News

Cheddar Gorge Visitor Information Centre closing for winter – After another successful season the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) will close on 4th November, reopening for February half term in 2025. The volunteer-run centre saw a significant increase on the 26,000 visitors seen in 2023 (final figures awaited). Working at the VIC is enjoyable and rewarding for anyone with reasonable local knowledge who likes meeting people from all over the world and helping them make the most of their visit to Cheddar. There is good support and hours are flexible.

Cheddar Vale Lions Club will be launching the annual TREE OF LIGHT at the beginning of November. The Tree of Light gives members of the local community the chance to sponsor a light in memory of a loved one. The project is in its twelfth year and has been well supported.
The dedication service and lighting ceremony will take place at the Bath Arms on Monday 9th December, from 4:30pm. The names of those remembered will be placed on a board beside the large outdoor Christmas Tree. A replica tree, hung with stars depicting the names of all those dedicated during the service, will be displayed in the window of Woodbury Insurance, opposite the Bath Arms. 

New Opening Times for Frankie Howerd’s Cafe & Hub in Loxton.
We’ve just celebrated 2 years of success. The café/hub will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but open every day from 9:30am to 3:00pm: breakfast 9:30am to 12 noon, lunch 12 noon to 2:30pm.

On the 2nd Monday of each month, however, Kieran does a “Rural Friends’ Lunch” from 12:30pm, a 2-course meal with tea/coffee currently for £10, and our minibus offers you transport if you’re in the BS26 area.

Winscombe Community Association’s  WiNSpace Team are pleased to announce they have signed a contract with Rigg Construction Ltd to build the long awaited new community centre. They are currently waiting for confirmation of the start date and hoping it will be September 2025.

Samaritans – Together we can make change that saves lives!
As a listening volunteer, you can make a real difference to someone’s future.
You’ll receive full training to prepare you for the kinds of conversations you’ll have. And when you start out, you’ll have a mentor with you, to give you confidence you’re doing the right thing. Our listening volunteers are there for anyone who needs emotional support. You will learn new skills and the confidence to use them, including understanding people and managing difficult conversations.

Marie Curie are looking for volunteers across the Mendip area to help raise funds for our hospice at home nursing service in Somerset. The role involves placing Marie Curie tins and daffodil boxes and banking income. It is a flexible role, in which you can give as much or little time as you like. It is a great way to get out and active in your local community, while raising money to support people with terminal illness in your area.

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue in Cheddar needs volunteers to help with the morning clean out or afternoon feed.
If you have some spare time and would like to help please call 07806 744772 for details.

Cheddar Gorge Visitor Information Centre (the VIC) is run entirely by local volunteers, and looking for more people to staff the shop and help visitors. It’s an interesting and rewarding role, meeting people from all over the world. Some local knowledge is helpful, but we provide comprehensive information, and new staff are paired with experienced members.