ILMINSTER bowed out of the Somerset County League's Premier/Division One Cup at the first hurdle on Saturday as they lost 3-2 away to Cleeve West Town after extra time. Goals either side of half time from in-form striker Paul Gold had given last year's
ILMINSTER Under-10 and 11s kicked off the new Yeovil and District Youth League season in style at the weekend with victories in their opening matches. The Under-11s defeated Street and Glastonbury 3-2, while the Under-10 team were 2-1 winners over Pen
BRIDGWATER & Albion begin their South-West-One season away to Chinnor on Saturday (3pm) knowing that they will be without player-coach Stu Woodhouse for up to eight weeks. The 31-year-old Aussie scrum half broke and displaced the thumb on his right
TWO defensive lapses early in the game proved very costly for Town at Blackwell on Saturday. Not only was their FA Cup run terminated, but also the chance was lost to boost the club's finances significantly through prize money. Yet there was no disgrace
SEDGEMOOR'S world-class full-bore rifle marksman David Luckman performed brilliantly to become the first Briton to win the Spirit of America Grand Aggregate Championship at Raton, New Mexico, last week. The 28-year-old Sedgemoor Target Shooting Club member
As you read this the summer will almost be over, the harvest gathered in and fruit ripening on the trees and bushes. It is a time of plenty, of celebration and of Harvest Festivals. It is also nearly Michaelmas which, in Medieval times meant the end of
Our home is at 1,300 ft in the Peak Park, a beautiful but sometimes bleak environment. Last April it had been blowing a gale-strength, easterly wind all week. For most of the time I had struggled to stand up outside - ears and nose had been painful in
Dear Editor, I am currently developing ideas for a new TV series on self-sufficiency for an independent TV Company, Mandrill Television. I am interested in people who have recently decided to leave a stressful job behind and begin a rural, self-sufficient
Dear Editor, I read with interest Ioan Richards' letter in the July issue of Smallholder and make the following observations:- Having moved to a smallholding in rural South West Ireland 12 months ago we have found the national mains electricity supply
Dear Editor, With regard to the Wood Green Animal Shelters' piece on sheep and goats as pets (SH June 2004), I would agree that sheep make delightful pets, but would say that they dislike damp and wet conditions too and they would also appreciate a shelter
Dear Editor, Benjamin Disraeli said there are lies, damned lies and statistics, and everybody can play the numbers game to support their opinions on wind energy. The figures used by L.J.Jenkins (Smallholder, June 2004) err, to put it mildly, on the side
Dear Editor, In a recent article by Joe Jacobs entitled The Honey Regulations 2003, there appeared some confusion over the status and origin of organic honey. The rules pertaining to organic food production, including honey are set (for me in Spain at
Dear Editor May I endorse every word in the letter from Majorie Leigh on mobile slaughter houses. I cannot be atypical of Smallholder Magazine readers who have very few animals (two cows and three ewes in my case), primarily kept for home consumption.
Dear Editor, I read with some concern the article from Wood Green animal shelter about having rescue pet goats and sheep. Nowhere in the article was there any mention of the regulations concerning the keeping of these species. Firstly, the land on which
Dear Editor, Thank you for printing my last letter, we received lots of letters and as many phone calls, mostly from people enquiring about setting up smallholdings here in S.W France. This one is about our first experience with pigs. We've always wanted
Dear Editor, I wonder if any Smallholder readers could help me? My daughter is trying to track down a copy of the book "They all ran after the Farmer's Wife" by Veronica Frater, published by Farming Press Books. She has read the second book "Summer Holidaze
Dear Editor, I agree with Lyn Jenkins' letter on Wind Turbines. Here are some facts on this erratic expensive source of power :- Smallholders and farmers should beware before investing in subsidised Wind Turbines. In my opinion the bubble will soon burst
Dear Editor, Referring to N Carter's letter in May Smallholder, it is an unfortunate fact that statistics can be used to prove almost everything and some of the quotes from Government Agencies in the past, should suggest that, when linked to establishment
Dear Editor, Ioan Richard (Smallholder, July) presents a cogent case against wind energy, while avoiding the rather hysterical and discourteous language of others who have opposed this technology in your pages. He also grasps - as they do not seem to
TRADERS in Chard have decided to kickstart moves to crack down on yobs who damage the town's shopping area. Buy the Chard and Ilminster News tomorrow (Wednesday) for the full story.
A monthly record of the happenings at NewLandOwner's Organic, 96 Ha (245 acre) beef and arable farm, situated in south Derbyshire. Livestock: After the horror stories of last month, calving has eased off for a week or two, because most of the older cows
The minor injuries unit at Camborne and Redruth Community Hospital dealt with 11,000 patients in its first year - 5,000 more than expected. The setting up of the unit began following a "give us a quid" campaign led by the local MP. Full story in this
The Environment Agency has urged farmers and contractors to follow key sheep dipping procedures and guidance to prevent water pollution from sheep dipping. Bob Merriman, Environment Agency Agriculture Policy Advisor, said: "By following the guidance farmers
Can you help us to find out about grassland weeds on the country's smallholdings? Included with this edition of Smallholder is a survey designed to give us some valuable information, so please take a few minutes to fill it out and return it, free of charge
The Cornish Gorsedd held its annual festival in Truro at the weekend when the city was packed with visitors. The Bards of the Gorsedd paraded throughout the streets to the Lemon Quay Piazza for the official opening. Also attending was the Bishop of Truro
THE County Gazette's appeal to help bring a £1million action sports facility to Taunton has been attracting huge support since being launched four weeks ago. Our Action Sports Appeal is urging businesses, parents and young people to get behind the scheme
AFTER recording a yearly loss of £62, 581 you would be forgiven for thinking the financial situation at Bridgwater & Albion Rugby Football Club was at rock bottom. Now in a shock move their top sponsor, Audi, has pulled out of a three-year deal to
PARENTS and pupils at Bridgwater's Hamp junior School were left frustrated last week, as the new term was delayed - because building work scheduled for the summer holidays had not been finished. The £250,000 building revamp - paid for by Somerset County
WELLINGTON climbed up into mid-table after their second successive victory up at Cadbury Heath last Saturday. With manager Dave Sheehan away on holiday, his assistant Roger Brereton took charge of the side with Andy Thorne and they will have been well
A TEAM of Wellington Over 35s took on South Woodham Veterans from Essex at the Playing Field last Friday. South Woodham were brought down to Somerset by ex-Wellington Reserves player-manager Nigel Hallet. Wellington won an entertaining game 6-2 with goals
Much of the information contained in our show diary is from The Showman's Directory, published by Lance Pulbications. Please telephone 01730 266624 if you would like to buy a copy. SMALLHOLDER cannot be held responsible for any information given and we
It is almost impossible not to have heard anything about the new movements in the world of building design and renewable energy. Everyday in the media there is something about people moving out of the cities and in to the country, peoples' eco homes on
David Chapman looks at some unexpected wildlife introductions. Over the last couple of months I have discussed some of the more regrettable cases of wildlife introductions, whether intentional or not, into the British countryside. Introductions, escapes
David Chapman warns of the invasion by non-native plants A few months ago, in Smallholder, I discussed a couple of the problems caused by wildlife introduced into the UK by people. One of the reasons why that topic had come to my mind was because of some
AN EQUALISER four minutes from time denied Chard Town a 1-0 victory at Bridport in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday. Former Chard Town defender Lee Clarke scored the late goal to cancel out a first half header from Paul Henbest. The replay
A French street market is to return to Truro for five days. Traders will work alongside those from Cornwall. Full details in this week's Packet.
Truro had been hit by opportunist thieves targeting cars. Thousands of pounds worth of equipment and property has been stolen. Full story n this week's Packet.
ILMINSTER bowed out of the league cup at the first hurdle on Saturday when they threw away a two-goal advantage and crashed 3-2 after extra time away fellow Premier Division outfit Cleeve West Town. Goals either side of half time from in-form striker
Jeremy Hobson wakes up to the fact that poultry keeping is extremely popular in France and discovers some French Fowl: Facts and Fancies: A 'lie-in' on a Sunday morning is impossible in our neck of the Western Loire. I cannot think of one house within
Helston Harvest Fair was held over three glorious days this week and the town was at its busiest for some time. The ancient fair is second to Flora Day and hundreds of people took part. Full story and pictures in this week's Packet.
TIVERTON Town crashed to their third defeat of the season on Saturday when they were beaten 3-1 away to Aylesbury in the Southern League Premier Division. The home side led 1-0 through Leon Gutzmore at the break and doubled their advantage five minutes
Dear Editor, I always find articles on Ragwort interesting, however, when ever there is an article on this plant the only one mentioned is the Common Ragwort. We are having problems with Oxford Ragort, which is alot smaller than Common Ragwort and not
Dear Editor, I found Smallholder this month for the first time as our shops seem to start getting it now. It is really good, I like the pictures and it reminds me of how life used to be like years ago. Are you going to be at the Royal Norfolk Show? I
Dear Editor, In your April 2004 issue of the "Smallholder", Sara Jones had a small paragraph in her article titled "Allotment Action" about Marshalls and their spinach called Campania. As a result of what I read, I did send off my 50p to Marshall &
Dear Editor, In response to Elizabeth Parkinson's request, one of the best sources for second-hand books is www.abebooks.com, - they currently list five copies of "They all ran after the farmer's wife". They also list many other books that are sure to
Dear Editor, After getting over the shock at receiving my fine Smallholder in April, and I can't think why, I find the latest report on wind energy rather disturbing. I did have plans to have one in my front garden. Not only would I get cheap electricity
Dear Editor, I was reading your August issue over lunch today - a good lunch and a good read as well - and was particularly interested in 'Know How on Machinery and Equipment'. There's nothing wrong with the article, but to my mind it doesn't completely
CHILD casualties on roads around Ilminster and Chard could become a thing of the past as Avon and Somerset police launch a month-long crack down on speeding. An increased effort to educate children on traffic awareness and road safety issues will also
A YEOVIL Town squad X1 is to take on Plymouth Argyle Reserves at Huish Park tonight (Tuesday) in the Pontins Holiday Combination League. Goalkeeper Stephen Collis is an injury doubt with an ankle knock, while manager Gary Johnson is likely to feature
SOMERSET Road Club chairman Tom Cox has competed in Austria in the World Masters Time Trial Cycling Championship. The course was a 20km track on roads around a village called St Johann in Tirol. Tom rode in the 50-54 age category and finished in 28 minutes
SOMERSET'S late surge for Championship promotion stepped up a gear as they brushed leaders Notts aside by 10 wickets on day four at Trent Bridge. The win takes Somerset up to fourth place with two matches to play. Ian Blackwell was the star man, returning
A monthly record of the happenings at NewLandOwner's Organic, 96 Ha (245 acre) beef and arable farm, situated in south Derbyshire Livestock: Life has settled into a more relaxed routine over recent weeks, as most of the cows and heifers have calved. Young
The Soil Association warmly welcomes the announcement by the Government of a major financial boost for organic farming, due to start next Spring. After five years detailed work by the Soil Association and others, including the Royal Society for the Protection
It has been brought to the attention of The British Horse Society that during routine checks by police and Trading Standards, owners have been requested to produce documentation for their vehicle and animals including horse passports. The Horse Passport
The Cornish Gorsedd held its annual festival in Truro at the weekend when the city was packed with visitors. The Bards of the Gorsedd paraded throughout the streets to the Lemon Quay Piazza for the official opening. Also attending was the Bishop of Truro
Three children have been left with skin infections after swimming in the sea at Gwithian. The beach was later closed because of pollution. See this week's Packet for full story.
BRIDGWATER has reacted with shock and sadness to the death of a pensioner after he was assaulted on his way home from a rugby match this weekend. William Bird, a 67-year-old married man, had spent Saturday afternoon with friends at Bridgwater & Albion
WELLINGTON'S new season opened with the long trip to Cornwall for a game in which they played some good rugby at times but ended the day second best. For a full write up of the Falmouth game see this week's Wellington edition of the Somerset County Gazette
Ben Whittle looks at alternative sources of energy As a small holder you're used to the idea of reducing waste, recycling what you have and generally making good use of the resources in the environment around you, but have you looked at the ways your
Ben Whittle looks at alternative sources of energy As a small holder you're used to the idea of reducing waste, recycling what you have and generally making good use of the resources in the environment around you, but have you looked at the ways your
THE East Coker Action Medical Research Committee is giving people the chance to beat this year's Christmas shopping rush. The committee is holding a Michaelmas Fayre at East Coker Hall on September 21 from 10am to 4pm. There will be more than 30 stalls
A plan for 130 homes in Penryn has been refused. More than 120 residents objected the scheme on an old nursery. Full story see this week's Packet.
Readers say no to charges on Prince of Wales Pier. See this week's Packet letters.
David Chapman looks at some unexpected wildlife introductions. Over the last couple of months I have discussed some of the more regrettable cases of wildlife introductions, whether intentional or not, into the British countryside. Introductions, escapes
It is said that we all look at trees in different ways. A carpenter, looking at a grove of trees, will see piles and piles of roof trusses, a business man stacks of dollars and an elephant an endless supply of food. Over the ages, trees have meant many
The soil is said to be as common as muck. Though this may be true, is soil all that it appears to be? Until recently the vast majority of soil scientists and tillage experts regarded soil as a lifeless substance, useful for plants to root in but good
OVER 500 local footballers returned to action on Saturday as the new Perry Street League season kicked off. And there was a shock in store for last season's champions Merriott who crashed 1-0 away to South Petherton. Also in the top Division, Craig Dabinett
CHARD opened their Somerset Premier league campaign with a sparkling 35pts-7 victory at home to Gordano on Saturday. The home side ran in five tries in a fine display against Gordano who were relegated from Western Counties North at the end of last season
CASH has been pouring in for the County Gazette's 'Cash for Cancer Relief' campaign this week with the total now standing at £315,948. The County Gazette has teamed up with charity Macmillan Cancer Relief to run the 'Cash for Cancer Relief' campaign to
LARGE crowds turned out to help support Jeanette and Peter Hocking in their efforts to aid cancer sufferers in Somerset. Jeanette, who is scheme manager for sheltered housing in Wellington, threw a garden party in the grounds of 25 Bulford, aided by her
COLONEL Ronnie Potts, T.D, J.P., D.L., has resigned from his position as president of the Cornwall Cricket League. It follows on from the con tractual wrangle between Justin Stephens and St Just Cricket Club earlier this season. In a letter to league
Michael West, who bought his home in France through French property specialists VEF, and now works in one of the companys local offices, tells his story At the end of the day, it was all because of the mud. Anyone who works with animals, or indeed outside
A NEW golfing apprenticeship has been set up at Richard Huish College, Taunton, to give talented young golfers the chance to become the next big thing. The two-year course is one of four pilot projects around the country being funded by Somerset Learning
