Welcome to the Autumn issue of Midsomer Norton Life.
The air’s turning crisp and the first signs of autumn are appearing, perfect weather for a walk through town or a cosy afternoon indoors.
This edition is full of local highlights, including volunteer help for the Poppy Appeal, plans for the coming months, and a look at upcoming community events.
We hope you enjoy this issue and the season ahead.
The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in November 2025. 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.co.uk before the deadline of 1st October 2025.
not officially
SIlvEr ba Nd Marche S TowarD NaTI oNa L fINa LS!
Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band has been in full swing this summer, delighting audiences across Somerset with a vibrant programme of outdoor performances. From the Wells bandstand to Parade Gardens and local fairs, the band has brought its signature blend of traditional brass favourites and modern crowd-pleasers to life in the heart of local towns and parks. There’s something truly special about playing live music in the community.
Now, with a short break from public appearances, the band is turning its focus to an exciting milestone: representing the West of England at the National Brass Band Championships (4th Section) in Cheltenham this September. After qualifying earlier this year, the band is proud to perform Edward Gregson’s Partita, a challenging
and expressive piece that showcases their musical growth and dedication.
This achievement marks one of the most significant moments in the band’s recent history, and under Harry Chambers’ dynamic leadership, the ensemble is thriving.
Upcoming Public Appearance:
Keynsham Bandstand Sunday, 7th September 2025
Support the Band
Join the band on their journey to Cheltenham and beyond! Follow their progress via social media and their website for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and performance news. Donations and sponsorships are warmly welcomed and make a real difference to the band’s continued development.
OpEraTION ChEC k: KeepING our roa DS Safe
Summer is always a busy time for the police, and here in Radstock, it’s no different. Our neighbourhood team has been hard at work responding to a wide variety of calls for help and one issue that keeps coming up is nuisance vehicles and excessive noise on our roads.
From electric bikes and off-road vehicles to illegally modified or simply unroadworthy cars, these vehicles aren’t just an annoyance, they can cause real distress and pose serious risks to public safety. Whether it's the way they’re driven or the danger they present, we know this is a concern for many residents, parish and town councils alike.
That’s why we’ve launched Operation Check, a local initiative focused on tackling road-related crime and anti-social driving behaviour. This operation is aligned with priorities set out by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in their 2024–2029 Police and Crime Plan, which highlights the importance of tackling the "Fatal Five": not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, distractions, drink/ drug driving, and dangerous driving.
You might have already seen some of our Op Check activity taking place and we’ll be sharing updates on our Facebook page, Bath and North East Somerset Neighbourhood Policing. The
operation involves close collaboration with our specialist colleagues in speed enforcement and road policing, as well as external partners like the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, who bring their own expert knowledge and enforcement powers to the table.
What can you expect during Operation Check?
• Increased police patrols
• On-the-spot vehicle inspections
• Fixed penalty notices issued to drivers who are putting others at risk
Our aim is simple: to make the streets of Radstock safer and quieter for everyone.
If you see vehicles being used in an anti-social manner, please report it through the Avon and Somerset Police website by clicking “Report.” From there, choose the "anti-social riding or driving" option. Every report helps us build a clearer picture of where the problems are and where future Op Check deployments should be focused.
Remember: if it’s not reported, we can’t act. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe this summer.
Lee Humphreys Police Sergeant 432
hope houSe SurGery'S ClIC k CaFé
The Click Café at Hope House Surgery has become a friendly and welcoming space where local older adults can get help with all things digital. Whether it’s learning how to use a smartphone, sending an email, accessing health services online, or connecting with family and friends via video calls, the Click Café which takes place the first Tuesday of the month between 10am and 12pm is there to make the digital world feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more empowering.
Since launching, the Click Café has supported many local people to build their digital confidence in a relaxed, supportive environment. Run by Age UK B&NES in partnership with Hope House Surgery and supported by dedicated digital champion volunteers, it offers free one-to-one support over a cuppa.
But while the café has already made a big difference in many people’s lives the Click Café relies on local people knowing about it and coming along to support it.
“We know there are many more people in Radstock who could benefit from this service,” one volunteer said. “Whether it’s learning how to book a GP appointment online, setting up a new phone, or just understanding what a tablet can do, we’re here to help.”
One regular visitor said: “I was scared to even turn on my phone before. Now I use it to speak to my grandchildren every week. The Click Café has changed my life.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from a little digital support, or if you just want to pop in for a friendly chat while learning something new, please do come along.
To find out more or book a session, contact the Age UK B&NES Digital Team at digital@ ageukbanes.co.uk or call 07552 744025 or 07552 774914
SOMEr SET & dOr SET raIlWaY
hErITagE Tr UST
The Somerset & Dorset Railway in Midsomer Norton are pleased to confirm that steam will return to the railway this autumn. Whilst the exact date is yet to be confirmed, there will be steam days during October and November and then in December, the Santa trains will be steam hauled.
One of the railways most popular events is the Halloween Train, which was a spook-tacular success last year and sold out. There is a great atmosphere with both passengers and volunteers dressing in Halloween outfits, and ghostly goings-on on the train.
Before that, the railway has a variety of events happening, including the popular Wickham Trolley rides. The trolley was used to transport engineers
along the line, now preserved, it can carry six passengers on a two mile round trip.
September sees the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, and there is a nationwide
celebration throughout the year under the Rail200 banner with both heritage railways and main line companies celebrating. The Somerset & Dorset Railway will be joining the celebrations on 28th September with their Rail 200 Gala when the home fleet will be in action, running a frequent service.
There is also plenty going on in the background at the station, with a number of projects both big and small taking place. There have been improvements at the station both for visitors and volunteers. The Wells Hut has been moved to the top car park, giving more space on the patio for passengers to enjoy their refreshments.
Elsewhere work is taking place to lay sidings just beyond the station, which will enable much of the stock currently in the station to be stored elsewhere. This will help improve the look and
atmosphere of the station.
All these events, and ongoing work takes a lot of effort, and all of it is done by volunteers. Unlike some heritage railways, there are no paid employees. As always, the railway is looking for more volunteers. You don’t need any special skills – just enthusiasm! You don’t even need to be a great train enthusiast as there are a wide variety of roles, such as gardening and the all important catering team. If trains are your thing then you can get involved in carriage or track maintenance, signalling, and of course train crews and station staff. For more information talk to a member of staff, go to www.sdjr.co.uk, or email general@sdjr.co.uk
rOYal brITISh lEgION
2025 has been a busy and financially demanding year for the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion, with significant costs from the VE and VJ Day commemorations and preparations for the upcoming Poppy Appeal weeks.
With Branch funds running low, Treasurer Will Nicol and his wife Pattie, both keen walkers, decided to take action. To support the Legion and raise much-needed funds, they set out on a Sponsored Walk linking all the local cemeteries and churchyards that contain Commonwealth War Graves.
The walk of 30 miles, started at Ston Easton Church and took three days, and at each site, they placed a Posie of poppies. Churchyards visited included Farrington Gurney, Paulton, Clandown, Peasesdown St John, Dunkerton, Wellow, Lower Writhlington, Kilmersdon, Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Chilcompton, Downside(Chilcompton) to finally finish the walk at Stratton on the Fosse,
Will and Pattie Nicol, having fixed a poppy posy to the gates of Chilcompton Church
which has three sites. In celebration, a bottle of fizz was opened by members of the Branch to greet the walkers after their long and very hot walk. So far the couple has raised a well needed £450 for Branch funds.
Farleigh Road, Norton St Philip Bath, BA2 7NG
Le ND a N hour, VoLuNTeer f or ThE pOppY appEal
Each year, the Royal British Legion’s iconic Poppy Appeal brings communities together in a powerful act of remembrance and support. While most of us recognise the symbol each November, the work behind the appeal, and the impact it has, goes far beyond that one month.
Now, the Legion is calling on local volunteers to help with this year’s Tesco collection campaign, taking place across several key dates in October and November 2025.
Whether you have an hour, a morning, or an afternoon to spare, your time could make a meaningful difference to the lives of serving personnel, veterans, and their families. The Legion supports over 36,000 War Disablement Pension cases and carries out an incredible 300,000 welfare and friendship visits each year. None of that is possible without the fundraising power of the Poppy Appeal, and the volunteers who make it happen.
Collection slots are available on:
23rd October – Morning and Afternoon
24th October – Afternoon from 12:30 onwards
25th October – Morning and Afternoon
27th October – Morning and Afternoon
28th October – Afternoon from 12:30 onwards
29th October – Morning until 12:30
30th October – Morning until 12:30
6th November – Morning and Afternoon
7th November – Morning and Afternoon
8th November – Morning and Afternoon
Some slots are just for the morning or afternoon, while others are flexible. It’s a small commitment that helps to sustain a lifeline of year-round support for those who’ve served.
If you’d like to get involved, or just find out more, please contact Alison Wilson (Poppy Appeal Organiser) on 07743 646066 or email alisonwilson.msntrbl@gmail.com or Geoff Wilson (Secretary) on 07921 668009 or email geoffwilson.msntrbl@gmail.com
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Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum’s Bygone Days Talks presents Dave Byrne and the Hotwell Howlers band, who will take you back 125 years to the time when horses still pulled the plough and over 70 collieries were operating in the Somerset Coalfield.
In the years before the Great War, north-east Somerset was a community in which agriculture existed alongside industry in particular, coal mining and quarrying. English traditional folk songs, tunes and dances, although waning in popularity, could still be heard or seen, alongside the popular music of the age, in many of the pubs, hostelries and homes in the area.
Using words, songs, instruments and images, Dave and his band will present a selection of the songs and tunes you might have heard had you lived in the area at that time together with information about some of the characters who sang and played them.
SONgS a Nd T UNES OF ThE SOMEr SET C OalFIEld PROOF
Come and enjoy an hour of local history and music at the Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton, Tuesday 7th October 2025, 7:30-8:30pm. Entry on the door £5 (no booking required) Raffle available. All funds to Radstock Museum, Charity No: 1151573.
An exhibition with lots more details on the Music of the Somerset Coalfield, with headsets to hear many other types of local music and some music from this presentation, runs until 30th November at Radstock Museum.
Then, on Tuesday 4th November 2025, (same venue, time and entry as above) Radstock Museum’s Bygone Days Team presents “Follow the Plough” by Les Davies MBE. Les has worked on the Mendips in orchards and on the land all his life. His illustrated presentation will look back at his life and times living and working on the Mendips. He is a fabulous raconteur and famous for his monthly article in the Mendip Times: West Countryman’s Diary. Visit www.radstockmuseum.co.uk for details on all of the above.
Midsomermusic
SEPTEMBER
6th : Route 36
13th : Freesome
20th : Bohemian Bar Thieves
27th : Soul’D Out
OCTOBER
4th : Trash Casino
11th : The Q Band
18th : Open Road
25th : Reservoir Hogs
NOVEMBER
1st : Honky Tonks
8th : Saucy jacks
15th : Rectrochic
22nd : None Of The Above
29th : Band X
SEPTEMBER
6th : Bombshell
13th : Josie And The Jukebox
20th : The Offshoots
27th : Custyrd Pye
OCTOBER
4th : The Other Band
11th : Brakelight
18th : TheWalker Close Band
25th : Halloween Fancy Dress Party with Dr Fraggle Band
NOVEMBER
1st : Limited Edition
7th : Trash Casino's Charity Fundraiser - Entry by advance ticket only
15th : Fantastique - 80s & 90s Tribute
22nd : The Reformers
30th : Red
SWallOW CharITY'S eVa LuaTI oN Day Succe SS
S
WALLOW Charity enables local teenagers and adults with learning disabilities to live life to the full. The charity is user led and by listening to its members it provides help and support that is needed and wanted. SWALLOW’s annual Evaluation Day is a key part of this process and was held in Conygre Hall, Timsbury, this July.
Over 80 SWALLOW members, staff, parents, carers and Trustees came together to reflect on the year they’ve had with SWALLOW and to share ideas for the year ahead. Members and families shared some very positive, and sometimes moving, feedback about their experience with the charity, including;
“SWALLOW supported me to start learning to read with Read Easy, because I was bullied and school and at college because I could not read properly. I stopped reading and writing because of what happened in the past. I did not believe that I could read or write properly and I did not start to get my confidence back until I came to SWALLOW as a member and was able to learn with Read Easy.”
And
“My son can do so many more things since starting at SWALLOW’s Base House, his social skills are a lot better. He’s got a friendship group here now which he’s never really had before. When I ask him where he wants to go, he says Base House! – that just says it all really.”
SWALLOW will soon release its Evaluation Day Report from the day which will help the charity to plan for the year ahead. If you would be able to make a donation to help more people to make big changes in their lives, please give to SWALLOW Charity today - www.swallowcharity.org/support
MIdSOMEr N Or TON lIbrarY
Did you know? Midsomer Norton Library is one of the oldest public Library’s in Bath & North East Somerset Council and opened in 1921.
It’s a busy public library and in 2023/24 it welcomed over 88,000 people. A real hub of the community where you can borrow up to 20 books for 3 weeks completely free with your amazing Library card. Midsomer Norton Library also serves as a vital information centre, not only providing council services but helping local partner services provide information and support such as Citizens Advice who have a weekly drop in. You can get help applying for a disabled Blue Badge, help and advice obtaining a bus pass or local discovery card.
Pop in and talk to their friendly staff to find out more about groups and activities available for all ages.
So much more than just books!
During the summer holidays, Midsomer Norton library joins all the other local libraries to host the annual Summer Reading Challenge, this is aimed for children aged 4-11 years old. Their challenge is to read 6 books over the summer and receive a medal for all their efforts. This is very popular with local children. Running alongside is a mini reading challenge for the under 4’s and an adult reading challenge for the 12’s and over.
Here is a taster of some the books you can borrow with your Library card:
A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier
This is a charming story. It is 1932 and the losses from the First World War are still being felt, one of those affected is Violet Speedwell. Regarded by society as a “surplus woman” unlikely to marry and living with her mother, after the loss of her fiancé and her brother. Life with her mother is oppressive and suffocating so she decides to strike out alone
and moves to Winchester for work in an insurance company. Independence brings its own problems especially financial and so as Violet explores Winchester Cathedral, to avoid her sparce meal in her boarding house, she comes across the Cathedral’s Embroidery Group. Drawn to the group Violet begins work on their project to embroidery Cathedral kneelers and Violet feels she is part of something that will leave a lasting reminder of her work there. The description of the stitching is beautiful as well as a real feel of the countryside and Winchester in the 1930’s. This book was downloaded from the Library App BorrowBox and an enjoyable read and brilliantly written.
A real children’s classic Charlie & the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.
Join Charlie Bucket and his search for a Golden Ticket which will gain him entrance into the most amazing place in the world - Mr Willy Wonka’s enormous chocolate factory. Only five lucky winners can go through those great iron gates and marvel at all the marvellous things that Mr Wonka creates. Will Charlie be one of the lucky ones? If he succeeds, what amazing sights will he see and who exactly are the Oompa-Loompas? A great introduction into the crazy world of Roald Dahl.
Live Well B&NES
Information for all
Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource packed with information, signposting and resources.
If you’re looking for Ofsted registered childcare or parenting support, information and resources to support you as a parent carer of a child with disabilities or additional needs, or information for an adult with care or support needs: Live Well B&NES can help!
The site also includes a Cost-of-Living section (energy costs, food, debt advice, childcare costs etc.) and a range of information and resources for young people.
New services and groups are regularly added to Live Well B&NES. If you provide a service to, or support families, young people, parents with a child/children with special needs or disabilities or adults needing care or support – ensure you are listed on Live Well B&NES. It’s free, and easy to do.
News, events and activities are shared on our social media, so follow us to keep up to date with what’s happening near you!
Last night I heard a creepy sound, Like slimy feet upon the ground. I peeked real slow beneath my bed... And saw two glowing eyes of red!
It growled and drooled and licked its claw, I couldn’t scream, I dropped my jaw! I hid beneath my blanket tight— That monster snored with me all night!
Now every night I leave a snack, In case that beastie wants to come back. (Just cookies though — not my toes!) He’s scary... but kinda cool, I s'pose.
Witch in the Window- By Lily (age 10)
I saw a face in the window glass, A crooked nose and eyes like brass. She wore a hat so tall and wide, And cackled loud from deep inside.
I grabbed my flashlight, ran to see, But there was nothing—just little old me. Still... every night at half-past ten, She grins at me and waves again.
I told my mom—she laughed and said, “You’ve got a wild head on your head!”
But I know witches, through and through... And she knows I know her too.
If your child would like to send a poem to be published, then please send it to chloe@ignyte.co.uk
MidsoMer NortoN
FarMers Market dates
1st saturday of the month 9am-1pm Hollies Gardens Ba3 2dP 6th september 4th october 1st November 6th december
Our mission is to provide a platform for local farmers, producers and artisans to connect with their community, promote sustainable agriculture and support a thriving local food system.
SOMEr vallEY WalkINg FESTIval
The Somer Valley Walking Festival returns from Saturday 13th/14th September 2025, offering an inclusive weekend of guided walks, wellbeing sessions, and immersive heritage experiences across the landscapes surrounding Midsomer Norton and Radstock.
Designed for everyone, from casual strollers to experienced ramblers, the festival includes routes along woodland and former coal-mining pathways. Highlights include:
• The Timsbury Valley Circuit, a stroller-friendly 3.6-mile walk through tranquil farmland
• Tracks Through Time, a 6-mile journey tracing industrial and natural history
• A longer Coal, Canals & Country Vistas Walk of about 10.8 miles through the Cam Valley and restored nature reserves Saturday features a range of wellbeing activities:
• Nordic walking taster sessions in Midsomer Norton Town Park
• A forest bathing walk to engage senses and soothe the mind
• A foraging walk led by ecology experts exploring edible plants and fungi at Haydon Batch
• And foraging-themed nature walks through local woodlands
On Saturday evening, join ecologist Steve England for the Bat Walk, Night Flyers of the Somer Valley. Starting at Waterside Valley near Radstock, this guided experience employs bat detectors to identify species emerging in nocturnal flight. It’s suitable for adults and children and has become a festival highlight Sunday offers walks ranging from 3.6 to 14 miles, with options including:
• The Priston Loop, climbing to a Roman hill fort and meandering back through rural hamlets
• Creative “Snap and Stroll” photography walks for visual storytelling
• Self-guided Westfield Heritage and Somer Valley Audio Trails, including routes through Haydon Batch, Wellow Brook, and Midsomer Norton Town Park
Organised by Somer Valley Rediscovered in partnership with the Somer Valley Ramblers, most festival events are free and open to all ages. In the words of Councillor Sarah Warren, the festival is “a fantastic opportunity to explore beautiful local landscapes and connect with the area’s history and biodiversity”led by knowledgeable local guides throughout
For full walk listings, registration details, and any updates, visit the Somer Valley Rediscovered at www.somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk
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.
T rOTarY ClUb pre SIDe NTIa L ha ND oVer
he Horse & Jockey welcomed the Rotary Club of Midsomer Norton & Radstock for their year-end Presidential Handover on 20 June.
Central 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.
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.
Debby, having served a very successful year has raised almost £4000 for her chosen charity, Different Strokes, which supports young stroke survivors. Debby’s year culminated with the Midsomer Norton Town Council honouring the club with the Community Group of the Year civic award.
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.
Debby is now pleased to be passing the role as President onto John Dando who has always been an active member of the Midsomer Norton community. Whilst a member of the White Hart Carnival Club, John organised the Half Marathon, the inauguration of a Town Crier, the White Hart Folk Club, and has appeared on many prizewinning carnival floats.
John has been a Director of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and Dial-a-Ride, served as a School Governor and was on the Committee for the local RNLI supporters. He also created the successful Mendip Packet Folk Club and has taken part as Master of Ceremonies at various Folk Festivals. John also volunteers as a guide for school children at the Radstock Museum.
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
Since joining Rotary, John successfully launched an annual Boot Swap scheme as well as being involved in the Carol Service, Beer Festival and many other events. He hopes to fill his Presidential year with projects that will benefit Midsomer Norton and Radstock and entertain members and the public alike.
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.
WElTON bapTIST ChUrC h alpha
Following a fun Summer of services at the Amphitheatre and a fantastic N’Fest week of family events and kids club, we’re looking forward to starting Alpha groups for anyone curious about life and faith.
The fun, free and friendly sessions are designed to encourage conversation and explore the basics of the Christian faith in an open and informal environment with a delicious meal! No question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. Alpha groups are held every Tuesday at 6.45pm at the chapel in Welton and will run until the 11th November. We would love to see you there.
Personalised care
from your independent local vets
• Neutering
• Pet Health Club
• Microchips and Vaccinations
• Dental Treatments
• Medical Consultations and Surgery
OPEN TO NEW CLIENTS
To book, call 01761 412132 or visit our website www.midsomervets.co.uk
To book your place or for more information email alpha@weltonchurch.org.uk
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!
Orders by phone or via our Facebook page are most welcome.
Follow us on Instagram @ g_mitchard_and_sons
Westfield Radstock BA3 3XS
Tel: 01761 412109
It was Mrs. Scarlet in the lounge. with a cake fork
As a resident with us, you’re free to dine in whichever room you like.
So if games night in the lounge is about to get interesting, we can bring your dessert straight to you. Every moment.
Learn about life with us
MIdSOMEr N Or TON a llOTMENTS
Midsomer Norton Community Allotments
Association is a voluntary organisation that manages and operates the Radstock Road allotment site on behalf of Midsomer Norton Town Council.
The allotment site currently hosts 65 plots for enthusiastic gardeners keen to enjoy growing a wide variety of fruits, flowers & vegetables.
In this day and age, we cannot be certain of the quality of the foods we buy in the supermarket so this is an excellent opportunity to grow your own and be assured that there are no unnecessary fertilisers or chemicals involved.
The plots promote eco-friendly gardening practices such as composting, crop rotation, and wildlife support. For allotment holders, the space provides more than just fresh produce and they offer connection, exercise, and a strong sense of community. Each plot becomes a personal
sanctuary, reflecting individual style and seasonal growth. Most include sheds, water access, and tools. The Association maintains the communal areas, fences, and pathways.
Like many community allotments, MNCAA faces challenges. Growing demand means waiting lists can be lengthy, but turnover does occur, and the Association encourages plot sharing and welcomes new growers.
Maintenance depends on membership fees and voluntary support, with occasional grants and community fundraising helping to support ongoing improvements.
If you live within the Midsomer Norton Town Council boundary and are considering an allotment, please visit www.msn-tc.gov.uk/allotments for more information or email info@msnallotments.net
TrIO parad IS CaFé C ONCEr TS
Westfield based Trio ParadisJacquelyn Bevan (piano), Ruth O'Shea (violin) & Linda Stocks (cello) play over 120 daytime concerts every year, aimed at making live music accessible for everyone.
With the aim of keeping all their daytime events entry by donation, Trio Paradis have become a charity, Café Concerts CIO. The trio play in residential care homes, day centres and for other community events to bring music to as many people as possible, particularly those who can’t otherwise experience live performance.
Trio Paradis plays at St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton, on the first Friday of every month (FebDec) at 12.30pm, with home-made cakes, tea and coffee on sale from 12 noon. Entrance is by donation, with a retiring collection. For further information visit www.trioparadis.com.
Local Financial Advice
Offering a
lIONS c eLebraTe pre SIDe NTS for 2025 -26
Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions and it’s Branch Club had a double celebration Charter meal to look back on the last year and welcome in the Presidents for this year.
The clubs met up at the Hunters Rest pub for a tasty Sunday lunch. Lyn Haile of the Radstock and Midsomer Norton has stepped back into the role of President for another year, whilst Sally Marsh of the Branch club has become the new President. Both made a speech reflecting on the past years successes and its fundraising for the community, thanking members for their contributions of service over the past year.
Radstock and Midsomer Norton club meet at the Fromeway pub on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm and the Branch club meet online monthly through zoom. Both versions of local Lions always welcome guests, anyone interested in joining us are welcome to come along, meet up and find out what we do. Look us up at www. rmnlions.org.uk and Facebook - South West UK Lions Club for the branch club.
Lions Clubs International (LCI) is a global service organisation founded in 1917 in Chicago, Illinois. it is one of the largest service organisations in the world, with millions of members in over 200 countries.
The primary mission of LCI is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs and promote peace and understanding.
Cosy jumpers, crunchy leaves, and frosty cobwebs - find all the hidden words below!
• ACORNS
Words to Find: •
• AUTUMN
Autumn Wordsearch
• BONFIRE
• CHESTNUT
• COBWEB • CONKER
CRISP • FIREWORKS • FOGGY • GOURD
HARVEST
HEDGEHOG
MISTY
Cosy jumpers, crunchy leaves, and frosty cobwebs - find words below!
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME
Thanks to our complete Practice refurbishment, we can now welcome more patients to begin their Dental Health Journey in our step-free accessible Practice.
The Practice
With all new surgeries, easy-access dental chairs, the absolute newest digital imaging suite and the very best materials and equipment, you’ll experience dentistry like never before.
The Team
Thanks to their decades of experience, across multiple cities, our team are the leading experts in dental care in the area. Kind, calm and reassuring, they’re ready to help you on your dental health journey.
The Care
From Front of House, to the nurses, to the dentists, our team care about you. Thanks to our Membership Plans, we’re able to offer discounts on treatments, alongside International Emergency cover for dental issues.
