Quantock Online

Quantock Area News

Other Sections

Mindline 01823 276892
Do you need someone to talk to?
Wed, Fri,Sat & Sun 8pm-midnight

Homefinder Somerset
Register for social housing in Somerset

Zing!

April 2013
The Zing Somerset App was launched in March 2013 to aid the people of Somerset in starting and sustaining physical activity. It’s a great way to record your weekly activity and gives motivation to continue.

More information...

Have your say on how the Quantocks are mangaged

April 2013
The Quantock Rangers are asking you to have your say about how they look after the Quantock AONB.

"Due to funding cuts, resources are now very tight and it is important that we concentrate on the right areas of work. We need you to tell us what you think is most important. Your answers will help us produce a new Management Plan for April 2014."

To take their survey, and be entered into a prize draw, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QuantockHills

Friends of Quantock take over custodianship of Halsway Hill & Over Stowey Custom Common

April 2013
Following the controversy surrounding Somerset County Council's sale of land on the Quantock Hills the Friends of Quantock, a registered charity that was established in 1949, has recently taken over the management of Halsway Hill and Over Stowey Custom common.

The Friends of Quantock will hold these areas as custodians in perpetuity on behalf of the people of Somerset and visitors. The challenge now is to raise approximately £5000 per year for running costs.

How can you help?
Simply by becoming a member of The Friends of Quantock, annual membership is just £12 per year per household, or you could make a donation. Memebership form available here.

Or by buying this book by Peter Haggett.

The Quantocks by Peter Haggett

Professor Peter Haggett CBE, a Friends of Quantock member, who was born, bred and schooled in Somerset. A former Cambridge don and Bristol University professor, he has returned to his roots to write this affectionate biography of a deeply fascinating but often overlooked corner of England’s rich and varied countryside.

Professor Haggett has kindly offered to donate the profits from this book to the Friends of Quantock towards their appeal.

For more details about the Friends of Quantock see friendsofquantock.com

Cycle Route between Cotford St Luke & Bishops Lydeard and Taunton

October 2012
Local environmental group Quantock Eco has formed a special Committee to take forward the plans for a cycle path between Cotford St Luke & Bishops Lydeard and Taunton.

As we all know, there is plenty of scope for recreational cyling on the Quantocks, but those trying to commute by bicycle are often faced with unfriendly main roads. We do hope this project proves a success, and that more like it can follow.

Off-roaders Prosecuted

October 2012
It is worth remembering that illegally driving vehicles off road is an offence on the Quantock Hills, as recent prosecutions have demonstrated.

For more details see the Quantock Rangers' web site.

 

Going, Going, Gone!
David Huxtable Sells
Great Wood.

David Huxtable

5th April 2012
by Simon Youé
At a press conference today, councillor David Huxtable announced that Somerset County Council has completed the sale of Great Wood to the Forestry Commission. The very same body that the government wanted to dispose of last year.

Councillor Huxtable further announced that negotiations to sell further parts of the Quantock Hills are in progress.

Although the Forestry Commission is, currently, a body to be trusted with stewardship of such a precious asset, the fact of the matter remains that there is still uncertainty as to their own future. This in turn leaves the future of this much loved, and probably the most used part of the Quantocks, a hostage to fortune.

Councillor Huxtable stated that, "The terms of the sale that we have, we think protects the land.". However, when I pushed him, more than once, to be explicit about what terms in the sale he was referring to, he did not appear able to give a direct answer.

Great Wood has been sold by one public body to another, currently, public body for the sum of £250,000 - before expenses. In the overall picture of the Council finances this is a very small sum. In fact the only reason that just one man was able to take the decision to sell is because the totality of the land on the Quantock Hills has been declared a 'minor asset' by SCC.

Make your mind up! Either the sale of this land will go a long way towards saving our schools, roads and bus services - or it is a minor asset. You just can't have it both ways!

To follow all of the events that lead to this point
Click this link

Somerset's Latest Independent Brewer Launches New Range.

April 2012
by CAMRA
The historic “Carew Arms” in Crowcombe will be the venue for the launch of Somerset’s latest independent Brewery, 6Trees. The brewery, situated in nearby Triscombe, is unusual in that part of its power comes from a 10kW solar PV array in the park behind it. The launch will take place over the weekend of April 20th to 22nd.

At the launch 6Trees will be showcasing their standard range of beers described by owner Mark A. Venn as follows:- “ “High Noon”. A low gravity beer, combining Crystalite with Goldings. Marynka, Pacific Jade and Fuggles Hops. “Bitter Memories2. A classic copper coloured best bitter combining three types of hops with six different malts. “Burnished Brass”. Is the golden ale in the range combining five malts plus Northern Brewer, Fuggles and Goldings Hops. “Jardeeling”. Five hop varieties and Abbey Malt are mixed to give the length and complexity and taste of an India Pale Ale at a more regularly drinkable strength.”

Phil Emond, Chairman of the Somerset Branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) commented. “We wish Mark and all at 6Trees every success and with their plans for the range of beers and the future we are confident that their being the 13th Independent Somerset Brewer will not prove a portent for that future. Somerset as a whole is very fortunate to have so many excellent breweries and a thriving free trade pub market in which to enjoy their products. And for anyone who wishes to experience a full choice of Somerset traditional cask ales under one roof, or at least a station canopy, there is the annual Real Ale Festival at Minehead Railway Station on the West Somerset Railway in September. “

 

| Back |