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Butterfly Count

As some of you may kntow there is an ongoing butterfly count recorded in annual National statistics and we,here in the Mendips,do a regular weekly count for this record of a fairly extensive patch of our Mendip hills territory ,initially under the able leadership of Leslie Cloutman, and thrillingly joined some 6 years ago by an esteemed specialist in this branch of natural history ,an ex Royal Marine soldier but also a butterfly and moth enthusiast since the cradle, I believe. He is called Captain Peter Smith and although now coming up to his 90th birthday has never missed an opportunity to help us record the current population and identify any rarities blown into our section of the Mendips.
We divide our territory into 9 "transacts," as they are called,ie 8 fields and a path and the walk takes about 2 hours. The months we do this are from April1st till October 1st and It must be done weekly between the hours of 10 and 4 ie butterfly flying times,although I notice many out at later hours! The weather temperature has to be above 13 degrees and there are minimum requirements of actual sunshine. Sometimes it is a complete nightmare getting a day with enough sun in the week, and carrying on life around the timing of the butterfly appointment.
This week however was an easy choice for today Sunday 9th as we knew well in advance that the weather would be gorgeous.
Caroline Tetley and I have done this for ten years and as I am mid 70s and a little arthritic in one hip I am looking for younger teams to replace me.
Today there were indeed interested parties and although Caroline could not be with us we were joined by Colin Babb and Joanna Davey and Rebecca Hayes,luckily all really interested.
We had a beautiful walk,clear blue sky ,100% sunshine, mist in the distance but clarity all around and got quite a respectable tally for so early in the season. There were Speckled Woods,Orange Tips, one Holly Blue, Peacocks ,iBrimstones and one or two whites in too much of a hurry for safe identification. It is important to be certain and if there is an unusual find then a photo is required for confirmation of accuracy. We have marvellous charts in laminated form,invaluable for getting to know each species.
We climbed all the styles and had a very energetic but enjoyable time going very near the top and Les filled us in with the orchids and other beauties to be found in our path.
I have felt very privileged,if a bit stretched!, to do this tallying of our wonderful butterflies
Lucy White

Details: Category: Village Life

Tumble Dryer Risks

SCOPC has received an alert from the Fire Brigade about the danger of fire in certain brands of tumble dryer.

Somerset Devon & Somerset Fire Brigade have asked that a warning go out regarding safety of tumble dryers and a copy of their document is attached for your information.
Owners of some tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015 are being advised to check if they require a safety modification.
Identified models of Hotpoint, Indesit, Swan, Proline and Creda tumble dryers are subject to manufacturer’s product recall notices as there is a risk of fire caused by fluff coming into contact with heating elements.
The manufacturers have activated an extensive action plan to provide consumers with products that are updated to higher safety and quality standards. An engineer will visit, free of charge, to modify the appliance.
Fire Investigation Manager Andy Justice, of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Nationally, we are aware that these tumble dryers have been responsible for causing fires and manufacturers’ advice has been issued previously for their use.
“Now with revised advice, we wish to bring this to the attention of consumers of affected tumble dryers that they follow the manufacturers’ instructions where they should be unplugged and not used until the modification has taken place.”
To establish whether your tumble dryer is affected by this recall, further information can be found by following the below links or using the Freephone hotline:
http://safety.indesit.eu http://safety.hotpoint.eu http://safety-swan.eu
Creda and Proline customers should visit http://safety.hotpoint.eu
Freephone hotline at 0800 151 0905
If your product has a green "dot" sticker in the door area or on the back plate, no action is required. A graphic showing the location of the green dots is here: https://safety.indesit.eu/gb/match.jsp?lang=

Ed Danson

Details: Category: Notice Board

Bus Timetables

The number 67 bus runs from Wells to Burnham and passes through Wookey Hole. The latest timetable can be found here: http://www.somerset.gov.uk/EasysiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=121333&type=full&servicetype=Attachment

Details: Category: Useful Information

The Planets orbit Wells

The Planets are in musical conjunction this week when they share a spectacular bill with William Walton's Belshazzar's Feast at the Cathedral.

Gustav Holst's popular piece - number 12 in the Classic FM Hall of Fame - has
never played in the city and it is 20 years since Belshazzar was enjoyed here.

Now, in a special concert, Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society will join Southern Sinfonia to perform them. World-renowned bass-baritone Neal Davies will be the soloist in the Walton.

“Neil, who happens to live locally, sings in opera houses and concert halls all over the world and is highly in demand,”said Matthew Owens. “It’s a particular pleasure to have the opportunity of working with him and hearing him in Wells Cathedral.”

He added: "This is an astonishing piece of musical drama, realised with wonderful vividness through this fantastic and colourful score, with its engaging rhythms and sparkling harmony."

Performance: Saturday 1st April, 7pm.

Tickets £10 - £25 are selling fast for this fabulous concert. Phone the Wells Cathedral Shop Box Office (01749 672 773) to secure yours. Some may also be available on the door.

Click Here For Poster

For more information, please contact:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.wellscathedral.org.uk
www.wcos.org.uk

01749 674483