Autumn 2021
Issue 40
Sponsored by Midsomer Norton Town Council
Updates on Heritage Action Zone,
plans for events in the town and much more inside.
Where ever, when ever
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WELCOME TO
MIDSOMER
NORTON LIFE
C O N T E N T S
MAYOR'S WELCOME
RETURN OF COMMUNITY
TRUST EVENTS PROGRAMME
TOWN COUNCIL OFFICE
HERITAGE ACTION ZONE
SENSORY GARDEN
4
5
7
8
11
H
ello and welcome to the Autumn edition
of Midsomer Norton Life. It is hard to
believe that we're almost at the end of another
year, but as we look forward to the autumn
months, we hope that more of our favourite
events can return and life becomes a bit more
normal.
In this issue, you can find out more about upcoming
events at the Town Park Amphitheatre and the
return of face to face council meetings among
other exciting upcoming projects.
If you want to appear in our Winter issue, which
will be our 10th anniversary(!), get in touch with us
- news@ignyte-uk.co.uk
YOUTH CONNECT
WELLBEING IN NATURE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ST JOHN'S
WELLOWBROOK WALK
WERN
DUCK UPDATE
AGE UK
CAN YOU HELP HENRY
CONSERVATION
VOLUNTEERS
12
15
16
17
19
21
22
23
25
A TICKET TO RIDE AT THE
STATION
27
WELTON ROVERS
38
A MESSAGE FROM THE CLERK
41
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The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in
November 2021. If you would like your group to be
included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761
410141 before the deadline of 12th October 2021.
If you have difficulty reading the print please contact
the Town Clerk for a large print copy. You can also view
Midsomer Norton Life on the council’s website at www.
midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk
Midsomer Norton Life is produced by Ignyte Media Ltd, Bathway Farm,
Bathway, Chewton Mendip, Somerset, BA3 4LN Tel 01761 410141.
While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in this
publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors
can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or
damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence,
accident or any other cause. Ignyte or Midsomer Norton Town Council
does not officially endorse any advertising material included within
this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or stored in any retrieval system in any form without the
prior permission of the publisher.
4
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR
H
ello everyone and welcome to the
latest edition of Midsomer Norton
Life. I hope you are managing to keep well
now that the regulations regarding the Covid
19 virus are being lifted. It certainly helps that
the vast majority of people have received their
vaccinations and I hope that those who haven't
yet managed to organise it, can do so soon.
Hopefully, when you receive this copy of
Midsomer Norton Life, the weather will be a bit
better than it is at the time of writing this. We're
just going through the batch of wind and rain
storms following on from those few days when it
was scorching hot. Not too good for those of us
who are trying to get some gardening done!
Keeping you up to date with the Town Park,
unfortunately the Lions had to cancel the
opening of the Sensory Garden due to the
Covid regulations, but they have now been
able to reorganise it for 11th September at 12
noon. So, if you would like to come along to
this event, please do. We have had a number of
organisations contacting us about holding events
in the Town Park and they are all being arranged.
If you are part of a group that would like to meet
up in the Town Park for an event, please contact
the Town Trust to get it organised.
I expect you have noticed that several dropped
kerbs have been installed around the town. This
makes life so much easier for wheelchair and
mobility scooter users.
My Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mike Moxham, has
had a number of comments from members of
the public about the state of the old brewery
building at the Welton, Bibby and Baron site on
Station Road. With a construction background,
Mike was the best person to contact Welton,
Bibby and Baron about this and they have
responded saying they intend to carry out a
structural survey soon. So, that sounds like good
news.
Thank you all for taking the time to look through
this copy of Midsomer Norton Life where you
will find lots of information about what is going
on in the town. Take care and enjoy the rest of
your Autumn.
Lynda Robertson,
Mayor of Midsomer Norton Town Council
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 5
A return for Community
Trust’s events Programme
T
he Midsomer Norton Community Trust’s
events programme is set to finally return in
full, 18 months after they were last held.
“As with many other community groups it’s been a
struggle to keep going with the impact of COVID.
However, we have survived and our volunteers
turned out in force recently to run our first
concert at the Town Hall. All we need to do now is
to get the message out there that we’re returning
and I’m confident we can begin serving the local
community again!”, said Alex Davis, Trust Manager
at the Midsomer Norton Community Trust.
The First Thursday Afternoon Social returns to
Welton Rovers on the 2nd September from 2-5pm
with live musical entertainment from Spirelane.
Since its launch the monthly First Thursday has
developed into a popular event in the social
calendar. Local entertainers provide a blend of
musical entertainment, laughter and even a bit of
bingo with hot and cold refreshments available
from the bar. The Social is the perfect chance to
have a laugh, make new friends and dance or foot
tap the afternoon away! Upcoming acts include
Niteshift, Bennie Vee and Russ Matthews.
Meanwhile, the Paradis Palm Court Trio series
resumed in August. These classical concerts see
Jacquelyn Bevan (piano), Lisa Betteridge violin &
Linda Stocks (cello) play a lunch-hour concert,
12.30-1.30pm on the first Friday of each month in
the Assembly Room at Midsomer Norton Town
Hall. Each concert is themed and comprises pieces
of music in a wide range of styles. Delicious
homemade cakes are on sale, along with tea &
coffee. Entry is free, with a retiring collection
towards the cost of running the series.
Meanwhile the Trust are aiming to resume
the Community Cinema screenings from
October. The Trust are currently in discussions
with their distributors about the film lineup
for the Community Cinema with news
and tickets expected to go on sale in early
September. For more information on all of these
events as they’re announced, head to www.
midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk
6
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
Have you seen the new
Greenspaces Poster?
Y
ou may remember in the last edition of
Midsomer Norton Life an article regarding
a green spaces poster being designed for
Midsomer Norton.
The posters have now been installed on the back
of the bus stops on The Island.
The posters include a map, making the town's
green spaces easy to find alongside a few
interesting facts about the Somer Valley.
Next time you are passing have a look and see
the green spaces Midsomer Norton and the
surrounding area has to offer.
I SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
WHO'S WITH ME?
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 7
Town Council Office NOW opeN
A
s Coronavirus started to race across the
world last year, our community faced
many challenges and the residents of Midsomer
Norton went to extraordinary lengths to protect
each other, their friends, and their families
from the effects of the virus. A couple of
consequences of the pandemic were the national
lockdowns and the working from home mandate.
As a result of this, on Friday 20th March 2020,
Council staff said goodbye to each other and
the Council offices which were then closed for
the foreseeable future. The office staff found
themselves starting work on the morning of
Monday 23rd March 2020 at home! Definitely a
new experience for us all. The Town Hall offices
may have been closed, but the Town Council
remained firmly open for business, continuing
to ensure public services were maintained and
running where possible.
Our Town Warden maintained his presence out
and about in the Town and was able to work
outside by following the government guidelines
on social distancing. We saw how hard Dave works
around the Town in the last issue of Midsomer
Norton Life and we would like to thank Dave for
his continued commitment during these difficult
circumstances. Town Council and Committee
meetings were moved online and held remotely
via Zoom, because of a change in legislation to
reflect these unparalleled times. The Town Council
was able to hold all their meetings in this way for
the duration of the restrictions.
After a lifting of restrictions, the Town Council
offices were reopened on Monday 19th July 2021.
Currently two members of the office staff are
in the Town Hall, while further staff continue to
work from home until a phased and gradual return
of all staff by the end of August.
A deep clean of the office was carried out with
every workstation cleared and thoroughly cleaned.
Ventilation was an issue in the office because of
many layers of paint being applied to the window
frames over the years. The Town Warden was
able to rectify this and the windows can now be
opened to let air flow through the office.
To ensure the continued safety of staff and
visitors, we would like to request that visits to
the office are kept to a minimum. Please arrange
an appointment where face to face contact is
required. Contact details can be found on our
website. The office staff are always happy to help
and are available via email or telephone during
office hours. We do hope that the numbers in the
area continue to improve as they currently are at
the time of writing, and that normal service can
resume as soon as possible.
8
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
HIGH STREET Heritage Action
Zone makes further Progress
A
s the High Street Heritage Action Zone
(‘HSHAZ’) programme moves into Autumn,
the project team are pleased to report that
further progress has been made on the various
project streams and a number of key things
have happened over the summer months. These
developments relate to improvement works on
the High Street, support for local organisations
and stakeholders and plans for new community
events and activities.
The first key development relates to The Island
and the specialist input now being received from
engineers at AECOM regarding the plans for the
new Market Square. Over the recent months,
AECOM have been undertaking technical work to
test the proposals and ensure they achieve highquality
design standards, support local businesses,
improve safety for pedestrians and road users and
function well for markets and other community
events. The engineers are currently looking at
the condition of the river culvert beneath The
Island and considering how to make sure it is
safe; this will require site investigations and trial
holes to take place at some point soon. Once
the engineering works and tests are completed
the designs will be updated and shared with the
community.
As mentioned in the Spring issue of Midsomer
Norton Life, plans for the Town Hall project
continue to take shape and the newly-formed
‘Transformation Implementation Committee’ have
been meeting with the project managers to work
out how best to reinstate the ‘Market Hall’ on the
ground floor for community use. At the moment
the Committee are considering how best to cost
and phase these works and also fundraise for the
The High Street Heritage Action Zone outlined on
a street plan of Midsomer Norton
© Crown Copyright and database right 2020.
All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence
number 100024900
later phases, including the new side extension and
upper floors. The Committee are pleased that
tenders from structural, mechanical and electrical
engineers have been received and surveying/
technical work from these professionals will come
forward in the next few months.
In other news, the project team were delighted
to have many business owners, landlords and
residents attend the community webinar
presentation for the High Street Study in late
July. Held online, this webinar gave an overview
of the surveys carried out on every pre-1960
High Street building, recommendations for
improvements within the town centre and the
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 9
associated guidance for shopfronts. The webinar
also presented the findings of the High Street
Questionnaire and launched the Shopfront and
Heritage Asset Improvement small grants schemes.
For those who may have missed this event the
recording can be found here: bit.ly/3frMVNz
High Street business owners and landlords
interested in carrying out improvement works to
their shopfronts are also encouraged to contact
the High Street Project Manager and fill out the
associated Expressions of Interest form.
Other updates include another successful
meeting of the HSHAZ ‘Steering Group’ on
Wednesday 7th July. Items discussed at the
meeting included the development of the new
HSHAZ website, opportunities for outdoor arts
commissions in Summer 2023 and the recruitment
of an Engagement Coordinator to run markets,
community events and cultural activities on the
High Street on behalf of the Community Trust.
If this role is of interest to you, or someone you
know, please keep an eye out for the forthcoming
job advert or get in contact with the High Street
Project Manager or Trust Manager (manager@
midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk)
For more information about the HSHAZ project, or
to discuss anything mentioned above, please feel
free to contact the High Street Project Manager,
Edward Heritage, via email or post (details below).
Email: MidsomerNortonHSHAZ@bathnes.gov.uk
Edward Heritage, High Street Project Manager,
c/o Midsomer Norton Town Council, The Island,
Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HQ.
TOWN PARK Amphitheatre
M
idsomer Norton Town Council have
transferred the ownership of the Town
Park to the Town Trust, whose mission is to
provide spaces for the inhabitants of Midsomer
Norton for social welfare, recreation, leisure time,
voluntary groups, events and activities.
Welton Baptist Church have plans to use the
amazing new 300 seat Amphitheatre space for
song, worship, picnics, talks about the Gospel
and testimonies about God’s impact on individual
lives.
Midsomer Norton Town Council have transferred
the owner ship of the Town Park to the Town
Trust, whose mission is to provide spaces for
the inhabitants of Midsomer Norton for social
welfare, recreation, leisure time, voluntary groups,
events and activities.
Please get in touch with Jo Corbett, the
Secretary of Midsomer Norton Town Trust, if
you are interested in using the Amphitheatre
or another space in the Town Park for an event.
You can contact her by email: secretary@
midsomernortontowntrust.co.uk or by phone:
07873 232437. Her office hours are Tuesdays and
Thursdays, from 9am to 5:30pm
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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 11
OFFICIAL OPENING FOR THE NEW
SENSORY GARDEN
R
adstock and Midsomer Norton Lions club
has had a number of successful
environmental projects, facilitating litter picks
held monthly alternating between Radstock
and Midsomer Norton since 2018, and funding a
grassroots group, More Trees, for B&NES to grow
and plant trees in Bath and North East Somerset
in 2020. However, by far the most ambitious
project for the club has been its involvement
in the creation of a sensory garden with Lions
funding the plants and trees within the garden
of the new Midsomer Norton Town Park. Earlier
in the year the club won the Lions' District
Environmental competition in recognition of
their work over the last few years.
The project has taken a number of years and the
development for the whole park will take more
years and funding in the future to complete. The
land is owned by the Town Council and the site
was given to the Town Trust, who now manage
the park project where the sensory garden
is sited. The idea of a new ‘Town Park’ being
developed in Midsomer Norton was put forward
by the Midsomer Norton Town Trust in 2017 and
approved by BathNES council.
The club is delighted that our MP Jacob Rees-
Mogg, along with the Mayor of Midsomer Norton,
Lynda Robertson will officially open the sensory
garden on Saturday 11th September.
The Lions hope that the sensory garden will leave
a permanent environmental legacy within the park
for the people of Midsomer Norton and Radstock
and future generations and that it will appeal to
all 5 senses and offer a rich therapeutic experience
to people with a range of different needs.
The design encourages a protected, stimulating
place for people to enjoy simply being, working
and socialising outdoors; a place for reflection and
enjoyment.
The club would like to thank all of the people
involved in this project who have made the
Sensory Garden go from an idea into reality.
Sarah Oughton, President, Radstock & Midsomer
Norton Lions Club
12
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
Youth Connect South West &
MIDSOMER NORTON TOWN COUNCIL
Y
outh Connect South West is a youth
focused charity delivering services in Bath
and North East Somerset. In Midsomer Norton
they will be delivering community-based youth
work sessions using Midsomer Norton Town
Council funding.
The project will operate on two evenings a
week starting from 7th September 2021. Tuesday
evenings between 6-8pm will be based at the
container (HUB) at the skate park for a youth café
session that includes cooking and participating
in a range of table top activities. YCSW will be
engaging with young people to develop the HUB
and increase its use. On Friday evenings between
6 – 8pm will be a detached session (on foot). The
team will cover hotspot areas identified from
previous youth work and by the police and Town
Council, such as the High Street.
The sessions will offer young people improved
access to support for physical wellbeing, mental
wellbeing, sexual health and relationship issues,
improved access to employability and training
support and access to positive activities. They
will provide an opportunity to build positive
relationships with trusted adults, have more access
to relevant support services, and educate and
discourage young people from involvement with
serious violence, criminal activity and substance
misuse.
The aims of YCSW are to reduce anti-social
and criminal damage incidents related to young
people in the High Street, skate park and Town
Park, by engaging young people more with their
community and increasing their feelings of
community ownership.
Youth Connect South West, Bath Rugby
Foundation, Bath Area Play Project and partners
also delivered a fun and powerful package of
summer activities at the Astro Courts at Midsomer
Norton Sports Centre, Gullock Tyning. This was
open to all teenagers aged 12-16, with activities
including sports, exercise and creative play, as well
as nutritious food, for all attendees to enjoy. This
ran on Mondays from August 2nd to August 23rd.
Youth Connect provide a range of other services
for young people, such as supporting unemployed
young people or providing individuals with
support with issues that affect them. More
information on Youth Connect services can be
found at www.youthconnectsouthwest.org.uk.
Harry Parsons is the leader for the Midsomer
Norton work and can be contacted via:
harry.parsons@ycsw.org.uk
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 13
A RETURN TO SOME NORMALITY at
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH
S
t John's are very pleased to let you know
that as the Covid restrictions are beginning
to lift, they are now holding weekly Holy
Eucharist services at 10am every Sunday. On
Sunday 5th September they will also reintroduce
the 8am service. St John's encourage the
congregation to still wear masks, and they are
now able to sing hymns – a great step forward.
A new member of the team at St John’s is Revd
Philip Hopper, who has joined in a training post as
Assistant Curate. Philip will be working on a part
time basis, and the team very much look forward
to his ministry with them.
On Tuesdays at 10.30am - 11.45am St John's are
resuming their coffee mornings, so people can
meet for a chat and a cup of coffee or tea. This
will be followed by Eucharist at 12 noon for those
who wish to stay.
The social events started again, the first one being
a Songs of Praise followed by a cream tea on
Saturday 21 August at 2.00pm.
There will be a very warm welcome to anyone
who would like to join any of these occasions.
To obtain more information, please visit the
Facebook page - St John’s MSN community group.
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14
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE SURVEY
M
Midsomer Norton Town Council is
committed to using the most appropriate
channels of communications to reach our wide
variety of customers and stakeholders, including
residents, employees, schools, businesses,
community partners and all levels of government.
The Town Council are eager to listen, review
and check that our communications are being
understood by our community. We are constantly
striving to improve the way that Midsomer Norton
Town Council communicates with our customers
and stakeholders.
Of the replies to our recent survey about this
magazine, 96% of respondents said that they
look forward to receiving Midsomer Norton Life
maxem
eyewear
Magazine.
We asked for your ideas for future features,
and your feedback will help us to ensure that
we are targeting our readership. Your requests
include finding out what the Town Council are
doing to help the environment, news about
volunteer groups, catching up with things different
Councillors have been up to, positive stories about
local youths in our Town and some interviews
with local businesses and shop keepers.
Our thanks to everyone who took part in our
survey. The Town Council has agreed to appoint
a working party to look into the future of the
magazine and additional communication channels.
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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 15
WELLBEING IN NATURE
E
arlier in the year, Midsomer Norton Town
Council staff were invited to learn more
about connecting communities to green spaces.
Somer Valley Rediscovered were funding a
four day training course run by Emily Malik
and Michéal Connors as part of the Natural
Academy. The training was focused on assetbased
approaches to nature connection and
engagement. In Midsomer Norton we are very
lucky to have numerous green spaces around us.
The Natural Academy state that, “our mission
with the NatureWell approach is to find a flexible,
scalable, integrative way of helping people and
the natural world recover and flourish. As we
know, this is vital for all our futures together
as one health”. Natural Academy is a social
enterprise whose mission is to support the health
and wellbeing of people and nature. They have
developed the NatureWell approach from over
12 years’ experience of working with people's
health in natural settings. NatureWell is part
of a well-evidenced learning framework that is
being delivered across the region and nationally as
part of NHS Forest.
The first two days of the course were held at the
end of June at Combe Hay Wine and Vineyard, a
beautiful location, just outside of Bath, where we
were kindly invited by the owners for the training
session. The second part of the training took
place in early August at Greyfield Wood in High
Littleton, another wonderful natural area we are
lucky enough to have on our doorstep. It was
a great opportunity to learn how we can engage
more in the green spaces owned by Midsomer
Norton Town Council.
The aim of the training was to show us how to
help people and communities connect to nature
for their health and wellbeing by disseminating
good practice more generally. By realising the
value of local communities and natural spaces
NatureWell can be applied to help people
connect to natural spaces to develop healthy
communities and, at the same time, to care for
our natural spaces in Midsomer Norton. It also
helps those who are living with challenges to
their health or wellbeing, are socially excluded,
or deprived to access the many benefits that
connecting with nature provides.
After the last 18 months of living through a
global pandemic we are all now familiar with
the health and mental health benefits that being
able to get out into nature can bring, even for an
allotted hour to get some exercise! During the
pandemic some of us discovered a new found
love of walking or discovered new local walks to
areas we were not aware of. It is time to embrace
and maintain this change going forward and to
preserve our great outdoors and appreciate how it
enhances our daily lives.
16
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
Happy Birthday St John's!
S
t John’s Primary School have been
celebrating their 300th year this month
with a series of celebrations. The school was
founded in 1721 after money was left in the will
of Ann Harris to educate the poorest 40 pupils
in the Parish of Midsomer Norton. Today the
school is attended by over 430 pupils who are
enormously proud of the school’s long history.
The 300th anniversary festivities began on St
John’s Day, Thursday 24th June, when we held
assemblies where the children learnt more
about the history of the school. They took part
in a treasure hunt around the school to find key
features which hint to the development of the
site from commemorative plaques, bricked up
doorways, historic fireplaces and the school
bell which was tolled for us all to hear. In the
afternoon we held a picnic on the field in class
bubbles and enjoyed cakes (donated by our lovely
PTA) and party games.
Earlier this month, Alun Williams, CEO of
Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership,
Headteacher Danielle West-Gaul and pupils
from Year 3 officially opened our outdoor
classroom.
This new facility will provide another area of
learning for pupils attending forest school, as
well as the opportunity to move lessons out of
the classroom. Other year groups worked hard
preparing for its opening by helping to cover the
floor area with chipped bark. We would like to
thank George’s Garden for donating a cherry tree
which was planted to mark the occasion.
Later this year the school will be installing a
stained-glass window in the school hall which is
being designed by Edgar Phillips. Former pupils and
local residents can make a donation to go towards
the installation by visiting gofund.me/09844bd6
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 17
Wellow Brook Walk UPDATE
T
he Great British Summer weather brings
the usual mix of sunshine and heavy
showers - the perfect combination for the grass
and greenery at Wellow Brook to grow and
grow at a rate of knots! Since the farmer who
previously, and very kindly, cut the area, retired a
couple of years ago, the Town Council have been
looking for somebody else to do the job.
The four acres of, sometimes rough under foot,
terrain is difficult to cut without the correct
machinery, and we were very lucky to find a local
farmer, Paul, who had the equipment for the job.
Paul was able to cut further into the hedgerow
than had been done previously, and this has
opened the field up considerably. There is now a
larger area for dogs to run in and for residents to
enjoy.
Please do get out and experience this part of our
Town. Our plans to improve the area are still
being considered, so keep an eye on our website
and social media for any updates.
Wellow Brook also has a problem with Himalayan
Balsam, which thrives along riverbanks. It is fast
growing, non-native to the UK, and spreads rapidly
annually by seed. Himalayan Balsam can grow
up to three metres in height, and each plant can
produce 800 seeds which can spread over seven
metres away, or even further if transported by
water.
The Town Warden has spent a lot of time carefully
pulling the plant by hand. The issue is being
tackled at the appropriate time of the year with
the correct equipment.
Our home help service
offers flexibility and choice
to suit individual needs,
enabling you to remain
independent and
comfortable in your home.
Respite or regular care available.
Fully qualified, registered and insured.
Contact us for more details 07714 425461
reginapersonalassistant@outlook.com
PersonalAssistantBecauseWeCare
18
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
MUGA at West Clewes
M
idsomer Norton Town Council have
received quotes and approved the
construction of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)
at West Clewes Recreation Ground. The MUGA
will have a court suitable for multiple sports
including football and basketball. On the outer
side of the fences will be a cricket wicket,
hotshot target, and penalty shootout board.
The Town Council successfully secured Youth
funding from B&NES towards this project and the
Youth Hub at the Town Park. A lottery grant was
applied for by the Recreational Trust which was
successful and they have also contributed further
funds towards the full cost of the project. Any
outstanding funding will be supplied by the Town
Council from the reserves.
The Town Council are excited about providing
this free, fun facility and the physical and mental
health benefits it will bring to the town.
Sight Support West of England
S
ight Support West of England improve
the quality of life for visually impaired
people. They provide practical and emotional
support for people adjusting to living with sight
loss. They support people to continue to live
independently by equipping them with the tools
they need and create peer and social networks to
help reduce isolation.
The charity believe that sight loss shouldn’t stop
people reaching their full potential.
The Sight Advisors are available to offer
information and advice on assistive technology,
lighting, magnifiers and much more to help you
manage your sight loss. They are committed to
ensuring the services are accessible to everyone,
so appointments are available in accessible
locations across the region.
All face-to-face services are provided observing
COVID-safe procedures. Booking is essential.
Please call Sight Support on 0117 3224885 to
make an appointment. Sessions run on the 4th
Thursday of each month, between 10am and 1pm
at Midsomer Norton Town Hall.
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 19
West of England Rural Network
WERN
New Village Agent appointed
A
s we come out from the COVID lockdown
and life begins very slowly to return to a
new normality, many people are very nervous
about what they will find as they leave home
after nearly 18 months of self-isolation. Local
support services, clubs and social activities
have been closed and events cancelled as the
Government asked us to stay at home.
With a glimmer of light now showing at the end of
the tunnel, local charity WERN (West of England
Rural Network) is looking to support people in the
community who have struggled with their physical
and mental wellbeing. They have appointed
Michael Auton as their new Village Agent working
across Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Westfield and
Paulton.
Two teams of Village Agents (North Somerset and
B&NES) are embedded in the rural communities
in which they work, providing confidential 1-to-1
support with information and advice. Alongside
this they work with local people to create new
opportunities for activities and social groups,
and encourage people to move more and sit less
through gentle exercise and walks.
The focus is on people living in rural, often remote
locations. Older residents often feel forgotten
and ignored. They are certainly out of sight as
the social groups they attended have been closed
over the last year. During the pandemic Village
Agents became a vital point of contact for food
and other essential supplies.
Michael has lived in the Somer Valley for many
years and will use his wealth of experience and
local knowledge to signpost residents to local
services, befriending groups or offering 1-to-1
support. He is now looking to connect with
service groups, lunch clubs, befriending groups,
churches and charities, and is keen to come and
talk to readers about how the service can support
them at home.
Michael said: "The last 15 months have been hard
on all of us and we have struggled to manage
the impact of COVID on our lives. Social contact
has been significantly restricted and activities we
took for normal may no longer exist. As the new
Village Agent for Midsomer Norton, Radstock,
Westfield and Paulton, I am here to help any
residents to provide information and support to
access services which will improve their health
and wellbeing."
Anyone over 18 years of age can be supported and
you can self-refer if you are struggling and need
additional support. Michael can be contacted by
emailing michael@wern.org.uk or telephone 07392
700765. More information about the Village Agent
service can also be found on the WERN website -
https://www.wern.org.uk/village-agents
20
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
BATH MIND – HERE TO HELP
T
he past two years have been hard on
everyone, both physically and mentally,
so if you feel like you need support, join the
team from Bath Mind at one of their local mental
health and well-being groups.
The Midsomer Norton Wellbeing Group meet
every Tuesday from 11am until 1pm at the Swallows
Café. It is an inclusive and supportive group that
encourages positive mental health through peer
support and creativity, offering a number of
different activities, as well as one to one talks,
which are facilitated by the group’s organisers.
Bath Mind also run Open Opportunities sessions
at their base on Manvers Street in Bath. This group
supports those with ongoing mental health issues,
allowing them to engage in social activities linked
to the five ways to well-being. This group meets
face to face every Monday and Wednesday from
11am until 1pm.
Young people struggling with challenges, anxiety
or depression or who just want a group of likeminded
individuals that they can speak openly
with are encouraged to visit Safe Space, the
online well-being group provided by Bath Mind
volunteers. Safe Space is held via Zoom on a
Thursday from 5pm – 5.30pm with monthly meet
ups in person.
To find out more about Bath Mind’s work,please
contact the wellbeing team on wellbeing@
bathmind.org.uk or call Becky on 07538 113890.
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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 21
Duck update
B
ack last Summer we received a call from
a resident advising us that several
ducklings were stuck in the grate on the River
Somer.
The mother duck was obviously very distressed
at not being able to reach her ducklings, which in
turn was upsetting for the resident who contacted
us. At this time, our Town Warden was fortunately
able to install some wooden planks to enable the
ducklings to climb out and be happily reunited
with their mum! However, these wooden planks
were not a long-term solution to the issue.
The issue arose again earlier in the summer, with
several very upset residents reporting stuck
ducklings to us. We immediately reported this
matter to the RSPCA (as redirected by the RSPB)
who can be contacted on 0300 1234 999. After
rescuing the ducklings from the area, the RSPCA
advised us that they could not move the duck
and ducklings up stream, as this was their nesting
ground, and they would eventually make their way
back to it.
We, therefore, contacted the Environment Agency
and explained the situation to them. After a visit
to the area, they came up with a plan to install a
ramp with small pieces of wood all the way up.
This would enable the ducklings to make their
way out without sliding back down to the place
where they were getting trapped. We would
like to thank the residents for alerting this to us,
the RSPCA for carrying out their rescue and the
Environment Agency for installing the ramp and,
hopefully, preventing any further incidents.
DROP-IN COVID Vaccinations
A
s part of the NHS Covid-19 vaccination
programme, Bath & North East Somerset
Council offered mobile drop-in vaccination
appointments at various locations in B&NES
throughout May, June, July and August 2021.
The vaccination bus parked in the Town Park
spaces near the Somer Centre. They targeted
areas where there was a relatively lower uptake of
vaccinations, and to rural areas where accessing
a large vaccination clinic may have been harder.
The vaccine bus operated as a drop-in service
so people didn’t have to book; they could just
turn up and have their vaccine, and there was no
requirement to be registered with a doctor. The
bus also operated as a space where people could
come to find out more about the vaccine without
having to actually have it. It was very difficult to
predict what the uptake would be: they had the
capacity to provide up to 200 vaccines per day.
22
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
AGE UK offer SUPPORT FOR THose
who have lost THEIR COnfidence
A
ge UK Bath & North East Somerset is
urging the public to be compassionate,
as we head into autumn, with a recent survey
showing that a huge 48% of older people say
they have lost their confidence, and many
more are worried about the future.
CEO, Simon Allen, said: “We are really concerned
that nearly half of people who answered our
survey say they have lost confidence. Older
people have been some of the most affected
during the pandemic and for many, the isolation,
lack of contact, worry and loss of loved ones has,
understandably, taken its toll. Therefore, we are
urging the public to really be mindful of older
people in our community who may want to take
things slower – not all of us are ready for no
masks and group hugs."
The survey, which went to thousands of residents
in Bath & North East Somerset, has shone a light
on how older people have coped during the
pandemic, what support is needed and feelings
about the future.
Nearly half of all people who answered said
they had lost confidence, which has sparked the
charity to launch an emergency ‘Confidence; to
live the life you choose’ appeal raising money for
more one to one support including tailored
mobility exercise, access to community groups,
chat and check in and practical guidance to
getting online.
Comments from the survey included:
Paula, 69, “I've never spent so much time alone
without human contact before. I have become
very isolated and have felt very lonely.”
Peter, 81 said: “I need confidence to understand
technology and get online. I find it difficult
being disabled and relying on other people all the
time.”
Rose, 63 said: "It is hard making friends when you
don't have confidence”.
Brian, 76 said: “I do hope I can build up the
confidence to go out of the house again.”
Confidence isn’t changed overnight and so the
charity is asking people for regular donations to
support their ongoing work which will see older
people having the confidence to live the life they
choose.
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset want to
remind people that they are here for anyone
over 55 who might need advice, support out of
hospital, help at home or just a friendly chat.
Can you help to support people in building back
their confidence? Please visit
www.ageuk.org.uk/bathandnortheastsomerset
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 23
CAN YOU HELP HENRY?
H
enry is an 8 year old from Midsomer
Norton who loves to be independent
and make people smile. At 12 months old he
was diagnosed with cerebral palsy spastic
diplegia which most noticeably affects Henry’s
lower limbs making him unable to stand or walk
unaided. This has never stopped Henry aiming
for better mobility and independence with his
determined nature helping him along the way.
Henry has received weekly therapy since diagnosis
which has become a big part of his life, teaching
him the skills to sit, crawl, walk with a walker
and now learning to walk with just sticks thus
increasing his stamina to go even further. These
are skills we all take for granted but Henry worked
extra hard to achieve.
Thanks to everyone`s support and help with
fundraising he was able to have SDR in July 2020 at
the Portland Hospital London.
Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery is a
procedure that treats muscle spasticity caused
by abnormal communication from the brain
to the muscles. It achieves this by cutting the
nerve rootlets in the spinal cord, thus reducing
spasticity while improving the range of motion
and functional mobility.
Following SDR there is an intense rehabilitation
period of 3 years and without this Henry will
not gain the full benefits from the operation. He
has been working so hard before and after and
deserves the chance to improve his mobility and
independence.
Just4Children are still trying to raise funds to
continue to allow Henry to access the therapy he
needs and any equipment and orthotics to aid his
independence.
You can help by either donating to www.
justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/just4children/
helpinghenry or why not join in the the firewalk
that’s happening on the 8th October at MSN
Cricket Club.
If you would like to volunteer to walk on fire
and raise some well needed funds, contact
helpinghenry6@gmail.com
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Telephone: 01761 232137
Open: Mon. to Sat. 10am – 4pm. Closed Sundays
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 25
The Conservation Volunteers
AT THE TOWN PARK
T
he Conservation Volunteers (TCV Bristol)
have completed a 200m path over the last
few months at Midsomer Norton Town Park. It
has taken the incredible efforts of a small group
of volunteers to lay 400m of revetment and
move 58 tonnes of hardcore/hoggin all by hand.
Work is now underway on a set of steps leading
from the Amphitheatre up to the Greenway
behind. Twenty-six steps were built initially;
several more days work will be necessary to
complete the job.
Midsomer Norton Town Trust appealed for
funding for the paths and were delighted to
receive £1558.62 in donations. A huge thankyou to
everyone who generously contributed. There will
be an opening ceremony for the paths and steps
once the work is completed.
The Town Council, Town Trust and Community
Trust are delighted with the continued
developments at the Town Park, and very grateful
for the amazing work undertaken by TCV. Please
get in touch if you can spare some time to work
on this, or other TCV projects.
A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Would you like to help maintain
Midsomer Norton Town Park?
If you interested in physical activity outdoors
that will be a positive benefit for the
community then get in touch.
All tools and training will be provided by TCV.
Visit www.tcv.org.uk/getinvolved/volunteering
or contact the TCV officers on 07739447995
26
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
3SG - Community Wellbeing Hub
B
ath and North East Somerset Third
Sector Group (3SG) has been providing
support to charities, social enterprises and
community groups in Bath and North East
Somerset since 2016. 3SG is an independent
charity that has a membership of over 140
organisations, made up of charities, social
enterprises, faith and voluntary groups.
Their aim is to raise the profile of their members,
provide 1-to-1 support and offer opportunities to
influence local strategic decision making. 3SG also
provide hundreds of volunteer marshals to the
Large Vaccination Centre at Bath Racecourse and
are currently recruiting so use the contact details
below if you'd be interested.
Since the start of the pandemic, 3SG has also been
behind the local volunteer response and was a
founding partner of the Community Wellbeing
Hub. The Community Wellbeing Hub is still open
and continues to offer a wide range of advice
and support to residents of Bath and North East
Somerset.
You can contact the hub on 0300 247 0050 from
Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm.
If you would like to find out more about 3SG, then
please get in touch:
Email: Miles at contact@3sg.org.uk
Call: 01225 683087
Website: www.3sg.org.uk
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 27
‘A Ticket to Ride’ AT THE STATION
T
he weekend gala to celebrate the visiting
steam locomotive Austin at Midsomer
Norton station saw four locos in action in some
of the best weather of the summer! The biggest
ever gala saw resident Class 08 and 03 Diesel
Shunters working alongside unique Sentinel
steam locomotive ‘Joyce’ and the visiting Kitson
0-6-0ST ‘Austin 1’.
There was an intensive timetable that saw
both freight and passenger services, with all
combination of locos in action. Two vintage buses
were on site assisting with transport to and from
the gala. The Wickham Trolley was also put to
work providing a ride within the confines of the
station yard.
Austin has been hauling passenger services every
summer weekend and will be a major part of the
autumn Gala on the 22nd to the 24th October. An
extra treat this year are Driver Experience courses
on Austin on September the 4th and 18th. Looking
forwards, bookings will soon be available on the
website for Santa Specials on all the December
weekends.
People have been very welcome over the summer
weekends and volunteers at the station would
like to thank all the visitors who have made all
their hard work worth while.
You can get your ‘Ticket to Ride’ on the website
or why not join the team as a working volunteer?
Booking for all events and rides is through the
website, sdjr.co.uk
THINK BIG
SHOP SMALL
=
JOBS, COMMUNITY
INVESTMENT, BUSINESS
28
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
Wheelchair & Pushchair Access
in Midsomer Norton
M
idsomer Norton Town Council has
always been keen for all its residents to be
able to enjoy as much of the town as possible.
Many steps have been taken to ensure better
access to as many of the town's public areas as
possible. However, it had been reported to us
that there was an issue with access to the Town
Park, because of the lack of dropped kerbs in the
area.
Councillor Steve Plumley contacted B&NES
Council and arranged to meet with one of their
officers, along with Councillor Mike Moxham
for some practical advice, to discuss suitable
locations. B&NES Council granted permission for
the works to go ahead, and the dropped kerbs
have now been installed, making it easier for
wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs to
access the Town Park and the Somer Centre.
Another area that was notified to us as proving
difficult to access, was the entrance to Hayes
Road, as there was not enough room to negotiate
the bars. The bars in Hayes Road have reportedly
been an issue for years but it was recently brought
to our attention again by a resident. The bars were
so close together as to not allow some of the
newer children’s buggies and mobility scooters to
get through.
Councillors Steve Plumley and Mike Moxham
again met up with the B&NES Council's Highway
Inspector, and they have now installed new bars
with an increased space between them to make
access into and out of Hayes Road much easier.
We would like to thank B&NES Council and their
officers for their assistance in making the areas
more accessible.
DUSTLAND FAIRYTALE
ANTIQUES & RESTORATION
Furniture • Vintage Toys • Silver Objects • Glassware
Ceramic Items • Jewellery • Vintage Coins • Lighting
Unusual & Rare Objects • Bric-a-brac ... etc.
All types of furniture restored/repaired (free quote)
Free valuations given for insurance or selling.
For enquiries, please phone Sean on: 07454 972 973
129 High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DA
(next to One Stop shop)
Open: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
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From fashion and
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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 29
HELP Stop Anti-Social Behaviour
T
he Town Council are disappointed to
continue to deal with anti social behavior
at West Clewes and the Town Park. In recent
weeks the trampoline has been broken, bottles
smashed, litter left and individuals have been
drunk and disorderly. Broken glass is a serious
health and safety risk, especially so close to a
park where children are playing and where dogs
are frequently walked. The Town Warden quickly
responds to reports of broken glass to ensure no
one is injured.
CCTV in both areas have recently been upgraded
and blind spots have been removed. Due to this
upgrade the office staff are now able to download
good quality footage to send to the police. The
police have been taking the footage to the local
schools in a bid to identify those youths who
appear on the footage. In three recent instances
the youths have been identified and the parents
have been informed of their children’s behaviour.
Two Community Resolution Orders have been
raised and two youths now have a six month ban
from entering West Clewes.
Each time an instance of anti-social behaviour is
reported the office staff must take time out of
their busy schedules to trawl through the CCTV
and download the appropriate footage. The Town
Warden spends a large
part of his time repairing
the damage caused or the
clearing up. At times the
damage is severe and the
Town Council must pay
a contractor to make the
repairs.
All this is costing the Town Council money. The
funds received by the Council come from the
Town’s residents' council tax. Spending money on
repairs takes away funds for other projects that
make the town a better place to live in.
The Town Council have been working closely
with the police in combating this unacceptable
behaviour, including patrols taking place. The
police are eager to speak with those mistreating
these areas and educate them on the impact of
anti-social behaviour.
With the summer holidays upon us, the Council
would like the open areas to be enjoyed by the
community as a whole and for residents not to be
put off by anyone being a nuisance or causing a
disturbance.
If you witness any anti-social behaviour, please
contact the Police on 101.
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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 31
SOMER VALLEY FM is BLOOMING!
S
omer Valley FM, the local radio station for
North East Somerset, based in Midsomer
Norton, have had their gardens further developed
and spruced up by the Prince's Trust 2 Team from
Bath College.
The team, based on the Somer Valley campus,
initially cleaned and cleared the area, renovated
existing borders, planted afresh and even designed
and built a lit path.
Ben Perry, Prince's Trust Team Leader was
delighted with the results. "The team were
brilliant in planning and completing the garden
redevelopment very quickly. Working well
together, I’m sure the skills they are gaining as part
of the Prince's Trust training will help them in their
future careers."
The Prince's Trust Team is Sophie, AnnMarie,
Ashleigh, Liam, Callie and Nathanial.
Richard Burgess, Station Manager, commented:
"We have a great relationship with Bath College,
across all the campuses. It’s important to me
and our team that we encourage our young,
local people wherever we can, from gardening
through to media presenting. The students were
a pleasure to be around – I hope they can find
the right opportunities for themselves when their
education is complete."
The Prince's Trust next programme starts 27
September, finishing 17 December.
To contact your local radio station: 01761 411755,
studio@somervalleyfm.co.uk, or find us on social
media.
32
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
Join the WELTON RUNNERS
W
ould you like to make new friends and
have company when you’re exercising?
'Welton Church Runners' could be the group for
you!
We meet every Saturday morning, 9am outside of
the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton. Everyone
is welcome, whatever your age (children must
be accompanied by adults). The group follows
various circuits around Midsomer Norton Town
Park, depending on ability. Some of the runners
have also recently been part of a fantastic
volunteer team adding a new path, linking the
existing routes, to create different options. For
those wanting to do a little extra, some of the
group are also doing Couch to 5k and would love
to offer encouragement and support. Others
also sometimes meet in the week for time trials.
Whether or not you’re ready for going the “extra
mile”, coffee and cake with new friends at a nearby
café is a popular option after running together
on Saturdays - it would be great to see you. If you
would like more information or would like to join,
please contact eugene.kertzman@weltonchurch.
org.uk
ANDREW JAMES
CARVED
STONE
LETTERS
- keeping tradition alive -
MEMORIAL MASONRY,
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HEADSTONE RESTORATION
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We will work with you to sympathetically design, produce and install a personal
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cremation tablets and vases available in a wide range of slate, stone and granite.
We also offer headstone restoration services.
WWW.CARVEDSTONELETTERS.CO.UK
PHONE: 01749 840 869 / 07966 366 816 EMAIL: andrew@carvedstoneletters.co.uk
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 33
MIDSOMER NORTON RUGBY CLUB
A
s summer turns to autumn, excitement
builds as Midsomer Norton Rugby Club
prepare to play their first matches for almost
eighteen months.
The First XV begin their season in Cheltenham on
Saturday 4th September, before the first chance
to catch them at home the following Saturday
against Chipping Sodbury. The Second and Third
XVs have slightly longer to wait, starting their
league campaigns on Saturday 25th September.
The Junior Section continues to thrive with the
pitches at Norton Down full of youth players
of all ages enjoying training on Sundays. With
coronavirus restrictions easing the clubhouse has
now fully reopened and families are enjoying its
new look after a volunteer-led refurbishment.
Behind the scenes there have been changes with
Neil Denning stepping down as Chairman after
an incredible nineteen-year stint in the role. Alex
Davis was elected as the club’s first new Chairman
for almost two decades.
The club have recognised the contributions to
the club of Neil Denning, Bob Ladd and Simon
Mollison with the award of Life Memberships.
The contribution of the three individuals will be
celebrated at an event this Autumn.
The rugby club welcomes new members and
players of all ages and abilities. For more
information head to
www.midsomernortonrfc.co.uk
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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 35
RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT – THE
CHIEF SCOUTS BRONZE AWARDS
F
or so many people, this has been a
challenging year. Trying to run a Beavers
group (the youngest section in Scouting for ages
6-8 years) has pushed the leader’s ingenuity to
the limit!
With imagination aplenty, the Beaver leaders
of 1st Midsomer Norton Scouts have managed
programmes that allowed the young people
to have fun and continue to gain their badges.
Thanks to the wonders of Zoom, there have
been visits by the police and fire services, plus a
magician and even a pantomime.
With lockdown easing, all the groups at 1st
Midsomer Norton Scouts have been able to meet
back face to face. Last week saw the end of the
Beavers' year, with a family party in the park.
Over 100 badges were given out to the group,
including some very special badges. Five Beavers
achieved the top award which can be presented
at Beavers, the Chief Scouts' Bronze Award. Huge
congratulations go to Ollie, Charlie, Ed, and Zach.
Amelie, aged 8, not only achieved this award, but
she managed to attain every badge that Beavers
has to offer. A total of 22 activity and 6 challenge
badges, from first aid and road safety to hikes,
fires, and cooking.
Martyn Rayner, the Beavers Leader for Ottawa
group, said: “We are so proud of Amelie’s
achievement. She has hardly missed a session in
the past two years and joined in every activity
with a big smile on her face. We will miss those
leaving us this term, but hope they enjoy Cubs and
stay within the Scouting movement for years to
come.”
If you are interested in your children joining 1st
Midsomer Norton Scouts, please send their details
to joiners@midsomernortonscouts.org.uk or for
further details on joining or volunteering please
visit our website: midsomernortonscouts.org.uk
36
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
Gardening in the sunshine
SWALLOW Charity
S
WALLOW is a local charity supporting
teenagers and adults with learning
disabilities. SWALLOW members and staff have
been busy getting out and about and enjoying the
good weather. The SWALLOW horticulture group
have been planting up hanging baskets and also
making a ladybird bug house.
If you would like to know more about SWALLOW’s
work please go to www.swallowcharity.org.
Registered charity
number 1045893.
The charity relies on
donations to be able
to continue its work in
Midsomer Norton. If you
would like to support the
charity by making a gift or
fundraising please contact
Nicky Tew on nickyt@
swallowcharity.org.
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 37
SOMER VALLEY FOODbank
D
ue to the sale of our existing warehouse,
the Somer Valley Foodbank needs to find a
new storage facility that can hold up to 7 tonnes
of non-perishable food. We need a space that is
about 1,500 square feet in size.
We are appealing to the local business community
for help in this matter and if anyone knows of
or has a premises that we could use, please
could they contact the Somer Valley Foodbank
Chairman, Paul Woodward, on 07729523986 or
email info@somervalley.foodbank.org.uk.
“We need this matter resolved as soon as possible,
as we have to leave the present warehouse by the
end of the year. The foodbank management team
would like to thank our landlord who has been
most generous and helpful with the arrangement
we have and it is just unfortunate that we have to
leave. It has been a very useful warehouse for us
to have for the last year. We fully understand the
need to sell the facility but we just do not have
the funds to purchase it,” said Paul Woodward.
The Foodbank provides three days of emergency
food to people who need it the most.
Professionals such as health visitors, social workers
and the CAB identify people in crisis and issue
them with a Foodbank voucher. This all done via
phone calls and electronic vouchers.
The voucher can be taken to a Foodbank
distribution centre, in Midsomer Norton,
Peasedown, Paulton or Radstock, where a friendly
team of volunteers will help people with their
food needs.
With more than 70 volunteers collecting and
transporting food, helping in distribution centres
and providing support to those who visit, the
Somer Valley Foodbank is one of the biggest
volunteer-led projects in Bath and North East
Somerset.
Of the 2,000 people who receive help each year,
they are referred to the Foodbank for a variety of
reasons, such as being on a low income, benefit
delays, benefit changes, debt, ill health and
unemployment, etc.
“We would also like to thank the local press for
their continued support and to the community
who continue to donate food for us to hand out
to those who are referred to us by local agencies.
We are now calling on the community for help in
finding a new warehouse,” added Paul Woodward.
For more information about the Somer Valley
Foodbank, visit www.somervalley.foodbank.org.
uk, email info@somervalley.foodbank.org.uk or call
07729523986
38
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
GOOD NEWS FROM Welton Rovers
W
elton Rovers’ season has got off to a
fantastic start with the Midsomer Norton
team winning the Fry Club Cup for the first time
in the club’s history.
The prestigious pre-season tournament has been
won by the likes of Bristol City and Bristol Rovers
in the past, and celebrated it’s 50th instalment
this year. Rovers will go down in the competition’s
history as the milestone winners after a 2-1 victory
over Mendip Broadwalk in the showpiece final.
Welton Rovers Confirm New Club Sponsor
Welton Rovers are delighted to announce Sam
Chivers Estate Agents as the club’s new Primary
Sponsor.
Sam Chivers Estate Agents are local experts in
residential property sales, lettings, commercial
lettings and land of all types in the postcode areas
of BA3, BA2 and BS39.
As part of the new sponsorship deal, the Sam
Chivers logo will adorn Welton Rovers’ brand new
Nike manufactured home kit, which the club wore
in their opening leaguefixture at Odd Down.
Rovers' chairperson, Malcom Price, said of the new
relationship: “There is no better company for us
to have started this relationship with than Sam
Chivers Estate Agents. Their work is everywhere
to see within our community, and for our football
club to receive their support is a massive boost to
us going forward, as well as a further commitment
to their work within our local area”.
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 39
MIDSOMER NORTON TOWN TRUST
T
he Town Council has transferred three
of its assets to the Town Trust, the
charity established in 2014 to provide facilities
for recreation for the inhabitants of Midsomer
Norton. The Trust has now added to its assets the
Town Park and Somer Centre in Gullock Tyning,
and the Silver Street Nature Reserve. The Trustees
will seek to maintain these spaces for the use of
groups and residents of Midsomer Norton, in line
with the Trust's charitable objects.
The Town Trust is currently working closely
with the Town Council on the Town Hall
Transformation Project, which is seeking to
improve the operational challenges at this building
in the heart of the Town. The Town Hall offers
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We are pleased to supply our customers
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our prize-winning pies and sausages,
plus our famous faggots!
Shop opening hours:
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Phone orders taken Mon-Fri 7am-5pm
(for collection during above shop opening hours)
or visit our Facebook page
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Tel: 01761 412109
a range of spaces for community use but the
addition and partition of rooms over its 150 year
history make the building difficult to use and it
is in a poor state of repair. The proposal being
implemented is a transformation of the building
to reinstate the original ground floor Market Hall
and construction of a rear extension for offices,
community meeting rooms, storage and service
rooms.
These current projects, along with the ongoing
management of St Chad’s Well and the Orchard
Hall are keeping the Trustees and the Town Trust
Secretary busy and hold the promise of exciting
opportunities to come for the communities of
Midsomer Norton.
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40
MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
Silver Street Nature Reserve
F
or the last couple of years we have been
feeling the benefit of our wild open
spaces. In Midsomer Norton we have the
wonderful Town Park and the Silver Street Nature
Reserve as well as other areas in walking distance.
We have found that being in contact with our
natural side feeds the mind, body and soul and
listening to bird song is just a joy. Walking is also
good for us too.
So many people come to the Nature Reserve in
Silver Street and are pleasantly surprised with
what they find there. A lovely cool woodland
with the glint of the pond appearing through the
trees and the spring ever flowing even in the dry
weather. The meadow is full of wildflowers and,
facing south, is a wonderful place to sit a while
and look over Midsomer Norton.
We have had our assessment from It’s your
Neighbourhood (In Bloom) and hope for a
favourable result; the judge was very impressed
with the work our volunteers have achieved this
year. So come along and see for yourself what you
are missing!
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MIDSOMER NORTON LOCAL LIFE 41
A MESSAGE
FROM THE CLERK
I hope this edition of Midsomer Norton Life finds
you well and you enjoyed the summer months.
As you will have read earlier in this issue, the staff
of Midsomer Norton Town Council have started
to return to the office after a long 18 months
of working remotely. With COVID cases rising
locally, we must all continue to act to control the
spread of the virus, to keep ourselves and others
as safe as we can. If you do need to see us, please
make an appointment, or continue to contact us
via email or by phone; we are always happy to
help where we can.
You will have read that Anti-Social Behaviour is
continuing to have an impact in the Town. While
we are aware that it is a small minority causing
issues, the consequences affect us all at the end
of the day. Should you see anything of concern
then please report it to the Police on 101. This is
not an emergency number for incidents requiring
an immediate response but can be used to report
a crime or incident. As another example, we have
had reports of cars parking in locations likely to
cause an obstruction – this too can be reported
on 101.
Similar to 101 in a sense that you can report an
issue requiring attention, is the Bath and North
East Somerset Council Fix My Street website -
https://fix .bathnes.gov.uk. Here you can report
problems with roads, pavements, parks, litter and
fly tipping, and overhanging vegetation to name
but a few, for all locations in Bath and North East
Somerset.
Recent installations in the Town have included a
new bus timetable at Redlands Terrace. This was
requested by a resident early last year and was
delayed because of the pandemic. New bars have
been fitted between Hayes Road and Northmead
Road, allowing mobility scooters and buggies
better access. The Somer Valley greenspace
posters are now up in Midsomer Norton, Radstock
and Westfield. The poster in Midsomer Norton
can be seen on the back of the bus stop on The
Island detailing the green spaces in our area.
Finally, a new server has been installed at the Town
Hall, for increased service reliability for its users.
In other news, all revenue grant payments have
been made and letters sent to the recipients.
Please see the Midsomer Norton Town Council
Grant Policy on the website to see if your local
voluntary or community group might be eligible
for financial help. We are also continuing to
investigate funding for the planned improvement
works at Wellow Brook, including potential
funding from S106 monies, the Duchy of Cornwall
and Somer Valley Rediscovered.
With Wellow Brook Walk also in mind, we have
been advised by Somer Valley Rediscovered that
as part of the new Environment Bill, developers
will need to demonstrate part 10% Biodiversity
Net Gain (BNG) on qualifying developments.
Ideally this net gain of biodiversity is delivered
on-site but, in some instances, where this is
impossible, they may be allowed to achieve this
10% increase off-site. In return for the off-site
improvements the developer must provide
funding for a minimum of 30 years management to
achieve stated habitat creation and improvements.
We have nominated the Town Park and Wellow
Brook Walk as potential areas to take advantage
of this funding and are waiting to hear from the
B&NES ecologist.
Please continue to keep up to date with what
the Town Council are doing by having a look at
our website and social media pages, which are
updated regularly. I would also like to take the
opportunity to let you know that (at the time of
writing) the Full Council, Planning Committee, and
Finance and Operations Committee meetings due
to take place in September, will see a return of
meetings in person, and all details will be found
on the website in due course.
42
LOCAL LIFE
YOUR TOWN
COUNCILLORS
Midsomer Norton Town Council
Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton
Bath BA3 2HQ - 01761 418701
townclerk@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk
midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk
Cllr Lynda Robertson
(Mayor)
07912 516223
lyndaroberston@midsomer
nortontowncouncil.co.uk
Cllr Michael Moxham
(Deputy Mayor)
01761 419960
07593 185850
mikemoxham@midsomer
nortontowncouncil.co.uk
Cllr Lynne Clement
07855 037805
01761 414003
lynneclement@midsomer
nortontowncouncil.co.uk
Cllr Michael Evans
01761 235996
michaelevans@midsomer
nortontowncouncil.co.uk
Cllr Sue Graham
07896 411 840
suegraham@midsomernorton
towncouncil.co.uk
Cllr Christian Griffiths
07568 482261
christiangriffiths@midsomer
nortontowncouncil.co.uk
Cllr Brian Lawrence
(Chair of Finance and
Operations Committee)
07701 007 277
brianlawrence@midsomer
nortontowncouncil.co.uk
Cllr Gordon Mackay
(Chair of Planning
Committee)
07806 604 302
gordonmackay@midsomer
nortontowncouncil.co.uk
Cllr Pete Mocock
07891 380197
petemocock@midsomer
nortontowncouncil.co.uk
Cllr Steve Plumley
07913 952901
steveplumley@midsomer
nortontowncouncil.co.uk
Cllr Richard Robertson
07511 413721
richardrobertson@midsomer
nortontowncouncil.co.uk