Holnicote Estate rural workshop destroyed in electrical fire

A WORKSHOP on the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate was almost completely destroyed by fire early today.
The alarm was sounded by a tenant farmer at isolated Horner Farm, near Luccombe, at about 9 am.
A fire and rescue crew was initially sent to the scene from Minehead, but on arrival the officer in charge realised the incident was much more serious and called in further crews from Dulverton, Wiveliscombe, Nether Stowey, and Lynton.
It is thought an electrical fault was to blame for setting alight the converted barn premises.
The fire quickly ripped through the 164 feet by 33 feet building, although nobody was hurt in the incident.
It took several hours for the firefighters to put out the blaze using compressed air foam, two hose reel jets and one main jet.
Approximately 70 per cent of the building was destroyed and machinery and tools inside the workshop were even more badly damaged.
National Trust senior rural surveyor Andrew Lawes said although a detailed fire investigation report was awaited, it appeared that faulty electrics were to blame.
Mr Lawes said: “Our insurers and loss adjusters will visit in the New Year to survey the extent of the damage to the barn.
“We are relieved nobody has been hurt and are grateful to the fire and rescue service for their efforts in containing the fire so quickly and preventing the spread of damage to other parts of Horner Farm.”

Exmoor stag weekend showcases deer rutting

VISITORS to Exmoor can experience the primeval roar and clashing antlers of Exmoor’s iconic stags meeting in ferocious combat during the annual red deer rut in October.
A special safari weekend has been organised with guides who will help visitors to see the stunning hills, secret valleys, and wild moorland of Exmoor and to witness the stags’ raw combat at close quarters.
The huge, powerful beasts charge each other, locking antlers, and battle rages until the strongest wins.
Charles Harding, a deer stalker and warden for The National Trust, said: “It is an awesome but exhilarating natural phenomenon, and an experience that people never forget.
“Red deer are Britain’s largest land mammal and when the stags are driven to rut, the hills and moors resonate with their primeval bellows.
“These beautiful and majestic creatures’ ancient instincts drive them into fierce, and sometimes even fatal, combat to win female companions.
“We have experienced guides to lead people on organised safaris because stags are wild animals that can be dangerous and unpredictable during the rut.
“The guides know the terrain and understand the behaviour of stags during the rutting season, and will ensure that people can watch this amazing event in safety, and without disturbing the animals.”
Porlock Visitor Centre manager Denise Sage, who has organised the safari weekend, said: “We have a variety of delightful bed and breakfast options available in the vale of Porlock.
“However, places on the weekend are limited to 36, so we are advising people to book early.
“Visitors are welcomed on Friday and fantastic locally-produced food is served for an excellent Exmoor supper and jazz evening.
“On Saturday, after a wildlife safari in the morning, there is a red deer safari at dusk followed by dinner and an illustrated talk.
“There is an early trip to a different area on Sunday, after which guests will be served a hearty Exmoor breakfast.”
The weekend visit runs from October 10 to 12, and costs £195 per person.
The price includes two nights’ bed and breakfast, a wildlife safari, two red deer walking safaris led by Exmoor National Park Ranger Richard Eales and National Trust Countryside Manager Nigel Hester, a jazz supper, talks, and Saturday night dinner.
Guests need to be able to walk a minimum of three miles.
Bookings can be made through Porlock Visitor Centre on 01643 863150 or by email to PorlockCI@somerset.gov.uk.

• Our photograph shows a stag belling. Photo submitted.

Pupils on the Easter egg trail at Dunster Castle

LOCAL families looking to celebrate Easter in a more traditional style can take part in a number of themed activities in the National Trust-owned Dunster Castle at the weekend.
They include an Easter trail supported by confectionery company Cadbury, which will give an Easter egg to every child who completes the trail.
Other family fun activities for visitors include face-painting, children’s entertainment, and an Easter themed play area.
The Easter trail involves egg hunters following a map around the National Trust site and visiting ‘trail’ points and collecting clues.
The events run from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Cadbury’s support of the National Trust Easter Trail is part of the company’s ‘Purple goes Green’ initiative, a programme to reduce its impact on the environment.
Cadbury ‘Egghead’ Easter eggs, which are the trail prizes, are unboxed and so use 70 per cent less cardboard packaging than the equivalent sized egg, creating less waste.
The confectionery company is contributing £150,000 to the National Trust Ancient Trees and Woodland conservation programme as part of the Easter Trail activity and its commitment to the environment.
For further details of activities and other participating properties go to www.eastereggtrail.com.

• Our photograph shows pupils from Minehead Middle School helping to launch the South West National Trust Easter Egg Trail at Dunster Castle, supported by Cadbury. Photo submitted.

Ancient castle uses solar power to cut electric bills

DUNSTER Castle has become the National Trust’s first grade one listed property to start using solar energy.
The castle now has solar panels which should produce about one-fifth of all its electricity needs, helping to make the thousand-year-old building more sustainable.
The trust has been pursuing a policy of using renewable energy in its historic properties to show how green energy sources could be used on conservation sites without affecting their character.
The Dunster Castle panels, which cost £55,000, cannot be seen by visitors on the ground and they can be easily removed.
The trust expects to save about £550 a year on its electricity bill for the castle.
A National Trust spokesman said: “We want all of our properties, wherever appropriate, to examine the option of using renewable energy sources and we hope to help other people and businesses to do the same.”
The castle is currently shrouded in scaffolding as it undergoes a £900,000 restoration of its roof.
The work, which began in May, 2006, is not expected to be completed until the summer and has already more than doubled from its original estimated cost of £400,000.
The additional expense was incurred when initial investigations revealed problems with rainwater run off.
Engineers found that structural changes in the 19th Century had not allowed for adequate size gullies and guttering, resulting in water seeping into the roof structure and in turn threatening the contents and fabric of the building.
An infestation of deathwatch beetles was also discovered in the roof space.
The roof restoration is being jointly funded by the National Trust and English Heritage.
Dunster Castle had been in the Luttrell family for 600 years before it was given to the National Trust in 1976.

Festive market brings Christmas trading boost to Dunster

TRADERS in Dunster are set to receive a seasonal boost when a festive farmers’ market is held in the beautiful surrounds of Dunster Castle on December 1 from 11 am to 3 pm.
More than 25 local producers taking part in the market will be offering everything from meat and fish to Indian cuisine and chocolates.
Visitors will be able to buy their Christmas puddings and cakes and stock up on warming cider brandy and exquisite local preserves.
There will be a chance to sample hot cider punch and homemade pastries and pies.
Afterwards, visitors can take a look around the grounds of Dunster Castle, visit the special National Trust Christmas Shop in the castle dining room, or wander into Dunster village to continue their Christmas shopping.
The market is being organised by the National Trust with support from Somerset Food Links.
It is the fourth year the popular festive market has been held.
Parking is available at the castle for £2, or a short walk away in the village.
There will also be an opportunity to book a guided tour of the castle halls for the annual ‘Deck the Halls’ event with demonstrations of garland and wreath making.
Advance booking is advisable on 01643 821314. Prices are £3 for adults and £1.50 for children.

• Our photograph shows Mignon and Andrew Johnson, who will be attending the festive farmers’ market with their range of Indian foods. Photo submitted.