Midsomer Norton Life Spring edition 2017

Spring 2017 Issue 22

Sponsored by Midsomer Norton Town Council

Reclaiming Our High Street

How can we as a community support our businesses?

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE W

ith the challenges facing the High Street very much in focus right now, it’s more important than ever that we remain positive and pull together as a community - something that Midsomer Norton people have always been recognised for.

However much the state of the High Street reflects national trends, how we all respond is a reflection of and on our local community.

Many residents ask me what’s being done to attract big brand names to our High Street.

When I meet these companies they emphasise that any decision to come depends on there being sufficient footfall to justify a substantial investment and prior to that a developer building the type of larger modern premises they require where a large lorry can drive to the back door and unload. Sadly, they are not generally interested in our many charming small Victorian shops.

So, whilst we await new infrastructure, it’s more important than ever that we support our independent businesses in order to ensure that our High Street remains vibrant. Since the advent of the Town Council in 2011, efforts have been made with flowers and maintenance to make the town look its best, anti-social behaviour has been reduced with the Street Marshals, the Community Trust ran 124 events in 2015/16 attracting over 5000 visits to the town, the Carnival has returned and investment in schemes like the Town Hall transformation and the Town Park will begin to draw in increasing footfall in the coming years. All regularly covered in LIFE.

Cllr Paul Myers Mayor of Midsomer Norton

C O N T E N T S

WELCOME TO

RECLAIMING THE HIGH ST.

4

TOWN COUNCIL BUDGET

7

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

9

OUTREACH YOUTH HUBS

11

TOWN HALL UPCOMING EVENTS

12

WASSAILING SUCCESS

15

'NANNY PAT' WINS AWARD

16

WHAT'S ON

18

COMMUNITY PLANNING NEWS

21

PUBS AND BREWERIES

22

THINGS TO DO

24

MIDSOMER NORTON SOUP

28

'NEW DAWN' LIGHT SCULPTURE

29

CHANGES AT RADSTOCK MUSEUM

38

SCHOOL NEWS

41

SPORTS ROUND-UP

46

MESSAGE FROM THE CLERK

50

YOUR TOWN COUNCILLORS

51

The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in June 2017. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 410141 before the deadline of 15th May 2017.

If you have difficulty reading the print please contact the Town Clerk for a large print copy.

You can also view Midsomer Norton Life on the council’s website at www.midsomernortonlife.co.uk Midsomer Norton Life is produced by Ignyte Media Ltd, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH Tel 01761 410141. While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Ignyte or Midsomer Norton Town Council does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

RECLAIMING MIDSOMER

NORTON HIGH STREET F

ollowing calls for more public support for Midsomer Norton High Street – several key local organisations have come together to take on the challenge.

The Midsomer Norton Community Trust, Midsomer Norton Society, the Somer Valley Chamber of Commerce and Midsomer Norton Town Council held a public meeting on the 2nd March 2017 in the Town Hall Assembly Room to explore the potential for creating a ‘Frome type’ initiative to tackle the town’s footfall problems.

“As a community it’s important that we show our support for the local businesses in the High Street as they grapple with increasing competition, not just from out of town but increasingly from Internet shopping. We have some great independent shops, but it always amazes me how people will drive to Bath for, say, craft materials when we’ve got shops

like Rose Craft on our doorstep”, said Michael Rich, Chairman of the Midsomer Norton Society.

The meeting attended by residents and businesses from across the Somer Valley produced some interesting ideas and the organisers took these away as a basis for developing an action plan.

Examples of how powerful change can be achieved are there from around the country from locals working to save their village shop or pub to the experience of Frome and their amazing campaign to ‘Reclaim the High Street’. The view is that Midsomer Norton’s residents have a role to play by remembering the High Street and visiting it next time they need a card, some flowers, craft materials, DIY items, enjoy a coffee, visit the bank, etc.

“Whilst I’d be the first to agree there have been some bitter disappointments and broken promises

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

in the past – not to mention endless meetings and schemes that came to nothing – we can’t just give up on 300 jobs. If Frome can do it so can Midsomer Norton. We’re looking for local residents and business owners who care about their High Street who can volunteer some time to help. We’re looking for small businesses and home workers, makers who might want to take part in a market.

We’re looking for performers, musicians – in fact anything that may help to get more people using our High Street. We need a positive approach to making a change!”, said Tina Veater of the Somer Valley Chamber of Commerce.

From a community perspective, efforts are being made to ensure that the views of people of all ages are represented at the meeting, “The Community Trust has members of all ages in the town who rely on easy access to their local High Street. Many are dependent on public transport and it’s not that easy or cheap travelling to Bath and Bristol every time they want buy this or that or access a bank. This is why services the Trust offers such as the Community Cinema are so important. By hosting this much needed discussion, we hope to be able to give local people of all ages a voice in shaping this new initiative”, said Alex Davis, Midsomer Norton Community Trust Manager.

The organisers are keen for people come forward with ideas and proposals to ‘reclaim’ and rejuvenate Midsomer Norton High Street.

Those interested can get in touch via www. midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

TOWN COUNCIL BUDGET & YOUR COUNCIL TAX

I

f you live in Midsomer Norton you will pay for the services provided by the Town Council, Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council, Avon Fire Authority and Avon and Somerset Police in one single charge – usually referred to as your Council Tax.

For 2016/17 the charge was made up as follows:

B&NES Council Adult Social Care (an additional 2% increase endorsed by Central Government)

£24.03

The actual amount that you pay depends on the property that you live in and the number of adults that live there. Each property has been put into one of 8 valuation bands, according to what it was worth on 1st April 1991. This valuation was completed by the Valuation Office Agency, which is part of HM Revenue & Customs and not the Town or B&NES Councils. The band your home is in is shown on the front of your Council Tax bill.

Town Council Precept

£87.88

Avon Fire Authority

£67.93

If you're on a low income you can qualify for Council Tax Support. This reduces the amount of Council Tax you have to pay and will be taken straight off your bill. If you’re renting your home, you may also be able to claim Housing Benefit.

For the purposes of this article we will explain how the Council Tax for an average property in Council Tax Band D (with two adults) is calculated and what the Town Council’s costs and income are.

For 2016/17 a Band A household with two adults would have paid about two-thirds of the band D rate and a Band H would have paid twice the Band D rate. The Council Tax for 2017/18 will be calculated by B&NES Council and your bill is usually sent out in March each year.

SO HOW IS THE TOWN COUNCIL ELEMENT OF COUNCIL TAX WORKED OUT? The amount of Council Tax collected for Town and Parish Councils is usually referred to as the Precept.

Midsomer Norton Town Council sets a Budget at its meeting every February and then agrees how to raise the funds required to meet that budget by setting a level for the Precept. The total income

B&NES Council Band D

Avon and Somerset Police Total Council Tax Bill

£1,216.87

£178.26 £1,574.97

required by the Town Council is shared amongst the total number of households paying Council Tax – a figure is provided by B&NES Council each year.

In the 2016/17, this figure was 3722 which meant that the Precept was set at £87.88 for a Band D household with two adults. This produced around £330,000 total Precept income last year.

In order to level out the impact of the residents who do not pay the full Council Tax amount (for a variety of reasons) Parish and Town Councils have historically received an additional payment, known as a support grant. Obviously this can vary between different Parishes or Towns.

In 2013 the Government changed the way that any reduced income for local Councils was compensated and it transferred responsibility to the billing authority – in our case B&NES Council.

Although B&NES Council initially passed on the full support grant to Parishes and Towns, it decided in 2015 that reductions in its own income from the Government meant that it could not continue to do this. So the original grant of £32,000 was reduced by £6,000 last year and this year a further £12,000 will be taken off what the Town Council receives making a total reduction of £18,000.

Cont.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

SO WHAT IS THE TOWN COUNCIL BUDGET AND PRECEPT FOR 2017/18?

Faced with this reduction of £18,000 (around 5% of its previous Budget) the Town Council has agreed a reduced Budget for 2017/18. The total amounts to £351,173 against last year’s Budget of £354,321. The way that the Council plans to spend the Budget for 2017/18 is set out in the table below.

Despite the reduction in Budget, the Town Council has had to increase the Precept by 1.9% which will help to cushion the impact of losing over half of the support grant. This all means that a Band D average household will pay an annual Precept of

£89.55 to fund the Town Council’s work. The Town Council had previously set itself a target not to raise the Precept each year by more than inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, and this increase meets that target.

Elsewhere in LIFE Magazine you can read about the major projects that the Town Council is taking forward such as the Town Park and the possible purchase of Community Buildings all of which can be delivered within the proposed Budget by achieving efficiencies and securing funding from other sources such as developer contributions and grants.

BUDGET 2017/2018 Expenditure Central Services - Council Office, Staff, Equipment, Professional Fees

£109,915

Democratic Process - Newsletter, Website, Training, etc

£18,000

Parks and Play Areas - Equipment Maintenance

£3,300

Allotments - Water and Grounds Maintenance

£700

Ground Services - Maintaining the Town Environment

£46,550

Memorials - Maintenance

£2,000

Street Marshals

£20,250

Community Support - Grants

£21,000

Community Events

£45,350

Youth and Children Activities

£8,000

Community Trust and Neighbourhood Plan

£17,000

Town Park Development Costs

£2,500

Capital Projects and Loans (less Town Trust loan)

£11,846

To Capital Fund

£40,000

Total Net Budget Expenditure

£346,411

Surplus to Reserves

£4,762

Total Expenditure

£351,173

(Compares to 2016-17 Budget)

(£354,321)

Income Precept Received

£338,363

Local Council Tax Support Grant

£12,810

Total Budget Income

£351,173

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

9

MIDSOMER NORTON ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

P

reparations are in hand for Midsomer Norton’s Annual Town Meeting which will take place on Monday 24th April 2017 at 7pm in the Assembly Room at the Town Hall. The meeting gives an opportunity for the Council to update the town’s residents on the progress it has made since last year’s meeting whilst setting out its broad aims for the coming Council year.

“It’s been an incredibly busy year as some of our large projects have been implemented at various stages. Our Annual Town Meeting offers residents an opportunity to hear a comprehensive update on the wide range of projects that we have been working on to take the town forward as well as being able to ask questions on the issues”, said Cllr Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton.

This year the Council will be explaining what its

plans are for the potential purchase of community buildings and taking forward implementation of the Town Park.

The Town Council meets every month and in May it holds its Annual Meeting at which the Town Mayor is elected and representatives for various internal and external appointments are selected. It will take place on Monday 8th May at 7pm in the Town Hall Assembly Room.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

ANOTHER STEP FORWARD

FOR THE TOWN PARK

Environment Agency, Avon and Somerset Police and the various utilities companies.

The work signals the start of a much bigger project to create the park in a joint programme, supported

by Bath and North East Somerset Council, which will see subject matter experts in B&NES Council providing specific support to develop a masterplan for the park that will meet the widest possible range of needs. This will include best use of the land, its potential and how best to encourage the diverse wildlife on the site.

F

ollowing a decision by the Town Council at its meeting on 6th February, work has now started to create an events space in the Park which will initially be used to host part of the Town Fayre in July 2017. The Town Fayre will also host a public consultation event over the final design for the park. Plans for the event include visual presentations of potential features of the park and opportunities for the people of the town and the surrounding community to suggest things that they would like to have included.

Neighbouring communities will be directly consulted through their Parish or Town Council as will statutory bodies such as Natural England, the

Funding for the project is planned to be provided from developer contributions collected by the Local Planning Authority over recent years from developments across the Somer Valley.

Since purchasing the land in 2016, the Town Council’s ability to progress the project has been restricted due to the ecological sensitivity of the site and the need to develop a proposal that can meet the wider needs of the community.

LIFE magazine will run a feature on the Park in its summer edition letting everyone know how they can contribute to the ideas being developed.

Watch this space!

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

11

CONSULTATION: OUTREACH YOUTH HUBS FOR MIDSOMER NORTON

F

ollowing the sale some years ago of the Laterz building next to Sainsbury's, voluntary groups stepped in and ran a youth club in the town. More recently Midsomer Norton Town Council has funded the Norton Youth Club (NYC) based in the Town Hall and operated by a working partnership of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and the Wansdyke Play Association. In the last year the NYC, which meets on a Thursday evening between 6pm and 8.30pm, has been very popular with over 50 young people attending.

However, recent feedback from consultation with young people at the NYC clearly shows that there is a need for outreach activity and the sense of a ‘safe place’ outside the town centre that they can regard as their own and where they can ‘hang out’ – particularly in the better weather in the summer months when they do not wish to be inside at the Town Hall.

Based on a case study in Bristol, a proposal is being prepared to purchase two sea containers, one of which would be located on the edge

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of the Skate Park at Gullock Tyning and one at Orchard Vale near the Orchard Hall. Each could be fitted out to accommodate furniture, lighting, a basic kitchen and games equipment so that when opened by Youth Outreach Workers at specified times activity, educational and support programmes could be run from them. In this way it would be possible to engage with young people as well as providing the space they are asking for. Outside periods of supervised usage the containers would be fully secured.

The Midsomer Norton Community Trust would be interested in hearing the views of the wider community in advance of formal consultations with residents in the specific areas concerned.

Anyone wishing to provide feedback can contact the Midsomer Norton Community Trust by email: manager@midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk or by visiting our website www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk or by writing to Midsomer Norton Community Trust, Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton, Bath BA3 2HQ.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

UPCOMING EVENTS

AT THE TOWN HALL CINEMA: THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK – THE TOURING YEARS (12A) Friday 17th March, 7.30pm Midsomer Norton Town Hall

CARRADINE’S COCKNEY SING-A-LONG Sunday 5th March, 7.30pm Midsomer Norton Town Hall, £7 Join Mr. Tom Carradine at the ‘old joanna‘ as he recaptures the flavour and atmosphere of the good old knees-up (in the Cockney tradition), with an evening of Cockney classics, wartime singalongs, music hall medleys and old favourites from across the ages!

A fundraising event for Midsomer Norton Community Trust and Merriman Theatre Group.

Merriman Theatre Group is sponsored by Essence Cafe, Midsomer Norton.

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From the genius creators of Shrek, Trolls stars Anna Kendrick as Poppy, the optimistic leader of the Trolls, and her polar opposite, Branch, played

by Justin Timberlake.

CINEMA: INFERNO (12A)

After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy, the happiest Troll ever born, and the curmudgeonly Branch set off on a journey to rescue her friends.

Together, this unlikely pair of Trolls must embark on an adventure that takes them far beyond the only world they’ve ever known.

Saturday 25th March, 2.30pm Midsomer Norton Town Hall Tom Hanks stars as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon in director Ron Howard ‘s adaptation of the bestselling novel Inferno by Dan Brown – the author of The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons.

When Robert Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Dr. Sienna Brooks, and together they must race across Europe against the clock to foil a deadly global plot. This finds Langdon using Dante’s ‘The Divine Comedy’ as a tool in the race to prevent a devastating global pandemic.

BATH FESTIVALS PRESENTS: THE CARRIVICK SISTERS Sunday 26th March, 7.30pm Midsomer Norton Town Hall, £4/£2

CINEMA: TROLLS (U) Saturday 25th March, 2.30pm Midsomer Norton Town Hall Tickets: £5 adults, £3 children, £12 families DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls is an irreverent comedy extravaganza with incredible music!

Twin sisters Laura and Charlotte Carrivick are widely known on the UK folk scene. Their years of experience performing all over the UK and abroad have gained them a strong reputation for engaging live performances, multi-instrumental dexterity (fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and dobro), tight sibling harmonies and finely crafted original songs.

“Formidable multi-instrumental skills and songwriting, maturing at such a steep curve they’ll soon be orbiting far beyond anyone else” – Q Magazine 4 **** review.

14

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

THE UKULELE FUNHOUSE ORCHESTRA Saturday 1st April, 7.30pm Midsomer Norton Town Hall, £10 Welcome to a world where ukuleles boldly go where no uke has been before. More or less. The Ukulele Funhouse Orchestra puts together music and comedy - a journey through a rich musical landscape, meeting up with the Lone Ranger and discovering Sgt Pepper is yet another convert to the uke. Motown, opera, classical, pop, all get the UFO treatment and fun is guaranteed. “Audiences are wowed by the group’s renditions of classic songs from The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner and The Beatles!” – This Is Bristol.

NT LIVE: TWELFTH NIGHT (12A) Thursday 6th April, 7.00pm Midsomer Norton Town Hall Tickets: £12 adults, £10 under 18s Tamsin Greig is Malvolia in a new twist on Shakespeare’s classic comedy of mistaken identity.

A ship is wrecked on the rocks. Viola is washed ashore but her twin brother Sebastian is lost.

Determined to survive on her own, she steps out to explore a new land. So begins a whirlwind of mistaken identity and unrequited love.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON

WASSAILING SUCCESS T

he town’s first Wassailing event in recent times, organised by the Midsomer Norton Society and the Midsomer Norton Community Trust, proved a huge success with almost 100 local people of all ages attending.

Martin Horler from Kilmersdon was Master of Ceremonies and opened the day with a history of Wassailing before Town Mayor, Paul Myers, crowned Lewis Fenton and Aliya Dowson as Wassail King and Queen.

Two new Wassail Cups created by local potter Chris Wortley were used for the first time before the Wassailers were led through the town by musicians.

Commemorative Apple Trees were planted to acknowledge four people who had made a major contribution to protect the town’s heritage; David Fisher, David Strawbridge, Norman Voake and Ted Hallam.

Given the enthusiasm of those who attended Wassailing looks set to become part of the town’s calendar with dates already set for next year’s event.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

‘NANNY PAT’

WINS TOP B&NES AWARD community organisations, carers and local businesses. The Awards were organised in partnership with the Volunteer Centre Bath and beyond; social housing provider Curo; the Student Community Partnership, involving the University of Bath and Bath Spa University students unions; and Sirona care & health.

L

ocal Midsomer Norton volunteer, Patricia Flagg – affectionately known as ‘Nanny Pat’ was announced as Volunteer of the Year by The Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Alan Hale, at a glittering celebration awards event in the Guildhall in Bath on Thursday 9th February 2017.

Over 108 nominations for the overall Chairman’s Community Awards were received, which recognised volunteers, community leaders,

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Patricia has had a huge impact on community outcomes in Midsomer Norton due to the sheer amount of time she devotes to volunteering across a wide range of community groups. She is involved in the Midsomer Norton Community Trust, Sarah Ann Trust, In Bloom, British Legion, Poppy Appeal, Midsomer Norton Carnival to name but a few. Patricia devotes many hours of her time and energy to supporting community groups and activities in the town.

Clive Stilwell who nominated Patricia said “The town has many volunteers but Patricia is the backbone and when everyone else can’t do it, Patricia is always there – watering flowers at 11pm at night, setting out chairs and doing a myriad of tiny unseen tasks without which so many community events wouldn’t function.”

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

WHAT’S ON MARCH 9th - NT Live: Hedda Gabler, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.00pm, £12 for adults, £10 for U18s.

10th to 11th - Firenza open days with free cooking demos and tasty treats. Morning sessions include coffee, cake & omelette tastings or opt for a lunchtime/evening session for a fantastic range of sumptuous Indian cuisine or join us for delicious afternoon tea on Saturday. Times: Fri 10th 10.30am, 1pm, 7pm. Sat 11th - 10.30am, 1pm, 4pm.

Email sue@firenzaltd.co.uk to book your free place (Please advise staff of any food allergies). Firenza, Radstock Rd, Midsomer Norton.

12th - Blood Donor Sessions, Community Hall, Gullock Tyning, 1pm - 3.30pm and 4.30pm - 7.30pm.

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

12th - Rotary and Somer Valley FM Talent Show Auditions. Midsomer Norton Town Hall.

13th - Planning Committee in The Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

17th - Cinema: The Beatles: Eight Days a Week, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm. £5 for adults, £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

20th - Midsomer Norton Society visit to Weston Bath – ring 07530 042627 for details.

21st - Poetry Liaisons 7-8pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Share favourite poems or your own work. Open to all and free to attend.

22nd - Joined-Up Writers Group 1-3pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Support for budding authors in getting started or exploring ideas. Open to all and free to attend.

22nd - Midsomer Norton Soup – Town Hall 6.30pm – join in fund raising evening with soup to get your vote on best project.

23rd - Mother’s Day cupcake decorations workshop. Visit www.minkykittencakes.co.uk for more information. Contact Sarah-Jane to book on 07801511274.

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

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

26th - Bath Festivals Present: The Carrivick Sisters, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm, £4 Adults, £2 concessions.

28th - Age UK: Singing For Fun, Orchard Hall, Midsomer Norton, 2.30pm-4pm, £3 including refreshments.

29th - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s.

10.30-11am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free.

30th - Wellow Brook Walk Meeting in Town Hall at 7.00pm with Town Council and BART.

APRIL 1st - Somerset Farmer’s Market, Hollies Garden in the High Street from 9am to 1pm.

1st - Ukulele Funhouse Orchestra: Grandads Army, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm, £10.

3rd - Full Town Council meeting in The Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

6th - First Thursday Afternoon Social, Welton Rovers FC, £3.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

6th - NT Live: Twelfth Night, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.00pm, £12 for adults and £10 for U18s.

7th - Paradis Palm Court Trio: Easter Garden, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 12.30-1.30pm, Free Entry by donation.

8th - Easter fruit cake and decorations workshop.

Visit www.minkykittencakes.co.uk for more information. Contact Sarah-Jane to book on 07801511274.

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22nd - Cinema: Moana (U), Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 2.30pm, £5 for adults and £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

22nd - Cinema: Evening Showcase: Film title TBC (Check website for details), Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm.

24th - Annual Town meeting in The Assembly Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

9th - Helena's Harmony Workshop, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 2.30pm-4pm, £5.

25th - Age UK: Singing For Fun, Orchard Hall, Midsomer Norton, 2.30pm-4pm, £3 including refreshments.

10th - Planning Committee in The Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

26th - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s.

10.30-11 am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free.

12th - Blood Donor Sessions, Community Hall, Gullock Tyning, 1pm - 3.30pm and 4.30pm - 7.30pm.

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

27th - Debate between the Mayoral candidates for West of England Combined Authority, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 8pm.

15th - Helena Softley in Concert, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 8pm, Free entry by donation.

15th to 16th - Easter Bunny weekend at Midsomer Norton Station. For more details see the website www.sdjr.co.uk or call 01761 411221 on a Sunday or Monday. Midsomer Norton Station, Silver Street.

18th - Poetry Liaisons 7-8pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Share favourite poems or your own work. Open to all and free to attend.

19th - Joined-Up Writers Group 1-3pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Support for budding authors in getting started or exploring ideas. Open to all and free to attend.

20th - Easter Family Eggstravaganza at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church. Easter fun, crafts, Egg hunt and more. 10.15am - 12pm. Breakfast served from 9.30am. For more information contact Helen on 01761 410450 or familyworker@msncc.org 20th - NT Live: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.00pm, £12 for adults and £10 for U18s.

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

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

4th - First Thursday Afternoon Social, Welton Rovers FC, £3.

5th - Paradis Palm Court Trio: Music in May, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 12.30-1.30pm. Free Entry by donation.

6th - Somerset Farmer’s Market, Hollies Garden in the High Street from 9am to 1pm.

8th - Full Town Council meeting in The Assembly Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm.

14th - Real Ale Day at Midsomer Norton Station.

For more details see the website www.sdjr.co.uk or call 01761 411221 on a Sunday or Monday. Midsomer Norton Station, Silver Street.

18th - Blood Donor Sessions, Community Hall, Gullock Tyning, 1pm - 3.30pm and 4.30pm - 7.30pm.

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

20

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

WELLOW BROOK WALK

EXCITING PROJECT I

n the Winter 2016 edition of LIFE Magazine, we reported on plans to work with the Conservation Volunteers, a community volunteering charity and invited you to let us know if you were interested.

One interesting suggestion was a call for the creation of a community orchard. However, overall the response from the community was a little disappointing and then we found out that the Green Gym initiative would not be able to support a scheme at the site.

We were not to be deterred however and we have now teamed up with Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) to launch a more local initiative at the site to implement our plans to create a community conservation space.

BART is a community led organisation which aims to deliver education, land and river management advice and practical river restoration work in the Bristol Avon catchment. Through promoting an ecosystem-based approach, they aim to reconnect communities to their rivers and help river users and lovers better appreciate and improve their local rivers and streams.

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We have already been discussing the possibilities for the site which include: • Continuing the construction of flow deflecting structures throughout the site to improve flow conditions for fish, including brown trout. This would involve light coppicing at a 60:40 ratio of shade to light and the limbs and brash removed would be used to build the structures. As standard, these structures will be approved by the Environment Agency's Flood Defence team.

• Planting areas of wildflowers, probably in in late August on the sloped banks of the area.

• Running river dipping and water quality sessions with local schools and possibly running a hibernaculum building session using the leftover wood and some pallets.

This would all contribute to the work that the Town Council has in hand to improve the footpaths, reduce the scrub which has encroached across a considerable area and rid the land of invasive and unwelcome species of plants.

To bring this together, the Town Council and BART have agreed to hold an evening forum in the Town Hall on Thursday 30th March at 7pm.

You are invited to come along discuss the project, river wildlife in general and express your views on the river and the Wellow Brook Walk as a whole.

Please also tell us about any improvements that you would like to see and anything else that you may want to bring up.

BART and the Town Council would like to create a 'Friends of the Wellow' group and this is an important first step to achieve that. Come along and find out more on Thursday 30th March!

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

21

COMMUNITY PLANNING NEWS

FROM THE PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIR

A

rather dry subject amongst a lot of exciting Midsomer Norton events and projects I’m afraid! However, I think I should provide a brief update on what is happening at local and regional level when it comes to possible changes in planning policy.

This is important because there are sometimes opportunities for those living and working in the area to contribute when the Local Planning Authority – Bath and North East Somerset Council to you and me – put out papers for public consultation and comment.

I am a planning anorak so “hot topics” for me are the Placemaking Plan (an adjunct to the 2014 Core Strategy), the South-West Strategic Plan, a not-yet-announced consultation on a new Conservation Area Appraisal, our own Neighbourhood Development Plan and the future of the Welton Bibby Baron development site. The first stages of a new Local Plan process for land use, resource and infrastructure needs into the 2030s were announced early this year despite the relatively recent introduction of the last one!

Needless to say much of this work involves housing numbers and where to put them. I can say that the message has started to get through finally: that to date we are delivering our quota and that the pressure coming from central government needs to be focussed on the existing urban settlements of Bristol and Bath where employment prospects and opportunities for public transport improvements are greater. This is not to say we aren’t pushing for improvements in other areas and we wait on news as to how the Old Mills “Enterprise Zone” initiative is to be progressed.

I confess I am wondering to what extent we can keep going round the same planning policy circles.

It can be a lonely job as the town’s “lead” so my thanks go to our Clerk and Assistant Clerk who ably assist with the paperwork mountain and meeting the response deadlines we make on your behalf. My message to you as readers – I hope - is to keep an eye on press announcements and dates for opportunities to contribute which, despite popular opinion to the contrary, does make a difference.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON'S

PUBS AND BREWERIES I

n November the Midsomer Norton Society had a fascinating evening where local residents got together to remember the town’s Pubs and Breweries past and present. The resulting evening proved such a hit that LIFE decided to include details in this issue – how many do you recognise? Can you provide more details for the Midsomer Norton Town Archive?

Beginning with the GREYHOUND HOTEL, along with the NatWest Bank this is in fact the site of the original College Manor House demolished in the 1860’s with only the cellars where the Wunderbar was left intact and built upon.

building which coaches drove through but was later filled in to create the entrance. What is now Midsomer Norton Social Club was at one time the home of the Thatchers and inside you can still see the fine staircase and plaster cornices and ceiling roses.

WELTON ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB is located at West Clewes. The Club House was rebuilt in 1987 but does anyone have a picture of the original wooden club house please?

MALLARDS – originally the site of Elijah Bush’s school in the 18th century this pub has gone by various names including The Commercial Hotel and the Jack o’Lent.

WELTON BREWERY – consisting actually of two sites – Welton Old Brewery and the North Brewery were built in the mid 19th century when the North Somerset Coal Field created a strong demand for beer. Following a fire in 1916 the brewery closed and was taken on by Standard Check in 1919.

THE THREE HORSESHOES stood where Argos now is and was demolished at the same time as the boot factory next door. Does anyone remember when?

DOLPHIN INN – not much was known about the history of this pub. Suffice to say Martin Spiller has invested much time and money there in recent years to bring it back to life.

STONES CROSS HOTEL – built by the Thatcher family – there was an archway through the

ROSE & CROWN – on the Gladstone Street end of Belle Vue in Welton you might easily miss this

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one time pub but for the iron pub sign arm which is still there. This pub is where Welton Rovers was based in its early years before moving to West Clewes. Jack Shearn was Licensee here for 34 years.

CROWN INN – facing onto Welton Green does anyone have information on the history of this pub?

PRIOR’S MINERAL WATER – Brought from Killings Knap Farm on the Stratton Road to South View Place Midsomer Norton by Gilbert Prior in 1902, this firm supplied the district with ‘High Class Mineral Waters and Cordials’ for nearly 68 years until its closure in 1970. Prior’s ginger beer bottles still get dug up in gardens today in the town.

MINERS ARMS – we have a photograph of this pub in its prime somewhere along from Rackvernal Road and another one when it was being demolished. It has also been referred to as the Black Bird and the Blue Bird – do you recognise these names?

SMITHS BREWERY – built in the 1860’s it later became Bob’s Palais and the barrel store was converted into the Choral Hall by William Beauchamp which later still became the Palladium. Today Fat Sam’s is located on the top floor.

DRILL HALL/TERRITORIAL ARMY – opened in June 1914 on the eve of the 1st World War this is now Riverside in the High Street.

GREEN BALL INN – this hostelry stood at the top of Silver Street on the left hand side. Does anyone have a picture of it?

WHITE HART – originally standing as the Manor of the Silver Hart at the entrance to St John’s Church, it was demolished in the 1830s and moved to the Island. At one time it had its own brewery attached in what is now the skittle alley.

HOLE IN THE WALL – located in Church Square.

This was acquired by a competitor brewery and closed down.

CROSSWAYS TAVERN – at the bottom of Redfield Road.

FIR TREE – located half way up Redfield Road opposite the Chimney Sweep's House – we have a wonderful picture of Aaron Rogers standing outside with his family in 1897.

MARLBOROUGH ARMS – near the top of Redfield Road on the left hand side, known latterly as an off licence – was this ever an actual pub?

KINGS ARMS – in Chilcompton Road this pub closed only a few years ago and has since been converted into flats.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Lunch Bunch (1st Monday each month and cost varies) midday. Meet at various pubs around the area for a friendly lunch with like-minded people.

Ring 01225 484510 for details.

THINGS TO DO TUESDAY Women’s Fellowship meet fortnightly at 3pm, in the small hall from September to June. The programme covers various topics, including devotional and educational.

MONDAY 'Fitstep' exercise classes basic 'Strictly' moves, Cha cha, Salsa etc. Have fun, burn away calories! St. John's Church Hall, Midsomer Norton 10.30am 11.15am and 7.15pm - 8pm. Call 07961056700.

Tai Chi at The Town Hall £4, 11am -12pm.

Somerset and Dorset Railway is open every Monday from 1pm to 4pm for viewing only.

Adult Tap Dancing classes (some experience needed). Fun exercises and routines using basic tap steps. St. John's Church Hall, Midsomer Norton, 6.15pm - 7pm. Call 07961056700.

Story & Rhyme at Midsomer Norton Library 11 11.30am. For 2-5 year olds. Free.

Norton Radstock U3A hold a monthly Speaker meeting every 2nd Monday, 2-4pm at Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton, and a monthly Coffee Morning every last Monday 10.30am – noon at Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton.

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Playtot’s at the Town Hall in Midsomer Norton (term time only), 10am until 11.30am.

Wellbeing Group improve health and mental wellbeing. 10.30am - 12.30pm, Town Hall, Midsomer Norton. Contact Sue on 01225 396042 or Mandy on 01225 835817.

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

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

Golden Oldies singing sessions at Greenacres Community Room, Midsomer Norton every Tuesday 2pm to 3pm. Open to all. Call 01761 470006 for more information.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Midsomer Norton Short Mat Bowls Club meets every Tuesday and Friday at The Somer Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Call 01761 418400 for more info.

Pre School Speech and Language Therapy (appointments only) at Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre. Call 01225 831800 for more info.

Oasis The Listening Project. Need someone to talk to? Feeling lonely or anxious? We are here for you, 10am – 12pm. No appointment needed. MSN Methodist Church.

Book Buddies with Age UK MSN Library, 10 -11.30am, third Tuesday monthly. Donations of up to £3.

Gadget Busters/IT Support A friendly drop-in service. Bring your own gadgets including laptops, ipads/tablets, smart. The Beauchamp Room. The Town Hall , 10am – 12pm. Donations up to £3.

Singing for Fun Why not join our informal singing group? Come and join in the fun with our singing leader Kathleen Still. This not a choir - no vocal expertise required! Orchard Hall, Pinewood Road.

Fourth Tuesday of the monthly. 2.30pm - 4pm. Cost: £3.

Extend Exercise with Age UK Standing and chair based exercises for over 60s. Every Tuesday at 10-11.15am. Cost: £3 (inc. refreshments). The Somer Center, Midsomer Norton.

Short Walk with Age UK Short and easy walk (approximately 1 mile) 11.15am. Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday. Membership fee applicable. The Somer Center, Midsomer Norton.

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Cook & Eat with Age UK Limited to 10 people per course. Learn how to cook a variety of dishes and eat them in a group setting! 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 11.30am-2pm. Cost: £5. The Somer Center, Midsomer Norton.

WEDNESDAY Jenny Peplow Singers meet every Wednesday at 7.15pm at St John’s Church Hall, Midsomer Norton.

For more information call Jenny on 01373 812093.

Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3s at Midsomer Norton Library. Sing along nursery rhymes 10.30 11am. Every fourth Wednesday.

Casual swimming at Midsomer Norton Sports Centre every Wednesday at 6.30am to 10.30am, 11.30am to 1.30pm, 3.00pm to 6.00pm.

Mendip Hockey Club training on the astroturf at Norton Hill School for senior men from 7.30-9.30pm.

The Wednesday Women meet in The Methodist Hall, Midsomer Norton. For details, programmes are available weekday mornings at the church reception or call Helen Chivers on 01761 436770.

Age UK Midsomer Norton Walks 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 10am. Meet outside the Town Hall.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Walking Group Meet at The Town Hall before heading off for a 2/3 mile walk, 10am. (1st and 3rd Wednesday each month). To find out more please ring Age UK Active on 01225 484510 or www.ageukbanes.co.uk/activities Roots Toddler Group (in term time) at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church 1pm to 2.30pm. For info call 01761 410450.

THURSDAY Norton Radstock Photographic Society meet most weeks at Midsomer Norton Social Club, Stones Cross, North Road at 7.30pm. Mike Witcombe 01761 414261.

First Thursday Afternoon Social at Welton Rovers Football Club 2 - 5pm first Thursday of each

month. A blend of musical entertainment, laughter and even a bit of bingo! The perfect chance to have a laugh and make new friends.

Playtot’s at the Town Hall in Midsomer Norton (term time only), 10am until 11.30am.

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

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.

Somer Athletic Club meet at Norton Hill School every Thursday at 7pm. The club welcomes senior and junior members.

NYC - Midsomer Norton Youth Club, term time only, 6.30 - 8.30pm. Town Hall.

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Mendip Hockey Club training on the astroturf at Norton Hill School for senior ladies from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Age UK Walking Football at MSN Sports Centre pay-as-you-play £4. 12 - 1pm. To find out more please ring Age UK Active on 01225 484510 or www.ageukbanes.co.uk/activities.

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

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

Whist Club at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church from 2pm to 4pm from September to June.

Casual swimming at MSN Sports centre every Friday from 6.30am to 12pm, 2.30pm to 3.30pm and 7.00pm to 8.30pm.

SATURDAY Oasis The Listening Project. Need someone to talk to? Feeling lonely or anxious? We are here for you, 10am - 12pm every 1st and 3rd Saturday. No appointment needed. MSN Methodist Church.

Workdays take place every Saturday at Silver Street Nature Reserve from 10.30am. Please meet by the notice boards in the woods. For more information contact Lucy or James on 01761 411292.

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

The Local Churches Men’s Breakfast Fellowship meet monthly (2nd Saturday) at 8.30am (breakfast from 8am) venues vary. For more information call Midsomer Methodist Centre on 01761 410450.

Saturday Night Praise at 7.30pm on the 2nd Saturday of each month at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

27

Whist Club at the Town Hall. 7.30pm. Ring Alex on 01761 419133.

Saturday Club, term time only, 10am - 1.30pm.

Friendly group for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Cooking, den building, games days, trips and much more. Ages 11 - 19 years. Sarah Ann Room, Town Hall, Midsomer Norton. Call 01761 568242 for more information or email admin@wpa-play.com.

Let's Get Messy 1st Saturday of every month 2-4pm at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church

SUNDAY Mendip Hockey Club training on the astroturf at Norton Hill School for juniors from 9.30am to 11am.

Somerset and Dorset Railway is open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm for viewing, museum, wartime pillbox, buffet coach and gift shop.

Sunday service at St John the Baptist Church at 8am and 9.30am.

Welton Baptist Church Morning Service at 10.30am at Somervale School, morning worship service for all ages.

Evening Worship from 6pm at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

Welton Baptist Church Evening Service 6pm at Somervale School, evening service – café style.

Casual swimming at MSN Sports centre every Sunday from 10.00am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 7.00pm.

Sunday School at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church, 1st and 3rd Sundays, 10.30am. For more info call 01761 410450.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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COMMUNITY SOUP T

he Community Trust is running the town’s first ‘Soup’ event on Wednesday 22nd March at 6.30pm in the Assembly Room at Midsomer Norton Town Hall – as a way of helping incredible community projects happen.

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

gets the most voting tokens.

Generally, even those who don’t win the Prize Pot receive offers of help and pledges from people who attend who like their project.

The event is being sponsored by local firm of accountants BPB Accounting Solutions Limited based in Channel House in South Road and offering specialist services for self-employed and small businesses.

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

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29

'NEW DAWN' LIGHT SCULPTURE

WESTMINSTER HALL

The cost of New Dawn was met from the existing Works of Art Committee budget as well as donations from the House of Lords Works of Art Committee’s budget and the Speaker’s Art Fund, a charitable Trust. Lords Speaker Baroness D’Souza said “Honouring the campaign for women’s rights through art and in particular through such a spectacular work as this is something I wholeheartedly support. I hope the beauty of New Dawn and the values it embodies are appreciated by visitors to Parliament for years to come.”

Women won the right to vote and took part in a general election for the first time in 1918 but full equality was not achieved until 10 years later.

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arking the 150th anniversary of John Stuart Mill MP presenting the first mass petition in the House of Commons calling for Votes for Women, the start of a campaign which lasted decades, a new £124,000 abstract artwork by artist Mary Branson has gone on permanent display at the Palace of Westminster. New Dawn is made up of hand-coloured glass scrolls mounted on a portcullis structure – the emblem of Parliament.

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The national educational charity Townswomen’s Guilds was founded on pacifist Suffragist principles in 1929, to educate women in citizenship following the successful suffrage campaign and Midsomer Norton has its own Townswomen’s Guild, founded in November 1988 and meeting monthly in St John’s Church hall, which continues the tradition of campaigning on local and national issues whilst offering friendship and support to women within the community.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

LET'S GET MESSY! One Saturday afternoon a month sees families gather at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church to get stuck into some fun. The big church hall is filled with a variety of activities; including crafts suited for the youngest to the older ones from card-making to glass painting, sensory and messy activities such as water, paint or soil this month, physical activities such as a pancake flipping contest or den building and the occasional special whether that be cooking, a film or even a group meal beforehand. Each month these activities are all linked to a theme which we explore through video, music, drama or demonstration at the end of the session.

Previous themes have included Jonah and the Whale, Minecraft, The Story of the Lost Sheep, Star Wars, All you need is Love and Christmas ... just to name a few.

There is a vast array of benefits proven in research to Children getting involved in sensory play but sometimes it can seem like too much hassle, maybe you spend more time cleaning up than they do playing, maybe your carpets are still glittery after Christmas... if so come along and let us bless you by hosting the messy sensory play and glittery craft sessions for you. It's not just for the children either!

Parents and Carers (and Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles... but not your pet dog sorry) are more than welcome to join in, enjoy a therapeutic time making something or just sitting down with a cuppa. Maybe you want to be able to talk to someone above the age of ten or need something to entertain the Children that won't break the bank?

So why not come along and join in; First Saturday of the Month (Term-time only) 2-4pm at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

For more details check out www.msnmcc.org or 'FamilyWorker Hanna' on Facebook 01761 410450.

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31

MIDSOMER NORTON & RADSTOCK COMMUNITY SERVICE VEHICLE TRUST Hello Readers, No doubt you have seen the Silver Mini bus running around the Midsomer Norton and Radstock area, taking members of the public to their Lunch clubs, Church Services, outings etc.

If you would like to use the Mini Bus, please contact our Co-ordinator Mrs Debbie Gunfield on 01761 416910 for information, or our Transport Manager Mr Nick Rogers on 01761 413872.

2017 is a special year, as the Community Bus will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in April! This is an amazing feat for something that was set up

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by public subscription in 1967, for the disabled, handicapped and for anyone who had difficulty in getting about unaided.

There will be many stories relating to past and present days no doubt. Do you have any memories of the bus running back in its first years? Perhaps your parents or friends used the bus at that time?

If so, we would love to hear from you with your stories of the journeys made over the 50 years.

Please email either David Shearn diadave@dasmidnorton.fsnet.co.uk or Carol Price carol.price18@hotmail.com

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

VOLUNTEERS WANTED TO HELP WITH STORIES AND RHYMES AT MIDSOMER NORTON LIBRARY Midsomer Norton library is looking for volunteers to help us deliver pre-school Story and Rhyme and/or Baby Bounce sessions. We encourage parents to take their children to the library at an early age in order to instill a love of books and reading.

Stories and Rhymes take place every Monday at 11am.

Baby Bounce and Rhyme take place every 4 weeks on Wednesdays at 10.30am.

Do you have an interest in books and encouraging babies and young children to enjoy books, and experience of reading stories and singing songs

with pre-school children? This need not be experience in a professional setting - it could be experience as a parent grandparent or carer if you have the confidence to read and/or sing songs and rhymes with small groups of parents and children.

Times will be agreed with individual volunteers.

You could help deliver a regular session but this could be weekly or fortnightly and could be term time only if you are not available in school holidays. If you are interested call into the library to arrange an informal chat, contact Volunteer Co-ordinator Rebecca Williams by email at library_volunteers@bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 394041.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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MIDSOMER NORTON STATION Volunteers at Midsomer Norton station are pleased to report restoration is progressing at an amazing pace. The Sentinel performed really well as the resident steam loco giving rides for the Christmas events and is ready again for the visit of the Easter bunny in April. Plans are being drawn up for the sidings and shedding which will enable housing for visiting engines and work continues on refurbishment of coaches and station buildings.

The signal box is a prime example of a restored lever operated signal box and Mike is seen showing volunteers Simon and Phil the new illuminated board in the photo.

April 15th and 16th is the Easter Bunny weekend.

For more details see the website www.sdjr.co.uk or call 01761 411221 on Sunday or Monday.

The station with gardens, shop and Museum is open to visitors every Sunday from 10am till 4pm and Mondays from 1pm till 4pm.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

NORTON RADSTOCK

SWIMMING CLUB

Sue Dors and Midsomer Norton Mayor Paul Myers. Stephanie proved to be a popular guest signing autographs, posing for photographs with the swimmers and her five Rio Paralympic medals and Tom mascots.

At the 2016 ASA Aquatic Awards held in the Great Hall at Birmingham University the club was shortlisted in the Club of the Year category. Chair Nicky Vause, Head Coach Kay Willcox and 2012 Olympian Stacey Bromley were delighted to accept the Silver Award on behalf of all the volunteers past and present who have kept the club running for many years.

N

orton Radstock Swimming Club held its Presentation Evening and Disco on 13 January at Paulton Rovers Football club. The event commenced with a minute's silence for recently departed Life Members Olive Walsh and Elizabeth Curtis in recognition of their long volunteering service for the benefit of the local community.

Certificates, cups and trophies swum for at the Club Championships were presented by VIP guests Rio Paralympian Stephanie Millward MBE, ASA SW President

Norton Radstock’s aim is to provide an opportunity for children who having reached the recommended stage of the ASA Learn to Swim Programme, make a successful transition into a club environment. Swimmers' continued development is under pinned by a skills based approach to refine stroke technique and competitive skills. The long term aim is for all swimmers to be developed to their full potential, compete at the highest possible level and develop a lifelong love of aquatics.

Young adults are also encouraged to participate in the ASA SW/Somerset Young Volunteers Programme to development their interpersonal skills, aquatic knowledge and assist at club sessions.

To arrange a trial please email teammanger@nrsc.info or enrolmentsecretary@nrsc.info

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

35

NORTON RADSTOCK U3A T

he University of the Third Age is an organisation with a positive and creative approach to retirement. The Norton and Radstock branch has over 400 members and meets in The Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton, twice a month. We meet on the second Monday in the month at 2pm for a speaker meeting. We have enjoyed many great entertainers, been educated by speakers as diverse as Sheila Barton talking about autism to John Craig sharing the many anecdotes he has amassed during his time as a Chief Fire Officer. This year we have a varied programme which began in January with Tim Lewis and Sheila Furneaux who had us laughing in the aisles. Coming up we have booked talks about The Dalai Lama Trek, Our Living Planet, Village Friendly Societies and The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. We will also be enjoying music with Terry Merrett-Smith, Florence Nightingale with Kathy Butler and a History of Penguin Books with Barry Edwards. There is a full programme with a talk every month.

We also meet on the fourth Monday at 10.30 for our monthly coffee morning. This is a great opportunity to meet and make new friends, have a coffee and chat with old friends and generally have a good time. All the various activities run by U3A members are advertised on boards around the room with greeters and members only too happy to help you find your way. Norton and Radstock U3A has almost forty different groups from singing, ukulele and drama through pastel painting, reading and mah jong to art appreciation, psychology and rambling. There is something for every taste and if we don’t cover your particular hobby or interest you can always start a group up yourself.

U3A is a great way to enhance your retirement, learn new skills, brush up on old ones, or just enjoy the company of a group of people who are determined to get everything they can out of life and being a bit older and retired is not going to stop them.

Ring 01761 479606 for more information.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON AND RADSTOCK SILVER BAND The festive season brought another busy period for the band with the memorable highlights being the switch on of Midsomer Norton Christmas lights, the band’s annual Christmas concert at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church and the Christmas carol concert at Nunney Castle, where the band and the congregation enjoyed the unique experience of carols being sung within the castle ruins by candle light.

On the contest front, the band will be competing in the Third Section at the West of England National Brass Band qualifier at Torquay on Sunday 12th March where they will be performing their rendition of the test piece 'Darkwood' by Dan Price. The test piece, in three movements, was commissioned in 2012 by Neil Ashcroft, a life long member of Blackley Brass Band and presented to the band in recognition of their 75th anniversary. The band members will be showing a keen interest in the end

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of section results as a top six placing at Torquay will accrue the points necessary and see the band promoted to the Second section and achieve the highest national ranking in the band's history.

Looking forward, the band will be preparing a new repertoire of concert music for the coming season. In addition to the longstanding summer concert venues in Bath, Keynsham and Wells, this year the band is looking to seek greater exposure in Midsomer Norton and Radstock with the aim of holding outdoor concerts during the summer season featuring the Senior and training academy bands.

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

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WHAT DO YOU LOVE? SWALLOW is a registered Charity supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities. The charity offers a warm welcome to new people.

SWALLOW offers a unique mix of activities, giving our members the chance to enjoy an active and social life, make new friends, learn new skills and also work towards employment through our Work Skills Enterprise Scheme and the SWALLOW Community Cafe.

The services which SWALLOW offers include: supported housing, outreach support in the community, cooking, singing, arts and crafts, sport and games, social events, and we run a youth

group to aid transition. The support we provide is based on an individual’s needs and wishes. The charity is user led, our members decide on the direction of the charity.

Our aim is to help as many people in the local area that we can and we always welcome new members. If you, or someone you know, would like to find out more about what SWALLOW is all about, please ring 01761 414 034, or email info@ swallowcharity.org.

We also need funds and support to be able to continue our work; please contact us if you can help or would like to volunteer.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

RADSTOCK MUSEUM

CHANGES AHEAD R

adstock Museum is beginning a programme of significant and exciting changes to its displays and permanent exhibitions, which will enhance visitor experience. The full name of the museum has changed to SOMERSET COALFIELD LIFE at RADSTOCK MUSUEM which is hoped will give people near and far a better idea of what the museum is all about.

It has long been felt that the name ‘Radstock Museum” does not reflect the wealth of artifacts, documents and photographs preserved in the collection and the rich and vibrant stories and memories which of course are associated with them. The name SOMERSET COALFIELD LIFE will, we hope, suggest its content is about ALL who lived in the Somerset Coalfield’s towns and villages, whether that be the hardy men and boys who mined the coal, or the wealthy mine owners; the miners’ wives working hard in the home and shopping at the local Co-op shops established to provide affordable food and a share, or a “divi”, of the profits. The lives of others working in the

industries supporting the mines, such as those manufacturing bricks or iron parts for machinery and those who developed and worked for the transport infrastructure in the form of road, canal and railway links to transport the coal produced.

And lastly those who worked in the printing and shoe making industries which, eventually took over from the coalmines as one by one they closed down.

Along with the new name there is a new logo which has been inspired by, and taken from the letter head of “Somerset Collieries Ltd” as can be seen in the picture. This re-branding work carried out by Miranda Litchfield, Museum Development Coordinator, is the first step in a programme of improvements within the museum. The best way to view the new and enhanced displays as they are completed is to buy an annual ticket so you can call in over the year to see what’s happening and what’s new. Annual tickets can also be bought as gifts. Adults £6, Concessions £5, Families (2 adults and up to 3 children) £13 Under 5s free.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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Do you recognise any of the miners pictured opposite? Are you one of them? We would love to hear from you and know the name of the unknown miner and also hear from anyone connected with these miners. According to John Cornwell, ‘Collieries of Somerset & Bristol’, this shows 'Miners at pit bottom, Norton Hill Colliery, mid 1950s. From left to right: Jack Haggett, Unknown, Arthur Davidson, Maurice the Pole, Alb Taylor, Cliff Hitchens and John Paget.

The new logo which has been inspired by, and taken from the letter head of “Somerset Collieries Ltd”

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

WAR MEMORIAL

NEW NAMES TO BE ADDED O

ne of the original assets of the Town Council when it was formed in 2011 was the War Memorial on the High Street. It appears to date from 1919 and commemorates both world wars, with two plaques recording the names of 72 fallen men from WW1 and 36 from WW2.

A further inscription reads “Erected by the ex Officers, NCOs and men of Midsomer Norton in memory of their comrades who fell in the Great War, 1914-1918”.

Although the Town Council has maintained the memorial and enabled it be used for the town’s Remembrance Sunday Parade, it was only when a local resident, David Carter, asked if additional names could be added that a project was started to find out if any names might be missing. In keeping with other towns, the memorial has the names of those who died in the two world wars but does not at present include any that lost their lives serving their country at a later date.

A call was made in the local media for the community to put forward any names that may be missing and two servicemen were nominated – Thomas William Walter and Lance Franklyn Edwards.

Thomas William Walter, Private, the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment. Pte Walter was killed in action in the Korean War in 1951, midway through the war and was 24 when he died.

Although he was raised in the town it is believed that he emigrated in his early twenties and his death is also commemorated on the Australian War memorial in Canberra.

Lance Franklyn Edwards, Lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.S. Heron. Lt Edwards died of his injuries when his Hurricane crashed near Yeovilton on 4 January 1942. He died at RNH Minterne Magna, Portland soon after, aged 22, and his body was brought back to Midsomer Norton where he was buried in the Cemetery. He was the son of Frank and Gladys Edwards and was born in Midsomer Norton in 1919.

At its January 2017 meeting, Members of the Town Council resolved to add both names to the Memorial and the Town Clerk has been asked to make the necessary arrangements. There is some overdue repair work due on the memorial and it is planned that the names will be added at the time the work is done, perhaps on a new plaque on the blank southern side of the memorial.

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SCHOOL NEWS: CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE Greenie time is a very special time every week at Midsomer Norton Primary when our children enjoy a range of activities for following our Green Rules. The Champions for Change have been asking the children on the playground how we can make Greenie time even more special by allowing them to have a say over what is on offer. We currently have a wide range of options which include: Scooter (Wheelie Play), Go Noodle dancing, Drawing and Colouring etc. Our Champions spoke to children from Reception to Year 6 and have compiled a list of the most popular options. They presented the list to Mr Randell and the Senior Leadership team to discuss at their next meeting. Some of these include a quiet room with gentle music and a teacher available if children need to talk about any worries, a 3D junk modelling area, a quiz room etc. We look forward to hearing from Mr Randell. Please get in touch with our excellent team of champions if you have an idea on how we can make our school a better place to be.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES ROYAL APPOINTMENT The Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership is celebrating its recent appointment as a ‘Directly Licensed Centre’ meaning that it is now authorised to independently provide and administer all 3 levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme for its students. This prestigious award takes young people out of their comfort zone, offering them challenge and develops good citizenship. It is internationally recognised and highly regarded by employers and universities alike.

Following a special presentation at St James’ Palace, Alun Williams the Partnership’s Head Teacher and CEO said “This appointment, made all the more special as it’s during the Award’s Diamond Anniversary year, cements our commitment to the scheme and the benefit it brings our students.

From their first walks on the Mendips to overseas expeditions in the Alps, I believe that students have a really memorable and exciting opportunity here.”

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BRITISH COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AWARD SUCCESS FOR NORTON HILL SCHOOL

N

orton Hill School had reason the celebrate this week as they were awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

The International School Award is a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education, such as through links with partner schools overseas. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need to live and work as global citizens.

Norton Hill’s international work includes Year 9 student’s hosting a group of Dutch students earlier in the year, language leader awards for GCSE students, work with local primary schools to help promote and more recently our Year 10, 11 and sixth form students hosting students from the Netherlands.

Alun Williams, head teacher, said, “It’s really pleasing to have the hard work of both staff and students recognized by the British Council. It is fantastic that our students are able to gain these unique opportunities which only a handful of schools in the area offer.”

John Rolfe, from the British Council, said: ‘The school’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned it this prestigious award. The International School Award is a great chance for schools to demonstrate the important work they’re doing to bring the world into their classrooms. Adding an international dimension to children’s education ensures that they are truly global citizens and helps prepare them for successful future careers in an increasingly global economy.’

For more information about the International School Award, please contact our team at schools@britishcouncil.org

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

NORTON HILL STUDENTS PERFORM AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL! On the 14th November, students from years 8-13 performed the world premiere of ‘A Shakesperean Triptych’, composed by internationally acclaimed local composer Philip Harper at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Music for Youth proms. This exciting opportunity was made available by the B&NES music service and with 2 other counties brought together 450 young musicians! After weeks of rehearsals, Hannah Barrow, year 12, and Alfie Creber, year 10, played in the concert band, and 35 of our best singers took their places in the choir stall.

The performance went incredibly well and we are so proud of our students for their efforts. Georgia Mann, year 11, said ‘it was an amazing experience, I couldn’t stop smiling throughout it and was great to see so much young talent in one place!’

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LANGUAGE LEADER SUCCESS A group of Norton Hill Year 11 students have shown that it is possible to not only be in the final stages of preparing for their GCSE exams, but also to work towards a national leadership award on the side. The group of twelve students have spent the last year taking on extra responsibilities and attending after-school master-classes at local universities, all with a view to gaining the national ‘Language Leaders’ award.

Run by the same leadership development organisation as the more well-known ‘Sports Leaders’ awards, the languages programme has the same aims of developing generic leadership and communication skills and building confidence in students, all through the context of language learning. The group initially had a number of theory sessions, led by academic staff from the University of Bath and the Graduate School of Education at Bristol University, as well as a leadership development session with Norton Hill Headteacher and CEO of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, Alun Williams.

The students then went on to use their knowledge and skills in a series of real-life challenges. The group supported the school’s primary languages day, organised and hosted the regional finals of the national French spelling bee contest, and then planned and delivered a full languages lesson for a Year 7 group at the school.

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Year 11 student and Holcombe resident, Alice Mitchell, one of the graduates of the award scheme, said “It’s been challenging to take on all this extra work on top of our day to day studies, but the skills I have developed by taking part in the award scheme will serve me well as I’m preparing to start my A Levels in September”.

Headteacher Alun Williams added “The Language Leaders award scheme is just one example of the brilliant range of opportunities here that our students are able to take part in alongside their academic studies. We congratulate this group of students on their achievement and wish them well for the final few months leading up to their GCSE exams.”

The Year 11 Language Leaders with Norton Hill Deputy Headteacher, Gordon Green and Head of Languages, Tom Hockaday

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

SPORTS ROUND-UP A

new year and a new start for Midsomer Norton’s sporting community, but we start this edition of our sports roundup with a focus on the growth of Women's Football in Midsomer Norton. Special thanks to Nick Doble for his contribution!

The success of the England Ladies team, along with local Premier League sides Bristol and Yeovil, has highlighted interest in the women’s game.

Purnell Sports Ladies are in their first season having been born out of the first Purnell Sports Girls Team , along with lots of local Ladies who wanted to play football. They are currently playing their home games at Welton Rovers FC on Sunday afternoons, and find themselves top of Division

Two in the Somerset County Women's League having only lost one game to date. Promotion is now looking a real possibility in their debut season which could allow the option of running a Reserve Team in Season 2017/18.

Purnell Sports girls have their own teams at U11, U12, U16 and Open Age levels. Their teams participate in the Somerset League playing competitive games against other teams from around the County. If you are interested in getting involved with women’s football then contact Nick Doble on 07921211306 for further information, or get in touch through the Purnell Sports Ladies facebook group.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Welton Rovers difficult season continues with a winless run stretching back to November, including a Boxing Day defeat to local rivals Radstock Town.

February has given the Green Army some crumbs of comfort, with Welton unlucky not to have recorded a win in close matches with Warminster, Portishead and Devizes. Welton sit 19th in the Western League First Division and will be looking for a strong finish to the season to give them confidence for their 2017/18 campaign.

Up at Norton Down, Midsomer Norton Rugby Club’s historic first season in the Tribute South West 1 West Division has proved a difficult learning curve, with the Club managing only one win so far this season. The step up in quality has been difficult for the players to deal with and the Club's poor form has been belied by injuries.

Looking forward, opportunities for first team rugby has given a platform for the next generation

47

of Nortonians to step up and the contribution of James Abbott, Tom Fear and Hugh Jeffery, augurs well for the future.

Young cricket fans should keep an eye on Midsomer Norton Cricket Club for an announcement in March. All Stars Cricket is a nationwide programme that is designed to inspire five- to eight-year-olds to take up cricket and provide a great first experience of the game.

If this report has wetted your sporting appetite, tune in to Somer Valley FM every Tuesday at 6pm on 97.5FM for the award winning Somer Valley Sport Show. The community radio station also broadcast a Saturday afternoon results programme, from 4pm, hosted by Richard Burgess, providing live match updates for both Welton Rovers and Midsomer Norton Rugby Club, along with a host of our other local and professional teams.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

RUBBISH AND RECYCLING CHANGES TO YOUR RUBBISH COLLECTION SERVICE FROM 6 NOVEMBER 2017 WHAT IS CHANGING? Most households across Bath and North East Somerset will be changing to every other week collection for their rubbish from 6 November. We will be providing a 140 litre wheeled bin for the storage and collection of rubbish. We realise that one size does not fit all, so in a small number of cases where a 140 litre wheeled bin is not suitable for your property, or family situation, we may provide a larger bin or a re-useable rubbish bag to contain rubbish for collection.

Recycling collections, including food waste, will remain weekly and our emphasis will be on encouraging you to use this weekly service to its full potential.

Over 70%of UK councils including all our neighbours in Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire, are already running every other week collections for rubbish (in wheeled bins) and weekly recycling collections.

They are seeing the benefits including reduced street mess, cost efficiencies and collecting more recycling (instead of rubbish).

Collection days and times may change as we will

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LOOK OUT FOR YOUR LETTER IN MARCH From 9-13 March all households will be sent a personalised letter informing them how the changes will affect them. To reduce postage costs, most letters will be included in the envelope with your Council Tax Bill.

This letter will let you know whether we have allocated your property a wheeled bin or reuseable rubbish bag for rubbish collection, and the frequency of your rubbish collection. The letter is for information and no response is needed. If you are concerned that the container we have allocated is not appropriate for your specific property or if, despite recycling all you can, you feel that your household will not manage with the allocated container, you can complete an online query form.

We will write separately to residents who • live in a registered House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO)

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

• are currently registered for an Assisted Collection (those who require the help of our crews to carry their rubbish and/or recycling to an agreed collection point). You will be asked to complete a form to update your details to re-apply for an assisted collection if you still need help. For some residents wheeled bins will be much easier to manage.

WHY ARE WE INTRODUCING THE CHANGES? 1. To keep our streets cleaner Containing rubbish in a bin or bag will prevent animals and birds ripping open bags and making a mess which is unpleasant for everyone and costs us to clear up.

2. To recycle more We have a very comprehensive recycling collection where you can already recycle 17 different types of household waste every week.

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We know that some residents can recycle more than they are currently doing – about 75% of a household’s waste can be recycled using the current collections, but we still find that over half of an average rubbish bag consists of items that could have been recycled. Our local research shows that if you recycle all you can you will still have space left in your rubbish bin when collected every other week.

The change will help to encourage everyone to use their food recycling collection – only about 50% of households currently use this. About a third of the waste in black sacks currently is food.

3. To save money Every lorry load of waste costs £1000 to dispose of whilst every lorry load of recycling earns an income of £100, so reducing the amount put out as rubbish is essential.

Find out more www.bathnes.gov.uk/recycle

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

A MESSAGE FROM

THE CLERK As covered elsewhere in LIFE, the Town Council has been busy putting its budget together for next year and calculating the Precept. But the end of the current financial year sees the Officers having to ensure that our accounts are in order ahead of an independent external audit.

This year will see the final audit being carried out

by Grant Thornton under a centrally managed arrangement before a new contract, developed by the lead bodies in Local Government, is placed. We are currently making sure that all of the Council’s bills are paid before we close down the accounts and that we can explain that the expenditure has been lawfully incurred. This means that the Council has made a resolution at a public meeting to incur costs other than those being made under a contract. The Government has introduced new arrangements for Town and Parish Councils that require us to publish our expenditure and we do so by providing details on our website.

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On the community front, we are also developing a Community Engagement Policy which brings together all of the work that the Council funds to support its first key strategic objective – to develop a strong sense of community. A plan for the coming year is well advanced along with specific funds set aside for the purpose. The policy is a key piece of evidence to show that the Town Council meets the criteria to be awarded Quality status under the Local Council Awards Scheme.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone in the community that the Annual Town Meeting will be held in the Town Hall Assembly Room on Monday 24th April at 7pm when we will be reporting on the activities of the last year.

Clive Stilwell (MILCM) Town Clerk

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YOUR TOWN

COUNCILLORS

Alastair Slade 07714 898902 alastair@alastairslade.com

Richard Robertson 01761 415629 therobertsons@fsmail.net

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

Amy Purchase 01761 411860

Lynda Robertson 01761 415629

amymarch@sky.com

therobertsons@fsmail.net

Jane Lewis 01761 410216

Brian Lawrence 07701 007277

Michael Evans 01761 235996

Glyn Davis 07713 353430

janelewis@clara.co.uk

bcml@hotmail.co.uk

michevans@gmail.com

glyn-davis@mail.com

Steve Plumley (Deputy Mayor) 07913 952901

Luke Barnes 07531 080008

Paul Myers Mayor 07530 042627

s.plumley@sky.com

lukebarnes@somervalleyfm.co.uk

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paul.myers@bathasu.com