Msn life jun13 web

Summer 2013 Issue 7

Sponsored by Midsomer Norton Town Council

A GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE DON’T MISS

Town Park Plans Update on the River Somer Midsomer Norton Blooms

nch of new See inside for lau ommunity Trust C n o rt o N r e m so Mid

Inspiring Gardeners

All Over SOmerSet

Cheddar Garden Centre is a great place to visit for the whole family Hodges restaurant with 350 Indoor and Outdoor Seats

Great Gift Section

Outstanding Aquatic Centre

Children’s Adventure Play Area

Superb Pet Department

Well Stocked Fencing & Paving Department

Impressive Plant Area

Cheddar Garden Centre Draycott Road, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3RU T: 01934 745 200 | cheddargardencentre.co.uk

extensive Free Parking

WELCOME TO

As the Town Council celebrated its second birthday in May, it was interesting to reflect on everything we’ve been doing since 2011. Probably the most striking thing is how just how many projects have either already been delivered or are close to completion.

In terms of our aim to promote a sense of community we’ve created the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and the Town Trust and will shortly as a town be taking back from B&NES key community buildings and green spaces as well as adding the Catholic Church Garden and St Chad’s Well. In addition, we have developed a plan for the Town Park and are now moving forward to actually deliver this long held aspiration.

We’ve been able to develop a host of initiatives to build civic pride in our town. These include improved planting of our flower beds, tackling anti-social behaviour with the Community Alcohol Partnership, Street Marshals, restrictions on street drinking, more litter bins and finally addressing the regeneration of the High Street. Last summer we even signed a new Town Twinning agreement with Ambarès et Lagrave.

Finally, we’ve been able to underpin all this by creating and running a sound council without increasing the precept for the last two years. We started this year having reached the level of reserves required ahead of schedule - thanks to a policy of sound finances and being prudent with your money.

As ever, we look forward to seeing as many residents as possible at the Annual Civic Service on the 23rd June at Somervale School at 6pm. This not only gives an opportunity to come together as a Community but also recognise with the Midsomer Awards individuals who so generously volunteer their time.

Cllr Paul Myers & Cllr Michael Evans Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Midsomer Norton

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Launch of the New Community Trust

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Weddings in the Town Hall

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Silver Street Nature Reserve

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Midsomer Norton Blooms

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Insights into the 18th Century Vestry Book

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Town Council Grants

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Community Alcohol Partnership

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Enjoying the View

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What’s On

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The Arts and Cinema Programme

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The Town Park Unveiled

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An Update on the River

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School News

Building a vibrant community A perfect venue

Getting closer to the Barn Owl Looking beautiful Bought on Ebay

Bringing people together

Enjoying the nights out together The new benches are in place Packed calendar of events It’s all happening

Turning a vision into reality Is it too wild?

Exciting events and activities

The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in September 2013. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 410141 before the deadline: 5th September 2013.

If you have difficulty reading the print please contact the Town Clerk for a large print copy. You can also view Midsomer Norton Life on the council’s website at www.midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk Midsomer Norton Life is produced by Ignyte Ltd, Suite 7, Westfield Court, Third Avenue, Westfield Trading Estate, Radstock BA3 4XD 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 COMMUNITY TRUST

Building a vibrant community

LAUNCH OF NEW ... Community Trust After two years of planning, the new Midsomer Norton Community Trust will launch on Monday 24th June 2013 at 7pm in the Town Hall and the whole town is invited to come along.

The aim of the new Trust is to help build a vibrant community in Midsomer Norton. It will have three main roles; managing community buildings and spaces on a day to day basis, organising community events and activities and encouraging community groups in the town.

Following a fantastic response to the Town Council’s appeal in the press in 2012 for volunteer Trustees, it has been possible to appoint a steering group which has been working for the last five months to create the Trust which will apply to register as a charity.

With a combination of a membership scheme and use of Facebook, Twitter and traditional posters and mailers, the aim is to ensure that everyone of all ages can be aware of what’s going on.

It’s an exciting time for Midsomer Norton given the number of key projects initiated by the Town Council coming together under the banner of this new organisation.

Buildings and Spaces – Rather than relying on uncertain grants from B&NES to fund our community buildings, the Town Council believes that by working in partnership with the community we can manage these important assets more effectively in the long term.

In the coming months the Town Council is hoping to secure the future of the Town Hall as a community building by negotiating a 100 year lease with B&NES. At the same time talks will include the future of the Orchard Hall and the Hollies Gardens.

Do you have sleepless nights worried about your finances?

Do you argue with your partner about money?

Does thinking about your debts make you feel ill?

Are you having problems meeting your bills each month?

Break Through Money Solutions could provide the answer to all these questions.

With a free face to face meeting Break Through can advise you on the best way forward to provide a solution to your debt worries.

Call Neil Rogers on 07809 110376 to arrange a meeting that could change your life.

BREAKTHROUGH MONEY SOLUTIONS Operating under Consumer Credit License No. 583702 provided by Enable Money Solutions Ltd

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To support the Trust in its early years, the Town Council has awarded a grant to employ a full time Community Development Manager and invest in developing new sources of income such as the Community Cinema, Arts Programme, Weddings and a Function Bar. Activities and Events – community activities and events such as the on going arts programme and the Christmas Lantern Fayre require a huge amount of effort to pull together. With modern rules and regulations to ensure public safety, an organisation like the Community Trust will be able to provide leadership and management skills and help smaller organisations to take part. This role will become more important than ever as we work to support the Carnival Association to bring Midsomer Norton Carnival back to the High Street.

Community Groups – Midsomer Norton has over 100 community groups which are constantly in need of funding to develop and bring forward new initiatives. The Trust will be looking at ways to identify a wide range of funding sources and help groups put together funding bids.

For further details of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust visit www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk.

Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri 9am – 6pm Thurs 9am – 8pm Sat 9am – 5pm

Senior Citizens Haircuts for £5 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Quality Haircuts for all ages from Under 5s to Senior Citizens

Traditional Hot Towel Shave and Beard Trims

£1.50 off your next full price haircut

£1.50 off your next full price haircut

(Offer expires 7th July 2013)

(Offer expires 7th July 2013)

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New wedding venue Couples are now able to get married at Midsomer Norton Town Hall following the granting of a new licence to the Sarah Ann Trust. The first wedding will take place in July this year.

With the nearest register offices being located in Bath, Shepton Mallet, Trowbridge and Frome, the only other alternative until now has been to buy a wedding package from a local hotel or follow the traditional church route.

The aim is to offer couples a venue at the heart of the Somer Valley where they can hold their civil ceremony, at an affordable rate.

Midsomer Norton Town Hall offers you a venue to have a civil marriage ceremony or civil partnership. Hiring the Midsomer Norton Assembly Room in the Town Hall for your ceremony costs £150 (Registrar’s fees will be payable in addition to this).

You can speak to the Town Hall Wedding Coordinator by ringing - 01761 419133. We suggest that you make an appointment to come and see the Town Hall ideally on one of our monthly Wedding/Civil Partnership days so that you can see the venue fully set up and operational.

The next step is for you to formally agree a date and time with both the Town Hall as a venue and the Registrar in Bath.

For further details contact the Town Hall Wedding Coordinator on (01761) 419133.

Weddings at The Town Hall

Make an appointment to see the Town Hall Wedding Coordinator on our monthly Wedding/Civil Partnership Days

Contact 01761 419133 for further details

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LOCAL COMMUNITY MINIBUS

The Community Minibus has been running for many years and takes local groups (but not individuals) to lunch clubs, church services and other events. This service makes a real difference for those people who are housebound who can sometimes feel isolated and cut off from the community. It's a real lifeline for the elderly and disabled.

Drivers of the Community Minibus work on a voluntary basis and are so valuable to this service and our community. The organisation is always looking for more volunteer drivers.

For enquiries and group bookings only you can contact Stephen Powell (Co-ordinator) on 01761 413975 or alternatively David Shearn (Secretary/ Treasurer) on 01761 413473.

CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE

Cruse Bereavement Care run a support group in Midsomer Norton for those who have recently been bereaved. It is an informal and welcoming group for people who are in this situation. They meet from 10.30-12 noon on the second and fourth Monday of each month and include coffee or tea and biscuits during the morning. Contact 01761 417250 to find out more.

FOSSEWAY BOWLS CLUB So far this season Fosseway Bowls Club have played various matches, both friendlies and Leagues. One of the National Double Rink over 60s team beat Bristol B C and now have to play Portishead RBL in the next round. The other team lost by one shot to Clevedon Prom B C, who reached the final last year.

In May they had an 'Away Day' to Lyme Regis where 34 members enjoyed a wonderful day in the sun. The green and welcome were both excellent and on the 4th June they hosted the first rounds of both the Men and Ladies County 'Two wood' competitions.

The 12th June will see the Club again hosting a South West Counties League match between Somerset and Wiltshire. There is always a lot going on at Fosseway and every Monday is Club Night, starting between 6 - 6.30 pm, when, in addition to the bowls, there is always excellent food available and a very reasonably priced bar. Why not come along and join them?

They have free limited membership available for this season, so you can 'Try before you buy'. All equipment can be provided along with free coaching. If you are interested you can find us at the Centurion Hotel Complex (at the far end of the car park) or ring Ray on 01761 453218.

The Mendip Golf Academy Start playing golf for FREE on our specially designed Academy course.  Free initial taster lesson  Free equipment hire Call Matt on 01749 840570 or email: matt@mendipgolfclub.com to book your free lesson.

Golf is an ideal game for the whole family, and The Mendip Golf Academy is the perfect place to learn together.

mendipgolfclub.com 7

SILVER STREET ... nature reserve

With many of Britain’s plants and animals in long-term decline, Midsomer Norton volunteers are playing their part in trying to reverse the trend. Silver Street Nature Reserve’s ambition to house the beautiful barn owl is a step closer with perfect nesting boxes in place, and a barn owl already spotted in the area. Who knows, the Bat Walk or Owl Prowl this September may be even more exciting than last year’s.

This group is both a friend of nature and a boost for the community. It spreads the knowledge and love of the natural world to everyone through events which are open to all, but often especially aimed at the young. The well-attended Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday was followed by A Spring Walk with Anne Savage on Sunday May 5th, and upcoming activities include the B&NES Business Engagement Network on June 11th, which links businesses and the community, and a Butterfly and Bug Walk on Saturday 13th July at 11 a.m..

The Reserve is winning acclaim from a range of organisations. In June it will be examined for the B&NES Green Flag Assessment which is a test of excellence for Green Spaces including their engagement with the community. Silver Street Nature Reserve has won this for the last two years. It is also up for the Royal  Horticultural Society’s In Bloom assessment. In 2011 it was  judged to be ‘developing’, at level three. In 2012 it was ‘thriving’ at level four. In 2013 it may even achieve level five, the highest attainable, and be judged  ‘outstanding’.

The volunteers are involved with two forms of environment: the woods below Midsomer Norton South Station, which are owned by B&NES, and the adjoining open space, which is owned by Somervale School under the umbrella of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership. Attractive paths are making the woodland more accessible and enjoyable, while work on the historical spring and pond is enhancing their value as a special feature and destination. Everyone is delighted with the latest fund-raising success which saw Midsomer Norton Town Council grant £1,800 for continuing work on the springhead. In the adjoining meadow, it is hoped to continue the once a year cutting of the grass which preserves the special nature of this environment and its distinctive meadowland flora and fauna. Funding for the cut is, however, currently in doubt.

The Reserve is always on the look-out for new members, corporate as well as individual. Midsomer Norton Primary School is a recent and very welcome corporate member. Contact Lucy or Jim Edwards on 01761 411 292, have a look at the website at www. silverstreet-lnr.co, or just come along to one of the weekly volunteer sessions which are held every Saturday at 10.30. Currently the work is on extending the woodland pathways.

     

 RICH WILLIAMS FLOORING  

                 

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         

         

            

01761 434665 07801 059357



           Carpets and Vinyls    

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    Supplied and Fitted       Samples brought to your home       Restretching and patching service

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The Springhead

A nesting box

The pond

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MIDSOMER NORTON’S ... war memorial

This is a prominent feature in our High Street everyone will recognise. It records the deaths initially of 73 people from the Great War. Wilfred Norman appears to have been the first fatality, in France, wounded on 6th September 1914 and dying two days later. George Henry Andrews was the last locally commemorated casualty from the Great War, finally succumbing on 10th February 1923 to the gas poisoning he had received while on war service in France. Nearly all were soldiers but some had been seamen, one dying in battle off the coast of Chile and another from a boiler explosion in the Mediterranean.

There are many tales to recount and at least three of us have been researching their backgrounds.

This research is ongoing too for the 36 whose names are recorded for World War Two and again, some sad but fascinating stories have emerged. They include a marine who had survived service for Operation Pedestal in the relief of Malta only to die off the coast of Guernsey, a Sergeant who died in an accident prior to D-Day, a Lance Corporal who died south of Caen in 1944 and an airman

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who perished in south east Europe.

I sent letters to both the Somerset Guardian & the Radstock Journal in November 2012 and I had many encouraging and useful responses. I have interviewed relations, seen medals, photographs, press cuttings and other treasured mementoes. There are other stories out there, however, and they need to be recorded too. This will help us understand the loss of all those people, appreciate their sacrifices and form an archive of information for us all in Midsomer Norton. The archive could be used (where permitted) as part of historical, social or genealogical research but it would, importantly, add that extra dimension. They were not just names; they were individuals with families, homes and jobs and they deserve to be remembered.

I would like to speak to anyone else who has family connections with those on the memorial but who I have not yet met and interviewed. Please contact me at 3 The Timbers, Midsomer Norton, BA3 4DT, by telephone on 01761 414731 or by email at nlwaton@tiscali.co.uk Nick Waton

Midsomer Norton BLOOMS The town looks set to bloom as never before thanks to Town Council horticultural contractors, the Chamber of Commerce and volunteers.

Spring planting Despite the hundreds of hours spent by volunteers to plant 8,000 daffodil bulbs in the Autumn of 2012, many residents were unaware of the initiative until they burst into colour this spring.

What a display we had and not just in the town centre.

Residents from Charlton Park to Welton and those passing the town’s gateway signs could enjoy the labours of volunteers and the Community Payback teams.

Such has been the feedback the Town Council will be considering planting more bulbs this autumn around Midsomer Norton.

Hanging Baskets Businesses have purchased 100 hanging baskets which will go up the length of the High Street to give a wonderful display of colour through the summer months. This despite the economic climate and the difficult times many businesses are facing. Well done to Midsomer Norton’s business community.

“It really is quite an undertaking organising the distribution of so many baskets. Quite apart from the paperwork there’s the logistical issues of running a computerised watering system which cuts in automatically at 6am and 6pm every day for 12 weeks”, said Jon Plenty of the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Chamber The Hollies Gardens This year sees the completion of our two year programme to redesign the main flower beds at the front of the Hollies. The perennial herbaceous border planted last year has burst into life and has been extended to cover the beds towards the Town Hall.

The ‘Midsomer Norton’ town name in flowers which proved such a talking point last year is to feature again this year – with some minor improvements.

“It was whilst I was working in front of the original Hollies House that the idea came to plant box hedging in this area to create the feel of a more formal 18th century garden. The delicate box gives a wonderful edging and, judging by the amount of positive feedback from passers by, many of you think so to”, said Nicola Ware, of Flowers by Nicola.

The garden nearest the old Hollies Chamber will form the basis of commemorative displays for the town – starting with the launch of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust in 2013 (see pages 4 and 5) The Hollies Bee Initiative Several residents have asked if we could do something in the town to raise awareness of the alarming drop in bee numbers. In response, a model of a bee hive has been included in the main floral display in the Hollies and local school children will be invited to come and learn about the importance of bees and the types of plants and flowers they like best.

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MIDSOMER NORTON BEAVERS & CUBS – ST GEORGE'S DAY

Beavers and Cubs from 1st Midsomer Norton Scouts celebrated St George’s Day with a hike around the town. A total of sixty, including leaders and supporters, left their headquarters in Radstock Road, walked down the High Street, up Silver Street (where they had a brief stop at Midsomer Norton South railway station to have a photograph taken on the platform) before crossing the road and walking along the new link of the cycle path towards the Pit Path and the Five Arches beyond.

On arrival at the Five Arches they stopped for a packed lunch.

Four new Beavers were invested into Calgary and Ottawa colonies, and everyone renewed their promises, a traditional feature of St George’s Day. Afterwards they celebrated by playing some games before heading off along the cycle path towards Midsomer Norton and back to the scout hall. The older Scouts renewed their promises whilst in camp at Chelwood for a weekend of activity including climbing, archery, grass-sledging, cooking, crate-stacking and bridge-building.

NORTON RADSTOCK U3A (UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE) You do not need qualifications to join us and no awards are gained from the U3A - just the satisfaction of realising your own potential.

We are a lively and friendly group offering a wide range of activities for those who are over 50 and no longer in full time employment. We hold a Speaker-meeting each month (on the second Monday) from 2-4pm, (Our speakers cover a wide range of interesting subjects), and a Coffee morning each month (last Monday) 10.30 - 12 noon. All meetings are held at The Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton which is next to the Sports Centre.

We also run over 35 interest groups ranging from physical (line-dancing, rambling etc.), Creative (Art, Crafts, etc), to Educational (Languages, Psychology, etc.)

Details of these groups and other information can be found on our web site: u3asites.org.uk/norrad/ or contact our chairman on email: rayjanmerchant38@tiscalLco.uk

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18TH CENTURY ... Vestry book insights Amazing new insights into the history of our town have resulted from the Midsomer Norton Society managing to buy a precious 18th century Vestry Book on Ebay.

The book was secured in a cliff hanger bidding session as part of an internet auction earlier this year, with the £500 sale price covered by generous donations from a small handful of town residents who responded to an emergency appeal from Town Mayor Paul Myers.

Covering the years 1760 to 1830, the book records the fascinating proceedings of Midsomer Norton’s Vestry meeting which was effectively the precursor of the Town Council. Delving into the hundreds of pages reveals the eminent persons of Midsomer Norton distributing relief in cash and kind to the poor, the apprenticing of pauper children, tackling disputes concerning the repair of local roads and bridges, mapping the parish in 1822 for the setting of local rates and finally the repair and eventual replacement of St John’s Parish Church by 1830.

Overall the impression given of Midsomer Norton for the period covered by the book is of a town experiencing the growing pains of industrial and population expansion at the dawn of the modern age.

The question still remains however as to how such an important part of the town’s history ended up on an internet auction site? Having been safely stored in the town’s Parish Chest for over 200 years, it is believed to have left Midsomer Norton Town Hall in the 1980’s with numerous other documents for a safe home at the Wansdyke archive at Keynsham. However, with the demise of Wansdyke District Council, it was allegedly thrown out into a skip at Keynsham Town Hall before being rescued and being stored in an attic on the south coast for a quarter of a century. For obvious reasons, the Midsomer Norton Society is keen to hear from anyone who can shed light on this account of the recent history of this precious book.

Looking to the future, in order to try and avoid a similar situation ever happening again, the new Midsomer Norton Town Trust will include a Town Archive to hold precious historical documents and photos in trust for future generations to enjoy – whatever changes occur in the future to the local governance structure.

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COUNCIL GRANTS Midsomer Norton Town Council has powers to award Grants to local organisations to support their activities in the town. The Council has a specific responsibility for the use of public funds and for the distribution of these funds to be properly managed. In order to ensure that it complies with legislation, the Council has adopted a Grant policy.

Each year the Town Council allocates a specific amount of funds from its budget to be used to award Grants to local organisations. The aim of the Council policy for Grants is: “To make awards to organisations that bring people together, promoting understanding, tolerance and responsibility or that support people in the community by alleviating hardship”.

Since it was created, the Council has made awards totalling £46,000 to a wide range of community organisations in fields as diverse as sport, music, arts, culture and history, as well as to support groups and charities who support many different parts of the Midsomer Norton Community.

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Here are a few stories from those who have received Grants, explaining what they have been able to achieve.

The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band received £3,000 and purchased some timpani drums, a new glockenspiel and two percussion tables. The subsequent promotion of the Band may not have been a direct result of the new percussion equipment but it allowed the Band to compete on a level playing field.

In addition, the percussion section have been able to develop their skills with the additional equipment and maximise the help they received from a former professional percussion player.

The Merriman Theatre Company received £2,500 and used the Grant to fund radio microphones and related equipment. A number of shows have benefitted from the equipment including Jesus Christ Superstar, Lucky Stiff and Nightmare Before Christmas, Junior Group productions such as Peter Pan and the Senior Group’s full scale We Will Rock You. SWAN spent the £1,000 which the Town Council agreed to grant to them on their Access to Health project which supports elderly and disabled residents to attend health appointments. The money has enabled SWAN to increase their capability and they have reported a 20% rise in journeys with one in five of these being in the Midsomer Norton area. The Grant, along with around £9,000 of fund raising, meant that SWAN were able to manage this increase within their resources.

The Sarah Ann Trust received a Grant of £1,595 to purchase blackout blinds for the Assembly Room in the Town Hall which the Trust manages. The blinds have enabled the Trust to run a range of activities, such as the regular Cinema events, with near perfect lighting conditions. The Cinema has been a huge success with over 50 residents regularly attending monthly screenings and movies such as the hit James Bond film Skyfall and the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel were “sell outs”. The events allow residents the opportunity to have a family outing at a fraction of the price of travelling to Bristol or Bath to a mainstream venue whilst still offering the full Cinema experience with popcorn and comfortable chairs!

Somerset Farmers Markets were awarded a Grant of £1,000 which has allowed them to offer canopies to a range of voluntary groups based in Midsomer Norton who are allocated places on a rotational basis. The funds also allowed the team to extend their advertising and to provide refreshments to live musicians at market events.

The group have been able to manage the running costs of their work from their regular income from stall fees.

To obtain a grant from the Town Council, there is a broad checklist for eligibility. Organisations should: • Be based within the Town’s boundary or be able to demonstrate that they provide services of direct benefit to the Town and its inhabitants or that a percentage of members or beneficiaries are residents of Midsomer Norton.

• Be able to demonstrate how it will contribute to the achievement of the Council’s aim for its grant making policy which is set out above. The Grant can be used to cover capital costs and/or revenue costs.

• Be able to show the requirement for a Grant prior to commencement of a project. Retrospective applications may be allowed in exceptional circumstances such as in cases of urgency and because of the financial situation of the group at the time.

• Apply for no more than one Grant each year.

The Grants are made on a number of conditions that include the financial viability of the applying organisation, the timescale for funds to be used, the return of any unused monies and the recognition in literature and on web sites of the Council’s support.

Those organisations that are successful in applying for a Grant are also required to produce a report on how the funds were used.

The next round of Council Grants will be launched in early July with a closing date of early August.

Contact the Town Clerk at townclerk@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk for an application form.

Further rounds will commence in September and December 2013.

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COMMUNITY ALCOHOL PARTNERSHIP Major strides have been made by the Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) in the last 12 months to make our town centre a place everyone can feel proud of and enjoy a night out together. The CAP brings together representatives from Midsomer Norton Town Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Police, NHS B&NES, schools, local businesses and many other agencies as well as you, the community, in order to educate, enforce and change public perceptions.

“We realised early on the only way to address alcohol related anti-social behaviour was to get everyone around the table and face the challenge head on. We carried out a community survey to understand the issues and launched our CAP on the 16th July 2012. We’re really beginning to change behaviour and tackle not just underage but

irresponsible adult drinking”, said Cllr Linda Dunford, Chair of the CAP. Street Marshals Deployed on Fridays and Saturdays in the High St between 10:00pm and 03:00am. Street Marshalls have been funded jointly by the Town Council and B&NES Council and they were one of the first major CAP initiatives. With a presence on the ground they have begun to lay down boundaries for acceptable behaviour and can highlight incidents to the CCTV room in Bath enabling the Police to address potential issues before they escalate.

Recently the Street Marshals have been fitted with BodyCams which record the incidents they deal with which can be submitted as formal evidence to the Police and used as evidence in court.

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Overall, the feedback is that people feel reassured by the presence of the Street Marshals in the town.

Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) There has been talk for almost a decade about putting in place a DPPO in Midsomer Norton. It is NOT a complete ban on drinking in the street nor is it intended to disrupt peaceful activity.

• The DPPO sets out a designated place where the Local Authority has experienced alcohol disorder or nuisance.

• It is an offence to consume alcohol when required not to do so by a Police Officer or other accredited persons.

• An officer is empowered to require an individual to surrender the alcohol. Failure to do so is an offence.

“Looking to the future we are working to have the CCTV system upgraded and extended and to apply for Purple Flag accreditation for the town. This scheme sets out a process not only for improving the night time environment but if standards are met can further assist us in changing perceptions of the town and boosting the local economy”, said Cllr Michael Evans.

Whilst B&NES as a whole has seen an increase in reported crime levels in the last six months, Midsomer Norton has experienced a 13% reduction overall and more importantly a 17% reduction in antisocial behaviour so the CAP and its initiatives certainly seem to be having a positive impact.

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NFEST 2013

Starting life as “Big Top” back in the year 2001, this immensely popular community event hosted by Welton Baptist Church received a makeover in 2009 to become Nfest. As always, all of the events are free of charge and this year the Nfest runs from August 19th -23rd at Somervale School. The theme of the children's morning club for 4-11 year olds is “Shipwrecked” and plans for team games, songs, gunge tank, crafts, memory verse, dramas, messy games and stories are almost finalised.

Most children will bring booking forms home from school, but if you’ve not received one, please leave your details on the church answerphone: 01761 410274. Book early to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited.

The Playtots Toddler group for pre-schoolers and their parents or carers will be open at the school running alongside the Children’s club from 10a.m.- 12.p.m daily. For anyone wanting to just relax and chat for a couple of hours “Café 3:16” will also be open at the school. Look out for publicity of other events and activities occurring during the week or email outeach@weltonchurch.org.uk for further details.

The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in September. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 410141 before the deadline: 5th September 2013

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NORTON RADSTOCK CHESS CLUB

The Norton Radstock Chess Club play in the Somerset League in two divisions (Bath, Frome & Trowbridge) and also enter the Somerset knock out competition.

The club meets on the second Thursday of the month at St. Peter's Church Hall in Westfield and they are always looking for new members. The season runs from September to April.

THE SOMER CENTRE

The Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton is situated by the Leisure Centre and is managed by the Midsomer Norton Community Association. The centre has three halls for hire, a large hall that can hold up to 200 people where a stage can be erected upon request and a small hall that can hold up to 70 people. There is also a small meeting room which is available for hire that can seat 8 people. The Somer Centre also boosts a well equipped kitchen and free wifi. There are a number of local Community Groups that use the hall such as Over 60's Thursday Club, Sequence Fun Dance on Monday evenings, various U3A activities, Judo Club evenings, Weight Watchers, Somer Artist Club, Tuesday Toddler group, Ladies over 50's dance and many more.

The Somer Centre can be hired for weddings, child parties, fund raising and social events.

For further information you can contact Colin Taylor on 01761 419703 or email colin.somercentre@yahoo.co.uk.

A CHANCE TO ... to enjoy the view Local residents of Midsomer Norton will now be able to sit and enjoy one of the best views of the area, thanks to the Town Council who have installed two new seats in Welton.

At Millards Hill, the previous bench had become swamped by undergrowth and the view obliterated.

However, local residents who used to walk up to the bench years ago requested that the Town Council act to restore this vantage point. The Town Warden, supported

by Community Payback and volunteers have cleared the site of undergrowth, planted a new hedge and a concrete base has been installed along with a new seat.

A second bench has been installed on the green area at the heart of Welton in consultation with Welton Village Group. Residents can now sit and enjoy the river and the ducks and watch the world go by.

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WHAT’ ON

June

14th - 31st July Children of the Pits exhibition at Radstock Museum. Exhibition about the life and times of hundreds of children who worked in the Somerset Coalfield Mines. Open Tuesday to Friday and Sunday 2pm – 5pm and Saturday 11am – 5pm. Admission £5 and concessions available 15th Pounds For Paws at The Crossways Tavern, Midsomer Norton. A charity night in aid of Bath Cats and Dogs Home 15th Midsomer Norton Primary School Summer Fete, from 12pm until 4pm £10 per table 15th Somerfest at Norton Radstock College from 11am to 3pm, free entry with live music from the Mangled Wurzel’s along with food, stalls, bar and kids area. All money raised goes to charity 16th Father’s Day Gert Big Breakfast at Farrington Farm Shop Café from 9.30am to 11.30am. £10 for dads and £5 for children 17th Planning Committee meeting in the Beauchamp Room at Midsomer Norton Town Hall 18th Midsomer Norton Coffee morning from 9.30am to 11.30am at the Wansdyke Play Association in Redfield Road, Midsomer Norton 22nd-23rd Midsummer at Midsomer Gala at the Somerset and Dorset Railway Station, Midsomer Norton 23rd Midsomer Norton Civic Service, 6:00pm,

Somervale School. Hosted by Welton Baptist Church,

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this service is an opportunity for the whole town to celebrate the Community with the Midsomer Awards 24th Midsomer Norton Community Trust Launch Event, 7pm, Town Hall. Come along and find out more about the aims and objectives of this brand new Midsomer Norton based charity. Refreshments provided 25th Meeting of Partners & Communities Together (PACT) in the Town Hall at 7pm 27th New Over 60's Social with musical entertainment from Terry Andrews at Welton Rovers from 3pm until 6pm 28th Give blood at the Somer Centre from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.15pm. Contact the National Blood Service for an appointment 29th Palladium Community Cinema showcasing 'Life of Pi' (PG) at Midsomer Norton Town Hall at 7.30pm

July

2nd After hours music with David and Issy Emeney at Midsomer Norton Library, tickets now available for £4

3rd Sing and Sign at Midsomer Norton Library 4th Midsomer Norton Society AGM and entertaining evening

5th Writers Workshop in Midsomer Norton Library

from 10am to 12pm, free but limited spaces available

6th Midsomer Norton Farmers Market in The Hollies

Gardens from 9am until 1pm 6th Piston Broke at Mardon’s Social Club, everyone welcome 7th Car Boot Sale at L&F Jones in aid of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research from 12 until 4pm. £10 per pitch. Refreshment stalls. All proceeds go to charity.

For further information you can call Charlotte Veale on 01761 417711

8th Full Town Council meeting at the Town Hall, Midsomer Norton

12th Character day for Time is Precious appeal. Dress

up as your favourite character and raise money for the Time is Precious appeal. For a welcome pack and more information email contactus@timeisprecious.org 13th Midsomer Norton Community Festival from 11am to 6pm in the High Street in Midsomer Norton.

The Community Festival will showcase local groups and organisations. The High Street will come alive with fairground rides, stalls, attractions as well as dance and majorette displays and much more.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/ midsomernortoncarnival 13th Mendip Male Voice Choir Annual Summer Concert at the Methodist Centre, Midsomer Norton at 7.30pm 13th Summer reading challenge for children starts on 13th July and runs to 14th September 13th Open Air Cinema at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club showing the new Bond film ‘Skyfall’. Gates open at 7.30pm and film starts at sunset. Tickets £10. For tickets call 0797 1004877 15th Planning Committee meeting for Midsomer Norton Town Council, at the Town Hall in the Beauchamp Room 17th Sing and Sign at Midsomer Norton Library 18th Give blood at the Somer Centre from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.15pm. Contact the National Blood Service for an appointment

19th-20th Ballet in the Park at Ston Easton Park with the Covent Garden Dance Company. The event will

comprise fine dining and world class performances in the beautiful gardens

20th 'Fyrefight' at Mardon’s Social Club, everyone welcome

27th Palladium Community Cinema showcasing

'Lincoln' (12A) at Midsomer Norton Town Hall at 7.30pm

August

1st Underhill Lane walk with Midsomer Norton walking group, 2.8miles mud and lanes, meet at the Town Hall, Midsomer Norton at 10am 1st Give blood at the Somer Centre from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.15pm. Contact the National Blood Service for an appointment 3rd Midsomer Norton Farmers Market in The Hollies Gardens from 9am until 1pm 3rd Promotion Party/ Chill Out event at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club from 1.00pm 4th Train rides at Somerset and Dorset railway in Midsomer Norton 14th Sing and Sign at Midsomer Norton Library 14th Business awareness workshop at Wansdyke Business Centre, Midsomer Norton from 11.30am, for more information see www.businesswest.co.uk 28th Sing and Sign at Midsomer Norton Library 31st Palladium Community Cinema showcasing 'Mamma Mia' (PG) at Midsomer Norton Town Hall at 7.30pm

September

1st The Double Hills Arnhem Memorial Service, Paulton at 2.00pm 2nd Full Town Council meeting at the Town Hall, Midsomer Norton 6th 70’s, 80’s and 90’s neon night at The Best Western Centurion Hotel, in aid of Leukemia and Lymphoma research 7th Midsomer Norton Farmers Market in The Hollies Gardens from 9am until 1pm 7th The Midsomer Norton Cats Protection League Autumn Extravaganza at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church from 10am to 12pm. From books to bags, bric-abrac to beautiful crafts. Entry is 25p or a can of cat food 7th Open Day for Time is Precious charity at the Best Western Centurion Hotel from 12noon to 4pm 21

IT'S ALL HAPPENING The Arts Programme combined with the Community Cinema has produced more opportunities to go out in Midsomer Norton than ever before.

Arts Programme In terms of live performance we’ve had a range of bands at Welton Rovers – including a Country and Western Night with the Johnsons which was well attended. More recently a band evening was arranged for people with learning disabilities and over 60 people attended this wonderful event in the Town Hall.

Probably the largest event was the Bavarian Band Night at the Town Hall where a good crowd enjoyed the atmosphere of a traditional German beer fest.

The Over 60s music afternoons once a month on a Thursday between 3pm and 6pm have proved quite a hit. The Paradis Piano Trio on the first Friday of the month in the Town Hall, offering an elegant palm court setting, have regularly been pulling in a large audience at lunch time.

The Arts Programme continues with live drama events being considered for the summer.

Visit www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk

AT THE TOWN HALL

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The 25th May proved a landmark in the history of the Community Cinema when the newly installed projection equipment allowed the organising team to run independent of Bath Film Festival for the first time.

This was made possible by a grant from three B&NES councillors and a grant from Midsomer Norton Town Council.

Initial feedback from the audience of nearly 80 people praised the quality of the picture and there was the usual opportunity to tuck into ice cream and refreshments in the interval to 'Quartet', this month’s film.

The new projection screen and sound system is expected to be permanently installed in the coming months which will again move the Community Cinema forward.

Tempting tastebuds since 1985 22

For further details of events and activities please visit the Town Council’s website at www.midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk

Contact us today to advertise in Midsomer Norton Life on 01761 410141 or email us at info@ignyte-uk.co.uk

MIDSOMER NORTON TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild celebrated its 24th Annual General Meeting in March. With an active membership of 42, the guild looked back over a year full of outings, conferences, lunches, theatre trips, quizzes, parties and speakers.

It continued to monitor the problems of heavier and longer lorries on our roads and following a national Townswomen's Guilds mandate and the increasing demand for extra homes, has addressed the issue of empty houses in the BANES area, appreciating significant information and co-operation from council officers.

Two members now represent the guild on the newly formed Westfield and Midsomer Norton Parish Forums.

Nationally, Townswomen's Guilds welcomed Esther Rantzen as a Vice President. Esther has recently launched the Silverline Helpline, reminiscent of Childline, but designed to support elderly, vulnerable and lonely older people. The Townswomen's Guilds has pledged its help.

Taking part in a relay walk from Land’s End to John

o’ Groats, with The Townswomen's Guilds members throughout Britain, the guild played its part in the National Organisation’s raising of over £32,000 for The Princess Royal Trust for Carer’s Charity. Locally, a soup and crumble lunch was held to support the guild’s own charity of the year, the RUH Cancer Care Centre Campaign and a donation was also made to Paulton Memorial Hospital. Three members, Shirley Blackbourn, Janet Cheasley and Pat Clynes again raised considerable amounts of money for their respective charities, MacMillan, Jumbulance and SSAFA. Beryl Tales stood down this year as Chair as did Gwenda Bearcroft from the committee. Both have done admirable work for the guild over the years and thanks and good wishes for their better health were expressed with flowers. Joan Norman was warmly welcomed as the new Chair, with Barbara Paradise remaining as Vice-Chair, Kate Pugh as Treasurer and Glenys Hepworth as Secretary.

Please contact the secretary on 01761 413528 if you would like further information about the guild.

Meetings take place on the third Tuesday of the month at 2pm in the St John’s Church Hall; we would be delighted if you joined us.

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TOWN PARK ... turning vision For the last six months the Town Council has been looking to turn the long held view that we need a Town Park, into reality.

For the first time LIFE is pleased to unveil the thinking behind the design which aims to be: • Based on Mother Nature: we have an amazing site teeming with wildlife within a few hundred yards of our High Street.

Rather than destroying this by creating a ‘Bandstand and Begonia Town Park’ we want to simply create an accessible ‘Midsomer Meadow’ Town Park.

• Practical: affordable, vandal proof and inspirational which brings together aspects of the town’s heritage while enhancing the unique topography of assets like the batch, views and rich wildlife within the existing site.

• Achievable in stages: produce an initial layout as a canvas we can add to over time.

• Accessible: based on a path system with many routes, the most direct links to other footpaths and the cycle path along the top of the park.

The different areas explained 1. Entrance: Giving a sense of arrival at the Town Park with defined pedestrian, cycle and vehicle access and signing posting to the various areas.

2. Bee garden: nearest to the town, this area has fantastic down-stream views of the river, and would be more of an ornamental garden, filled with perennials chosen to attract bees and butterflies.

3. Lookout: The river outlet could be transformed into a viewpoint in the form of a mini plaza with finer railings and information boards for the Park.

4. Main Car Park: Suitable for 120 cars, with a gravel rather than tarmac surface this would provide event and long term parking in general for the town.

5. Otter Café & Toilets: With views over the river and nestled into the slope so it is not obtrusive – this building would form a service hub in the park.

6. Trailblazers River Walk: This long, wide and flat riverside strip would make an ideal 24

boulevard (just like in Hollywood) along which to highlight historical figures who have been significant in shaping the town or who were born/lived locally and have gone on to achieve greatness ranging from Sir Bricius the first vicar in the 1100s and Hugh De Vivonia who in 1242 and 1248 was responsible for the granting of Royal Charters from Henry III, to the the mine owners and Brewers (Beauchamps and Thatchers) and Oliver Brooks who earned the Victoria Cross in World War One 7. Celebration Meadow: The main, flat and regularly mowed area of the park - useful for the annual Midsomer Norton Fayre Day and other events such as concerts with easy vehicular access - power points and

n into reality

lighting. This will be an ideal area too for ball games near to the café and car park and will retain its scrub edges and ditches for wildlife.

8. Green Stage: By harnessing the natural slope of the batch, we could create a wonderful amphitheatre for plays and concerts opening up the opportunity for the town to host a wide range of public events.

9. Bridge & Pond: inspired by the town’s Victorian river railings this will provide a link and a new wildlife habitat.

10. Wild Meadow: This large open space is simply divided into mown grass tracks for ball games and picnics swirling between extensive meadow areas enriched with perennial natives. A lovely big breathing space in the park.

11. Fossil Labyrinth: Inspired by local geology this sculptural yet fun feature provides an easy challenge for the adventurous with a quick exit out.

12. Blossom & Berry Walk: A sort of mini arboretum backed by native screening of the housing along with the possibility for commemorative planting.

13. Asteroid Rings: Large rings of miscanthus grasses rise from the meadow possibly backed by colourful dogwoods for winter interest - inspired by local astronomer Duncan Steel’s discoveries.

14. Hermit’s Den: On a rise above the meadow this sturdy climbable structure of stout rustic logs bolted together provides a destination and climbing frame for curious kids as well as a viewpoint for adults.

15. Giant Swing: An optional adventure area with a large basket swing in the woods beside the upper stream crossing which could have an easy bicycle crossing and a fun swing/rope bridge for kids.

16. Cascades & Swing Bridge: The present wooded stream could be enhanced with small stone dams to create attractive cascades and a streamside stepped walk.

17.Batch Ride: This existing wide shelf around the batch forms a place to enjoy views.

18. Remembrance Mount: A wide sweeping staircase leads to a spiral mound reached by a snaking embankment reminding visitors of the hard graft involved in mining and the 1908 Norton Hill pit disaster.

19. Kite Flat: The vision is to preserve the wide open aspect and fine views - also to encourage community events here such as kite competitions.

20. Wind Sculpture: Something inspirational and uplifting designed to form a stunning silhouette on the skyline of the town.

21. Pine Wood: Easy gradient steps descend from the far end of this densely wooded knoll making this distinct corner of the park more accessible.

22. Pit Road Car Park: Operating as a disabled car park - as a drop off point/open for special events on the batch summit.

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THING TO DO MONDAY Norton Radstock U3A at Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton. Speaker-meeting every second Monday 2-4pm, Coffee morning every last Monday 10.30-12 noon.

Veterans Football League at Norton Hill Sports centre at 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Storytime: Stories for 0-5 year olds for Free. 11.00am - 11.30 am at Midsomer Norton Library.

Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.30am to 11am, 11.30am to 1.30pm, 2.30pm to 8.00pm and 9.00pm to 10.00pm.

Longvernal Play Session Orchard Vale Hall Every Monday @ 3.30pm. After school fun & activities with the Play Rangers – Wansdyke Play Association 01761 420660.

Playzone (parent & toddler group) Longvernal Primary School 1.15 – 3.00 pm Term Time Only 01761 418226.

Little Puma’s Tae Kwon Do group at Norton Hill Sports Centre ages 4 to 6 from 5.15pm to 6pm, juniors and adults 6pm to 7pm.

Music with Mummy at the Methodist Church every Monday from 10am to 2.30pm for more information call Justine on 0171 413039.

FISH Trampoline Club at Norton Hill Sports Centre Juniors 5pm to 6pm, Adults 7pm to 8pm.

Tummy Gym Sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 5.45pm to 6.15pm.

Passport to Health sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 11am to 2pm.

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Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 8pm to 8.45pm.

Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust is open every Monday from 1pm to 4pm, for viewing only contact 01761 411221.

Wesley Guild at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church from 4.00pm fortnightly, a Christian services, devotional, cultural, social and musical interests with invited speakers.

Monday youth club (term time only) at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church, 6.15pm for children in years 3 to 6 and 7.45pm for children in years 7 and above.

Job Centre Plus Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre 9.30 - 3.00 Appointments or drop in.

The early shift café at Longvernal School. Coffee and cake in conjunction with Longvernal Tweenies group for parents or carers of preschool and school aged children 8.45am to 10.45am.

Café 3:16 from 3:30pm-5:30pm at Town Hall; youth café open to teenagers to hang out for a couple of hours after school.

Five-a-side football from 9pm -10:00pm at Norton Hill School with Welton Baptist Church, Five-a-side football in the Gym. 20.20.20 classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 11am, every Monday.

Healthy Back, stretch and tone classes at South Wansdyke Sports Centre at 12 noon.

Kettle Bell classes to strengthen and tone at South Wansdyke Sports centre from 6.00pm.

Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 6.30pm.

TUESDAY Drop in Baby Clinic Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre 10.00 – 11.30.

Somer Athletic Club at Norton Hill Sports Centre for adults 7pm to 9pm.

Dance class with the Desert Divas at St John’s Church Hall from 7pm to 8.30pm. For more information call 01761 416671.

Short mat bowls every Tuesday at The Somer Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and 7.00pm to 9.00pm contact 01761 418400.

Football with a qualified coach can be played at South Wansdyke Sports Centre every Tuesday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on the outdoor pitch.

Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.30am to 10am, 12pm to 1.30pm, 2.30pm to 4pm.

Golden Oldies singing session at Greenacres Community Room, Greenacres, Midsomer Norton BA3 2RD every Tuesday 2-3pm. Open to all, voluntary donation of £1 per session. Please call the office to check your session is on and for more information 01761 470006.

Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild meets on the second Tuesday of each month at St John’s Church Hall at 2pm. For more information call 01761 413528.

50+ swimming at South Wansdyke Leisure Centre 11am to 12pm.

Mass is celebrated at St John the Baptist from 12pm every Tuesday.

Tummy Gym Sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.00pm to 6.30pm.

Methodist Church Women’s Fellowship meets fortnightly from September to June at the Methodist Church Centre at 3pm, for more information contact 01761 235970.

Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 10am to 10.45am.

Senior Rugby training at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club at 7.30pm, contact 07773 567 887 or 01761 419750.

Stop off at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church for morning coffee and lunches from 11am to 1pm.

Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 6.45pm.

Gentle exercise classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 10.45am.

Box circuits classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 7.30pm.

Playtots from 10:00am - 11:30am at the Town Hall for pre-school children, babies and their carers.

Housegroups with Welton Baptist Church from 7.45pm, a chance to meet in smaller groups for prayer, bible study and general this and that.

WEDNESDAY FISH Trampoline club for Juniors at Norton Hill Sports Centre from 5pm to 7pm.

Ballroom and Latin American dancing for beginners at the Town Hall from 8.00pm to 9.00pm, contact 01225 461834.

Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.30am to 10.30am, 11.30am to 1.30pm, 3.00pm to 6.00pm.

Junior badminton coaching every Wednesday at Norton Hill Sports Centre from 5pm to 6pm for 11 to 14 years, 6pm to 7pm for 14 years and over.

Passport to Health sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 10am to 2pm.

Music with Mummy at the Methodist Church every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm, for more information call Justine on 01761 413039.

Adult Dance classes every Wednesday evening at the Town Hall, contact Paula on 07860 839 560 for more details.

Toddlers group at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church at 12.30pm term time only.

Café 3:16 at 3.30pm-5.30pm in the Town Hall, a youth café open to teenagers to hang out for a couple of hours after school.

Dynamos from 6.30pm-7.45pm at Welton Baptist Chapel a children's group for age 6 to school year 4.

Superchargers at 6.45pm-8.00pm in St. John Ambulance Hall from children's group for school years 5 & 6.

Voltage from 7.00pm-9.00pm in the Town Hall for Teens group for school year 7 to age 14.

Wives Group at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Centre meets alternate Wednesdays at 2pm. Various speakers and topics. For more info or confirm date ring 01761 436770.

29 27

THURSDAY Jenny Peplow singers meet every Thursday at 7.15pm at the Somer Centre, for more information call Jenny on 01373 812093.

Citizens Advice Bureau 3rd Thursday of the month at The Children's Centre Midsomer Norton 01225 396858 for appointments.

Family First (for parents and carers of children with additional needs) 1.30pm to 3.00pm. Come along on the first Thursday of every month to Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre.

Dance class with the Desert Divas at the Town Hall from 12.15pm to 1.15pm. For more information contact 01761 416671.

Welton Vale over 50s club meets in the Community Room from 2pm to 4pm, for more information call 01761 417960.

Somer Valley Gardening group meet at the Town Hall on the 2nd Thursday of every month, for more information call 01761 417252.

Golden Oldies singing session at Welton Vale Community Room, Welton Vale , Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2BG every Thursday 10.30-11.30am.

Open to all, voluntary donation of £1 per session.

Please call the office to check your session is on and for more information 01761 470006.

Somer Athletic Club at Norton Hill Sports Centre for adults and juniors at 7pm to 9pm.

Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.30am to 11.00am, 11.30am to 2.00pm, 3.00pm to 10.00pm.

Chilcompton Ladies Choir every Thursday at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Centre from 7.30pm to 9.00pm contact 01761 416127.

Music with Mummy at the Methodist Church every Thursday from 10am to 12pm, for more information contact Justine on 01761 413039.

Passport to Health sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 8pm to 10pm.

Health and Beauty Group at St John's Church Hall at 7.30pm to 8.30pm all ages welcome from 30’s to 80’s. Contact Annette on 01761 414163.

The Old Bakery artists meet on the last Thursday of every month except December at The Fromeway in Radstock, for more information call 01761 418956.

28

Early support stay and play group at Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre every Thursday from 1.30pm to 3.00pm, for more information contact 01225 396660.

Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 12.45pm to 1.30pm and 8pm to 8.45pm.

Senior Rugby training at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club at 7.30pm, contact 07773567887 or 01761 419750.

St John Ambulance adults and cadets: cadets can be aged 11 to 16 and meet at 6.30pm to 7.45pm and the adults meet at 7.45pm onwards: St John Ambulance Hall, Radstock Road.

Gentle Exercise classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 9.15am.

Body conditioning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 10.30am.

Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 7.45pm.

Playtots from 10am - 11:30am in the Town Hall. For preschool children, babies and their carers.

FRIDAY Bosom Babes (breastfeeding group) Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre, Pows Orchard, Midsomer Norton at 12.00pm to 1.30pm.

Stay & Play 9.30 – 11.00am @ The Children’s Centre.

Norton Radstock Folk Dance club meet at St Peter’s Church Hall in Westfield from 8.00pm to 10.00pm, for more information call 01761 411292.

Short mat bowls every Friday at The Somer Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Contact 01761 418400.

Inflatable session in the swimming pool at South Wansdyke Sports Centre every Friday from 6pm to 7pm.

Children 8 to 15 years old.

Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.30am to 1.30pm, 2.00pm to 8.30pm.

Junior and adults Tae Kwon Do at Norton Hill Sports Centre from 7pm to 8pm.

Tummy Gym Sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.00pm to 6.30pm.

Adult social badminton club, every Friday at Norton Hill Sports Centre from 6pm to 9pm.

Meet for prayer at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church at 9.45am.

Pop in for coffee at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church at 10am.

Whist Club at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

Choir practice at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church from 7.30pm.

The Early Shift from 8.30am-10.30am in the Town Hall for parents or carers (after doing the school run) to have an early coffee and a cake and a bit of a chin wag!

Yoga fitness at 11am at South Wansdyke Sports centre.

Zumba at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 1pm.

Spinning classes at 6.30pm at South Wansdyke Sports centre Café 3:16 at the Town Hall from 7pm to 9pm. A youth café open to teenagers to hang out for a couple of hours in the evening.

SATURDAY Saturday Club @ The Somer Centre Midsomer Norton. A range of activities for disabled & non disabled children 10am – 2pm Wansdayke Play Association 01761 420660.

Tricknology testing at Midsomer Norton Skate park, contact MOJO for more details on 07840 904 083.

Inflatable session in the swimming pool at South Wansdyke Sports Centre every Saturday from 4pm to 5pm. Children 8 to 15 years old.

Active 8 Saturday Kids Club at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm for 8 to 12 year olds.

Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 11.30am to 5.00pm and 6.00pm to 7.00pm.

Midsomer Norton Methodist Cricket Club, meets every Saturday in season, for more information contact John on 01761 412328.

Mass is celebrated at St John the Baptist from 9am every Saturday.

Children’s Dance classes every Saturday afternoon at the Town Hall, contact Paula on 07860 839 560 for more details.

Passport to Health sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 9am to 2pm.

Saturday Night Praise at 7.30pm on 3rd Saturday each month at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 10.00am.

The local churches Men’s Breakfast Fellowship meets monthly (2nd Saturday excluding July and August) at 8.30am (breakfast from 8am) venues vary. For more information call Midsomer Norton Methodist centre on 01761 401450.

SUNDAY Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 10.00am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 8.00pm.

Said Mass at 8.00am at St John the Baptist Church.

Family Sung Mass and Sunday School at St John the Baptist Church at 9.30am.

Junior badminton coaching every Sunday at Norton Hill Sports Centre. 10am to 11am for 7 to 11 years, 11am to 12pm for 11 to 14 years and 12pm to 1pm for 14 years and over.

Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 6pm to 7pm.

Junior rugby games and training at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club at 10.30am, contact 07773 567 887 or 01761 419750.

Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust is open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm contact 01761 411221.

Gener8 at Midsomer Norton Methodists takes place on the 2nd Sunday in the month from 9.30am, includes activities, lively bible stories etc.

Morning worship Youth church and crèche from 10.30am at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

Evening service from 6pm at St John the Baptist.

Evening Worship from 6.00pm at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

Morning Service at 10:30am at Somervale School; morning worship service for all ages. eNeRGy groups at 10:30am at Somervale School for groups for all ages from 3-11 during the main morning service.

Welton Baptist Church Evening Service 6:00pm at Somervale School; evening service - "café style" Ignite (14-18’s) at 8pm-9:30pm at Welton Baptist Chapel for young Peoples group for age 14 – 18.

29

THE BATH DANCENTRE

The Goodyear School of Dancing was founded in 1960 and then later renamed The Bath Dancentre, classes were held in the Forum in Bath but since 1997 classes have been taught in various locations in and around the Bath area.

For further details of other classes in the surrounding areas and for further information on The Bath Dancentre you can visit www.thebathdancentre.co.uk or call 07860 839560 or alternatively email paulagoodyear@btinternet.com

There are a number of classes in Midsomer Norton: Wednesday

Town Hall, Midsomer Norton

Improvers Grade 4 Ballroom & Latin

7pm 8pm

£6.00

Wednesday

Town Hall, Midsomer Norton

Improvers Grade 2 Ballroom & Latin

8pm 9pm

£6.00

Saturday

Orchard Vale Hall, Midsomer Norton

Junior Beginners Ballroom, Latin & Disco

1pm 2pm

£5.50

Saturday

Orchard Vale Hall, Midsomer Norton

Junior Beginners Ballroom, Latin & Disco

2pm 3pm

£5.50

MENDIP MALE VOICE CHOIR

Mendip Male Voice Choir are pleased to announce the appointment of their new Musical Director, Mr Jamie Knights, who will be taking over from Kate Courage in June when she leaves to have her baby.

Jamie lives at Kingswood School Bath where he is the Musician in Residence. Jamie was a scholar at Wells Cathedral School and then went on to gain a First Class Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music at Bath Spa University.

The choir have been rehearsing all year for their Summer of Love concerts coming up at Trowbridge Civic Centre on Friday June 14th, Holy Trinity Church Paulton on Friday June 21st, St John's Church Keynsham Saturday June 29th, Methodist Church Midsomer Norton Saturday July 13th and Saturday September 14th and Saturday November 30th, Somervale School Midsomer Norton Friday September 27th, St John's Church Midsomer Norton Saturday December 7th.

Tickets for any of the concerts can be obtained by ringing Les Debenham on 01761 233948 or Nick Furzland on 01761 413842.

Jamie Knights with the choir's Chairman Andy Green.

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RIVER SOMER PROJECT ... planting trial

The River Somer in the town centre is kept tidy thanks to the efforts of a band of volunteers. Rubbish is removed every day of the week whilst weekend activity is focused on managing the planting.

Whilst overall feedback on the new planting is positive, there are those who feel that even with the current regular management the river is a little bit too wild. In order to address this feedback the Town Council recently voted funds to carry out an enhanced planting trial on the stretch between Barons and Out of Asia.

By introducing a wider range of native river plants, which will be grown to create clumps of one type, it is hoped to create a greater sense of order and that all year round colour can be achieved. Once completed and settled in, the Town Council will consult with local residents to see if they think it is an improvement.

Volunteers will be working on the trial in the coming months and anyone interested in taking part in the Sunday sessions can contact the Town Clerk on 01761 418701 for further details.

Contact us today to advertise in Midsomer Norton Life on 01761 410141 or email us at info@ignyte-uk.co.uk

Norton Green Farm Nursery and Garden Centre WELCOMES YOU THIS SUMMER • Summer Bedding, Hanging Baskets, Planted Pots, Veg Plants, House Plants and more • Unwins, Fothergills, Johnsons and Country Value seed collections • Terracotta and Glazed Pots, Plastic Pots and Containers • Compost, Mulches & Barks multibuy & special offers) • Wild Bird Food and Feeders • National Garden Gift Vouchers sold & redeemed • Lawn Treatment, Plant Feeds, Weed Killers and insecticides Local Delivery Service Open: Mon - Sat 9am – 5pm Sun 10.30am – 4.30pm Norton Green Farm Nursery Wells Road, Chilcompton BA3 4RR T. 01761 232137 E. nortongreenfarm@tiscali.co.uk 31

SOMERSET COALFIELD

The Somerset Coalfield was an area of 240 square miles where coal was mined from the 15th century until 1973. Most of the pits on the coalfield were concentrated in the Cam Brook, Wellow Brook and Nettlebridge Valleys and around Radstock and Farrington Gurney. The pits were grouped geographically, with clusters of pits close together working the same coal seams often under the same ownership. Many pits shared the trackways and tramways which connected them to the Somerset Coal Canal or railways for distribution.

As there were no protection laws against children working before 1842 children as young as five could be found working up to 12 hour days in the pits.

The Radstock Museum will be running an exhibition 'Children of the Pits' about the life and times of the hundreds of children who worked in the Somerset Coalfield mines during the 19th and 20th centuries.

It will examine their work, home and family life, education, working conditions and health issues. It will also look at the tragic ends which scores of these children met and the attempts by lawmakers and activists to make life safer for them.

The exhibition runs until the end of July. Open Tuesday to Friday and Sunday 2pm until 5pm and Saturday 11am until 5pm. Admission £5 and concessions available.

32

SWAN TRANSPORT SCHEME SWAN Transport Scheme is a service run by SWAN Advice Network to help people on lower income in the area access reliable and friendly transport to be active in the community. A team of 20 drivers, both men and women, give their time and vehicles to help people get where they need to go. This can be anything from a hairdresser’s appointment, shopping, clubs and activities, day care to visiting friends and relatives or attending health appointments local doctor’s surgeries, dentist and opticians, any of the Bath Hospitals or the local Paulton hospital. We can cater for most journeys needed. We work in partnership with the other local transport groups to make Midsomer Norton and the surrounding area a better place to live if you are unable to use conventional public transport.

We ask for a donation to go towards the cost of the journey and anyone accompanying goes free.

Please ring us on 01761 439548 if you think you or someone you know needs our service and we will be happy to help with your enquiry or if you wish to volunteer for us and join our team in this area or any of the surrounding villages.

Email: swan_voltrans@dial.pipex.com

VOLUNTEER TODAY AT SOMER VALLEY CHILDREN’S CENTRES

A range of volunteering opportunities are currently on offer at Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Somer Valley Children’s Centres to anyone with a bit of spare time and a desire to help out.

Opportunities include supporting ‘Stay and Play’ and ‘Messy Play’ sessions, as well as gardening, administration, driving and nursery positions. For anyone who’s not sure what they’d like to do, then staff at the centres can place them in an appropriate role, depending on their interests and experience.

The Somer Valley Children’s Centres are located in Peasedown, Radstock, Paulton and Midsomer Norton and the services they provide include: • Meetings with family support workers • Parenting skills • Support for families with children who have additional needs • Attend one of our baby/toddler groups • Support to get back into work • Housing/benefit advice • Healthy lifestyle information • Just a listening ear.

MIDSOMER NORTON RFC

Midsomer Norton RFC had one of their most successful seasons in recent years, culminating in the first XV being promoted to Western Counties North, the highest level they will have played in their history.

Finishing runners up to Chew Valley, they played in a winner takes all play off against Frampton Cotterell, the runners up in Gloucester Premier league, eventually winning convincingly 28-12.

The team is looking forward to the challenge of next season with new teams to play, and will be led next year by this seasons successful duo of captain Matthew Denning and coach Tom Lovell.

The club continues to grow and on Saturdays runs four senior teams with an occasional over 35s team taking to the field. Sundays see the junior section take over and run teams in all age groups from under 7s to under 18s.

Sally Teall, who began volunteering with Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre a year ago, and takes her children Jasmine and Kai to its ‘Stay and Play’ sessions, said: “We’re really well supported by the children's centre to ensure we can put all of our hopes and dreams into action. The centres are fantastic at ensuring there’s a vast range of equipment to use in activities and play which help with child development.

We’re also able to progress our own education and careers through courses held at the children's centre and volunteer support meetings.

“We can give advice and help parents thanks to the children's centre’s massive support system. There’s always someone on the end of the phone available to help any of our 'Stay and Play' families in a wide range of areas – covering the needs of both children and adults.

“I hope anyone interested in volunteering will see the benefits of being part of such a supportive organisation – which offers on-going education and a wide range of experiences to aid both your career and your life as a whole.”

To find out how you can get involved, call 01225 396660 or email jed_parsons@bathnes.gov.uk.

Anybody of any age or ability looking for a game will find a suitable team to play in at Norton Down.

For further information you can visit www.midsomernortonrfc.co.uk or you can call 01761 432071.

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TIME IS PRECIOUS

A fantastic Coleford couple, Nicky and Neil Halford, set up a local children's charity in memory of their 5 year old son Ben after loosing a 3 year fight against a brain tumour. They wanted to help others that are in a same or similar situation as they know and understand how hard it is when you are in hospital with your sick child.

Should you wish to contact Nicky or Neal telephone 01373 813457.

Time is Precious is a non profit making charity who genuinely want to help others. Please take time to look at their website www.timeisprecious.org.

Nicky and her seven month old son receiving a cheque for ÂŁ500.00 from Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Club President Robert Briggs accompanied by Welfare Chairman Russell Ford.

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WHIT FUN DAY

The 9th Whit-Fun-Day was held on Sunday 19th May at Somervale School and a Street Organ welcomed the large number of people as it played at the main entrance.

The weather was kind and people were able to enjoy strolling around the various tents, stalls and activity areas. There was so much to see and do; 26 vintage cars were on display, the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band played as well as African drums. Children enjoyed three bouncy castles, face painting and a kids craft area. Also popular were the birds of prey, biscuit decorating along with a painting workshop with Chilcompton Art Group and a Hat Display. There were also dog agility demonstrations, champion weightlifting ministry, skittles and an amateur radio station as well as the opportunity to visit the Prayer Tent.

Next year will be the 10th Anniversary of the event and planning is already under-way to make it an extra special event!

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34

COMMUNITY ALARM SERVICES The Community Alarm Service provides special equipment which is linked to a person’s telephone system, enabling a person to get help quickly, via a 24 hour, 365 day monitoring centre.

To call for help, a button is pressed on an easy to use pendant alarm, which places a call through to the monitoring centre. Friendly and trained operators respond to the call, and provide the appropriate support. This may include calling a nominated family member, neighbour or friend, or if necessary alerting the emergency services. The people who answer the call will have access to relevant information about you, so are able to respond quickly and appropriately to your call.

It is also possible to link additional equipment such as smoke detectors, flood detectors or temperature detectors to the system which will send a warning to the monitoring centre if activated.

The basic costs are £30 for installation and £3.60 per week for hire and monitoring. There are some discounts available for those receiving means tested benefits.

For a free home demonstration or if you would like to know more please contact the Community Alarm Service on 01225 477892 or fax 01761 415526.

NORTON HILL STUDENTS TO PERFORM AT ‘THE EGG'

Steve Bridges, Head of Arts at Norton Hill School, has taken advantage of a wonderful performance opportunity by selecting thirteen gifted and talented Year 9 students to perform at ‘the egg’ theatre in Bath.

The students will perform in a play entitled ‘Nordost’.

As additional preparation for this exciting opportunity, the school took the aspiring young actors to the Salisbury Playhouse to watch the play that they will be performing.

The play itself is a challenging retelling of the story of three women caught up in the theatre siege in Moscow (2002) during a performance of a musical called ‘Nordost’. The play explores the events of the siege from the perspective of a medic, a mother watching the play and a female Chechen rebel. It is a serious, thought-provoking and moving piece that will be a real challenge for the pupils. Following the performance at Salisbury Playhouse the students met the young actors currently working on the play, the Director and the Assistant Director. Norton Hill students were commended for asking intelligent and appropriate questions of the professionals. They also met the three main actresses after the show for a brief discussion.

The students will be performing on Tuesday and Wednesday (7th and 8th May). For further details, please contact ‘the egg’, Theatre Royal, Bath.

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MIDSOMER NORTON JUDO CLUB

Midsomer Norton Judo Club continued the strong links with their French counterpart Ambarès et Lagrave in South West France when the local club recently entertained a team of 27 visitors from the Twin town celebrating their 30th year of the exchange.

During their recent weekend visit in April, they were hosted by local families associated with the Judo Club and both teams and supporters enjoyed a mix of competition and social events.

On the Friday evening the French team arrived at 8.30 pm after travelling down from London by coach. They were made welcomed at Andy and Sherry Crooks home for an evening buffet and then back to their host family’s home for a well deserved rest.

Saturday was a busy day with a Judo Training session at 10.30 am at the Somer Centre and then on to Bath where they were invited to a civic reception by B&NES Council Chairman Mr Robert Appleyard at the Guildhall for refreshments, they were given an interesting talk on the history and function of the Council Chambers and shown the lavish Banqueting Ballroom. On the Saturday evening a Pig Roast was enjoyed followed by a disco. The handing over of the main trophy was carried out by John Comer passing it over to Gilles Poeydaban (The French Secretary) followed by the cutting of the two celebration cakes by Colin Taylor and Herve Branger, Head Coach of the French Judo Team. Both club Committees pledged their continued support for the exchange, primarily for

the benefit of young people and their mutual sporting interest.

Sunday was the main event of the stay being the Judo Randori challenge where the players from both clubs displayed their Judo skills. Midsomer Norton had young players from 6 years old representing their club at their first Randori session and gaining the experience of practising with the French players. Midsomer Norton dominated the afternoons Judo and at the end the presenting of the trophies by both teams took place.

In the afternoon a barbecue was held for the hosting families and guests, followed by a skittles match event run by Martyn Russell at Paulton Rovers Football club.

The French party departed on Monday morning for London.

Colin Taylor (Club Chairman) would like to thank Midsomer Norton Community Association for their support and donation towards the hall cost and the Norton Radstock Twinning Association for the grant and finally to John and Cheryl Comer and the Committee for organising the event and making it a resounding success. It should also be recorded that the behaviour of all the local junior members of the squad throughout the hosting was a compliment to the Club and their families.

The club train at the Somer Centre, Gullocks Tyning, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2UH. Wednesday and Thursday (6-7pm 6-9 years, 7-8pm 10-16 years, 8-10pm Adults.

Saturdays Free Randori 5-7pm 16 years and above.)

Contact 01761 413320 or 419703.

2 Mansbrook House 15 High Street Midsomer Norton 01761 413212 www.edwardsmidsomer.co.uk

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STREET PASTORS ARE COMING

... to Midsomer Norton!

Thirty five churches from the surrounding area have agreed to launch the Street Pastors Scheme in Midsomer Norton.

What are Street Pastors?

Street Pastors are people from the Christian community who are willing to care, listen and help. They are a trained team of volunteers who will be on the streets of Midsomer Norton on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm until 3am. They are not there to preach but to share the love of God with anyone who asks.

Why do we need them in Midsomer Norton?

In common with other towns across the country, anti-social behaviour throws up challenges both to the church and to society as a whole. As a group of Christian Churches we want to engage with the community in partnership with other agencies to help bring about change.

What will they do?

The Street Pastors will walk the streets and help people who are distressed, in difficulty or frightened. They will engage with people on the streets and in nighttime venues in order to CARE, LISTEN, TALK and offer PRACTICAL HELP. In many instances we believe that things as simple as sweeping up a broken bottle on the pavement or giving a pair of flip-flops to someone who is walking barefoot could avoid suffering. Simple acts of caring will then be seen as living proof that the church has come to the Community.

What will be the result?

By offering help to those who want or need it, we believe that we can help make the town a safer place for all and ensure that everyone can leave safely and happily at the end of the evening.

Are Street Pastors paid?

No. Time and effort are given on a voluntary basis

and each volunteer pays £75 to be a Street Pastor – this helps cover expensive training costs. Everyone is a church member and must be over 18 years of age – there is no upper age limit if you are fit! You are expected to carry out a minimum of one night per month. Currently there are 9000 Street Pastors on the streets nationwide in 280 different areas.

Are YOU interested in being a Street Pastor?

Contact Julian Sheppard, Co-ordinator, Midsomer Norton Street Pastors.

Email: streetpastorsmsn@gmail.com Telephone: 01761 232747 Mobile: 07970 696878 During June the advertising for Volunteers will start culminating in a LAUNCH Service on Saturday June 22nd at 7.30pm in the Town Hall Midsomer Norton. If you are in doubt and want to know more please come and join us on this date. Your church will be issued with various materials for you to read meanwhile. We are looking for over 30 volunteers from a wide area.

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Midsomer Norton Schools

NEW RECEPTION CLASSROOM FOR WELTON SCHOOL

A LETTER FROM THE QUEEN

The reception children at Welton Primary School are very excited about their brand new classroom layout. Teacher Amanda Audritt worked very hard to create an environment for the children that inspire creativity and learning through play. The classroom is now divided in to 4 areas; these are the home area, the maths area, the water area and the reading and music corner. Children enjoy a superb outside space too. Each child brings their slippers to school and wear slippers all day to create a comfortable learning environment. Thanks go to Sarah Barter and Barclays Bank for helping to create this wonderful classroom area.

Children from 5b at St. John's Primary School in Midsomer Norton wrote letters to the Queen. Each letter talked about the childrens lives in Midsomer Norton and also the Diamond Jubilee. The children received a fabulous letter from the Queen and a pack of information about the royal family along with some beautiful photographs. Holly, Megan, Lewis, Jude, Louis, Conor, Adam, Joseph, Joe, Colwyn and Max show some of the pictures received.

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ACCESS TO AN INFORMED FUTURE

Midsomer Norton Sixth Form, by its own admission, prides itself on offering its students the opportunity to make an informed decision as to their future, beyond the sixth form. To achieve this, sixth form students regularly travelled between Midsomer Norton and Bristol as part of the ‘Access to Bristol’ scheme based at Bristol University. Midsomer Norton Sixth Form is amongst a select few Sixth Forms within the local area partaking in this invaluable scheme.

On speaking to the students, it was evident they were universal in their appreciation of the scheme and the benefits and experience it has provided them to help make key decisions about their future paths. Year 12 student Willow Wyatt stated “It has prepared me for university education by experiencing lectures and being in a university environment. Using the resources that Bristol University had to offer, was the best thing about Access to Bristol.”

During their time at the university, the students attended several university lectures within their chosen subject over the course of a 6 month period.

Another student, Ada Myers, who had enrolled on the Biomedical course quoted “I really enjoyed it, as we were able to experience the many areas in this subject, including human anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology. I really enjoyed learning about the human body, how it could go wrong and how we can modify our bodies. It has also meant when I went to other universities I had a much better understanding of the topics we would cover on the course and am currently looking at the anatomy course at Cardiff.”

Assistant Director of Sixth Form, Louise Friend, who co-ordinates the scheme for the Sixth Form explained “A large number of our students will be the first in their family to attend university, so as well as helping them make key decisions regarding which subject to study, our students appreciated being able to experience what university life would be like before committing themselves.”

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Subsequently, all the students who were enrolled on the scheme have now been awarded a certificate for the successful completion of the course. Students can now add this to their UCAS application forms as a recognised qualification. Louise concluded the interview by saying “I and those who benefitted from this fantastic scheme, would like to thank Bristol University for the wonderful opportunity it has given our students.

We are certain this scheme has had a profound influence on our students, which will be advantageous when they commence their applications to their chosen universities.”

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SOMERVALE STUDENTS ACHIEVE “AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 WORDS”

As part of this year’s celebrations during World Book Week in March, Somervale students were encouraged to take part in the “Young Writers” creative writing competition.

“Young Writers” is an organisation which was set up to encourage young adults to engage in creative writing, working with schools, parents and young writers for over 20 years.

Their recent “Around The World In 80 Words” competition has proved popular with many schools and their pupils, and thousands of stories from all over the UK were submitted. Work is selected for publication based on student expression, imagination, perception, and use of creative language.

Somervale achieved fantastic success by having 65 student stories accepted for publication in the book “Around The World In 80 Words (11-18) – Somerset and Avon”. A copy of this publication will be held in the British Library and further libraries across the UK and Republic of Ireland, including of course Somervale School’s library itself, providing a lasting record of the students’ achievements and inspiration for others to continue with their creative writing and literacy skills.

Somervale School Library Supervisor Karen Cornick stated; “The Library along with the English Department worked in partnership to celebrate World Book Week.

Lessons were set up to examine literature and to write expressive narratives, as well as to write a submission for this competition. We were thrilled to learn that a staggering 65 students’ submissions were chosen, making it one of the largest sections in the book”. Karen continued to say: “This is a clear testament to the literary creativity of the students at Somervale. They should all feel extremely proud of their achievement”.

As recognition of their achievement the school held an assembly to present the winners with their certificates.

Karen ended the interview by saying; “Due to the outstanding success of this year’s competition, we can’t wait to enter next year and see if we can beat the number of winners!”

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VISIT TO THE BISHOP’S PALACE

Our school trip to the Bishop's Palace was amazing.

We thoroughly enjoyed gazing at the glimmering pools and stunning architecture. We were given a variety of activities to do, including finding the Bishop's dragon and dressing as peasants. We also got to look at paintings of past Bishops. At the end of the day we threw rice paper, which we wrote wishes on, into the churning water to see our wishes comes true!

B&NES 6TH FORM FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING!

Following the recent amalgamation of both Norton Hill and Somervale Sixth Forms into the new Midsomer Norton Sixth Form, it has been a priority of staff to ensure collaborative work both in a curricular and extracurricular sense between students previously from the two schools.

From an extra-curricular perspective, nothing highlights the new unity between the two schools more than the new MSN Sixth Form Football Team. The team had its first trial season last year, under the captaincy of former student Jack Gianella. The team finished the B&NES Sixth Form Football League campaign (which was a new competition last year) with an exceptional track record of being undefeated, which was a fantastic start to the new team’s future prospects. Local company ‘Facade Hoists’ were kind enough to sponsor the team by investing in new kits last year, thanks to the efforts of former student and player Tom Wherry. Since then the team have been able to play in local, county cup and even national league competitions under their new name, which has been especially highlighted by the new MSN 6th Form sports logo displayed on their shirts.

This year’s Team Captain Jordan Bryant has expressed his opinion on what he feels the team can achieve this year: “Many of the players play together outside of school, which obviously helps when it comes to playing together for the school. I think that one day we will all look back and feel proud that we were the first team of the new Midsomer Norton Sixth Form”. PE teacher and MSN 6th Form Football Team Coach, Craig Price, also shares his views on the new union: “We have been trying to raise the profile of sixth form sport at school for a while now with the belief that physical activity in school and extra-curricular activity participation doesn’t have to end when a student leaves Year 11. This has resulted in success in a variety of sports such as rugby, football, netball and mixed hockey, but this has been especially the case with the sixth form football team over the past two years. It has been a pleasure working with students who have previously attended both Norton Hill and Somervale Schools in the new sixth form, and I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the

players develop and achieve things together in this new format”. The team have achieved an impressive set of results this season, such as a 6-1 home win against Ralph Allen, a 4-1 away win against Writhlington, a 3-1 away win against Millfield in a friendly back in November, and to round off the season with a rare away win of 3-2 against Beechen Cliff, making the MSN 6th Form Football Team the undisputed B&NES 6th Form Football League champions for the second year running.

The Coach concluded the interview by saying: “I am thrilled for the guys. They’ve all put in 110% this season, and are now reaping the benefits! This is a fantastic win, which both schools and the Sixth Form are extremely proud of. We’re already looking forward to next year’s football season.”

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MEDIA STUDENTS FILM CHARITY LEGACY

Six Midsomer Norton Sixth Form Media students have been praised for their work by local charity SWALLOW, based at Westfield. The Sixth Form Media Group were approached by SWALLOW to create a film to mark the charity's 20th anniversary. The film was recently premiered at a celebration evening held at Farrington Farm Shop in Farrington Gurney. The film was described by a SWALLOW supporter as ‘’a fantastic film and celebration of SWALLOW” whilst a trustee described it as “a first class piece of work”.

Emma Shoosmith, Matthew Rogers, Gemma Jameson, Zac Alsop, Havana Fowler and Josh Cormack all contributed a huge amount of time and effort into making the film, entitled ’We Are SWALLOW’, which has allowed the students to gain valuable experience from working on a live brief. The project will not only contribute towards passing their BTEC Media course but will also advance them in their respective work places. The filming and the course has been directed by their Media teacher, Al Hannan who is also Head of Media at Somervale School, who stated: “I’m so pleased for the students. They worked incredibly hard throughout the project, and created a film that will be used by the charity. They should all be very proud to have achieved such a high standard of work, and to have played an important part in raising awareness of such a worthwhile charity”.

Student Matthew Rogers spoke about the experience: “It was valuable for me to be able to interact with the community, as I wish to become a primary school teacher. This was a fantastic opportunity to show my chosen university and future employers that I can work with people from a variety of backgrounds”. Zac Alsop also commented “It was a wonderful insight into the locally based charity which unfortunately isn’t well known. It was very refreshing to see how this charity helped those with learning disabilities in the local community. I hope our video can reflect the great work that these guys do”.

All the students hope that the video they produced will raise awareness of the small charity and help towards achieving its £20,000 goal which SWALLOW aim to raise as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations. Al Hannan concluded the interview by saying; “I’d like to thank SWALLOW on behalf of myself and the students from the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form, for giving us such an invaluable project to work on. We’d like to wish the charity every success in raising the funds they so worthily deserve”.

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INDUSTRY EXPERTS SET TO INSPIRE THE SCIENTISTS OF THE FUTURE

On Monday 18th March, Year 8 students from Norton Hill School had the unique opportunity to sample science and engineering in the real world, as they celebrated National Science & Engineering Week.

Ambassadors from industry and academia visited the school to run specialist workshops designed to capture their imagination through a range of hands-on activities, demonstrating the applications of science in industry.

From DNA to forensics, navy ship superstructures to smart procurement in the aerospace industry, representatives from organisations including Bath University, Airbus, BMT and Avon & Somerset Police, gave pupils a flavour of life in the workplace, as well as advice on career paths and routes into their particular field.

In recent years, Norton Hill School has transformed the way it delivers science lessons at Key Stage 3, using context-based units of learning which allow students to explain the world around them by investigating the real-life applications of the subject. This is having a considerable impact on the core science skills pupils achieve, to help them study the subject in more detail at Key Stage 4 and Post-16 and shows an encouraging trend, given the shortage of expertise in science and engineering nationally.

Head of KS3 Science Andy Mabey summarised “Both the staff and the students at the school really appreciate the time these individuals take out of their busy schedules to come to the school and interact with the students. Every year, the workshops set up by each industry get better and better. The students learn so much, and enjoy a real sense of ’hands-on’ learning with the key aim of seeing how science is practically used in a ‘real world’ environment, as well as opening the students' eyes to potential career paths, which perhaps they hadn’t previously considered.”

BEYOND THE PLAYING FIELD AND ON TO SUCCESS

Norton Hill School prides itself on supporting its students wherever it can, whether they’re in school or out of school. Where possible, the school tries to support any student with a passion to search out new and exciting extra-curricular clubs, not usually offered within the confines of the school grounds.

This commitment to the development of young people as rounded individuals has been clearly demonstrated recently through a number of sporting achievements from a talented group of individuals.

Our Equestrian team is currently on a winning streak, having gained first place at recent school equestrian competitions. A group of girls from Years 8 to 11 regularly compete as representatives of the school.

Equestrian sports were once only the preserve of public schools for which the high costs were no barrier, however, an increasing number of state schools, including Norton Hill, are now entering the arena, and challenging their public school counterparts on an equal footing. Recently Christie Antoniou, Kayla Davie, Billie Lockyear and Jordan Phelps qualified for the National School Equestrian Championships by beating some of the long-established public school teams, such as their hosts, Millfield School. The team also took another first place at a regional competition hosted by Taunton School, again qualifying for yet another class at the national championships. Competition is stiff, with around 25 school teams at each regional heat and hundreds of schools at the national championships, the majority of whom are fee-paying institutions. As well as the Equestrian Team, Norton Hill students are flaunting their sporting talents in a whole host of other sporting specialisms. Year 12 student Ashleigh Crooks recently represented the school and the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form at the British Schools’ Judo Championships on Saturday 9th March, winning the coveted Gold Medal for Years 12 and 13 young men’s under 90kg (light

heavyweight) category.

The event took place at the Sheffield Ice Arena, attracting 500 of the very best judo competitors from the British Isles representing their schools in the competition. Each of Ashleigh’s contests was won by throwing his opponents to win by the maximum score, effectively ending the contests.

As a result of his success, not only has he managed to earn himself twenty points towards his black belt, but he has been invited to train with the England and West of England Squad at Bath.

Year 10 student Harry Coomber has also shown exceptional sporting talents outside of school. He is the envy of many of his friends due to being a competent motorcyclist racer, taking part in the national Motocross Championships. Harry won a major award last year and has been talent scouted again this year, being taken on by Aztec GP Ltd. They are looking at Harry as a long term prospect, putting their expertise in sports psychology, nutrition, bike set up and the all-important sponsorship signings. Both Harry and Aztec GP Ltd are keen to continue his high standards of academic learning to make sure he has the best possible future and sporting career.

Norton Hill School is embracing the many incredible opportunities its students are given, far beyond the school playing fields. These students are not only entering these fantastic sports, but are competing on a professional level and are winning! The school is enormously proud of all its students’ achievements and wishes each competitor well with each of their forthcoming competitions.

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TEACHER AND TEAM BATH NETBALL STAR

Somervale School has always prided itself on giving its students the very best opportunities when it comes to being involved in sports. Being a small school, Somervale is able to offer the majority of its students the unique opportunity of being involved in a sports club and team. A high percentage of students engage in clubs and teams on a regular basis. The Girl’s Netball team are a clear example of this. Several of the girls at the school have taken up the opportunity to participate in netball based training sessions offered by PE Teacher Mary Douglas and French teacher Asha Francis. Asha Francis joined the school in 2012 and not only is she a key member of staff at Somervale but she is also Captain of the Team Bath Netball Team at the University of Bath.

Somervale students are fortunate and grateful she is willing to volunteer her precious time to transfer her superior knowledge and understanding of the game. The school recently organised a trip for 38 girls from Years 7-11 to attend one of Asha’s matches at the university.

Team Bath was up against Loughborough Lightning, a formidable team. The students were thrilled and full of excitement to see their teacher playing a professional match in a fantastic venue. The students even turned out with specially designed banners, with some even sporting pom poms to support their teacher. Netball is a fast game made up of four 15 minute quarters. After the final whistle at the one hour mark, the Somervale students and supporting staff were awash with sore throats from

the excessive cheering of their teachers and colleagues.

The support was not wasted, with a convincing win from Team Bath of 69-30, a sensational victory for the team.

Mary Douglas, Head of PE, said "As with last year, the trip was a great success on a number of levels. The atmosphere at the match was fantastic and it was wonderful to witness the students fully immerse themselves in the game. They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and it was a valuable learning experience. The students’ motivation to engage in netball is undoubtedly increased as a result. I would personally like to thank my colleague and captain of Team Bath Asha Francis for being an outstanding role model and a credit to Somervale." Asha Francis summarised: "It was brilliant to have so many girls, and members of staff from Somervale at the game. I hope the girls will be inspired to continue to participate and want to improve further at netball by being able to watch some of the best netball in the country." Asha continued to say with a smile: "They certainly were loud and helped to create a great atmosphere for us whilst we were on court. They were definitely the 8th player for us!"

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MIDSOMER NORTON

... football club!

Midsomer Norton Football Club completed another successful season with five age groups from Under 8s to Under 14s competing in the local leagues.

An attempt to start a new Under 7 team was unsuccessful last season as nobody stepped forward to run the team. As a Charter Standard Club all coaching staff are required to obtain an FA qualification which includes First Aid and Safeguarding Children. A Criminal Record Check is also required and all these requirements are paid for by the club for anyone interested in coaching new teams. Training will be held at Welton Rovers for 4 consecutive Saturdays commencing on 15 June 2013 for children in Years 2 and 3 (in Sept 2013) in an attempt to get an Under 7 and Under 8 team for season 2013/14. Coaches will be required to run these teams.

The club also enjoyed another matchday experience at Yeovil Town where the young players had a coaching session from the Yeovil development coaches before watching a game.

The new season will begin in September 2013 so if you want more details on the club please visit their website www.midsomernortonfootballclub.co.uk or contact the club secretary on 01761 419692.

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WEST The recreation ground at West Clewes is one of the few Town Council assets in Midsomer Norton. It has a rich history having been the home of Welton Rovers Football Club since they were formed in 1887 at a time when football was a major interest for the people of the North Somerset coalfield.

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Rovers, along with neighbours Radstock Town, were a force to be reckoned with in the Western League, winning the Somerset Senior Cup as early as 1907 and a further seven times until the mid-1920s. Despite a blip when the club went in to liquidation, they have used the pitch at West Clewes continuously since then, having been helped by the Miners Welfare until 1971 when the remaining Miners trustees (Messrs Bell, Cooper, Green, Stenner and Weeks) arranged to transfer the ground to the care of Norton-Radstock Urban District Council under a condition that Rovers would be allowed to use the football pitch at a reasonable rate of rent.

Rovers, and the West Clewes site, have seen Councils change since 1971, until Midsomer Norton Town Council took over the Trustee responsibilities in 2011,

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CLEWES RECREATION GROUND forming the Midsomer Norton Recreation Ground Trust. A new lease was signed with Welton Rovers and the Council have focused their efforts on developing the facility with a view to maximising its potential for as many people as possible whilst maintaining its core use by the Football Club. An improved play area is now open to everyone, providing modern and safe children’s facilities.

infrastructure that ensures the full enjoyment of the facility by all.

In parallel, the Council are working alongside Welton Rovers who have plans to replace the 1930s wooden stand with a modern modular version which will provide a better place for spectators that is more durable and offers better access to everyone.

The ground has seen many exciting football matches over the years but more recently has hosted community events such as jubilee celebrations. Under the Recreation Ground Trust’s management, a major project to resurface the car park was completed last year. Plans are now well advanced to replace the old portacabin at the entrance to the ground with a multi-purpose amenity block as well as providing a toilet block. The Town Council have agreed to provide some further financial support in partnership with the Recreation Ground Trust in order to enable the facility to become more self-funding in the medium term. All of these improvements will mean that an even wider range of uses can be supported, such as an extended market and further community events with a proper

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RECYCLING Start recycling at home in 4 easy steps...

1. Recycle on your doorstep We all have kerbside collections, so if you don’t already have a recycling box or bag contact Council Connect who will arrange for you to receive one.

2. Find out what you can recycle and how Batteries Composting Construction and Demolition Glass Liquids and Chemicals

Metals Paper and Cardboard Plastics and Textiles Waste Electronics

3. Sort your rubbish Now that you know what items you can recycle, find a handy place to store them. Make sure you encourage everyone in your house to think whether items can be reused or recycled before they get thrown away.

4. Check the date and put out your recycling Find out from Council Connect what day your recycling is collected, and make sure you leave your green bins out.

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A MESSAGE FROM Clive Stilwell; Town Clerk

I was wondering what to do for my first article in Midsomer Norton LIFE that would add something worthwhile to the magazine and be interesting enough for you to read it.

I decided quite quickly the question of community was what I wanted to tackle. As the Council’s Clerk, I get to see first-hand what the Council is doing and the word community comes to mind in pretty much everything.

At the Town Hall in early May, the Council described the work it has been doing to a group of over 50 residents at the Annual Town Meeting. The presentation had a clear theme of building on the community that exists and helping by working with community groups as far as possible.

Community is defined in Wikipedia as a social unit which shares values. Later in the year, the Midsomer Norton Community Forum will be consulting you on what you want in your community. It will be a great opportunity for people to share their values and views and help steer the focus of the Council’s efforts for the future – I hope you will be able to take the opportunity to share your ideas.

the clerk Want to talk to the council?

Council Office Opening Hours: The Town Council office is open five days a week and Clive Stilwell and Carole Sims will be happy to take your calls and discuss any issues with you.

You can drop in between 9.30am and 3.30pm but it is probably best to ring the main Midsomer Norton Town Council number 01761 418701 first.

Councillor’s Surgery Appointments: You can request an appointment through the Town Clerk to meet with a Councillor to raise issues or concerns.

Contact your local police team!

To book a Councillor Surgery Appointment

beatmsn@avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk ring the Town Clerk on 01761 418701

I hope to meet more of you over the coming months.

And don’t hesitate to get in touch if there is anything we can help you with.

MEET YOUR LOCAL POLICE TEAM! Midsomer Norton Town Hall (River Room) Every Wednesday 10am-12noon Contact your local police team! beatmsn@avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk

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Your

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TOWN COUNCILLORS

Brian Lawrence Finance Area: Redfield

Jane Lewis Planning Area: Welton North

John Slade IT and planning Area: Welton Centre

Linda Dunford Community groups & activities Area: Charlton Park

Lynda Robertson Community groups & activities Area: Welton Centre

Clive Stilwell Town Clerk

Michael Evans Law & order Area: Town Centre South

Paul Myers Mayor; Civic Area: Redfield

Pete Mocock Planning Area: Hayes Park

Richard Robertson Allotments and Transport Area: Welton Centre

Steve Plumley Sport and Culture Area: Radstock Road Area

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