Midsomer Norton Life Spring 2021

Spring 2021 Issue 38

Sponsored by Midsomer Norton Town Council

Lost Pubs, Mayor's Robes, Town Hall Project and much more inside.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE H

ello and welcome to the the first issue of Midsomer Norton Life for 2021!

We hope this issue finds you well, despite the continuing issues facing the whole country and that you are looking forward to having some warmer weather. As much as the snow looks pretty in our parks and along the greenway, it is always lovely to see signs of Spring blooming. We hope that this year's new shoots bring us all the fresh start that we need after 2020.

While we are still in a national lockdown, that doesn't mean that there is nothing to report, in this issue you'll find updates on a number of town projects which have continued, as well as updates from a number of community groups which have been keeping themselves busy. Don't forget, you're always welcome to send us your news and photos, we post news and updates on our social media pages between issues, so do let us know what you've been up to! Just drop Zoe an email on zoe@midsomernortonlife.co.uk

How do I keep up to date with Midsomer Norton Life & Midsomer Norton Town Council on social media?

It's Easy!

MSNLife midsomernortonlife MidsomerLife MidsomerNortonTC Norton_town

C O N T E N T S

WELCOME TO

MAYOR'S WELCOME

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NEW STREET NAMES

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HERITAGE ACTION ZONE

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MENDIP LOCAL PLAN

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PROGRESS AT THE TOWN PARK

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THE SENSORY GARDEN

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NEW MAYORAL ROBE

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LOST PUBS, BREWERIES AND OFF LICENCES

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ACCESS TO THE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP

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CCTV AT ST CHAD'S WELL

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TOWN HALL TRANSFORMATION PROJECT

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REINDEER - A SUCCESS

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SILVER STREET NATURE RESERVE

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SLEEP PODS

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A MESSAGE FROM THE CLERK

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The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in May 2021. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 410141 before the deadline of 6th May 2021.

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 Media Ltd, Bathway Farm, Bathway, Chewton Mendip, Somerset, BA3 4LN 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

WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR H

ello everyone and a Happy New Year to you all. I hope that you are managing to cope with what is going on around us. I do think it's marvellous how many people are helping their friends and neighbours where possible, whilst still keeping to the rules of lockdown. My own experience shows this clearly. Recently I had a knock on the door and it was my eleven year old neighbour (keeping the correct distance) who asked if I would like him to clear the snow from the steps that go from our front door down to the pavement. He already had his shovel and a sledge to take the snow away. See the photo below to see him and his sister carrying out the job. How wonderful. What more could you ask?

I expect a lot of you will have been for a walk through the Town Park and seen the work in the Sensory Garden by the entrance. When the warm weather comes, it's going to be a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the views. If you haven't been down there recently then do go and see what has been going on.

Since writing this article, but before you have received this copy of Life, the Town Council will have selected a new Councillor to join our team.

So, in advance, I would like to say welcome to the person selected.

Secure dog walking field in Midsomer Norton Sole use during pre-booked time slot www.pipspaddocksomerset.co.uk Telephone: 07925 374933 pipspaddocksomerset Pipspaddocksomerset All bookings on-line via website, a five minute induction will be held prior to first visit, this will be over the phone during the Covid pandemic.

Whilst talking about the Council, please remember that you can still come along to our meetings to hear more about what is going on. Although all our meetings are ‘Zoom’ at the moment, you can still join in by going on the website to log in.

Please don’t hesitate if you think it is something you would be interested in.

As you all know, my big passion is to keep our High Street working. We all know that most of the shops are closed due to lockdown, but please support those that are open when you can, making sure you keep to the rules.

Take care and keep safe everyone.

Cllr Lynda Robertson – Mayor of Midsomer Norton

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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NEW STREET NAMES A

recent planning application has prompted discussions about suitable names for new roads in Midsomer Norton. The Town Council would like to hear your suggestions for naming new roads.

Our town has a fascinating history which we would like to celebrate and honour in future planning projects. "Norton" means 'north enclosure' from the Old English. “Midsomer” may come from the fact the town is situated midway between two branches of the River Somer; the Somer itself and Wellow Brook. It could refer to the Fayre held by Royal Charter held at midsummer on the day of St John, the patron saint, or to the fact that roads to the town were

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once so muddy and inaccessible it was reachable “only in midsummer” (John Wesley).

The Council are looking for street names linked to: • the Priory, The Catholic Church of the Holy Ghost (converted from a 15th-century tithe barn), the Anglican Church of St John the Baptist, the Methodist Church, Baptist Church and Salvation Army • our industrial mining history and landmarks from the 18th and 19th century • The Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway and Bristol and North Somerset Railway • past manufacturers Prattens, Beazer, Alcan Mardon and Welton, Bibby & Baron •m emories of past events, places or residents • c arnival • e ducation • s ports clubs and teams: football, cricket and rugby union

If you have any ideas for road names you would like to contribute, please send them, along with a brief explanation of your suggestion to info@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk, or phone the Town Council on 01761 418701.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

HERITAGE ACTION ZONE: EXCITING THINGS AHEAD M

uch has happened since the last article in Midsomer Norton Life and there are lots of updates from the High Street Heritage Action Zone (‘HSHAZ’). For those of you who are not aware a community team and full time project manager is coordinating the HSHAZ project, which seeks to improve the High Street and invest in the Town Centre.

In the last issue the team were putting together proposals for the new public open space and market square at The Island. Happily, these initial designs (see below) were ready in November and it was possible to hold a public consultation between 28th November – 29th December, to which many of you responded.

Overall, these initial designs were positively received and the project were pleased to hear from many local residents, business owners and community groups about The Island and where

else the High Street could be improved. The next stage now is to improve the designs in response to the feedback and Midsomer Norton Life will keep you updated on progress.

In other news, before Christmas the project team helped the Midsomer Norton Community Trust produce a detailed funding bid to Historic England’s Cultural Programme grant scheme for over £80,000. This funding would be used to run a four-year programme of community events and activities celebrating our market town, local people and history. This would include markets, pop-up exhibitions, digital film projects, school arts programmes, heritage trails and festivals amongst other things. It would also be used to employ a dedicated Engagement Manager to support local community groups and businesses.

The Community Trust now awaits news to see if they have been successful!

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As part of the bid, a ‘Cultural Consortium’ was created before Christmas. This group will help to deliver the community events and activities in the Heritage Action Zone. Members include local civic societies, schools, youth organisations, history groups, health and wellbeing providers, faith communities and business representatives.

Even so, the team still need your help – would you like to be involved? If so, please get in touch as the team are now looking to form the wider ‘Cultural Community’ to test their ideas and work out where funding can be best spent – you may already have ideas or projects which could be supported.

As always, the team is keen to hear from anyone who has any ideas for the High Street or would like to know more about the Heritage Action Zone Project. Maybe you would like to explore how you can get involved or how we could support your community group? If so, please feel free to email the High Street Project Manager, Edward Heritage (details below).

Other updates include a successful meeting of the HSHAZ ‘Steering Group’ on Wednesday 20th January. This group is responsible for overseeing the HSHAZ project and you may recognise some familiar faces from the Town Council, Community Trust, Town Trust, Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. It also includes representatives from our funding partners and B&NES. Some of the topics discussed at the meeting included feedback from the Public Consultation, how we can improve the final designs for The Island and upcoming projects on the High Street that could help retailers to bounce back after COVID-19. As such, you may spot historic buildings specialists surveying shopfronts on the High Street in February/March. The surveys produced will help to identify where funding could be given to business owners or landlords to make repairs and improvements to their premises.

Edward_heritage@bathnes.gov.uk or you can also write to: High Street Project Manager, c/o Midsomer Norton Town Council, The Island, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HQ.

Improving People's Lives

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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CENSUS 2021 - A snapshot of modern society H

ouseholds across Midsomer Norton will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021.

The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

It will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

“A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said.

Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.

The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

For more information, visit census.gov.uk.

“This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.”

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

The Mendip Local Plan And what it could mean for Midsomer Norton A

sites forward and only sites under the original plan were considered.

As you may know, local authorities, such as B&NES, must make Local Plans which then form part of the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework, which decides where new homes are to be built. The Local Plan is submitted to the government inspector for approval, and, once that is obtained, becomes law and is a legal guide to future planning decisions.

These proposals were discussed at a virtual hearing. The developers and their legal representatives attended, as did a few people from the villages of Rode and Beckington objecting to plans for their areas, the B&NES Deputy Planning Officer, Cllr Jackson, from Westfield, and myself, putting forward the view of Midsomer Norton Town Council. Stratton on the Fosse was also represented and objected to MN2 and MN3.

virtual meeting was recently held to discuss Mendip’s Local Plan and how it would impact Midsomer Norton.

Part of this process is identifying suitable sites for development. Each local authority must identify sufficient land to provide for the anticipated need with an additional buffer, in case certain sites are unavailable. At any time, there are supposed to be five years’ worth of specific, deliverable housing sites.

Although Midsomer Norton falls under B&NES, it borders Mendip. Mendip District Council’s Local Plan pt1 for 2006-2029 was adopted in 2014. Part 2 was submitted at the start of 2019, however the government inspector did not approve it because it did not address the ‘strategic expectation’ to consider development sites for 505 dwellings in the North East part of Mendip. Much like the situation faced by B&NES a few years ago, Mendip need their plan to be approved otherwise they are vulnerable to all and any speculative planning applications and have duly identified sites at the edge of Midsomer Norton. These sites include: MN1 of 250 dwellings at the White Post, MN3 of 145 dwellings along the A367 and MN2, 60 dwellings at the end of Underhill Lane. At this late stage, developers were not called to put new

Our main arguments included: • If Mendip needs an additional 505 dwellings, then the need is Mendip-wide and not specifically a need for the north east of Mendip.

• B&NES has not had time to properly consider the impact of these developments on local infrastructure and services. Should the developments go ahead, it should be at a review of the plan, not added on as they have been.

• As said in a letter from B&NES’ Director of Development and Public Protection: “One of the key strategic issues the B&NES Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan is addressing is an imbalance between jobs and homes resulting from recent incremental housing development and a decline in the manufacturing sector and a high degree of out-commuting. Therefore, the Core Strategy/Placemaking Plan facilitates more employment including allocating the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone and only facilitates some additional housing primarily reflecting already committed sites… therefore allocating

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

sites adjoining Midsomer Norton, Westfield or Radstock through the Mendip LPP2 is contrary to the adopted B&NES Development Plan and would worsen the imbalance between jobs and homes and would add cumulative impacts on key infrastructure.”

• If development is to go ahead in this area, other sites should be considered, such as those closer to Frome where there are better road connections and a railway to provide good transport links.

• The sites on the edge of Midsomer Norton would be best considered as part of the B&NES Local Plan rather than Mendip’s. For example, Mendip looked at the capacity of villages like Chilcompton and took into account that housing had recently been built there but did not consider this for Midsomer Norton as it isn’t in Mendip; however, Midsomer Norton would be expected to accommodate these housing needs.

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It is important to note, that we are not opposed to housing development per se, but we would want sustainable and appropriate development, with perhaps a capacity for more housing when, and if, the Old Mills Enterprise Zone comes into existence and transport links improve. I fear an inappropriately unsustainable metropolis in the Somer Valley area with the Mendip Green Belt in the north and the B&NES Green Belt in the south.

Also, such development being bolted on in easy to build greenfield sites at the behest of another authority and eager developers, makes it less likely that our brownfield sites, such as Welton Bibby Baron, will be developed.

We are now awaiting the Inspector’s verdict following the hearing.

Cllr Michael Evans, Chair of the Town Council Planning Committee

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

PROGRESS AT THE TOWN PARK A

group known as The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) has been working hard at the Town Park. TCV was established in 1959 when its first volunteers gathered together to protect the environment, and is a group that “works across the UK to create healthier and happier communities for everyone”. They do this “by connecting people and green spaces to deliver lasting outcomes for both”.

At the time of writing, TCV have visited the Town Park three times, to work on the pathway at a very muddy section near to the Cycle Path and the Batch. They certainly know what they’re doing!

The progress has been incredible in such muddy conditions, as can be seen in the photographs.

The Conservation Volunteers have been helping to construct a footpath in the Town Park, as part of the ongoing project to open up access to the area.

the aim of attracting a regular parkrun event in Midsomer Norton. Parkruns are free, weekly, community events that take place all around the world. They take place on a Saturday morning in parks and open spaces up and down the country, and are open to everyone. There is no time limit on completing the course, and it doesn’t matter whether you run, jog or walk. Get out into the countryside and enjoy yourself and the area!

The work done to link the path down the hill in the Town Park between the Cycle Path and the Wild Meadow is also being carried out with

The Conservation Volunteers working at the site, are working in compliance with current COVID guidelines and regulations.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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new secretary For town trust W

ith the ever growing workload of the Midsomer Norton Town Trust, the Trustees decided in the Autumn that it was no longer sustainable to have the role of Secretary as a volunteer post. So a part time post was advertised and Joanne Corbett was recently appointed to work two days a week for the Charity – based in the Town Hall.

“I’m so excited to be taking on the role of Trust Secretary and am amazed at the scope to develop these community assets, held on behalf of the town, so that many more people can enjoy them.

As my predecessor has been handing over the various projects I’ve been impressed at his drive and dedication which, as well as being due special thanks, is also an inspiration to me”, said Joanne Corbett, newly appointed Town Trust Secretary.

Joanne has lived in Midsomer Norton for the last 15 years and brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Joanne’s main role will be to create a Town Trust Office and public facing presence as well as working on the Trust’s growing Estate ranging from Community buildings to the Town Park and Silver Street Nature Reserve. As such she will be working closely with a wide range of local organisations such as the Midsomer Norton Community Trust with whom she will be sharing an office.

Particular thanks were expressed by the Trustees to Paul Myers, who has performed the role of Trust Secretary on a volunteer basis since May 2019 and is now standing down.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Sensory Garden AT THE Town Park P

lanting has begun in the beds for the new Sensory Garden at the entrance to the Town Park. The Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Club conceived the idea for the garden and have sponsored all the plants. Planting so far includes conifers, chosen for their strong vertical shape, soft touch and scented foliage; grasses with rustling striped leaves to create sound and movement; lamb’s ear plants with soft leaves and a lush, jungly bedding plant called elephant’s ear.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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More plants, including bamboos, herbs and local apple trees, will go in later this year. There will also be a tree planting ceremony to celebrate the generous donation from the Lions and their contribution to the Town Park.

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Generous DONATION oF NEW Mayoral Robe A

t the first meeting of the newly restored Midsomer Norton Town Council in 2011, the new Councillors chose to take up the option of adopting the name of ‘Mayor’ for the Chair of the Council.

Since May 2011, the role has developed considerably with the Mayor now attending a vast range of community events, formal public engagements and activities and events throughout the year. It is estimated that since 2011, the Mayor has attended almost 500 events and is a regular figure in the local press – representing the Council and the Town.

In addition, when invited, as the Mayor often is, to wear robes, we only had the civic chain. So when attending events with all the other Mayors from Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, Midsomer Norton risked appearing rather second rate, being one of the few not wearing a red ceremonial robe. Even when attending events in the town, event organisers and people attending seem surprised that ‘our Mayor doesn’t look like a proper one’ and on one occasion, the Mayor was asked when will the Mayor of Midsomer Norton be arriving?

We are pleased to announce Midsomer Norton Town Council have taken delivery of a robe for the Mayor. We hope you agree this is a lovely addition to the Town, The Mayor will look fantastic at official functions.

The robe has been fully funded by an anonymous donor to whom we would like to send our gratitude. It has been designed to be able to pass from one Mayor to the next.

The Mayor, Councillor Lynda Robertson, said “It’s brilliant to have and I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever dressed so smart!”

If you would like the Mayor to attend a function, please contact the Town Council office on 01761 418701.

Midsomer Norton Town Council

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

The lost Pubs, Breweries and Off Licences OF MIdsomeR Norton T

he current pandemic has seen huge pressures on the licensed trade with restrictions on opening hours, contact tracing, hygiene, moving from standing to sitting, social distancing etc.

Sadly, due to the current restrictions it is likely that many more licensed premises will cease to trade over the coming months and years. However, a reduction in the number of local breweries, pubs and off licenses has been ongoing for many years.

Whilst most people think of this area as being predominantly coal mining and printing, Welton and Midsomer Norton were also heavily involved in all aspects of the licensed trade.

At one time over 120 pubs and off licences were recorded in the local area and many were little more than a front room in a house.

A walk from Welton through to Midsomer Norton reflects the number of lost pubs, breweries and off licences in our area.

Despite its modest size Welton / Belle Vue was a mecca for drinkers with records showing 4 pubs, one off licence, 2 breweries and to balance that out – a Temperance Hall as well!

The pubs being the Dolphin (only one surviving), Rose and Crown (Belle Vue), The Crown and The Red Cow. The off licence was The Plough and situated in Sheppard’s Rank, Belle Vue. The breweries were Welton Old Brewery, specialising in a low gravity malty beer known as mild, and Welton North Brewery producing bitter.

A walk along Station Road towards Midsomer Norton takes you past the now closed Welton Bag factory that for many years was the home of the 3 Firms Club and then on to Stones Cross which in its day was a thriving coaching Inn. A quick left turn to South View Place took you to Priors’ Mineral Water factory which closed in the 1970s.

A little further on down Midsomer Norton High Street would have taken you past the 3 Horseshoes (where Argos is now) and directly opposite through a stone archway was an off licence.

A small property in North Way was for some years the base for the Midsomer Norton Rugby Club followed by the Midsomer Norton Conservative Club. During the Second World War the property was used to make batteries for Chloride.

Red Cow Inn at Welton Hill

Rackvernal Road also had a small pub called by various names it seems – The Bluebird, The Blackbird and the Miners' Arms.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

“Bob's Palais” was originally Smith's Brewery with the Palladium being the brewery’s barrel store.

At the top of Silver Street, you would find The Green Ball Inn on your left.

Back to Midsomer Norton and next to NatWest was the Wunderbar a great venue for local bands.

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In 1944 American troops were billeted here and the garage at the back served as an Army post office from 5 January to 14 April. US troops were also billed across the road in the Welton Bag factory, formerly Welton Brewery up to 1916.

On the corner of Church Square, backing on the church wall, stood the Silver Hart which was demolished and replaced by the White Hart in The Island. The White Hart was built adjoining an existing brewery and opposite the brewery mill.

According to the census of 1891 and 1901, a lot of those living in The Island were in some way involved in the brewing industry.

Also in Church Square was The Hole in the Wall – a small brewery.

Just when you thought that enough was enough, Redfield Road was also a mecca for drinkers with 2 pubs (Crossways and Fir Tree) and 2 off licences (Crossway Stores and Marlborough Arms) and just round the corner, in Chilcompton Road was The King's Arms.

Once we have turned a corner with the pandemic, let’s all support our remaining ‘locals’, so they are here for many more years to come.

Information by Graeme King Images and Information by Tom Randell

An early photo of The Crown by Wellow Brook, Welton. People have sometimes mistakenly called this The Horse & Trap, mistaking the advertising sign on the far left for the name of the pub

Rose & Crown in Belle Vue, taken in 2015 and now a private house. The hanging bracket for the pub sign is still in place.

Jack Shearn was the landlord, and this is an image of him and his family, in 1921.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

The Stones Cross Hotel approx. 1908. At that time the landlord’s name was Woolf. In its day, it was a very important place. Many local organisations had their meetings there, especially businessmen. The Midsomer Norton Friendly Society used it as their headquarters for the latter half on the C19th. A far cry from what it is today!

Welton Brewery closed down after a huge fire in 1916 and the whole business, including over 100 pubs which they owned was sold to George’s of Bristol. By 1918, Walter Merrick brought his printing business here from Bath.

In this image dating from the early twentieth century, on the left is the sign for Ashton Gates off-licence and centre-right is the signpost for the Three Horseshoes pub, since demolished and replaced by a large store. Even with the renovations and new signage, the rooflines are still recognisable

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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Access Plans for The Garden of friendship S

ince taking the lease for the Catholic Church Garden as a community space, known as the Garden of Friendship, the Town Council has developed the space to include fencing, gates, enabling horticultural improvements, and adding bins and benches to make the space a pleasant place to sit and take a break. The Garden of Friendship is also available for hire (although not currently due to the COVID-19 pandemic), by contacting the Midsomer Norton Community Trust, for community groups and activities. It has already been home to some of their popular events such as Wassailing and the Outdoor Cinema.

The Garden of Friendship has an entrance that runs down the side of the Catholic Church and we are currently looking at options for an additional entrance from Sainsbury’s car park to the side of the garden. We have already engaged with B&NES Council regarding this proposal, and there was a site meeting just before lockdown back in March 2020. The Town Clerk, Councillor Steve Plumley and Andy King from New Leaf Studios also had a socially distanced site meeting in November.

However, no further action has been taken or agreed formally with B&NES at this time.

Planning permission from B&NES Council would be required for the entrance as it is in a conservation area, and the removal of a section of hedge would be necessary. Contact will also be made with those local to the proposed entrance.

New Leaf Studios, local landscape architects, that the Town Council have worked closely with at the Town Park will be preparing a simple location plan. They will also provide a proposal plan and elevation of the boundary, showing the proposed opening, path link and gate, including a design for the gate. The design for the gate will be along the lines of a pedestrian width, simple wrought iron gate with an overthrown “Garden of Friendship” lettering similar to the wider gate next to the Church. It is hoped that with the new access to the garden, more people will be able to get out and enjoy this peaceful space in the Town.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

What do you think about MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MAGAZINE?

M

idsomer Norton Life magazine launched in the Autumn of 2011. The Winter issue in 2021 will mark ten years of publication of the quarterly magazine, which we hope keeps residents informed about events, news and issues affecting their local area.

1. Do you look forward to receiving Midsomer Norton Life magazine?

The first edition contained articles on the role of the new Town Council, the signing of the new lease with Welton Rovers on West Clewes Recreation Ground and the formation of a new Youth Team, the story behind South West in Bloom and information about the Council’s work with allotment holders. There was a profile on Nortonian David Fisher, the artist who designed the new Civic Emblem, a diary of local club and society listings, and information about how the new Town Council planned to take care of our town and promote civic pride.

2. Which features do you enjoy the most/find the most useful? Eg local news, local issues, diary of events

Joanne Corbett, Midsomer Norton Town Council, The Island, Midsomer Norton BA3 2HQ

Or you can visit our website, www. midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk where you will find the survey bottom right on the home page. Just type your answers and click submit.

Or you can email your thoughts to info@ midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk Thank you for your time.

4. Do you have any questions about Midsomer Norton Town Council that could be addressed in Midsomer Norton Life magazine?



How do you think our magazine is faring nearly a decade on? Which features do you enjoy? What would you like to see in Life magazine? Midsomer Norton town Council would be grateful if you could complete a short questionnaire to help us survey the impact the magazine is having. Please answer the questions below and return the survey to

3. What features would you like to see in Midsomer Norton Life magazine?

5. Do you have any ideas for future articles?

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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CCTV at St Chad's Well

D

ue to ongoing anti-social behaviour at St Chad's Well, Midsomer Norton Town Council have now installed a CCTV camera.

Complaints have been received by the police from residents of loud music, shouting, drug taking and destruction of property. The mosquito unit that had been installed previously had no effect and groups continued to gather.

The Town Warden spends the first hour of his working day cleaning up rubbish and drug paraphernalia before the primary school children walk to school.

It is hopeful footage can be taken from the CCTV and passed to the police so offenders can be identified and contacted.

The camera was purchased by the Police using funds from a grant from Midsomer Norton Town Council, Radstock Parish Council and Westfield Parish Council. The police have access to the camera as do the staff at Midsomer Norton Town Council.

Due to the positioning of the camera, Western Power Distribution very kindly installed the camera at the correct height so a wide area can be captured.

If any resident has any issues with anti-social behaviour, please call 101 to report the incident to the police. We are in constant contact with the police and will continue to share information received.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON Town Hall Transformation Project T

he new Midsomer Norton Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) has opened up new hope for the Town Hall Transformation which aims to improve the building for community use. The successful HAZ bid to Heritage England includes budget allocation to support reinstating the original Market Hall.

transformed by a massive building programme believed to be inspired by Thomas Harris Smith, local brewer and entrepreneur. As well as the Town Hall, TSB (Bank House), the Greyhound/ NatWest and the original Smith’s Brewery (where Weatherspoon’s/Fat Sam's is) were all under construction along with the Methodist Church.

Midsomer Norton Market Hall, as the Town Hall was originally known, opened on 18th September 1860 when 4000 people attended the opening.

Last September marked its 160th anniversary. At that time in the 1860s Midsomer Norton was being

If you look closely at the Town Hall it’s a beautiful building. Constructed largely in local stone in the Italian Gothic style at an original cost of £1,500, it was used at first as a market hall; corn and cattle markets being held on the

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

25

first Tuesday in each month and a Cattle Fair annually on April 25th. The hall was also used for musical entertainment and public meetings. It only became the Town Hall when the Midsomer Norton Urban District Council bought it in the early 1900s.

For over 40 years the Sarah Ann Trust looked after the building. Today the Town Hall is managed by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and the Town Council rents an office in the building, acting as an anchor tenant.

Although the Community Trust has done much to update the building, 160 years of numerous alterations have produced a community building which is a challenge to operate generally and more specifically makes it ‘hungry’ in terms of volunteer time and resources. There are multiple entrances, a lack of storage space, an excessive amount of corridors and multiple staircases which

do not all lead to all levels and it is not energy efficient. The historic building is not presented at its best.

The planned changes to the Town Hall, termed the ‘Transformation Project’ have always been a community led project dating back to the Sarah Ann Trust. The plans are to build a four-storey

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extension to the rear of the building to house offices (Town Trust, Community Trust and Town Council), catering facilities, meeting and storage rooms and an archive for the Town Trust as well as a new fire escape/staircase to all levels and new toilet facilities. Within the existing building core there would also be a new reception, new staircase to all levels and ticket office. With all the offices, storage and meeting rooms effectively catered for in the extension it will then be possible to reinstate the original 1860s Market Hall on the ground floor.

due for renewal this year.

Recent funding from the Heritage Action Zone project is available to support elements of the transformation of the Town Hall, along with the development of a market place in The Island to create a wonderful, large cohesive space for indoor and outdoor markets and events. A place for the residents of Midsomer Norton to be proud of, and to bring visitors to our historic High Street.

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Whilst the Assembly Room, which seats around 120 people, would remain largely untouched, it would benefit from new toilets, bar, access staircase, removal of the internal lobby and unsightly internal and external fire escapes.

A huge amount of work has gone into preparing plans to transform The Town Hall over the last 14 years. As well as volunteers time, a grant from the central government enabled the Town Council to successfully secure planning consents in July 2015. These existing Planning Permission and Listed Building Consents for the Town Hall extension are

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27

Join the Sing-along with Goldies online T

he Goldies Charity are well known and loved for their daytime Sing&Smile sessions; prior to Lockdown there were 20 groups across B&NES, including one at Church Court Community Room in Midsomer Norton.

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant the temporary closure of all our Sing&Smile sessions for the foreseeable future.

Goldies adapted quickly with the launch of our first ever digital service - GoldiesLive - fun, free online 30 minute sing-along sessions released every Tuesday and Thursday and available from 11.00am, or watch at your leisure.

Join us as we sing-along to the popular hits of the 50s onwards with onscreen words, take part in movement to music activities supporting physical health, comment on/share Goldies music, make song requests and so much more.’

are open to everyone, but in particular aim to combat isolation, building stronger communities and supportive relationships.

For full details and to access sessions, completely free of charge, see our website www.goldieslive.com

Goldies sessions are fun social groups where people come together to sing-a-long to the popular hits of the 50s onwards, chat and laugh along with friends. These monthly sessions, alongside intergenerational activities, Age Awareness days, concerts and festive celebrations

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

reindeer - A success with local families A

t the beginning of December, volunteers from Men’s Shed were busy creating Wooden Reindeer kits for children of Midsomer Norton. They produced just over over 60 kits, using their own facilities at home due to being unable to access their workshop in Farrington Gurney, and generously donating their own timber supplies.

Staff from Midsomer Norton Town Council put together bags of pom poms, glittery pipe cleaners, bells and green ribbon; the Town Council colour.

The Reindeer were advertised on our website, on social media, in the local press and in Midsomer Norton Life magazine. Over 120 people applied for a Reindeer, and lucky winners were pulled from a Christmas stocking by Mayor Lynda Robertson on December 14th. The Mayor wore a reindeer mask and antlers and winners were announced in a video on the Town Council Facebook page.

Children photographed their finished reindeers and the Town Council shared the herd on their website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

We were grateful for the positive feedback from some of the applicants and winners. John Mountford said: “What a great idea to help us all

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29

for doing such a lovely thing for the children of Midsomer Norton and we really appreciate all the hard work you all do for us all.”

over this difficult period. Plus, it is a project to get adults and children creative together.” Bex Guy commented: “It's so kind what the Men's Shed did.”

Gemma Ford also wanted to say thank you: “What a fantastic initiative for our community. Well done Men’s Shed and Town Council, this will bring some much needed Christmas cheer. Thank you for such a great family time initiative. Merry Christmas and here's to a happier 2021. Many thanks for such a fun afternoon.”

Lots of children had great fun making their reindeer, and Jemma Soper thought it was “A fab Christmas Eve activity.” Sally Tarn won a reindeer for her 4 year old grandchild and wrote: “Just want to say what a lovely idea - supplying the wooden reindeer packs for the children to complete.

Thank you for helping to make Christmas a little more normal for our little ones during this pandemic. Thank you again to the Town Council

The Town Council hope that our ‘Make a Wooden Reindeer’ packs went a little way to helping children in our community celebrate Christmas, after the disappointment of being unable to host the Children’s Christmas Party and Cinema Night this year.

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Keep Britain TIdy O

ver the past year, the amount of litter around our neighbourhood has increased to an alarming amount but with so many council staff furloughed or isolating because of Covid, they have not been able to undertake the normal cleaning routines.

Since the recent lockdown, my husband and I became so appalled by the amount of litter on our streets and in the hedgerows that we decided to volunteer to clear as much as we could. Over ten days we filled twenty four large sacks. The contents contained: disused face masks, drink cans and plastic bottles, empty vodka, wine and beer bottles. Hundreds of crisp packets and sweet wrappers. Also, dozens of coffee cups, sandwich wrappings and other take way food wrappers.

I believe a considerable amount may be from recycling bins. Lids come off and items blow out onto the pavements and into the road gutters. If people were to place a brick or stone on the lid this would solve the problem.

Today’s young people are key to eliminating litter

and ending waste for future generations. More than 2.3 million children and young people are actively engaged in the Eco Schools programme.

It encourages every child to learn about the environment and the role in preserving it.

If you have an hour or two each week you can play your part in helping to keep our neighbourhood free from litter, and you can arrange to borrow equipment from Midsomer Norton Town Council.

Should you choose to pick litter it can be done as part of your daily exercise. “No Place for Litter” are looking for individuals and groups who would like to become local litter picking groups and act as a contact point for others, with equipment provided by B&NES Council. Contact 07713 417974 or email: womble@transitionkeynsham.org.

Please ensure to do it safely either on your own or with a member of your household. Undertaking voluntary or charity work is permissible under the current regulations.

Written by: Sandra Coles

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Silver street nature reserve - Beneficial to wellbeing

T

he members of Silver Street Nature Reserve have not met indoors since last February but the volunteers have been to the Reserve to keep it maintained.

Since the current lockdown, members have been going as individuals for their daily exercise.

The Reserve is fortunate that during the winter months, life is dormant, so not too much maintenance is required.

They are hoping that they may be able to arrange an event for the summer with perhaps a bird walk with tea and cake.

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The Nature Reserve has received praise and comments about the area being a lifeline during these strange times. Indeed, any outside space is beneficial to our wellbeing so the Nature Reserve and also the new Town Park have a large part to play. One of the last jobs for the volunteers was to plant 200 Crocus in the woods and soon they will be emerging, so look out for patches of mauve when you are out walking.

The team hope that life will get back to near normal soon with vaccinations coming forth but for now would like us to remember that our planet is fragile and we all need to play our part in keeping it spinning!!

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MIDSOMER NORTON COMMUNITY TRUST HELP BUILD SLEEP PODS

O

ver the Christmas break the Midsomer Norton Community Trust helped to build Sleep Pods at the Town Hall. The Trust got involved after seeing posts from local Sleep Pod volunteer builder Jon Durrant who has been building Pods at home.

Sleep Pods are emergency shelters for rough sleepers in severe weather conditions. They are designed to help keep people warm, dry and offer a degree of comfort.

We all know that being wet and cold is uncomfortable even for short periods of time.

Most of us are lucky enough to be able to come into the warm and dry, change our clothes, warm up and dry our clothes. But rough sleepers often do not have access to drying facilities or warm food and drinks. They can stay wet and cold for days. In extreme weather, being cold and wet can lead to hypothermia which can be fatal.

The Sleep Pod has been designed to be made of relatively cheap but highly insulated materials. The design is similar to a 1-person tent with one fixed end and a Velcro opening end to allow access.

They are designed to be quick and easy to use.

The main component is the fire retardant bubble foil insulation, as well as gaffer tape for watertight joints, foil tape for insulation and air tightness and bamboo canes for support. It is lightweight and can be rolled up like a sleeping mat so that it can be carried around. They are so well insulated that they use body heat to heat the Pod so you can sleep in just a T-Shirt!

Each Pod costs around ÂŁ30 to build in materials.

The building, organisation and distribution of sleep pods is done by teams of local volunteers.

The majority of money used to buy materials

is donated by the general public so the real key right now is donations so more Pods can be funded to help those in need. The Pods have been distributed by volunteer charities to those in need throughout the South West. Times are tough right now for many but if you can afford to can donate money to the local effort you can do so online. The link can be found at www. midsomernortoncommunitytust.co.uk/sleeppods For more information on their ongoing work you can follow the Sleep Pod pages on social media or head to www.sleeppod.org.uk.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Methodist Church's NEW Digital Outreach Worker

A

t the start of the year Midsomer Norton Methodist Church appointed Mark Robinson as their new Digital Outreach Worker.

What is a Digital Outreach Worker I hear you ask?

Here’s Mark himself to tell you more!

Over the last year, we have become more accustomed to living our lives through the means of Facebook, Zoom and even TikTok, so it only makes sense to have the church represented on such platforms! It is my job to engage and encourage people online into taking interest in the church social media and website pages.

There’s lots to see on our Facebook (simply search

Midsomer Norton Methodist Church) and our website (www.msnmcc.org) pages especially, with videos, photos and streamed worship being published multiple times a week.

As a church, we believe that God meets us wherever we go, whether that is walking down the street, washing up or scrolling through our social media content on our devices.

‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’

(Joshua 1:9).

So why not give it a go and check us out on Facebook?

Mark Robinson

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35

Somerset and Dorset Railway AT MIdsomer nortoN

T

he Somerset and Dorset Heritage Railway in Midsomer Norton completed a very successful Covid-safe Santa Special event.

The event's volunteers, led by Matt Cornborough, had the station, coaches and the environment comprehensively cleaned, sanitised and made safe for visitors. It was also the occasion of the opening of the ‘new to us’ old RMB for refreshments.

In the 1950s, British Rail wanted to make travel by train more attractive so they introduced a new type of railway carriage which was called a Rail Miniature Buffet, RMBs. In addition to 40 seats arranged in groups of four around a table, the carriage had a small serving counter, with an attendant selling a limited range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and the much maligned, but often quite reasonable British Railways’ sandwich.

in mainline service, although stale sandwiches will definitely not be on the menu.”

One RMB has recently been purchased by the Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton.

This one had spent the previous fourteen years dumped in a siding at another railway. Within a few weeks of arriving at Midsomer Norton, it has been transformed and is now one of the most popular attractions at the railway. The entire interior has been completely refurbished and is now as good as new.

If Covid restrictions allow, Midsomer Norton Station will begin operations again on Good Friday, 2nd April, with Diesel rides. Steam days will be on Easter Sunday and Monday 4th & 5th April.

Weekend operations will follow on alternating Saturdays and Sundays. It is worth remembering that it is the 55th anniversary of the closure of the line this March.

Roger Burfitt, Deputy Chair of the Trust, said: “To see the transformation of this carriage from a forlorn and unloved vehicle, to one that gives such pleasure to those who visit really lifts the spirits.

For organising the restoration work, we must thank our amazing volunteers. The RMB will be open on all days that the station is open. A service of drinks and snacks will be available, much as when it was

The photo shows the very first customer, Paul Tomes, from Christchurch, enjoying a cup of coffee and glad to be out of the rain. He was served by volunteer Paul Short.

A Diesel Gala is planned for the end of April when the gardens will be flowering for spring.

Details can be found on the website, which will be updated regularly. More volunteers are very welcome to help keep the station buildings and gardens maintained as well as all the heritage rolling stock.

Booking for all events and rides is through the website: www.sdjr.co.uk

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

continued support from

SWALLOW Charity S

WALLOW has continued to support its members, local teenagers and adults with learning disabilities throughout the pandemic. In order to keep members and staff safe, the charity has implemented a regime of using PPE, social distancing and sanitising. The charity’s support has become even more vital as members’ anxiety levels have risen and normal routines have been disrupted.

Support has been available to keep individuals engaged and fulfilled, including cookery and art sessions, gardening and work at the SWALLOW Community Café and ongoing outreach in the community.

The importance of keeping fit and getting out into the fresh air is important and in the autumn, a socially distanced sponsored walk was organised, which raised nearly £500.

Where face to face support has not been possible, there have been regular Zoom sessions, which include relaxation, quizzes and a regular Boogie Nights dance session on Thursdays. The Zoom Christmas party saw over 50 people getting together!

As SWALLOW looks forward into 2021, hope is on the horizon with the vaccination, but until everyone is safe, they will continue to remain vigilant and to support their members in the best way possible.

If you would like more information about SWALLOW, or how you could support the charity, including running the Bath Half Marathon 2021 on 5th September 2021, please contact Nicky Tew on nickyt@swallowcharity.org or call 01761 414034.

You can also find more information about the charity on the website: www.swallowcharity.org and on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ SWALLOWCharity/

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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An essential service from SWAN TRANSPORT S

wan Transport’s brilliant team of volunteer drivers have been busy as they continue to provide essential journeys to older and disabled people in Bath & North East Somerset, mainly for hospital and G.P. appointments. Swan has extended its service to not only help people to get to hospitals in BATHNES and essential health trips in Bristol, but to also help as many people as possible get to their Covid-19 vaccinations in the local area.

At the moment, Swan drivers can only take people who are able to get in and out of a car without help because the volunteer drivers are unable to do any lifting and handling. The scheme is

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following the latest guidelines from the NHS, Government and the Community Transport Association to keep everyone safe and are working with all colleagues in other Community Transport schemes to keep as many people without access to transport moving and independent and travelling with the appropriate service.

If you need help with transport or you want to find out more about volunteer driving with Swan, please call 01761 439548 or email: swan.transport@ btconnect.com Swan Transport is part of Swan Advice Network Charity number 1141396. Co No 6883950.

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38

LOCAL LIFE

COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES Do you get confused with who to contact regarding matters in your street and the Town? Many residents of Midsomer Norton contact either the Town Council or BANES with questions about services, or to find out how they can access help and support.

We have compiled a list below which we hope you will find useful. Also below are contact details and opening hours for both the Town Council and BANES local council offices for face to face advice about a wide range of Council and partner services.

MIDSOMER NORTON TOWN COUNCIL www.midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk Council Offices Town Hall The Island Midsomer Norton Bath BA3 2HQ Tel: 01761 418701 Email: townclerk@ midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk Monday – Thursday: 9.30am – 4.30pm Friday: 9.30am – 3.30pm

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The Town Council Officers are always happy to help residents to direct their questions to the right place. But in case you didn’t know Town Council are able to help with the following: • Allotments • Defibrillators • Grants • Midsomer Norton Life Magazine • River Somer in the Town Centre • Town Park • West Clewes Park • War Memorial • St Chad’s Memorial Garden • Wellow Brook • Garden of Friendship • Flowers – all of the tubs and baskets, planting at The Hollies garden and the around the Gateway signs in Midsomer Norton

follow us @MSNLife @midsomernortonlife @MidsomerLife

LOCAL LIFE

BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL www.bathnes.gov.uk

Council Connect: For help with waste, roads, libraries, planning and general enquiries Tel: 01225 394041 Email: council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk Customer Services: For Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates Tel: 01225 477777 All other enquiries: Tel: 01225 477000 Email: enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk BATH ONE STOP SHOP 3-4 Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JQ opening hours Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm GUILDHALL BATH (Electoral Services, Register Office, Bath Record Office) Guildhall High Street Bath BA1 5AW MIDSOMER NORTON LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICE The Hollies High Street Midsomer Norton BA3 2DP opening hours Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm

39

At the Bath One Stop Shop and Midsomer Norton Library and Information Service – part of BANES and based in The Hollies - you can access self-service kiosks, computers and telephones to enable you to access library and council services.

Council staff can help to get you started if you have trouble using these facilities.

You can also pay for council services such as Council Tax and garden waste subscriptions, access the Homesearch website, view and comment on planning applications and contact council departments and external services.

In The Hollies there are also the facilities to: apply for council permits such as bus passes and Discovery Cards, library services - borrow, renew, or return library items and the ability to register births, deaths and marriages.

Council Connect are also able to help with the following services: • Bus Passes • Dog Warden Service • Fly Tipping • Garden Waste • Grass Cutting • Graffiti Removal • Gritting of Roads • Libraries • Parks and Open Spaces • Pavements and Road Maintenance • Planning Enquiries • Public Toilets • Public Transport • Recycling and Waste • Road Faults and Potholes • Road Safety • Street Lighting • Litter

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40

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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LOCAL LIFE

41

USEFUL CONTACTS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Ambulance, fire, police – 999 NHS Direct – 111 Police non-emergency – 101

There are 2 difibrillators in the high street, these can be found at Welton Rovers Football Ground and the junction of Silver Street and the High Street, opposite the town hall

MIDSOMER NORTON TOWN COUNCIL 01761 418701

The council are based at the Town Hall, on the Island. Opening times: Mon - Thur 9.30am - 4.30pm and Fridays 9.30am 3.30pm

BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL 01225 477000

B&NES Council Connect 01225 394041 councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk

CITIZENS ADVICE 03448 487919

The Citizens Advice drop in can be found at the One Stop Shop in the Hollies, High Street Midsomer Norton. Open on Tuesdays from 9.30 - 2pm

AGE UK B&NES 01225 466135 FOOD BANK

Somer Valley Food Bank, The Salvation Army, Radstock Road Midsomer Norton BA3 2AJ. Open Mondays, 12pm - 2pm.

07729 523986

CHILDREN’S CENTRE

Somer Valley Children’s Centre and Family Support Team Greystone Building, Church Street Radstock BA3 3QQ 01225 396660 brightstartcc@bathnes.gov.uk

DOG WARDEN 01225 394041 DOCTOR SURGERIES

St Chad’s, Gullock Tyning - 01761 413334 Somerton House Surgery, 79A North Road - 01761 412141

PHARMACIES

Lloyds High Street - 01761 413231 Lloyds St Chad’s, Gullock Tyning - 01761 412249 Midsomer Pharmacy, 98 High Street 01761 568202

DENTISTS

Midsomer Dental Care, 1 North Road BA3 2QB - 01761 412366 North Way Dental Practice, North Way, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DY - 01761 413663

HOSPITALS

Paulton Hospital, Salisbury Road, Paulton, BS39 7SB - 01761 412315 RUH Bath, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG 01225 428331 St Martin’s Hospital, Midford Road, Bath, BA2 5RP - 01225 831500

VETERINARY SURGERY

Silva House Veterinary Centre, 3 Silver Street - 01761 412223 Midsomer Veterinary Centre, 53 North Road - 01761 412132

CHURCHES

Midsomer Norton Methodist Centre, High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DR - 01761 410450 St John the Baptist, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HX - 01761 411216 Welton Baptist Church, Sunday morning meetings at Somervale School, Redfield Road Midsomer Norton BA3 2JD and evening meetings at Welton Baptist Chapel, West Road Midsomer Norton BA3 2TP - 01761 410274 Salvation Army, Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 2AJ - 01761 420170 Holy Ghost Catholic Church, High Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2DR - 01761 235111

TRANSPORT

Midsomer Norton and Radstock Dial-aride - 01761 417504 Midsomer Norton and Radstock Community Service Vehicle Trust - 01761 452585 SWAN Transport -01761 439548 First Bus - 0345 64460707

HALL HIRE

Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton BA3 2HQ - 01761 419133 Orchard Hall, Orchard Vale, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2RB - 07790 892281 Somer Centre, Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton. 01761 419703

DHI 01761 419086

High Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2DP

SCHOOLS Longvernal Primary School, 2 Longvernal Midsomer Norton BA3 2LP - 01761 412777 Midsomer Norton Primary School, High Street Midsomer Norton BA3 2DR - 01761 412289 St John’s C of E Primary School, Redfield Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 2JN - 01761 412019 Welton Primary School, Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2AG - 01761 413131 Norton Hill School, Charlton Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 4AD - 01761 412557 Somervale School, Redfield Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 2JW - 01761 414276

OFF THE RECORD 01761 414100

113 High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DA

PUBLIC TOILETS

Midsomer Norton Town Hall Midsomer Norton Library Midsomer Norton Sports Centre, Gullock Tyning

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LOCAL LIFE

A MESSAGE FROM THE CLERK I hope you and your family had a good, if not slightly different, Christmas from what we are all used to.

It was such a shame that we could not host our annual seniors' Christmas party in December. It would have been the tenth year of what has become a much looked forward to, and popular event, for the seniors in the Town. We were also very much looking forward to again hosting our free Children’s Christmas events, which had proved to be such a great success in December 2019. Unfortunately, in light of the continuing COVID pandemic and government restrictions, these events were not to be in 2020. However, we were able to spread some Christmas cheer, with thanks to the help of Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed, with our Make a Wooden Reindeer packs for local children. We would again like to thank Men’s Shed, and also everyone who sent in pictures of their reindeer, we did enjoy looking at them all!

The first phase of the High Street Heritage Action Zone Project is now live and the concept designs for works at The Island and the new Market Square have been published online. The new space has been designed to accommodate a variety of different functions and can be configured to facilitate day-to-day use, special events or a mix of the two.

The Town Park has also seen works continuing with all the plants being sourced and planted in the Sensory Garden. A tree has been held back for planting in the future as part of an official ceremony, and this will take place when COVID restrictions allow. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Club for their donation towards the

plants in the Sensory Garden. Also ongoing are the works for the parkrun link path. Work for this is currently delayed due to the ongoing COVID restrictions.

Please continue to keep up to date with what the Town Council are doing by having a look at our website and social media pages. Our Facebook and Twitter pages are regularly updated. I would also like to take the opportunity to let you know that the Annual Town Meeting will take place on Monday 26th April and the Annual Meeting of the Town Council, when the Mayor for the coming year will be elected, will take place on Monday 4th May. At the time of writing, and in light of continuing COVID restrictions, both meetings are planned to take place online via Zoom. All of the Zoom joining details will be published online with the agendas, and will also be displayed on the noticeboard outside of the Town Hall, so please do try and join the meetings if you can.

With the COVID vaccine now being rolled out locally, let’s hope that our daily lives can start to make a return to normal in 2021. I would like to wish you all a very Happy and healthy New Year.

LOCAL LIFE

YOUR TOWN COUNCILLORS

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

Cllr Steve Plumley (Deputy Mayor) 07913 952901

Cllr Lynne Clement 07855 037805 01761 414003

lyndaroberston@midsomer nortontowncouncil.co.uk

steveplumley@midsomer nortontowncouncil.co.uk

lynneclement@midsomer nortontowncouncil.co.uk

Cllr Sue Graham 07896 411 840

Cllr Brian Lawrence

Cllr Gordon Mackay

07701 007 277

07806 604 302

Cllr Lynda Robertson (Mayor) 01761 415629

suegraham@midsomernorton towncouncil.co.uk

(Chair of Finance and Operations Committee) brianlawrence@midsomer nortontowncouncil.co.uk

Cllr Michael Moxham 01761 419960 07593 185850 mikemoxham@midsomer nortontowncouncil.co.uk

Cllr Richard Robertson 01761 415629 richardrobertson@midsomer nortontowncouncil.co.uk

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(Chair of Planning Committee)

gordonmackay@midsomer nortontowncouncil.co.uk

Cllr Michael Evans 01761 235996 michaelevans@midsomer nortontowncouncil.co.uk

Cllr Pete Mocock 07891 380197 petemocock@midsomer nortontowncouncil.co.uk

Free Onli Quo ne tati Sam on/ pl Serv e ice

New Click t llec o C & ice Serv

A huge vAriety of CArpets And vinyls in stoCk. CAn be Cut to your sizes And requirements.

ACCessories e.g underlAys/grippers/thresholds Also in stoCk. fitting tools Are Also AvAilAble to hire. sAmples of floorings CAn be sent.

Please Email us either through our website or Facebook with your requirements and we can organise a Free Online Quotation/Sample service for you.

COVID Safe delivery is available at an additional charge.