Change of name for The Crier - now it is the West Somerset Post

THE Crier newspaper is changing with effect from the August, 2007, edition and will now be known as the West Somerset Post.
A new company has been set up to publish the paper, which has been developed during the past six years by Minehead businessman Mike Padgett.
Mr Padgett has decided for personal reasons not to continue publishing The Crier and has put the title up for sale.
In the meantime, members of the editorial team and the sales team have decided to continue the business with a title of their own.
The West Somerset Post is being published by the Post News Group Ltd and the editor of the paper will continue to be John Thorne and the advertising director will continue to be Dudley Seale.
Mr Thorne said: "From a readers' and advertisers' perspective it is business as usual and they should hardly notice any changes from the paper which they have become used to seeing over the last few years.
"Apart from using another name, and, of course, having different contact details, the changes that are being made are all behind the scenes.
"We have in effect picked up the baton from Mr Padgett and we intend to continue with the development programme for the paper which he had already put in place.
"It is only thanks to the time and resources which Mr Padgett has invested in The Crier that we continue to be able to offer the people and businesses of West Somerset and Exmoor an alternative newspaper which gives them the best value-for-money advertising combined with professional journalism and a non-partisan take on the area's news.
"We look forward to developing The Post along the lines of the vision of Mr Padgett and hope that he will be proud of the way we take the paper into the future."

Exmoor love song launches at Dulverton folk festival

THE first Dulverton Folk Festival, which runs from Friday, July 27, to Sunday, July 29, sees the launch of a new song ‘Winsford Hill – A Love Song for Exmoor’.
It has been composed by Exeter-based artists Colin Rea and Juliet Field, with words by Dulverton poetess Atisha McGregor Auld, and is scored for voice accompanied by piano and guitar.
Atisha said: “The emphasis of the composition was to create melodic phrases that encapsulate the beauty and ageless mystery of Exmoor, and to evoke in the listener the feelings of dark and light, earth and air.
“It invites the listener to step out of time for a few moments and marvel at the grand and sensitive simplicity of nature. It is definitely a love song for Exmoor.”
‘Winsford Hill’ is taken from Atisha’s recently-published book of poetry called ‘Eight Rivers – A Tributary of Words’.
The score, which has been published with the cover showing an image of an ancient hawthorn tree laden with red berries sitting gracefully on a rich moorland hill, will be on sale at the festival.
Other artists featured in the folk fest include Vikki Nuttall, Stephen Snow, Maurice Condie, Liz Law, George Papavgeris, Gillian Tolfrey, Terry Conway, Steve Last, Christine Connelly, Jim Causely, Greame Maynard, Tom Oakes and Julian Sutton.
The festival, organised by local musician Dave Towers, brings the best of local and national talent to venues around the town during the weekend.
Mr Towers said: “Dulverton is a great place to hold the festival and tickets are going fast. We have a great line-up for people to enjoy.
“As well as top local talent, we have some great national and Irish singers and musicians. There are plenty of exciting events in venues around the town all through the weekend and I am sure there will be something to please everybody”
Local performers include fiddle player Stephen Snow, 19, from Devon and Dulverton singer and guitarist, Vikki Nuttall.
Vikki said: “We are delighted to perform alongside these acts – they are very well known so it is quite a privilege. We are really looking forward to it.”
Councillor Neil Parbrook, the district council’s leisure, culture and recreation portfolio holder, said: “It is great that the council can assist events like the folk festival.
“They give local people the opportunity to sample new sights and sounds as well as drawing in tourists, which is great for local businesses. It will be a fun weekend for everybody.”
The folk festival is supported with funding from Exmoor Events and ArtLife, in partnership with West Somerset Council, and tickets for concerts are available at The Tantivy in Dulverton or by telephoning 01398 323818.
Full details are on the internet at http://www.dulvertonff.co.uk/.

• Our photographs show (top) Vikki Nuttall and Dave Towers; and (below) Atisha McGregor Auld outside Dulverton Town Hall with a copy of ‘Winsford Hill’. Photos submitted.

Good causes benefit from Cutcombe Show proceeds

MORE than £2,500 has been distributed to local good causes following this year’s Cutcombe Horse Show and Gymkhana.
Show treasurer Nigel Dobbins said the accounts presented a rosy picture as several areas of the annual event had shown an increase in takings this year - and that was after the 2006 show was considered to have seen a good result - and the dog show and terrier shows also continued to go from strength to strength with large entries.
Show secretary Di Stevens said the resounding success was due to the help and support received from sponsors, competitors, supporters, and the many helpers, such as the work party who set up the show and the team on the day who made sure all jobs were covered, and those who cleared up afterwards.
Mrs Stevens said: “We had a dry day, entries were excellent, and there was plenty for spectators to enjoy around the rings, including the wonderful fancy dress competition which had lots of colourful entries.
“There was plenty of home made food for sale, plus a barbecue and a licensed bar, and Styles Ice Cream had a van supporting us to keep everybody cool, while the Minehead Harriers gave a superb display in the main ring.”
Mrs Stevens said the show was started for two reasons, firstly to provide children who did not have ‘show’ ponies with an opportunity to enter their little ‘hairy’ and be in with a good chance of winning a rosette, and secondly to raise funds to be shared between Cutcombe First School and other village amenities.
This year’s funds were distributed as follows: £600 each to Cutcombe School and Cutcombe Church, £100 to the pre-school nursery, £50 for the parish party fund, a £250 donation to CLOWNS, £400 for the Moorland Hall, and £500 plus £15 collected in a bucket for the Devon Air Ambulance.
Mrs Stevens said: “We would like to thank everybody who helped in any way to make this fantastic outcome possible.”

• Our photograph shows Mrs Margaret Hawker (left) presenting the http://www.selfdriveyourhorse.com/ Cup for the best turned out rider, a new award, to Fay Reed, on Pollyanna. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref CUT070040. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Dulverton hosts its first folk festival

A TRADITIONAL folk festival is being launched in Dulverton in July with three days of big-name acts from the folk scene performing before going on to the renowned Sidmouth Folk Festival.
There will also be lots of local talent in the festival, which starts on July 27.
Local musician Dave Towers is the inspiration behind the event, and he is using his contacts within the folk industry to turn dreams of hosting a festival into a reality.
Dave said: “We have a great line-up and an exciting programme of events.
“There are three concerts in the Town Hall, a series of workshops, and plenty of fringe events around the town to surprise and entertain our visitors.”
The festival starts with guitarist Maurice Condie and Irish music singer Gillian Tolfrey, who will be joined by singer-songwriter George Papavgeris.
They will be supported by local performers Stephen Snow and Vikki Nuttall.
Fiddle player Stephen, who is only 19 and from mid-Devon, has already played at an impressive list of British venues. Vikki lives in Dulverton and sings and plays guitar locally.
On the Saturday, the Town Hall will be given over to a series of daytime workshops, including guitar with Maurice Condie, Appalachian dulcimer with Liz Law, song writing with George Papavgeris, singing with Gillian Tolfrey, and melodeon with Julian Sutton.
John Lowday will also demonstrate his work in making Sugan chairs in the lower Town Hall.
Saturday evening’s concert features Julian Sutton and Tom Oakes. Julian plays the melodeon in traditional dance bands, while singer Tom is also regarded as one of the best young flute players in Britain today.
The concert will also feature Liz Law and Terry Conway with their repertoire of English and Scottish traditional ballads, Irish songs, and other traditional songs.
On the Sunday, events start at noon with the well-known duo of Steve Last and Christine Connelly, sometimes known as Moses and The Ref.
Steve is an accomplished guitarist and singer and Chris has a remarkable voice, presenting sensitive interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk songs.
They will be joined by the Devon singer/songwriter Jim Causley, who performs an exciting mixture of traditional and contemporary songs.
Graeme Maynard, from Dulverton, will also be bringing his own particular style of folk music and whistling.
Throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of opportunities for informal music playing in local pubs, and the Bridge Inn will be hosting a real ale festival.
The folk festival has been financially supported by Exmoor Events and ArtLife, in partnership with West Somerset Council.
Tickets for the concerts are available at The Tantivy, Dulverton, or by telephoning 01398 323818, and full details are on the website at http://www.dulvertonff.co.uk/.

First real ale award presented to new Exmoor brewery

DUNKERY Ales founder Jim Winzer has been presented with the brewery’s first award - for one of his first beers.
The micro-brewery only started in Exford last September and it immediately entered the Minehead Beer Festival, where it won the ‘Somerset Beer of the Festival’ award.
The award was voted on by the people who attended the festival and tried the different beers which were available.
Dunkery Ale 4% received more votes than any other, and now the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has formally presented a certificate to Mr Winzer to commemorate the success.
The presentation took place in the Bear Inn, Wiveliscombe, where licensees Andy and Heather Harvey also received the Somerset CAMRA Pub of the Year 2007 certificate.
Both presentations were made by Somerset CAMRA chairman Alan Walker, who said of the Dunkery Ales success: “The fact that it was a new local beer makes people want to try it, but to win the award it had to be a good beer as well.”
Mr Winzer said: "I am very pleased, especially as the award was voted for by the general public. It is quite an honour.”
Dunkery Ales is the first micro-brewery to operate on Exmoor and it uses water from a spring in Downscombe Bog on the slopes of Dunkery Beacon.
It was set up with support from Exmoor National Park Authority’s sustainable development fund, provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and additional funding from West Somerset Council, Business Link, Connecting Somerset, and Foodlink.
DEFRA contributed with a Rural Enterprise Scheme grant toward the building costs of setting up the brewery in an old cow shed Edgcott Farm, Exford, owned by Mr Winzer’s friend Lindley Williams.
Among the local public houses which stock Dunkery Ale are the Culbone Stables Inn, near Porlock, the Exmoor White Horse Inn, Exford, the Crown Hotel, Exford, Ralegh’s Cross Inn, on the Brendon Hills, The George, in Brompton Regis, and the Rest and Be Thankful Inn, Wheddon Cross.
More information is available from Jim Winzer by telephoning 01643 831115 or visiting the website http://www.dunkeryales.co.uk/.

• Our photograph shows (left to right) Alan Walker with Jim Winzer and Heather and Andy Harvey. Photo ref C060101. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Campaign for Real Ale award goes to Exmoor micro-brewery's first beer

ONE of the first brews ever made by Exmoor micro-brewery Dunkery Ales has won it an award from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
The award is being presented by CAMRA officials on Saturday, June 23, at the Bear Inn, Wiveliscombe, which at the same time will receive its Somerset CAMRA Pub of the Year 2007 certificate.
The winning brew was Dunkery Ale 4%, which brewery director Jim Winzer entered in the Minehead Beer Festival last September.
It was voted by the public as ‘Somerset Beer of the Festival’.
Mr Winzer, who is responsible for the brewing, sales, and distribution of the mircrobrewery’s ales, said: “We are very proud about this award, in particular as it was one of our first brews.”
Dunkery Ales only started brewing in September, 2006, and uses water from a spring in Downscombe Bog on the slopes of Dunkery Beacon.
It is the first micro-brewery to operate on Exmoor and was set up with support from Exmoor National Park Authority’s sustainable development fund, provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and additional funding from West Somerset Council, Business Link, Connecting Somerset, and Foodlink.
DEFRA contributed with a Rural Enterprise Scheme grant toward the building costs of setting up the brewery in an old cow shed Edgcott Farm, Exford, owned by Mr Winzer’s friend Lindley Williams.
A one-hour television programme was recently broadcast on Channel 4 in the Life Begins Again series, with Gaby Roslin looking at how Dunkery Ales Ltd was set up in an attempt to breathe new life into the area.
Among the local public houses which stock Dunkery Ale are the Culbone Stables Inn, near Porlock, the Exmoor White Horse Inn, Exford, the Crown Hotel, Exford, Ralegh’s Cross Inn, on the Brendon Hills,tThe George, in Brompton Regis, and the Rest and Be Thankful Inn, Wheddon Cross.
More information is available from Jim Winzer by telephoning 01643 831115 or visiting the website http://www.dunkeryales.co.uk/.

• Our photograph shows Mr Winzer brewing one of the first batches of Dunkery Ale. Photo submitted.

Olympic roadshow to attend Exmoor Ironman contest

AROUND 1,500 international athletes will be competing on Exmoor this month in the gruelling UK Ironman 70.3-mile triathlon.
The event centres on Wimbleball Lake and takes place on Sunday, June 17.
The athletes will be aiming to be included in the 100 places available in the Florida, USA, world championships next November.
The triathlon includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run, and as it is now an Olympic sport, the London 2012 Roadshow double-deck bus will be attending Wimbleball as part of its summer UK tour to inspire and motivate people of all ages to participate in sport.
More information is available by logging on to www.half.ironmanuk.com or http://www.activeexmoor.com/.
Exmoor Canoe Club is looking for volunteer kayakers to support the triathlon swim in the lake for about an hour-and-a-half from 6 am. Anybody interested should email info@exmoorcanoeclub.org.uk.
The UK Ironman 70.3 Triathlon is one of several global contests, six of which also carry slots for the Ford Ironman World Championship held in Hawaii every October when the distance is doubled to140.6 miles.

Water inspires wave of green energy projects on Exmoor

FIVE waterside locations on Exmoor are poised to become power stations producing green energy.
The micro-hydropower projects, including two historic watermills, will be awarded a share of £50,000 from EDF Energy’s Green Fund to help tap into stream power.
Together they will generate up to 230,000kWh per year, enough to power 50 local homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 100 tonnes annually.
The money will go to Exmoor Renewable Energy Group (EREG), which was founded last year by a group of micro-hydropower site owners on Exmoor whose aim is to help inspire and install renewable energy using the power of water.
The group was formed with the support of Exmoor National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.
More than 90 other sites on Exmoor have been identified as having the potential to generate micro-hydropower, and more than a dozen other stream owners have expressed an interest in installing the equipment.
The five sites to win funding are part of a first wave of hydro-electric stations costing £160,000 in total.
The work will be funded by the EDF Energy grant, £50,000 each from EREG and the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, and £9,000 from Exmoor National Park Authority.
The first five micro hydro-electric turbines will be installed at:

• Cowbridge Sawmill, Minehead – where a water wheel will be restored to power a woodworking museum in the 18th century mill


• Parracombe Mill, in Parracombe – a restored historic mill dating from 1543 with its own working water wheel


• Lee Abbey, in Lynton – a conference, retreat, and outdoor centre set on the Exmoor coast


• Holwell Farm, in Parracombe – steeped in history and home to Holwell Castle, a Norman motte and bailey castle


• Deercombe, near Lynmouth – this project will provide a model for power generation from a small moorland stream on Exmoor

The first EREG members plan to support a second wave of projects by providing guidance and project support to the next group.
The first five schemes will also be turned into a hydropower trail to stimulate wider interest in green energy.
Students from local schools will be encouraged to follow the projects from design to delivery.
EDF Energy sustainable future director Peter Hofman, said: “In the UK there are thousands of historic mills and natural streams which could be suitable for micro-hydropower schemes.
“There is plenty of potential for micro-hydropower projects on Exmoor and we are delighted that EREG members plan to support a second group of renewable energy projects.
“Considered as a group, these projects cannot be underestimated and will make a significant contribution to the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
One of the first mills to go live will be Parracombe Mill, which could be generating electricity as early as this autumn.
Nick White, secretary of EREG, purchased the mill in 2002 with his partner Beatriz Castro.
Mr White said: “We are absolutely delighted with EDF Energy’s support. It has been a big boost for us and a big boost for the projects and we are thrilled to be moving forward with our plans.
“There is the potential for Exmoor to generate a considerable amount of electricity and, provided we are successful, a second wave of micro-hydropower schemes will come on line.
“This could be the small stone that starts the ball rolling and this is very much down to EDF Energy for the contribution it has made.
“We are very excited about the prospect of generating our own electricity.
“Although our project is on a small scale, we hope it will act as an incentive and encouragement for others who are a stage or two behind us.”
Exmoor has a strong tradition of hydropower, proven by the 300kW prototype marine current generator situated off Lynmouth and a 300kW hydropower scheme in Glen Lyn Gorge, Lynmouth. Pictured is a typical watermill. Photo submitted.

Tesco introduces 'localchoice' milk to benefit local dairy farming families

FARMERS across West Somerset and Exmoor are set to benefit from a new milk product being sold by Tesco supermarkets.
The company has launched ‘localchoice’ milk in its stores in England and Wales, including its Minehead supermarket.
In partnership with Dairy Farmers of Britain, it is offering shoppers milk which is sourced from local farms.
Somerset is one of 14 country or regional variants of the milk which are available in what is a first for any national supermarket firm in Britain.
The ‘localchoice’ milk is available alongside standard milk, but at a slightly higher price - which means smaller, local producers can make returns more in line with the proportionately higher cost of running their business.
Tesco will also pay a premium to these farmers over and above the rate it pays to farmers who supply their standard milk, meaning ‘localchoice’ suppliers receive up to 23p per litre, one of the highest prices paid to producers anywhere in Britain.
Tesco chilled food director Kari Daniels said: “Many of our customers have told us they want us to make it easier for them to be able to buy food which is genuinely local to their area.
“Localchoice will not only reduce food miles but will also provide confidence to shoppers that if they buy a local product, they are helping their local economy and local suppliers, particularly small, independent family farmers.
“This milk does cost a bit more than our standard milk but shoppers will know that small and family farmers local to them are directly benefiting from this extra income.
“In this way, we are giving our customers the choice to be able to support, through their own buying decisions, the type of farming they want to sustain into the future.”
Dairy Farmers of Britain group commercial director David Potts said: “Consumers can support small and family owned farms from their region through purchasing ‘localchoice’ milk.
“The product will be sold at a relatively small premium to standard milk and will initially be available in the four-pint size carton priced at £1.23.
“This new initiative is right in line with what consumers tell us they want – which is to support quality local foods.”
Localchoice is part of a £25m annual investment by Tesco to support the British dairy industry.
As well as bringing a higher price to local producers, ‘localchoice’ also means Tesco can enjoy closer relations with its dairy farmers.
Localchoice farmers should be closer to the Tesco dairy team to share knowledge and understand consumer trends.
They will also be able to take part in Tesco local marketing initiatives, such as sampling in stores.
Photo submitted.

Supporting action to reduce noise in West Somerset and Exmoor

WEST Somerset Council's environmental health team is working to keep the peace across the district and on Exmoor by supporting Noise Action Week, which runs from May 21 to 25.
The week aims to promote practical solutions to everyday noise problems.
Council environmental health manager Ian Timms said: "We do not want to be kill-joys, especially now summer is on its way and people like to entertain outdoors, but we would encourage people to take simple steps to make sure that nearby residents are not disturbed.
“Most people do not mind occasional parties, especially if they are informed beforehand. Even better - why not invite the neighbours to join you.
"Keep noisy DIY projects within reasonable working hours, as nobody can relax in the evening with loud hammering on a regular basis.
“Again, if you have a special project to complete in a short space of time, explain to your neighbours what is happening."
The council has published a range of fact sheets on its website to advise people and businesses on how to respect their neighbours' right to a peaceful life.
Mr Timms said: "Our website has tips for people who may need to complete noisy projects, and perhaps have not thought about how much this might distress neighbours.
“There are simple courtesies which, if followed, promote neighbourly understanding.
“There is also a section for business-related noise situations.
"Noise nuisance in West Somerset is low compared to other areas.
“However, if you are suffering from continual problems, there is guidance on how best to deal with it.
“Our officers are also here to help people whose lives are being disrupted by noise, and we would urge people to seek their advice if the situation cannot be sorted out amicably.
“In the first instance, we work with other agencies to access excellent mediation services that really can help."
For more information log on to www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk and type 'noise' or go to 'N', in the council's A - Z of services.
Alternatively, telephone customer services for a fact sheet, or to seek further guidance from one of the council's environmental health officers on 01643 703704.

Vintage buses take to the roads for Bank Holiday weekend services

AN historic bus and coach extravaganza is being hosted in West Somerset during the Bank Holiday weekend courtesy of Steve Morris, a director of Quantock Motor Services.
A fleet of 20 vintage vehicles will make regular pick-ups at the main-line train station at Taunton to drive passengers through the lovely local scenery to Watchet, Minehead, and over Exmoor to Lynmouth on Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, 6, and 7
Mr Morris said: “I am delighted to commemorate my 30 years in bus and coach restoration by holding a three-day celebration of vintage travel that stretches from Taunton to Lynmouth with a special focus on the historic port of Watchet and the West Somerset Railway station at Minehead.”
Most of the buses and coaches date to the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, bringing the elegance of a bygone age to local roads.
West Somerset Council has also allowed 15 buses and coaches to be parked on its land at East Quay, in Watchet, from 9 am to 5.30 pm on Sunday, May 6, for the public to view a variety of vintage vehicles at close quarters, and chat to the owners.
Mr Morris said: “Visitors will be able to catch a train to Taunton and then reach destinations across West Somerset and North Devon without bringing their own cars.
“This is good for the environment and will also help boost local tourism.
“We have kept ticket prices to a minimum so that as many people as possible can experience the buses and keep up the enthusiasm for this working history.”
A day ticket for a family - two adults accompanied by two children - is £14, while an adult day ticket is £8.
Services will run regularly from the main train station at Taunton, Watchet’s East Wharf, the West Somerset Railway station in Minehead, and Lynmouth.
Tickets are available at bus stops on the day.
For more information on the event including timetables, go to www.quantockmotorservices.co.uk and click on the 'bus rally' tab, or telephone 01823 251140.
Photo submitted.

Tour of Britain cycle race heads for West Somerset and Exmoor

WEST Somerset is to host part of this year’s Tour of Britain blue riband cycle race for the first time, as some of the world’s top cyclists compete in a stage which takes them through the district.
The terrain of Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills will provide competitors with some tough challenges.
The riders will pass through Williton, Dunster, Minehead, Porlock, Lynmouth, Simonsbath, Exford, and Wheddon Cross before reaching the stage finish in Taunton.
The Tour of Britain starts on Sunday, September 9, and reaches West Somerset on Tuesday, September 11.
The South West stage is being hosted by Somerset County Council, which has secured a stage of the tour for five years from 2007.
The council is confident the race will bring substantial economic benefits and a tourism boost to the county.
The Tour of Britain is Britain’s leading professional cycle race and biggest live sporting event and is free to watch.
Tour of Britain activities are planned to take place in Somerset throughout the summer, including a triathlon for schools at Millfield School, in Street, and a cycling exhibition at the Somerset County Museum, in Taunton.
Details of the Somerset route were unveiled at a ceremony in the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, where guests were treated to a visual spectacle by RNAS service personnel from 864 Squadron.
After flying in by Sea King helicopter, they presented museum staff with a £2,500 bicycle given by Tri UK and Fisher Outdoor for a competition at the exhibition.
County economic development portfolio holder Councillor Paul Buchanan said: “We are determined that the South West stage of the Tour of Britain will be the best ever.
“It will be an exciting event for Somerset, and not to be missed.
“The route will showcase the county, with television coverage on the BBC, and will give us an opportunity to show the world what a perfect setting Somerset is for cycling and outdoor activity breaks.”
The Tour of Britain South West stage is supported by the Somerset Strategic Partnership, Somerset Rural Renaissance Partnership, Exmoor National Park Sustainable Development Fund, Active Exmoor, and Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Information about the route of the race, images and logos can be accessed and downloaded at www.tourofbritain.co.uk/media/downloads/index.asp

• Our photographs show (top) county heritage officer Tom Mayberry (left) with Richard Wallis of Tri UK, and (middle) RNAS service personnel from 864 Squadron delivering a competition prize bicycle by Sea King helicopter for the Somerset County Museum exhibition ‘On Yer Bike’, which is due to start on June 30. Photos submitted.

Road repairs will help avoid Boscastle-type flood in Dulverton

REPAIR works are to be carried out on a main road out of Dulverton on to Exmoor to help prevent a Boscastle-style flooding disaster.
The B3233 Dulverton to Marsh Bridge road is in danger of collapsing into the River Barle and will need to be closed for up to three months for the repairs.
Highways engineers will use the closure time to reconstruct a failing retaining wall in Northmoor Road to keep the road safe.
Work is due to start on Monday, April 30, and could last until July 20.
A public meeting is being held on Wednesday, April 25, in Dulverton Town Hall, to explain the scheme to residents.
The meeting starts at 7 pm and will be attended by Somerset highways structures manager Peter Radford and highway manager David Peake.
The retaining wall reconstruction work will prevent the possibility of a dangerous collapse of a section of the road into the river, which would cause the loss of public utilities to many homes and businesses in Dulverton as well as an enforced road closure lasting many months and the destabilising of properties on the far side of the road.
Historical records show that some riverside cottages in Dulverton were washed away during a serious flood in the 1950s.
Improvements were undertaken at the time and since, but more work is now needed to extend to a further section of the wall.
Councillor John Edwards, who represents Dulverton and Exmoor on Somerset County Council, said: “It is regrettable that there will be disruption while this essential improvement work is being carried out, but we hope that residents and road users will bear with us.
“Everybody can be assured we are fully focussed on the need to get a proper job done as safely and quickly as possible.”
Dulverton Town Council chairman, CouncillorChris Nelder, said: “Locals will all know that the beautiful River Barle does occasionally bare its teeth and our first priority must be to keep the road and residents’ property safe.”
Mr Radford said: “Concerns in these kinds of locations has increased after recent flooding events such as Boscastle.
“The old wall has lost nearly all of its stone facing and this whole section, lying on the outside bend of the river, could be eroded away very swiftly if there was a serious flood. This work is necessary to ensure safety to road users.
“Everybody can rest assured we are doing everything we can to reduce the time the job takes but I must be realistic and not be over-optimistic. If we can beat the July 20 deadline and get the road safely open to traffic earlier, we certainly will.”
Progress notices will be posted around the town, together with diversion routes.
Preparatory work for the scheme, including tree felling and utility diversions, was carried out during the winter, but because of environmental and river level constraints the main work was delayed until now.
As the work involves a road closure and is taking place during the summer months, Somerset Highways has developed a design to minimise the construction period and environmental impact.
There will be a pedestrian path past the work at all times and continued access to businesses and properties close to the site.
To add to the complexity of the scheme, the River Barle at this point is a legally protected Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the presence of river jelly lichen on the river bed.
On the engineering side, borehole investigations behind the wall revealed the presence of extremely hard but thinly-bedded siltstone extending several yards below the river bed and this has made the design more complicated.
Anybody who would like an update on the road closure is asked to telephone Somerset Direct on 0845 9155.
For any other information about the project, people should contact project team members Keith Dingle or Julian Mitchell on 01823 483035.

• Our photographs show (top) the dilapidated section of wall supporting Northmoor Road where a leaning telegraph pole - beside the white van on the right - helped alert engineers to the problem, and (middle) a close-up view of old wall showing lost stonework and areas where the road is being undermined. Photos submitted.

Aerial photography set to uncover historic Exmoor sites

UNDISCOVERED sites of archaeological interest on Exmoor could be revealed by a new project being funded by English Heritage.
Two national park authority archaeologists will be examining Exmoor’s past from an unusual perspective by using aerial photographs to increase understanding of the moor’s historic landscape.
The major new survey forms part of English Heritage’s National Mapping Programme and the archaeologists will examine thousands of aerial photographs.
Cain Hegarty, aerial survey officer for Exmoor’s National Mapping Programme Project, said: “We expect to record hundreds of previously unknown archaeological sites as well as adding new details to known sites.”
Similar surveys elsewhere in England have recorded a diverse range of archaeological sites including prehistoric settlements and Second World War military defences.
On Exmoor, such information should provide the park authority’s conservation service with a valuable tool for the future management of the historic environment.
Park authority archaeologist Rob Wilson-North described the new project as ‘a fundamental step forward in helping us to understand Exmoor’s past, and in so doing, to better protect it.’
Anybody wishing to know more about the project should contact Cain Hegarty by emailing cain.hegarty@english-heritage.org.uk or telephoning 01392 824901.
Or, to view the project’s progress or find out more about the wider National Mapping Programme, they can visit the aerial survey web-pages at www.english-heritage.org.uk.

• Our photographs show (top) the earthworks of an Iron Age hillfort at Cow Castle, in the Barle valley, with the remains of early iron mining in the foreground, and (bottom) field banks, ridge, and furrow and an old trackway forming the remains of medieval farming at Room Hill on the slopes of the Exe valley, near Exford. Photos by Rob Wilson-North/ENPA.

New police inspector takes charge in West Somerset

A NEW police inspector has taken charge of the 18 beats in West Somerset, which includes Exmoor and the Quantock Hills.
She is Inspector Carol Pearce, who has taken over the role from Inspector Nic Crocker, who has been in post for less than two years.
Carol, aged 46, grew up in Weston-super-Mare and has been police officer for 27 years and has been awarded the constabulary’s long service and good conduct medal and also the Queen’s Police Jubilee Award.
She started as a PC in Taunton and has worked across the force area with experience of all aspects of operational policing, including being a beat manager, working in the communications department, and on child protection issues.
Carol has worked in the force’s drugs strategy unit developing drugs initiatives and her most recent post was as a district inspector as the county’s police drugs lead, working closely with the Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Action Team.
She said: “I am really pleased to be taking on this role as the permanent new sector inspector.
“I know the area well and feel I have a good idea of what matters to local people.
“I am passionate about policing and intend to use my wealth of experience to help drive down crime and provide reassurance to all our residents.
“Two of the areas I will be focussing my attention towards are the night time economy and issues surrounding anti-social behaviour.
“I am conscious that these are two issues that can affect the quality of people’s lives whether it is due to intimidation or nuisance activity.
“I will not tolerate this sort of behaviour and will work with our partner agencies to target those who flout the law.
“I am committed to ensuring this area continues to be a safe place to live and work.”
“I have an excellent team working for me consisting of PCs, Sergeants, Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables and police staff, all of whom are committed to increasing the number of crimes detected, reducing the fear of crime, and improving community reassurance through direct police activity and partnership working.”

Exmoor affordable homes for rent to local people only

SIX new homes being built on Exmoor by Magna West Somerset Housing Association are expected to be completed by mid-June.
The development in Pixton Way, Dulverton, is part of Magna’s commitment to providing more affordable housing to communities across West Somerset.
The six properties will be made available for rent and provide a mixture of family homes, flats, and a bungalow.
They will be let in accordance with Exmoor National Park Authority’s planning policy, which aims to help local communities with their housing needs.
To be successfully nominated as a tenant, residents will need to meet local connection criteria set by the park authority.
The criteria includes 10 years’ continuous residence in the parish or an adjoining one in the national park, or needing to live in the parish to care for somebody who has lived there for 10 years, or a need to live in the parish as an essential part of employment.
Anybody interested in finding out further details about how they could be considered for one of the Pixton Way homes should contact the park authority’s rural housing enabler, Colin Savage, by telephoning 01398 322249.

Sir Ranulph conquers Eiger North Face for charity

EXMOOR-based explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who admits to suffering vertigo, has scaled the North Face of the Eiger after a five-day climb of one of the most difficult and dangerous mountains in the world.
The mountain in the Swiss Alps is 6,000 ft of mainly sheer rock face and ice, giving it a daunting reputation among the world’s climbers.
Sir Ranulph, aged 63, who lives near Exford, only took up climbing two years ago and has already also attempted to climb Mount Everest in a fund-raiser for the British Heart Foundation.
He undertook the Eiger challenge to raise £1.5 million for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Delivering Choice Programme.
He said: “This will revolutionise end-of-life care in the UK and aims to double the number of terminally ill people who can be cared for and die in their own homes.
“I have watched my nearest and dearest die of cancer and I understand the huge difference this choice can make.”
With Sir Ranulph on the Eiger Challenge were UK climber Kenton Cool and mountain photographer Ian Parnell.
They followed the classic route which was pioneered by members of a German-Austrian expedition who were the first to conquer the Eiger’s North Face in 1938.
On his MySpace blog, Sir Ranulph wrote: “It felt pretty good to reach the summit. We started yesterday with the Traverse of the Gods.
“Had I known that ‘it’ was part of the thing, and that it was, I won’t use a rude word, but ‘bloody’ difficult, I don’t think I would have done it. Not even for Marie Curie.
“I knew it was going to be a difficult climb. But I thought it would be more like the practise climbs I have been doing with Kenton around Chamonix and the Alps - just a more difficult version of that. Not the nightmarish thing that it actually was.
“So, much as I am very pleased that we succeeded in getting to the top, and I am really hoping for big money for our charity, to be honest it is more than I would have wanted to have taken on.
“I think I will have nightmares for a long time over the Traverse for the Gods. My policy of not looking down just was not possible. There was nowhere but down. I had to look down to find the next foothold because it is so totally vertical.”
Ian Parnell said he was particularly proud of Sir Ranulph’s achievement.
He said: “It is quite inspirational for somebody who, when he was first interested in the project two years or so ago, you would not call a climber in any way.
“For him to then do a route like the North Face of the Eiger, which by any climber’s reckoning is one of the big tough routes of the climbing world, it is impressive.”
Anybody who wants to support Sir Ranulph’s Eiger challenge can go to www.mariecurie.org.uk/eigerchallenge or http://www.justgiving.com/EigerChallenge.
His Myspace blog is at http://www.myspace.com/ranulphfiennes.
The Eiger Challenge was made possible by the following sponsors: HIGHSTONE Group Ltd, Motorola, Mountain Equipment, Grand Regina Hotel in Grindelwald, Swiss International Airlines, Switzerland Tourism, ARA (Artists Rifle Association), Europcar, Air Glaciers, Jungfrau Railways, The Met Office (UK), Meteotest, The Swiss Weather Bureau, Sutter Druck AG, and Grindelwald Tourismus.

Photo submitted.

Exmoor community art project reaches Winsford

A START has been made on a new and exciting stage of a community arts service developed over the past six years by ARTlife, the West Somerset arts consortium which works in partnership with West Somerset Council.
The ARTLife community arts development service is run for and by the people of the district, working in many different ways.
Residents of Wheddon Cross and Brompton Regis have already taken part in the project.
Wheddon Cross residents held a series of stained glass workshops during the autumn and contributed their ideas for a larger piece of work - a stained glass window for their recently refurbished village hall, which is currently being created by arts worker Avril Silk with help from local people.
In Brompton Regis, residents have recently started on a series of willow workshops to learn the skills needed to make individual small pieces with arts worker, Joolz Doncaster.
They will shortly begin to design and create a larger willow structure for their Millennium Green over the Easter holidays.
Now, residents of Winsford, led by the village hall committee, have spent time considering all the possibilities and have decided to look at making a tiled wall mural for the village hall, which is currently undergoing major refurbishment.
An introduction to the project is being held in the village hall at 10.30 am on Saturday, March 17, when anybody who is interested can attend and meet Simon Wyard and Anna Fraser to see a demonstration of their work and ‘have-a-go’ with some clay.
Following the first session, people in Winsford will then have the opportunity to attend further sessions during the next few months, to start on their own small mural for their home, and, at the same time, plan the larger village hall mural.
Project co-ordinator Jan Ross said: “We hope people will come along to the first session so that we can involve as many as possible, whether by just giving us their ideas for the final piece, learning the skills involved in making small pieces, or assisting Simon and Anna with the final mural.
“We have had a staggering amount of interest in the project so far, with 27 people
taking part in Wheddon Cross and 25 people in Brompton Regis, far more than we were expecting.”
Further information is available from Jan Ross by telephoning 01398 323818, or emailing janaross2003@yahoo.co.uk.
Image submitted.

Tell council if you want a home or place to work on Exmoor

WEST Somerset Council is appealing for people in central Exmoor, which includes Simonsbath and Exford, to let it know if they need affordable homes or business premises.
People are being invited to attend an informal drop-in information afternoon at the Exmoor Forest Hotel, Simonsbath, from 3pm to 7pm on March 13, where they can discuss the options with council officers and Rural Housing Project representatives.
The council’s ideas for the homes and workspace will also be on show, and it will be followed by a presentation by officers and a question-and-answer session from 7 pm to 9 pm.
It wants to hear from people living in and around Simonsbath, or those who have a long-standing connection with the area, who are in need of affordable housing or business premises.
The council’s housing, health and welfare portfolio holder, Councillor Mary Crowley (pictured), said: “House prices on Exmoor are over 14 times the annual average earnings in the district and we would like to help.
“We have some land in the parish which could be used to build affordable homes or ‘live/work’ premises which combine housing with small workshops for people who run businesses from home.”
Councillor Crowley said the council would also consider building small workshop units for new or existing businesses within the parish if there proved to be a demand.
She said: “So far, not many people have come forward and we are appealing for them to do so now.
“The council is currently building affordable homes and workspace in the district’s larger towns and villages, but we are equally prepared to explore these options in our smaller villages and hamlets if local people have a need for them.”
People wishing to register their interest or apply for more information on affordable housing and workspace opportunities on Exmoor should contact rural housing enabler Colin Savage on 01398 322249 or email cbsavage@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk.
To register an interest in business premises, they should contact Nigel Furze on 01984 635276 or email nfurze@westsomerset.gov.uk.

Hunts claim deer and fox numbers falling because of ban

A CONTROVERSIAL survey has suggested that the numbers of deer and foxes on Exmoor are falling as a result of the Government’s hunting ban.
Hunts had previously claimed in particular that it was their management of deer which maintained the herd and that the numbers would drop dramatically without hunting.
Now, a survey carried out among the 184 hunts which are registered with the Masters of Foxhounds Association appears to support the claim.
Some hunts said the number of foxes in their area had fallen by more than a third since hunting was banned.
At the same time, they said more foxes were suffering sarcoptic mange, a fatal disease caused by parasitic mites which results in hair loss and lacerations.
Research by the Exmoor and District Deer Management Society has also pointed to a 20 per cent fall in deer numbers during last year, whereas in the decade before the hunting ban there had been steady annual increases.
Countryside Alliance chief executive Simon Hart said: “In the two years since the Hunting Act came into force it has been exposed as illogical and unworkable, and this research shows it has also had a negative impact on the status and welfare of both the fox and deer populations.
“It is shocking to think 700 hours of Parliamentary time were spent, supposedly in the interests of animal welfare, devising a law which has failed at every level.
“The case for the repeal of the Hunting Act is unanswerable and its eventual demise increasingly inevitable.”
However, the League Against Cruel Sports refused to accept the findings of the survey on the grounds that it was carried out by the hunting lobby.
League spokesman Barry Hugill said any such figures had to be taken with a pinch of salt.

• Our photograph shows a meet of the Minehead Harriers held in Porlock. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M01010181. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.