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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

	For a full list of theatres in the UK. Click on to Showtime

In Memorium

"I am James Scott, First Duke of Monmouth and the son of His Royal Majesty Charles II. All those who join me in my quest against the Catholic Usurper, James Duke of York, my father's brother and his murderer, will gain Royal favour when I take my rightful place as

England

’s Ruler."

Duke of Monmouth Crowned King in Chard 1685

In Memory of the People of Chard executed for following me: Simon Cross, William Davy, James Dennett, Henry Earterbrook, Edward Foote, William Godfrey, Humphrey Hitchcock, John Jervis, John Knight, Abraham Pill, Edward Warren & William Williams.By courtesy of "hanging" Judge Jeffries. Although Monmouth's rebellion was a disaster for many it will always be remembered amongst West Country people as a reason for some pride. Pride that when liberty was threatened the West County at least was prepared to fight against all odds for what they believed in.

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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

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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

1.Bristol & West
Sponsored by Bristol & West - Unveiled 02/09/1995

A hall in the centre of the street here was an Assize Court and Market House 1600-1834. Here too Lizzie Taff was sold in 1801 for half a crown by her husband,

The Town Hall was built here in 1835 and held butchers shambles, prison cell and fire engine. The Corn Exchange at the rear was added in 1883

The site of Thomas Young's printing business where the Chard & Ilminster News was founded in 1874

Here in 1343 stood the Medieval Borough Chapel of Saint Francis. It became Town Hall after the Reformation. It was sold in 1834 as building material for £43

Manufactured plain net from 1829-1964. The mill owner for many years was Col. J.W.Gifford (1856-1930), Astronomer and Pioneer in X-ray photography.

Home of Dr. R.A.Fawcus for 50 years. Beloved Physician and Friend Freeman of Chard

Bishop Jocelyn marked a boundary of his new Borough here 'at the gate of our court' in 1235 to the south was Old Chard and the Manor.

Formerly Love's Furniture Emporium and later the Town's Fire Station. A small Quaker burial ground lay to the west.

10. Stringfellow's House

11. High Street School

Sponsored by Mr & Mrs J Brice- Unveiled 09/03/1994

12. Harveys Homes

Sponsored by Trustees of Harvey's - Unveiled 29/05/1997

13. Hope Terrace

Sponsored by Mrs Liz Doherty - Unveiled 07/12/2002

15. Chard Union

Sponsored by Mr & Mrs K Haines - Unveiled 19/07/1995

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
Telephone : 01460 260051 email: chardtic@chard.gov.uk
Monday to Friday 10-4 and Saturdays 10-1 all year round.

Somerset Carnivals

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
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.	5th 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.	8th 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.	16th 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.	9th 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.	25th September (Sat)		7:00pm	Wessex GP
Gillingham	9th 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!	13th 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.	2nd October (Sat)		7:15pm	South Somerset FC
Mere A popular annual event started in 1928 when Mere Carnival was founded.	18th September (Sat)		7:00pm	Wessex GP
Midsomer Norton [route/map] A very enjoyable Carnival which has been running since 1948	11th 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.	6th 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.	2nd 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.	10th 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.	21st 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.	16th 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.	23rd October (Sat)		7:00pm	Wessex GP
Warminster carnival floats, bands & Masqueraders - 6:45pm from Boreham Road	30th 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	25th 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.	12th 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.	15th November (Mon)		7:15pm	Somerset County GFCA
Wincanton	(23rd 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

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 southermost Market Town in Somerset. Market Day is Saturday.

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.

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.

This is held every Thursday in the Guildhall

CHARD MAIN CARNIVAL 2008 is on OCTOBER 11th.

Chard Hockey Club was established in 1907 it now runs 4 Men's & 3 Ladies sides.

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

Chard Rugby Football Club was founded initially in 1876 and reformed after the Second World War. It is affiliated to both the Rugby Football Union and the Somerset RFU.

The Cotley Hunt sets out from the centre of Chard on Boxing day

The Chard leisure centre, which saw champion Matthew Clay train there in his younger days, has continued to improve its facilities over the past four years, focusing more on fitness for the younger generation, and spending a massive £100,000 on refurbishment and new equipment. With fit and active clubs targeted at the eight to 15 age group, and GP referrals directed to the centre, the facility is key to the health and fitness of the people of Chard.With two squash courts, an indoor sports hall, swimming pool, fitness room, and a wide selection of activities to choose from, there is something on offer for everybody.Mr Patterson said: "We aim to get young people to enjoy sport. If they enjoy sport then the health benefits come naturally. Adults using the gym get to work out with a variety of age groups."

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.

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

"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.

PERRYS CIDER WORKS

Located in the beautiful Somerset countryside with outstanding elevated views in all directions. Windwhistle Golf Club extends a warm welcome to all.

TimeTeam at Whitestaunton Manor

Whitestaunton Manor, near Chard, was the setting for a TimeTeam investigation carried out in 2003.
The manor itself dates from the 16th century but some remains in its grounds were believed to be the site of a Roman bath house which might have been associated with a villa.


This pond in the grounds of Whitestaunton Manor is close by, and above the level of, the excavations	The site of the excavations was an overgrown muddy depression a few yards from the pond with a stream running nearby. The first task was to remove the vegetation, a task being carried out here by a man with an excavator and Phil Harding with a shovel.	As usual, Stewart Ainsworth spent much time studying the landscape of the area for clues to its possible use in the past	It didn’t take long for parts of the cleared area to reveal signs of building. Here Phil Harding is discussing the significance of what seemed to be a paved floor.	The discussions soon attracted the interest of Tony Robinson a nd a cameraman.

The general shape of the structure with several dividing walls and paved floors soon started to appear. The full extent of the floor can be seen on the right. The pools on the floor show the waterlogged nature of the site.	Another view of the excavations. Some of the vegetation which originally covered the whole site is visible in the foreground.	At the extreme right of the picture can be seen a small curved wall creating an apse-like shape. Traces of Roman tesserae were found here indicating it once had a mosaic floor. The plank walkways were essential for wheelbarrows and advisable for people. The mud was wet, deep and sticky.	In another part of the gardens a team was busy making a small scale recreation of a Roman hypocaust. The heat from the fire travelled along the flue, under the floor of the hypocaust and up chimneys in what would have been the walls of the room.	The chimneys are visible here as is a small area of mosaic which was laid on part of the floor to make it more realistic. Two of the diggers are testing the temperature of the floor. Within a few hours it was comfortably warm to walk on.
At the end of the dig the team was able to confirm that the building had originally been a Roman bath house. However, the walls contained material apparently brought from other areas and documentary research suggested it had been rebuilt as an Edwardian ‘folly’ early in the 20th century by the owner at that time. The Time Team investigators suspected the original bath house would have been associated with a nearby villa but the location of that villa remains a mystery.

Welcome to Mr Miles.

Just opened in Taunton High Street. 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

Chinese & Thai food & takeaway A bustling Chinese & Thai restaurant. We have had varying reports ranging from excellant down to average. However all say staff were friendly and helpful.

A new and different restaurant in the centre of Chard. Behind "Hooked on Books" bookshop. Good Jazz and other evenings. Book early. David Barnes. the Chef< and John Hook will make you feel ats if you are enjoying a real gourmet meal in your own home. If you are in the area this is a rear not to be missed. Be sure to book first

Probably the most beautiful setting in the South West. A tranquil lakeside,river and garden location set in 14 acres. From a quiet pint to a 500 guest function.

Lordleaze Restaurant

The current owner Frank Joyce, purchased the Hotel in 1994, and proudly continues the tradition whilst improving facilities to meet the requirements of the modern traveller.Our local chef makes all the home cooked food especially her mouth-watering sweets, using local produce where possible.

http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/ hotels/georgeho.html

CAFE'S IN CHARD AREA

	Address	Tel No	Fax	Email	Comments
Cafes
Bilbys Cafe & Takeaway Sandwich Bar	Stringfellows Gallery, Holyrood Street, TA20	01460 66488			* In a hurry ? Phone your order by 11am and Bilbys will have it waiting for you. Unfortunately Bilby's meals are limited as cooking is not allowed on the premises so hot meals are madfe elsewhere & just heated .
Burger King	A303 Southfields Roundabout Horton Cross Ilminster	01460 54699
Cafe Girasol Cafe & Delicatessen www.mcaholdings. com.uk	17 Fore Street Chard, TA20 1PP	01460 68173	0207 976 4320	rdacosta@ mcaholdings.com.uk	Part of MCA services holdings ltd- other cafe Mocas in London's West End & St.Johns Wood
Carolyn's Coffee Shop, Crewkerne.	9 The George Shopping Centre, Crewkerne. Somerset. TA18 7LU.	01460 76965
Hillside Cafe	Ham Hill, Combe St.Nicholas, TA20	01460 234467
Hurle House www.hurlehouse.co.uk /restaurant.htm	9 West Street, Crewkerne, TA18 8AX	01460 74860	01460 74860	jeff@ hurlehouse.co.uk
Julia's Café	4a Ditton Street Ilminster TA19 OBQ	01460 52231
Mad Monkey Cafe	12a Millfield, TA20	01460 68484
Meeting House www. meetinghouse. co.uk	East Street Ilminster TA19 0AN	01460 55783		info@ meeting house.co.uk
Minstrels Coffee Shop	14 Silver Street Ilminster TA19 0DJ	01460 57050		steve@minstrels coffeeshop. fsnet.co.uk
Mollies	9 East St, Ilminster. Somerset. TA19 0AJ.	01460 55115
Secret Garden Cafe	19 Holyrood Street TA20	01460 61864			***** All food freshly prepared and cooked to order. Weekend roasts You may have to wait a while but is is worth it.**
Welcome Bap	9 Holyrood Street, TA20	01460 64447

FISH & CHIP SHOPS

Business	Address	Tel No	Fax	Email
Fish & Chip Shops
Golden Ocean	19 West Street Ilminster TA19 9AA	01460 53431
Lucky Fish Bar	21 High Street Chard, TA20	01460 68228
Vincents Fish Bar	32 Ditton Street Ilminster TA19 0BQ	01460 52875
Webbers	Victoria Avenue Chard, TA20	01460 63693
West Street Fish & Chip Shop	6 West Street Ilminster TA19 9AA	01460 52743
Whites Fish & Chip Shop Eat In or Takeaway	Boden Street Chard, TA20	01460 63150

TAKE-AWAYS

Business	Address	Tel No	Fax	Email
Food Take-away
BFC Chicken	19 High Street TA20	01460 67198
Bonners The Butchers For a quick lunch why not try one of our famous sandwiches, baguettes or granary rolls, fresh every day	37 Silver Street Ilminster TA19 0DW	01460 52465	01460 52465	capsbonner@msn.com
Boss Hogs *Free delivery ( min order :£4.95) pizzas,jacket potatoes, Burgers, Baps, Soft drinks & Gateaux.* www.bosshogspizza.co.uk	6 Willoughby Place,Millfield,TA20	01460 66767
Mayflower Chinese	5 High Street TA20	01460 68008
Punar Kebab	19 High Street TA20	01460 67198
Raj Poot	12 Millfield Industrial Estate, TA20	01460 66776
Chard Rani Indian	3 High Street TA20 1QF	01460 68828
Sara's Dairy Takeaway sandwiches, made to order (both hot and cold) with a help yourself salad bar.	5 Silver Street Ilminster	01460 52502	01460 52629

PUBLIC HOUSES

Business	Address	Tel No	Fax	Email
Public Houses
Bell & Crown Inn *Good Food* *Good Beer* *Good Company*	Combe Street , Chard, TA20 1JP	01460 62470
The Bell at Winsham *A good village pub offering 4 real ales and fine wines in a traditional Cosy atmosphere*	Winsham, Chard,TA20	01460 30677
The Bell Inn www.the-bell-inn- broadway.com *Steaks,chops, Sunday lunches- music nights.*	Broadway TA19 9RG	01460 52343	01460 52343	gknight55@ hotmail.com
The Bell Inn	High Street Ilminster TA19 9AW	01460 52538
Candlelight Inn *Silly Steaks- Sunday Roasts & Salads- Light Luncheons*	Bishopwood TA20 3RS	01460 234476
Chough's Pub	High Street, Chard, TA20	01460 63266
The Crown Inn	West Street Ilminster TA19 9AB	01460 52782
The Dolphin	22 Silver Street Ilminster TA19 0DR	01460 57904
Dolphin Inn Pub	Fore Street, Chard, TA20	01460 63424
The Duke of York	North Street Shepton Beauchamp TA19 0LW	01460 240314
Eagle Tavern	Buckland St Mary, Chard, TA203JE	01460234292
The Five Dials Inn	Goose Lane Horton TA19 9QQ	01460 55359
The Furnham Inn	Furnham Road, Chard, TA20	01460 62415
The George Hotel	North Street Ilminster TA19 0DG	01460 55515
The George Inn *Come & relax in our snug restaurant*	Chardstock, TA20	01460 220241
The George Inn	Chard Road Donyatt TA19 0RW	01460 52849
Golden Fleece	Perry Street, Nr Tatworth, TA20	01460 220285
Happy Return Food is served Monday-Sunday 12.00pm-2.00pm & 7.00pm-9.30pm Average cost of a main course is between £5 & £10. here is a non smoking section of the dining area. Credit Card payments are accepted. *Winner of Pie of the Century in 1996. A must for pie lovers*	East Street , Chard TA201EP	0146063152	01460 63152
Haymaker Inn	Wadeford, Chard, TA20	01460 64161	01460 64395
Kings Head	Church Street, Chard, TA20	01460 63200
Lord Poulett Arms Food is served Tuesday-Saturday 12.00pm-2.00pm & 7.00pm-9.00pm Sunday 12.00pm-2.00pm Average cost of a main course is between £5 & £10 Credit Card payments are accepted	High St, Hinton St George Nr Crewkerne TA17 8SE	01460 73149
The Lord Nelson Inn	120 Station Road Ilminster TA19 9BL	01460 52532
New Farm Restaurant	Over Stratton South Petherton TA13 5LQ	01460 240584		newfarm@ supanet.com
New Inn Food is served Monday-Saturday 12.00pm-2.30pm & 6.30pm-9.30pm Sunday 12.00pm-2.30pm Average cost of a main course is between £5 & £10. Credit Card payments are accepted	Dowlish Wake, Ilminster TA19 ONZ	01460 52413
The Old Barn Owl Inn www.theoldbarn owl.co.uk A country inn where you can relax & enjoy good food & fine wine in convivial company	Westport Ilminster TA10 0BH	01460 281391	01460 281995	birdmen2@aol.com
Poppe Inn Just south of Chard, on the A358 Axminster road, you will come to The Poppe Inne on the right. This is a delightful old 15th century inn built in 1485 and is one of the oldest public houses in Somerset. It has a fine old skittle alley and lots of character.	South Chard TA20	01460 220260
The Railway Tavern	South St, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 8AE	01460 73270
Royal Oak	Barrington TA19 0JB	01460 53455
Royal Oak Inn	The Cross Ilminster TA19 0EH	01460 55657
Ship Inn	Furnham Road, Chard, TA20	01460 65485
Square & Compass Situated between Taunton and Ilminster, and within easy reach of both.Situated between Taunton and Ilminster, and within easy reach of both.The pub is a well-known destination for those seeking home cooked food and employs fully qualified chefs with an emphasis on quality in a very relaxed atmosphere. www.squareandcompasspub.com/	Windmill Hill Ashill TA19 9NX	01823 480467
Squirrel Inn	Laymore Nr Winsham, Chard, TA20 4NT	01460 30298
Stagecoach Inn www.stagecoach -inn.co.uk/	Station Road Crewkerne TA18 8AL	01460-72972	01460-77023	info@ stagecoach- inn.co.uk
The Swan Inn	4 Church Street, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 7HR	01460 74198
Volunteer Inn A 200 year old pub, serving food 7 days a week from traditional to continental. Cask marquee approved real ales, B&B two en-suite rooms. Beer garden. Just off the main A303 trunk road near South Petherton and Ilminster. Ideal for the Jurassic Coast.	New Road, Seavington St.Michael TA19 0QE	01460 240126		info@thevolly.co.uk
White Horse Inn	9 Bay Hill Ilminster TA19 0AT	01460 54616	01460 259091	twjewilliamson @supanet.com
Windwhistle Inn Tasty weekend carvery and a la carte restaurant. Inside and Outside. Food is served Monday-Saturday 11.00-2.00 & 7.00-10.00 Sunday 12.00-10.00 .Book a table in advance. Children are welcome if dining under responsible adult supervision. There is a childrens menu On A30 between Chard & Crewkerne There is Disabled access and toilet facilities	Cricket St Thomas, Chard , TA204DQ	0146030229		A must for Sunday lunch - We have had many good reports about this restaurant.
Wyndham Arms	Ilton TA19 9EY	01460 52164

HOTELS IN CHARD AREA

Rip Van Winkle slept for 100 years. Now that needs a comfortable bed and the right atmosphere. So now we are awarding Rips for Hotels, Guest Houses and Bed & Breakfasts who give outstanding comfort for their guests.

6

5

Business

Pictures

Address

Tel No

Fax

Hotels

Stay inThe Ancient Capital of Wessex

Chard , Crewkerne & Ilminster

Rips

Bath House
Hotel & Restaurant
A lovely Chinese restaurant with comfotable rooms
www.s-h-systems.co.uk/hotels/bathhse.html

Holyrood Street, Chard,
TA20 2AH

01460 67575

01460 64106

Bellplot House Hotel

WWW

MAP

BOOK ONLINE

Beautiful Grade II listed Georgian townhouse. Only Hotel in the centre of Chard with own private carpark & WIFI. Relax & enjoy elegant surroundings, friendly service, AA Rosette food, award winning Breakfasts 'Taste of the West'

High Street, Chard,
TA20 1QB

01460 62600

info@
bellplothouse.co.uk

Warners
Cricket St.Thomas Hotel

WWW

MAP

BOOK ONLINE

Cricket St Thomas is a splendid example of 18th century architecture. This Grade II listed building is set among the scenic and tranquil countryside of Somerset.

www.warnerholidays.co.uk/hotels/ cricketstthomas

Cricket St.Thomas,
Chard,
TA20 4DB

01460 30111
bookings: 0870 601 6012

01460 30817

Dolphin Inn

A friendly pub with reasonable accomodation in the centre of Chard

Fore Street,
Chard, TA20

01460 63424

George Hotel

A famous coaching inn with an intresting history. Quality and frindly service, well furnished rooms and home cooked food. Special breaks available all year. All major credit cards accepted.

Market Square Crewkerne TA18 7LP

01460 73650

01460 72974

Hornsbury Mill

Welcome to Hornsbury Mill, a charming 19th Century watermill set deep in the heart of Somerset, where contemporary capability blends effortlessly with tradition. Five acres of beautiful informally landscaped water gardens form the perfect backdrop to the delightful Mill.

www.hornsburymill.co.uk

Eleighwater,
Chard,
TA20 3AQ

01460 63317

info@
hornsburymill.co.uk

HR Select Hotel

A Friendly Hotel in the centre of Chard run by a delightful Portugese family. You don't have to go to the Algarve to sample Portugese hospitality. Continental cuisine

www.hrselectsolutions.co.uk

1-3 Fore Street ,
Chard,
TA20 1PH

01460 66113

luis@
hrselect
solutions.
co.uk

Lordleaze Hotel WWW

MAP

BOOK ONLINE

The Lordleaze Hotel is a delightfully converted 18th century farmhouse set in rural surroundings. The secluded surroundings of Lordleaze Hotel is a perfect location for those seeking peace and tranquility.

www.lordleazehotel.co.uk

Forton Road ,
Chard,
TA20 2HW

01460 61066

01460 66468

lordleaze@
fsbdial.co.uk

The Manor Arms

WWW

MAP

BOOK ONLINE

The Manor Arms has been lovingly restored, retaining much of its old world character. The Manor Arms is renowned for its excellent cuisine, comfort and ambience.

North Perrott, Crewkerne,
TA18 7SG

01460 72901

Phoenix Hotel

Large family run public house/Hotel in Chard Town centre. Value for money home made food available 10am - 8.30pm every day. Large main bar with live music every Thursday and some Friday nights. Victorian Ballroom now housing a state of the art Disco on friday and saturday nights, complete with laser show

15 Fore Street,
Chard,
TA20 1PH

01460 66444

01460 66692

jenny@
the-phoenix
hotel.co.uk

Shrubbery Hotel

WWW

MAP

BOOK ONLINE

The Best Western Shrubbery hotel in South Somersetis an elegant Victorian hotel owned and run by the Shepherd family for over 40 years. The building with many fascinating feactures stands in over 2 acres of lawns and shrubberies and a 25 metre outdoor heated pool.

www.shrubberyhotel.com

Station Road
Ilminster
TA19 9AR

01460 52108

01460 53660

stuart@
shrubbery
hotel.
demon.co.uk

Travelodge

In addition to our standard facilities, this hotel features:

Little Chef & Burger King

http://www.travelodge.co.uk/find_a_hotel/hotel/hotel_id/88/Ilminster

A303 Southfields Roundabout
Horton Cross
Ilminster
TA19 9PT

01460 53748

Bridgwater Tourist Guide

Taunton Tourist Guide

Yeovil Tourist Guide

GUEST HOUSES IN THE CHARD AREA

Business	Picture	Address	Tel No	Fax	Email
Guest Houses and B&Bs	Stay inThe Ancient Capital of Wessex
Ammonite Lodge & Tea Rooms Come and enjoy 300 years of ambience and character at our Grade II listed guest house. Awarded Four Stars under VisitBritain National Quality Assurance Standard we are able to offer guests a very high standard of accommodation and cleanliness. Allison and David look forward to being able to welcome you to our lovely home making your stay both comfortable and enjoyable.	www.ammonitelodge.co.uk/	43 High Street TA20 1QL	01460 63839		info@ ammonite lodge.co.uk
At Home @ Glebelands *"A home from home"* Vegetarians Welcome Non- Smoking		1 Forton Road, TA20 2HJ	01460 62028		wizoz@ onetel.net.uk
Barns Owl Cottage		Chardstock EX13 7BY	01460 220475
Beaconhill Cottage	www.beaconhill cottage.co.uk	Chardstock EX13 7LB	01460 220065	01460 220065	katrina_felgate @btinternet.com
Bere Farm Pets Welcome!	www.berefarm. freeserve.co.uk	Bere Farm Winsham TA20	01460 30207		John@berefarm. freeserve.co.uk
Berryfields		6 Forton TA20	01460 68894
Crawley Farm	www.crawleyfarm.com	Crawley Farm, Yarcombe, Honiton, Devon EX14 9AY	01460 64760
Green Dragon		Combe St Nicholas, TA20 3NG	01460 63311		heltrev@AOL.com
The Firs	www.4tourism.com/uk/ chard.html #01460234226	Crewkerne Road, Cricket St Thomas, TA20 4BU	01460 65646	01460 65646
Harvey		22 Ashfield, Forton Road, TA20 2HP
Hawthorne House	www.tuckedup.com/ hawthornehouse.html	Bishopswood, TA20 3RS	01460 234482	01460 234482	roger-sarah@ supmnet.com
Haymaker		Wadeford, TA20 3AP	01460 64161
Higher Beetham Farm (No children)		Whitestaunton TA20	01460 234460	01460 234450
Hillcrest Farm		Eleighwater TA20	01460 65515
Hillside	www.theaa.co.uk/ region8 /103591.html	Buckland St.Mary TA20 3TQ	01460 234599		royandmarge@ hillsidesm. freeserve.co.uk
Home Farm		Hornsby Hill TA20 3DB	01460 63731
Howley Tavern		Howley, TA20 3NG	01460 62157
Keymer Cottage (No children)	www.4tourism.com/uk/ hotels/ keymer.html	Buckland St.Mary TA20 3JF	01460 234226
Leigh House Self-catering	www.holiday-rentals. co.uk/pages/2838property.htm	Winsham TA20	01460 30318	01460 30798
Manor Farm	www.manorfarm.com	Dunsham Lane, Wayford, Nr Crewkerne, TA18 8QL	01460 78865	01460 78865
The Lord Poulett Arms	www.lordpoulett arms.co.uk	Hinton St. George, Near Crewkerne, Somerset, TA17 8SE	01460 73149	01460 73149	lordpoulett @aol.com
Pulleys Barn Self catering barn accommodation.		Higher Wambrook, TA20 3DF	01460 62583
Tudor House, Doss House, Groups Welcome in Stable Area		16b High Street,TA20 1QB			wessexshitstirrer@ excite.com
Wambrook Farm	www.4tourism.com /uk/ chard.html #01460234226	Wambrook Farm Wambrook TA20 3DF	01460 62371		warnbrookfarm@ aol.com
Watermead Guest House	www.watermeadguest house.co.uk	83 High Street TA20 1QT	01460 62834	01460 67448	trudy@ watermead guesthouse .co.uk
Woodview		Woodview Wambrook TA20	01460 65368
Yew Tree Cottage	www.yewtreecottage. org.uk	Hornsbury Hill TA20 3DB	01460 64735	01460 66163

CAMPING IN THE CHARD AREA

Business	Address	Tel No	Fax	Email
CAMPING SITES & CARAVAN PARKS	Near Chard
Alpine Group Touring Park www.alpinegroup touringpark.com	Forton. TA20 4HD	01460 63479	01460 239187	stay@ alpinegrove touringpark.com
South Somerset Holiday Park	Turnpike Cravan Site, Howley, TA20	01460 62221	01460 66246

**LOCAL TRANSPORT . ALL ROADS LEAD TO CHARD.**
**Trains, Planes, Ships, Taxis, Car Rental, Coaches, & Buses**

**To plan your journey by car or public transport click on to the Door-to-Door Journey Planner**
**Tickets are also available from: Chard Tourist Information Centre,**
**Guildhall ,Fore Street,Chard,TA20 1PP Telephone : 01460 65710**
**Email: chardtic@chard.gov.uk Website: www.chard.gov.uk**
Transport click on blue to visit the sites	Conveyance	Address	Telephone	email
A-B Travel Taxis		Dale Farm, 8-12 Silver Street,Chard,TA20	Tel : 01460 63033
B & W Taxis		62 Beeching Close, Chard, TA20	Tel : 01460 68400 or 01460 66680
for London , Yeovil & Taunton. from Ilminster www.berrys coaches.co.uk		Cornishway West, New Wellington Road, Taunton, TA1 5NA Ilminster is 5 miles from Chard	Tel : 01823 331356 Fax : 01823 331356	info@berryscoaches.co.uk
Bristol International Airport www.bristol airport.co.uk		FROM NORTH M5 Leave the M5 at junction 18 (signposted A4 Bristol & Airport). Take the A4 towards Bristol following signs for the airport. Go past Bristol City Football ground and connect with the A38 towards Taunton, the airport is situated 8 miles South of Bristol on the A38. Bristol is 56 miles from Chard	Tel : 0870 121 2747	FROM SOUTH M5 Leave the M5 at Junction 22, at roundabout take 3rd exit signposted A38. At East Brent roundabout joining the A370 take 2nd exit signposted A38 & airport. Continue on this road for approx 11 miles, airport is on the left.
Poole to Cherbourg Plymouth to Roscoff & Santander www.brittany- ferries.co.uk		Poole is 55 miles from Chard Plymouth is 76 miles from Chard	Tel : 08705 360 360
Weymouth to St.Malo & Channel Islands www.condor ferries.co.uk		Ferry Terminal, The Quay, Weymouth, Dorset Weymouth is 37 miles from Chard	Tel : 0845 345 2000
www.eclipse.co.uk/ exeterair		Exeter International Airport is situated off the A30, five miles from the City of Exeter. From the M5 motorway junction 29, travel 1 mile eastbound on the A30. Exeter is 33 miles from Chard.	Tel : 01392 367433
1st Choice Car & Van Rental		Motocross House, Mill Lane, Chard, TA20	Tel : 01460 67000
Taunton Station Paddington(London) to Plymouth Line www.firstgreat western.co.uk		Po.Box 313, Plymouth, PL4 6YD Taunton is 13 miles from Chard	Tel Bookings: 08457 000 125 Tel : Enquiries: 08457 48 49 50 Fax : 0845 600 8363	customer.relations@ firstgroup.com
First Southern National Bus Company run buses in Somerset and Dorset www.firstsouthern national. co.uk		Taunton Bus Station Tower Street, Taunton	Tel : 01823 272033
Kings Taxis		Beechings Close, Chard, TA20	Tel : 01460 63743
Coaches to Taunton or Yeovil www.gobycoach.com		4 Vicarage Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3ES Taunton is 13 miles from Chard Yeovil is 20 miles from Chard	Tel : 0870 580 8080
National Rail Enquiries			Tel : 08457 48 49 50
to Crewkerne Waterloo(London) to Exeter Line www.southwest trains.co.uk		Overline House,Blechynden Terrace,Southampton, SO15 1GW Crewkerne is 7 miles from Chard	Customer services Centre tel:0845 6000 650 or 0845 6050 441 Fax : 023 8072 8187	customerrelations@ swtrains.co.uk

LOCAL BUS SERVICES TO & FROM CHARD.

Bold destinations offer access to express coach or train services.

Click on a place name for details of how to get there by local bus:

Ashill
Axminster
Bishopwood
Broadway
Buckland St Mary
Cannonsgrove
Chard
Churchinford
Clapton
Bridgwater, College
Combe St Nicholas
Coombe
Corfe
Corscombe
Crewkerne
Cricket St Thomas
Dorchester
Drimpton

East Chinnock
Forde Abbey
Forton
Frampton
Grimstone
Hatch Beauchamp
Hazelbury Plucknett
Henlade
Hinton St George
Horton
Ilminster
Ilton
Langport
Lopen
Lyme Regis
Maiden Newton
Merriott
Misterton

Taunton, Musgrove Park Hospital
North Perrott
Seavington St Mary
Seavington St Michael
Shoreditch
South Perrott
Staple Fitzpaine
Staplehay
Stratton
Tatworth
Taunton
Thorncombe
Trull
Wellington
West Coker
Winsham
Yeovil

At the end of Roman Times , there were lots of Saxon Mercenaries ( hired soldiers) living in Britain. The Roman government had paid them to protect many of the towns.

Archaeologists have dug up many graves from this time. Some of the skeletons were wearing special belts and carrying spears. They are thought to be Saxon Mercenaries because similar objects have been found in Saxon graves in Europe.

The Saxons were a large and powerful Germanic people located in what is now northwestern Germany and the eastern Netherlands (but, interestingly not in the area that is today known as Saxony). They are first mentioned by the geographer Ptolemy as a people of southern Jutland and present-day Schleswig-Holstein, from which they appear subsequently to have expanded to the south and west. The word 'Saxon' derives from the word 'Sax' which means "one-edged sword". Many germanic tribes took names from their weapons, such as the Langobard tribe.

Some Saxons, along with Angles, Jutes and Frisians, invaded Britain in the early Middle Ages, giving their names to the kingdoms of Essex, Sussex and Wessex (the lands respectively of the East, South and West Saxons), which with the shorter-lived Middlesex eventually became part of the kingdom of England.

We know of some Saxons who had British names, The most famous was Cerdic, the first King of Wessex. In Brythonic ( the British Language) his name is Ceredig.

Old documents say that, like other Saxons, he came to Britain from Germany or Denmark. However, Cerdic was probably born in Britain. His father was probably a Saxon Mercenary in Winchester ( in Hampshire) and his mother was a local Briton.
When the Roman Army left Britain, Cerdic would have been a respected officer in the mercenary army. He would have easily been able to make himself into a local ruler or King. He probably called for his Saxon friends and relatives from Germany and Denmark to join him
.
They set up the Saxon Kingdom of Wessex and made Chard their capital. Cerdic is described as an ealdorman who in 495 landed with his son Cynric in Hampshire, where he was attacked at once by the Britons. Nothing more is heard of him until 508, when he defeated the Britons with great slaughter.

Strengthened by fresh arrivals of Saxons, he gained another victory in 519 at Certicesford, a spot which has been identified with the modern Charford, and in this year took the title of king. Turning westward, Cerdic appears to have been defeated by the Britons in 520 at Badbury or Mount Badon, in Dorset, and in 527 yet another fight with the Britons is recorded. His last work was the conquest of the Isle of Wight, probably in the interest of some Jutish allies.

"ALFRED THE GREAT (848?-899).

The course of English history would have been very different had it not been for King Alfred. He won renown both as a statesman and as a warrior and is justly called "the Great."
   The England of Alfred's time was a country of four small Saxon kingdoms. The strongest was Wessex, in the south. Born in about 848, Alfred was the youngest son of Ethelwulf, king of WessexEach of Alfred's three older brothers, in turn, ruled the kingdom. Alfred was by temperament a scholar, and his health was never robust.
Nevertheless in his early youth he fought with his brother Ethelred against Danish invaders. Alfred was 23 when Ethelred died, but he had already won the confidence of the army and was at once acclaimed king in 871. By this time the Danes, or Vikings, had penetrated to all parts of the island. Three of the Saxon Kingdoms: (Northumbria, Mercia, and East Anglia) had one after another fallen to the Danish invaders.
   Under Alfred's leadership, the Saxons again found courage. The worst crisis came in the winter of 877, when the Danish king, Guthrum, invaded Wessex with his army. In 878 Alfred was defeated at Chippenham, where he was celebrating Christmas, and was forced to go into hiding.
   A few months later he forced Guthrum to surrender at Chippenham. The Danes agreed to make the Thames River and the old Roman road called Watling Street the boundary between Alfred's kingdom and the Danish lands to the north. The treaty, however, did not assure permanent peace. The Danes assaulted London and the coast towns repeatedly. In about 896 they finally admitted defeat and ceased their struggle for a foothold in southern England.
   Alfred was much more than the defender of his country. He took a keen interest in law and order and was concerned with the improvement of the cultural standards of his people. He encouraged industries of all kinds and rebuilt London, which had been partly destroyed by the Danes. He collected and revised the old laws of the kingdom. He invited learned men from other countries to instruct the people because even the clergy of Wessex no longer knew Latin, the international language of the church. He established a school similar to the Palace School of Charlemagne.

The "books most necessary for all men to know" were translated from Latin into English so that the people might read them. Alfred himself took a part in preparing the translations. The 'Anglo-Saxon Chronicle' was probably begun under his direction.
   Alfred died at the age of about 51 in 899. He was in no sense a true king of England, for he ruled less than half of the island.

After his death, however, his capable son, Edward the Elder, and his grandsons extended their rule over all of England."
*From Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia Deluxe © 1998 The Learning Company, Inc.

When the Normans invaded in 1066, one of their first acts was to abolish the Earldoms in favour of the more manageable shires as the largest units of sub-national government, fearful of the threat that powerful regional government posed to their centralising authority.

The office of Earl of Wessex remained dormant until our own time, when Prince Edward, the third son of Queen Elisabeth II, became the 3rd Earl upon the occasion of his marriage to Sophie Rhys -Jones.

Therefore once more bonding the Royal connection to Wessex. We congratulate them on the recent birth of their daughter Louise.

By 1066, Harold Godwinson's earldom of Wessex had expanded to include all the above counties, plus Cornwall, Sussex and his original territory of Herefordshire. The Wyvern, the mythical symbol of the ancient kingdom of Wessex still appears on many county crests in the region today. The Wyvern emblem was carried at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 .

Duke of Monmouth Crowned King in Chard 1685

Then in the reign of James II it was at the epicentre of the uprising against the King. The final major turmoil for 17th-century Chard came in 1685 when the Duke of Monmouth landed at Lyme Regis on June 11 and recruited 3,000 volunteers as part of his famous rebellion. He marched into Somerset, was crowned king in Chard and was the subject of more coronations in Taunton and Bridgwater, where more local rebels swelled his army to 7,000 men.After a series of skirmishes near Bristol and Bath, the rebels returned to Bridgwater from where Monmouth led them into the famous Battle of Sedgemoor against James II's Royalist army, which was encamped at Westonzoyland.It was the last land battle on English soil and it ended in defeat for Monmouth who was later beheaded at the Tower of London. The locals who had joined the uprising were severely dealt with by the infamous "hanging" Judge Jeffries at both Dorchester and Taunton Assizes.* See list of those executed below

One of Judge Jeffries' victims kept in the stocks for 320 years!

READ ABOUT THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE LIFE OF CERDIC & KING ARTHUR - Click HERE or *Ref: Arthur, Cerdic, and the Formation of Wessex By: John C. Rudmin, 864 Chicago Av, Harrisonburg, VA, 22801 Joseph W. Rudmin, Physics Dept., James Madison Univ., Harrisonburg, VA, 22807 (First submitted for publication in Oct 1993) http://camelot.celtic-twilight.com/ rudmin/ Also view: http://www.jmu.edu/montpelier/summer97/arthur.html

"Cerdic Elesing, King of Wessex and ancestor of all subsequent British monarchs, narrates in this fictional biography how he murdered, cheated, looted and lied his way to the great position he ultimately held -- and in the process served with the great Roman leader Ambrosius and the Saxon warlord Aella, and was the foe Arthur defeated at Mount Badon."
£7.99 Paperback 240 pages 198 x 129 mm ISBN: 0304366463 Publication: July 2005 Orion Publishing Group, Orion House, 5 Upper St Martin's Lane, London, WC2H 9EA tel: 020 7240 3444 www.orionbooks.co.uk

email contacts : enquiries@hookedonbooks.co.uk or available from Hooked On Books in Holyrood Street,Chard,

PEOPLE OF CHARD EXECUTED AFTER THE MONMOUTH REBELLION

CROSS, SIMON	EASTERBROOK, HENRY	HITCHCOCK, HUMPHREY	PILL, ABRAHAM
DAVY, WILLIAM	FOOTE, EDWARD	JERVIS, JOHN	WARREN, EDWARD
DENNETT, JAMES	GODFREY, WILLIAM	KNIGHT, JOHN	WILLIAMS, WILLIAM

Only three years later the Protestant William of Orange landed in Brixham, Devon & became King of England

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