The Mendip is a local government district within Somerset that includes Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Street, Frome and Wells.
There is a lot of beauty in this little town.
It's a mixture of an ancient market town and modern industrial area. The industrial part is very prevalent in the east of the town as you go by big warehouses such as Framptons and the Cider Mill. The Cider Mill underwent a rough start of the year when it closed but the cider and drinks making company Brothers has bought the bottling plant which has brought jobs back into the market. The Cider Mill is also famous for it's little gem on the grass outside....
The Babycham Chamois
Taken from Wikipedia- By Wurzeller - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, http://tinyurl.com/yaw4z27m |
Babycham was created by Francis Showering who was born in Shepton Mallet so the chamois figure outside the Cider Mill is a lit little homage to him.
The High Street is quite a nice little walk through the town centre and if you're walking down on the right day, usually every Friday but they are introducing it on Sunday's from Sep 2017, then once you get to the bottom of it you would see a vast array of stalls set up for the local market day.
Taken from Google Images and Daily Mail http://tinyurl.com/y98847m5 |
In terms of little boutique shops and cafe's you have these lovely little places: The Hive, The Coffee Lounge, Denela's Bakery, My Coffee Stop, Amigo's restaurant, La Tavola D'oro restaurant, Peppers and many more.
Then for the branded shops you can travel up the top to Townsend Shopping park for; Tesco, Pampurred Pets (Known as Pet's Corner since they were brought out recently), Laura Ashley, Boots, Sports Direct, Argos, ScrewFix, Co-op and Costa just to name a few.
Opposite Townsend Shopping Park to the East you have the lovely little Collett Park. I've had a fair few trips/ runs around this park and everytime it upholds it's beauty. It has a children's play area and a lovely little independent cafe.
On a lovely day taken from Neville Stanikk Photography http://tinyurl.com/y8v8wln4 |
I debated going through the torrent of water, but decided against it even though I was in wellies. I came across a lovely gentleman who tried to egg me on as he'd just come through it by saying 'you only live once!' I was tempted but I wanted to see how bad the park was so I did that instead. It was definitely an experience as the stream had overflowed and caused the pond to flood!
We didn't know whether to risk walking through the rushing water. |
This was the stream overflowing and rushing down into the pond. |
The ducks didn't mind the extra water space for their swimming! |
The flood had extended all the way down to the opposite side of the park towards the entrance on the A361 Charlton Road |
Shepton Mallet is also along the route of the Somerset Guy Fawkes Circuit carnival. Last year I got to experience it in all it's fantastic glory even in the rain the performers were still so enthusiastic! Some of the carts(floats as they are otherwise known) were exceptional and really made me think about how much work and money is put into this carnival. The majority of the carts are made through fundraising money collected throughout the year and the competition to be the best cart is fierce. Just take a look at some of the stunning images I've taken below:
All in all, Shepton Mallet is a quiet but bustling community driven little town with wonderful countryside surrounding it just waiting and wanting to be explored. I'm definitely grateful to have moved here.
You really can't go wrong with views like these;
Until next time, this time it won't be so long I promise!
If you want anymore information then please visit http://www.sheptonmalletcarnival.org.uk/ and come visit Shepton Mallet on 15th November 2017 from 7.30pm to view this much loved spectacular event! |
You really can't go wrong with views like these;
Until next time, this time it won't be so long I promise!