JUST a few months in and Shepton Mallet Shopkeepers (SMS) have organised their first event.

Tomorrow Shepton will see the High Street full of stalls and masses of entertainment for the family as part of a flea market.

Anna Perra, a member of SMS who helped organise the event, said: "The flea market is something nice to do because it can involve everyone – residents can even have a stall with bric-and-brac."

The day promises to be full of stalls selling a variety of things, entertainment in the form of local singers and a jazz band, face painting and a hog roast.

The group hope to hold regular events, in the hope to bring people to the town, as well as bringing the town together, and in October are holding a harvest event.

SMS was created after several shopkeepers got together and decided to try and promote the historic town to help boost the business of all the independent shops.

Anna said: "We want to find a way of promoting Shepton Mallet as a positive shopping experience for shoppers as we really do not miss anything here – from Italian fashion designer, myself, from an old fashion Cobbler shop, haberdashery shop, reptiles, pets, organic food, beautician and optician, osteopath, bakery, Thompson travel, banks, charity shops, antiques, motorbike clothes shop, computer repair shop and great coffee bars like the Goodfellows, Penny's Sweets and many more."

SMS are supported by the Council for licensing issues and town counsellor Bente Height attends the group's fortnightly meetings to support them as well as giving advice.

The police have also proved to be a great support to the group for any issues that arise regarding anti-social and intimidating behaviour.

Spirits are already high in the town after news of a new independent coffee shop moving in to Penny's Sweets old shop.

Penny's Sweets moved next door after expanding their business and hope to celebrate their 3 year anniversary of opening on September 18.

The flea market will take place between 12pm and 6.30pm and there will be free parking on the day.

For more information on the group visit https://www.facebook.com/SheptonMalletShops?ref=hl.

ON September 1 the owner of Acacia Flowers in Wells will celebrate one year in charge.

After working in the shop as a florist for six years Libby Higgins took the plunge to buy the business as the previous owner was selling up.

Libby said: "While settling into my new position as owner, as well as being a florist, we had a very successful Christmas followed by Valentine's Day and a fantastic Mother's Day. "Once the three main dates in the floristry world were over I started on refurbishing the shop and t has been a thoroughly enjoyable year. "We would like to thank our customers for their continued support by offering a 10 per cent discount throughout September."

A 22-YEAR-OLD man accused of an offence of dangerous driving at Wells has had the case against him adjourned.

Ionut-Marcel Calin, of Ruett Lane, Farrington Gurney, is charged with driving dangerously on the A39 at Bristol Hill, on March 23.

The defendant did not appear before the court at Yeovil when the matter was put before Somerset Magistrates.

Prosecutor Judy Morris made an application for an adjournment saying the case needed to be review by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The magistrates agreed to the request and ordered the defendant to appear before them on Tuesday, September 6.

Thousands of Christians flooded the Bath and West Showground for Soul Survivor.

The event saw around 7,500 young people, mostly between 16 and 18 years old, pack into a large tent for morning worship.

Soul survivor are a Christian organisation that run four events every summer which last five days each and between them host around 30,000 young people.

The rest of the year they host many other events such as retreat weekends, equipping days and Saturday celebrations. They also run Soul Action in partnership with Tearfund in the aim to "put God's heart for justice into action".

BROWNSEA Island, in Poole Harbour, was the destination for 5th/7th Wells Scout Group inaugural day trip this summer.

Members of the group took part in orienteering activities on the island as well as visiting the commemorative stone and location of where the first ever Scout camp was held.

While standing in front of the commemorative stone Jasmine Fowler was invested as a Beaver Scout, and then high achievement awards were also presented.

Tom Bates and Katy Robertson were awarded their Beaver Scout Bronze Awards and Jack Fordham was awarded his Scout Gold Award.

If you would like to join the Scouts either as an adult volunteer or a child, visit their website www.wellsscouts.org.uk.

A WELLS woman in prison for murder is receiving the help of a national charity to try to get the conviction overturned.

Stacey Hyde was sentenced to life in prison in 2010 for the murder of Vincent Francis.

Now the charity Justice for Women is backing an appeal against the decision – which they call "unsafe".

For the full story and grounds of the appeal, turn to page 5.

THE son of top National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls' head lad died when he lost control of his car and crashed into trees, an inquest was told.

But the reason why 21-year-old Dominic Baker lost control as he drove home to Ditcheat remains a mystery.

The inquest, at Wells, on Thursday, heard that the possibility of Sudden Adult Death was considered because of a family history with the condition.

Recording a narrative verdict the coroner said: "Mr Baker lost control of his motor car but the cause of that loss of control could not be established."

To read this story in full, turn to page 5.

A BUILDER has been fined for illegal and dangerous gas work in Frome, which could have led to a young family – including two young children – being killed by poisonous carbon monoxide fumes.

Phillip Whittaker, of Westbury, was contracted by the householders to build an extension to a house in Bath Road, Frome, in April 2012.

During the work he moved a boiler and pipework, leaving the existing gas boiler flue in its original position, allowing potentially deadly carbon monoxide to be vented into the property instead of outside.

Mr Whittaker was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at Yeovil Magistrates after an investigation into his unsafe work revealed he was not a member of the Gas Safe Register – so not legally qualified to carry out gas work.

The court heard the plans involved moving the existing boiler on an external wall to a new external wall and re-routing associated gas pipework to a repositioned meter.

After Wales and West Utilities moved the meter, Whittaker re-routed the pipework, which he connected to the boiler in its existing position and then built the extension over the boiler and flue which was now on an internal wall.

As a result, poisonous fumes from the combustion process involved in operating the boiler were vented into the property instead of outside for around six weeks, until the family was alerted to the danger by a friend. A Gas Safe registered engineer was called and rectified the situation.

Checks by HSE established that the builder was not a member of the Gas Safe Register.

Whittaker, who trades as PJW Property Developments, of Redlands, Bratton, Westbury in Wiltshire, pleaded guilty to four breaches of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was fined a total of £3,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,000.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Mehtaab Hamid, said: "Mr Whittaker's dangerous work could have caused the family serious health issues and ultimately could have led to their death.

"He was not competent to carry out gas work and was not a member of the Gas Safe Register.

"He installed gas pipework using unsafe practices and by building the extension over the boiler and flue, made it almost impossible for the products of the combustion process to escape to atmosphere, creating an immediate danger within the property.

"Although no serious injury occurred, the family have been left distressed by their experience."

Russell Kramer, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said: "Unsafe gas work can be the cause of fire, explosion, gas leaks and exposure to deadly carbon monoxide. That is why you should always use a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.

"Every Gas Safe registered engineer carries an ID card showing who they are and the work they are qualified to carry out and you can find and check any engineer or business by visiting www.gassaferegister. co.uk or calling 0800 408 5500."

THE planning consultants behind a 450-home mixed development near the Asda supermarket are confident they will get planning permission for one of the biggest applications to be submitted in Frome for some years.

In a statement, Alder King Planning Consultants, based in Bristol said they had submitted a planning application on behalf of Hallam Land Management Ltd in relation to the 20 hectare site at Southfield Farm, near Frome.

The proposed development seeks outline planning permission for up to 450 dwellings, a new primary and pre-school, open space and play areas, new walking and cycling routes along with new vehicular access via the existing supermarket access road.

Nick Duckworth, director at Hallam Land said: "We are pleased to have submitted our application for this mixed use development on what has been a long standing allocated site in Mendip District Council's Local Plan.

"When approved, it will deliver a range of quality housing and complementary community facilities."

The outline application was submitted last week and district council planners will only be asked to consider the access to the site in the first instance.

If granted permission, Alder King will then submit a full application at a later date for the rest of the details, which will include the housing, play areas, open space, schools and other amenities, to be decided upon.

Ward councillor Richard Pinnock said the application was no surprise.

He said: "This land has been allocated for housing for a number of years and it is no surprise to me that a planning application has come forward.

"I will be looking at making sure there is suitable green open space for the number of houses proposed and a balance of homes, as there needs to be a provision of affordable houses."

A similar scheme was planned for the site in 2009 by planning agents Pegasus Planning Group, but it is not connected with this fresh application.

MURIEL Chapman celebrates her 100th birthday on Sunday.

Born and brought up in Frome, Mrs Chapman now lives at The Blue House in the town centre.

She was born in Redland Terrace to John and Maud Keeping and had a brother Herbert.

Mr Keeping worked at the printing company Butler & Tanner for 50 years and his daughter could not wait to leave St John's School to work for the company too.

At 15 she began work at the printing factory in the folding department and left at the age of 24 when she met her husband, Kenneth.

The couple were married at St John's Church in Frome where Mrs Chapman was Christened and confirmed and where she was a Sunday school teacher.

The newlyweds lived at Garston Road until they moved to Kettering for Mr Chapman's job. Sadly he died at Kettering aged 61.

During the Second World War, Mrs Chapman took in evacuees, some of whom she has kept in contact with to this day.

She moved back to the family home and has spent her life in Frome doing voluntary work, including the WRVS for which she got a long service medal for 60 years work. She also worked at the Citizens Advice Bureau and two charity shops in Frome.

Mrs Chapman said: "I never expected to live to 100 years old and I could do with a few spare parts nowadays.

"I have always kept active, playing hockey and tennis when I was younger."

Her friends will be celebrating her birthday with a party on Saturday and there will be a Songs of Praise service at St John's Church the following day.

Family announcements – pages 26-27

LAST week 226 motorists were caught speeding on Frome roads.

One hundred and eighty six will face prosecution and 40 will have letters of caution dropping onto their front door mats in the next few days.

The prosecutions are part of week-long crackdown involving Frome's Community Speed Watch group and the police clocking drivers exceeding the speed limit.

CSW coordinator Ashley Reay described the high number of speeding drivers as both "frustrating and disappointing."

As part of the campaign, Frome police used a crushed car involved in an accident where the driver and passengers were badly injured.

To bring the message home that speed can kill, the wrecked vehicle was parked at the car parks at both Sainsbury's and Asda supermarkets.

Hundreds of shoppers stopped to take a look and discuss the vehicle with the Avon and Somerset Police officers on duty at the sites along with members of the CSW.

The officers explained the dangers of speeding and what the consequences might be as in the case of the crashed car.

Mr Reay said: "Some of the public were shocked when viewing the vehicle and all were agreed that excessive speed can cause horrendous accidents, even death."

He added: "Not only are these figures disappointing but frustrating as along with the police we have gone out of our way to try and educate the public about the dangers of excessive speed.

"The safety camera teams now operate right into the night so there is no escape for the high speeders and it is only a matter of time until they are caught, a situation that can easily be avoided."

ONE of the oldest buildings in Frome will be opened to the public as part of Heritage Open Days on Sunday, September 15.

The first building on what is now the Blue House site on The Bridge was as an almshouse built for the homeless people of the town by Lord of the Manor, William Leversedge, in the 15th century.

Little is recorded of the early history of the building but, by the 16th century, it was receiving donations from Frome people.

In 1538, William Kyppinge, of Buckland Dinham, left six cows for the relief of the "poure people" in the almshouse.

However, despite these generous bequests, by the early 18th century the building was in decay.

Its saviour was public-spirited solicitor James Wickham, who came up with a daring plan for completely rebuilding the structure and, at the same time, incorporating a charity school to cope with the educational needs of a growing population.

The new building, probably the third on the site and the one that stands today, was built between 1720 and 1728 at a cost of £1,401.8s.9d.

In the 1720s a new almshouse rose from the ashes of the old, known now as the Blue School, or the Blue House, because of the knee-length blue coats with brass buttons worn by the school boys.

The building now had a dual purpose. The school was entered through the main central door while on each side were separate entrances, one to a wing occupied by 14 women and one to the north wing, home to 17 pauper women.

The Blue School closed in 1921 and the pupils were transferred to the new grammar school at Northcote House, now Frome Community College.

In 1866 the building was in need of repair and was at that stage restored by the trustees.

People who remember the Blue House after the Second World War remember it as grim and bleak.

In the early 1960s the threat of demolition loomed large but Frome people, always having a soft spot for the Blue House, rallied once again and raised £4,000 to restore and refit it.

The Blue House was brought up to date and 18 flats created for the town's elderly people.

Since then, a further appeal was launched in 1993, masterminded by then chairwoman Vyvyenne Fitzmaurice, pictured inset.

Today it still provides homes for elderly people and is a completely independent foundation run entirely on the income from its ancient endowments, rent charged to its residents and the proceeds of special events.

On September 15 the house will be open to the public from 2pm until 5pm. Entry is free and there will be a display of archive material, guided tours of the house, cream teas and refreshments.

Serving lollipop men and women joined forces with councillors in a call for more people to take on the role.

Bath and North East Somerset Council cabinet member for transport councillor Caroline Roberts (Lib Dem, Newbridge) said: "The council's lollipop patrol service is one of most highly valued services to the public that we provide to help children, parents, and teachers to get to school safely.

"To make sure that the next 60 years of service are as successful as the previous 60, we need people to come forward and apply for the roles at the seven sites where there are vacancies."

Roles are available at Bathampton Primary, Chandag Junior School in Keynsham, Combe Down Primary, Midsomer Norton Primary, St Saviour's Infants in Larkhall, Whitchurch Primary and Widcombe Junior, with details at www.bathnes.gov.uk.

Long-serving lollipop man Terry Cross said: "Although the equipment used by lollipop patrols has changed, the service we provide remains the same. Safety comes first, but being able to perform your duties with a smile on your face and in a friendly manner is also vital. It is a rewarding role that I would encourage people to apply for."

MEET this week's pet of the week, Flapper the 12-year-old white-haired Jack Russell.

Susie Chun sent us this lovely picture of Flaps, as he is known to friends, playing in a field of buttercups.

She said: "I have had Flaps since he was a puppy.

"He is very cute, cheeky and loves running, jumping and barking.

"Due to lack of garden he lives with my disabled Uncle and he loves to jump on the back of his motorised trike and the pair travel for miles.

"He loves water, is a very good swimmer and his favourite treat is beef jerk chews.

"After he has been to his groomer, Linda, people think he is a puppy."

Well done to Flaps, he can now go and grab his bag of treats from our Pet of the Week sponsors, Not Just Pets, based in the Kingsway Precinct, Frome.

Would you like your pet featured in out weekly pet column?

Send the details of your pet and a photograph of about 300kb as a jpeg attachment to Frome Standard reporter Claire Wilson, c.wilson@westnews.co.uk

IN Last week's Looking Back we asked for people to come forward with their memories of Frome and had a fantastic response.

Great-grandmother of 11, Gwendoline Gibbs, who lives in Spring Gardens, Frome, found these pictures in a suitcase while having a look through her belongings and got in contact with us.

The 91-year-old said: "These pictures were handed down through my family over the years and I kept them in a suitcase.

"I recently showed these to my grandson, Morten, who thought they were wonderful.

"We often sit and look through them."

There is several pictures showing a May Day march of the National Union of Railwaymen along Christchurch Street West in 1918, a trip from Frome to Cheddar caves, her father-in-law Harry Gibbs, who worked for Hodder The Builders, is pictured in the centre with a moustache and smoking a cigarette, the third picture is of Mrs Gibbs' father's sister's wedding at No 18 Innox Hill, but she is not sure of the year.

She said: "I was brought up with my eight other siblings in Innox Hill and lived there until I got married to my husband Donald when I was 20 in 1942.

"I got married at St Mary's Church and walked back to my house for a lovely spread.

"My husband worked building prisoner of war camps in the Forest of Dean and was lodging there, so that's where we spent our honeymoon – in the manager's house at the gas works."

Other pictures include a rare picture Union Street, which has since been pulled down, where Mrs Gibbs' husband grew up.

The final picture was of a big group of people on a charabang and Mrs Gibbs is convinced a relative is on the vehicle.

Do you have old pictures you would like to share with us?

Get in touch with reporters Claire Wilson or Caroline Wood on 01761 417778 or email them to c.wilson@west news.co.uk.

CHILDREN who attended the Key Centre during the summer holidays were given quite a treat when some very special exotic visitors came along to say hello.

About 35 children were entertained by the travelling zoo, ZooLab, and had the chance to get up close to some exciting mini-beasts.

Joshua Weldon, from the Key Centre, said: "The children loved the different animals that ZooLab brought along, including a tarantula, corn-snake, giant African land snail and a millipede.

"The chap who came did a talk on why some of the mini beasts have backbones and why some don't and explained how animals can be placed in different groups.

"It was a fantastic morning, we had 35 children for the visit and 45 children for the family fun session which followed.

"The children had a great time, getting to see and touch exotic mini beasts up-close.

"Families then had the opportunity to make their favourite mini beasts out of recycled materials.

"A fun and educational morning for all the family."

A sponsored ride has raised more than £2,000 for the Riding for the Disabled charity.

The event was organised by the charity's Wellow group supporter Lyn Doman and the Saxon Dressage Group.

The ride marked the 25th anniversary of the Wellow group. On the day, there was good weather, clear blue skies and gentle breeze, and more than 100 riders took part in the cross country ride through the countryside around Wellow. Riders chose between a three-mile, eight-mile or 12-mile route, some of which was across private land, with the opportunity for long gallops and jumping in places.

The sum of £2,300 was raised, which included £176 raised by youngsters Tyler Doman and Malachi Doman. They presented a cheque to Pat Caudle, chairwoman of Wellow RDA.

She said: "A very big thank you from RDA to all who took part, whether riding or helping. We shall do it again."