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CLICK HERE FOR SOMERSET HALLOWEEN EVENTS + THE MYTHS,LEGENDS & GHOSTS OF SOMERSET

Taunton Watchdog:
The Column that looks out for your interests. Click here to read:
Are Taunton OAP's Being Taken for a Ride?

LEST WE FORGET SOMERSET'S SACRIFICE

40 Commando Click

40 Commando Royal Marines

40 Commando RM is a battalion sized formation of the British Royal Marines and subordinate unit within 3 Commando Brigade, the principal Commando formation, under the Operational Command of Commander in Chief Fleet.

Roled as a Commando light infantry unit, 40 Cdo RM is capable of a wide range of operational tasks. Based at Norton Manor Camp, their barracks in Taunton, personnel regularly deploy outside the United Kingdom on operations or training .

Norton Manor Camp, Norton Fitzwarren , Taunton, Somerset TA2 6PF
Email: taunton@hivegb.co.uk
Tel: 01823 362471

Hearses carrying the Union-flag draped coffins of Sergeant Steven Darbyshire, Lance Corporal Michael Taylor, and Marine Paul Warren, all of 40 Commando Royal Marines in Taunton, passed after being repatriated to nearby RAF Lyneham. Fourteen Marines from 40 Commando have lost their lives since April. We thank them and their families for their sacrifice for their country.

Events In Somerset from Heart Radio
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Backing Britain

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Wessex & Somerset
Places of Interest in & around Somerset and in Wessex.

Otherwise known as Somersetshire, the modern county of Somerset covers 1,365 square miles and has a population of 450,000. Somerset is not alone in the fact that it contains no cities and equally not alone in the fact that this apparent deficit is more than adequately atoned for by the presence of some wonderful market towns.The administration centre of Taunton is equalled in it's beauty by the other major towns of Yeovil, Wells, Bridgewater, Chard and Glastonbury. Somerset is known worldwide as the home of Cider and indeed Cider production is ranked second only to dairy farming as the main industry. Natural features of the county include the rivers Avon, Exe and Parret, the marshy coastline of the Bristol Channel and the Mendip Hills which include Cheddar Gorge, the origin of English Cheddar cheese.

SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL COAT OF ARMS

somerset cc arms ARMS: Or a Dragon rampant Gules holding in the claws a Mace erect Azure.
*CREST: Out of a Saxon Crown Or a demi Ram Argent armed and unguled Gules holding in the mouth a Cheddar Pink Flower slipped and leaved proper; Mantled Vert doubled Or.
*SUPPORTERS: On the dexter side a Stag Gules attired unguled and gorged with a Saxon Crown Or and on the sinister side a Bull also Gules armed unguled and gorged with a like Saxon Crown Or; all upon a Compartment composed of a grassy Mount proper semy of Cider Apples Or.
Motto 'SUMORSAETE EALLE' - All the people of Somerset.
Arms granted 29th December 1911. Crest and supporters granted 14th October 2003?

The dragon was said to have been the emblem of the Royal House of the Saxon Kingdom of Wessex, of which Somerset was a part. The Wessex dragon is sometimes shown red and sometimes gold. According to Henry of Huntingdon, writing in the twelfth century, the dragon was already the emblem of the West Saxons at the middle of the eighth century, and it seems to be likely that they had adopted it in token of their conquest of the Britons. While Somerset bears the dragon in token of the Kingdom of Wessex, the emblem also aptly recalls that according to legend the County contains King Arthur's capital, Camelot, and his place of burial, Avalon. The mace is the symbol of local government.
The Saxon Crown along with those about the necks of the supporters refer to the three kings of Saxon England buried at Glastonbury. The Cheddar Pink is a flower that grows only on stony ledges in Cheddar Gorge. The ram, stag, bull and cider apples represent Somerset's agriculture and natural history. The motto recalls dramatic days in the history of Wessex when, early in 878 Danish invaders threatened to overwhelm the kingdom and Alfred the Great, the young King of Wessex, was forced to take refuge on Athelney in the 'fen fastnesses' of the Somerset Levels. The story is famously told in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle."And afterwards at Easter . . . he and the section of the people of Somerset which was nearest to it proceeded to fight . . . against the enemy. Then in the seventh week after Easter he rode to Egbert's Stone east of Selwood, and there came to meet him all the people of Somerset ('Sumorsaete ealle') and of Wiltshire and of that part of Hampshire which was on the side of the sea, and they rejoiced to see him."The Chronicle continues by recording Alfred’s defeat of the Danes at Edington in Wiltshire and the baptism at Aller, near Athelney, of the Danish leader.It was appropriate that when the County Council was granted armorial bearings the golden dragon should have been chosen as the centrepiece of the shield, and that its motto should be 'Sumorsaete ealle', recalling those crucial events in national history when Somerset and its people were first mentioned.

http://www.askdavetaylor.com/3-blog-pics/donesday-book-open.jpg

Does Facebook Have a Case?

Facebook is suing a company called Teachbook , which operates a social networking site for teachers, apparently because it has "book" in its name and "competes" with Facebook. Teachbook is described as "a professional community for teachers". Sounds like a threat to Facebook's existence doesn't it? Well we know of a book that predates Facebook and tells us all about Somerset. Yes "The Doomsdaybook! The Domesday Book was commissioned in December 1085 by William the Conqueror, who invaded England in 1066. The first draft was completed in August 1086 and contained records for 13,418 settlements in the English counties south of the rivers Ribble and Tees (the border with Scotland at the time).Read about Somerset in The Doomsday Book

MAY 21st 2012 THE OLYMPIC TORCH COMES TO TAUNTON
Taunton Torch Relay

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK on 18 May 2012 and will embark on a 70 day journey around the UK- known as the Olympic Torch Relay. Lloyds TSB, as a proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, are excited to share with you a Community Celebration Event in Taunton on Monday May 21st on the evening when the Torch comes to Taunton. The Next day Tuesday May 22nd the celebration & the torch moves on to Bristol.

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Bridgwater Tourist Guide	Chard Tourist Guide	Mendip Tourist Guide
Taunton Tourist Guide	West Somerset Tourist Guide	Yeovil Tourist Guide

EATERIES IN SOMERSET

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The Councils of Somerset

Our Local Area Websites

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SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL	County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY Wessex www.somerset.gov.uk	Telephone : 01823 355455 Fax : 01823 355 156
MENDIP DISTRICT COUNCIL	Email customerservices@mendip.gov.uk Write to Us: Mendip District Council, Cannards Grave Road, SHEPTON MALLET, Somerset, BA4 5BT Telephone Customer Services - 01749 648999 (between 0830 - 1700) Council Tax and Benefits - 0845 300 3352 (between 0830 - 1700) Business Rates - 0845 070 0226 (between 0830 - 1700) Benefit Fraud Hotline - 0800 389 3130 (24 hour private and confidential answer machine service) Visit Us The main offices located at Shepton Mallet are open between 0830 and 1700. Parking at the council offices is limited and procedures apply. Find out more about our parking procedures. The council also has information points located in Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Street and Wells. Find out more about our council access points. /www.mendip.gov.uk	tel :01749 648999 (between 0830 - 1700)
Sedgemoor District Council	Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR email: customer.services@sedgemoor.gov.uk www.sedgemoor.gov.uk	Tel: 0845 408 2540
South Somerset District Council	Council Offices Brympton Way Yeovil Somerset BA20 2HT http://www.southsomerset.gov.uk	Tel :01935 462462 (Monday to Friday - 8am to 6pm) Fax number: 01935 462188
Taunton Deane Borough Council	The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton, Somerset - Tel : 01823 356 356 www.tauntondeane.gov.uk	Tel : 01823 356 356
West Somerset Council	West Somerset House, Killick Way, Williton, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4QA www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk	Tel: 01643 703704

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Visit Camelot City
Map of Camelot

Travel the South West of England with the Great British Heritage Pass - explore the stunning South Western regions and England heritage properties of Bristol, Bath, Cornwall, Devon, Cirencester, Wiltshire, Christchurch and more.Your tour of South West England begins at Lacock Abbey, a 13th century abbey converted into a house in 1540, with 18th century Gothic alterations. It was also used for the filming of various interior scenes at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.Next head off to Bath to see the Roman Baths and Pump Room, the extensive remains of Roman Baths and Temple Complex, and amongst the finest Roman remains in Europe. Mystical Stonehenge next awaits you, where for over 5,000 years these enigmatic stones have engendered a sense of reverence in the millions who have visited them. Continue heading southwest towards Stourhead, a world-famous garden laid out from 1741-80, where its lakes, temples and rare trees form a landscape of breathtaking beauty throughout the year. Barrington Court Garden in Somerset is a tudor manor house restored in the 1920s, with a garden laid out in a series of ‘rooms.’ Next head to South Devon and see Berry Pomeroy Castle, a romantic late medieval castle located halfway up a wooded hillside, which looks over a deep ravine and stream. Escape to Trebah Garden, a 26-acre early 19th century ravine garden that falls to a private beach on the Helford River. It is a paradise for artists, gardeners, and families. Next head for St. Michael’s Mount, a medieval castle on a tiny island linked to the mainland by a causeway, before continuing to Tintagel Castle, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur. The extensive ruins of this medieval castle cling precariously to the edge of a cliff. Finish your tour of the South West of England with a trip to Lundy Island, which has an historical pirate connection and a puffin habitat.

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THE DARK SIDE OF SOMERSET As with most countries and lands in England, Somerset has a rich history that is shrouded in both myth and legend. That history is spiced with ghostly tails, mysteries and legends of old. While the myths and legends that haunt throughout England's historic lands are similar in time and circumstance, Somerset has it's own famous entities, legends and tales of the past. Below are Some Somerset 2010 Halloween events + some of the Somerset dark sides. Ghost, Ghouls & Witches Day :A creepy day of trails and storytelling Toilets, car park Dunster Castle Normal admission applies plus £2 per trail 01643 821314 Exmoor Somerset Wed 27 October Halloween Star Party : A chance to join members of the Wiltshire Astronomical Society and use their telescopes to sweep the night sky. This time of year you should see Uranus, the planet discovered by.. more...In front of Number 1 Royal Crescent Bath Somerset BA1 2LR Sat 30 October Ghost Tours : Spooky tours at Dunster Castle Toilets, car park Dunster Castle Bookings required Adult £10, Child £5 01643 821314 Exmoor Somerset Sat 30 October WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY HALLOWEEN GHOST EXPRESS. Take the Halloween Express for a round trip on a steam train between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and the Haunted Garden at Stogumber station for the entertainment. The trip.. more...West Somerset Railway, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton TA4 3BX Sat 30 October Halloween Ghost tours Listen to spooky and sinister stories about the museum, its buildings and exhibits, whilst touring the museum. more... Haynes International Motor Museum Somerset BA22 7LH Sat 30 October Halloween at Brean :Are you brave enough to take the Brean Down challenge and face the wicked witch in her ruined fort? Be sure to wear your scariest costume and remember, its never too late to turn.. more...Brean Down Somerset Sun 31 October Watersmeet - Spooky Halloween Trail :Enjoy a spooky Halloween Trail around the grounds of Watersmeet House Tea room and shop. Toilets. Steep walk down to Watersmeet House. Disabled parking available,please call.. more...Exmoor Somerset Sun 31 October
King Arthur Possibly the greatest figure in the history and folklore of Britain is the fabulous King Arthur. According to legend he lived in the late 5th to early 6th centuries at a time when Britain was the scene of a bloody struggle between the Britons and the invading Saxons and their allies, the Picts and Scots. Arthur is famed as being the great figure at the forefront of the Britons' heroic defence of their homeland and heritage. Based mainly in the South West of England he also seems to have waged a national campaign to defend the Island against its invaders. He was truly a Christian Warrior, being raised in an area thought to be one of the first, if not the first to be introduced to Christianity in Britain. Legend has it that he led a contingent of 28 knights, the legendary Knights of the Round Table. One of these Knights was Launcelot, who fell madly in love with Arthur's Queen, Guinevere with tragic consequences. Was there ever such a man as Arthur and is there substance behind all the folklore? Modern research has uncovered behind the figure of legend a real person of historical significance in those troubled times. Chroniclers and documents were few in those times so the details of Arthur's life must remain uncertain. We cannot know exactly what he was like but he still lives today in the heart of the English who refuse to be conquered. "The South-Western Peninsula, made up of the counties of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, in certain aspects has a character akin to that of the ancient Celtic Atlantic seaboard communities of Scotland, Wales and Ireland. In common with these communities the Peninsula possesses a powerful tradition of independence, a durable strain of mysticism taken from early paganism and modified by Christian practice and not least of all, a breathtaking combination of scenery and climate which dominates the individual and heralds the power of forces outside the control of man. Such areas are the homes of most of our Island's legends and it would be natural for a man of power and great fighting prowess to become a 'folk-hero' in the Peninsula." - Graham Ashton B.A.	St Carantoc's Dragon St Carantoc is famed for being one of the early evangelists who came to the West Country and his name is reflected in various place names throughout the West of England. The story goes that St Carantoc was looking for the place to set up his mission and so he cast his marble altar into the Severn Estuary saying that he would build a church wherever it came to rest. King Arthur, some days later, was riding across the marshes on his way to help the people of Carhampton who had been terrorised by a flying dragon. The King spotted St Carantocs altar in the reeds and has his men pick it up and bring it with them. He noticed that on this circule of marble were inscribed the words St Carantocs Altar. At the time King Arthur had no idea who St Carantoc was. A few miles further on he met a strange man by the side of the road who asked the King if he had seen the Altar of St Carantoc on his journeys. Arthur was intrigued and beleiving the old man must be some kind of sorcerer he asked the stranger his name. The man answered gently "I am St Carantoc", and Arthur bared his head, realising that he was in the presence of holiness. Arthur said that he would strike a bargain with the saint. If St Carantoc could call up the dragon from the marches then he would restore the Altar to its owner. St Carantoc nodded and turned away in prayer, uttering a strange incantation over the swamp. Immediately the bog heaved and parted and amidst a terrible smell the dragon appeared right in front of the retinue. Only Arthur and the Saint stood their ground while the rest backed away in horror. The dragon the trotted up to the Saint and bent its head in submission. St Carantoc then led the dragon to the court of King Catho at Dunster Castle where the dragon was forced to vow never to hurt another soul again. So transformed was the dragon by the Saint that it never ate meat again and only used its fiery breath to aid the villagers in lighting bonfires in the rain. St Carantoc was granted land by the Kings and built his chapel by the river at Carhampton.	The Devil and the Blacksmith - Fiddington At Fiddington once lived a smith who was so proud of his craft that he very unwisely boasted he could shoe the Devil's own horse - "Ah! An' shoe he to rights too." But one midnight he was called up by a traveler whose horse had cast a shoe, and when he looked at the rider of the great black horse, he found it was the Devil himself. The terrified smith had the wit to pretend he had left a hammer at this Cottage and ran for the parson. The parson, however, refused to return nearer than the roadside hedge where he remained to watch, having told the smith if he valued his soul to keep his word and shoe the horse - "But he must take no payment!" The smith set to work, and the Devil was so delighted with the result that he presented the man with a bag of gold, but was told politely, "I never don't take nought vor work done at night." Baffled the Devil glanced around, and caught a glimpse of the lurking Parson. "If it hadn' a-been vor that old blackbird in behind orchet," he yelled, "I'd a had'ee vor zertain zure!" With that both he and his horse vanished. The Starving Monk If the chap who haunts Oldbury Court,Bristol is who we think he is, it's no wonder he's still wandering around. Back in the days when there was a stately home on the estate, the story goes that a Catholic monk or priest was secretly celebrating Mass at a time when it was illegal. When visitors arrived, he was hidden in a priest hole or secret passage and forgotten. This does sound slightly dubious - would you forget storing a priest in your walls? But he is supposed to have starved to death. The last recorded sighting was in the '70s when some teenagers saw a cowled figure in a cloak which seemed to float before vanishing into a wall.
The Giants of Stowey There was a time, long, long ago, when giants came to live close to Nether Stowey. They flung up a huge mound for their Castle, and lived under it. Some of the people fled to Stogursey, other ran up hill for safety on Dowsboro' Camp, and others, poor things, just stayed where they were. No one liked going past the Castle even if they had to, and most of those who did come back were pale and terrified. The Giants had a horrible way of putting their hands out of the hill and grabbing a sheep, or a cow, or a man. Once the monsters had tasted men's flesh they grew ravenous. They made a riad on Stogursey Castle, and beat it down flat, and chased the Stogursey people till they caught them in handfuls. When this supply ran out they began again on the folk of Nether Stowey. Most of them were old (and tough) or very young (and tender) for all the able-bodied folk had run up the hills and were quite safe in Dowsboro' Camp having a fine time. They didn't know what was going on so a poor old gaffer tried to tiptoe past the Castle and tell them, but an arm came out and got him. Then a little lad got on one of his father's hill ponies along with a 'dirft' of them, and went away past the Castle at a stretch gallop. A hand di come out, but it got such a kick it went in again mighty fast and there was a dreaful yell. The folk on Dowsboro' heard that and got ready to fight - but when the little lad on his pony got to them they didn't wait to give battle up there, No. "The men from Dowsboro' beat down Stowey Castle' and after that anyone could pass the hill again - they still don't like doing it at night. Quantock saying: 'Men from Dowsboro' beat down Stowey Castle, and men from Stowey beat down Stogursey Castle.'	The Squire of Norton Manor One New Year's Eve the Squire of Norton Manor was drinking and merrymaking at Langford Budville, when he suddenly decided he was going home. It was nearly midnight, and everyone warned him not to go, but he laughed and swore that he didn't care if he broke his neck. He climbed on his horse with such a volley of oaths that they were glad to shut the iron bolts behind him and draw up close to the fire. As for the Squire, he rode off merrily till he came to Young Oaks, where his horse swerved aside from a great pack of black hounds. If the Squire had been sober he would have started to pray, but instead he told the hounds to go to Hell (from which, of course, they had just come) and slashed at them with his whip. Green fire ran up the lash and scorched the rider and horse, which bolted and away went the Squire with the ghostly pack behind him. On the Common at French Nut Tree the horse stumbled and both the horse and the Squire broke their necks. Every New Year's Eve the Drunken Squire is said to make the ride to Norton Fitzwarren again and the unfortunate ones may well meet him riding again to get away from the devil's hounds. If you should meet him then throw yourself on the ground and pray that the hounds don't get you as well! The Roundhead We haven't heard from the local Roundhead ghost recently but he was once a regular in the woods at Stapleton. This was the area where Cromwell mustered his New Model Army before the attack on Prince Rupert in Bristol. For some reason, the ghost walks up to walkers as if to speak to them and then walks straight through them. It would be interesting to know if those who saw him were all staunch royalists and were simply being snubbed.	The Norton Fitzwarren Dragon Somerset has a great deal of stories about dragons but one of the most famous is of the Norton Fitzwarren dragon. It is said that after a great battle during the Iron Age a mighty dragon was formed from the pile of corpses. The dreaded beast set about terrorising the area by devouring children and destroying crops growing in the fields. Angered by the exploits of the evil dragon one man stood up to face the foe. A young man called Fulke Fitzwarren took on the beast in single combat. After a long and bloody struggle, he pierced the dragons heart and cut off its head. In All Saints Church at Norton Fitzwarren stands a sixteenth-century rood screen that depicts the gruesome story. Many now believe that legends of Dragons are associated with the invasion of the Danes into the County. The great dragon of Aller Another Dragon was the great dragon of Aller, near Langport, a flying serpent which breathed flames and poisonous fumes - yet, curiously, was a milk addict. It attacked milkmaids, but was more interested in their buckets of milk than their bodies, and even sucked cows dry. It was finally slain by John of Aller who smeared his body with pitch and put on a thick mask to protect himself from the fire and fumes. He stabbed it with a nine foot long spear still preserved in Low Ham church and walled up its cave so its brood starved to death (no mention of a Mrs Dragon, you notice). There is an effigy of John of Aller in the village church.
Taunton Castle Taunton Castle is said to be haunted by the tramp of soldiers bringing the Sedgemoor prisoners to the Bloody Assizes in 1685 after Monmouth's Rebellion. The landing of Castle House is haunted by a man in riding dress and heavy boots. He is dark and wears a full Charles II wig. He has a sword, a sash, gauntlets, and a heavy pistol in his belt. He tramps up and down restlessly.	Heddon Oak, Crowcombe. Tradition says that half a dozen fugitives from Sedgemoor (Monmouth's Rebellion) were hanged on Heddon Oak. Chains can be heard clanking, and there are moans from choking men. Some have heard the noise of horses galloping up the hill but nothing ever arrives.	The Blue Lady - Crowcombe The Elizabethan part of the Rectory at Crowcombe is haunted by the Blue Lady. She appears at very rare intervals, and then only to children.
Corpse Candles It is said that many have witnessed strange spectral light floating in mid-air foretelling the demise of someone very close.	The Spunkies Somerset's version of the Will o' the Wisps. Believed to be the souls of unbaptised children, doomed to wander until judgment day. Some believe they also forewarn of the approach of death. On Midsummer Eve night all the spunkies go to church to meet the newly dead children.	The Yeth (or Yeff) Hounds - the Wild Hunt The Devils own hunting dogs out to catch a few souls no doubt! If they catch up with you the best thing to do is throw yourself on the ground face down and they should pass you by. Cannington Park is said to be the devil's hunting ground from where the Yeth hounds start off for a nights hunting.
Burgess the Miner Burgess the miner was a widower, who lived with his little daughter in a cottage in White Water Combe. After a time he fell in love with a worthless woman, and as they found the child a nuisance he murdered it and threw the body down a mine-shaft. This proved no concealment, for a mysterious light shone above the shaft, so Burgess took up the body, buried it hastily in a bank side and left the moor. Two sheep-stealers saw a rag sticking out of some loose earth and thought a sheep had been hidden there, for this was the usual sign. When they began to scrape back the earth, however, they came across a child's hand. Burgess was pursued and caught. He was hanged at Taunton Jail in 1858. There is still a ghostly light to be seen at the place of the murder but it is very unlucky to see it. The St George ghost Air Balloon Road, St George, Bristol In 1998 Victoria and Steven Cross asked the Bristol Evening Post for help in tracing the ghosts that had haunted her home in St George, Bristol. Victoria, aged 25, said: "Old coins from the 1930s turned up in the house for no reason we could understand, and a friend said she saw a vision of a man in one of the upstairs rooms. "We had builders in and they could hear footsteps when they were alone in a room. "We had a puppy that used to get very distressed at night in certain rooms. There was definitely something strange going on." The couple, who have a one-year-old son called Caleb, quickly called in a medium who said there were four ghosts in the Victorian house. One was a boy called Tom, another was a woman in a black dress with a high collar. The third was a teenager called Peter who died in the house, and the fourth was a man called David. Victoria: "We haven't had any more trouble since the medium came but I would like an explanation of where the ghosts came from. I'm sure there must be a good reason because I've heard other people in the area say they've had similar hauntings since."	Despatch Rider Morton House, Rossiter's Hill, Frome, Somerset Morton House often boasts some impressive floral displays which prompts some visitors to the area to try and capture the sight on film. In 1990 Reg Wickens did just this, but the picture that was processed was not as he had imagined - the house and displays could still be seen but a shadowy figure had appeared across the picture. Theories that it could be the shadow of Reg have been discounted given the angle that the sun would have been at at the time the picture was taken. The possibility that it might be a double exposure was also discounted given the camera that Reg used. So what was this strange apparition that seemed to take over the picture. Reg thought it looked like the shadow of a wartime dispatch rider coming towards the camera on his motorcycle. He could make out a leather helmet, goggles and a long black raincoat which was the dress for dispatch riders in the war years. So he started his own research into the area to try and solve the mystery. After making enquiries with locals, Reg found out that not one but three dispatch riders had died in an accident and one of them - Bombardier Thomas Gladdis - swerved and went into the wall right where Reg was standing when he took the photograph.	The Wookey Hole Witch Wookey Hole Caves, near Wells in Somerset, have been inhabited for 70,000 years, when they were explored by Neanderthal Man, in his search for a home offering shelter and security. Numerous travellers from the Romans onwards have made reference to the caves, showing that even when vacated as a home for Iron Age people, they remained a place to visit and marvel at. In 189 AD, the Roman diarist Clement of Alexandria relates to the "clashing of numerous cymbals", a known phenomenon where changes in air pressure produce extraordinary noises. The caves were also, according to legend, the home of an unpopular witch who didn't get on with her neighbours. The village clubbed together to decide what to do and decided to send in a monk to have a word with her. After failing to mediate successfully he followed her down Hell's Ladder where he apparently found her turned to stone. The most likely explanation is that he saw a piece of rock in the shadows that had eroded into a witch-like shape, but it makes a good story. In this chamber with a sandy shore reaching down to the subterranean River Axe the outline of the witch can be seen, her eyes fixed on the river. The story that the monk turned the witch to stone was first written down in 1748, even though the story had been handed down for generations. It wasn't until 1912 that Mendip cave explorer H.E. Balch found evidence that could substantiate the story - at least to a degree. He found goats had been stabled at the entrance to the cave, a milking pot nearby and even a ball that had been made from a stalagmite. But there was more - a comb made from red deer antler, a set of human bones and some tools, all of which are now exhibited in Wells Museum. The witch - if it was her - had apparently died of disease or violence on the floor of her cave Skid Marks The Spot A38, Barrow Gurney Reservoir, near Bristol. The spirit of a departed life has almost caused others to lose theirs when it suddenly walks out in front of them on the A38 south west of Bristol. Many people have reported exactly the same experience, which is typified by the first witness. This young man was driving along the road when all of a sudden a lady in a white coat appeared to be crossing the road just in front of him. He slammed on his brakes and skidded across the road, luckily managing to keep control of the car. When he came to a halt he realised that there was no-one there, he went to investigate that bit of the road and found that there were lots of skid marks in exactly the same spot. Indeed several other people have since come forward to say that they encountered the same lady on that stretch of the road.
The Gurt Wurm of Shervage Wood
On the Quantock Hills in Somerset, folk lived in mortal fear of a bloodthirsty dragon who rampaged through the countryside by night, killing and feasting on any living thing in its path. By day it slept, coiled up like a huge serpent, in Shervage Wood. The creature was known as 'The Gurt Wurm of Shervage', and this is its story! Every year, in late September, folk gather in St Matthew's Field for Bridgwater's famous fair. From right across the town they come, and from the hills and hamlets too – from Timberscombe, Triscombe, Crowcombe and Hestercombe, from Holford and Stolford, Stogursey and Stogumber. They come to buy and to sell, to entertain and to be entertained, to meet old friends and to make new ones. It's been this way for hundreds of years! But this particular September, of which I now speak, things were not the same as usual. Folk set out their stalls in silence; no one laughed; there was a watchful, nervous look on farmers' faces as the animals were herded into pens. There were whisperings and mumblings and mutterings in corners. A cloud of dark rumour was gathering, and casting its shadow over the town: "Does ee fancy there be fewer sheep this year?" "Oh-arr. And fewer ponies." "'appen it be true what they'd say about the Wurm." "'appen. They say that it do roam the hills by night. Eats any livin' thing in its path!" "Eats sheep and deer and ponies they'd say – cattle too!" "Gorges itself by night and sleeps by day up in Shervage Wood." "Body thick as three great oak trees, they d' say!" "Not long, I reckon, 'til it do crave some human flesh!." "Young shepherd lad's gone missing up near Stowey." "And two stable lads, I heard, from Crowcombe way." Meanwhile, in a cottage out at Crowcombe, a widow by the name of Maggie Conibeer was busy making whortleberry tarts when she heard a loud knocking at her door and a cheerful voice calling her name: "You there, Maggie? 'Tis Joe Tottle from Stogumber. Mebbees you have some jobs for I?"	Joe was a woodcutter, a simple, friendly fellow, who was partial to Maggie's cooking and particularly fond of Maggie's fine cider. In exchange for a good meal and a pint of cider, he would often chop wood or do other small jobs about the cottage. (I should mention, at this point, that although most folk on the Quantock hills lived in mortal fear of 'The Gurt Wurm', news of the deadly creature had not yet reached Stogumber!) Maggie agreed with Joe that if he picked some whortleberries and chopped some wood, he could go with her to Bridgwater Fair on the horse and cart, help sell the whortleberry tarts and take a share in the earnings. Delighted with the plan, Joe set off up the steep hill from Crowcombe, with one of Maggie’s baskets on his arm. He'd a napkin full of bread and cheese and a flagon of Maggie's strongest cider to see him through the day. "Be sure ee keep away from Shervage Wood!" Maggie called after him. But Joe was half way up the hill and whistling loudly to himself. He didn't hear her. By mid-day the sun was blazing overhead. Joe's basket was full of plump, purple whortleberries, but the flagon of cider was almost empty. He had wandered further than he intended and had reached the edge of Shervage Wood. Time to rest in the shade, he thought, and have a bite to eat. The wood was dark and eerily silent, but Joe welcomed the cool shade and the peace. Settling himself down on a large fallen tree, he tucked into his lunch. Suddenly the tree trunk he was sitting on began to wobble. "Whoa! Whoa!" said Joe, steadying himself. "This be good zyder and no mistake!" He drained the flask and carried on eating.	A moment later the trunk began to move again. Not just a wobble this time, but a squirming and a writhing and a wriggling, as if the fallen tree were a living creature! Joe was a good-natured fellow mostly but, once roused, his temper could be fearsome. "Spoil my meal, would ee?" he bellowed, leaping to his feet. "Take that! And that!! And that!!!" So saying, he split the mighty 'tree' in half with three clean blows of his axe. The Quantock hills trembled and an ear-splitting howl of raw pain echoed through Shervage Wood! Joe gaped in amazement as the top half of the 'tree' ran, roaring through the woods in the direction of Taunton and the lower, headless half scuttled off towards Minehead. He looked down at his axe and saw that it was dripping with dragon's blood! By the time Maggie and Joe reached Bridgwater Fair, they had a tale worth telling. Folk queued to buy Maggie's whortleberry tarts and hear her story, and Joe had more cider than he could drink as they urged him to tell and tell again, just how the dragon met its end. Did Maggie and Joe marry and live happily ever after? Well, that I can't say, but what I can say is this – they both lived well off that tale for many years to come! And what became of the Gurt Wurm, you ask? Well, it seems that one half reached Kingston St Mary and the other half ended up in Bilbrook, near Minehead. Both halves of the beast, separated by so many miles, finally died. So that is the story of what happened when a simple woodcutter sat on a Wurm. But some folk say that, before Joe killed it, the Gurt Wurm laid an egg in Shervage Wood. Now dragons' eggs, as you probably know, take hundreds of years to incubate. By my calculations, this one should be ready to hatch just about …………… NOW!!!!
Stron Easton Par is a magnificent Palladian house near Midsomer Norton in Somerset, home to the ghost of the murdered parlour maid who stalks the top floor. Achtung! The ghost of a Luftwaffe officer has been seen at Hengrove Park, the former site of Whitchurch airport. Could be he's trying to get a ticket to the multi-screen cinema.	The Ring O' Roses (The Holcombe Inn) located near Radstock in Somerset is a 17th century Inn steeped in history and intrigue. Rumour has it a man stalks the rooms at night, checking on his daughter who was bequeathed to a noble, ran away with a commoner, only to be imprisoned by her father in a room upstairs.	Porch Presence Wedmore, Somerset Not all ghosts are scary and in a pillared porch attached to a 17th century house in Wedmore, the benign presence of the doctor who once used the house as a cottage hospital can still be felt. Dr John Westover was way ahead of his time in the treatment of the mentally ill, preferring to treat his patients with kindness and gentle care rather than the ill-treatment which was the norm at the time.
Molly The Tea Lady Yeovil Railway Station, Somerset The new owners of Yeovil railway station buffet didn't believe the stories that is was haunted when they took it over, but they do now. Molly the tealady who used to work at the buffet and who died on the station platform in the 1960s, couldn't bear to be away from the place. Her ghost is thought to be responsible for swapping cutlery around and turning things on and off, but she always stops when she's asked to! Duchess of Beaufort Vassals Park, Fishponds, Bristol This spirit has been seen by a lot of people over the years as they've gone through the park. Two teenagers were halfway across the footbridge in the park that leads over the River Frome when they saw the hooded figure dressed in a cloak with its arms outstretched. They couldn't make out a face or feet and the figure gave the impression that it was floating. After moving a little way onto the bridge the spirit turned around and vanished into the wall just past the end of the bridge. Other teenagers from the same youth club went to revisit the spot for the next few nights and saw an inexplicable white light floating near the wall where the figure had disappeared. A lady went with others to check out the spot and she reported hearing monks chanting.	The A38 Hitchhiker Nr Taunton, Somerset The solitary and ghostly hitchhiker haunting different stretches of road is an image that has prevailed over the years. However, a phantom hitchhiker, said to wear a grey overcoat, appears to be haunting a stretch of the A38 near Taunton, in Somerset. In August 1970 a woman from Taunton encountered the apparition standing in the centre of the road and was forced to veer to avoid him. Stopping to tell him what she thought of his choice of place to stand, she discovered that he had disappeared. Local newspapers found a number of people who had encountered the same apparition at the same place, including a motorcyclist who had crashed as a result. These local reports prompted lorry driver Harry Unsworth to tell how he had encountered the man several times in 1958. At the first meeting Unsworth gave the man a lift, having picked him up wet through from the rain at three o'clock in the morning. The man in the grey overcoat spent the journey of four miles recounting tales of accidents that had occured during the last few days and was not exactly bright company for the driver. Mr Unsworth picked up the same passenger several times, usually in the pouring rain and wandering along with a torch in his hand.	The Skull Of Theophilus Broome Higher Chilton Farm, nr Yeovil, Somerset You often hear creepy stories of dismembered parts of the body haunting people so that they might be reunited with their body. But at Higher Chilton Farm the opposite is true. The skull of Theophilus Broome has remained at the farm at the request of its owner who died in 1670. A Civil War soldier during the 1640s, he had become horrified at the mutilation of bodies carried out by Royalist troops at the time. Mr Broome was scared that his head might be severed from his body and impaled on a stick as a trophy, common practice for Royalist troops. So before he died he asked his sister to ensure that his skull never left the farmhouse. It seems that Theophilus is a bit of a cantankerous ghost, and when people have tried to remove the skull they have been subject to terrible screaming until it is returned. Likewise when TV crews have tried to film there, they are sent packing by the old ghost. He doesn't even seem to want to be put back with his body all these years down the line, when someone attempted to do it the spade broke in half as they tried to exhume the body. It seems that as long as the skull remains in the house, and that the house is well looked after, the ghost can be very nice, but mess around with either and there'll be skullduggery before you know it.
The Girl on the Roof Sally was a serving girl on a Hanham,Bristol farm during the Civil War and was killed by Cromwell's troops for refusing to tell them where some Royalists were hiding. The story goes that she tried to escape through a trap door on to the barn roof because that's where she has been hanging out ever since.	Evil Dwarf Highwayman Jenkins Protheroe was a dwarf highwayman who begged for money and then held up and robbed passers-by who didn't give enough. Jenkins was hanged in 1783 at the top of Pembroke Road,Bristol.. He still haunts the area.	The Union Activist This was a ghostly figure who used to appear in the Spillers animal feed mill at Avonmouth - but only to Transport and General Workers Union members. The general theory was that he was trying to join the union, although frightening the brothers seemed an odd way of going about it. "We won't be beaten by a ghost" said their shop steward stoutly. And he added: "As far as I know, it's not a card carrying member." Everybody out!

SOMERSET CARNIVALS 2011

Carnival heritage wins £41,000 lottery grant 11:00 - 15-July-2010 The Carnivals In Somerset Promotion Project group has made a successful bid for Heritage Lottery funding to promote and conserve the history of the area's famous illuminated carnivals. A Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £41,000 has been secured to develop a range of facilities and key element will be a mobile exhibition unit, due to make its first appearance on Wells Cathedral Green on August 4. It will then be touring the county and elsewhere.The exhibition van will display the history, heritage, culture and community of the carnivals through images, video, text and memorabilia. The van also has a recording facility to collect oral histories and memories. Anyone with carnival memorabilia is invited to bring it along. A carnival DVD and educational package for schools is being prepared. The Carnivals in Somerset Promotion Project (CISPP), was formed by volunteers in January 2009, in response to concerns that the heritage of Somerset's illuminated carnivals could be lost unless more people are encouraged to take part in the tradition.The carnivals bring in an estimated £40 million of tourist and other revenue each year. Around 10,000 people are thought to be involved in carnival and there are more than 50 float clubs and another 100 or so other clubs who enter as walking groups or individuals. The origins of carnivals in Somerset can be traced back to the famous Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators failed in their attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. King James I and his parliament decreed that the events of November 5 should be commemorated annually with the lighting of bonfires which led to a tradition of merrymaking out which the carnivals were born. The Bridgwater Carnival (the oldest event of its kind in the UK) can be traced back to 1847 through journalistic records.
The Somerset Carnivals are highly regarded as the largest illuminated processions in the world. They occur late on in the year at various locations including: Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Chard, Ilminster, Glastonbury, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Taunton, Wellington, Wells, Weston-Super-Mare, and Yeovil. The carnivals in Somerset date back to 400 years, and are one of the most spectacular events in Somerset today. In some of the bigger locations (such as Bridgwater), you can expect to see crowds of more than 120,000. The carnival floats (or carts as they are sometimes referred as), are designed and built by dedicated carnival clubs around the West Country. These carnival clubs have many members who raise money throughout the year, and work relentlessly to achieve the spectacular carnival entries. The carnival floats take part in the carnival parade along with other entries; these range from clowns dancing in the streets to 100ft illuminated carnival floats (some with up to 30,000 light bulbs) pulled by tractors. The timing of the West Country Carnival close to the British celebration of Bonfire night is no coincidence, as the roots of the original carnival in Bridgwater date back to 1605. Guy Fawkes is the character most associated with the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament, however the instigator was Jesuit priest Robert Parsons from Nether Stowey, a short distance from Bridgwater. Parsons and his colleagues were Catholics who wanted to put an end to the Protestant King James VI and Parliament of the day, in order to put an end to catholic persecution, hence they planned their ill-fated attempt on 5 November 1605. Bonfire night is a major annual celebration across the whole of England, but it is likely that the reason that the West Country Carnival was originally so keenly celebrated is that the South West towns were predominantly Protestant — hence the celebration of Robert Parsons' (and Guy Fawkes') failure. The religious origins of the event are almost forgotten and far less significant today	The Carnival Circuit The Bridgwater carnival was the first carnival of its type, however other carnival processions within the South West began some years ago. They start in late August and continue until late November. The oldest and largest circuit is the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association Circuit which starts at Bridgwater, with many of the carts will appear in all of the carnivals. Prizes are awarded in several categories for the best carts in each carnival. The three circuits are: * Wessex Grand Prix Circuit: Sturminster Newton, the third Thursday in August/weekend before Bank Holiday; Trowbridge; Mere; Frome; Shaftesbury; Gillingham; Castle Cary & Ansford; Wincanton; Warminster * South Somerset Federation Of Carnival Committee Circuit: Wellington held on the last Saturday in September; Ilminster; Chard; Taunton; Yeovil * Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association Circuit: Bridgwater on the Friday following the nearest Thursday to 5 November; North Petherton on the following Saturday; Burnham-on-Sea on the following Monday; Shepton Mallet on the following Wednesday; Wells on the following Friday; Glastonbury & Chilkwell on the following Saturday; Weston-super-Mare on the following Monday, the last carnival in the whole circuit. From 2012 this will change with Bridgwater on the first Saturday after 5 November, Weston-super-Mare on the following Friday, North Petherton on the second Saturday, Burnham-on-Sea on the following Monday, Shepton Mallet on the following Wednesday, Wells on the third Friday and Glastonbury on the third Saturday. There is one unofficial carnival in the circuit, held at Midsomer Norton on the Thursday between the Shepton Mallet and Wells carnivals. There are also a series of unofficial Christmas carnivals, including Sidmouth. [edit] Carts and floats Uniquely in the West Country, the vehicles are called carnival "carts", unlike other carnivals where the term carnival float is used. The term "cart" is still used today to describe the large and elaborate trailers used in the procession. Carts are built by local clubs of individuals funded totally by charitable donations and sponsorship from local businesses.	Carts are always themed, with no restriction on the theme from the organising committee. Regularly chosen themes include: * Popular children's books - like Alice in Wonderland * Favourite children's characters - such as Disney characters * Scenes or themes from history - like Pre-Historic, Victorian or famous Battles * Scenes or themes from around the world - such as Australia, Rio de Janeiro or Spanish * Travel and transport - such as cars or trains, e.g. The Chattanooga Choo-Choo * Popular themes of the day - including pop songs or dances * The future or exploration - such as space Carts include both music and costumed people to complete their theme. People and items on the cart can either be moving, or static in tableau format - the later being difficult to hold position for on a cold November evening. Today these carts are driven by farm tractors, and usually also tow a large diesel driven electricity generator to provide the huge amount of power required to power the carts. Some generators used can provide over one megawatt of power, with 10,000 to 30,000 light bulbs not uncommon on a modern day cart.[8] The tractors themselves are often decorated to match the rest of the cart and generator, and in some cases modified so that the driver is positioned low down between the two front wheels. This allows for a higher degree of decoration without obscuring the driver's view. The length of the entire cart is often built to the maximum allowable of 100 feet (30 m). These floats are also interspersed with walking exhibits, either groups or singles, and occasional marching bands or majorette troupes.

The dates of the Somerset Carnivals 2011
own(Click on Link)	Date	Picture	Time	Circuit
Bridgwater [route/map] The origins of our annual carnival in Bridgwater can be traced back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators, failed in their attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. That story is well known to everyone, but what is not so widely acknowledged is that it was King James 1st and his parliament who decreed that the events of 5 November should be commemorated annually with the lighting of bonfires, a tradition which is celebrated across the nation to this very day.	4th November (Fri)		7:00pm	Somerset County GFCA
Burnham-on-Sea / Highbridge [route/map] In the late 1800s and contininuing into the 1900s Burnham celebrated November 5th with a bonfire in the High Street to which were rolled blazing tar barrels. In about 1907/8 there were concerns about safety and it was decided to have the bonfire on a field and a torchlight procession starting in the High Street and processing to the bonfire field. Thus in 1909 Burnham had its first Torchlight Carnival Procession. This format continued until the outbreak of World War One ,and the carnival did not return until 1923.It then continued as an evening carnival until 1939, when an afternoon procession was held. Festivities were cocooned until 1947 and the event grew in size and popularity to become one of the most popular carnivals in Essex.Afternoon events were held on the Mildmay Ironworks Field and there were madi gras type events in the High Street after the procession. In the 1950s a full Funfair was introduced into the High Street and this remained until 1966. There were problems in this year and the following year an small afternoon procession was organised .1967 saw an Evening procession back,now at the end of September and much curtailed from pre-1966. Subsequent committees have built that carnival up to what you now see today, with one of the most successful Carnivals in the South East of England.	7th November (Mon)		7:30pm	Somerset County GFCA
Castle Cary The Castle Cary & Ansford Carnivals take place annually in October. Our Children’s Carnival usually takes place on the afternoon of the second Saturday, when children and parents process through Castle Cary town centre. The Illuminated Carnival takes places on the evening of the following Saturday.Around the time of the Illuminated Carnival, a fun fair is in town, and high street traders compete in a window-dressing competition. The Carnival Committee produces a 64-page Carnival Programme,on sale locally, which provides information about the Carnival, serves as a directory to the local businesses that advertise in it, and includes competitions. On our pages you will see line drawings that have appeared in our Programmes, drawn by Committee member Pam Pope. On the evening of the procession there are barbeques, hog roasts, and other hot food and drinks around the town.	15th October (Sat)		7:30pm	Wessex GP
Chard (route/map) In 1967, representatives from the League of Friends and Chard Youth Centre met to discuss ways in which to raise money for the respective groups. Gerald Quick, Mervyn Ball, Tom Miller and Wendy Clulow decided that the best option would be to revive Chard Carnival, after a break of 13 years. The carnival is now in its 43rd year and has raised over £85,000 pounds for local charities and organisations, including Chard Christmas Lights, Children’s Hospice South West, Chard Hospital and all the local schools. In the early 1970’s, Chard, Ilminster, Wellington and Taunton formed the South Somerset Federation of Carnivals, with Yeovil joining at a later date. This provided a competition for the best entries from the 5 towns taking part.	8th October (Sat)		7:15pm	South Somerset FC
Crewkerne Sandra Shore, secretary of the now-disbanded committee, said: "It was felt that due to the current climate and the difficulty in fund raising, obtaining sponsorship, the cost of public-liability insurance and new rulings on health and safety, it would be impossible to commit to staging this event with the limited funds the committee had in reserve following the disastrous summer last year and the poor attendance of floats at the carnival in December
Frome Carnival has been in Frome since 1929 having been founded by Mr Alan Bennett together with others who worked at that time for Butler and Tanners, a local printing firm who are still one of the main employers in the town. Frome carnival grew in popularity over the years and this was aided by the fact that Mr Bennets daughter Hazel met and married Mr Roy Butler M.B.E. he became known as "Mr Carnival" and was well known in the community for his dedication to the carnival charity which was formed to help local people in need.	24th September (Sat)		7:00pm	Wessex GP
Gillingham	8th October (Sat)		7:30pm	Wessex GP
Glastonbury [route/map] Glastonbury, with Bridgwater, is the biggest. At each carnival there are collections to raise money for charities.The Carnival takes over the town for one day, starting at around 7.30 in the evening. Thousands of people pour in from near and far, traffic is closed off, and the town reeks of hot dog stands and outdoor snack bars. People line the streets, all wrapped up against the cold, and the Carnival floats weave through town. It's quite a close-and-friendly affair. Apart from crowds in the streets, people hold parties in houses along the route and the pubs fill up after the event. Kids love it - there's a fairyland element to it, even though the high-volume music makes it a little, shall we say, modern!	12th November (Sat)		7.00pm	Somerset County GFCA
Ilminster This is the second Carnival in the Somerset circuit, Ilminster is a small market town South of Taunton. Ilminster always have some good organisation and put on a well organised show with more entries than most towns. There are prizes for 1st, 2nd and third in their different classes, there is a cup for “Spirit of Carnival” It's a fun night out for all the family and you can help raise funds for charities or the clubs for the next year's entry. Thousands attend the carnival, so watch out as parking can get very limited on carnival nights and the town centre can often be cut off to traffic during the carnival.	1st October (Sat)		7:15pm	South Somerset FC
Mere A popular annual event started in 1928 when Mere Carnival was founded.	17th September (Sat)		7:00pm	Wessex GP
Midsomer Norton [route/map] A very enjoyable Carnival which has been running since 1948	10th November (Thur)		7:15pm
North Petherton [route/map] North Petherton Guy Fawkes Carnival, was formed in 1948, and joined the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association in 1952,and is regarded by many of our thousands of spectators, as the family carnival. This is due mainly to the fact that it held on a Saturday night, which allows the youngsters to stay up a little later than normal. The other reason is that is runs straight through the town of North Petherton, Somerset, with no awkward turns, causing unnecessary hold ups. As with thousands of visitors converged into our small town emergencies will always happen and no amount of planning will not eliminatethis, please be patient as the emergency services will deal with theses as soon as possible, and allow the carnival to resume, if they need to be on the route. North Petherton Guy Fawkes Carnival, offers ample viewing throughout the whole route, which allows even the youngest and eldest of our visitors, to watch this marvelous spectacle of light, sound and movement. We do not charge for admission to one of the three, largest illuminated carnivals in the world, however a street collection will take place during the carnival itself, by numerous collectors and collecting vehicles, proceeds of which, go towards the running of the carnival, prize money and finally the local charities of which we support. We are always grateful for any amount we collect, however our collections have equated to only 30p a head. With over three hours of entertainment from the dedicated entrants and the cost for them to build these exquisite entries, we urge you to give at least £3 per head from your group of friends or family, and secure the future of North Petherton Carnival for future generations, to marvel over.	5th November (Sat)		7:00pm	Somerset County GFCA
Shaftesbury Shaftesbury Carnival is an annual event that has become part of Shaftesbury’s history. This year will be the 133rd Carnival, a great achievement that involves hundreds of people to make it such a great success. A lot of people give their time voluntarily including people driving Courtesy cars for our Mayor and retiring royal family, collecting vehicles who turn out year after year, the many marshals that walk miles back and forth, the owners of the land at our assembly areas, who are always most helpful and of course, our sponsors for their continued financial support, without which the Carnival could not survive. There are more too numerous to mention, so thank you, thank you, thank you all.	1st October (Sat)		7:00pm	Wessex GP
Shepton Mallet [route/map] The origins of Shepton Mallet’s carnival are some what unique. It all began because the town needed a community centre. In the early 1960s the Shepton Mallet Community Association was inaugurated to raise funds for the project.Organisations from across the town and surrounding villages pulled together and it was agreed that bringing carnival to Shepton Mallet was one way to draw in much needed funds.A Carnival committee was set up in 1965 and carnival came to Shepton Mallet. Over the following decades, thousands of pounds have been raised for local charities, unfortunately donations to the community centre fund were stopped when it was realised that for various reasons the centre would not be set up.Mr Bob Kerslake and Mrs Maura Kerslake were amongst the founder members with Mr Lionel Edwards as chairman an office he held for thirty years this he handed over to Don Clifford who remains as chairman at the present time. In the years that followed, from 1965 the sponsorship raised by the carnival queens and princesses has done much to cover the running costs, with street collections making up the balance to cover costs and make donations yearly to local clubs and charities.Over the years the carnival grew and in 1978 there were a record 151 entries. It was at this stage that the decision was made to no longer plough money into the community centre fund, there still being no visible progress on that project. In fact Shepton Mallet 30 years later still does not have a community hall.	9th November (Wed)		7:30pm	Somerset County GFCA
Sturminster Newton EVENTS start on Sunday in the run-up to Sturminster Newton Carnival with a church service, a walk round Broad Oak, and skittles at the Bull. On Monday there is a jumble sale, on Tuesday a pet show and darts at the Royal British Legion, on Wednesday a quiz, and on Thursday the fun fair will open and the Dorset Doddlers carnival fun run will take place. Bingo on Friday, August 20, is followed by carnival day itself. Sir Thomas Tyldesley's Regiment of Foote will be at Durrant re-enacting the battles of the English Civil war. In the afternoon there will be children's fancy dress, and an evening parade celebrating the carnival's 60th anniversary. The day will end with a firework spectacular.	20th August (Sat)		7:15pm	Wessex GP
Taunton The Taunton Carnival is over a 1.5 mile long route and features stunning illuminated floats and walking entries with lights, glitz and glam.BUSINESS administration apprentice Lizzy Grigg was crowned Miss Taunton 2010 at a ceremony at Taunton’s Albemarle Centre. Lizzy will head the Taunton carnival parade in October.	15th October (Sat)		7:00pm	South Somerset FC
Trowbridge Come along to the town carnival. Leaves Canal Road at 7pm, and makes its way through the town centre before finishing at Cradle Bridge (by the library) Entry forms and a route map are available form our website or the town council offices at 10/12 Fore Street.	22nd October (Sat)		7:00pm	Wessex GP
Warminster carnival floats, bands & Masqueraders - 6:45pm from Boreham Road	290th October (Sat)		7:00pm	Wessex GP
Wellington WELLINGTON Carnival, which was under threat because of a demand for £1,500 from the Performing Rights Society, has been given a reprieve following intervention by Taunton MP Jeremy Browne. The society wanted to claim the money under a new law. But carnival chairperson Josephine Chave was able to negotiate a substantial reduction after Mr Browne took up the cause. The carnival is set to go ahead as planned on September 25th	24th September (Sat)		7:30pm	South Somerset FC
Wells [route/map] The Wells Carnival is a spectacle not to be missed. It is said be the biggest illuminated carnival in the world. These huge floats make their way slowly through the medieval streets intertwined with street performers with highly inventive and stunning costumes. As it is dark at this time of year the blaze of colourful lights, music, dancing and beautifully tailored costumes on these floats creates a unique and exciting atmosphere. The tableau floats usually depict a scene with all the performers in a fixed pose effectively creating a living picture. The carnival is Free to see and all these floats are created by enthusiasts who are raising money for Charity. The 2010 Wells carnival is scheduled to take place on Friday 12th November at 7.00pm and is a must see for anyone planning to come to the area. There is also a fun fair in the market place.	11th November (Fri)		7:00pm	Somerset County GFCA
Weston-super-Mare NEW ROUTE - [route/map] WESTON-SUPER-MARE ILLUMINATED CARNIVAL, A SPECTACLE OF LIGHT, MUSIC & COLOUR The earliest newspaper records concerning Weston super Mare November Carnival go back to 1871. In those days it was usual for the Parade to start at the Knightstone Island and after wending its way through almost every street in the town, it dispersed on the beach, where bonfires were lit and effigies burned. These were not only Guy Fawkes, but any unpopular figure of local disdain or even international infamy.This year approximately 100,000 spectators are expected to line the route around the town. There will be around 130 entries, of which 50 will be large illuminated floats up to 100 feet long and up to 17 feet high.	14th November (Mon)		7:15pm	Somerset County GFCA
Wincanton	October cancelled		7:00pm	Wessex GP
Yeovil	unknown

List of carnival clubs The following is a list of major carnival clubs and their home town locations:
2Rs Carnival Club - Temple Cloud, near Bristol, Somerset Aliens Carnival Club - Frome, Somerset Aysheberton Stannary Carnival Club - Ashburton, Devon Axminster Young Farmers Carnival Club - Axminster, Devon Bridgwater YMCA Carnival Club - Bridgwater Brimgrovers Juvenile Carnival Club - Shepton Beauchamp, Somerset Britannia Carnival Club - Castle Cary, Somerset British Flag Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset Cavaliers Carnival Club - Bridgwater Cary Comedians Carnival Club - Castle Cary, Somerset Centurions Carnival Club - a tableau club based in Bridgwater Club 2000 Carnival Club - Chard, Somerset Cobra Carnival Club - Wells, Somerset Crazy Crew Carnival Club - Bristol Crusaders Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset Domino Carnival Club - Chard, Somerset Dynamites Carnival Club - Glastonbury, Somerset Elcipse Carnival Club Devon En-spired Carnival Club - Salisbury, Wiltshire Excalibur Carnival Club - Topsham, Devon Gemini Carnival Club - Ilminster, Somerset Globe Carnival Club - Wells, Somerset Gorgons Carnival Club - Wells, Somerset Gremlins Carnival Club - Bridgwater Griffens Carnival Club - created by the merger of the Griffens and Bath Bridge Carnival Clubs	Harlequin Carnival Club - Ilminster, Somerset Hillview Juvenile Carnival Club - Highbridge, Somerset Hot Rock Carnival Club - Gillingham, Dorset Huckyduck Carnival Club - Coleford, Somerset Ipplepen Carnival Club - Ipplepen, near Newton Abbot, Devon Just Georges Carnival Club - Sturminster Newton, Dorset Key Kids Juvenile Carnival Club - Meare, Glastonbury, Somerset King William Carnival Club - Glastonbury, Somerset Kipling Cubs Juvenile Carnival Club - Shaftesbury, Dorset Lime Kiln Carnival Club - Bridgwater Luckington Carnival Club - Coleford, Somerset Mardons Carnival Club - Midsomer Norton, Somerset Magnum Carnival Club - Blandford Forum, Dorset Marina Sydenham Juvenile Carnival Club - Bridgwater Marketeers Carnival Club - Bridgwater Masqueraders Carnival Club - Meare, Glastonbury, Somerset Mendip Vale Carnival Club - Wells, Somerset Mojo Carnival Club - Shepton Mallet, Somerset Motiv8 Carnival Club - Yeovil, Somerset Mutineers Carnival Club - Teignmouth, Devon Natajacks Carnival Club - Frome, Somerset New Beginnings Carnival Club - Taunton, Somerset New Market Carnival Club - Bridgwater Nunsford Nutters Carnival Club - Colyton, Devon Nunsford Nymphos Carnival Club - Colyton, Devon	Oasis Carnival Club - Frome, Somerset One Plus One Carnival Club - Ilminster, Somerset Pentathlon Carnival Club - North Petherton, Somerset Peredins Carnival Club - Southampton, Hampshire Phoenix Carnival Club - Cullompton, Devon Poppe Inne Carnival Club - Tatworth near Chard, Somerset Rainbow Carnival Club - Bridgwater Ramblers Carnival Club - Bridgwater Rascals Juvenile Carnival Club - Ilminster, Somerset Renegades Carnival Club - Bridgwater Revellers Carnival Club - Motcombe near Shaftesbury, Dorset Shambles Carnival Club - Shepton Mallet, Somerset Seaton Explorers Carnival Club - Seaton, Devon Sidvale Carnival Club - Sidford, Devon Spangles Carnival Club - Ilminster, Somerset St. Peters Carnival Club - Yeovil, Somerset Tango Juvenile Carnival Club - Salcombe Regis, Devon Toppers Juvenile Carnival Club - North Petherton, Somerset Vagabonds Carnival Club - Bridgwater Waterside Carnival Club - Midsomer Norton, Somerset Wells and Glastonbury Young Farmers Carnival Club - Wells and Glastonbury, Somerset Westonzoyland Carnival Club - Westonzoyland, Somerset Wick Carnival Club - Glastonbury, Somerset Wilfs Carnival Club - Bridgwater Wills Carnival Club - Bridgwater, Somerset Xtreme Carnival Club - Ilminster, Somerset

Guy Fawkes, The Gunpowder Plot and Bonfire Night

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To plan your journey by car or public transport click on to the Door-to-Door Journey Planner

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RADIO

BBC Somerset Sound

talk; news and sport; contemporary and oldies am1566
Broadcasting House, Park Street, Taunton,TA1 4DA
01823 368181

www.bbc.co.uk/somerset

You've got to have
Heart
ALL YOU REALLY NEED IS

HEART Somerset's new radio station:

Heart has arrived in Somerset. You can listen on 96.5 - 97.1 - 102.6 and online.To tell everyone about Heart we're going to have a TV ad, billboard posters across the area and information in the local newspapers. You could win £1,000 just by listening to our new TV advertisement or win a fabulous holiday with Toby Anstis.

Website:

Our new look website has got plenty of fresh and fabulous features.There'll be competitions, music and showbiz news, fashion and beauty ideas, local event information, some great DJ blogs and it'll answer the question 'What song was that?'.

top 40 chart and adult contemporary music fm102.6 (Somerset) 97.1 (Yeovil) 96.5 (Taunton)

listen live on our audio pages address & telephone number

Haygrove House, Shorditch Road,Taunton, Somerset TA3 7BT
News: 01823 368330 Sales : 01823 368310 HEART CLICK

May Events from Heart Radio

Saturday 1st - Charity fashion show at Dellers Wharf Nightclub in Taunton from 7pm - 10pm, with fashion for all shapes and sizes! Live music, goodie bags, a sparkling wine reception and fizzy cider supplied by the Orchard Pig Cider Company. Tickets £7.50 or £5.50 for students. Get tickets and more information at www.verymodelblog.com *OVER 18's ONLY*

Saturday 1st - Cancer Research May Market at Wincanton Memorial Hall from 9.30am till 12noon. Plants and stalls with cakes and crafts. To book a stall call 01963 824874

Saturday 1st - Gemini Tae Kwon-Do presents 24 Hour Charity Sparathon. Raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity in aid of Elliot Davies. Starts 3pm, at Kings Fitness and Leisure, Station Road, Cheddar. For more information check out www.tkd-selfdefence.co.uk

Saturday 1st - Ange Hardy on Tour "Story In Song" at Corton Denham Village Hall, near Sherborne from 7.30pm till 9.30pm

Sunday 2nd - The Glastonbury Road Run! Starts outside the Town Hall in Glastonbury. To find out more and to register go to www.glastonburyroadrun.inf

Wednesday 5th - Saturday 15th - Taunton Art Group Annual Exhibition at Taunton Library
Art on the Block - Charity Auction 11th - 6.30pm Here's your chance to buy the very best quality Art at affordable prices and benefit Taunton Musgrove Park Hospital. The auction will be held at the Castle Hotel, Taunton.For tickets call (01823) 342 488. Tickets cost £10 Or visit www.artforlife.nhs.uk to bid online.
Saturday 15th - Yarlington Specialist Plant Sale at Yarlington House. From 10am till 4pm. With plants, cakes, teas, and more.
Saturday 15th - 4th Annual Antiques and Collectables Fair at Comton Dundon's village hall. With indoor stalls and outdoor pitches, including plant sales. Raising money for St Margaret's Somerset Hospice and Children's Hospice South West. From 9.30am till 3pm.
Saturday 15th - Peter Donegan (son of Lonnie Donegan) fronts his dads original band to play a celebration of Donegan's music. At the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre. from 8pm
Saturday 15th - Ange hardy "Story In Song" at Tatworth Memorial Hall from 7.30pm till 9.30pm
Adult Learners Week 15th - 21st From learning Pilates to gaining a PHD, Adult learners week celebrates learning in all it's diversity. Events will be taking place at various locations across Somerset. Call Sue Edwards on (01823) 347 952 Or visit www.southwest.org.uk
Sunday 23rd - Conquest Family Fun Day at the Conquest Equestrian Centre, Norton Fizwarren from 11am till 5pm. With It's A Knockout, mounted police display, stalls, food and more
Donkey Day! 29th May - 11am-3.30pm Come along and groom donkey's from the Donkey Sanctuary. For meore information contact us on the details below. Call the Somerset Rural Life Museum on (01458) 831 197 Or visit www.somerset.gov.uk/museums
Saturday 29th - Ange Hardy on Tour "Story In Song" at Fivehead Village Hall, near Taunton from 7.30pm till 9.30pm
National Family Week. 31st May - 5th June Free events will be taking place across Somerset including a week of activity in Taunton Town Centre. For more info call 0845 345 9177 or email jtollington@somerset.gov.uk

105.3FM & ON THE INTERNET

About 10Radio

10Radio is the community radio station for the Ten Parishes of Ashbrittle, Bathealton, Brompton Ralph, Chipstable, Clatworthy, Fitzhead, Huish Champflower, Milverton, Stawley and Wiveliscombe in Somerset. It can be heard in Taunton too

10Radio broadcasts live from the Ten Parishes every Friday to Sunday. We also broadcast a live breakfast show every Monday to Thursday and most weekday evenings as well. The rest of the time we play a shuffle of music, sometimes by genre, or repeat programmes broadcast in previous weeks.

10Radio broadcasts from the people to the people. It is entirely owned and run by the local community.

10Radio transmits on 105.3FM from our new studios at Croft Cottage, right next to Wiveliscombe Community Centre, West St, Wiveliscombe. You can also hear us on the internet via this website.

Contact 10Radio

http://10radio.org/

Please get in touch with us if you want to get involved in 10Radio in anyway - whether it is making programmes, helping out behind the scenes, sponsoring our broadcasts or telling us about what you're doing in the local area.

10Radio
West Street
Wiveliscombe
Somerset
TA4 2JP

Tel: 01984 624 137
10Radio youth facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9505277153
10Radio facebook
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5547474450

FOOD

Bridgwater Restaurants	Chard Restaurants	Cheddar Restaurants	Frome Restaurants	Glastonbury Restaurants
Shepton Mallet Restaurants	Street Restaurants	Taunton Restaurants	Wells Restaurants	Yeovil Restaurants

Click on banner above for Eateries details

Welcome to Mr Miles.

The world renowned coffee & tea merchants D.J.Miles of Porlock & Minehead have opened a magnificent new Coffee House and Tea Rooms. Is this Taunton's answer to Betty's of Harrogate? After two days open there are queues waiting to get a table. How lovely to have the lovely aroma of coffee roasting. We are sure this will become a mecca for not only ladies who lunch but also the visitors and tourists to Taunton. Relaxed and sipping the wonderful array of coffees and teas- pinkies in the air. It is also a shop to buy tea, coffee, chocolate and an array of gifts.This is a traditional family business based in the heart of Somerset. Their unique business is devoted to rare and mouth-watering exclusive coffees and fine teas, now available to buy online.

Mr Miles Tearooms, 3-4 High Street, Taunton, TA1 3PG Tel: 01823 322288 Email: info@djmiles.co.uk

Mr Miles Tearooms & Coffee Lounge	The following 19 Alfresco Taunton Cafes & Restaurants have either Pavement Seating or Gardens to eat outside Dine in the Sun or Under The Stars

Cafe Nero	Brazz	Starbucks	The Flying Aubergine	West Cornwall Pasties	Olio & Farina

Cafe Expresso	The Chocolate Box	Cosy Club	Augustus	Castle Green Inn	Pitcher & Piano

Cafe Expresso	Henry's	Mambo	The Willow Tree	Zizzi	Scrumper Deli & Canteen

PARTRIDGES TAUNTON BLUE - THE CHEESE OF TAUNTON

Home to Exmoor Blue is an old stone dairy that lies in a lush valley on the eastern fringe of the Exmoor National Park. Ian and Ruby Arnett, who bought the company in November 2002, maintain a hands-on approach to cheese-making and under their enthusiastic stewardship, the business has gone from strength to strength. Using only traditional hand processes, they make hard and soft blue-veined cheeses using local cow, sheep, goat and buffalo milk. Their products are as consistent as hand-made cheeses possibly can be and their top priority is to ensure that all cheeses reach their customers in the best possible state. Only vegetarian rennet is added to the milk, so all the cheeses produced by the Exmoor Blue Cheese Company are suitable for vegetarians.Partridges Blue is a stronger version of Exmoor Jersey Blue. It is made using the same full cream Jersey milk, still soft and creamy but matured for twice as long as Exmoor Blue making this a blue for blue cheese lovers, mellow and less bitter than many. The cheese was originally made for Partridges of Sloane Square and has also been served on Concorde. You must try it- when in Taunton. Made at Willett Farm, Lydeard St. Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3QB. Available from THE OLIVE TREE, Just near The Bridge at 10/10a The Bridge, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1UG Tel: 01823 353707 and from Tower Farms Cheesemakers,Deans Cross, Lydeard St Lawrence, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3QN. Telephone : 01984 667 683 Email for Tower Farms Cheesemakers: enquiries@towerfarms.co.uk Website:http://www.towerfarms.co.uk/Tower Farms are in Taunton Market on Thursdays

Click here to view Filmland & Daniel Craig's Website of Bond Girls

Click On Map for Individual Town Sites

in Somerset & Avon

Active map showing Somerset, Glamorgan and Gloucestershire - Click a yellow square to view all accommodation in that place

I'm Cerdic First King of Wessex. Welcome to my Kingdom. Below you will find a list of Tourist Offices in Somerset who will be only too pleased to make your visit pleasant. After that are the Great Somerset Attractions. On the left here is our area click map for you to go to the sites in the towns & villages in Somerset & Avon. we have a multitude of reference pages which were created some time ago and are now under reconstruction. So on here you will find dedicated pages to specialist activities in Wessex & Mercia. These include a list of Agricultural ,Horse Shows etc, The Wessex Hall of Fame, Michelin starred restaurants in Wessex,Seaside Resorts,Theatres in Wessex & the UK, List of Films made in Wessex, Wessex Names, Golf Clubs, Football Clubs, Rugby Clubs, and Racetracks . Campers & Caravanners have their own dedicated section too. I have even got my own page for readers letters and news snippets, mainly from my ancient capital Chard. Contact Me by clicking here

CLICK ON THE AREA OF SOMERSET OR AVON YOU REQUIRE
BATH	BRIDGWATER	BRISTOL	BURNHAM-ON-SEA	CARTGATE	CHARD	CHEDDAR
CREWKERNE	DUNSTER	FROME	GLASTONBURY	ILMINSTER	MINEHEAD	SHEPTON MALLET
STREET	TAUNTON	WATCHET	WELLINGTON	WELLS	WESTON-SUPER-MARE	YEOVIL
THE GARDENS OF SOMERSET	FISHING IN SOMERSET	DOG FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION	Mendip Tourist Guide

	For a full list of theatres in the UK. Click on to Showtime
Click below to book your Tickets

CLICK HERE FOR ICE SKATING & SKIING REFERENCE UK

Amy Williams

It's Official Somerset Girl Comes down Fastest :
Amy Williams from Bath wins the Olympic Gold Medal in the Skeleton
event at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Click on the relevant Stable Door for your selection

LOCATIONS	TOURIST OFFICES IN SOMERSET
BATH	Abbey Chambers, Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY. Tel: 01225 477101 Fax: 01225 477787 Email: tourism@bathnes.gov.uk
BRIDGWATER	50 High Street,Bridgwater. Tel: 01278 427652, Fax: 01278 453489 Email: bridgwater.tic@sedgemoor.gov.uk
BRISTOL	Centre Harbourside, Anchor Road, WildWalk At Bristol, Bristol. BS1 5DB Tel: 0906 711 2191
BRUTON	The Dove Cote Building, 26 High Street, Bruton, BA10 0AA Tel/Fax: 01749 812851 Email: tourism@southsomerset.gov.uk
BURNHAM-ON-SEA	South Esplanade, Burnham-on-Sea. Tel: 01278 787852, Fax: 01278 781282 Email: burnham.tic@sedgemoor.gov.uk
CARTGATE	South Somerset Information Office, Cargate Picnic Site, Stoke Sub Hamdon. Tel: 01935 829333 Fax: 01935 824644 Email: cartgate.tic@southsomerset.gov.uk
CASTLE CARY	The Market House, Castle Cary, BA7 7AH Tel: 01963 351763
CHARD	Guildhall ,Fore Street,Chard,TA20 1PP Telephone : 01460 260051 Email: chardtic@chard.gov.uk Open: Easter - end October Monday - Friday 10am - 4.30pm, Saturday 10am - 1pm (all year) November - Easter Monday - Friday 11am - 4pm
CHEDDAR	The Gorge, Cheddar. Tel: 01934 744071, Fax: 01934 744614 Email: cheddar.tic@sedgemoor.gov.uk
CLAYHIDON	Blackdowns Welcome Centre, Heasel Farm, Clayhidon. EX15 3TH Tel: 01823 680280
CLEVEDON	Clevedon Library, 37 Old Church Road, Clevedon, BS21 6NN Tel: 01934 426020 Email: clevedon.library@n-somerset.gov.uk
CREWKERNE	Town Hall, Market Square, Crewkerne, TA18 7LN Tel: 01460 462462 Fax: 01460 78790 Email: crewkernecommunityoffice@southsomerset.gov.uk
DULVERTON	7-9 Fore Street, Dulverston, Somerset TA22 9EX Tel 01398 323841 Email : dulvertonvc@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
DUNSTER	Dunster Steep, Dunster, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6SE Tel 01643 821835. E-mail: NPCDunster® exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK	Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9HL Tel: 01398 323665 Fax: 01398 323150 Email: info@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
FROME	The Round Tower, 2 Bridge Street, Frome, BA11 1BB Tel: 01373 467271 Fax: 01373 451733 Email: frome.tic@ukonline.co.uk
GLASTONBURY	The Tribunal, 9 High Street, Glastonbury. Tel: 01458 832954, Fax: 01458 832949, Email: glastonbury.tic@ukonline.co.uk
GORDANO	Welcome Break Services, M5-J19, Portbury, Bristol, BS20 7XG Tel: 01275 375516 Fax: 01275 375516 Email: gordano@btconnect.com
ILMINSTER	The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster, TA19 0AN Tel: 01460 57294
LANGPORT	Bow Street, Langport, TA10 9PR Tel: 01458 253527
MINEHEAD	Warren Road, Minehead, TA24 5BG Tel: 01643 702624 Fax: 01643 707166 Email: visitor@westsomerset.gov.uk
NETHER STOWEY	(Quantock Info) Tel: 01278 733642 Fax: 01278 732845
PODIMORE VISITOR CENTRE (only open April to end October)	The Travel Lodge Site, Podimore Roundabout, A303, Nr Yeovil Tel: 01935 841302, Fax: 01935 841294 Email: podimore.tic@ukonline.co.uk
PORLOCK VISITOR CENTRE	The Old School, West End, High Street, Porlock, Somerset TA24 8QD Phone: 01643 863150 Fax: 01643 863014 eMail
SHEPTON MALLET	48 High Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AS Tel: 01749 345258 Fax: 01749 345258 Website:www.sheptonmallet-touristinfocentre.co.uk/ Email: sheptonmallet.tic@ukonline.co.uk
SOMERSET VISITOR CENTRE (closed Sat & Sun in the winter months)	Sedgemoor Services, M5 South, Axbridge. Tel: 01934 750833, Fax: 01934 750755 Email: somersetvisitorcentre@somerset.gov.uk
SOMERTON	Jaspers Media Centre, West Street, Somerton, TA11 7PS Email: tourism@southsomerset.gov.uk
STREET, CLARKS VILLAGE	Farm Road, Street. Tel: 01458 447384, Fax: 01458 447393 Email: street.tic@ukonline.co.uk
TAUNTON	The Library, Paul Street, Taunton. Tel: 01823 336344, Fax: 01823 340308 Email: tautic@somerset.gov.uk
WATCHET	The Esplanade, Watchet, Somerset TA23 0AJ tel: 01984 632101 fax: 01984 633344 email: tourism@watchettowncouncil.org
WATCHET MARINA	Harbour Road, Watchet, TA23 0AQ Tel: 01984 631264 Fax: 01984 634893 Email: enquiries@watchet-harbour-marina.com
WELLINGTON	30 Fore Street, Wellington, TA21 8AQ Tel: 01823 663379, Fax: 01823 667279 Email: wellingtontic@tauntondeane.gov.uk
WELLS	Town Hall, Market Place, Wells. Tel: 01749 672552, Fax: 01749 670869, Email: wells.tic@ukonline.co.uk
WESSEX	Online Tourist Office. website: http:// www.wessextouristboard.org.uk Tel: +44(0) 845 868 2810 Fax : +44(0) 845 862 1954 Click here to contact us
WESTON-SUPER-MARE	Beach Lawns, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 1AT Tel: 01934 888800 Fax: 01934 64174 Email: touristinfo@n-somerset.gov.uk
WINCANTON	Town Hall, Market Place, Wincanton, BA9 9LD Tel / Fax: 01963 31693 Email: wintic@hotmail.com
WIVELISCOMBE	Wiveliscombe House, The Square, Wiveliscombe, TA4 2JT Tel: 01984 624777 Fax: 01984 624772 Email: communityoffice@wiveliscombe.com
YEOVIL (closed Sat & Sun in the winter months)	Petter's House, Petter's Way, Yeovil. Tel: 01935 462991, Fax: 01935 434065 Email: yeoviltic@southsomerset.gov.uk

ATTRACTIONS IN SOMERSET

THE BATH & WEST SHOW 2011

Founded in 1777 The Royal Bath & West of England Society are a Somerset based registered charity that aims to encourage agriculture, the arts and commerce. The Society owns the Royal Bath & West Showground, a 240 acre site near Shepton Mallet, which is home to a series of world class shows and events in Somerset throughout the year.

The biggest event in the calendar is The Royal Bath and West Show, which takes place over the Spring half term, in 2011 from the 1st to the 4th June. It's probably the biggest agricutural show in the country and a great day out in Somerset for families, friends & rural enthusiasts!

This is where all aspects of farming and rural life can be seen, from the best of British livestock to the latest business innovations in farming. The show offers the perfect day out for the whole family; the best for shopping, food, flowers, crafts, country pursuits, equestrian competitions and arena displays.

Start date:

01-06-2011

End date:

04-06-2011

Location:

The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset

Web Link:

http://www.bathandwest.com/

Contact telephone:

01749 822 200

Somerset June 1st - 4th 2011

The biggest event in the rural calendar is nearly upon us! Don't miss out on booking your tickets in advance...book online today to save ££'s.
The Royal Bath and West Show takes place near Shepton Mallet in Somerset over the Spring half term. There's more happening than you think at the country's biggest rural festival and there really is something for everyone, from food lovers to families and farmers to fashionistas!
From the country’s finest livestock and over 600 trade stands to the National Cheese Awards and the UK’s biggest cider competition. It's your chance to experience canoeing, visit an art exhibition, sample and purchase some of the best British produce, marvel at the birds of prey in the Countryside Arena, see Titan the Robot or watch some of the finest animals in the country.
The Royal Bath and West Show takes place near Shepton Mallet in Somerset over the Spring half term from the 1st to the 4th of June. Click on the links in the top right of this page to visit other pages in this section where you can find out more about what's on offer.
There's so much to see and do...you'll want to come back another day!

Ladies Day 3rd June 2011

On Friday June 3rd, ladies from up and down the country will be flaunting their glad rags for the chance to be named the ‘best dressed in show’. Plus, get yourself a VIP ticket to Ladies Day and you will receive exclusive access to the NEW Ringside members bar to see all of the main ring action PLUS a complimentary Afternoon Tea in the Members Marquee on the Lawn. But hurry – there are only a limited number of VIP tickets available, so buy now to avoid disappointment!

Please click here to find out more about Ladies Day.

2011 Show Highlights Include

• A chance to see the country's finest livestock including cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and alpacas. Visit one of the largest dog shows in the county. ‘Fur and Feather' zone where you can see small animals and birds such as rabbits and cavies, tame birds and poultry.
• Ladies Day, on Friday 3 June, is now in its 2nd Year. Fashion-conscious visitors will stand a chance to be crowned winner of the best dressed lady and walk away with a Spa Day courtesy of Bannatyne's Charlton House.
• The country's biggest cheese show. At the National Cheese Awards, visitors will be able to sample a staggering array of some of the UK's finest cheeses and dairy produce and withe 850 entries there is plenty to see.
• A celebration of cider featuring the biggest cider competition in the country and the chance to take part in cider tasting with experts. Food lovers can also explore the vast food halls.
• In the Imagineering Fair Children will also be able to explore the creative possibilities of science, engineering and technology.
• 4 x 4 off road - Adrenaline junkies will have the chance to drive 4x4 off road vehicles in the most extreme off road experience at the Show to date
• Horses - showing, show jumping and the Pony Club mounted games
• Farming for the Family - children can watch milking demonstrations, see piglets, lambs and calves and experience the fun of feeding a chicken and collecting an egg to cook and eat in the Farmhouse Kitchen.
• Countryside Arena - thrill to falconry displays, admire the discipline of gun dogs and cheer on your favourite in the terrier racing. Alongside the arena is the Canoe Village where you can experience canoes, kayaks and much, much more
• See traditional events on the Village Green, Young Farmers, the W.I. a working forge and an old time fairground also new this year is Somerset Carnival Clubs who will be showcasing one of their floats.
• Gasp at the beauty of the Floral Marquee, watch floral art demonstrations and learn from the interesting talks
• Visit the Art Pavilion with over 400 entries all of which are for sale
• Experience the working countryside and see Heavy Horses pulling logs in Woodlands and Wildlife; learn about the secret life of bees in the Bees & Honey Tent

SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL

County Hall, Taunton,
TA1 4DY Wessex

www.somerset.gov.uk

Telephone : 01823 355455
Fax : 01823 355 156

Exploring Somerset

"I'm Cerdic,
The First King of Wessex-
Welcome To My Kingdom and my ancient Capital Chard in Somerset now, but not in my time"

SOMERSET HERITAGE CENTRE

Somerset Heritage Centre
Brunel Way, Langford Mead, Norton Fitzwarren
Taunton, TA2 6SF
Telephone     01823 278805 (enquiries)

01823 337600 (appointments)
Please make an appointment if you need a guaranteed place in the searchroom.
Fax     01823 347459
Email     archives@somerset.gov.uk
http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/

We exist to find, preserve and make available written records of Somerset's people and communities.

The Somerset Archives and Local Studies Service offers:

Free access for you to do your own research, using archives such as parish, family, school and business records

Accepting documents relating to Somerset.

An archives online catalogue.

An Education and Learning Service, taking history to schools, colleges and the wider community.

A Research Service if you can't visit in person.

Talks and exhibitions

A consultation and advice service in North Somerset libraries.

Advice on document repair, handling and storage.

Please note that our searchroom is currently very busy, and so on some days we cannot accommodate microfiche or document users who have not made an appointment. To avoid disappointment, please book a place by contacting us a few days before you would like to come in.

The Somerset Archives and Local Studies Service is provided by Somerset County Council and holds many millions of original documents, ranging in date from the eighth century AD to the present day. It forms part of the Somerset Heritage Service, with Historic Environment, Museums and the Victoria County History, all of which are housed at the Somerset Heritage Centre.

Great British Heritage Pass - Visit Britain with the Great British Heritage Pass - the best of British sightseeing and historic Britain for UK visitors. Get free entry to almost 600 British heritage tourist attractions around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

ATTRACTION

Picture

Address & Opening Times
and Click Through Website Link

Tel/
Fax

BATH

Bath is a world-class destination, rich in Roman and Georgian heritage. Nestling in a sheltered valley, surrounded like Rome by seven wooded hills and nourished by Britain's only natural hot springs, Bath has been luring visitors with its obvious charms for well over 2000 years.

For full list of Theatres in Bath

CLICK THEATRES

Abbey Chambers,
Abbey Churchyard,
Bath, BA1 1LY.
Fax: 01225 477787
Email: tourism@bathnes.gov.uk

Tel: 01225 477101

BATH VISITOR DISCOUNT CARD

The new Bath Visitor Card offers discounts at a wide range of places to eat, shops, attractions and tours & entertainment in and around Bath. Over 45 businesses are participating in the scheme, including: Attractions - Farleigh Hungerford Castle, The Museum of East Asian Art, The American Museum in Britain, Bath Boating Station, Bath Postal Museum, Fashion Museum, Avon Valley Railway, Sally Lunn’s Refreshment House Museum, Prior Park Landscape Garden, Museum of Bath at Work, Herschel Museum of Astronomy and Bath Abbey Tower Tours. Restaurants - Binks Restaurant, Strada, Jaflong, Rajpoot, Jane Austen Centre Regency Tea Room, Mezzaluna Ristorante, Clarkes Restaurant, Café du Globe, Il Tocco d’Italia Restaurant, The Royal Hotel, Green Park Brasserie and Ben & Jerry’s. Shops - Bath Aqua Glass, Pulteney Bridge Gifts, The Glass House, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Uttam London, Abbey Green Craft Gallery, No.1 Royal Crescent Gift Shop, The Roman Baths Gift Shop, Pump Room Crafts, Bath Abbey Shop, Jody Cory Goldsmiths and Duo. Tours & Entertainment - Pulteney Princess, Jubilee Narrowboat, The Little Theatre Cinema, Thermae Bath Spa Visitor Centre, Pulteney Cruisers, Drive-Tech Limited and Bath Balloons. Visitor cards are valid for three weeks from the date of validation offering visitors plenty of time to take advantage of the range of offers. Get it on-line for Just £3.

BATH VISITORS DISCOUNT CARD CLICK

BATH ABBEY

Begun in 1499, Bath Abbey is the last of the great medieval churches of England. The West Front is unique as it depicts the dream that inspired the Abbey's founder, Bishop Oliver King, to pull down the ruined Norman cathedral and raise the present building on its foundations.Over the past twelve and a half centuries, three different churches have occupied the site of today’s Abbey:An Anglo-Saxon Abbey Church dating from 757, pulled down by the Norman conquerors of England soon after 1066.
A massive Norman cathedral begun about 1090. It was larger than the monastery could afford to maintain and by the end of the 15th century was in ruins.The present Abbey church founded in 1499, ruined after the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 by order of Henry VIII.Worship has taken place on the site of today's Abbey for over one thousand years and continues to this day with services taking place throughout the entire week.

Abbey Churchyard
Bath BA1 1LY

Opening Times:01 April - 31 October
09:00 - 18:00 (Monday to Saturday)
13:00 - 14:30 and 16:30 - 17:30 (Sunday)

01 November - 31 March
09:00 - 16:30 (Monday to Saturday)
13:00 - 14:30 and 16:30 to 17:30 (Sunday)

Fax: +44 (0) 1225 429990
BATH ABBEY CLICK

Tel:01225 422462

BATH - THE AMERICAN MUSEUM
Experience the American way of life from the 17th to 19th centuries

Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD
The museum is well signposted from Bath Centre and the A26 Warminster Road. From city centre bus station take No 18 and alight at the The Avenue. Museum ten minutes walk

AMERICAN MUSEUM CLICK

Tel : 01225 460503
Fax: 01225 469160

BATH AQUA THEATRE OF GLASS
Enjoy the ancient skills of the glassblowers and stained glass artists, in this unique working museum, in the heart of the artisan quarter of Bath. Bath Aqua Glass is coloured by adding Copper Oxide to molten glass, creating beautiful aquamarine colour, reminiscent of the Spa waters, which contain Copper that taint the waters a green hue.

105-107 Walcot Street
BATH BA1 5BW
Fax: +44 (0)1225 428146
BATH AQUA THEATRE OF GLASS CLICK

Tel: 01225 428146

BATH - THE CIRCUS

The Circus was the masterpiece of John Wood the Elder. The striking architecture has spawned numerous theories to explain its stark originality. Viewed from the air it forms the shape of a key, perhaps a Masonic symbol? John Wood is also thought to have taken inspiration from the ancient standing stones of nearby Stanton Drew and from Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Either way, the Circus is a stupendous creative accomplishment and one of the key reasons Bath was awarded the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

BATH MUSEUM OF EASTERN ART

Based in a restored Georgian building, the Museum houses a fine collection of artefacts from China, Japan and South East Asia. Displays include jade, ceramics, lacquer and metalware dating from c5000BC to the 20th Century and reveal the finest achievements in East Asian craftsmanship. Opening times: Tuesdays - Saturdays 10am-5pm Sundays - 12noon-5pm Closed on Mondays apart from Bank Holidays. Closed between Christmas and New Year.

12 Bennett Street
BATH BA1 2QJ
Fax: +44 01225 461718
BATH MUSEUM OF EASTERN ART

Tel: 01225 464640

BATH - THE JANE AUSTEN CENTRE

Permanent exhibition and Giftshop celebrating Bath's most famous Visitor

40 Gay Street,
Bath BA1 2NT
Follow the tourist signposts or hop on any of the sightseeing bus tours and get off at the Jane Austen Centre

JANE AUSTEN CENTRE CLICK

Tel: 01225 443000

BATH MUSEUM OF COSTUME
The story of fashion over the last 400 years is brought alive at the Museum of Costume, the finest museum of fashionable garments in the world. The displays include 200 dressed figures to illustrate the changing styles in fashionable clothes from the late 16th century to the present day, chosen from the museum's collection of 30,000 original items. The Museum is undergoing a major re-display in Spring 2007, visit the website www.museumofcostume.co.uk/redisplay for the latest details of what is on show.
Current Exhibitions:
'The Nureyev Style' until 15th April 2007
'Fashion and Bath' until 2nd January 2008
'Pockets of History' until 2 September 2007

Assembly Rooms
Bennett Street
BATH BA1 2QH
Fax: +44 01225 477743
Opening Times: Mar-Oct 11am-5pm Nov-Feb 11am-4pm
BATH MUSEUM OF COSTUME CLICK

Tel: 01225 477173

BATH POSTAL MUSEUM

At Bath Postal Museum we have something for everyone. We provide colourful, frequently changing exhibitions, interactive games and quizzes, models and collectables and feature historic 'talking heads' video characters. There is also plenty to do for young visitors, who can play the mail computer challenge, try on costumes and play our stunning 'potholes and pitfalls' boardgame. All visitors are also able to perforate their own sheet of stamps and the museum shop offers a large range of postcards and gifts. Groups and schools can be catered for.

27 Northgate Street
BATH BA1 1AJ
Fax: +44 01225 460333
BATH POSTAL MUSEUM CLICK

Tel: 01225 460333

BATH - PULTENEY BRIDGE
Pulteney Bridge, together with the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, is one of the world's most beautiful bridges. Like the Ponte Vecchio it is one of a handful of historic bridges in the world with shops built into it. Built for William Pulteney by Robert Adams, the bridge was an attempt to connect central Bath to land on the other bank of the River Avon and make Pulteney's fortune. In spite of its practical origins it is surely the most romantic bridge in the world, best viewed from Parade Gardens park by the crescent weir.

Pulteney Bridge
BATH Avon BA2 4AY

BATH - THE PUMP ROOM RESTAURANT

Contemporary English food served in elegant surroundings with linen tablecloths, table service, fresh flowers. Fresh food prepared on the premises, cooked to order using local produce. Great ambience. Live music by the Pump Room Trio or a solo pianist.

Bath And North East Somerset
Council Heritage Services
Pump Room, Stall Street
BATH Avon BA1 1LZ

Open 7 days a week: Winter (Oct 1st - March 31st) 09.30 - 16.30 Summer (April 1st - September 30th) 09.30 - 17.30 Times may vary

Tel:01225 444477

BATH RACECOURSE

Bath Racecourse is situated on Lansdown Hill overlooking the famous Roman City of Bath. The idyllic and relaxed atmosphere appeals to all, whilst our 18 day fixture list has a variety of evening, weekend and mid-week afternoon meetings.

Lansdown
BATH BA1 9BU
Fax: +44 (0)1225 444415
BATH RACECOURSE CLICK

Tel: 01225 424609

BATH ROMAN BATHS

Visit the heart of the World Heritage Site. Around Britain's only hot spring, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water. See the water's source and walk where Romans walked on the ancient stone pavements. The extensive ruins and treasures from the spring are beautifully preserved and presented using the best of modern interpretation.

'Meet the Romans' children's audiogiude and 'Bryson at the Bath's audioguide tours included in admission price.The Roman Baths opening hours are: Jan - Feb 9.30 - 16.30, exit 17.30; Mar - June 9.00 - 17.00, exit 18.00, July - Aug 9.00 - 20.00, exit 21.00, Sept - Oct 9.00 - 17.00, exit 18.00, Nov - Dec 9.30 - 16.30, exit 17.30

Roman Baths
Abbey Church Yard
BATH BA1 1LZ
Fax: +44 01225 477743
ROMAN BATHS CLICK

Tel: 01225 477785

BATH - THE ROYAL CRESCENT
The Royal Crescent is one of the world's best known landmarks. Built between 1767 and 1775 and designed by John Wood the younger, the crescent contains some 30 houses, one of which is now the Royal Crescent Hotel, another is Number 1 and open to the public.

Royal Crescent
BATH
BA1 2LS

BATH TREASURE HUNT

No prior knowledge of Bath is required as all clues are solved by observation. Both young and old will be fascinated whilst getting out for a couple of hours seeing the sites and solving the clues. Children will enjoy beating adults to solve the clues! We even supply a map just in case you get lost. The answers are at the back of the book so you can check any unsolved ones before you leave.The hunt starts at the Tourist Information Centre , York Street, Bath, BA1 1LY. From Bath or just visiting, you will be surprised at how much you walk past without even noticing. We so often walk around blinkered without appreciating the great features which make our towns and cities fabulous. By following our hunt these things will be highlighted rather than hidden away. Our Bath treasure hunt packs contain all the necessary elements for you need including maps, clues, answer sheet, and tips on how to get things going.

Local stockists of single hunts

Tourist Information Centre—Bath,
Abbey Chambers,
Abbey Churchyard,
Bath, BA1 1LY.
Fax: 01225 477787
Email: tourism@bathnes.gov.uk

Good Buy Books—Bath

W H Smith—Bath
BATH TREASURE HUNT CLICK

Tel: 01225 477101

BATH VICTORIA ART GALLERY
Bath & North East Somerset's Art Gallery houses work by Gainsborough, Sickert, Zoffany and many other leading artists from the 15th century to the present day. The Gallery has one of the best temporary exhibition programmes in the region, ranging from prints to sculpture, including national touring exhibitions and major retrospectives. FREE ENTRY

Victoria Art Gallery
Bridge Street
BATH Avon BA2 4AT
Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 1.30pm - 5pm Open on Bank Holiday Monday 28th August 2006 Closed 25/26 December, Good Friday & New Year's Day
Fax: 01225 477231
BATH VICTORIA ART GALLERY CLICK

Tel: 01225 477232

BECKWORTS TOWER & MUSEUM

The 120 foot neo-classical Tower was built for wealthy eccentric William Beckford in 1827 as a study retreat which housed part of his art collection & library. Today it contains a museum collection on the first floor illustrating his life & interests. Visitors can climb up the newly restored Tower into the Belvedere for panoramic views over Bath & countryside.. General opening times: Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays; Easter to end October 10.30am-5pm.
Beckford's Tower & Museum is now closed for the winter and will reopen at Easter 2007. We still do group visits and special bookings during the closed period

Lansdown Road
BATH
BA1 9BH
Fax: +44 01225 481850
BECKWORTH'S TOWER & MUSEUM CLICK

Tel: 01225 422212/460705

DOWNSIDE ABBEY
Downside Abbey Church is one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in England, which some describe as a jewel among the churches of Somerset.

Stratton-on-the-Fosse, nr. Bath
DOWNSIDE ABBEY CLICK

Tel:
01761 235161

FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD CASTLE
Ruined 14th century castle with an intriguing history. Wall paintings in the chapel. Audio tour. An English Heritage site.

Farleigh Hungerford, nr Bath
Daily. Apr-Sept 10am-6pm; Oct 10am-5pm; Nov-Mar Wed-Sun 10am-4pm.
FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD
CASTLE CLICK

Tel:
01984 631819

BRIDGWATER

Bridgwater stands on the River Parrett. The area has been known to have been settled for at least a thousand years. In the Domesday Book, it is described as an agricultural community with the name Brugie, although it is easy to see how the name Bridgwater evolved. It is recorded that William de Bruere was granted a Royal Charter for the borough at the beginning of the 13th century, when he began building a castle here. By the 15th century the town had become a thriving port. As with several other centres in this area, the town’s prosperity was mainly to do with the cloth industry. There was a major siege during the English Civil War when the town supported the Royalists. The Parliamentarians attacked the town and most of the timber framed buildings were destroyed. When the town was taken, the victors destroyed the castle.During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the cloth trade began to decline as a result of the industrial revolution. Larger northern towns, where labour was cheap and plentiful, became the centres of industry. Bristol grew in importance and the port of Bridgwater began to decline. The manufacture of bricks and roofing tiles gave the town a boost after the arrival of the railways. But this industry was replaced by others during the 20th century.The mediaeval street pattern has been retained in the old centre of Bridgewater and there are still a number of attractive historic buildings. There is also a statue of Admiral Blake, one of the town’s most famous sons, in the town centre. The birthplace of this sailor and parliamentarian, who was born at the end of the 16th century, is now a museum.Today the town is famous for Bridgwater Fair, which has now been combined with an illuminated carnival. The fair takes place during the last week of September and has been held in the town since 1249. It was originally a livestock fair and this function still survives. However the main event is now centred around a fairground with all its attractions. Bridgwater has plenty of accommodation, restaurants, bars and cafés. It also has plenty of shops and other tourist facilities, making it an ideal centre from which to explore Somerset and neighbouring counties.

50 High Street,Bridgwater.
Email: bridgwater.tic@sedgemoor.gov.uk

Tel: 01278 427652, Fax: 01278 453489

ADMIRAL BLAKE MUSEUM
Fascinating town museum. Local history and archaeology museum of Bridgwater and the surrounding area. Birthplace of Robin Blake. It has relics, models and a video-documentary relating to the battle of Sedgemoor.

Blake Street, Bridgwater, TA6 3NB
Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm.
ADMIRAL BLAKE MUSEUM CLICK

Tel:
01278 456127

Fax:
01278 444076

BRIDGEWATER ARTS CENTRE

11 -13 Castle Street, Bridgwater, TA6 3DD
BRIDGEWATER ARTS CENTRE CLICK

Tel: 01278 422700
Fax: 01278 447402

CANNINGTON COLLEGE
The college has a medieval walled garden, pitch and putt, and a nine-hole, 18-tee golf course.

Cannington, Bridgwater, TA5 2LS
CANNINGTON COLLEGE
GARDENS CLICK

Tel: 01278 655000

COLERIDGE COTTAGE
The poet Samuel Coleridge wrote some ot his most famous poems when he lived here between 1797 and 1800. Now belongs to the National Trust.

Nether Stowey, Bridgwater
See National Trust Map
COLERIDGE COTTAGE CLICK

Tel:
01278 732662

HINKLEY POINT 'A' VISITOR CENTRE
Discover how electricity is generated.
Exhibition with touch screens and interactive videos. Nature trail, play area.

Hinkley Point, Bridgwater
Daily, Mar-Oct, 10am-6pm.
HINKLEY POINT VISITOR
CENTRE CLICK

Tel:
01278 654700

BATTLEFIELD OF SEDGEMOOR 6th July 1685
The battlefield memorial is positioned near the heart of the action and close to the only known mass grave from the battle. It commemorates not just Sedgemoor but also the dead of British battles elsewhere in the world from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The battle of Sedgemoor was fought in the early morning of the 6th July 1685. The previous day the rebel army under the Duke of Monmouth, perhaps by then no more than 3500 strong, lay cornered in the town of Bridgwater (Somerset) by a smaller but far more experienced royal army. During the night, in a last desperate attempt to salvage something from his abortive rebellion, Monmouth launched a surprise night attack from the least expected direction, across the marshy wastes of Sedgemoor. But the rebels’ bold strategy was discovered before they reached the royal camp and then, in the darkness, their cavalry failed to locate the ford giving access to the royal camp.With the element of surprise lost any chance of victory had disappeared. The rebel horse soon fled the field and in open country without cavalry support Monmouth’s infantry proved an easy target for the royal cavalry. The discipline, experience and firepower of the well equipped professional soldiers of the army of James II soon began to tell. As the morning light revealed the rebels’ true plight of the rebels, Feversham launched a join cavalry and infantry attack. Monmouth’s army was totally destroyed.The battle and battlefield are understood in great detail and, with the information provided here, it is possible to visit the site and to gain an exceptionally good idea of the terrain and the course of the action on the 5th July 1688. On a warm sunny day it is a very pleasant landscape to explore.

Nr Bussex Farm
Westzoyland
Bridgewater
Three miles east of Bridgwater, Somerset
The battle was fought on low-lying land
between the villages of Chedzoy and Westonzoyland.
map
Re-enactment Click

Tel: 07900944787

SOMERSET BRICK & TILE MUSEUM
The only remaining brick kiln in Bridgewater and an impressive survivor of a major Somerset industry.

East Quay, Bridgewater,
Wednesday and Thursday 9am - 12:30pm and 1:00 - 4:00pm
SOMERSET BRICK &
TILE MUSEUM CLICK

Tel: 01823 320200

SOMERSET LEVELS

At the heart of Somerset, lies a beautiful area called the "Levels and Moors", which has international status as one of the most important wetlands of its type in the world

Levels and Moors Office, Moorlynch Vineyard, Moorlynch, Bridgwater, TA7 9DD

SOMERSET LEVELS CLICK

Tel:
01458 210790

SOMERSET WILDLIFE TRUST
Information centre, shop, wildlife trails, including easy access round woodland nature reserve.

Fyne Court, Broomfield, Bridgwater
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm (dusk if earlier than 6pm)
SOMERSET WILDLIFE
TRUST CLICK

Tel:
01823 451587

WESTONZOYLAND PUMPING STATION
he museum of steam and land drainage reveals the earlier pumping station on Somerset levels.
There is an extensive collection of stationary engines which run in steam on the first Sunday of each month

Hoopers Lane, Westonzoyland, Bridgwater
Apr-Oct and Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays and New Year's day. Open: Daily, Jan-Dec 2pm-5pm
WESTONZOYLAND PUMPING STATION CLICK

Tel:
01823 257516

BRISTOL

With an approximate population of 410,950, and urban area of 550,200, it is England's sixth, and the UK's ninth most populous city and the most populous city in South West England. It received a royal charter in 1155 and was granted county status in 1373. For half a millennium it was the second or third largest English city, It has a short coastline on the estuary of the River Severn, which flows into the Bristol Channel. Bristol is the largest centre of culture, employment and education in the region. From its earliest days, its prosperity has been linked to that of the Port of Bristol, the commercial port, which was in the city centre but has now moved to the Severn Estuary coast at Avonmouth and Portbury, to the western extent of the city boundary. In more recent years the economy has been built on the aerospace industry and the city centre docks have been regenerated as a centre of heritage and culture.

Centre Harbourside, Anchor Road, WildWalk At Bristol, Bristol. BS1 5DB

Tel: 0906 711 2191

BRILLIANT WEEKENDS IN BRISTOL

Stag Weekends, Hen Weekends, Activity Breaks, Corporate Weekends, Birthday Celebrations, Golf Weekends. An amazing place to have fun, Bristol is one of the UKs fastest growing cities. Not only that its the home of Brilliant Weekends! We're based here in Bristol so we get the best hotel, activity and club deals available All types of vibrant daytime activities are available .Bristol is just 90 minutes from London, Exeter and Birmingham so it's easy to get to. The nightlife scene in Bristol is at the forefront of UK Clubbing

Brilliant Weekends Limited,
Mardyke House, 18 Hotwell Road, BRISTOL, BS8 4UD
Monday     8.30am - 6.30pm
Tuesday     8.30am - 6.30pm
Wednesday     8.30am - 6.30pm
Thursday     8.30am - 6.30pm
Friday     8.30am - 6.30pm
Saturday     10am - 3.00pm
Sunday     closed
BRISTOL BRILLIANT WEEKENDS CLICK

tel:
0870
75
85100

BRISTOL- BLAISE CASTLE

This 19th century mansion, set in 400 acres of parkland, is home to the social history collection. Discover everyday objects from centuries past including Victorian toilets and baths, kitchen and laundry equipment, model trains, dolls, toys and period costume in the museum. Explore the parkland and woodlands. Enjoy the cafe and childen's adventure playground.

Blaise Castle House Museum and Estate
Henbury Road
Henbury Bristol BS10 7QS

Monday ,Tuesday ,Wednesday , Saturday , Sunday &
Bank Holiday 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday & Friday - Closed
Fax: 0117 922 2047
BLAISE CASTLE CLICK

Tel: 0117 903 9818

BRISTOL - BRITISH EMPIRE & COMMONWEALTH MUSEUM

Experience the drama of the biggest Empire the world has ever known

Station Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QH
Situated right next to Bristol's main railway station, the Museum is served by the City's principal public transport services.

BRITISH EMPIRE & COMMONWEALTH MUSEUM CLICK

Tel : 0117 925 4980
Fax ; 0117 925 4983

BRISTOL - GEORGIAN HOUSE

One of the most complete 18th century town houses surviving in the UK. Furnished to illustrate life both above and below stairs, rooms on 4 floors give a glimpse into a family household. It also contains a rare cold water plunge bath. Originally the home of the Pinney family, West India merchants.

The Georgian House
7 Great George Street
West End Bristol BS1 5RR
GEORGIAN HOUSE CLICK
Fax: 0117 922 2047

Tel: 0117 921 1362

BRISTOL - RED LODGE

Open Saturday to Wednesday 10.00 to 17.00. All groups must be booked.A historic Elizabethan house, which has been 'modernised' and restored several times thoughout its 400 year history.Originally a lodge to the Great House where Queen Elizabeth I once stayed, the Red Lodge is often described as Bristol's 'hidden treasure' and houses the Great Oak Room, one of the finest rooms in the West Country. As you step up the winding staircase and enter through the porch of the Great Oak Room, you will marvel at the magnificent oak panelling, the plasterwork ceiling and the magnificent carved stone chimneypiece.Downstairs, the Reception Room, Print Room and staircase are all examples of Georgian architecture.The Red Lodge has had several uses, and was once used as a reform school for girls set up by Mary Carpente. A room in the Lodge is dedicated to her memory. The walled garden is one of The Red Lodge's best features and is an excellent example of a re-created Elizabethan-style knot garden with herbaceous borders.

Park Row
West End
Bristol BS1 5LJ
Open Saturday to Wednesday 10.00 to 17.00

Fax: 0117 922 2047

Tel: 0117 921 1360

BRISTOL - S.S.GREAT BRITAIN

Built and launched in Bristol in 1843, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s maritime masterpiece was the world’s first ocean-going, propeller driven iron ship.After a life as a luxury liner, troop ship, cargo vessel and floating warehouse, she was abandoned in the Falklands Islands in 1937. She was salvaged in 1970, towed back to Bristol and has now been restored to her former glory. The historic vessel is being conserved for future generations under a ‘glass sea’ in the very dockyard where she was built. Visitors are encouraged to experience what life was like for her Victorian passengers and crew, including a visit to the recently installed three-storey tall moving engine.Tickets to Brunel’s ss Great Britain allow free and unlimited return visits for a year from the date of purchase. Tickets allow entry to the dry dock, museum, Maritime Heritage Centre, and the replica of John Cabot's ship The Matthew when she is in Bristol.

Visitors are invited to use an Audio Guide whilst aboard the ship and these are available in English, French & German and there are BSL Guides Video Guides for the deaf.Brunel's ss Great Britain was the winner of the Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year 2006 - the Biggest Arts Prize in the U.K.

Brunel's ss Great Britain
Great Western Dockyard
Gas Ferry Road
Bristol BS1 6TY
Open 10.00 to 17.30 April to October, 10.00 to 16.30 November to March.
Fax: 0117 925 5788
S.S.GREAT BRITAIN CLICK

Tel: 0117 926 0680

BRISTOL TREASURE HUNT

No Experience of Bristol is required as all clues are solved by observation. Both young and old will be fascinated whilst getting out for a couple of hours seeing the sites and solving the clues. Children will enjoy beating adults to solve the clues! We even supply a map just in case you get lost. The answers are at the back of the book so you can check any unsolved ones before you leave. The hunt starts at the Tourist Information Centre , Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB.From Bristol or just visiting, you will be surprised at how much you walk past without even noticing. We so often walk around blinkered without appreciating the great features which make our towns and cities fabulous. By following our hunt these things will be highlighted rather than hidden away.Our Bristol treasure hunt packs contain all the necessary elements for you need including maps, clues, answer sheet, and tips on how to get things going.

Local stockists of single hunts

Stanfords
BRISTOL TREASURE HUNT CLICK

HEART OF WESSEX RAIL ALE TRAIL
Welcome to the Heart of Wessex Line Rail Ale Trail. We've modelled this guide on the highly successful branch line trails created by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership. The Heart of Wessex rail line runs from Bristol to Weymouth through 87 miles of lovely rural scenery, and our trail consists of 28 pubs in 18 different locations along the route. We've concentrated on character pubs (and that often applies to the locals, too!) serving real ales in the centre of the towns and villages served by the rail line. There are some truly unique pubs on our trail, and some fascinating corners of rural Wessex to discover on the way. Whether you use this site to help you plan a holiday or just for a day out, we hope you'll enjoy our picturesque and friendly local rail line as a route to discovering some truly superlative real ales!

Catherine Phillips,
Rail Partnership Officer,
c/o Council Offices,
Churchfields,
Wincanton BA9 6AG.
For train times and fares call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50. Cheap day returns are available from 9.30am (in a few cases earlier) on weekdays, and all day at weekends. A cheap day return for the longest journey - Bristol to Weymouth (87 miles) - at the time of writing (April 2004) costs Adult: £13.00 Child (5 to 16 years old): £6.50. Please note that under 5s travel free.
WESSEX RAIL ALE TRAIL CLICK

Tel 01963 435058

BURNHAM-ON-SEA
burnham and highbridge tc arms

7 miles of golden beaches.A lovely promenade, little shops, lashings of fish & chips followed by ice cream, Burnham on Sea is the place! From the delights of a traditional seaside holiday at Burnham-on-Sea to the leisure parks at Brean sands there is fun and excitement to be found in this little corner of Somerset. Sand yachting and golf are but two of the regular sports.With views across to distant Wales, seven miles of sandy beaches with wide open spaces and dunes are perfect for every beach activity. Burnham-on-Sea has the most distinctive lighthouse you will ever see. The beach achieved Quality Coast Award status during May to September 2007.

South Esplanade, Burnham-on-Sea.
Email: burnham.tic@sedgemoor.gov.uk

Tel: 01278 787852, Fax: 01278 781282

ALSTONE WILDLIFE PARK

A small family run park with many interesting and amusing fur and feather friends including Theodore the camel and a tame red deer herd.

Alstone Road, Highbridge , TA9 3DT
We are open Easter - November only. 10.30 - 17.00hrs (last admission 16.00hrs)
ALSTONE WILDLIFE PARK CLICK

Tel: 01278 782405
Fax: 01278 792288

ANIMAL FARM COUNTRY PARK
Explore the 23 acres of delightful Somerset countryside, home to lots of friendly animals. Make friends with the farm animals and enjoy our seasonal treasure hunt. Join the cuddle club and hold the baby rabbits and small pets in the barn. Make friends with the cockerels and new born chicks. Lots of hands on animal fun. The centre also has an all weather play barn for kids of all ages along with toddler and under 7’s zones. Big discounts for pre-booked groups & educational visits.

Red Road, Berrow,
Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2RW
ANIMAL FARM CLICK

Tel: 01278 751628
Fax: 01278 751633

BREAN DOWN BIRD GARDEN
Tropical bird garden, cafe and gift shop.

Brean Down, Brean, nr. Burnham on Sea, TA8 2RS
Mar-Nov, 10am-4pm.
BREAN DOWN BIRD
GARDEN CLICK

Tel:
01278 751209

BREAN LEISURE PARK
The South West's largest fun park, with loads to do for all the family -from roundabouts to roller coasters, golf to swimming. There are 40 rides and attractions, a pool complex with four water slides, bars and restaurants. An 18-hole par 69 golf course.

Coast Road, Brean Sands, Brean
BREAN LEISUREPARK CLICK

Tel:
01278
751595
Fax:
01278 752102

RICH'S FARMHOUSE CIDER
Famous in Ciderland for over 50 years for sweet, medium and dry cider. Also farm pressed apple juice, mature cheddar cheese and local chutney. Museum and cider-making video.

Mill Farm, Watchfield, Highbridge,
All year. Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-7pm.
NO WEBSITE

Tel:
01278 783651

CASTLE GARY MUSEUM
Displays of country and domestic life throughout the ages.

First Floor, Market House, Castle Gary
NO WEBSITE

Tel:
01963 351334

CHARD

Chard (Cerdre, Cherdre, Cherde) was commercial in origin, being a trade centre near the Roman road to the west. There are two Roman villas in the parish. There was a British camp at Neroche in the neighbourhood. Chard is situated on the highest ground between the Bristol and English Channels, on the border of Devonshire, and was anciently spelt Cerde, or Cherde. - the royal house of Cerdic.

Because of it's position being the highest ground it was strategically in the best position to defend and is more obviously "Camelot" than other such claimants. Today it is the Southernmost Market Town in Somerset
Market day is Saturday.

Guildhall ,Fore Street,Chard,TA20 1PP
Email: chardtic@chard.gov.uk
Open: Easter - end October Monday - Friday 10am - 4.30pm, Saturday 10am - 1pm (all year) November - Easter Monday - Friday 11am - 4pm
CHARD CLICK

Tel : 01460 65710

BARLEYMOW FARM SHOP

A new & exciting splendid farm shop with home reared meats, fresh fruit and veg, dairy produce, deli, preserves, cidery & wines, organic produce, gifts and crafts.

Snowdon Hill Farm,
Chard, TA20
Just half a mile west of Chard on the A30 towards Honiton

BARLEYMOW FARM SHOP CLICK

Tel : 01460 62130
Fax : 01460 62132

CHARD NATURE RESERVOIR

The reservoir provides an exciting opportunity to observe wildlife. Over 150 species of birds. A two mile marked walk is in this nature reserve.

Oaklands Road,
Chard

CHARD MUSEUM
This award winning local museum has a wide variety of exhibits, starting with the story of Chard, the ancient capital of Wessex, from 1235, the fire of 1577 and its disaster for the cloth trade; Monmouth's rebellon; the lace mills and the riots of 1842; the Pouletts, Lords of the Manor; and Chard in the two world wars. . Open May to late October 10.30am- 4.30pm Monday to Friday 10am - 12.30pm Saturday11am-3pm Sunday in July & August

Goldsworthy House, High Street, Chard

CHARD MUSEUM CLICK

Tel :01460 65091

CHARD TOWN HISTORIC PLAQUE TRAIL

Chard 2000 first promoted the idea of Plaques to identify buildings or sites of historic interest. Each plaque is produced in metal, oval shaped 500 x 280 mm with white lettering on blue background, by local company CERDIC FOUNDRIES, Beeching Close, Furnham Road, Chard. The plaques indicate the site together with the Borough Seal and some brief historical notes. All plaques have been sponsored by local people, firms, organisations and businesses as listed below to whom Chard 200 are most grateful

Start at Guildhall beneath Margaret Bondfield plaque
CHARD HISTORIC TRAIL CLICK

CHARD LACE RIOT AUDIO WALK

It's a Riot - In 1842 Chard was the Scene of the Famous Chard Lace Riot. Now YOU can join the rioters on The Chard Lace Riot Audio Walk. Simply go to the Tourist Office (Next to the Guildhall) and get the audio machine. Then you walk the three quarters of a mile round the 7 sites of the riots. (There is a resting bench at each site). Listen to A crowd of starving angry workers demanding their rights ........Civic Leaders in Panic.......Tension Mounting......... Call in The Cavalry. History re-enacted & brought vividly to life.

Chard Tourist Information Centre,
Guildhall, Fore Street, TA20 Wessex
email: chardtic@chard.gov.uk

Tel : 01460 65710

CRICKET ST.THOMAS WILDLIFE PARK

Enjoy a full day out in the scenic grounds & experience the thrill of seeing over 500 animals, some rare & endangered species, including a pair of Amur leopards.

Cricket St.Thomas, Nr Chard
The Wildlife Park is located 3 miles east of Chard on the A30. Off junction 24 off the M5

CRICKET ST.THOMAS WILDLIFE CLICK

Tel :01460 30111

FERNE ANIMAL SANCTUARY

Visit the animal enclosures, Nature Trail, Picnic and Conservation areas. Tea Room & Gift Shop Opens March 24th - September 29th. Weds, Sat., Sun., & Bank Holidays 2.00-4.45pm

Wambrook, Nr Chard

FERNE ANIMAL SANCTUARY CLICK

Tel :01460 65214

FORDE ABBEY & GARDENS

"One of the Top Ten Gardens in England" Maginficent 12th Century house, 30 acres of gardens, plant centre, gift shop, tea room, pottery exhibition, forge. Gardens open daily throughout the year 10.00-4.30. House open 1.00pm to 4.30pm on Tues to Fri,Sun & Bank hols. 26th March to end October.

Nr Chard
Signposted from A30 between Chard & Crewkerne and from the A358 between Chard & Axminster

FORDE ABBEY CLICK

Tel :01460 221290

CHEDDAR

The Gorge, Cheddar.
Email: cheddar.tic@sedgemoor.gov.uk

Tel: 01934 744071, Fax: 01934 744614

ASHBRIDGE & DISTRICT MUSEUM
Museum located in a magnificent medieval townhouse.Museum shop.

King John's Hunting Lodge,
The Square, Ashbridge
Daily, April-Sept, 1pm-4pm.
NO WEBSITE

Tel:
01934 732012

ASHTON WINDMILL
An 18th century flour mill standing on the Isle of Wedmore, with all machinery intact. Dramatic views to the Somerset Levels and Mendip Hills.

c/o Harwood House, Chapel Allerton, Axbridge
2.30pm-4.30pm. Sundays, May-to end Sept; Wednesdays, July-August; Bank Holiday Mondays.
ASHTON WINDMILL CLICK

Tel:
01934 712034

CHEDDAR GORGE CHEESE COMPANY
The cheddar Gorge Cheese Company a warm welcome awaits you when you visit the Cheddar Gorge rural village. You step back in time to the 1920's style working ... From England's Cheddar Valley, sales of cheddar cheese, pickles, cider and liqueur.

Cheddar, Somerset
CHEDDAR GORGE CHEESE CLICK

Tel :01934 742810

CHEDDAR GORGE TOY MUSEUM
A large display of toys from the past. Collectors shop with new and OB diecast toys for sale.

The Cliffs, Cheddar Gorge
Daily, 10am-5.30pm. Closed Weds
CHEDDAR GORGE TOY
MUSEUM CLICK

CHEDDAR SHOW CAVES
A place of wild beauty to explore with a friend. 2 spectacular show caves. Cheddar Man exhibition, Crystal Quest dark-walk fantasy adventure, clifftop gorge walks. Summer open-top bus tour. Open: Jan-Dec Mon-Sun: May - Mid September 10am- 5pm. Mis-Sept-April 10.30am-4.30pm

Cheddar,
Somerset
CHEDDAR CAVES CLICK

Tel :01934 742343
Fax :01934 744637

CHEDDAR SWEET KITCHEN
Regular demonstrations of old fashioned sweet making. From raw materials to finished product in 45 minutes.

Daghole Cottages, Cheddar Gorge
Daily, Mar-Nov, 11am-5pm (until 6pm June-Sept).
CHEDDAR SWEET KITCHEN CLICK

Tel:
01934 743810

CREWKERNE

An important town since before the Norman Conquest with many fine old buildings and a magnificent 15th century church. A most attractive old stone-built country town set in the beautiful South Somerset hills, near the Dorset border and within easy reach of the coast. Thought it possesses modern industries, which contribute to the busy and lively atmosphere, these do not intrude on the old part of the town. Crewkerne is justly proud of its heritage, having its origins in Saxon times, over a thousand years ago. Discover its history in the Heritage Centre or explore its antiques and bookshops.Swim or workout in the new fitness suite at the Crewkerne Aqua Centre or visit Bincombe Beeches nature reserve.

ART BENATTAR CRAFT
Art and craft. Work from 100 artists in every media displayed in five rooms. Cafe.

31 Market Square, Crewkerne , TA18 7LP
NO WEBSITE

Tel:
01460 77780

CLAPTON MILL

Historic watermill with a host of unique features including hydro generation. Tearoom, mill tours. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.

Clapton, Crewkerne
TA18 8PU
CLAPTON MILL CLICK

Tel: 01460 72142

CREWKERNE AQUA CENTRE

CREWKERNE MUSEUM

Crewkerne has a long and interesting history - its status as a Saxon royal Mint, its importance as a stopping place for travellers, and its prosperity based on the textile industry. The ancient Roman hill fort of Ham Hill is a few miles distant, and the town's more important buildings were constructed of stone quarried from the hill. There were some well-known personalities associated with the town. Admiral Hardy was educated a few hundred yards from the museum, and sail cloth for his fleet, including the Victory, were manufactured in the town. Founded in 1988, the Museum illustrates these things, but equally shows how ordinary local people lived and worked at various periods. Some of the latest graphic techniques are used to enliven the displays. Many aspects of local history are explored - industries, commerce, religion, education and domestic life. Of particular interest is the display regarding the history of Bryants' Bakery, (new in 2008) the model of Admiral Hardy and the traditional kitchen. We hope children will enjoy the St. Bartholomew's Church puzzle, puzzles and weaving, the prisoner in his cell and the quiz. Changing displays of photographs and other items from our collection or on loan are on view in the exhibition room. An important activity in the museum is the ongoing conservation and storage of artefacts. Volunteers have carried out a complete audit of the museum collection. items are numbered, their condition and any marks noted, and probably most importantly their location recorded. With over 2000 items in the collection, it was fast becoming a headache to recall where everything was, and the items not currently needed for display are carefully re-packed.

Market Square,
Crewkerne TA18 8AL
CREWKERNE MUSEUM CLICK

Tel: 01460 77079

FROME

The Round Tower, 2 Bridge Street, Frome, BA11 1BB 3 Email: frome.tic@ukonline.co.uk

Tel: 01373 467271 Fax: 01373 45173

BLACK SWAN ARTS
An arts and contemporary crafts centre in the heart of Frome. Two galleries, craft shop, cafe and artist studios.

2 Bridge Street, Frome
Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm, (not Bank Holidays)
BLACK SWAN ARTS CLICK

Tel:
01373 473980

NUNNEY CASTLE
Small but very complete 14th century castle consisting of a compact tower with large round towers at the angles, surrounded by a deep moat, in distinctly French styling.

Nunney, Frome
Daily during sunlight hours
NUNNEY CASTLE CLICK

Tel:
01373 467271

WESSEX SHOW

This year's Show, scheduled for the weekend of the 20th & 21st May 2006, is now in its fourth year and promises to be bigger and better than in previous years. At the time of going to press, over 150 classic and vintage vehicle entries had been received.There will be entertainment throughout each day (until around midnight on the Saturday), and will be provided by the stars from 'Starry Eyes Jennings Mighty Fun Fair' will be at the show again offering a wide variety of rides and family fun.Some of the main arena events include Semtex, the Motor Cycle Stunt Team, who will give two shows each day, The Frome Dog Agility Display Team, and a hands-on Fire Engine display. In addition to this you will be able to see the Wild West displays and the American Civil War camps.

West Woodlands Showground, Frome, Somerset.

The show is held at the West Woodlands Showground, two miles south of the Market Town of Frome, Somerset
.The Admin Office, 34a George Street, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 8QB

WESSEX SHOW CLICK

Tel: 01985 216644

WHATLEY VINEYARD
Wander around the vineyard and try a free tasting of wines.

Whatley, Frome
NO WEBSITE

Tel:
01373 836355

GANTS MILL AND GARDEN
Tour the historic watermill and then take tea in the designer water garden. Riverside walk and garden sculptures.

Bruton
Mid May-Sep, Thurs, Sun and Bank Hols 2pm-5pm.
GANTS MILL & GARDEN CLICK

Tel:
01963 812393

GLASTONBURY

The Tribunal, 9 High Street, Glastonbury.
Email: glastonbury.tic@ukonline.co.uk

Tel: 01458 832954, Fax: 01458 832949,

BROWN & FORREST

A small, family run smokery using only wood fired smokers. Restaurant serving smoked food direct from the smokery.

Bowdens Farm, Hambridge
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-2.30pm. Not open Sun or Bank Hols.
BROWN A FORREST CLICK

Tel:
01458 250875

CHALICE WELL TRUST
Set in a beautiful three-acre garden, this is among the oldest continuously used holy wells in the British Isles.

Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury
Daily, 10am-6pm, (earlier closing times in winter )
CHALICE WELL TRUST CLICK

Tel:
01458 831154

GLASTONBURY ABBEY
Ruined abbey set in 36 acres of Somerset parkland. Steeped in history, it is the legendary burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere

Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury
Daily.
GLASTONBURY ABBEY CLICK

Tel:
01458 832267

GLASTONBURY TOR
A dramatic tor dominating the Somerset levels.
Offering spectacular views on the tor is the 15th century St Michaels tower.

Glastonbury
Daily.
See National Trust Map
GLASTONBURY TOR CLICK

Tel:
01934 844518

GLASTONBURY TRIBUNAL
Well preserved 15th century merchants house with decorated front, housing the tourist information centre.
Glastonbury Lake Museum, on the first floor, depicts the discovery of the Iron Age settlement found in the 1980s.

9 High Street, Glastonbury
GLASTONBURY TRIBUNAL CLICK

Tel:
01458 832954

HADSPEN GARDENS
Five acres of mixed colour themed borders, ponds and meadows within the framework of a Victorian walled garden in the grounds of a country estate.
Nursery.

Hadspen House, Castle Cary
Mar-Sept and Bank Hol Mon 10am-5pm.
HADSPEN HOUSE &
GARDENS CLICK

Tel:
01749 813707

PEAT MOORS VISITOR CENTRE
A "hands on" centre, the most exciting archaeological reconstruction in Somerset Reconstructions of many prehistoric structures including Iron Age roundhouses, prehistoric trackways, Roman pottery kilns and an Iron Age canoe. Displays on the history and archaeology of the local area.

Shapwick Road, Westhay, Nr Glastonbury
PEAT MOORS CLICK

Tel :01458 860697

ILMINSTER

BARRINGTON COURT GARDENS (NATIONAL TRUST)

Was laid out in the 1920s to designs by architects Forbes and Tate for the Lyle family who used basket-weave bick paths & fine masonary in walls & outhouses. In season produce is tended in the walled kitchen garden & used in the Strode House restaurant.

Barrington, Nr Ilminster, Somerset
Map
BARRINGTON COURT CLICK

Tel :01460 241938
Fax : 01460 242614

DILLINGTON HOUSE

Dillington House hosts a number of taster days and residential courses including silk painting, photography, creative writing, family history, music appreciation, and many more.

Ilminster TA19 9DT
Dillington House

Tel: 01460 52427

EAST LAMBROOK COUNTRY GARDEN
This internationally famous Grade1 listed English Cottage Garden was designed by the late gardening icon, Margery Fish. Houses the National Collection of Geraniums.. The 17th century malthouse has homemade lunches, teas, art gallery & specialist plant sales.

Nr South Pemberton, Somerset
EAST LAMBROOK CLICK

Tel :01460 240328
Fax : 01460 242344

PERRYS CIDER WORKS
Traditional cider mills with museum of farming bygones. Take a nostalgic look at old country life. Cider sampling in the farm shop.

Dowlish Wake, Nr Ilminster, Somerset
Set in an attractive village with a packhorse bridge. Follow the Cider Mill & Cart signs.
PERRYS CIDER CLICK

Tel :01460 52681
Fax : 01460 54992

SOMERSET DISTILLERY
Somerset's only apple distillery producing fine brandy. Also traditional cider farm with cider and apple juices to sample and purchase

Pass Vale Farm, Burrow Hill, Kingsbury Episcopi,
Martock, TA12 5BU
SOMERSET DISTILLERY CLICK

Tel: 01460 240782.
Fax: 01460 249220

Markets in Somerset

Farmers Markets Towns Market Days

Bridgewater 4th Friday each month
Chard 2nd Friday each month
Crewkerne 3rd Saturday each month
Frome 2nd Saturday each month
Glastonbury 4th Saturday each month Minehead 3rd Friday each month
Taunton last Thursday each month
Wells Every Wednesday eachmonth
Weston-Super-Mare 2nd Saturday each month
Wincanton 1st Friday each month
Yeovil 2nd Thursday each month

CONTACT NUMBERS

Bridgwater	01823 412979
Chard	01460 67463
Crewkerne	01460 78223
Frome	01460 78223
Glastonbury	01460 78223
Minehead	01984 640817
Taunton	01823 412979
Wells	01460 78223
Weston-Super-Mare	01963 888800
Wincanton	01963 34063
Yeovil	01460 78223

MINEHEAD & WEST SOMERSET

Attractive and welcoming to thousands of visitors every year, Minehead has won national awards for its beautiful floral displays. The many flowers, popular sea front and tidy shopping area all combine to make a marvellous exploration base for getting out and about across the glorious Exmoor countryside. Minehead is a sheltered corner beneath the dramatic North Hill and looks out across the broad expanse of the Bristol Channel. Little fishing boats adorn the pretty harbour where, in Summer, the famous preserved paddle steamer Waverley and the cruise ship Balmoral may offer you an exciting sea trip for the day. Minehead sea defences are a major improvement to the seafront and provide a spacious promenade from which to access the sandy bathing beach and view the bay. At night, the promenade lighting creates a unique string of pearls effect.A short walk from the sea front is Blenheim Park, famous for its floral displays. Tennis, cricket, squash, hockey. golf, bowls and putting are all available, and the area is superb for walking, horse riding and fishing.The town's major tourist attraction is Butlins holiday camp. Other attractions include: the terminus of the West Somerset Railway; the Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club, Somerset's oldest golf club, established in 1882. There are a variety of sailing and wind surfing options, in addition to the usual beach activities. In addition, there are many amusement arcades and a variety of well-known high street stores together with independent local shops.The town is the starting point of the South West Coast Path National Trail, the nation's longest long-distance countryside walking trail.

17 Friday Street, Minehead, TA24 5UB
Email: info@mineheadtic.co.uk
http://www.somersetriviera.com/onlocation/minehead.asp

Minehead Town Council (official site)
Minehead at the Open Directory Project
The Minehead Meander
1970 Camp Map of Butlins
The Somerset Urban Archaeological Survey: Minehead, by Clare Gathercole
Minehead Middle School website
The Minehead and Exmoor Festival
Photographs of Minehead

Tel: 01643 702624 Fax: 01643 707166

ALLERFORD MUSEUM
Thatched building, domestic and local industry items. Victorian schoolroom with period costumes. Large outside exhibits and riverside garden picnic area.

Old School, Allerford, Minehead, TA24 8HN
ALLERFORD MUSEUM CLICK

Tel:
01643 862529

AQUASPLASH LEISURE CENTRE
A 25-metre swimming pool, waves, 40-metre slide, steam room, Jacuzzi, tanning cubicle.

Seaward Way, Minehead
Daily. Mon-Thur 7am-.30pm; Fri 7am-8pm; Sat 8am-5pm; Sun 9am-5pm.
NO WEBSITE

Tel: 01643 708000

BAKELITE MUSEUM
Collection of vintage plastics set in an ancient watermill. Early caravans include the pod micro caravan.

Orchard Mill, Williton
10.30am-6pm Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat and Sun in term time. Seven days a week in main school holiday time.
BAKELITE MUSEUM CLICK

Tel:
01984 632133

BOSSINGTON FARM & BIRDS of PREY CENTRE

Allerford, Nr Porlock,
BOSSINGTON FARM CLICK

Tel: 01643 862816

BUTLINS
Family fun including the Splash underworld sub-tropical swimming pool.

The Seafront, Minehead, TA24 5SH
May-Oct, 9.30am-6pm.
BUTLINS CLICK

Tel: 01643 703331
Fax: 01643 705264

DUNKERY VINEYARD
Somerset's largest vineyard in the Exmoor National Park, specialising in red wines.

Wootton Courtenay
Daily, 10am-1.15pm / 1.45pm-4.30pm
DUNKERY VINEYARD CLICK

Tel:
01643 841505

DUNSTER

Located just off the A39, three miles from the seaside resort of Minehead and at the edge of Exmoor, you will find one of the prettiest small towns in England - Dunster.
Dunster was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Torre, meaning 'The rocky hill' from the Old English tor. The prefix 'Duns' may well be a reference to the Saxon Dunn, who held land in nearby Elworthy and Willet before 1066.
Dunster has it all - an historic castle overlooking the town, a working water mill, a picturesque packhorse bridge and ford, elegant 15th century parish church, unique octangular Yarn Market and a long main street lined with 17th to 19th century buildings, now teashops, inns, hotels and gift shops.
Many of the town's buildings are picture-book thatched cottages, with roses around the door and colourful cottage gardens. The town received its Charter from Reginald de Mohun shortly after the Norman Conquest. During the 12th century Dunster thrived as a trading port, known as Dunster Haven. However the sea retreated and Dunster, now high and dry, turned to the wool trade for its living. The beach at Dunster is now a mile or so from the town. The village is sparsely populated with 860 residents.Each year Dunster has a country fair around the end of July. It features all aspects of countrylife with live demonstrations of equestrian, dogs, hawks, country life and even helicopter rides and plenty of fun attractions for the kids. Dunster railway station is on the West Somerset Heritage Railway, though the station is over a mile from the village. It is in what is known locally as the Marsh.
The nearest main shopping centre is Minehead, 5 minutes' drive away (2 miles).
Dunster is served by the number 28 bus from Taunton to Minehead which runs half-hourly and stops on the main road opposite the entrance to the village .There is also a bus service along the A396 which runs less frequently, but stops in the centre of the village.

Dunster Steep,
Dunster,
Minehead, Somerset TA24 6SE
E-mail: NPCDunster® exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Exmoor National Park
Historic Dunster
Dunster - The Somerset Urban Archaeological Survey, by Clare Gathercole
Benedictine Priory of Dunster, A History of the County of Somerset: Vol 2 (1911)
Visit Dunster - FILM - Thoughts of Dunster
[1] [2] [3] [4] Videos of Dunster
Photos of Dunster in 3d (Anaglyphs)
Dunster by Candlelight (Local Christmas Event)
Taunton Garrison

Tel 01643 821835

Where To Stay In Dunster	Picture	Address	Tel No:
Buttercross Buttercross is a friendly family period home built in 1862, offering spacious accommodation and furnished in keeping with its style and age. Our rooms are spacious with fine views – all traditionally furnished. Sunken Garden B&B with hospitality, service, good food and comfort. In fine weather you are welcome to rest in our Italian style sunken garden. Enjoy our renowned breakfast served in the oak panelled dining hall. A choice of both full English and Continental is offered, using local produce when available. www.buttercrossdunster.co.uk		St. George Street,Dunster TA24 6RS email us.	01643 821 413
Castle Coffee Shop Self-contained holiday flat, Pets Welcome, Centrally located in Dunster. Robins Nest comprises two lovely one-bedroom self catering apartments located in the medieval village of Dunster.With it's imposing castle, blend of quaint coffee and tea shops, craft shops, and a history dating back to the 11th century. Centrally located self catering apartments in Dunster High Street with views over the Dunster Deer Park. www.dunsterselfcatering.co.uk/		4 High Street, Dunster, Exmoor TA24 6SG	01643 821 219
Castle View Apartment 4- star listed self catering Castle View is a listed, four star, timbered apartment for five people, with parking. Part of Parham House, a handsome Georgian property, once the highly esteemed general stores of Dunster. Situated in a quiet part of the medieval village, next to the beautiful parish church with chiming clock. and on the elegant first and second floors above an exclusive bridal studio. Every care has been given to provide the highest standards of style and quality. www.castleviewapartment.co.uk		22 Church Street, Dunster, TA24 6SH E mail - susan@ castleviewapartment.co.uk	01643 822 298
Conygar House Conygar House offers you superb Exmoor bed and breakfast accommodation in three elegant bedrooms, which have been individually designed and tastefully decorated featuring good quality beds, crisp linen, antique furniture and luxurious finishing touches. Two rooms are en-suite and the third has an adjacent private bathroom with separate bath and shower.All rooms have a beverage tray, colour television, clock radio and a good range of complimentary toiletries. Wake up to wonderful country views overlooking Dunster, the castle and beyond. Take an early morning stroll through the fields to the rear of the house and into Conygar Woods, or just sit and enjoy our south facing garden. Martin and Biddy have lived in Dunster for many years and take great pleasure in welcoming guests to their home. www.conygarhousebandb.co.uk		2a The Ball Dunster TA24 6SD Email: stay@ conygarhousebandb.co.uk	01643 821 872
The Courtyard The Courtyard is a self-contained ground floor apartment in the middle of the medieval village of Dunster, Somerset. It has one double bedroom with shower, separate WC washroom and a living dining room with modern kitchen area. It also has its own parking space. The Courtyard is open all year. www.thecourtyarddunster.co.uk		Church Street, Dunster Email: angelamorecroft @aol.com	01643 821 113
The Dunster Castle Hotel The Dunster Castle Hotel offers contemporary style with traditional comfort at the foot of the historic National Trust property of Dunster Castle, in Exmoor National Park.6 individually furnished luxury ensuite bedrooms the hotel has recently been refurbished to a very high standard offering high quality Exmoor accommodation. The hotel has a Cellar Bar and Squires Restaurant which serve locally produced food. There is a private function room which opens out onto the large back garden area with views towards the Church. The hotel has a large private parking area. The hotel is ideal for families with children and is ideally positioned to explore the beautiful area of Exmoor National Park with many Exmoor pubs and restaurants close by. http://www.thedunstercastlehotel.co.uk/		5 High Street Dunster Exmoor National Park Somerset TA24 6SF Fax: 01643 82 30 36	01643 82 30 30