L B P

HEATWAVE

BLUE SKIES

SUNGLASSES

SWIMSUIT

FLIP FLOPS

ICE CREAM

GOGGLES

SUMMERTIME

WORDSEARCH

BEACH BALL

SNORKELING

GARDENING

THUNDERSTORM

BARBECUE

STAYCATION

HOLIDAY

WORD WHEEL

thunderstorm sunglasses snorkeling

Staycation blue skies flip flops

This Summer themed word wheel is made from a 9

beach ball letter Summer gardening themed word. Try and find swimsuit that word,

then make as many words of any length as you can

Barbecue from these letters. goggles You can only use each heatwave letter once,

and each word must include the letter B.

ice cream

Holiday

®

Build your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-generator

Sudoku

SUDOKU

8 1 6

3 4

9 5 3 2

1 4

5 4 3 9 7 2

8 7 9 3

1 5

© 2007 - 2026 Education.com

6 5 2

5 9 7 2

®

Build your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-generator

© 2007 - 2026 Education.com

SOLUTIONS

Everything for the garden

with lakeside views

Planting

Outdoor living

Café

Crockerton, Warminster, BA12 8AP

01985 217 413 www.fonthill-lakeside.com


FUN FOR THE FAMILY

AT CLARKS VILLAGE

A new experience has landed at Clarks Village,

offering fun for all the family...

The Somerset shopping outlet is proud

to be home to a new monster-themed

storytelling trail, further enhancing its lineup

of family fun.

Inspired by the popular children’s books

by Kiersten Ward, the Mindful Monster

storytelling trail challenges families to

explore and discover seven colourful

monsters before meeting Honest

Doris – a 4ft-high monster statue and

self-declared ‘monster hugger’ – and

capturing the moment on the new

monster selfie bench.

The trail encourages kindness,

mindfulness and emotional awareness,

with each monster representing a positive

theme and sharing its own mindful

message.

Harry, aged six, who took part in the trail

on its launch day, said: “It was really fun,

my favourite was Bobbleflop – he had a

really funny name!”

To join in the fun, guests simply need to

collect a free trail sheet from the Guest

Services team before setting off on their

monster hunt, with those who complete

the trail receiving a free gift.

Marc Myers, Retail Operations Director

of Clarks Village, commented: “The

new Mindful Monsters trail is a fun and

interactive addition to our family offering

at Clarks Village, with a strong, positive

message at its heart. We’re grateful

to author Kiersten Ward for visiting us

for the launch of the trail and the live

storytelling sessions, which were very

popular with our guests.”

Author Kiersten Ward added: “It was

a delight to spend the day at Clarks

Village and see the Mindful Monsters

trail brought to life. I loved meeting so

many children and introducing them

to the monster characters through the

storytelling sessions and hope the trail is

enjoyed visit after visit.”

Alongside the Mindful Monster trail,

there is something to entertain every

member of the family at Clarks Village.

There is plenty of space to explore with

wide-paved outdoor malls, stunning

landscaped gardens, alongside a familyfriendly

dining and a mix of more than 90

brands offering up to 60% off RRP. These

include favourites such as Haribo and

Cadbury, as well as childrenswear brand

Hatley and the world’s biggest Clarks

shoe store. You’ll also find a range of

arts, crafts, toys and books at The Works,

toys and gadgets at Menkind, as well

as everything to get the kids kitted out

for summer with outdoor wear, camping

gear, wetsuits and more, at the likes

of Mountain Warehouse, Trespass and

Saltrock.

When you’re feeling peckish, your

options range from a quick bite to a

family feast, with late-night-opening

dining destinations including Bill’s, the

newly refurbished Prezzo, Wagamama,

PizzaExpress, Slim Chickens, Cornish

Bakery, Pret, Bubble T, or one of the

outlet’s tasty street food trucks.

And as the UK’s most dog-friendly

shopping centre, Clarks Village would

never forget our furry friends. Dogs are

welcome in nearly all of the outlet’s

brands where they’ll receive friendly

pawshakes, tasty treats and fresh water –

as well as lots of outdoor space to enjoy.

The outlet even has its very own Canine

Executive Officer; Archie the goldenhaired

miniature dachshund. Want more?

Look out for Clarks Village’s paw-pular

Pawsome Pooch weekend later this year

– the ulti-mutt dog celebratory event you

won’t want to miss.

If you’d like to be one of the first to hear

about what’s on at Clarks Village – from

new brands and exclusive discounts

to family fun and exciting events,

visit the Clarks Village website to join

Clarks Village’s free members’ reward

programme PLUS+.

FIND US:

Website:

Instagram:

Facebook:

TikTok:

www.clarksvillage.co.uk

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01458 785634

North Dorset

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DRIVING AT NIGHT

GETTING HARDER?

It Might Not Be Your Glasses

If you’ve found yourself avoiding night driving lately,

you’re not alone. Many people notice that oncoming

headlights feel dazzling, streetlights seem to glow with

halos, and road signs aren’t as sharp as they once were.

It’s easy to assume your glasses need updating—but

often, that’s not the full story.

These symptoms can be early signs of cataracts, a

common age-related change where the eye’s natural

lens gradually becomes cloudy. Unlike typical vision

changes that glasses can correct, cataracts affect how

light enters the eye. This is why glare from headlights

can feel overwhelming, and why night-time vision is

often the first thing to deteriorate.

Other tell-tale signs include blurred or dim vision,

increased sensitivity to light, and colours appearing

slightly faded. You may even notice that your prescription

seems to change more frequently, without ever

quite feeling “right.”

So when is it time to consider treatment? If your vision

is starting to impact everyday activities—particularly

driving, reading, or recognising faces—it’s worth seeking

EXPERT EYE CARE

YOU CAN TRUST

Clear, comfortable vision is something many of

us take for granted - until it begins to change.

advice. Cataracts don’t need to be “ripe” anymore

before being treated; modern approaches focus on

improving quality of life as soon as symptoms become

bothersome.

The good news is that cataract surgery is now one of

the most common and straightforward procedures performed

in the UK. It typically takes less than 30 minutes,

is done under local anaesthetic, and most people return

home the same day. The cloudy lens is replaced with a

clear artificial one, often restoring sharp, vibrant vision—

sometimes even reducing the need for glasses.

If night driving has become stressful or uncomfortable,

it’s worth looking beyond your prescription. A simple eye

examination could be the first step back to clearer, more

confident vision.


Whether it’s difficulty driving at night, cloudy vision, or colours

appearing less vivid, shifts in eyesight can have a real impact

on everyday life. While it’s tempting to put these changes

down to needing stronger glasses, they can sometimes signal

underlying conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.

At Newmedica Bristol, patients have access to expert eye

care delivered in modern, state-of-the-art facilities across

three locations in the city. The clinic provides a comprehensive

range of services, including cataract surgery, YAG laser

capsulotomy (a follow-up treatment sometimes needed after

cataract surgery), glaucoma care, vitreoretinal surgery, and

oculoplastics—treating conditions such as drooping eyelids

and lumps or bumps around the eye.

What truly sets Newmedica apart is its unique structure.

The clinic is owned and led by the consultants and partners

who work there. This means the people responsible for

your treatment are personally invested in achieving the best

possible outcomes. There’s a strong sense of accountability

and pride in the care they provide—because it’s their

reputation, as well as their patients’ wellbeing, on the line.

Cataract surgery at Newmedica is quick and highly effective

- often completed in as little as 10 minutes. It is performed

under local anaesthetic, with patients returning home the

same day. A range of advanced lens options is available for

private patients, allowing treatment to be tailored to individual

lifestyles and visual goals, often reducing the need for glasses

afterwards. For added convenience, free transport is also

available on the day of surgery for those who need it.

Patients can choose treatment via the NHS with a referral

from their optometrist or GP, or opt for private care, with

appointments available in as little as two weeks. Private

medical insurance is accepted, with the clinic working

alongside leading providers.

If your vision isn’t quite what it used to be, seeking expert

advice could be the first step towards seeing clearly again.

Newmedica Bristol

www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/bristol

0117 335 0160


“

I needed cataract surgery and

didn’t want to wait. Within weeks

I could see clearly again.

”

That’s Newmedica

At Newmedica Bristol, we prioritise reducing wait times for

cataract care. Our skilled team and expert consultants

ensure your treatment and lens choice are tailored to your

vision and lifestyle.

We’re committed to making private cataract lenses

affordable, with prices starting from £2,295 and with pay

monthly options available at 0%.*

For a free consultation call

0117 453 4452

newmedica.co.uk/clinics/bristol

*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply

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Reimagining Education for

the World Beyond School


How do we prepare young people not just to leave

school, but to step into the future with confidence,

curiosity, and a sense of possibility? This was a

question that we took to heart when designing our

Spaghetti Bridge Enterprise Learning approach...

Too often, education prepares students for the “real world” by

separating them from it. We wanted to do the opposite. Rather

than confining learning to what takes place within the four walls

of the classroom, we designed an approach that brings the

outside world into the school and takes learning out into the

community.

This is the foundation of our Enterprise Learning approach: a

curriculum built around meaningful, real-world projects that allow

students to see how their ideas, creativity, and effort can make a

genuine difference. Through the creation of what we call Beautiful

Work, students experience the pride and purpose that come from

producing something that matters to them and to the people

around them.

To make this possible, we staff our schools with practitioners

with expertise within particular fields, such as Digital Media,

Horticulture, and Construction and Engineering. We also invite

external Industry Experts into our schools, giving students the

opportunity to learn directly from professionals and understand

what high-quality work looks like beyond school.

Learning extends far beyond the classroom. Trips, visits, and

experiences within the local community and further afield help

students build cultural capital, broaden their understanding of the

world, and imagine new possibilities for their futures.

At the end of each term, our Festivals of Learning provide

students with the opportunity to present and celebrate their

Beautiful Work, reflect on their progress, and develop confidence

in their ability to challenge themselves to reimagine their

potential, learn, and grow.

We also knew that students would not be prepared for the future

through a focus on a curriculum based on knowledge alone.

Therefore, we designed Enterprise Learning to equip students

with the 21st Century Skills that will enable them to thrive in the

world of the future, including learning creative and divergent

thinking, developing a learning mindset, and building their

relational skills and emotional intelligence.

Ultimately, our hope is simple: that more young people have the

opportunity to experience an education that connects them to the

real world, helps them discover who they are, and equips them to

face the future with confidence, purpose, and excitement.

At Chilton Bridge School, learning

starts with what students do best.

Our Enterprise Learning approach empowers students to explore their interests, express

themselves, and build new skills. With deep understanding and high expectations, our

staff help every child experience success. Based near Yeovil, Somerset, Chilton Bridge

School is a specialist school supporting students aged 6-19 with EHCPs.

referrals@chiltonbridgeschool.co.uk

www.chiltonbridgeschool.co.uk

CHILTON BRIDGE

SCHOOL


RAISING INDEPENDENT

CHILDREN

By Gail Murphy, Early Years Development Manager,

National Day Nurseries Association

Parents and immediate family members

are a child’s first educators and the most

important people in their lives. The early

years are their foundations for learning

and independence, when they develop the

skills they need to reach their full potential.

Happy, secure and independent children

benefit from structure, routine and the

opportunity to develop decision-making

and risk-taking skills which builds their

confidence. Sending a child to nursery

where there are varied and different

learning environments to home can really

support a child on their next steps to

independence and self-sufficiency.

Independence looks different for

every child. Well-qualified early years

professionals are best placed to support

each child to develop their potential.

Here’s why:

Nurseries provide opportunities for group

play, shared problem-solving, learning

with and from their peers. Children in

settings soon develop social skills such as

turn-taking, sharing, negotiation, conflict

resolution and empathy.

In a larger social setting, children have the

extra space to develop communication

skills through individual, small and large

group experiences where they learn

how to express needs, wishes, interests,

ideas and feelings in socially acceptable

ways. Group mealtimes for example

support social skills and routines and

introduce children to try broader tastes

and an understanding of the joys of eating

together.

Supporting children to develop

persistence and resilience can be

challenging for many families, particularly

when it feels easier in the moment to

step in quickly or avoid upsetting them.

Nurseries can offer helpful challenge

and gentle resistance by encouraging

children to try for themselves, building

independence rather than reliance.

Parents’ own upbringing and experiences

can also shape how comfortable they

feel with saying no, but evidence shows

that children benefit from clear, consistent

boundaries. Boundaries help children feel

safe and secure, and from this sense of

reassurance they gain the confidence to

explore.

Relationships that children have with

their nursery workers are key to their

overall experiences in nursery. Adults

have the training to encourage, model

and enable, engendering curiosity

through new and exciting opportunities

and experiences, such as the Maths

Champions programme. Children develop

self-sufficiency and real-world skills like

dressing, toileting, managing meal times,

looking after their environment and each

other.

Making daily choices in free-flow indoor

and outdoor play within predictable

routines builds autonomy, decisionmaking

and ownership of who to play

with, where and what. Nursery staff

support where necessary but also know

when to step back to help children

become more capable, try it themselves,

to gain that confidence when they achieve

their goals. Independence grows gradually

and needs to be encouraged and taught.

It includes knowing when and how to ask

for help in a situation. Children learn in this

way to develop persistence and resilience

when things are tricky.

Routines, play and relationships with peers

and adults build children’s confidence, a

‘can do’ attitude and support emotional

regulation by reducing anxiety.

What is the Maths Champions

programme and why does it matter?

The Maths Champions programme,

delivered by the National Day Nurseries

Association is an evidence-based early

intervention designed to boost children’s

maths skills from the very start. Through

flexible online training, practical tools

and expert support, it helps nursery staff

build confidence and embed maths into

everyday play and routines.

The impact is significant: children in

participating settings make up to three

months additional progress, rising to six

months for disadvantaged children.

Just as importantly, it equips practitioners

and parents with simple, effective ways to

support early maths at home and in the

setting. Strong early maths skills are a key

foundation for later learning, making early

intervention crucial.

Find out more about the programme

here: https://ndna.org.uk/championsprogrammes/maths-champions-earlyyears-maths-training/


Sundays

are

for

Swimming!

Swim with

us

at...

Harry’s Hydro is a

lovely warm pool in

Frome, BA11 4AB.

Class sizes are small

and we have the pool

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Join Diana every Sunday

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building, child-led swimming

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give your child the

best IntroDUCKtion to swimming!

“Diana is always so patient and

encouraging, even during those

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Mum Amy and Arlo (3 yrs) who swim

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Book your

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Call: 0117 9717165

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sporting brilliance

at millfield...


Millfield is known for sport and has been

named the UK’s Best Sports School for the

12th time in 13 years.

Thirty sports are available to all students at recreational level

through to competing on the national and international stage.

The school’s approach is focused on whole person development,

health, consistency, variability, matched ability and competition.

Training programmes fit into timetables, bespoke for each

student, with early morning sessions, longer lunch times and

after school sessions on offer.

Over 200 sports staff, including 14

full-time Heads of Sport, are experts

in their field with 90% holding the

highest qualification in their sport. This,

supported by outstanding facilities,

including an Olympic-sized swimming

pool, indoor golf and cricket centres and

an equestrian centre, sets the school

apart.

The unique Girls in Sport programme

empowers girls and educates boys.

Students and staff have attended talks

on nutrition and the menstrual cycle,

awareness around female specific injury

prevention for women in sports and

amendments have been made to female kit colours and shapes.

The passionate student-led committee have hosted takeover

weeks on the school’s social media channels, raising awareness

through podcasts, blogs and videos.

Old Millfieldians have been at every Olympic games since 1956.

Millfield would have placed 18th on the medal table at the 2024

Paris Olympics if it were a country.

Inspiration isn’t short to come by with alumni including Formula

One driver Lando Norris, Olympic gold medallist swimmer James

Guy, England Rugby players Chris Robshaw and Sir Gareth

Edwards and Rio 2016 Olympic medallist Helen Glover.

Find out more at our Open Morning on Saturday 9 May or 3

October. Book your place: millfieldschool.com/open-days or

contact admissions@millfieldschool.com if you would like a

personal visit.

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PHOENIX HEART AWARDS 2026:

Celebrating Excellence in Education, Care, and Support

Phoenix Learning and Care is proud to

announce the Phoenix HEART Awards

2026, taking place this July...

The awards celebrate the exceptional

contribution and everyday achievements

of our Team Members across our

schools, colleges and care services,

and the positive impact they have

on the People we support. HEART

Award winners are also put forward for

national awards, with several colleagues

shortlisted in previous years.

This year’s awards will be even more

inspiring, with categories recognising

excellence in innovation, compassion,

leadership and teamwork. By celebrating

Team Members who live our values of

Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect

and Teamwork every day, the HEART

Awards reflect what Phoenix stands for.

AWARD CATEGORIES FOR

2026 INCLUDE:

• Empowering Futures Award

• Innovation & Impact Award

• HEART Values Champion

• Nurture Award

• Flourish Award

• Grow Award

• Communication Development

Award

• Sensory Support Award

• Trauma-Informed Practice Award

• Excellence in a Supporting Role

Award

• Therapist of the Year

• Teacher of the Year

• Leadership Award

• Team of the Year

The Phoenix HEART Awards 2026 will

conclude with a special ceremony, where

we will recognise our nominees in front of

their peers, families and colleagues.

As part of this year’s event, we would

like to extend our heartfelt thanks to

our generous sponsors, whose support

makes the HEART Awards possible. Their

commitment to education, care, and the

well-being of the People we support is

invaluable.

Jon Pain, CEO at Phoenix Learning and

Care said: “We are incredibly proud

to celebrate the passion, dedication,

and hard work of our Team Members.

This year’s ceremony will unite finalists,

sponsors, and guests to celebrate the

remarkable individuals and teams whose

contributions create lasting positive

change for the People we support.”

A special thank you to Fyrex as our Gold

Sponsor for their continued partnership

and for helping to celebrate the

extraordinary individuals and teams who

make Phoenix a truly special place. We

look forward to celebrating with them and

all those who contribute to our thriving

Phoenix community.

The Phoenix HEART Awards are more

than just an event; they are a recognition

of the passion and dedication that drives

our mission. Together, we continue to

build a future full of opportunities and

support for all the people we work with.

For more information about the Phoenix

HEART Awards 2026, please visit:

https://phoenixlearningcare.co.uk/

heart-awards/


Join the Phoenix Community

We’re a dedicated team of over 700 professionals supporting

Children, Young People and Young Adults through:

Schools

Further Education College

Children’s Residential Homes

Adult Supported Living Services

We run 40+ specialist settings

across South England and

South Wales, offering

tailored, therapeutic care and

education.

Phoenix Learning and Care Group is expanding into

the North of England with the opening of Havencross

School in late 2026. Based in Denton, Greater

Manchester, the independent specialist SEND school

will support children with autism and learning

disabilities who are unable to access mainstream

education.

An Integrated Therapies culture that puts people first

Phoenix’s Integrated Therapies Teams work in open, collaborative

and supportive ways. We value clinical expertise, trust professional

judgement and encourage shared learning, building connected

teams where people feel supported and able to thrive.

If you’re looking for a role where collaboration, trust and

creativity are genuinely valued, and where education and

therapy work together to support each individual, Phoenix

could be the place for you.

Find out more about us, follow us on

LIVING

WELL

WITH

DEMENTIA

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A diagnosis of

dementia can feel

overwhelming - not

only for the person

affected, but for the

family and friends

around them.

It often brings difficult questions about

independence, safety, future care and

quality of life. Yet while dementia is

a life-changing condition, it does not

mean life stops being meaningful,

active or connected.

Across the UK, more families are

now looking for care and support

that goes beyond simply managing

symptoms. The focus is increasingly

on helping people live well: maintaining

familiar routines, preserving dignity,

encouraging social connection and

offering reassurance to loved ones who

may be navigating care decisions for

the first time.

Dementia affects people in different

ways. Some may experience memory

loss, confusion or difficulty finding

words, while others may notice

changes in mood, confidence or

behaviour. Because the condition can

progress gradually, families often find

themselves adapting step by step —

perhaps beginning with extra help at

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structured care.

For many people, remaining in their

own home for as long as possible is an

important priority. Care at home services

can make this possible by providing

practical help with daily routines, such

as washing, dressing, meals, medication

reminders, light household tasks and

transport to appointments. They can

also offer companionship, which is

especially important for those at risk of

becoming isolated.

But good care at home is about far

more than ticking off a list of tasks.

For someone living with dementia, a

familiar face, a calm approach and

an understanding of their life story

can make a significant difference.

Carers who take time to learn about

someone’s routines, preferences, past

experiences and anxieties are often

better able to reduce distress and

encourage confidence.

As needs increase, specialist

care homes can offer a safe and

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around the realities of dementia.

Many now provide dedicated

dementia communities, with staff

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emotional impact of the condition.

The best settings combine safety with

warmth — creating spaces that feel

homely rather than clinical, with clear

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Activities play an important role in

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“Good care is not

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For relatives, making care decisions

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Seeking advice early can make the

process less daunting. Speaking to

care providers, dementia specialists,

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options available and plan ahead

rather than waiting for a crisis.

Living well with dementia is about

recognising the person behind

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✓ Day care: companionship, activities and lunch

✓ Respite breaks: short-term stays in our care homes

✓ Reassurance your loved one is safe, well and supported

Contact us about care support services available in your area.

somersetcare.co.uk

0800 817 4925

ADVERTISING FEATURE

We look back at past events in Mendip...

WHEN DARTH VADER

VISITED FROME IN 1983

David J. Chedgy takes us back...

In a galaxy far, far away… Frome,

actually. I remember the day the rumours

started—passed in whispers through the

market square, traded casually between

the butcher’s counter and the bakery

queue, then repeated with growing

certainty as they spread from one end of

town to the other. Someone said a tall,

black-clad figure had been seen near

Ellenbray, over at the Westway Centre.

No one quite believed it at first, of course.

After all, this was 1983, and Frome

was the sort of place where excitement

usually meant a new shop opening, a

visiting fair, or perhaps a slightly largerthan-usual

crowd on market day.

But the whispers didn’t fade. If anything,

they grew louder, more detailed. A few

claimed they heard that unmistakable

mechanical breathing before they ever

saw him—slow, rhythmic, and impossible

to mistake for anything else. Children

dared each other to visit Ellenbray, hyping

themselves up with nervous laughter,

only to turn back halfway, gripped by a

strange thrill they couldn’t quite explain.

Even the adults, who pretended to be

above such things, seemed unusually

curious, finding excuses to pass by the

Westway precinct just to see if the stories

held any truth.

And then it was confirmed. Darth Vader

really had paid a visit to Frome in August

1983. The character from Star Wars was

there at Ellenbray to meet and greet

people, to pose for photographs, and

to sign autographs for anyone patient

enough to wait. Fans, young and old

alike, formed a queue that stretched all

the way around the Westway Precinct,

curling past shopfronts and spilling into

corners that rarely saw such crowds. The

latest Star Wars film, Return of the Jedi,

had just hit the cinemas, and excitement

was at its peak. Vader, the dark and

imposing villain, was somehow both

feared and adored—the kind of character

everyone loved to hate, yet couldn’t look

away from.

David Chedgy explained at the time

that the Dark Lord’s visit was part of a

promotion with Palitoy, the company

responsible for making the Star Wars

action figures and toys that filled shop

shelves and children’s bedrooms alike.

It made sense, in a way, though it still

felt surreal. The idea that something so

tied to a distant galaxy could arrive so

suddenly in a small Somerset town was

almost too strange to process.

I remember standing there, watching

the line inch forward, listening to the

low hum of chatter mixed with bursts of

laughter and disbelief. People clutched

programmes, toy boxes, scraps of

paper—anything that could hold a

signature. Every so often, a hush would

ripple through the crowd as Vader shifted

or turned, the sound of his breathing

cutting through everything else.

At one point, a man from the town—

braver, or perhaps more foolish than

most—called out to him. He asked,

half-jokingly and half-seriously, what he

was doing in Frome of all places. The

figure turned, slowly and deliberately,

and for a moment everything seemed

to freeze. Conversations stopped.

Even the usual background noise of

the precinct seemed to fade. I couldn’t

hear what was said in reply, only that

it was low, measured, and carried a

weight that made people lean in, even

if they caught only a word or two. It

was the kind of voice that made you

feel like you’d already asked the wrong

question, and that there might not be a

simple answer.

Afterwards, people tried to piece

together what they had witnessed.

Some swore he was looking for

something, something important

enough to bring him all the way to

Frome. Others insisted he was simply

passing through, as if even a place

like this could sit quietly on the edge

of a much larger, unseen map. A few

dismissed the whole idea as nothing

more than clever marketing, though

even they couldn’t quite hide their

fascination.

All we really knew—what stayed with us

long after the crowd dispersed and the

Westway returned to normal—was that

something unusual had happened that

day. For a brief moment, the ordinary

and the extraordinary had overlapped.

And whether you believed in it or not, it

certainly felt like the Force was strong

in town that day, back in ’83.


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Mendip Living Jun - Jul 2026

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Mendip Living Jun - Jul 2026

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

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