Houses flooded and motorists rescued

Chew Stoke grabbed most of the media coverage of the flooding that beset the valley on January 11, with headlines about parents swimming to save their children (despite the fact that the children at the school were never in any danger).

Although, due to heavy rain, the school's swimming classes had to be cancelled! Headteacher Sarah Fuller noted in the school news: "The press were quite overwhelming at times and used some creative editing to develop a dramatic news story. However, I did enjoy my moment of fame." Chew Magna School, which is near to the Winford Brook, was closed in the afternoon as the brook's level rose.

The Fire Brigade was in action throughout the area - these are some of their calls: 13.10 The Ricklands, Winford, flooding affecting three buildings. Pumping out. One crew from Chew Magna in attendance. 14.00 B3130 Winford to Chew Magna, three people rescued from car trapped in flood water. One crew from Blagdon attended 14.47 Langford Inn, Lower Langford, building is one of 50-60 affected by river that had burst banks. Crew from Blagdon pumping out cellar of pub. 15.02 A370 Barrow Gurney, one female trapped in car in flood water rescued by fire service. One crew from Bedminster attended. 16.38 A37/B3130 Pensford, Bristol, flooded, road pumped clear by one crew from Brislington 16.47 Norton Lane, Chew Magna, three persons trapped in car rescued by fire service. One crew from Chew Magna attended 17.38 B1310 Between Winford and Chew Magna, one person rescued from a flooded car. Crew from Chew Magna attended.

Dobbin's tour de force

'Dobbin of Sherwood', a pantomime written by local author Claire Nikou, provided a tour de force for the combined talents of the Wrington Drama Club.

If this reviewer were to mention everybody whose contribution to a fantastic and hilarious spectacle was outstanding, it would amount to no more than copying out the programme, so I apologise in advance to those I will of necessity omit. As a pantomime it ticked all the boxes - local references and allusions abounded - there were scary villains - notably Omar, sheriff of Nottingham, sardonically portrayed by John Graham, Guy of Gisborne by the ebullient Mark Halper, Belladonna the witch, played with malevolent gusto by Rebecca Bryce, and her coven of cackling hags - Echo Irving, Miche Dunstone and Margaret Morris.

There were two dames - saucy Sisters Inferior (Fred Cowgill) and Posterior (Jim Swords), an adorably clumsy Fairy Bubblegum by Alienora Taylor, and an equally lovable, if soppy, Prince John (Michael Berkley). Mervin the Wizard was Alan Wilson, King Richard was Peter Langley, and Friar Tuck the patently terminally typecast Phil Georgetti (day job - landlord of the Golden Lion). There was a delightful cameo for Pauline Jefferies as a (definitely not typecast) old crone. The eponymous Dobbin of Sherwood was an all- singing, all-dancing pantomime horse/unicorn brought gaily to life by Chris Parnham (rear) and Pat Milne (front). Principal boy Robin Hood was played by Beth Mitchell, apparently quite unfazed by what must seem a completely bizarre tradition to an American living in our midst.

A vision in fishnet tights and velvet breeches, she slapped her thigh, sang, hollered and buckled acres of swash. Joining her in the 'dad crumpet' stakes were Amy Bugler as Alan a Dale and Jane Vowles as Lady Marian of Wrington. It was heart- warming to feel that sense of community in a shared experience, and to think: 'Those people, singing, dancing, shouting, making complete fools of themselves in public, are our friends, neighbours, spouses, children, parents...' E.R. (courtesy of the Wrington Journal)

Double pony triumph

A glittering gala dinner at London's Grange City Hotel was the setting for Rachel & Dinah Jones to collect a prestigious horse breeders' award. This was a double triumph as the outstanding eventing pony bred by them was out of another home bred pony, Star of India.

Mayflower is their pony that won the award for outstanding performance results. In August Mayflower was competing at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park. Being only a pony special permission was needed. The pony awards were sponsored by Ponies Association UK. This award was one of 27 awards awarded in recognition of the continued development of the British equestrian breeding industry.

Rachel and Dinah are continuing to breed and in fact they have some of the last progeny of Mayhill the sire of Mayflower. They have also recently purchased a stallion Primores Pioneer who will stand in Devon. Rachel is now extremely busy teaching pupils, breaking and schooling horses from her home at Curls Farm. Rachel is looking forward to the spring and competing some of the older home bred horses in dressage competitions and youngstock classes. Words and photo by Rosie Sage

Rush to buy shop shares

(left to right) Joyce Millard and Mary Wyatt receiving their share certificates from the Chair of the Community Shop, Chris Head
More than fifty shares have been sold already for East Harptree Village Shop despite only being available for a few weeks. Mary Wyatt and Joyce Millard were very quick off the mark and Mary is the proud owner of share certificate number 1.

This is particularly touching as both Mary and Joyce were Trustees of East Harptree Theatre forty years ago when the final transfer of the building to the community took place. By housing the new community run village shop, the Theatre is maintaining its place as an important community building, adapting to the needs of the residents of East Harptree.

As a fund raiser for the project, an evening of chocolate delights, in the company of Better Than Chocolate, the Chew Valley's all-women singing group, is planned for February 2 at 8 o'clock in East Harptree theatre. This will be followed by an event on March 2, and shortly afterwards a Brunch and a country ramble. For further information about the progress of the shop, how to buy a share, details of activities and fundraisers, or how to make donations visit the project's new web site www.ehvs.btik.com

Ubley opens new school block
Ubley Primary School pupils were delighted to be starting the New Year with the opening of a spacious building extension comprising two new classrooms, school library and spacious cloakroom facilities.

The new accommodation has surpassed all expectations and all involved with life at the school are delighted with it. The school community funded the £220,000 itself through applications for grants and a massive fundraising appeal which included an enormous variety of events and innovative ideas.

The project truly represents the commitment and generosity of many people without whom such an amazing achievement could not have been accomplished. Plans are already afoot for the landscaping of the extensive grounds now available following the demolition of the old classrooms to provide pupils with a stimulating outdoor learning environment. There will be a formal opening ceremony of the new building later in the term. Ffi about the school please contact the school office 01761 462443.

Whytehouse gigs at Ubley

Whytehouse will be playing their brand of 'old skool favourites' live at Ubley Parish Hall March 8. Doors and bar open 8.00pm until 11.30pm. Whytehouse play numbers by the Stones, Beatles, Who, Kinks, Hendrix, Free, Blues Bros, Bowie, Quo, R&R and much more.

You are invited to come along and sing and dance to your heart\s content, and generally have a good time. Whytehouse is made up of Mike Whittaker (Vocals), Ernie Messer (Bass), Phil Carter (Keys), Kevin Malton (Lead), Simon Hutchinson (Rhythm) and Tony Hooper (Drums).

All live locally, except Mike who flies down from Harrogate (!) to join the band for gigs. The band was first formed in 2000 and the present line up have been together for 4 years. They have played Taunton, Bristol and Oxford - this is their first time in the Chew Valley.

The band plays for the sheer enjoyment of it and give most of the profits to children's charities. So, you can have a good time whilst benefiting worthy causes. Tickets are £5 and include a free drink (pint of beer, cider, glass of wine, or soft drink). The village hall has a well stocked reasonably priced bar and ample car parking. It should be a fun evening. Call 01761 462094 or 01761 463292 for tickets.