Midsomer Norton Life Autumn 2017

Autumn 2017 Issue 24

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE A

s we enter Autumn, it is amazing looking back at a very eventful Summer. The 3rd Midsomer Arts Festival in June saw the Hollies Gardens and High Street awash with art. Pride Festival was then followed by Bath Opera’s Rigoletto and before we knew it we had Midsomer Norton Fayre, Town Show and M-Fest. And if that wasn’t enough we had a Star Wars Weekend with Darth Vader in attendance at the Town Hall.

A huge thanks on behalf of the Town must go to the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and their volunteers who have quite frankly surpassed themselves this year.

After what seems like a ‘LIFE time’ the old Palladium site looks set to be redeveloped by JD Wetherspoon which is a vote of confidence in the town as our High Street faces serious challenges.

In order to understand better the shopping patterns and needs of local residents, the Somer Valley Chamber, Journal and Cognisant Research teamed up to run a Midsomer Norton Shopper Survey. The initial results are included in this issue and going forward these will help shape policy and initiatives.

With such a lot happening in the town this issue of LIFE contains several calls for volunteers, ranging from the Community Trust appealing for help to run their programme, to new Trustees being needed for the Midsomer Norton Town Trust and Swallow. So, if you can spare time please consider helping as it’s our volunteers who make our community so vibrant.

Cllr Paul Myers Mayor of Midsomer Norton

C O N T E N T S

WELCOME TO

TOWN PARK

4

VOLUNTEERING

9

TOWN REGENERATION UPDATE

11

SHOPPER SURVEY

12

THE LIFE AND TIMES

17

CIVIC DAY

18

COMMUNITY SOUP

21

TOWN SHOW RESULTS

23

SUMMER OF FUN!

26

SPORTS ROUND-UP

28

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

33

TOWN HALL UPCOMING EVENTS

36

NEW MEN'S SHED

39

WHAT'S ON

40

WPA

45

GIVING BACK

48

MESSAGE FROM THE CLERK

49

YOUR TOWN COUNCILLORS

50

The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in November 2017. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 410141 before the deadline of 1st November 2017.

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.midsomernortonlife.co.uk Midsomer Norton Life is produced by Ignyte Media Ltd, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH 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.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

TOWN PARK WHAT YOU TOLD US

F

ollowing a comprehensive consultation exercise, the Town Council now has some very clear messages about what the community wants to see included in the final design plan.

Both open and focused consultation events were held throughout the spring and early summer culminating in a final public event run alongside the Town Fayre on 8th July.

The Town Council had set out its vision for the Park following the purchase of the land and the granting of formal permission for a change of its use.

The vison was: A practical, affordable and inspirational space which is a valued community asset that enhances the land’s topography, views and wildlife including the River Somer and the Conservation Area.

GULLOCK TYNING

Alongside the vision, four key themes were also used in consulting the community – these were: • It should provide an event space and attract visitors • It should be a natural haven for wildlife • It should provide a connection between communities and offer walking, cycling and other healthy exercise • It should be a place for younger people to enjoy The land has been divided in to three “zones” in which the features that the community felt were the most important can now be set out – the zones are shown here:

RIVER SOMER

ZONE 1 EVENTS AREA SKATE PARK

ZONE 3 THE BATCH

CYCLE PATH - FORMER RAILWAY LINE

ZONE 2 MEADOW AND OPEN SPACE

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

A series of key features were identified as a result of the consultation exercise. A brief summary of each is set out below.

KEY FEATURE 1 - A SPACE FOR EVENTS There was really strong support for space in the Park that could be used for community events and could stage performances of various types. In addition, there was support for a specific outdoor theatre capability. In considering the best location for the space for events, the Town Council believes that the first meadow (heading east from Gullock Tyning) represents the optimum location and work will be carried out to develop a detailed statement of requirement for the area.

KEY FEATURE 2 – A NATURAL AREA FOR GENERAL USE There was widespread support for the Park to provide a generous and natural open space which could contain different features and attractions.

The Town Council sees such an area as the most likely to be used by walkers, by families looking for an area to sit and perhaps have a picnic.

One popular request was for a pond or lake that could be used for model boats or offer children a place to learn about nature and ponds. There will need to be a detailed investigation of the optimum site for such a facility given the nature of the former coal pit and the need to manage runoff from it and the River Somer.

The planting of trees including Apple trees for Wassailing was a common theme of the responses. The Town Council will consider how it could involve and engage with the community to encourage the planting of trees that could commemorate people and events.

KEY FEATURE 3 – OPENING THE RIVER AND FOOTPATHS IN PLACES Many respondents requested that the River Somer be made more of a feature of the Park by opening

5

up parts of it so that people could see it, have dipping locations for children and encourage diversity in the wildlife by improving its access to the river.

Similarly, there was support for opening the views from the cycle path to the south of the site by removing a small number of trees and bushes so that the views from this high vantage point could be realised.

KEY FEATURE 4 – PROVIDING CYCLE PATHS AND FOOTPATHS AND MAKING SURE THAT THEY PROVIDE CONNECTIONS TO THE SURROUNDING AREAS There was very strong support for the Park to provide walking and cycling facilities for users.

New Public Rights of Way have already been agreed by B&NES in a Right of Way Order and these can be quickly laid out to provide an initial network. Further work to connect the Park to the cycle path to the south and to Radstock Road to the north have been long-held ambitions of the Town Council and connectivity is considered to be a key feature that should be explored at an early stage.

There was a concern that walking and cycling might need to be separated.

There was strong support for information boards to be installed at suitable viewpoints in order that people could appreciate the surrounding area’s feature and landmarks and the connectivity that the Park might provide.

KEY FEATURE 5 – ENHANCING THE PARK AREA FOR FLORA AND FAUNA There was strong support for the park to enhance the contribution that the current site makes towards the diversity of the area’s ecology. The most appropriate part of the site to focus on this element is the meadow to the eastern end of the Park – Zone 2 on the map.

6

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Myers, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Steve Plumley (right) and Town Clerk, Clive Stilwell (left) on land which was used for the Town Fayre.

the Park could incorporate plans for this nationally and internationally popular initiative which has a very high profile. There would need to be facilities that could support these weekly events such as storage/administration facilities and car parking (close to the site if not on it).

KEY FEATURE 7 – FACILITIES FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE There was very strong support for the Park to contribute effectively to provide younger people in the town and surrounding areas with a place to meet which had a relationship with the skate park.

A youth shelter that embraces the green nature of the site and exploits sustainable technology could be a possible feature.

The remaining zones of the Park should be strongly linked to the principle of enhancement of the wildlife and flora and any applications for development that the Council might submit would have to consider the impact on the ecology of the Park and make clear mitigation plans for any such impact.

Many respondents suggested that bird and bat boxes be used in the Park to offer nesting and refuge sites. These could be sited throughout the Park taking expert advice into account.

There was support for a nature trail to be created with signage that would encourage people to understand and appreciate the diverse nature of the area’s wildlife and the contribution that the Park was making.

KEY FEATURE 6 – EXERCISE AND FITNESS FACILITIES There was strong support for some features such as wood and stone exercise areas that would fit in with the rustic feeling (that was widely supported) as well as encouraging a diverse range of people to take part in more healthy exercise.

There was also support for the Park to host a Park Run – local organisers have been in contact with the Town Council suggesting that the design of

There was also support for a play area for smaller children which might relate well to other suggestions around a pond or river access for children.

KEY FEATURE 8 – A FREE ALL WEATHER PLAY AREA FOR SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES There was support for a games area of an all-weather nature to be provided on which organised and casual games could be played such as rounders. Although the Council’s vision for the Park did not foresee too much developed space, it could be feasible to incorporate a games area that would still work well with the “green space” concept of the Vision, perhaps utilising the events space in an all-weather form.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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KEY FEATURE 9 – EXPLOIT THE BATCH FOR ACTIVITIES There was support for exploiting the land in Zone 3, formerly a coal tip, known as “The Batch”. The topography of this area offers opportunities for activities such as zip-wires or even a ski-slope which was suggested by some respondents.

There was strong support for use of the high ground to site a beacon which could be used by the community for the celebration of landmark events such as the Queen’s Birthday and other commemorations where beacons might be lit.

KEY FEATURE 10 – LOW MAINTENANCE AND LITTER FREE There was frequent reference to controlling litter and the Town Council sees managing the costs of maintaining the Park as a key part of its Vision.

Low cost effective litter control is an essential requirement that should be designed into the Park.

KEY FEATURE 11 – ART IN THE PARK There were a number of suggestions for the Park to host outdoor art such as willow sculptures.

This could help define the Park and provide a unique selling point that could attract visitors.

The town’s growing interest in the arts might offer an opportunity to incorporate innovative features such as wind sculptures.

The Town Council would like to thank all those

who took part in the consultation and gave their views.

NEXT STEPS The final list of features and characteristics of the Park will be considered by the Town Council and the joint Park Project Steering Group. Decisions now need to be taken on how the results of the consultation might be developed into a Park Masterplan and also when a formal request for funding through available funds from housing developments could be submitted.

Once funding has been secured and a masterplan developed, the Town Council intends to commission work to begin the design and delivery phase of the project. Further consultation on the detail of the plans will be carried out with interested groups and the community as a whole.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

“The Best For All Our Students. The Best From All Our Students”

Open Evening Thursday 21st September 2017 4.45pm - 7.30pm

5.00pm & 6.15pm - Presentations by the Headteacher Organised guided tours start from 5.00pm To book a tour during the school day following the open evening please contact headspa@nortonhillschool.com

 www.nortonhillschool.com For details please telephone  01761 412557

Keep up-to-date with all our news on Twitter.

Simply follow us @nortonhill

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

9

VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT POSSIBLE V

olunteering will be the theme of this year’s Community Trust Annual Meeting on Wednesday 13th September and to which the whole town is warmly invited. "What marks the Trust out from many traditional organisations is that it asks for people to help, not sign their lives away and sit in long dull meetings. So this year we are sweeping away the usual annual review and opening up our meeting to discuss ways people can volunteer”, said. Alex Davis, Trust Manager.

Going on to explain the Trust’s philosophy of LIFE: “We have a pool of volunteers who come in to do quite small tasks – often working as part of a team. So for example the cinema team is listed on the event rota one Saturday a month. It consists of two people to put out the chairs, one person to do the black out, someone on box office and two people behind the bar. Whilst they all get a free ticket to see the film – the real prize is

knowing that thanks to their efforts the Town Hall is hosting a community event that in turn is contributing to fund a good cause.”

So on the 13th September, as part of our annual meeting we will be showing potential new volunteers what it’s all about. We’re looking for people to help set our chairs, sell tickets in the box office, be marshals at events, staff the Monday to Friday Trust Reception Desk, help paint the building, deliver publicity leaflets etc. We offer training and a chance to join in with a vibrant and friendly team.

To find out more prior to the meeting contact us today to see how you can help support the work of the Community Trust. Ring Alex on 01761 419133, email manager@midsomernortoncommunitytrust. co.uk or visit www.communitytrust.co.uk

TOWN TRUST VACANCIES The Town Trust, the body which will hold the growing number of assets acquired by the town council, is looking to recruit volunteers to join its Management Committee. Is this something you would be interested in getting involved with?

Whilst the Town Council is the Corporate Trustee of the Town Trust, the Management Committee was created to oversee management of the town’s community assets and include members of the general public.

In recruiting members to the team, the aim is to bring in people with skills to help oversee as custodians key community assets eventually ranging from buildings such as the Town Hall to green spaces including the new Town Park.

However, the Committee will not be responsible for day to day management such as bookings

for the halls or mowing the grass. These roles will be carried out by the Community Trust, who it is envisaged will run the Town Hall or Town Council contractors. Instead, the role will be overseeing maintenance of key assets and applying externally for funds to develop them in the long term.

“Ideally we are looking for people who live locally and who have relevant skills. We are therefore looking for people like architects, builders, fund raisers, as well as anyone able to support with basic administrative skills at meetings.

If you are interested in becoming part of this exciting new team, please contact the Town Trust by emailing townclerk@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk or writing to Midsomer Norton Town Trust, Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton, Bath, BA3 2HQ. Applications close on 30th September 2017.

Thursday 28th September 2017

SOMERVALE SCHOOL

Headteacher’s address in the Hall at 6.00pm and 7.15pm Guided Tours start at 6.00pm

OPEN EVENING

SCHOOL TOURS

Will be available througout September and October. Please contact Tanya Iles on 01761 414276 or email: headssec@somervaleschool.com

Somervale School | Redfield Road, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2JD  headssec@somervaleschool.com |  01761 414276

 www.somervaleschool.com

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

11

TOWN REGENERATION UPDATE:

WETHERSPOONS T

he legalities are finally settled and work could begin as soon as September 2017 on transforming the old derelict Palladium site into a new JD Wetherspoon’s venue. Those who recall the announcement in 2015 that Wetherspoon were coming to Midsomer Norton may well remain sceptical until the construction teams arrive on site to start the £2 million investment creating in the process 45 new jobs.

There are broadly two schools of thought on the issue. Some believe that Wetherspoons will resolve a blot on the High Street by transforming the Paladium site and attract greater footfall – thereby helping to regenerate the town. Others, including café and pub owners, fear the impact on their businesses and/or more drinking in the town.

Town Mayor, Paul Myers said, “It is fantastic that something looks set to happen with this site moving the town forward.”

“The resolution at last of the land issues is a significant first step and I would like to thank both parties for staying at the negotiating table through thick and thin as they sought to resolve complex boundary issues resulting from nearly 150 years of land transactions. Looking to the future an investment on this scale is a vote of confidence in Midsomer Norton’s huge potential.

“I believe this development will help not only bring people to the town, but it will also help attract other big names to boost the local daytime and night-time economy."

The Palladium started off life as part of the ‘Smiths Brewery’ which has a foundation stone from 1861. The Brewery went bust in the 1880s and whilst Welton Brewery bought the site the Barrell Store was eventually purchased by William

Beauchamp to create a state of the art hall for his passion for choral music in the 1890s. As fashion in entertainment moved on the site re-opened its doors as the Empire in 1913 and became the Palladium Electric in 1915 making it one of the country’s oldest cinemas. Fully converted into the Palladium in 1934 in the dazzling Art Deco Style it was part of local life for the coming decades. The last owners of the Palladium were Ken and Shirley Steel who first became involved with the building in 1944 when Ken began working on the projectors as a ‘rewind boy’. Sadly with tough economic times and competition from video and television, the Steels were forced to close the doors in 1993 – the last film screened being Cinema Paradiso all about a small town’s love affair with a cinema.

The site was bought by Moonjuice nightclub owner Martin Sawyer who swept away the Art Deco interior but who then died in a car crash in 2004 before his plans could be realised. In 2008 Bath and North East Somerset Council gave planning permission for the change of use of the Palladium to a club and shops but again nothing came of this and the site fell into dereliction and eventually J D Wetherspoon bought it in 2015.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON SHOPPER SURVEY: INITIAL SHOPPER SURVEY RESULTS UNVEILED

I

n order for Midsomer Norton’s Town Team to ensure the High Street meets the needs of local residents, the Somer Valley Chamber ran a shopping survey in June 2017. There was an excellent response to the survey, a total of 539 shoppers had their say, of which 82% lived in the BA3 postcode area.

Initial results have been collated and present interesting insights into the shopping patterns of local people and will help local businesses, led by the Chamber, B&NES and Midsomer Norton Town Council to focus on the issues raised.

“On behalf of the town and the Chamber of Commerce I’d like to thank all those who took part in the survey, The Midsomer Norton & Radstock Journal, Town Mayor Paul Myers and Cognisant Research for providing the Market Research know-how, free of charge, to make it possible." said Tina Veater, Chair of the Somer Valley Chamber of Commerce.

SO WHERE AND HOW OFTEN ARE LOCAL PEOPLE SHOPPING? Respondents to the shopper survey were typically “frequent” visitors to Midsomer Norton High Street (the High Street), with 76% visiting more than once a month and over half (56%) visiting weekly. Unsurprisingly, Midsomer Norton Tesco was the next most frequently visited shopping destination with over half of respondents (57%) visiting more than once a month. Online shopping was identified before any other location, with just under half (43%) shopping more than once a month and over a quarter (28%) shopping online every week. Bath and Radstock were the next most frequently visited areas at 21% and 18% respectively. (See Figure 1).

Looking at those who visit the High Street once a month or less, the infrequent visitors, nearly two thirds (61%) are still frequent visitors to Midsomer Norton Tesco’s, an identical proportion to those shopping online. A fifth (20%) of these "infrequent" shoppers indicated that they go to Bath more than once a month. However, this is no different to the overall findings, suggesting that the propensity to visit the High Street doesn’t drive shopping visits to other locations, rather it drives shopping activity online.

The other key category is the top spenders, the top 25% of respondents categorised by their overall monthly spend. Whilst product spend is considered in the next section, it is interesting to note that the frequency of visits to MSN High Street by the top spenders remains constant at 75%. However, the top spenders are much more likely to buy online, with 63% purchasing this way, more than once a month, compared to the 43% identified overall. Indeed, nearly a third (30%) of top spenders frequently shop in Bath and the proportions visiting Frome, Wells and Shepton Mallet are all noticeably higher, as shown in Figure 2.

WHAT ARE SHOPPERS BUYING? The average monthly budget identified by respondents was £708. Groceries made up nearly half (47%) of overall monthly spend at £281, with eating out (£60) and clothing (£58) also featuring highly. Looking at these three categories in particular, infrequent visitors consistently spend more than regular visitors. The study shows that infrequent visitors also spend more online, but not as much as the top spenders. In terms of shopping “destinations”, it’s clear that online out performs all rival destinations, such as Bath, Wells, Frome and Shepton Mallet.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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FIGURE 1 – SHOPPING MORE THAN ONCE A MONTH

Looking specifically at what people are spending their money on, groceries are understandably at the top of the list. It is also interesting to note the relationship between Tesco’s and the High Street, in terms of grocery shopping, as shoppers predisposition to shop at Tesco’s does not change, regardless of how frequently they visit the High Street.

Eating out and clothing, together, account for around a fifth of the overall monthly spend.

For both the infrequent High Street visitors and the top spenders, Bath is a much more likely destination for these shoppers than Midsomer Norton. The key challenge for this piece of research is to identify how shoppers not currently using the High Street can be encouraged to spend more of their monthly budget in Midsomer Norton. (See Figure 3).

Given that eating out and clothing were two categories identified as those with the most considerable monthly spend, after grocery shopping, we can see that infrequent visitors to the High Street are more likely to eat out and purchase clothes in Bath than Midsomer Norton.

WHAT DO SHOPPERS WANT FROM AN IDEAL HIGH STREET? Considering what features shoppers are looking for in the ideal High Street, Variety of shops (4.46 out of 5), Good customer service (4.3) and Ample car parking (4.36) were the top three features identified in the survey. Although Midsomer Norton scores poorly in terms of variety of shops (2.27) and ample car parking (3.32), good customer service was identified as the town’s key strength (3.78). (See Figure 4).

Given that shoppers identified variety of shops as their top priority for any High Street, Midsomer Norton clearly has to look at how it can provide the diversity of outlets, offering good quality restaurants, clothing, footwear and accessories, etc. that the spending data would suggest appeals to those not already regularly visiting.

Focusing on what shoppers say they want in the ideal High Street puts good customer service, car parking and price, along with the variety of shops, as the top priorities. Whilst Midsomer Norton High Street performs relatively well in terms of

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

FIGURE 2 – SHOPPING LOCATION COMPARISON

FIGURE 3 – MONTHLY SPEND COMPARISON

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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FIGURE 4 – THE FEATURES OF THE IDEAL HIGH STREET

customer service, access to public toilets and the appearance of the High Street are areas where improvements clearly need to be made.

WHAT DOES THE SURVEY TELL US IN TERMS OF MOVING FORWARD? VARIETY OF SHOPS Midsomer Norton needs to: • Develop and promote a more coherent offering and promote it much harder - in order to become a destination shopping venue positioned below Bath and Bristol but competing with the neighbouring market towns of Wells and Shepton.

• Strengthen the base of independent businesses - by encouraging them to bolster their sales with a much stronger online presence. Key to this

however is better Broadband Access in the High Street as well as the possibility of free WiFi access for shoppers visiting the town centre.

• Develop more larger modern purpose built retail units – in order to attract more larger retailers which the town currently lacks.

ACCESS TO PUBLIC TOILETS Improving actual toilet provision, accessibility and promoting what is available to shoppers represents the potential quickest win for the town.

HIGH STREET APPEARANCE Tackling the state of the physical public realm and High Street premises is key – with B&NES and Landlords working in partnership to have a concerted ‘sprucing up’ exercise.

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THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

MAJOR FREDERICK STUKELEY SAVAGE monument at St Chad’s, which at that time was the corner of the garden of Norton House. The significance of the Well location is understood to stem from the Major’s concern that the townspeople of Midsomer Norton should have free access to clean drinking water from a good well.

At the time of his death he was described as Major of her Majesty’s 86th Regiment and formerly of the 68th Light Infantry. In the latter he served throughout the Crimean War and was awarded the Medal and four clasps, Turkish Medal (fifth class) of the Order of Medidjie and the rank of Major.

T

he Midsomer Norton Society has announced its 2017/18 programme which includes an evening in the New Year presenting new original research on the life and times of Major Frederick Stukeley Savage of Norton House.

The talk will be a collaboration between military historian Sidney Patterson and Society President Paul Myers.

Major Savage died on the 31s March 1866 - and is commemorated with a monument at St Chad’s Well in Midsomer Norton. He was actually buried in the Abbey Cemetery in Bath alongside his father. Many residents of the town probably have no idea where St Chad’s Well is, as it is tucked away at the top of The Island between Island House and Somervale School.

WHO WAS THIS MAN AND WHY IS HE COMMEMORATED WITH A MONUMENT? He was born in 1828 into the local Savage family who lived at Norton House – a large Regency mansion which stood where Park Way is today.

When he died in 1866, his mother erected the

Recent research has identified details of the Major’s life from his school days at Eton through to the diary he kept through the entire Crimean Campaign.

After twenty-one years honourable regimental soldering he was a much respected individual and loved by his men. He seems to have declined in health from the Autumn of 1865 and over his last six months baffled the eminent doctors of London and Bath at the time.

The Dublin Evening Mail said at the time in his printed obituary: “Submissive pious resignation under bodily suffering, and the relinquishment of all that his world so highly (and so vainly) prizes were nobly exemplified by this truly Christian solder”.

Midsomer Norton Town Council acquired the site in 2015 and commenced a programme of restoration and landscaping resulting in the community space for the whole town to enjoy.

Work to restore the monument and the spring below was carried out in 2015 and an information board was recently added.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON CIVIC DAY

T

his year’s Midsomer Norton Civic Service was hosted on Sunday 18th June by Welton Baptist Church at Somervale School. Local residents and representatives from community groups celebrated community with hymns, readings, prayers before the event culminated with the Midsomer Awards.

“As a Council, we continue to be very keen to acknowledge those who give their time volunteering and make such a huge difference to our town. This year there are ten awards to people nominated by residents, community groups

and councillors”, said Cllr Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton.

This year’s awards included:

1: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: PETE BARTER Member of the Midsomer Norton Accordian Band for 62 years – finishing as conductor, founder member of the Midsomer Norton Short Mat Bowls Club which celebrated 20 years in June 2017. Chairman of the Midsomer Norton Old Tyme Dance Club Chairman for nearly 20 years.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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Committee member of the Somer Centre since its formation and Chair for the past 5 years.

5: CONTRIBUTION TO CIVIC LIFE: REV. CHRISTOPHER CHIPLIN

2: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: HEATHER BRAY

As the author of ‘Thought for the day’ prior to every Town Council meeting since May 2011 to earlier this year, Christopher Chiplin has made a considerable input to setting a thoughtful topical tone for over six years.

As leader of the British Legion Poppy Appeal, Heather has made a contribution over many years to this much loved fund raising appeal for exservicemen and their families.

3: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: MARJORIE GILSON In recognition of the level of outstanding community volunteering over many years supporting young people with learning difficulties, as lay preacher, work at the local Foodbank, being part of the monthly rota for ‘Drop in Meals’ and as a listener with ‘Oasis’ to name but a few.

4: BUSINESS INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR: 2016 MIDSOMER NORTON CARNIVAL SPONSORS ANDREWS, WICKES, FARRINGTON FARM SHOP, EDWARDS OPTICIANS As Midsomer Norton Carnival has faced mounting costs for staging the Somer Valley’s largest community event, securing sponsorship money from businesses has become increasingly important. These businesses led the way by sponsoring the Carnival in 2016 making it possible to run the event for the people of Midsomer Norton and for miles around to enjoy.

6: YOUTH GROUP LEADER OF THE YEAR: HELEN JONES In recognition of Helen’s dedicated work with the St John Ambulance Cadets – helping young people not only grow and develop their own skills and potential but also preparing them for dedicated service for the community administering first aid and being on duty at events in the town.

7: COMMUNITY YOUTH GROUP OF THE YEAR: GIRLGUIDING ROCK HALL This dedicated group of young people have worked tirelessly to transform their Rock Road premises in the last 12 months. As a result the future of the building is now looking assured as a base for young people to learn a host of life and team skills.

8: COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR: ROYAL BRITISH LEGION In recognition of this small but dedicated band of volunteers who annually arrange the Remembrance Day Parade in Midsomer Norton

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

High Street which in recent years has grown into an event with hundreds of people attending.

In 2016 the Group made major changes to the organisation of the event, supported by the Town Council, in order to meet new Road Traffic regulations.

9: COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR: LYNN PLUMLEY AND ROSEMARY BLATCHFORD In recognition of this duo’s work supporting a wide range of community projects ranging from the monthly Paradis Trio Concert in the Town Hall, Community Cinema, National Theatre Live, Midsomer Norton Fayre to name just a few.

In addition Rosemary’s legendary homemade roulades and sponges made for many of these occasions are out of this world!

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Medals, trophies and commemorative certificates were presented to the award winners in front of a large audience representing many of the community groups in Midsomer Norton, as well as Town Councillors. Following the service and the awards, a reception was held at which award winners enjoyed the opportunity to meet each other and members of the community over a cup of tea and an amazing selection of home-made cakes.

LIONS PRESENT AWARD TO TOWN MAYOR The Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions also honoured Town Mayor Paul Myers with a Melvin Jones Award. This is the highest award the Lions can give.

The Award recognises the huge amount of work Paul Myers has done to help local people in need and organising activities and events to benefit the public at large.

The citation was supported by a poem about Paul’s work in Midsomer Norton, composed and read out at the Midsomer Awards by Heather Hill.

As well as the presentation of a plaque the Award confers the honour of having the recipient’s name in lights on the Lions Headquarters in Chicago.

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21

COMMUNITY SOUP A

date has been set for the second Midsomer Norton Community Soup which aims to raise money to fund a local community group project. Groups and local residents will be gathering at 7.00pm on Thursday 12th October 2017 at the Town Hall.

Soup may seem a strange name for an event but the principle is very simple. Local community groups can apply for a speaker slot to make a five minute funding pitch. Five groups are selected for the night as reflecting a range of interests and ages. Local people are invited to attend and pay £5 for a ticket which includes a bowl of soup and bread. They arrive on the night, hear the five community group pitches, then have their soup and place a token as their ‘vote’ for the group

they think is the best project. All the £5 ticket fees are then awarded as the Prize Pot to the project that gets the most voting tokens.

The event will be sponsored again by local firm of accountants BPB Accounting Solutions Limited – based in Channel House in South Road and offering specialist services for selfemployed and small businesses.

For further details and to book your ticket for the second ‘Midsomer Norton Soup’ event, or find out more on how to enter a request for a funding pitch, please visit the Trust’s website: www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk or ring 01761 419133.

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23

TOWN SHOW RESULTS T

he Town Show took place alongside the Town Fayre on Saturday 8th July. There was a significant rise in the number of entries this year - there were 293 individual entries alongside 655 entries from local schools in 61 classes and 7 sections.

OVERALL RESULTS Town Show Trophy 1. Patricia Flagg 2. Rosemary Blatchford 3. Annie Davenport School’s Trophy 1. Longvernal 2. St John’s 3. Midsomer Norton Primary

SECTION RESULTS Section A – Vegetables 1. Rosemary Blatchford 2. Annie Davenport 3. John Paget Section B – Flowers 1. Lynn Plumley 2. Annie Davenport 3. Patricia Flagg

Section C – Cookery 1. Janet Brimacombe 2. Rosemary Blatchford 3. Pauline Joyce Section D – Men Only 1. Noel Avis 2. Ian Simmons, Martin Avis (joint second) Section E – Handicrafts 1. Patricia Flagg 2. Margot Witcombe 3. Sue Wise Section F – Art & Photography 1. Diana Walker 2. Bridget Plumley 3. Patricia Flagg Section G – Children’s 1. Lilly 2. Elise 3. Hayden, Nicola, Arlo, Oliver, Isobel, Alexander and Lovey (all joint third)

MAYPOLE FESTIVAL RESULTS The following entries were awarded trophies: St John’s Primary School – Barber's Pole Midsomer Norton Primary School - Single Plait Welton Primary School Double Plait Longvernal Primary School – Three in Hand Trinity Church School Spider Web St Benedict’s Primary School Chrysanthemum The Overall winner for 2017 was St Benedict’s Primary School.

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AGE UK Local charity Age UK B&NES is looking for reliable volunteers to support older people at its Gadget Buster sessions on Tuesday mornings.

Ketyn Jepson from Age UK B&NES said: “Our Gadget Buster sessions are very popular but we need more people to volunteer. If you can spare between 2-3 hours per week and want to help older people improve their tech skills, please get in touch. We are looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic and understanding about how today’s technology and communications can enhance the lives of older people. You will need to have a good level of computer literacy, confidence to share your knowledge and patience to teach older people the skills they are unfamiliar with.

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“Technology can open a whole new world for so many older people, learning how to shop online, book tickets for events, learn to use Ebay or how to Skype relatives in other parts of the country.

Learning some basic IT skills can help you to keep up to date with what’s going on the community Gadget Buster sessions take place in the The Beauchamp Room at The Town Hall every Tuesday from 10am - noon, and offer advice on using smart phones, laptops, other tablets and general internet use. Participants bring their own gadget to work on.

One-to-one help from one of the local charity’s volunteers is available and the cost is £3 per hour, including refreshments.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

SPORTS ROUND-UP:

GREEN ARMY ON THE MARCH Rovers have begun their Toolstation W elton Western League campaign with a sense of renewed optimism, after a disappointing season last term. A promising pre-season has been followed up with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Almondsbury at West Clewes and a series of 2-2 draws against Ashton and Backwell, Cheddar and Bishop Sutton. Welton start the season with a strong first team line up, backed by the fanatical support of the Green Army.

As the cricket season moves towards its close, Midsomer Norton Cricket Club continues to make progress both on and off the field. This summer has seen successful programmes to encourage new members to join the club and the first team continues

to push for promotion in the West of England Premier League. The club has also secured planning permission to replace the aging changing facilities at its Withies Lane ground.

The club has three Saturday, one Sunday and occasional mid-week teams and is working hard to make the club a centre for the local community, especially for younger cricketers. The Second XI has found the going a lot tougher this season, playing against many opponents’ first teams but the experience gained by a young side will stand them in good stead next season. A mixture of youth and experience has helped the Third XI to hold their own in the Bristol & District Cricket Association and the

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29

The Club is staging a former players, friends and sponsors day on 30th September. If readers are interested in finding out more about this event and how they can support Midsomer Norton Rugby Club, they should contact President Nigel Rowles on nigel@ crfencing.co.uk.

Sunday XI, which draws heavily on the club’s younger players, is currently top of the North Somerset Cricket League Sunday Conference Division 1.

Next year, the club celebrates its 140th anniversary and the plans for the new changing rooms will help it fulfil its aim to encourage new cricketers to take up the game. The club has a thriving youth section and earlier this summer former England international Jan Goodman visited the club to take charge of training sessions for local women cricketers.

On Friday evenings in the summer, the club is a bustling hub of over fifty 7–9 year-olds and their families, with the young cricketers taking part in the All Stars training programme, which aims to foster a love of cricket in young people. Youth co-ordinators at the club are Robin Cray and Paul Justin who can be contacted via mnccyouth@outlook.com. Anyone interested in joining the club as a playing or social member can contact Director of Cricket Nick Potter on 07872383499.

Midsomer Norton Rugby Club are back in training up at Norton Down and it's all change for the season 2017/18. The Club has appointed a new coach, welcome Mark Tyrrell, and will be led this term by a new captain, Tom Fear. After a very difficult 2016/17 Norton are looking forward to life in the Tribute Western Counties North.

The Club continue to run three adult sides, while the Junior Section offers all age groups a chance to learn and play rugby. Norton is a friendly, local, Club and anybody wishing to play or watch the great game of rugby will be very welcome.

Preparations for the new hockey season are well underway at Mendip Hockey Club. Under the stewardship of club chairman Andy Baird, plans are already afoot for a new and improved training regime, whilst the club committee is working hard on an exciting programme of fixtures and social events.

The men's section enjoyed some excellent performances and results last term. First team captain Max Spalton will be working with an experienced coaching team to ensure that his side are challengers for the Central 2 Division title. Meanwhile Paul Woolway will be leading the second team in West Central 2, providing opportunities for both youth development and social hockey for the more experienced players.

The ladies' section are also looking forward to an exciting season. James Callow will be leading the Thursday night coaching team, with first team captain April Callow hoping for a strong showing in the West Women's Hockey League Central division. The second and third teams will also have dedicated coaches, working hard to prepare them for busy seasons in Brunel Divisions 1 and 3 respectively.

Karen Holliwell and Cherilyn Carey will be taking care of the thriving junior section this season, with a balance of basic skills practice, game-related drills, friendly fixtures and tournaments already lined up.

Mendip are delighted to be continuing their relationship with Midsomer Norton Cricket Club this year, with the clubhouse providing the venue for post-match teas and a range of social events.

Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities for the forthcoming season should see the website www. mendiphockey.org.uk for contact details.

Tune in to Somer Valley FM every Tuesday at 6pm on 97.5FM for all the latest news from our local teams.

Special thanks go to Charlie Matthews, Gareth Paisey, Neil Denning and Carrie Tiley for their contributions towards this article.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

31

CYCLE GROUP’S

‘TOUR DE TOR’ C

olliers Way Cycling Group enjoyed an extended ride in the summer making a circuit of the Somerset Levels, with a surprisingly high proportion of traffic-free paths. The first such section left Wells towards Dulcote, passing Nine Waymarkers in the form of standing stones that contain a bronze arch supporting a bell. Each bell is a different note creating an 8-mile long musical instrument. The route then climbed a bridleway over the shoulder of Glastonbury Tor itself before dropping down to Street for a refreshment break.

The return journey included traffic-free stretches along a willow walk and through the RSPB Reserve at Ham Wall. The final leg took the cyclists through Wookey, passing one of the longest fords in Britain.

Colliers Way Cycling Group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays for fitness and leisure rides of 20 to 30 miles, usually starting from Radstock and always heading to a café for refreshments midride.

New members are welcome; see www.collierswaycycling.co.uk for more details.

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33

MIDSOMER NORTON

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY T

he mediaeval delights of the local area attracted members to the weekly outings on June 8th and 15th. On the first of these only a few explored the ruined, moated castle and its surrounds in Nunney. The majority may well have been deterred by the weather earlier in the day, but those who turned up had a pleasant and relaxed wander with cameras, and found a few interesting subjects on which to focus.

A balmy evening on 15th attracted a huge turnout of 20+ and included a guest visiting from New Zealand eager to join the group and dip into England’s historic heritage. The visit to Burcott Mill was very well attended and the tour of the venue by the miller himself was well received. There was something for everyone, with the intricacies of engineering from an earlier era within the dusty building, shrouded in cobwebs and sporting a wealth of oak beams and rattling chains. The noise and bustle of the millwheels and the cascading water that powered the wheel contrasted starkly with the atmosphere on the tranquil leat that nestled behind the building providing the power for the enterprise. Cameras clicked continuously and we look forward to seeing how various

members interpreted the subject in future meetings at the club on chillier evenings!

The streets of Bath beckoned on 22nd June when Suzanne Ladd led the group to a greater understanding of candid street photographysomething different again! If you are not already a member look us up and consider joining. It is surprising what a range of opportunities there now is within our programme as we aim to cater for all interests.

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THORNY PROBLEM

TACKLED FOR NOW meant that users of this busy footpath faced being badly scratched by vicious brambles which covered half the footway six feet high.

After only a few hours work and 20 sacks later the hardy volunteers had pruned off the worst protuberances at this wall of brambles - worthy of ‘Sleeping Beauty’s castle’.

Meanwhile, it is hoped that this temporary work will give a breathing space for someone to work out who is liable for clearing these brambles in the autumn at the end of the bird nesting season.

A

fter months of discussions and getting nowhere, local residents/volunteers and B&NES Cllr Paul Myers donned thick gloves and headed for the Oliver Brooks estate recently to tackle a thorny problem.

As the before and after pictures show massive brambles had been allowed to build up which

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

UPCOMING EVENTS

AT THE TOWN HALL NT LIVE: HAMLET (12A) Thursday 5th October 2017, 7pm Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock, The Imitation Game) takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy.

Now seen by over 750,000 people worldwide, the original 2015 NT Live broadcast returns to cinemas.

NT LIVE: FOLLIES (12A) Thursday 16th November 2017, 7pm Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical is staged for the first time at the National Theatre and broadcast live to cinemas.

New York, 1971. There’s a party on the stage of the Weismann Theatre. Tomorrow the iconic building will be demolished. Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves.

Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton play the magnificent Follies in this dazzling new production. Featuring a cast of 37 and an orchestra of 21, it’s directed by Dominic Cooke (The Comedy of Errors).

Winner of Academy, Tony, Grammy and Olivier awards, Sondheim’s previous work includes A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George.

As a country arms itself for war, a family tears itself apart. Forced to avenge his father’s death but paralysed by the task ahead, Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state. Directed by Lyndsey Turner (Posh, Chimerica) and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

TOWN HALL: THE BEATLES To celebrate 50 years since the Summer of Love and The Beatles’ seminal album ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’, Midsomer Norton will host its very own celebration of The Fab Four over the weekend of the 7th and 8th October.

The weekend will consist of three special events at Midsomer Norton Town Hall to celebrate the legacy of Britain’s greatest musical export.

The weekend will kick off with a must-see performance from All You Need Is The Beatles on Saturday 7th October from 8pm. The area’s premier tribute band will faithfully perform two sets of the most beloved songs from the Fab Four’s back catalogue. The first set will consist of songs from 1962-1966, the early part of their career and the era of Beatlemania in which they performed to hysterical crowds across the globe.

This will be followed by a second set featuring hits from 1967-1970, covering the groundbreaking studio albums Sgt Peppers, Let it Be and Abbey Road. All of the Fab Four's greatest songs are faithfully recreated live in the original keys, utilising authentic equipment and costumes.

On Sunday 8th October there will be a matinee film screening of the classic comedy A Hard Day’s Night at 2.30pm. The year is 1964 and four young lads from Liverpool are about to change the world - if only the madcap world will let them out of their hotel room. Richard

37

Lester's boldly contemporary rock n' roll comedy unleashes the fledgling Beatles into a maelstrom of screaming fans, paranoid producers, rabid press and troublesome family members, and reveals the secret of their survival and success: an insatiable lust for mischief and a lifeaffirming addiction to joy. The film screening takes advantage of the Town Hall’s HD cinema projection and full Digital Surround Sound System.

To round the weekend off, there will then be a Beatles themed Open Mic Night in the evening from 7pm. This showcase for local talent will offer artists the opportunity to perform their own takes on The Beatles and celebrate the legacy the band still have upon musicians today.

As well as tickets for each of the individual events there is also a special discounted ‘Weekend Pass’ deal for those who would like to attend all three parts of the weekend.

Advance booking is recommended and both individual event tickets and Weekend Passes can be purchased online now at www. midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk or www. ticketsource.co.uk/mnct. Tickets can also be ordered over the phone by calling 01761 419133. The weekend has been organised by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and will the Town hall’s fully licenced Sarah Ann bar will be open for all three events.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

NEW MIDSOMER NORTON RECORDED VOCAL ARTS GROUP

RETURN OF CLASSIC CINEMA

With the Town Hall Assembly Room kitted out with an amazing sound system, a small group of local people are considering setting up a Midsomer Norton Recorded Vocal Art Society.

The Group would run a regular programme of gatherings to explore the world of vocal art ranging from different singers and performances, from madrigals through grand opera to modern musicals.

Plans are afoot to resurrect the Midsomer Norton Classic Cinema in order to present films from the golden age of cinema in their original format on a large silver screen. However, for this to happen the Community Trust is looking to set up a separate ‘Classic Cinema Club’ in order to run the programme. If you are interested in helping there will be an inaugural meeting in September.

If you are interested please ring 01761 419476 for further details.

Please ring 01761 419476 for further details.

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39

NEW MEN'S SHED Local charity Age UK B&NES is looking to set up a new ‘Men’s Shed’ in Midsomer Norton.

“Despite the name, we want the new project to appeal to men and women,” said Ketyn Jepson from the Midsomer Norton Hub “We are looking for enthusiastic people to get involved from the very start. Plans are in the early stages and finding appropriate premises is our first priority - whilst this is called the Men’s Shed, we need a venue large enough for around 15 older people to work on practical projects, but it will be up to the members to decide what they want to do, and we can call on neighbouring ‘shedders’ to come and give us some help and advice. The

‘shed’ will also need space where everyone can get together for the all important tea and biscuit break!

If you are interested in getting involved, or can provide a venue or equipment for this new project please get in touch with Ketyn Jepson on 01225 484510/active@ageukbanes.co.uk

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 4th - Town Council Meeting in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

7th - First Thursday Afternoon Social at Welton Rovers, 2pm to 5pm.

11th - Planning Committee in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

13th - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s. 11 am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free.

13th - Blood Donor Session, Community Hall, Gullock Tyning, 1pm - 3.30pm and 4.30pm - 7.30pm.

Book your appointment at www.myblood.co.uk.

13th - Community Trust public Meeting & Volunteers Evening, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

16th & 17th - 1950s Heritage weekend at Midsomer Norton Train Station.

21st - Blood Donor Sessions, Community Hall, Gullock Tyning, 1pm - 3.30pm and 4.30pm - 7.30pm.

Book your appointment at www.myblood.co.uk.

22nd - Tom Carradine’s Cockney Sing-a-long, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm Cost £7.

23rd - Cinema: Boss Baby, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 2.30pm. £5 for adults, £3 children. £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

23rd - Cinema: Their Finest, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm. £5 for adults, £3 children. £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

26th - Age UK: Singing For Fun, Orchard Hall, Midsomer Norton, 2.30pm-4pm. £3 including refreshments.

28th - Midsomer Norton Society Talk: New Town Trail - 7.30pm Town Hall 30th - Royal British Legion Coffee Morning: Town Hall

OCTOBER 2nd - Town Council Meeting in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

3rd - Bygone Days Talk by local railway expert Andrew Linham: COAL AND TRANSPORT (roads, rail and canal) 7:30pm VENUE: SOMER CENTRE, MIDSOMER NORTON (small charge).

41

5th - First Thursday Afternoon Social at Welton Rovers, 2pm to 5pm.

5th - NT Live: Hamlet (Encore), Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

6th - Paradis Palm Court Trio - Sunshine and Showers, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 12.30 - 1.30pm.

7th - Somerset Farmers Market, Hollies Garden in the High Street from 9am to 1pm.

7th - All You Need Is The Beatles – The Beatles Tribute Band, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 8.30pm. Cost £10.

8th - Classic Cinema: A Hard Day’s Night (U).

Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 2.30pm. £5 for adults. £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

8th - The Beatles - Open Mic Night, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm. Cost £5.

9th - Planning Committee in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

11th - Baby Bounce & Rhyme for under 3’s at Midsomer Norton Library from 10.30 - 11am. Free.

12th - Join us for the second Midsomer Norton Soup and help choose local projects that need funding. Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

19th - Midsomer Norton Society visit to the B&NES Archive in Bath – places limited to book ring 07530 042627.

21st - Killen’s ’Trash or Treasure’ Day. 9am 5pm. Venue: Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton.

Professional Valuers will be on hand to give you a valuation on your items (for £1 per item for a valuation). they will then advise if your item can be sold in Killen’s auctions should you wish to sell. www. radstockmuseum.co.uk for details nearer the time.

24th - Age UK: Singing For Fun, Orchard Hall, Midsomer Norton, 2.30pm-4pm, £3 including refreshments.

25th - Blood Donor Sessions, Community Hall, Gullock Tyning, 1pm - 3.30pm and 4.30pm - 7.30pm.

Book your appointment at www.myblood.co.uk.

25th - The Ozzy Wizzpop Kids Show - Magic & Puppet show, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 1pm2pm. £5 for children, adults go free.

26th - Martin Jones Piano Recital, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm.

28th - Cinema: Film TBC, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 2.30pm. £5 for adults, £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

28th - Cinema: Film TBC, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm. £5 for adults, £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

31st - Blood Donor Sessions, Community Hall, Gullock Tyning, 1pm - 3.30pm and 4.30pm - 7.30pm.

Book your appointment at www.myblood.co.uk.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

43

8th - Baby Bounce & Rhyme for under 3’s at Midsomer Norton Library from 10.30 - 11am. Free.

NOVEMBER 2nd - First Thursday Afternoon Social at Welton Rovers, 2pm to 5pm.

3rd - Paradis Palm Court Trio - Tell me the Truth about Love, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 12.30 1.30pm.

4th - Somerset Farmers Market, Hollies Garden in the High Street from 9am to 1pm.

6th - Town Council Meeting in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

7th - Bygone Days Talk by local artist Robert Jones famous for the lovely cards on sale in shops around the area: How to go about painting local historical scenes 7:30pm. Venue: Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton (small charge).

11th - Norton Radstock Photographic Society Annual Exhibition.

15th - Planning Committee in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

16th - NT Live: Follies (12a), Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm. £12 for adults, £10 for U18s.

23rd – Midsomer Norton Society Talk: People from Midsomer Norton who fell in the 1st World War – 7.30pm Town Hall.

25th - Cinema: Film TBC, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 2.30pm. £5 for adults, £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

25th - Cinema: Film TBC, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm. £5 for adults, £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

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45

WANSDYKE PLAY ASSOCIATION PLAY FOR ALL IN MIDSOMER NORTON

Wansdyke Play Association as a Midsomer Norton-based children’s charity has been running for 25 years and this summer saw a busy round of activities and play provided by Playrangers in the community offering free fun and laughter for all ages.

The B&NES funded Saturday Club for 11-19 years with additional needs, offers a wide range of activities to develop confidence, life skills and engagement in the community. Members enjoyed time at the MSN Arts Festival and Town Fayre/ MFest as well as inclusive team games, a cooking programme, arts and crafts, sports day, swimming, a movie and creating a café.

As well as intervention support, children and young people were able to take part and learn new skills with a garden club & play at school; ‘Dads Cooking’ days with the Playrangers, supported by Bath College for the community, produced delicious meals to share with their children in a friendly group; The weather tried to stop play but despite persistent rain on National Play Day in August, Playrangers engaged those that braved the elements with pop-up play activities and a smoothie-making bike in the High Street.

It was then a delight that the sun shone for the ‘Mendip Beach’ Sand & Water Play supported

by WPA Playrangers at the Somerset and Dorset Railway Fun Day. All ages took the train to enjoy buckets of fun with pool play and castle creations.

Norton Youth Club (NYC) funded by Midsomer Norton Town Council, returns for the autumn term in September at their weekly drop-in sessions on Thursday evenings from 6pm at the Town Hall.

Free refreshments, individual/group support, skill development and user-inspired activities to include cinema nights and youth-only café, table tennis, cooking, graffiti art and DJ’ing sessions.

To check out upcoming free Autumn Playranger sessions, events and groups see www.wpa-play. com or email admin@wpa-play.com for further information.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

TEDDIES ARRIVE AT PAULTON HOSPITAL

FUN AT SILVER STREET RESERVE

In April the Masons of Connaught and Kenneth Kinnersley Lodges meeting in Midsomer Norton raised the funds, through the Lodges, to supply Paulton Hospital with 'teddies for loving care'.

These teddy bears are used to give comfort to frightened and traumatised young children brought in to A&E for treatment. Not every child entering A&E receives a teddy, the staff use their discretion and give to those who are severely traumatised or badly injured. For more information visit; www.tlcappeal.org/history

The Silver Street woods were alive on Sat 5th August evening with people enjoying the music of 'Crazy for Uke' Midsomer Norton’s U3A Ukulele band. Under the baton of Sue Green they played lots of singalong numbers and some old favourites finishing up with 'When the Saints go Marching in' that just got faster and faster!

There are many stories of 'teddy' being given an injection or an X-ray to show that it is painless and to give the young patient confidence.

The 'teddies for TLC' was started in Essex in 2001, and has spread to most Masonic provinces in the country, and the teddies have brought comfort to many young children. So far, over one million bears have been given out, thanks to the generosity of Freemasons everywhere. To learn more about local Freemasonry, visit the website www.somersetfreemasons.org

Everyone brought food to cook on the barbecue, thanks to Brian for his expertise, sausages burgers and many other types of food were consumed and drinks were supplied.

The Mendip Storytelling Group finished the evening with tales to enthral especially for the children there, Hazel told a very amusing verse about a Lion in Paulton of all places.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

47

MIDSOMER NORTON AND RADSTOCK SILVER BAND

Competing band members with their awards at the Bideford Solo/Quartet contest.

In addition to a busy summer schedule, the band is turning its focus to the National Brass Band Finals at Cheltenham on Sunday 17 September where the band will be competing against bands from across the UK for the title of Third Section national champions. The test piece, Hinemoa by composer Gareth Wood, is a challenging composition for both the band and the percussion section and will provide a stern test for competing bands. A good result at Cheltenham would see the band maintaining the rich vein of form enjoyed over the last two years and prepare the band for the challenge of competing in the Second Section for the first time in the band's history at next years regional qualifier at Torquay.

Maintaining the contest theme, members of all ages represented the band at the annual Bideford Solo and Quartet contest in June and in keeping with other years, a number of players came away

with prizes. Overall the band gained four 1st places, three 2nd places and two 3rd places. Of note was the band's musical director Jo Sykes who, as a last minute stand in, was awarded first place in the 19 and over slow melody category.

Speaking afterwards, Jo said that she had not played a solo contest since her early teens and was overwhelmed to have won the section. Piano accompaniment on the day was provided by Nicola Brunskill.

Away from the contest scene, the band has enjoyed a busy summer schedule performing concerts in Bath Royal Victoria Park, Keynsham and Wells Parks and at the Midsomer Norton Summer Fayre with the band being first to play in the new town park. Shepton Mallet's Collett Park provided a new venue this year with the band performing alongside the Mangel Wurzels in front of an appreciative audience at the end of July.

Looking forward, the band will be providing the music at the Double Hills Remembrance service in Paulton on Sunday 3 September with the band's final summer concert at Keynsham Park on Sunday 24 September. During the closed season, the band will be holding an afternoon concert at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton on Sunday 15 October.

If you would like to see where the band will be appearing throughout 2017, please visit our website www.msnrsb.org.uk for details and for contact information.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

49

A MESSAGE FROM

THE CLERK I spent much of the early part of the summer working on the consultation process for the Park and I’m pleased that we have some clear ideas emerging from the events that can be built in to its design. Thank you to everyone who came along to the events and put forward your ideas.

Work has now started to narrow down all of the ideas to make a plan that is practical and affordable. The most popular suggestions are almost certainly going to feature in the final design – but others might not survive the critical process of figuring out what can work and what we can afford from the funds which we will be asking for from Bath and North East Somerset Council. These funds have been paid in by developers as part of their planning application process – but the “pot” is not exclusively ours to use and we have to make a strong case for what the Park can do for people in and around the town. We hope to be able to start on some of the features towards the end of 2017 and we will report back to you as the plan emerges. I know it seems a long time ago that we bought

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the land and received approval to create a Park on the land but I am sure that it will be worth the wait and will make a contribution to making Midsomer Norton a better place to live in and visit!

Finally, the town centre remains a key focus for the Council. Like so many other towns in the country, we face an uphill battle to stay still let alone make progress in attracting shoppers and visitors. I’ve been asked a few times why Midsomer Norton can’t be like Frome. Well, they started their journey back in 2008 with a Community Plan and they are still implementing it – changes don’t happen overnight and nobody can rustle up a queue of national retailers eager to snap up development sites. It’s more a case of gradual improvement and learning along the way.

Making the whole town more attractive is an important part of that and we hope that the Park can play its part.

Clive Stilwell (MILCM) Town Clerk

50

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

YOUR TOWN

COUNCILLORS

Paul Myers Mayor 07530 042627 midsomer.myers@gmail.com

Steve Plumley (Deputy Mayor) 07913 952901

Midsomer Norton Town Council Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton Bath BA3 2HQ - 01761 418701 townclerk@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk

Luke Barnes 07531 080008

Glyn Davis 07713 353430

lukebarnes@somervalleyfm.co.uk

glyn.davis@mail.com

s.plumley@sky.com

Michael Evans 01761 235996

Brian Lawrence 07701 007277

Gordon Mackay 07806 604302

Amy Purchase 01761 411860

michevans@gmail.com

bcml@hotmail.co.uk

council@gordonmackay.net

amymarch@sky.com

Lynda Robertson 01761 415629

Richard Robertson 01761 415629

therobertsons70@outlook.com

therobertsons70@outlook.com

Alastair Slade 07714 898902 alastair@alastairslade.com

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