Midsomer Norton Life, Summer 2024

A friendly, well established Local Garage in Paulton providing General repairs, Servicing, Air conditioning, MOT testing, Diagnostics, Tyres, Wheel Alignment & Exhausts, Vehicle breakdown and recovery

We also specialise in Engine ECU Remapping, Performance Tuning, Custom LONGLIFE Stainless Exhausts, Classic Car Restoration and Dinitrol Under Body Protection.

SCentral Garage has been providing vehicle repair services in Paulton for generations. Starting with Mr Frank A Raisey, a builder, who built Central Garage in Paulton’s High Street in 1945, to offer car and motorcycle repairs. The company was taken over in 1955 by Ron Laurence, who introduced the fuel filling station and Gerald Knight joined the company in 1962.

ummer is here!

Welcome to the summer issue, in this edition of Midsomer Norton Life, you'll find details of summer walks, updates from local groups and a little quiz to test your knowledge of the summer season!

Want to appear in the next issue? Get in touch with us before the 23rd July by emailing news@ ignyte-uk.co.uk!

Berkeley Motor Company (Berkeley Coaches) took ownership in 1972, moving the workshop to its current location on Ham Lane, Paulton, and adding a small fleet of hire vans, keeping the high street site as a car show room and fuel filling station. A few years later, Nick Cross, one of our senior technicians started and is still with us now.

So whether the weather is on our side or not, we hope you have a lovely summer and we'll see you in the autumn issue.

Central Garage became a Fiat dealership in 1978 and Graham Hodges joined the company as a parts manager. On 3rd March, 1981, Gerald and Graham took over Central Garage, growing the van and car hire agency, renaming it Central Hire and expanding the workshop. Shortly after, they became an agent for Bosch Electronics and expanded the new car sales part of the business. In 1982, they modernised the filling station and later progressed into a full spar shop.

Alan Green joined the team in 2001 as an apprentice and on 3rd October 2016, Alan and his long term friend, Mark Gainey took over the business, turning it into Central Garage (Paulton) Ltd. Since then, they have grown the business

further, modernising the Central Hire vehicle fleet with the latest ULEZ compliant vehicles and now also offers local vehicle breakdown and recovery services.

TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE

RESIDENTS' DISCOVERY CARD

The workshop facilities have also been modernised significantly, with state of the art equipment, expanding into an IMI approved performance tuning and remapping centre. Central Garage has also become a longlife custom exhaust franchise, known as Bath LongLife and a Dinitrol under body protection centre, offering full classic car restoration services. We now have five fully qualified vehicle technicians and we continue to keep up to date with the innovation of new vehicle technology, which is constantly developing.

The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in August 2024. If you would like your group or organisation to be included in the next issue, please contact us on 01761 410141 or email news@ignyte-uk.co.uk before the deadline of 23rd July 2024.

At Central Garage (Paulton) Ltd, we pride ourselves on our longstanding track record of providing effective solutions with a personalised approach which has built us an amazing reputation. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Paulton, Midsomer Norton, Radstock and the surrounding areas for the continued support.

c oLLaboratIvE StEM WEEk at WELTON PRIMa RY SC hOOL

Welton Primary School recently enjoyed an action packed collaborative STEM week, taking part in a range of activities, involving Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Throughout the week, students produced demonstrations that were then shared with the whole school at our STEM Fayre, with the theme of ‘Time’.

Throughout the day, different classes were joined by parents and toured the fayre, taking part in the activities on offer.

Gracie in Year 3, said: “I really liked showing people how our experiment worked, people kept coming over to see what it was about.” While Ruby in Year 2 is keen to repeat the fayre next year and invite other schools to come and take part.

Lyra in Year 6 said: “It was really good that we ran it as we got to try out explaining it to the others.”

Children also took part in the home school challenge to create the ultimate time machine. A fantastic array of entries were received with Rebecca in Year 3 and Oliver in Year 1 receiving STEM prizes for their winning entries, which were kindly funded by the PTFA.

Debbie Stevens, a teacher at Welton School, said: “We were really impressed by the number of families who had embraced the challenge and worked together to create such unique entries. I think we may have some inventors of the future here at Welton!”

The whole school also took part in a STEM

collaborative project. Children from across the school joined together in mixed-age teams to create the tallest tower which could hold a tin of baked beans for 10 seconds using only 30 sheets of paper and a roll of masking tape.

Headteacher, Jon Snell, said: “One of our key school values is collaboration, so it was fantastic to see the children working so well together to solve a tricky problem. A real life skill!”

Tyning House was the winner and will be helping to design new playground markings which will soon be added to the playground at Welton School.

"As well as STEM activities taking place in school, a group of KS2 pupils also attended a workshop lead by Somervale School, which involved the children examining blood cells under the microscope. We had some fantastic feedback and our two schools plan to collaborate again in the future," Jon Snell continued.

aGE UK

JoIN tHE fUN

Age UK create opportunities for you to stay connected, socialise, and engage in the community. Check out what they have going on and join the fun!

Cook & Eat

A friendly, fun way to learn how to cook simple, tasty meals.

Singing for Fun

Come and sing your heart out in our relaxed and fun group.

When? Last Tuesday of each month, 2.30-4pm Where? Orchard Hall, Midsomer Norton.

Sing to Remember

This singing activity therapy group for those with Dementia and their companions. Join this warm and friendly group which helps aid memory and encourages social interactions.

When? Alternate Thursdays, 2-3.30pm. Where? Writhlington Village Hall, Radstock.

LIONS SUMMER NEWS

Lions have had a busy spring and our community pubs and cafés have been helping us to raise funds again for Easter. We had a fantastic result with £2,500 raised. We are so grateful to the pubs, cafés and their customers for being so generous.

The Easter Bonnet Eggstravaganza, which was held at the Somer Centre, also went well, with lots of craft stalls, refreshments, entertainment from the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band and prizes for the children's bonnet parade, it was a super family event. Thank you to Midsomer Norton's Mayor for handing out the prizes and to everyone who came along, we are very grateful for this as organising an event like this takes a lot of thought and planning.

In mid-April, we were hosted by St John’s Church for a musical evening to raise funds for the South West Children’s Hospice. Two U3A groups from Bath and Midsomer Norton treated us to an evening of Swing and Singing Guitars. Heidi Roberts, the charity's fundraiser, also spoke about the work at the Hospice.

Children's Hospice South West operate the only three children's hospices in the South West, Little Bridge House in North Devon, Charlton Farm, near Bristol and Little Harbour in Cornwall. Thanks to the generous people who enjoyed and attended the evening, over £500 was donated to the charity. We were happy to see entries from Fosseway School for our Annual Peace Poster. Martyn Plant, teacher at Fosseway School, helped the children come up with some fantastic entries making it difficult to judge. The theme this year was "Dare to Dream" and the winner was Caleb Bresnan. We felt that Caleb's poster carried a strong and fitting message considering the conflicts around the world.

Still to come later this year is our annual fundraising Duck Race in September, Prostate screening for local men in October and the annual Carol Float in December. Look out for details or visit our website, www.rmnlions.org.uk

SUMMER FaMILY NaTURE Wa LK & SING-a-LING MUSIC WORKShOP

Join Sing-a-ling and the Somer Valley Rediscovered team at Midsomer Norton Town Park for a Family Nature Walk, ending with a music session at the Amphitheatre! This is a fun, educational, and interactive workshop for young children. Only one ticket is required per family.

A Family Walk which is pram/ buggy/ sling/ carrier friendly and suitable for adventurous little legs, takes you through Midsomer Norton Town Park, along the appropriate walking paths. There will be various stops along the way and activities to engage the senses, all based around nature. We will then end the walk at the Amphitheatre for the Sing-a-ling activity and picnic. Please bring blankets/chairs and lunch for the picnic. As a wet weather alternative, we will be inside the Somer Centre for the music session.

Workshops typically include a mixture of children’s classics and original Sing-a-ling songs accompanied by guitar and djembe drum. Sensory props, puppets, and parachute play weave their way through the workshop, providing varied and engaging musical experiences.

Please bring everything you need for your little ones for the walk, including water and snacks.

The activities are most suited for toddlers and children up to the age of 7, but families with older kids are also very welcome.

This is a completely free event, but booking is essential. You can book at www.somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk

If you require further information or have any questions, please contact phoebe_webster@bathnes.gov.uk

SponsoredbyMidsomerNortonTownCouncil

SponsoredbyMidsomerNortonTownCouncil

ROa D TRaFFIC COLLISIONS

Residents will be aware that there have been two road traffic collisions in recent weeks.

The driver of the first crash sustained serious injuries, which could be life changing in the longterm and all were lucky there were not any fatalities. The second driver was not injured.

These drivers should not have been on the road, one of the cars did not have an MOT, one driver was disqualified and the other only had a provisional licence. Neither were insured. These collision were entirely preventable, as were the consequences.

If you know a person who is driving without a proper licence, training, insurancce or MOT, help us get them off the road. You can share information with us confidentially in a variety of ways:

Contact Crimestoppers, either on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Text your local PCSO on 07889 659 028

Email your information to Jonathan_Hardy@avonandsomersetpolice.uk

Drop into one of our many Beat Surgeries.

SUMMER QUIZ

1. Which British seaside attraction is 158 metres tall?

2. At 1.34 miles, where is the longest pleasure pier in the UK?

3. Which group had a Top 10 hit with Summer Sunshine in 2004?

4. What was the name of the ITV holiday show fronted by Judith Chalmers which ran from 1994 to 2003?

5. Thunderstorms are most likely to hit the South East of England. True or False?

6. When does summer officially start?

7. The month of July is named after which famous historical person?

8. Which month are most babies born in in Britain in Summer?

9. 'The First Day of Summer' is an annual public holiday celebrated in which European country in April?

10. What is the first line of the song Summer Nights from Grease?

11. Which feast day falls on July 15 every year?

12. Who was credited with saving 77 lives during seven summers working as a lifeguard at Lowell Park, Illinois, starting in 1926?

13. Which singer was known as the 'Queen of Disco'?

14. Who met and fell in love with Marge Bouvier at a 1974 summer camp?

15. Which novel is told partly by its heroine Esther Summerson?

16. The “dog days of summer” are named after the Dog Star; what is the better known name of this star?

17. What term is often given to a period of dry hot weather that occurs in the autumn?

18. 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day' is the first line of which William Shakespeare sonnet?

19. What was the first name of Clegg in the sitcom Last of the Summer Wine?

20. The summer solstice occurs in the Southern Hemisphere during which month?

21. 'In the Summertime' was a debut single and big hit for which British rock band?

22. Name the fictional seaside town in the Australian programme Home and Away?

23. By what two names is the character Puck also known in the play A Midsummer Night's Dream?

24. Who sang the song 'Summer', which received nominations for British Single of the Year at the 2015 Brit Awards?

25. One Summer, a 1983 British TV drama by Willy Russell, gave which English actor his first break as sixteen-year-old Billy Rizley?

26. Castel Gandolfo is famous for being whose summer residence?

27. What is the Italian word for Summer?

Answers on page 38.

SEND provISI oN froM LIvE WELL B&NES

Explore the SEND Local Offer to find out what support there is available for young people with SEND and their families.

Live Well B&NES includes details of wellbeing groups, social clubs, inclusive activities, holiday clubs, mental health support services and opportunities beyond formal education.

Dedicated information sections signpost to support around benefits and funding, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), health services and how to access impartial advice and guidance from specialist teams.

Parents/carers of young people with SEND can identify ways they can access support for their role as a parent/carer of a child with additional needs.

You can also apply for your child’s free Rainbow Resource card providing discreet confirmation of their additional need, and enabling them to access dedicated activity sessions, quiet spaces and support, and in some cases, concessions to venues across the South West.

Visit the website to find out more. www.livewell.bathnes.gov.uk

School Uniforms

Norton Hill • Somervale

Welton Primary

Shoscombe Primary

St Benedict’s Primary

Fosse Way School • Westfield Primary

Midsomer Norton Primary

St John’s Primary

High Littleton Primary

St Nicholas Church School

Leigh On Mendip Primary

Clutton Primary

St Julian’s Church School

Farrington Gurney Primary School

BUY NOW AND SPREAD YOUR PAYMENTS

SWa LLOW C ha RITY

rEcogNISED at bUSINESS aWarDS

SWALLOW Charity was named Charity of the Year at the Somerset Business Awards on Friday 22nd March 2024. The local charity, which supports teenagers and adults with learning disabilities, was delighted to have this received recognition.

Bev Craney, SWALLOW Chief Executive, said: "It was an amazing evening and such an honour for SWALLOW to be recognised in this way, we accepted the award on behalf of everyone involved in SWALLOW Charity – our wonderful members, staff, volunteers and supporters. I am so proud of what we have achieved in our 30 years. The work that SWALLOW does, supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the local community, improves lives and empowers people.”

SWALLOW relies on voluntary donations and the support of the local community to be able to continue its work. Specifically they are looking

for companies to support their new Corporate Friends Scheme, to find out more about how you can get involved and help improve the lives of local people with learning disabilities, please get in touch with Nicky on nickyt@swallowcharity.org or call 01761 414034, or visit the websitewww.swallowcharity.org.

The summer season is full of fabulous flavours so why not dive into a feast of seasonal goodies like juicy strawberries, plump raspberries and tangy blackberries. It's also the season for ripe tomatoes bursting with flavour, colourful cougettes and sweet peas and fragrant herbs like basil and mint.

RECIPES

vegetarian Green Lasagne

with Leeks and Miso Pesto

Ingredients

• 3 Leeks, finely sliced

• 1 Onion, finely chopped

• 80g Watercress, roughly chopped

• Lasagne Sheets

For the pesto:

• 50g Watercress, chopped

• 1 Garlic clove

• 1tbsp Pine nuts

• 2 tbsp White Miso

• Olive Oil

For the white sauce:

• 50g Butter

• 50g Flour

• 300ml Milk

• 50g Grated cheese

• ½ tsp Nutmeg

• 1 tsp Mustard

• Parmesan for top

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°. Make your sauces; for the pesto, blitz everything together in a pestle & mortar, adding the oil a little at a time until it reaches a runny consistency. For the white sauce, melt the butter in a pan before adding the flour and combine – cook the flour off for 2 mins. Then gradually add the milk a little at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the cheese, nutmeg and mustard and set aside.

2. In a pan, fry the leeks and onion in a little butter until soft. At the last minute, stir in the watercress. Add in the pesto and combine.

3. Assemble your lasagne in a deep oven-proof dish –start with some of the vegetable mixture, then pour a little white sauce over the top before covering with lasagne sheets. Repeat the process until the dish is filled, covering the last layer of lasagne sheets with the rest of the white sauce. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and bake in the oven for about 35 minutes, until the top is golden.

Recipe from www.foodlovermagazine.com and The Watercress Co.

These recipes are full of the best flavours of the summer season and are perfect for either entertaining or having a little midweek treat. So why not give them a go and treat yourself to the richness of nature's harvest, adding vibrancy to your summer meals!

RECIPES

Frozen Fruity

Yoghurt

Pots

For a quick and simple pudding, freeze your favourite yoghurt pots with lolly sticks in the top and add your favourite fruits to make them extra tasty. Yoghurt pots come in all shapes and sizes so you could end up with some interesting shaped lollies.

Method

1. Using small pots of strawberry yoghurt, remove half of all the pots into a blender. Pop a little chopped fresh mango into the bottom of the pot, pop your stick in and freeze for half an hour or until just set.

Add chunks of mango to the remaining yoghurt and blend. Refill your pots right to the top with the mixture and freeze until set. Then simply slide them out and enjoy.

2. Add honey to pots of plain yoghurt and stir well to evenly sweeten, add chopped or whole blueberries and raspberries, pushing them down until the pot is completely full. Freeze with the lolly stick in the centre.

3. Keep it super speedy and simply use your favourite flavoured yoghurt pots. Add whole or chopped berries, stir, leave the stick in the middle and freeze.

4. Fromage frais pots work well for small children, simply pop in their favourite chopped fruit, give it a little stir with the lollipop stick and freeze, again with the stick in the centre.

Recipe from www.foodlovermagazine.com

NEW DYSON Ca NCER CENTRE opEN to patIENtS

The new Dyson Cancer Centre at the RUH, Bath is now open to patients. The purpose built centre brings together many of the RUH's cancer services under one roof to provide a cancer services hub for over 500,000 people.

The Dyson Centre includes the RUH's oncology, chemotherapy and radiotherapy services, as well as a 22-bed inpatient ward, a dedicated pharmacy, a research team and nuclear medical and physics teams. A key feature of the new centre is the Macmillan Wellbeing Hub, supported by a £1.5 million donation from Macmillan Cancer Support. The three storey hub will provide a welcoming, non-clinical space designed around the needs of patients and their families. It will also include comfortable accommodation where relatives and loved ones can stay over night.

The new centre is backed by over £40 million in Government funding, as part of the New Hospital Programme, a £10 million fundraising campaign from RUHX, the hospital's official charity, a £4 million donation from the James Dyson Foundation and £1 million from the Medlock Charitable Trust.

The new Dyson Cancer Centre is located near the main entrance of the RUH and has its own entrance, so patients and visitors do not need to enter the main building. The Macmillan Wellbeing Hub is open from 8am - 6pm and patients, loved ones and the wider community are welcome to drop in for information during these times. Face to face appointments along with specific support services can be booked in advanced.

Sir James Dyson and his wife, Lady Deirdre, paid a visit to the new centre prior to its opening. They have long supported the RUH, having previously supported the construction of the Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care.

After visiting, Sir James Dyson, said: "Both my parents died far too young from cancer, so I've always tried to support causes that involve treating or researching this terrible disease.

"The area desperately needed a new cancer centre and I was pleased we could continue helping the RUH."

SWIMMING C LUB HaS a NEW HoME

Norton Radstock Swimming Club is about to embark on a new chapter of its history with a move to Downside School in Strattonon-the-Fosse. NRSC has provided a pathway into aquatic sports to the young people of Midsomer Norton, Radstock and surrounding communities for over 60 years at Midsomer Norton Leisure Centre and is grateful for the facilities that have been provided by the operators for that part of our history.

However, change is a natural part of all organisations and the financial pressures of the last few years have led to the current committee and club members looking for opportunities to reduce costs and ultimately, ensure that we can continue to provide a route into aquatics for the young people in our community.

The move to Downside School will ensure the long term future of the club and we look forward

to welcoming new members, whether that be the younger end of the membership who have reached Level 7 of the Learn to Swim programme or our local teenagers who are looking to join a club environment. Being part of NRSC will improve stroke technique and build stamina with a view to competing at local swim meets or, like many of our swimmers, join for the love of swimming and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

Swimming is such a good form of exercise and being part of a swimming club is a fun and sociable way of staying fit and entering the world of competitive swimming for those that wish to.

NRSC training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the first to be held in our new home at Downside School will be on June 4th. We are a friendly, welcoming and inclusive club so if you’d like to find out more or request a trial, please go to: www.nrsc.org.uk/register-for-trial/

MIDSOMER NORTON FaYRE

Adate of Saturday 13th July has been set for Midsomer Norton Fayre. The fun filled family extravaganza will run between 12 noon and 4pm in the Town Park and Somer Centre in Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton.

Attractions will include: bouncy castles, face painting, Punch & Judy shows, the Midsomer Norton 7 Radstock Silver band, street organs, goat rides, balloon modelling, music workshops, a skate jam and much, much more.

The Arts Festival also brings its main celebration to the heart of the Fayre. Attendees will be able to enjoy a range of music, poetry, and more from the

best local creative minds.

This year’s Midsomer Norton Fayre will also host the eighth edition of the annual Town Show, celebrating the creativity of the people of Midsomer Norton and the surrounding area. Entries are invited across a range of categories from all ages and abilities. All entries will be displayed on the day of the Fayre inside the giant Town Show Marquee.

For more information, including how to download your Town Show entry forms or apply for a stall, head to www.mnct.co.uk

VEGETABLE PLANTS, ROSES, SHRUBS, HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS, FERNS, HERBS, CLEMATIS AND CLIMBING PLANTS, ORNAMENTAL GRASSES, SOFT FRUIT AND PATIO FRUIT TREES

COMPOST, GRO-BAGS, TOPSOIL, HORSE & FARMYARD MANURE, SOIL IMPROVER, AQUATIC SOIL, CACTI COMPOST, ORCHID COMPOST, DECORATIVE BARK, COMPOSTED BARK, GRAVELS, GRITS & SAND NEW SELECTION OF GLAZED AND TERRACOTTA POTS AND PLANTERS - LOTS TO CHOOSE FROM!

MIDSOMER N ORTON LIBRa RY

There’s always lots going on in Midsomer Norton Library & Information Service and it’s all free, so drop in and see what’s on offer.

For families with children, sing along at Baby Bounce and Rhyme or get comfy while listening to stories at our ever-popular Storytime. These sessions are term time only, please ask us for dates.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge launches on Saturday, 13 July and the theme is 'Marvellous Makers'. All our activities will have a creative twist, with role play and dressing up thrown in for good measure. There’ll be something for everyone! Tickets for all events will be available on our B&NES Libraries Eventbrite page.

For adults, we have Friendship Fridays, a relaxed social group. Have a go at a wordsearch, crossword or a board game over a hot drink and a chat. As well as all our books, we also have free Wi-Fi and computers where you can access all our digital resources, including eMagazines, eAudiobooks and Ancestry.

We’ll be promoting our events within the library and on our social media channels, so be sure to follow us for all our upcoming plans.

Facebook: bneslibraries

Instagram: bnes_libraries

X:bnes_libraries

Midsomer Norton Library Services

Registrar:

Monday and Wednesday by Appointment

Only. Call 01225 477234

Reach Housing, Advice and Support Service Drop In: Tuesday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

Housing Options Drop In: Tuesday, 9.30am – 12.00pm and 1.15pm – 4.00pm

Day Stop Drop In: Tuesday, 9.30am – 4.00pm

Citizen’s Advice Drop In: Wednesday, 9.30am –2.00pm

Future Bright Drop In: Wednesday, 10.00am – 12.00pm

Breath Coaching Drop In: Wednesday, 10.30am – 12.30pm

Wellbeing Service Drop In: With HCRG Care Group & Community Wellbeing Hub. Last Wednesday of the Month, 10.00am – 12.00pm

We Work for Everyone Drop In: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 10.am – 12.00pm

Youth Connect South West: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 10.00am – 12.00pm

1ST MIDSOMER N ORTON SCOUTS

1st Midsomer Norton is a busy inclusive scout group and home to Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers all aged 6-18 years. Our committed group of volunteers support over 100 young people in our community, providing them with valuable skills for life while having fun.

Recently two of our leaders received certificates for their length of service, with Gavin Lear receiving an award for 10 years of services and Judith McKay receiving a 5 years of service award. Also Emily received her Wood Badge after completing her Leader Training.

1st Midsomer Norton Scout Group need volunteers to continue to provide good quality Scouting to all our young people. If you would like to find out more about how to offer your skills to the group, please contact: gsl@midsomernortonscouts.org.uk

Over the past few months our fundraising committee have been working hard to raise funds for the Scout Hall new roof. The work on the roof has been completed and the Scout Hall is watertight again! Thank you to everyone who donated or worked with the fundraising team.

As we continue to raise valuable funds for 1st Midsomer Norton, we would like to share our hall with the community. If you are looking for a space to rent during the day, please contact bookings@ midsomernortonscouts.org.uk

If your child is interested in joining 1st Midsomer Norton Scouts, you can find further information about our groups online: midsomernortonscouts. org.uk or please contact: joiners@midsomernortonscouts.org.uk

rE vISED IMprovEMENt pLa NS for STa DDLESTONES Pa RK

An accessible swing, additional seating and a boules pitch are some of the suggestions from residents that have been incorporated into the revised improvement plans for Staddlestones Park in Midsomer Norton, following a public consultation in May 2023.

The proposed park improvements are part of the Somer Valley Rediscovered project, which aims to improve local health and wellbeing by promoting the links between residents and green space and by increasing biodiversity in the area.

The consultation asked the local community to comment on the development and longerterm management of the park. More than 300 comments were received, including 86 survey responses and feedback from 100 residents who attended an event in the park.

Respondents ranked the most important elements of the plan as footpath improvements, additional seating and planting trees and meadows. As a result, the updated plan now includes new and improved pathways, the addition of a dry circuit route around the park, extra benches and seats, and the creation of meadow areas in the northern field to improve biodiversity.

Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, said: “We had a fantastic response to this consultation with more than 300 comments. These have been considered and incorporated into the revised plan, which you can find on our website. The proposed improvements will help to improve accessibility for visitors and make it much easier for the local community to engage with nature.”

Plans to remove the park entrances completely have been discarded following feedback. Instead, they will be replaced with a lockable bollard at the north entrance off Cautletts Close and lockable gates at the south entrance. This will improve accessibility for pram, wheelchair and mobility scooter users and slow ‘escaping’ children and dogs.

The revised plans also include replacing the football pitch with two smaller goals for a more casual kickabout, which will increase the amount of open grassland, and the addition of a boules pitch.

The scope of the funding meant that the play area and equipment was not included in the improvement plans. However, the council’s Parks Service will replace the existing swings with an accessible swing.

You can view the final master plan and further details of the improvement plans on the Somer Valley Rediscovered website, www.somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk/greenspaces/ staddlestones-park/

MIDSOMER MUSIC & aRTS FESTIva L

Athird annual Music and Arts Festival is happening on Saturday, 1st June, between 1pm and 8pm. Following two previous very successful events, Midsomer Norton Community Trust volunteers have again organised a full afternoon of live music and art. The free event takes place on the Town Park, centred around the amazing amphitheatre.

A strong line-up of bands from the South West, includes local band Spaghetti Mountain, who are headlining and closing the event, with The Pecadillos, Call the Shots and The Brass Junkies keeping everyone entertained throughout the afternoon. Supporting these established bands are up and coming performers from Bath City College, and MNSP Club Rock. The PA and sound management is provided by Serenity Audio, who have done a great job at previous town events.

The Art Marquee will house several artists running a variety of workshops suitable for all. There will also be displays of art work from local schools, individuals and groups, and lots of other free creative activities to keep you busy.

Several vendors will be selling hot and cold food, and non-alcoholic and alcoholic drink, throughout the event. There will also be a variety of information and community stalls for you to visit, and activities including bouncy castles, graffiti demonstrations and activities and lots more.

We are very grateful to our sponsors and donors, without whom we wouldn’t be able to run the event. This year, Backhouse Housing, Midsomer Norton Town Council and Litfibre are our main sponsors, with Mendip and District Round Table providing further much-appreciated funds. We are very grateful for a generous donation which has ensured the event can taken place.

Trustee Martyn Plant, said: “We are really excited about the performers we have booked this year. It is wonderful to see young performers playing alongside established acts that people know and love. We are all looking forward to bringing the local community together to enjoy a brilliant day of music and art.”

c oME a ND JoIN SWa N

Swan Transport depends on our network of dedicated volunteers who are an essential part of what we do, and the charity simply could not function without people like you.

Our volunteers contribute to our work in a variety of ways, ranging from taking passengers to one-off events, regular weekly journeys and ad hoc trips using their own vehicle.

Volunteering with Swan can make you feel part of something bigger than yourself, part of a community and gives a real sense of achievement and purpose.

As a Swan volunteer driver, you will be part of a passionate team of like-minded individuals who want to help people in need. Whatever time you can give is valued, you can take regular journeys or just do now and then, whatever suits you.

There are various activities that our passengers get involved with, you decide what you want to offer. If you want to change lives positively and help people access the community, contact Swan at office@swan-transport.co.uk or ring us on 01761 439548.

Inland revenue rates are paid for mileage and ongoing support is provided. Look at our website: www.swan-transport.com.

G.

Mitchard & Sons

Family Butcher • eSt. 1913 WeStFielD would like to thank customers, old and new, for their continued support

We are pleased to supply our customers with locally farmed meat, poultry, milk and cheeses, home-prepared bacon and cooked meats, our prize-winning pies and sausages, plus our famous faggots!

Shop opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 7am to 3pm. Orders by phone or via our Facebook page are most welcome

Westfield Radstock BA3 3XS Tel: 01761 412109

UpDatES froM tHE TOWN COUNCIL

Following the elections last May, it’s been a busy time for Midsomer Norton Town Council, here’s a run down of everything they’ve done over the past year.

The summer of 2023 saw an influx of community events, like the Community Trust’s Town Fayre and Arts Festival in June and the Music Festival in July. This was followed by the Remembrance Parade in conjunction with the Royal British Legion and the Illuminated Carnival. Also in the winter months, the council welcomed the donation and installation of two miner silhouettes from the Somerset District Miners’ Welfare Trust, which will help honour Midsomer Norton’s rich mining heritage.

Later in November, the Council held its annual Civic Awards Ceremony, which took place at the Somer Centre, and recognises the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations within the community.

To celebrate the festive season, the Council sponsored the Christmas tree and Christmas light switch on, as well as funding the materials for the Men’s Shed Christmas Tree Kits, which were distributed and much loved.

Since the election in May 2023, you might have noticed a few changes, including new members of staff at the council.

Looking to the future, there are lots of exciting projects planned for the rest of 2024 and into 2025 including:

• The town hall reopening

• Developing the Somer Centre into an entertainment and meeting venue

• Refurbishing the St Chad’s monument

• The Withies Lane Orchard and Town Farm

• Further supporting Somer Valley Rediscovered and Silver Street Nature Reserve

If you want to find out more about the Town Council and what is happening in the town, members of the public are welcome to attend full council meetings, which take place on the first Monday of every month at 7pm. Currently, these are held at the Council Chambers in the Hollies, but will return to the Assembly Rooms in the Town Hall once it has reopened.

E NJoY grEat DaYS oUt WI tH a FREE RESIDENTS’ D ISCOvERY Ca RD

The Residents’ Discovery Card is completely free for all residents of Bath & North East Somerset and is your pass to fun, free, and discounted days out throughout our beautiful region.

It’s a great way to explore and enjoy all that our local area has to offer with discounts on activities, attractions, experiences, and places to eat and drink. Your Discovery Card gives you free entry to The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the changing exhibitions at Victoria Art Gallery, and the beautiful Parade Gardens in the heart of the city.

There are also discounts on a host of leisure activities, days out, and things to do including money off matches at Bath City FC, discounted entry to Radstock Museum, 2-for-1 tickets to Avon Valley Railway, reduced bike and boating hire, cut price comedy shows at Komedia, and special offers at Thermae Bath Spa. And if that works up an appetite, you can also enjoy special prices at a feast of cafés and restaurants. New offers are added all the time, you can explore all the current benefits on the Discovery Card website.

Signing up is easy – just fill in your details online and book an appointment to collect your new pass, then start planning your next day out in Bath & North East Somerset. You can activate and pick up your card in Midsomer Norton Library, or alternatively in Keynsham or Bath whichever is the most convenient location to you.

To find out more and sign up, visit the Discovery Card website:www.beta.bathnes.gov.uk/residentsdiscovery-card

Nisi Greek and Mediterranean Restaurant

High St, Midsomer Norton

Tel no for bookings: 01761322023

Eat in or take away

You can now order your takeaways from Just Eat or directly from us using the online button on our website www.Nisirestaurant.co.uk

And do not forget our buffets minimum 10 people £23.50 per adult and £19.00 per child under 14

GREaT WESTERN aIR aMBULa NCE Cha RITY (GWaaC)

Did you know that Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) is your local air ambulance?

WAAC respond to the most critically ill or injured people in B&NES, bringing advanced pre-hospital medicine to the patient, before transporting them to the hospital best suited to their needs. 2023 was GWAAC’s second busiest year on record totalling 1,979 taskings, including 101 call-outs to B&NES. Over the last two-years (2022–23), your local air ambulance was called to help someone in BA3 18 times.

Did you know that GWAAC receives no regular government funding?

GWAAC is a charity, which means we must rely on our wonderful community of supporters to raise roughly £4 million yearly in running costs. Radstock Town Council recently awarded us an incredible £686 grant, which will help fund one potentially lifesaving mission in our community!

What impact will your support have in our community?

Your support will ensure that we can continue to be there for children like Hamish, who in 2019 broke his arm at his friend’s house. It was such a bad injury that it required the specialist skills of GWAAC’s Critical Care Team.

After landing in a local park, the crew rushed to help. Hamish had an open fracture; it was broken in three places. Critical Care Doctor Matt inserted

a thin tube into his arm, administering morphine to control the pain.

Mum, Eleanor, said: “The crew were very reassuring. Hamish’s arm was really quite bent with the bone sticking out. The crew were telling him jokes to help him relax.”

At Bristol Children’s hospital, Hamish had an operation to insert rods into his arm. The family learned that it would take eight weeks to heal.

Eleanor said, “We will keep supporting GWAAC. Matilda (Hamish’s younger sister) has been saving all her pennies to give to GWAAC."

How can you support GWAAC?

While one-off and regular donations are great avenues of support, there are other ways in which you can help.

Attend or volunteer at a community event: Bristol Volksfest, 7-9 June; Bath Festival of Motoring, 15-16 June; Keynsham Emergency Services Day, 20 July.

Donate to a nearby GWAAC Textile Recycling Bank: West Clewes Recreation Ground, 7 The Island, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, BA3 2HQ. Know of a good location for a GWAAC Textile Recycling Bank? Get in touch!

Involve your organisation or group: Raise awareness by booking a talk presentation by one of GWAAC’s volunteer speakers.

Contact GWAAC: info@gwaac.com, 0303 4444 999, www.gwaac.com, @gwaac.

I SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES

Midsomermusic

Live at RIVERSIDE BAR

JUNE

1st : Brigadier Purple

8th : Flick Switch

15th : High Impact

22nd : TBA

29th : Two out of Three

JULY

6th : Soul’D Out

13th : The Spanner’s

20th : Unknown Identity

27th : Oversoul

AUGUST

3rd : Powerload

10th : No Mean Feat

17th : The Groovedream Band

24th : None of the Above

31st : 52nd State

Live at MARDONS CLUB

MAY

31st : Dr Fraggle Band

JUNE

8th : JPJ

15th : Tundra

22nd : Outatime Tribute To The 80s Fancy Dress Party Night

28th : Open Mic Night (acoustic & electric)

JULY

12th : From Jovi – Bon Jovi Tribute

20th : Karport Collective

27th : Hawaiian Shirts & Hula Skirts

Fancy Dress Summer Party with special guests, Sad Dad Club

August

3rd : Franky & The Buzzcatz

10th : The Crash Gears

17th : TBA

24th : Trash Casino

31st : Freeze

Love live music?

Then make sure you get these dates in the diary.

SOMER va LLEY F OODBa NK

The Foodbank is very busy at present with the same number of people as last year and we see that continuing over the next few months. Last year we saw a 64% increase in usage and this has had a big effect on our stock levels.

More stock is going out than coming in. Last month 2,036.24kgs went out (of this total 24.78kgs was classified damaged or out of date) and 1,304.35kgs was donated. You can see that over the next months, we shall be needing good donations from the community.

The most wanted list is as follows; Puddings (Sponges, Jellies etc.), Vegetables (Tinned), Rice Pudding, Spaghetti (Tinned), Mac & Cheese (Tinned), Tomatoes (Tinned), Savoury Snacks,

Sweet Snacks, Children's Tooth Paste, Children's Tooth Brushes, Washing Up Liquid, Household Cleaner, Toilet Rolls, Kitchen Rolls, Dog Food, Razors, Shampoo and Conditioner. As you can see, we need quite a lot of items and they are in order of need, so please give generously if you are able. Many thanks for your support.

If you have any question or would like to volunteer in the Paulton Distribution Centre, please contact Paul Woodward on 07729523986 or email info@somervalley.foodbank.org.uk.

Have you ever wanted to learn a new instrument or looking to pick it back up again after many years? Come visit us in for a FREE 30 minute taster session with one of our many amazing teachers at either our Midsomer Norton or Westbury Music schools

Hundreds of New & Second-Hand

Instruments in Store

Come visit us at our Westbury music store and browse our incredible collection of musical instruments Whilst pianos make up most of our showroom with over 100 different acoustic pianos in store, we also have an incredible range of guitars, drums, brass, string, woodwind and folk instruments available to try with affordable financing and rental schemes available on all of our instruments!

Nationwide Piano Removals

We offer nationwide piano removals at an affordable cost Whether you ’ re moving house and need to bring your treasured family piano with you or if you have an old piano that has sadly reached the end of it’s life and need it removed we offer a friendly and professional service to assist you in all your piano moving needs No job is too big or too small for us so give us a call to get your move booked in now!

Instrument Repairs & Restorations

We offer professional repairs and restorations for all instruments from simple guitar restrings to complete piano refurbishment Give us a call to get a quote for your repair today.

Midsomer Norton Town Park Footpath

Our Habitat Management volunteers have been hard at work building the new footpath in the Midsomer Norton Town Park.

They will be creating a gravel path that follows the edge of the meadow, linking the the two preexisting footpaths to create a loop.

If you’re interested in getting involved and learning some new skills, contact us at somervalleyrediscovered@bathnes.gov.uk

We are recruiting a team of volunteers to help with events! Join us as a Community Events volunteer and inspire people to engage with, enjoy

and learn about Somer Valley’s wildlife through hands on activities and events. If you enjoy talking to people and bringing your enthusiasm for nature and the Somer Valley to a wide range of audiences, then this is for you. Our events are fun and informal.

We offer volunteers the training and support they need and encourage skill development.

You can email us: somervalleyrediscovered@ bathnes.gov.uk or call Emma, our Volunteer Coordinator: 01225 477593.

Whether it’s for your car, home, farm or business, for quality insurance you can rely on, join us today.

SUN SaFETY tHIS SUMMEr

We all know that too much sun exposure can increase our risk of burnt skin and skin cancer, but what can we do to reduce the risks?

1. Remember that the sun is often strong enough to cause damage between mid-March to midOctober, even if its cloudy.

2. Spend time in the shade, especially between 11am-3pm when the sun is strongest.

3. Cover up – cover skin as much as possible with clothing and sunglasses to protect your eyes.

4. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4/5 stars.

Sunscreen – SPF/star rating, what does it all mean?

The sun emits different types of radiation; UVA and UVB.

UVA; can cause cancer but also causes skin to age quicker. Look for the star rating and choose 4 or 5 stars

UVB; causes skin to burn and is the cause of most skin cancers. Look for SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher.

Tips for sunscreen

HOW MUCH: most people don’t put enough on. Use at least 6 full teaspoons for your whole body.

WHEN: apply 30 minutes before going out and reapply every 2-3 hours or after swimming or exercising. Even if it says ‘once daily’ or ‘water resistant’ it should be reapplied regularly throughout the day.

DON’T TRUST aerosols or SPF in moisturiser or make-up. They don’t have a thick enough layer to provide protection on their own.

CHECK THE EXPIRY DATE: look for a symbol with an open lid, the letter M and a number. This tells you how many months the sunscreen lasts once open. Sunscreen won’t provide the protection it promises after this time – bin it and get a new one.

Children

Babies under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight.

Older babies should be kept out of the sun as much as possible, especially between 11am and 3pm.

Apply a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more and 4/5 star UVA rating – there are often suncreams specifically for babies and children which are less likely to irritate their skin. Apply regularly, especially if in water/sweaty.

Hats with wide brims and covering the neck are important.

Checking your skin

Early detection of skin cancer can be life-saving. Check your skin every month.

You should see your GP for any new marks or if marks on your skin are growing, bleeding, changing colour/size/appearance, itching or painful or are not healing.

Please see cancerresearchuk.org or britishskinfoundation.org.uk for more information.

Provided by Dr Julia Hawkins (GP Partner, Hope House Surgery)

Pa RK YOGa

Park Yoga will be held every Sunday, meeting at Midsomer Norton Town Park Amphitheatre, 9:30am – 10:30am with the last session of the summer taking place on 15th September.

Free and no need to book a place!

Please bring a yoga mat and a blanket to the class, a limited amount of spares will be available if needed. Classes are being led by Zen Rebel Studio's yoga instructors.

Park Yoga is for all the family and children and babies are welcome (just bring a parent/guardian if you’re under 18). The yoga instruction is not specifically aimed at children and your children

RH Windows ad.qxp_Layout 1 10/08/2023 09:02 Page 1

remain your responsibility at all times, even during the yoga poses.

Contact somervalleyrediscovered@bathnes.gov.uk if you have any questions.

SpEc Ia LISt rESoUrc ES baSE at MIDSOMER N ORTON PRIMa RY

Midsomer Norton Primary School is home to a specialist Resource Base for children with Specific Learning Difficulties (such as dyslexia and dyscalculia).

We are designed to teach children in small groups with learning specifically tailored to their individual needs. As well as supporting their academic learning, we prioritise children's well being, confidence, self esteem and enjoyment of learning.

Some highlights this year have been:

• Writing letters to David Attenborough and receiving a handwritten reply!

• Sending postcards to our families from all around the world.

• Making and writing instructions for our own hot chocolates.

• Building bows in Forest School.

• Making our own books for other children to enjoy in our school library.

• Creating our own robots.

For more information, you can visit the website www.midsomernortonprimary.co.uk

Our parents say that their child's 'transformation has been remarkable' and 'since his transition to the Resource Hub, his confidence has blossomed, along with his eagerness to engage and learn.'

If your child has an EHC plan and you are interested in our resources base, do not hesitate to give us a call on 01761 412289.

YOUR HIGH STREET NEEDS YOU

NEWS froM tHE ROTa RY C LUB

Midsomer Norton & Radstock Rotary Club’s year begins in July and to date, this year has been very successful. Our fundraising activities have so far allowed us to donate £6,300 to good causes and £2,000 to Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s International charity fund.

Our modus operandi is to raise money for good causes both local and international whilst enjoying ourselves in the process. Community is at the heart of a Rotary Club, for example, in August/ September we operate a sports boot swap in Midsomer Norton. Aimed at young people, both boys and girls, they can exchange their football, rugby and astroturf boots for a larger pair or even pick up their first pair, all for no charge whatsoever.

We also hold fund raising events throughout the year, such as a golf tournament and an evening dance which was great fun and featured the brilliant Mangled Wurrzels. We are currently

putting together a return of the popular Wessex Beer, Cider and Music Festival and even a Gin and Prosecco bar. The festival will be held at Chilcompton Sports Ground on the 7th and 8th of June.

If you like the sound of being a Rotarian, check out our website on www.RotaryNR.org.uk or talk to any member who will be happy to give you more information.

SUMMEr SUNDaYS WI tH WELTON BaPTIST ChURC h

Summer is coming! It’s such a welcome thought, isn't it? A bit of sunshine, BBQs, good music and getting together with friends.

This is certainly what Welton Baptist Church have in mind as we get ready for “Summer Sundays”, making the most of the opportunity to meet outside for a few weeks.

During the summer school holidays, we look forward to meeting each Sunday at the Amphitheatre, Town Park, MSN at 11am (weather permitting?!).

We are a lively, multi-generational church and love welcoming new friends along. It would be great to meet you, grab a coffee and cake, chat and get to know you. There’s plenty for the kids too, including bouncy castles.

Keep up to date with more details of our Summer Sundays, as well as our N’Fest week and all the other events and activities at Welton Baptist Church by checking out the website www.weltonchurch.org.uk

SUMMER QUIZ ANSWERS

1. Blackpool Tower 2. Southend 3. The Corrs 4. Wish You Were Here 5. True

6. 21st June

7. Julius Caeser

8. September 9. Iceland

10. Summer loving, had me a blast

11. Saint Swithins

12. Ronald Reagan 13. Donna Summer 14. Homer Simpson

15. Bleak House

16. Sirius

17. Indian Summer

18. Sonnet 18

19. Norman 20. December

21. Mungo Jerry

22. Summer Bay

23. Robin Goodfellow

24. Calvin Harris

25. David Morrissey

26. The Pope

27. Estate

PAULTON DENTAL & IMPLANT CENTRE

Smile Transformations in Paulton

Bespoke dental care delivered with a gentle approach, in a relaxed, friendly and professional atmosphere.

www.paultondental.co.uk

Tel: 01761 416057

reception@paultondental.co.uk

Ivy Cottage, High Street, Paulton BS39 7QA

New patients welcome • Check up from £59 • Hygienist from £59 Monthly dental plans • Finance available

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

Give your dental health and smile a boost with our wide range of treatments to maintain healthy teeth and help you smile again.

ENDODONTICS

No matter how complicated the case may be, we have professional and highly skilled clinicians at our practice to help our patients.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

We have an array of treatments available to help you smile again and you’ll be surprised at how many options we have for you.

CHILDREN

We provide dental care for all the family. With specialists on hand you can rest assured that your child’s dental health is in good hands.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants offer a life changing fixed and long term solution to replacing single or multiple missing teeth.

DENTAL HYGIENE

We aim to achieve a healthier mouth for all our patients. Get in touch to see how our dental hygiene services can help you with dental hygiene.

PROLONGS