Midsomer Norton Life Summer 2014

Summer 2014 Issue 11

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A GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE DON’T MISS Neighbourhood Plan What’s On Civic Awards 2014

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE A

s the Town Council celebrated its third birthday in May, it was interesting to reflect on everything we’ve been doing since 2011. Probably the most striking thing is just how many long term projects are now coming forward and contributing to each other.

In terms of our aim to promote a sense of community the Midsomer Norton Community Trust in its first year has made a fantastic start, not least by organising over 70 events at various venues within the town ranging from concerts to the community cinema and attracting visits from over 3000 people. Midsomer Norton Fayre is to return on the 12th July, the town’s fledgling markets go from strength to strength and there is every prospect of the much loved Carnival returning to the High Street in November. Other major projects include plans to transform the Town Hall building as a result of the anticipated asset transfer from B&NES and after decades of discussion the Town Council has submitted planning applications for the Town Park which means we are now moving forward to actually deliver this long held aspiration.

We’ve been able to develop a host of initiatives to build civic pride in our town. The In Bloom Committee continue to excel in making the town’s streetscape look more beautiful than ever with an array of planting. At the same time antisocial behaviour continues to fall thanks to the efforts of the Community Alcohol Partnership, Street Marshals and Street Pastors backed with restrictions on street drinking.

Finally, we’ve been able to underpin all this by creating and running a sound council without increasing the precept for the last three years.

As ever, we look forward to seeing as many residents as possible at the Annual Civic Service on the 22nd June at St John’s Church at 6pm. This not only gives an opportunity to come together as a Community but also recognise with the Midsomer Awards individuals who so generously volunteer their time.

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

C O N T E N T S

WELCOME TO

COMMUNITY TRUST

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GROWING FOR GOLD

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THE BIG GIG

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MIDSOMER NORTON FAYRE

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CAP

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MSN LIFE APP

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LOCAL SPORTS

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TWINNING UPDATE

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CIVIC AWARDS

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WHAT’S ON

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CARNIVAL MEMBERSHIP

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MARKET SUCCESS

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DEVELOPMENT PLAN

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TRANSFORMATION PLANS

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THINGS TO DO

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SCHOOL NEWS

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MESSAGE FROM THE CLERK

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YOUR TOWN COUNCILLORS

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The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in August. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 410141 before the deadline of 22nd August.

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 Ltd, First Floor, 2 High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2LE 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

COMMUNITY TRUST

CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR More and more people in our town know what’s going on thanks to a promotional campaign based on a combination of a membership scheme, use of social media and the new app alongside traditional posters and mailers. In this way the Trust has been able to ensure that an ever increasing audience of all ages is aware of what’s going on and so can join in Midsomer Norton’s vibrant community life.

Trust about to celebrate W iththethefirstCommunity anniversary of its launch it is interesting to see how much has been achieved in its first year to help encourage community in Midsomer Norton.

Probably the most visible achievement has been over 70 events run by the Community Trust at various venues within the town attracting visits from over 3000 people. A range of live music performances has been complimented by 30 cinema screenings at the Town Hall. These range from unique opportunities to see classics such as It’s A Wonderful Life on the big screen to the biggest blockbuster films of the last 12 months such as Despicable Me 2, Frozen, Gravity and 12 Years A Slave.

This has all been managed by the original steering group formed of volunteers which has developed into a dedicated board of trustees, who work alongside Alex Davis, the Community Development Manager, to tackle the challenges of managing community buildings and developing the range of events that it offers people in the town and surrounding areas.

There’s also been investment in new facilities ranging from the newly installed top of the range HD projection and surround sound facilities at the Town Hall to the purchase of market stall umbrellas for use at town markets and community events managed by the Trust. Add to this the installation of a function bar at the town hall to support the arts programme sponsored by B&NES Arts Team and the Town Council then all looks set for a bigger and better than ever before arts season over the coming year.

The only thing that still remains to be solved is the transfer of community assets from B&NES to the Town Council. Whilst an enormous amount of work has been done in Midsomer Norton – setting up the Community Trust and Town Trust – we still await a completion date from B&NES. Let’s hope this can be speedily resolved in the coming months so that the Community Trust can come into its own.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

GROWNG

FOR GOLD

F

ollowing the ‘Growing for Gold’ article in the last issue of LIFE, we had a fantastic response from the Community for Midsomer Norton’s In Bloom entry for this year.

Thank you to all those who have volunteered to be part of the entry.

The In Bloom Committee have helped eleven community groups to make ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ entries covering a wide range of projects across the town including : • Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust • Friends of Silver Street Nature Reserve • Wansdyke Play Association – focusing on a bed in the Hollies Garden • Welton Primary School • Welton After School Club (WACI) • Welton Village Group • Swallow Housing in Redfield Road • Longvernal Primary School • Midsomer Norton Primary School • The Midsomer Norton Allotments Association • The River Somer Management Team In addition the Midsomer Norton & Radstock

Chamber of Commerce is running its stunning hanging basket project again with 100 baskets in the town centre paid for by local businesses. Year on year the hanging baskets are much admired to the extent that In Bloom teams from around the region have been spotted coming to see how we in Midsomer Norton produce such a stunning display.

Meanwhile Flowers by Nicola, the Town Council’s horticultural contractor, has been busy with community volunteers and the Community Payback team on a host of new projects in the town. In the Hollies Gardens new beds have been created and a number of old shrubs have been replaced this year.

Digging out these beds is back breaking work – but well worth it when the new floral displays come into bloom in the coming weeks. The grassed areas are also receiving loving care and attention as never before to give a lush green feel to our green spaces.

The lovely garden at the end of Rackvernal Road goes from strength to strength as the perennial grasses and dog roses mature. The riverside tubs have also been replanted providing a splash of colour along the full length of the town’s most famous feature.

Additional funding from Midsomer Norton North B&NES Councillors Michael Evans and Barry Macrae has made it possible to purchase the new Jubilee Planter outside Barons (see accompanying story) and a number of new litter bins to replace those which were looking rusty and unsightly.

The jewel in the crown of Midsomer Norton’s In Bloom entry is probably ‘The Herbs’ outside the Hollies and the Scarecrow in South Road. Securing ‘The Herbs’ – three wonderful planted sculptures from the TV show of the same name – was a major coup for Midsomer Norton. The display began life in the centre of Bath, then went to the internationally famous Chelsea Flower Show in May before coming to the town for the summer where they will provide a wonderful feature for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The Scarecrow display by the telephone exchange in South Road celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Horticultural Society this year whilst creating a fun feature for all those passing by.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

NEW JUBILEE PLANTER Visitors to Midsomer Norton High Street will have noticed the Jubilee Planter outside Barons, installed as part of the town’s South West In Bloom entry for 2014. The new planter, spotted in a catalogue, has been embellished with locally made iron work based on the design of an original fountain presented to the Town by local brewer John Thatcher in 1897.

In the 1890s John Thatcher, owner of Welton Brewery, lived in the Hollies and asked the Town Council to accept his gift of a fountain in commemoration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. This was accepted with the assurance that the fountain “…shall be kept in good repair and condition, and also adequately supplied with water”.

To make room for the very ornate fountain, a short section of the end of the river, outside what is now Barons Estate Agents, was covered over and the footpath realigned.

The Town Council indeed took their responsibility very seriously and ‘four lads’ who were caught damaging the fountain in the following year were brought before the Council and cautioned by the Chairman in April 1898. Over the years the fountain

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was painted and renovated, and kept in working order. In 1935 it was moved into a different position and its brass taps were replaced by chrome. However, a few years later the Thatcher family was approached with a view to removing the fountain entirely on the basis that ‘it appears to have outlived the original purpose for which it was erected’.

A new “Puro” Pedestal Sanitary Drinking Fountain was purchased, including ‘chrome plated head with sand screen on galvanised pedestal base’ for £5.10.0 in November 1938, but this replacement does not seem to have remained very long.

The planter was purchased for the In Bloom team thanks to funding from Cllr Michael Evans’ B&NES Ward Councillor Initiative Fund. It not only recognises part of the town’s history but will also provide a colourful display for local people and visitors to enjoy when they come to the High Street.

Special thanks are also due to Flowers by Nicola who have done a fantastic job pulling this project together with the In Bloom volunteers.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

TOGETHER FOR M.E. LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Together For M.E. is a support service for those suffering from the effects of ME/CFS/ Fibromyalgia. We hold monthly support meetings providing help and advice on strategies to improve symptoms and quality of life.

For more information and dates of the meetings please contact Bev or Charlotte on e-mail – togetherforme@btinternet.co.uk, tel‌07974 184 286 or find us on Facebook ME/CFS Support Midsomer Norton.

Meetings are held at Orchard Community Hall in Midsomer Norton; sufferers, friends and family members are all welcome. Please feel free to come along for a coffee, a chat and listen to one of our talks in warm and friendly setting with others who understand.

Together For M.E. also offers a tailored one to one personalised Condition Management Programme for those that are severely affected or housebound and short courses/workshops for small groups of sufferers. Please contact us for more information.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON FOOTBALL CLUB

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at a very reasonble cost, please visit the club website www.midsomernortonfootballclub.co.uk or contact the club secretary Bruce on 07762 365696.

Midsomer Norton Football Club enjoyed another successful season with player numbers continuing to rise year on year.

The club fielded a number of teams in the Midsomer Norton & District youth league in the various different formats of the game now being played. Under 7 and Under 8 teams now play in 5 v 5 games, progressing through 7 v 7, 9 v 9 to 11 v 11 at the older age groups. These changes have been introduced by the FA to allow non competitive football to be expanded in smaller sided games giving younger players the opportunity to enhance their skills on more appropriately sized pitches before taking part in league football.

As well as providing the opportunity for children to train and play games the club was able to provide opportunities for players to attend an England game at Wembley, a Premier League game at Southampton and another match day experience at Yeovil Town during the season just finished.

The club is run by a small dedicated committee with FA qualified coaches in place at all age groups allowing the club to retain its annual FA Charter Standard status. A number of new coaches joined the club in the summer of 2013 and two of the existing coaches achieved their FA level 2 qualification during the season.

The club is now holding training sessions for a new juniors section and the next Under 7 team for season 2014/15 to add to the current teams.

Training for the juniors and Under 7s takes place at Welton Rovers on Saturday mornings from 10-11am.

The club is always looking for new players so if any children would like the opportunity to play for their local team, who provide football

Some of the younger age groups players at the end of season presentation night at Welton Rovers in April 2014.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

THE

BIG GIG

Don’t forget to make your way back up to the Rugby Club to enjoy THE BIG GIG. This is when Midsomer Norton and surrounding areas showcase some of our best local bands. Tickets are £15 each and you are welcome to bring your own refreshments before 8pm.

Tickets can be purchased on line at www.thebiggigmsn.co.uk (debit cards only) or from Norad Travel, Premier Plastics or Waterhouse Financial Services All proceeds for the above events will be donated to our designated charities which this year include: Dorothy House Hospice, South West Children’s Hospice, Time is Precious and The RUH Cancer Unit appeal. Following the recent accident of local biker Mitch Chalmers, all proceeds from programme sales for the Big Gig on Friday and Saturday night will be donated to supporting him.

T

his year’s Big Gig is running in conjunction with Midsomer Norton Fayre over the 11th and 12th July 2014 at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club.

On the Friday night MC Fader hosts the event featuring the very best in bass music. Artists include Kurrupt Data, Warrior, Changing Ways, South West Squad, Hailstorm, James Bridges, Rash DJ and many more. Tickets are just £7.50 each (Strictly over 18’s) On Saturday afternoon, the Rugby Club will host the annual 5 a side tournament for the Mark Netherwood and Mark Box cups. This is usually held on the last bank holiday in August but organiser, Nathan Gould has brought it forward to run alongside the Big Gig. If you would like to enter a team please call 07888 818661 to reserve your place.

If football is not for you, then why not stroll down to The Town Fayre at Gullocks Tyning. There will be a range of events going on from traditional Maypole Dancing to a Skate Jam competition.

More information can be found on page 12.

We feel there really is something for everyone this year so please come along and support your local community.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Midsomer Norton Fayre A Community Festival For The Town

T

he 12th July 2014 will see Midsomer Norton Fayre bring together a range of activities and events under a single umbrella which will mean there is something for everyone. There will be a Maypole festival, Skate Jam, Town Show, Art Exhibition, Massive Model Building, Art Exhibition and Tea Room, Community Stalls, Street Organ, Punch & Judy, Brass Band and much much more.

The main centre of the event will be the Skate and Adventure Play Park in Gullock Tyning – but there will be other activities going on around the town ranging from the Duck Race on the River Somer to the Big Gig at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club. Here’s a taste of what’s in store:

MAYPOLE FESTIVAL Midsomer Norton’s schools and community groups will be taking part in a Midsomer Maypole Festival.

Five Maypoles were purchased with the support of local B&NES Councillors and loaned out to groups in the town wishing to learn to dance and for months local children have been preparing for a competition on the 12th July and the chance to win a glittering array of trophies and medals.

“I’ve always been fascinated by Maypole dancing.

Not only is it great fun, it’s a great way to get

people exercising and it symbolises for me how a community can come together. It would be fantastic if we could establish Maypole dancing as a regular part of Midsomer Norton Fayre Day. I’m hoping to see my fellow Town Councillors form a team and take up a set of ribbons on the day as this is an activity for people of all ages”, said Cllr Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton.

STEGGFEST AT THE TOWN HALL Steggfest is a one-day live music festival and the brainchild of local musician and all round doer, Nick Lamb. A musical melting pot, it offers something

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

for everybody, showcasing talented local bands playing everything from rock and punk to metal and ska. This free event will take place in the Town Hall from 12 noon until 9.30pm.

TOWN SHOW Housed in a 720 square metre marquee at Gullock Tyning with the aim of the showcasing and celebrating the creativity of residents of Midsomer Norton and its community groups. There will be competition areas for everyone with five main sections and 24 classes. Cookery categories will be for the best Victoria sponge, fruit cake, scones and flap jacks as well as marmalade, jam and chutney . Hobbies & Crafts will include needlework, embroidery and quilting as well as knitting, handmade cards, soft toys and other handicrafts.

There will be Flowers & Produce and also Art and Photography sections. Finally there will be a whole area devoted to Children’s entries ranging from a dinner plate garden and drawing/painting to a model made from junk and a handwriting category.

“Overall the aim is to encourage as many as possible to take part to celebrate the varied creative skills of local people. With over 1500 entry forms having been printed it will be easy to enter one or more of the Show sections. There will be a range of trophies, one for each of the five main Sections and the Town Show Trophy for the person winning the most points overall. In addition, there will be a Children’s Trophy and a Schools Trophy presented to the Midsomer Norton School with the highest number of points”, said Jenny Hillman, Chair of the Community Trust’s Town Show organising committee. Copies of the entry form are available from the Town Hall, Midsomer Norton Library or on line at www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk

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ART EXHIBITION & VICTORIANA TEA ROOMS The Old Bakery Artists will be presenting an exhibition of their work at the Somer Centre on Midsomer Norton Fayre day. As a well established group this will be a wonderful opportunity to see their work. Also in the Somer Centre will be the Victoriana Tea Rooms, run by the Midsomer Norton Methodist Church, and providing a chance to sit down and take a rest from the bustle of Fayre day and relax in an oasis of elegance.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

DUCK RACE The Lions Club will be organising their annual Duck Race on Midsomer Norton Fayre day to raise money for local charities. Ducks can be purchased before the race to give entrants the chance to win prizes. The River Management Team have been busy clearing the river bed to allow the amazing spectacle of hundreds of ducks floating by. Please see press for details.

COMMUNITY STALLS What better way to celebrate community than to find out more about some of Midsomer Norton’s 100 community groups. The new market umbrellas purchased by the Town Council recently and tables from the Town Hall will create a community group market place. If your community group would like a stall, as these are subject to availability, please ring Alex Davis at the Midsomer Norton Community Trust to book on 01761 419133.

MASSIVE MODEL BUILDING The Wansdyke Play Association is planning a Massive Model Building workshop – providing an

opportunity for children to make something from cardboard boxes and other junk materials. At the same time there will also be craft workshops run

by Welton Baptist Church. So Fayre day will offer plenty of opportunity to unlock creativity.

SKATE JAM

With one of the best Skate Parks in the country, the Manic Skaterz will be organising a Skate Jam on the 12th July. Beginning with registration and music at 12 noon. Competitions will begin from 1pm until approx 3.30pm. The presentation and prize giving will be at 4pm.

Any groups or schools interested in taking part need to contact Community Development Manager Alex Davis on 01761 419133 or visit the website at midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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THE SPRINGHEAD STORY Two years ago the Friends of Silver Street were concerned about the neglected state of the springhead in the woods, full of mud and rubbish and in a sad state of repair through vandalism and the decay of time.

It was built to supply water to Norton House which stood where Park Way is now. The house was demolished in the 1930’s. We discovered the springhead was built by mine sinkers and well worth saving as part of Midsomer Norton’s mining heritage. We were advised to apply to the local council for funding for the restoration and last spring we gratefully received £1.850.00 from Midsomer Norton Town Council which has now been spent.

The Somerset coalfield was an important way of life in past times and we ought not to forget the sacrifice men and boys gave when they went below ground to mine coal for the nation. To this end we have dedicated the restoration of the springhead to the Somerset Miners.

We wish to record our thanks to the Town Council, as without its help this project would not have been possible.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

COMMUNITY ALCOHOL

PARTNERSHIP M

idsomer Norton Community Alcohol Partnership continues to go from strength to strength. In March Cllr Linda Dunford, Chair of Midsomer Norton CAP, and Sue Dicks, the former B&NES Community Safety Manager, attended a meeting at the House of Lords. “It was a chance to meet other members and to share best practices on a range of initiatives that have been successful around the country” said Cllr Dunford. The outgoing National Chair of CAP, the Rt Hon Baroness Newlove of Warrington, Victims Commissioner for the UK was also at the meeting along with Derek Lewis who took up his new role as Chair of CAP at the meeting. Derek, who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge having held executive and non-executive positions across the health, criminal justice, education, training and employability sectors, including the chairmanship of Drinkaware, was keen to see for himself successful CAP’s in operation and chose

to visit Midsomer Norton in April. Derek was given a tour around the town by Cllr Dunford and then attended the monthly CAP meeting where members had a chance to explain further the wide range of initiatives that the partnership had introduced within the town. Derek commented: “I was delighted to have met so many positive and enthusiastic members of the partnership in Midsomer Norton. Hearing the review of what has been achieved was impressive and more than a little inspiring. It’s clear that collaborative working between such a wide range of local stakeholders, including retailers, is at the heart of the success of this CAP”.

The partnership, which formed in 2012 to tackle under aged drinking and alcohol related antisocial behaviour in the town, has seen crime and anti-social behaviour plummet. The partnership consisting of a wide range of stakeholders including the Town Council, B&NES Council, NHS B&NES,

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Police, schools, retailers, Trading Standards, Pubwatch and most recently the Street Pastors, has been working hard to address the issues within the town and the recent crime figures have been excellent news for the partnership.

Insp. Shirley Eden said “Following the introduction of the CAP and the subsequent introduction of the Street Marshalls, DPPO , Street Pastors and a number of other community initiatives, it is apparent that the anti social behaviour and night time economy associated crime and disorder has decreased significantly. This is evidenced by the numbers of reported crime in the high street area (down by 40% in comparison to 18 months ago), and the noticeable decrease in the amount of calls to the police for assistance. We used to run a policing operation every Friday and Saturday specifically for the night time economy in MSN High Street. We no longer need to do that and can utilise our officers in other areas of need”.

In reply Cllr Dunford said “The success of the partnership has always been down to the hard work and determination of each and every member and I am very proud to work with such a committed team. The partnership will continue its work and is determinated to keep crime and anti social behaviour levels low and further raise awareness of the harm of underaged and excessive drinking in the future”.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON

LIFE APP

A

new App has been launched for people in and around Midsomer Norton. Available from the App Store and the Google Play store, Midsomer Norton LIFE provides information on the Town Council and the Community Trust through feeds from their two web sites as well as additional capabilities that will be developed as the App becomes more widely used.

The App will work on most android phones and iPhones and is free to download – but it can’t be supported on tablets.

Featuring a picture of the Town Hall on its front page, the App will enable you to keep up with events and information from both the Council and the Community Trust. Create a profile and we will be able to send you specific information based on what you tell us and make sure that you know what is going on that might be of interest.

You can send us messages, photos and videos which we can put on the App for others to see and we can also make sure you are alerted to any current

promotions in the town (an offer on a coffee or late availability of a table for dinner?) from local businesses as we increase its use. We can also let you know about things going on based on where you are – for example we can alert you to any markets or events that are being held as you come in to the town by using your GPS location, making the App tailored to your own lifestyle and movements!

The primary purpose of the App is as a community focused tool but we will also be looking for sponsorship and for limited advertising of events or opportunities on a real time basis – adding to the more traditional advertising opportunities in the media.

If you think your business might be able to become involved with this ground-breaking project, then please contact the Town Clerk on 01761 418701 or by e mail: townclerk@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MSN BEAVERS FUN IN THE PARK

local area for their Spring Jumble Sale and would like to thank everyone who donated items and came along to the sale.

1st Midsomer Norton’s Calgary Colony enjoyed the early spring weather with a trip to Radstock Park in search of the first signs of spring. Twentyfour Beavers and four leaders hunted for minibeasts, daffodils and spiders along the cycle path.

Later in the evening, Ciarcan, Brandon, Ellie and Freddie, four new Beavers, and three new leaders Rebecca Mears, Claire Jay and Alex Arthur, were invested into the Colony in the park. It got dark very quickly, but with lots of exciting activities planned for the spring term including a sleepover and the district jamboree ‘WanJam’, there is plenty more fun ahead for this Beaver Colony.

If you would like further details about the Group or any forthcoming events, please review our website www.nortonscouts.net or contact Clare Spearman, Group Scout Leader, gsl@nortonscouts.net

Midsomer Norton Scout Group have been busy in the last couple of weeks collecting items from the

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MON 18 - SUN 24 AUGUST N’FEST 2014 Let the fun commence - N’fest is back! Welton Baptist Church once again welcomes the community, free of charge, to this year’s N’fest Events. The morning club for 4-11year olds has a “Mad Lab” Science theme and plans for team games, songs, gunge tank, crafts, memory verse, dramas, messy games and stories are well under way. Every child attending receives a free Nfest T-Shirt! You can download booking forms from the church website www.weltonchurch.org.uk/ nfest or leave your details by calling 01761 410274.

Numbers are limited and spaces fill fast, so don’t delay. Playtots Toddler group for pre-schoolers with parents/carers will also be open, or those

just wanting to relax, read a paper and chat can visit “Café 3:16” for a warm welcome. All of this is available daily Mon - Fri 10:00a.m.- 12:00.p.m at Somervale School.Keep an eye on the website for details of many events open to all during Nfest week. Email outeach@weltonchurch.org.uk for further details.

DESERT DIVAS The Desert Divas Dancers are issuing an invitation to anyone who’d like to join them in learning Middle Eastern Dance. The troupe, led by Raheesha, meets at the St John’s Church Hall in Midsomer Norton on Tuesdays from 7-8.30pm and is open to all levels of physical abilities and to ages 14 and up (younger children must be accompanied by an adult).

Throughout the year, the group raises money for the charity Respite & Recover UK, with performances throughout the UK.

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In July they will be dancing at Axminster Town Hall and at the Frome Children’s Festival. In August they will feature at the Norton sub Hamdon Flower Show and at Baltonsborough Country Fete. For more details on how to join email desertdivas@hotmail.co.uk or phone Carla on 01373 461973.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

NEW PATH FOR WALKERS AND CYCLISTS Work has begun on a new path for walkers and cyclists between Westfield and Midsomer Norton, funded by Bath & North East Somerset Council with support from the former Norton Radstock Council.

The new path between Pit Road and Shakespeare Road along the ‘Pit’ path will provide a trafficfree route between a large residential area in Westfield, Midsomer Norton town centre and the main section of the 5 Arches route. From the 5 Arches Greenway this will link to the Norton Radstock Greenway and beyond Radstock and Midsomer Norton the cycle network connects to Frome and Bath on the National Cycle Network route 24 and 2 Tunnels Greenway.

The scheme consists of widening the existing ‘Pit’ path and the construction of a new section of tarmac path and the work is expected to take about a month, depending on the weather.

For more information on cycling within the area visit www.betterbybike.info

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FOSSEWAY BOWLS CLUB The progress of Fosseway Bowls Club this season has been overshadowed by the very sad passing of President and co founder Richard Jones. However as Richard would have wanted and indeed expected we have carried on building a strong club with an exceptional social side.

Each Monday night is Club Night where after bowling food can be purchased from an extensive menu which is cooked by Fosseway’s own resident chef Tony Cooper. These evenings and other social events continue throughout the winter months. A mini tour to Bournemouth has been arranged for 2015 with overwhelming interest.

For more information on the club please contact club secretary Ray Soby, telephone no. 01761 453218.

Join us for our special events...

Saturday 21st June, 3pm: Kilim Event with free nibbles and drinks.

Friday 4th July, 2pm: FREE evening of Middle Eastern music - ‘hypnotic sounds of Middle-Eastern Music’, played by Maren Lueg and Chas Whittaker, celebrating our 21st anniversary!

Friday 15th August, 2pm: Persian afternoon with a movie about Iran and Q&A about Persian rugs.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

SPORTS IN MIDSOMER NORTON

A

s part of the information the Town Council provides local residents, we have regularly provided an insight in to the clubs and sports teams that operate in and around the town. In the last edition we focused on activities for younger people and this time we cast our net a little wider to include some of the active clubs that offer a range of sports to people. If you are involved in a sports club, please let us know so we can include you in our next round-up of sports in the Autumn edition of LIFE.

CRICKET Midsomer Norton Cricket Club has its ground in Withies Lane and runs teams for juniors and adults. The Club fields teams in local and regional leagues and provides coaching facilities for young players.

Midsomer Norton Methodist Cricket Club play in the North Somerset Cricket League and play their home matches at Norton Hill School.

RUGBY Midsomer Norton Rugby Club is located at Norton Down and the Club fields 4 adult teams and a range of junior teams.

JUDO Midsomer Norton Judo Club has a long history dating back to the early 1960s.

SWIMMING Norton Radstock Swimming Club is based at South Wansdyke Sports Centre in Midsomer Norton and operates independently of the Centre. It is run solely by volunteers and trains on a Wednesday evening.

NETBALL Midsomer Norton Harlequins run a team in the Somerset League.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

25

GOLF

FOOTBALL Welton Rovers are based at West Clewes Recreation ground in North Road and compete in the Toolstation Western Football League as well as running a Reserves and Under 18 team. The Club is also linked with Midsomer Norton Youth Football Club.

Farrington Park Golf Club in Farrington Gurney, Fosseway Golf Club at Charlton Lane and The Mendip Golf Club south of Gurney Slade are the three nearest golf courses. Between them they cater for Men, Lady, Senior and Junior golfers and enter teams in various league and cup competitions.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

RECYCLE AN EX-LIBRARY BOOK Library members of all ages are being encouraged

by Bath & North East Somerset Council to get creative and turn old books into works of art.

Every year, the Council’s library service has books that have reached the end of their life, either through usage or because an updated version has become available. Most find new homes via book sales with the proceeds invested back into the service, but a small number of these withdrawn books are being used as part of a competition designed to bring out people’s creative ideas.

The competition will launch on Tuesday May 27, with a Recycled Book Clinic at Bath Central Library.

People are invited to drop in between10.30am and 1pm to get some hints and tips on the art of book recycling and paper crafts from Bath craft emporium The Makery. You can take part in this

competition by visiting any of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries from May 27, choosing an ex-library book and picking up an entry form.

You have until August 30 to remake the book into anything you like. Winners’ prizes are being supplied

by The Makery.

Julia Burton, Library Service Development Manager: “This is a great opportunity for everyone, young or old, to get creative. Last year we received over 100 entries for the competition including a great selection from local community groups. This year we would like to receive even more from groups, families and individuals of any age.

To take part you must be a member of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Libraries and you have to use ex-library books supplied by the Council’s Library Service. Apart from that you are free to remake your book in any way.

More information and full terms and conditions are available at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/libraries.

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27

TWINNING

UPDATE

‘A rose by any other name would smell as sweet’ of these schools, who would like to be part of the pen friend scheme, can contact the president, who will try to put them in touch with a child in France with similar interests.

O

n April 1st Norton-Radstock Twinning Association became Midsomer Norton and District Twinning Association. A new constitution has been ratified which recognizes the transference of our Twinning Link with Ambarès et Lagrave from the now disbanded NortonRadstock District Council to Midsomer Norton Town Council.

The officers and members of The Association are delighted by the enthusiastic interest shown by Midsomer Norton Town Council in every aspect of Town Twinning. We look forward to many years of close collaboration in the promotion of what is a very happy and positive link with a lovely French community – a link which is now in its thirtysecond year.

We would love more people from Midsomer Norton and the surrounding district to join our association and enjoy the friendship to be found within it.

We are delighted to report that students from both Norton Hill and Somervale Schools are now pursuing pen-friendships with similar schools in Ambarès as part of their language learning.

Anyone in the district, who is not a pupil at one

There are people new to the area who may not know anything about our twinning partner.

Ambarès et Lagrave is a small town of some 13,000 inhabitants in The Gironde District of Aquitaine in South West France. It is very close to Bordeaux, a World heritage Site and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Bordeaux has a very efficient tramway system, with a linking station close to Ambarès, which makes exploring the city easy – you may even travel on the tram car ‘Midsomer Norton’.

Ambarès is an attractive little town built around its Mairie and its bustling market square. A bright landmark in the centre of town is a red British phone box. The people, who are welcoming and very friendly, work in Bordeaux; in the wine industry, or in the power stations and factories of the Gironde.

We are currently preparing for The Family Exchange visit at the end of August. As part of that visit there will be a Civic Day organised by the Town Council. If you would like to be a part of that day, or to join in any of the activities being planned by the Twinning Association please contact the President, Jeni Randles, on 01761412130 for further details. To join the Association please phone The Secretary, Mrs Sue Hall, on 01761434544.

We promise you a very friendly welcome!

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

WHIST CLUB SEEKS NEW MEMBERS If you’re a Whist player or have an interested in learning then the Midsomer Norton Whist Club which meets at Midsomer Norton Town Hall wants to hear from you.

The Whist Group is one of the longest standing groups in the area – they’ve been meeting at the Town Hall since well before the Second World War. They meet every Saturday night in the Sarah Ann Room at 7pm and in a warm and friendly atmosphere play Whist together.

great social interaction”, said Helen Bissex – Chair of the Midsomer Norton Whist Club

“We always welcome new members of all ages whether they can play already or not. We teach people to play Whist which is a great game because it’s easy to learn and played in pairs which gives a

Anyone interested can find out more details by contacting Alex Davis, Community Development Manager and the Midsomer Norton Community Trust on 01761 419133.

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MIDSOMER NORTON

CIVIC AWARDS

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T

he Midsomer Norton Civic Awards originally began in June 2008 as a way of celebrating the work of volunteers who make an enormous contribution to community life and who would otherwise go unrecognised.

When the Town Council was created in May 2011, they took over the awards which are now presented at the Midsomer Norton Annual Civic Service which this year will take place at St John’s Parish Church on Sunday 22nd June at 6pm. This service will see all the Churches and community groups come together to celebrate community and civic pride in our town. Over the years many people have been honoured for everything from specific projects to a complete lifetime of achievement.

What is clear is that in Midsomer Norton at least, year on year there is no shortage of dedicated individuals and groups to honour.

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As ever a number of local people and community groups have been nominated for awards this year by local residents, community leaders and councillors. The range of individuals and the work they do shows just how important volunteering is in our community and how important it is that as a community we say thank you to those who give so much.

The whole community is invited to attend the Civic Service at St John’s Church on the 22nd June.

For further details, please visit the Town Council’s website at www.midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk or ring the Town Clerk on 01761 418701.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

and versatile local writer. David talks about his debut novel “The Regency Detective” in this evening session at Midsomer Norton Library. Free, ticket from the library.

WHAT’S ON

3rd - First Thursday Social at Welton Rovers from 2pm to 5pm.

JUNE

4th - Paradis Palm Court Trio at the Midsomer Norton Town Hall from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

17th - Poetry liaisons. Share favourite poems or your own work in a friendly environment. 7-8pm.

Midsomer Norton Library. Free.

18th - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3’s.

Sing along nursery rhymes. 10.30-11am. Midsomer Norton Library. Free.

20th - Flower Festival, “Fantasy of Flowers” at St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton, presented by Farmborough Floral Art Group. Church open from 10am, refreshments available.

20th - Hearing Aid Clinic at Midsomer Norton Methodist Centre from 10.30am to 12pm.

21st - Midsomer Vintage Market in the Hollies Gardens from 8am to 4pm.

22nd - Civic Awards at St John the Baptist Church Hall from 6pm to 8pm 27th - Give Blood from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.15pm at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton.

28th - Tinker Bell & the Pirate Fairy at the Midsomer Norton Palladium in the Town Hall.

2.30pm to 3.45pm. Children £3, Families £12 ( 2 adults and 2 children).

3rd - AGM for Midsomer Norton Society at the Town Hall, Midsomer Norton at 7.30pm.

5th - Somerset Farmers Market at the Hollies Gardens, Midsomer Nortopn from 9am to 1pm.

7th - Full Council meeting at Midsomer Norton Town Hall from 7pm.

11th - Classic Cinema showing at the Midsomer Norton Palladium in the Town Hall at 2pm.

12th - Midsomer Norton Fayre 12 pm to 5pm, a fun day of activites including the Midsomer Norton Annual Show.

12th - Summer Reading Challenge 2014. Enter the ‘Mythical Maze’ as the ever-popular reading challenge for 4-11 year-olds returns! Awardwinning children’s writer David Almond (Skellig, Clay) will visit (10.30-11.30am). All day. Midsomer Norton Library. Free.

12th - St John’s Church Summer Fayre 12 pm to 4pm.

14th - Planning Committee meeting at Midsomer Norton Town Hall from 7pm.

15th - Poetry liaisons. Share favourite poems or your own work in a friendly.

16th - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3’s.

Sing along nursery rhymes. 10.30-11am. Midsomer Norton Library. Free.

28th - Philomena at the Midsomer Norton Palladium in the Town Hall. 7.30pm.

18th - Hearing Aid Clinic at Midsomer Norton Methodist Centre from 10.30am to 12pm.

JULY

19th - Midsomer Vintage Market in the Hollies Gardens from 8am to 4pm.

1st - Author talk. with David Lassman, a successful

20th - Concert Hall in the Town Hall, Midsomer Norton with Dennis & Perry Simons – violin and

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

piano, Amercian Music from 5pm to 6pm.

Gardens, Midsomer Norton from 9am to 1pm.

22nd - Phil King is an acclaimed folk singer whose music has featured on BBC Radio 2. Catch this special ‘After Hours’ evening show at Midsomer Norton Library. Free. Contact the library for a ticket.

7th - Give Blood from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.15pm at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton.

24th - Give Blood from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.15pm at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton.

26th - The Lego Movie at The Midsomer Norton Palladium in the Town Hall from 2pm.

26th - The Railway Man at The Midsomer Norton Palladium in the Town Hall from 7.30pm.

AUGUST 1st - Paradis Palm Court Trio at Midsomer Norton Town Hall from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

2nd - Somerset Farmers Market at the Hollies

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

8th - Classic Cinema showing at the Midsomer Norton Palladium in the Town Hall at 2pm.

15th - Hearing Aid Clinic at Midsomer Norton Methodist Centre from 10.30am to 12pm.

16th - Midsomer Vintage Market in the Hollies Gardens from 8am to 4pm.

17th - Concert Hall in the Town Hall, Midsomer Norton with Flute Allsorts – flute quartet from 5pm.

18-24th - N’fest by Welton Baptist Church.

Mon - Fri 10am- 12pm at Somervale School.

Visit the website or email outeach@weltonchurch. org.uk for further details.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

CARNIVAL ATTRACTS

NEW MEMBERS the prospect of a new route and a W ith major increase in the size of the Carnival on the 10th November this year, the Midsomer Norton & District Carnival Association is looking to recruit new members to support and help manage what looks set to be a bigger and better event than ever before.

Some of the first local people to respond to the call for new members have been Cllr Geoff Fuller of Westfield Parish Council, Cllr Paul Myers of Midsomer Norton and Cllr Simon Allen of Radstock all of whom are keen to support the new Carnival route and expansion.

“We’ve been meeting for over a year to plan and develop a new Carnival route. To date we’ve had considerable success in attracting back large floats so we’re now looking to attract members and sponsors as well as training up new marshals and encourage the formation of new locally based Carnival Clubs. To this end we’re planning a range of open evenings and workshops to enable local people to learn more about Carnival and just what great fun it can be”, said Amy Purchase of the Midsomer Norton & District Carnival Association.

The history connections and loyalty to Carnival in the Somer Valley is a strong one. Midsomer

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Norton was a founder member of the The Guy Fawkes Carnival Circuit which formed just after the war in 1947. At that time most local firms had floats which entered Carnival and it was a high spot of the community year. Then as now, Carnival is not just about the large floats – it’s about taking part and there are many ways to do this from groups entering the parade with a walking entry in their first year to building up to complex floats.

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For further details visit www.illuminatedcarnival.co.uk

If you’re interested in finding out more about Carnival a series of open evenings are being organised in the Assembly Room at Midsomer Norton Town Hall. Run by the Carnival Association and sponsored by Midsomer Norton Town Council, the aim is to provide full details of the new route and plans for this year’s.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Midsomer Norton

Thursday Market WEST CLEWES / WELTON ROVERS

MARKETS GO FROM

STRENGTH TO STRENGTH This investment is vital in order to ensure that the fledgling markets traders can have access to an affordable stall and cover from which to sell their wares. The umbrellas will be similar to those used by the Somerset Farmers Market for the last decade and will be managed and maintained by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust.

THURSDAY MARKET RE-LAUNCHED

O

ur programme of encouraging markets in Midsomer Norton has moved forward apace since the last issue of LIFE with the relaunch of the Thursday Market at West Clewes and the continued growth of the Midsomer Vintage Market in the Hollies Garden. Added to which the town’s Farmers Market celebrated its 10th anniversary on Saturday 5th April 2014.

Over the years the Farmers market has made an enormous contribution to the town’s footfall and brings a real sense of vibrancy on the first Saturday of each month.

In order to support its market initiative the Town Council decided to invest £12,400 in new market umbrella stalls at its meeting in April.

Over 770 years after Midsomer Norton was first granted the right to hold a weekly market by Henry III, the Town Council has backed the relaunch of the Thursday Market at West Clewes/ Welton Rovers.

Although there has been a market at West Clewes for the last 25 years, it has declined in recent years largely due to a lack of investment and promotion.

Beginning with a grant of £500 to purchase banners and new signage and the decision to purchase market stalls, the Town Council is hoping to breathe new life into the Thursday Market.

“West Clewes is ideal for a market since the car park was re-surfaced. Shoppers can pop in, park, shop and soon be on their way between 7am and 3pm – whether on their way to work or just popping into town. Already the number of stalls is

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

increasing, offering goods ranging from fresh veg to pot plants and fresh meat to hardware. Over the coming months we hope to attract more stalls but still leaving space for people attending the market to park”, said Andy Payne.

However, the strategy reviving the market has much more behind it than nostalgia. Market stalls have been shown to expand a town’s retail offering to local shoppers. In addition, being able to hire a stall for a day offers an excellent opportunity to encourage new retailers to start new businesses or re-locate to the town, who might in time grow and develop to take leases on empty shop premises.

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FARMERS MARKET CELEBRATES 10th ANNIVERSARY Midsomer Norton Farmers Market’s 10th anniversary saw the Hollies Gardens literally packed with customers and well wishers. As well as the silver band there were prizes and hot refreshments provided by sixth form students from Writhlington School.

The market began in 2004 and since then has expanded considerably since its original launch in the Methodist Hall. Now stalls fill the Hollies Gardens in the High Street on the first Saturday of every month.

Cathy Pegler who helped launch the market is coming back over from Portugal where she grows olives to reminisce about the launch. She will also have a stall selling her own olive oil.

Louise Hall, who coordinates Somerset’s farmers markets, said: “Regular producers at the market span a wide range from traditional breed pork to venison and game, fresh fish and a huge variety of cheeses and baked goods. Over the years there are more and more local food businesses launching and the market is the best way to showcase new talent and gather a loyal local following.”

The newly launched Thursday Market will be managed by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust on behalf of the Midsomer Norton Recreation Ground Trust which holds the West Clewes Recreation Ground in Charitable Trust for the benefit of local residents. In this way any surplus income can be ploughed back to help improve facilities at West Clewes for the benefit of the community.

In addition, work is already in hand to build on the monthly Farmer’s Market in the Hollies which recently celebrated its 10th birthday. As well as the new Vintage Market it is hoped to attract two more markets in order to achieve a Saturday market every week.

Anyone interested in having a stall at the Thursday Market or running a market or having a stall in the Hollies – please contact Alex at the Midsomer Norton Community Trust on 01761 419133 or email manager@midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

GREEN FINGERS BUSY AT MIDSOMER NORTON STATION The Midsomer Norton Station gardening team is harking back to the ‘good old days’ days when the award-winning gardens supplied plants to stations all along the Somerset and Dorset Railway route.

Today’s team of volunteers, under Doug Auckland, has not only been maintaining the station gardens, but also planting seeds and propagating plants in the station’s authentically-rebuilt greenhouse, which stands on the platform next to the signalbox, just

as it did in the the railway’s heyday.

The team started selling plants at the Easter open weekend and would like to continue selling them to people visiting the station when it is open on Sundays and Mondays. Grounds and Maintenance Team Leader Dave Rogers says “We have been working hard growing seedlings and plants for the gardens and we want to sell any surplus as our contribution to the railway project. We would be very pleased to see visitors to the greenhouse on a Sunday or Monday – especially if they wish to buy our plants!”

The team is maintaining the sun and moon garden and road-side embankment, the shrub and perennial border by the buffet car, the flower bed by the platform and two bee-friendly areas.

Historic information “In 1959 and 1960 the station won the “best kept station” prize as it had done in 1913. The

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

station had always maintained an interest in its appearance and the flowers, alongside the Up platform, by the station building and in the numerous tubs and hanging baskets, were always a blaze of colour in the summer.” All about Midsomer Norton Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway by John Childs “(Midsomer Norton) had a greenhouse and cold frame, these were looked after by signalmen Fred Griffin, C. Stevens and Joe Crouchen. The planting of the gardens was shared by the porters and signalmen, the grass being cut by anyone on the station who could find the time. In Coronation year the gardens looked particularly beautiful with the theme being red, white and blue. All the staff did their best to make the station look good and it was noticed that the drivers of the “Pines Express” would slow down, so that passengers could have a good look at the show of flowers. During the period when Mr. L. May was stationmaster, the

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station won many awards as the best kept station of its class.” Ken Dando, from S&D Memories, Alan Hammond, Millstream Books, 1993.

“The atmosphere and surroundings at Midsomer Norton station were very enjoyable. As many have said before me the wonderful gardens were a pleasure to the eye and the perfume from the various flowers in bloom hung in the air on a sunny morning. You passed the garden on your right when coming into the station; the centre of the garden and the flower beds around the edge were always overflowing with blooms and the grass was cut to a fine art. Signalman Fred Griffin brought the plants on in the greenhouse next to the signalbox and whenever the porters had some spare time they could be seen pottering about in the garden. The whole staff felt a pride in their country station.” Theresa Roberts, from Reminiscences of the Somerset & Dorset, Alan Hammond, Millstream Books, 1997.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

NEIGHBOURHOOD

DEVELOPMENT PLAN many local people concerned at the W ith level of development, Midsomer Norton Town Council has made it clear that it’s full steam ahead on the production of its Neighbourhood Plan with a view to getting it in place in the next 12 months. In order to achieve this, the Town Council has been calling for local residents and businesses to come forward to take part in the process at various levels.

Neighbourhood Plans are a new type of planning document which give local people a much greater say in the future of their communities and will be statutory document. Neighbourhood Plans must reflect local needs, as the final stage is a local referendum when electors entitled to vote to say whether the plan is what they want.

The Midsomer Norton Neighbourhood Plan will set out a vision for the future of the town for

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

the next twenty years and will consider issues including housing, employment, transport, town centre and the environment.

Within the Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) Draft Core Strategy (a key planning document that sets out the major plans for the area) there is an identified need for potentially 2470 new homes required in the Somer Valley from 2007 to 2029. This figure includes developments that have commenced since 2007.

The Neighbourhood Plan will consider what sort of homes should be provided and what sort of infrastructure should be in place to support development.

We will be building on the Community Planning process we have been engaging in over the last couple of years which included a Household Survey in October 2013 building on this information to incorporate it into the final document.

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Midsomer Norton is just starting the Neighbourhood Plan which will identify planning and development issues for the area. These will be explored in more detail through, for example, drop in days, local publicity and community engagement forums.

Neighbourhood Plans must conform to strategic planning policy, which includes the B&NES Core Strategy produced by the Local Authority, so this will be taken into account by the Steering Group who will be leading the process forward.

So if you’re interested in taking part in one of the project groups who will be working on the plan, please ring the Town Clerk on 01761 418701 or email him at townclerk@ midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk.

Keep up to date online: Plan MSN

@PlanMSN

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

SWALLOW WINS A HEALTHY WORKPLACE AWARD SWALLOW, a local charity supporting people with learning disabilities is one of the first organisations in Bath and North East Somerset to achieve a Workplace Wellbeing Charter, a nationally developed award scheme to recognise employers for their work to create healthier workplaces.

a Health and Wellbeing Strategy which helps people to stay healthy; improves their quality of life and creates fairer life chances across Bath and North East Somerset.”

For more information about how the Charter can help your business please contact Louise Lees Healthy Workplace Coordinator on 01225 831852 or email louise.lees@sirona-cic.org.uk

The scheme, delivered by Sirona Care and Health with funding from Bath & North East Somerset Council, aims to boost workplace health, this is vitally important for a charity such as SWALLOW, which relies on the quality of their staff to provide a high quality support to local vulnerable people.

Sirona Healthy Workplace Coordinator Louise Lees said: “The staff at Swallow have really got on board with the Workplace Charter and have clearly demonstrated a culture of open communication and good leadership.”

Cllr Simon Allen, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Chair of the Bath and North East Somerset Health & Wellbeing Board, said: “We’re pleased to congratulate Swallow for achieving the Workplace Wellbeing Charter.

Working in partnership with local organisations like this supports our commitment to delivering

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Louise Lees Healthy Workplaces Coordinator: Sirona Care and Health, Dr Bruce Laurence Director of Public Health, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Jill Willcox SWALLOW Registered Manager, Michelle Cox SWALLOW Human Resources Manager, Bev Craney SWALLOW General Manager and Cllr Simon Allen Ward Councillor for Radstock, Cabinet Member for WellBeing, Chair, B&NES Health and WellBeing Board.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

41

NORTON RADSTOCK SWIMMING CLUB Norton Radstock Swimming Club would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers for the dedication to volunteering in aquatics.

Special thanks go to the young volunteers who have been taking part in Somerset and national programmes whilst juggling school and college work. Their commitment and enthusiasm breathes new life into the club.

Club volunteer Liam Willcox was selected by the ASA to become one of 30 proactive, enthusiastic young leaders to become ‘Youth Activators’ in local aquatic communities. Becoming a Youth Activator is all about promoting everything which is great about volunteering.

Becoming an Activator will provide the opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills, whilst supporting the ASA to ensure young people know what volunteering opportunities are available to them. Liam is supported by the Volunteer Engagement Team and the ASA National Youth Forum to communicate our national programmes and initiatives at a local level.

Five candidates Hannah Angell , Katie Ball, Maisie Gudmunsen, Millie Long and Kate Rowell are currently taking part in the 2013/14 Somerset Young Volunteer Programme. The club mentor appointed to provide support said the girls have become a welcome addition to the poolside team.

The girls helped to run the Spring Annual Club Sprint Gala and raised money for CLIC Sargent a young person’s cancer charity by holding a raffle and selling limited edition club hats bearing the charities logo. CLIC Sargent provided valuable support to Mille and her brother Ross whilst he was receiving treatment. Ross has made a full recovery, returned to training and is competing for the squad.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

PLAN TO TRANSFORM

TOWN HALL T

he Town’s Community Trust recently announced initial proposals which would see the transformation of community facilities at Midsomer Norton Town Hall.

Midsomer Norton Town Council and a maze of corridors and offices were gradually developed in the market hall space on the ground floor to create the layout we have today.

When the Town Hall was opened in 1860 it was as a ‘state of the art’ market hall with the entire downstairs area open for people to walk in and visit market stall holders. It was only much later in 1903 that the building was acquired by the original

Thirty years on from the last renovation, the CAB have moved out and the main hall is running at capacity with over 42 regular community groups using them on top of a busy arts programme and community cinema. The building is a vibrant

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

43

community hub and with the prospect of a 99 year lease from B&NES the Community Trust have commissioned a model of the building in order to consult with local residents on ways to improve facilities.

and Assembly Room fire places. In short the Town Hall would be transformed into a functional and yet grand community facility for the whole Somer Valley to enjoy”, said Alex Davis, Community Development Manager.

“By moving the office space to a new extension at the rear of the building, it would be possible to reinstate the wonderful original Victorian market hall and create a prime ground floor space for town events. At the same time a new purpose built extension would allow modern toilet and storage facilities as well as making space for a new staircase to all floors located next to the lift – without compromising the Victorian Italianate Gothic design. Along the way many of the original features lost in the 1980 renovation could be reinstated from the finials on the roof to the original Victorian cast iron internal pillars

The Community Trust will be running a series of consultations events in the coming months to get ideas and feedback from local residents and community groups. In the process the innovative use of a model of the building looks set to be much more engaging than traditional slide presentations or plans pinned to a wall.

In the meantime efforts will continue, with the help of Sean Redmond of PH3 Design who designed the model, to identify funding sources at the local and national level for this exciting scheme.

Sweet Cumin

authentic Indian cookery school

The Barn, Clapton, Radstock BA3 4EB 07961 320193 bini@sweetcumin.co.uk

Fun classes for adults and young budding chefs who would like to learn more about how to combine different spices to produce tasty authentic Indian food. Come and experience a lesson to give you confidence to cook flavourful Indian food in your own kitchen. Courses include BBQ Cooking, Street Food, Gluten Free and Wheat Free cookery, Marinade and creating your own Garam Masala.

Gift vouchers available

the perfect gift for curry lovers!

Classes start at £75 per person - you can join a group or create your own with your friends and family and have a great time together.

All the meals are cooked and frozen and are perfect for dinner parties and cosy night in. They can be defrosted and heated up We also sell on a stove or microwave. truly authentic Our unique combination of spices frozen takeaway makes the Sweet Cumin curries stand out from the rest. curries!

The food is cooked weekly and served on a first come first served basis.

Traditional Indian food cooked with love…

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

THINGS TO DO MONDAY Somer Artists meet every Monday from 3.15pm to 5.15pm at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton to draw and paint, and have frequent workshops for those who want to learn new skills. For more information contact Peter on 01761 434428 or Kate on 01225 421842 or visit our website at www. somersetartists.co.uk Norton Radstock U3A at Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton. Speaker-meeting every second Monday 2-4pm, Coffee morning every last Monday 10.30-12 noon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

20.20.20 classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 11am, every Monday.

Job Centre Plus Midsomer Norton Childrens Centre 9.30 - 3.00 Appointments or drop in.

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

Storytime Stories for 0-5 year olds for Free.

11.00am - 11.30 am at Midsomer Norton Library.

Social Fitness to Music at the Town Hall, 9.30am 10.30am. For more information call Karen on 01761 415888.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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

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

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

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

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

Jacarandas

Award Winning Coffee Shop Milkshakes, Fresh Fruit Smoothies & Ice Cream Sundaes Delicious Homemade Food Coffees, Cakes, Lunches and Snacks EVERYTHING HOMEMADE 109B High Street, Midsomer Norton 01761 410888

For a complete sign service For design, production & installation of all types of sign products and services.

Contact us on:

Tel: 01761 418800

sales@fromesigns.co.uk or visit fromesigns.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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

THURSDAY

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

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

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

Norton Radstock Ramblers meet for a walk every Wednesday, contact 01761 435178 for more details.

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

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

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

Aqua Zumba at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 12.30pm to 1.15pm.

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

Dynamos from 6:30pm-7:45pm, at Welton Baptist Chapel a childrens’ group for age 6 to school year 4.

Superchargers at 6:45pm-8:00pm in St. John’s Ambulance Hall from childrens’ group for school years 5 & 6.

Voltage from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Town Hall for Teens group for school year 7 to age 14.

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

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

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

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

Somer Valley Gardening group meet on the 2nd Thursday of every month, for more information call 01761417252.

Golden-Oldies singing session at Welton Vale Community Room, Welton Vale , Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2BG every Thursday 10.30-11.30am Open to all, voluntary donation of £1 per session. Please call the office to check your session is on and for more information 01761 470006.

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

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

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

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

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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

Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 1.15pm to 2.00pm.

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

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

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

Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 7.45pm

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

Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 1.15pm to 2.00pm and 8pm to 9.00pm.

FRIDAY Stay & Play 9.30 – 11.00 at The Children’s Centre.

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

Inflatable session in the swimming pool at South Wansdyke Sports Centre every Friday from 6pm to 7pm. Children 8 to 15 years old.

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

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

Clare Hall

Nursing Home, Ston Easton

This elegant nursing home is set in rolling countryside with immaculately kept lawn gardens, and with most of the rooms benefiting from panoramic views.

Clare Hall’s highly trained nursing staff and health care assistants are able to cater to the needs of our residents providing day care to weekend breaks, respite care, high dependency and palliative care, residential and nursing care.

Any dietary requirements can be easily catered to by our chefs, who use locally sourced ingredients and our home grown vegetables.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact us: 01761 241626 manager@clarehallnursinghome.com.

www.clarehallnursinghome.com

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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

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

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

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

The Early Shift from 8:30am-10:30am in the Town Hall for parents or carers (after doing the school run) to have an early coffee and a cake and a bit of a chin wag!

Yoga fitness at 11am at South Wansdyke Sports centre.

Zumba at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 1pm.

Spinning classes at 6.30pm at South Wansdyke Sports centre.

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

Inflatable session at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm.

SATURDAY 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 or 07595 604248.

Saturday Club at The Town Hall Midsomer Norton from April. A range of activites for disabled & non disabled children 10am to 2pm. Contact Wansdyke Play Association 01761 420660 or email admin@ wpa-play.com.

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

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

Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 11.30am to 5.00pm and 6pm to 7pm.

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

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

Children’s Dance classes every Saturday afternoon at the Orchard, contact Paula on 07860 839560 for more details.

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

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

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

Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 10.00am.

Inflatable session at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 4pm to 5pm.

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

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

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

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

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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

Evening Worship from 6.00pm at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

Junior rugby games and training at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club at 10.30am, contact 07773567887 or 01761 419750.

Morning Service at 10:30am at Somervale School; morning worship service for all ages.

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

Gener8 at Midsomer Norton Methodists takes place on the 1st Sunday in the month in November and December and the 2nd Sunday in the month for the rest of the year from 9.30am, includes activities, lively bible stories etc.

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

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

Welton Baptist Church Evening Service 6:00pm at Somervale School; evening service - “café style”.

Ignite (14-18’s) at 8:00pm-9:30pm at Welton Baptist Chapel for young Peoples group for age 14-18.

Norton Radstock Ramblers meet for a walk every Sunday, contact 01761 435178 for more details.

Evening service from 6pm at St John the Baptist.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

SCHOOL NEWS:

SIXTH FORM AFFIRMATIONS IN BATH ABBEY SERVICE

volunteer work in the deprived area of Nakuru.

Working within two schools, the students will help in classrooms, building projects and on feeding programmes. This extraordinary trip was made possible by the generous support from the Bath and District Branch of The Royal Commonwealth Society.

Godfrey Hall, Chairman of the local branch of the RCS said; “In keeping with this most recent Affirmation, it is wonderful to see a team of young people from our local area going to Kenya to help in such a positive way. I am confident that the experience will lead the students to understand more fully, some of the difficulties facing our Commonwealth family members elsewhere in the world. We are delighted to be able to support them in this venture”.

Photo: L to R Tony Coverdale, Treasurer Bath & District Branch RCS Olivia Tucker, Midsomer Norton Sixth Form Alex Stevenson, Midsomer Norton Sixth Form Connor Chard, Midsomer Norton Sixth Form Godfrey Hall, Chair Bath and District Branch RCS.

S

tudents from Midsomer Norton Sixth Form joined members of the Royal Commonwealth Society at a public service in Bath Abbey on Sunday 9th March to read Affirmations and prayers ahead of Commonwealth Day. Every year, a major service attended by Her Majesty the Queen is held in Westminster Abbey - a key element of which is the re-affirmation of the values that bind the Commonwealth together.

STUDENT ORIENTEERS FOR ENGLAND TEAM

A

This year, one of the Affirmations centred on ‘joining together as members of one worldwide Commonwealth family’, to celebrate ‘Team Commonwealth’ and the ‘spirit of teamwork that inspires and binds us to help build friendship ties and work together more closely’.

t the end of March, Norton Hill School student Zac Hudd in Year 9 represented England as part of the team ‘Orienteering England’. He travelled with the team for an annual weekend contest which this year was held in Bruay La Buissiere, France. He competed in a 6-way ‘Interland’ orienteering competition running as a team of three in his age group (under 14). The ‘Interland’ is an international orienteering long distance competition that opposes each year the best orienteers from England, Wallonia and Flanders regions of Belgium, from the Netherlands, Germany’s Westphalia Land, and Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France.

In July, 21 students from Midsomer Norton Sixth Form will be travelling to Kenya to undertake

The event spanned both Saturday and Sunday.

The Saturday focused primarily on the ‘warm-up’

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

followed by an evening ‘forest sprint’ race. The main international race took part on the Sunday. The race incorporated different types of demanding terrain formed by the Artois hills as well as combining the spoils made by old charcoal mines. This particular location was also chosen due to its significance during the First World War, where it was exposed to relentless bombardment. The scarred landscape of bomb craters and trenches, are still visible to this day. After a fantastic effort, Zac passed the finish line in second place just a few seconds behind his English team mate. The overall result meant that the English team secured their 20th successive win in the competition, with the juniors

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winning the Junior Trophy. Zac was said to have been ‘immensely proud of his involvement in this win’, as was his family, who have supported Zac and his passion for orienteering since he was in primary school.

A spokesman for the School stated, “We are always pleased and proud to hear about the many exciting extra-curricular events our students are participating in, whether this is in or out of school.

Norton Hill School can boast an array of students who dedicate their time to events offered outside of school, many of whom are doing exceptionally well. Zac’s passion for orienteering is a prime example of this. The School and his year group are extremely proud of him and his international sporting achievements.”

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

HARVARD SUCCESS FOR MIDSOMER NORTON SIXTH FORM STUDENT

Karen Ward, Director of Sixth Form, stated, “I am so pleased with this news. We are used to our students getting to top British universities, and I hope that Alex is the first of many to progress to world class universities across the USA. This shows that our programme to encourage students to aspire to be the very best is being successful, giving them the same advantages as students in any independent school.”

As part of its role as the Harvard UK link school in the South West, the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form is running a specialised Information Evening for Year 11 and Year 12 students and their parents who are thinking of applying to US Universities. This will start at 6pm on the Somervale School site in Midsomer Norton on Thursday 24th April 2014 and is open to all students within the South-West region.

A

local Sixth Form student has been successful in achieving a place at the prestigious Harvard University in the USA to study Maths and Economics.

Alex Stevenson, a student at the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form, was encouraged by his teachers to apply.

Norton Hill and Somervale are the Harvard UK link school s for the South West of England, supporting students in applying to top American Universities.

Alex was also supported by the Sutton Trust which works to encourage academically talented British students to consider studying in the US. Alex beat competition from across the country to get a full scholarship to fund his studies there.

Selection was not just about getting good grades: the selection panel was particularly impressed with Alex’s voluntary work helping younger students in his favourite subjects of Maths and Economics.

Alex himself is delighted to have been chosen, “I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without the encouragement and dedication that I received from everyone in the Sixth Form. The support I was given throughout the application process was extraordinary. I cannot thank my teachers enough for giving up a considerable amount of their time to write my references and support my ambitions.”

THE CHAIRMAN’S SPORT AWARDS 2014

T

hese awards, are supported by Aquaterra Leisure, Sirona Health and Care and O2 Creation to recognise the achievements and dedication of local sports people, volunteers and coaches.

Welton Primary School are pleased to announce that they have been presented with the Chairman’s

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Sport Award for showing contribution to Sport in education. This is a fantastic achievement and showcases the hard work that goes on at Welton School enabling all students to be involved in sport.

The award recognises the impact of volunteers, coaches, teachers and clubs upon the sporting landscape and how the work of these individuals and organisations is a key part of increasing participation and raising the level of people’s health, while creating sustainable communities in Bath and North East Somerset.

Well done to all of the team at Welton Primary School.

LOCAL SIXTH FORMERS SPEND A WEEK ON DARTMOOR LEARNING ABOUT THEIR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

J

oe Dyer and Harry Jones from Midsomer Norton Sixth Form have completed the Rotary Youth Leadership Scheme, participating in a week’s outward bound and team exercise on Dartmoor during their recent half term break. This amazing opportunity was courtesy of funds raised by the Somer Valley Rotary Club to cover the £580 cost for each place. Students were interviewed

by Roy Young and Andy Downes, representatives of the Rotary Club and Louise Friend, Assistant Director from Midsomer Norton Sixth Form, to find candidates who would benefit the most from the experience. Louise explained; “The scheme gives students a huge increase in personal confidence; they gain team working and leaderships skills that have immeasurable value in their future careers.” Joe added; “We learnt so many different things about our team mates, and most of all, we learnt about ourselves.”

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The students proactively applied for the experience, albeit they were slightly nervous at travelling to live and work with a group of strangers for a week.

Harry Jones commented; “The week was not eagerly anticipated; however it turned out to be amazing.

We did various activities including abseiling down a cliff and team activities like ‘planks’. We also learnt about things like confidence, personality types and presentation skills. The people there were also really cool including the people doing the course.”

Joe Dyer expanded; “The course was led by five of the most inspirational people I have ever met. They had done a range of expeditions like cycling from Alaska to Rio de Janeiro have journeyed to the North Pole. Jack Russell the Event Leader and Speaker, taught us so much about all aspects of life. I intend to use his advice in my own life to ensure I achieve success and happiness. Living with other people my own age made the trip enjoyable and heightened my ambition to go to University.”

Louise concluded; “It has been such a pleasure to hear how much benefit the boys have derived from this amazing experience. They have returned highly motivated and were positively buzzing when recounting details about their week. The Sixth Form staff would like to say a huge thank you to Rotary for all members of the Somer Valley Rotary Club for fundraising to give our students this life changing opportunity.”

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IF I COULD WALK 26.7 MILES…

O

n Saturday 26th April, five sixth form students from the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form and two accompanying members of staff successfully walked 26.7 miles in and around Bath as part of the ‘Bath Beat Challenge’ which is a popular annual event for both walkers and runners.

The aim of the walk for the sixth form team was to raise money for their intrepid trip in July, travelling as volunteers with African Adventures to help work on local community projects in Nakuru, an impoverished region of Kenya, East Africa. The students will be primarily working in a school, helping children with their daily lives and on practical tasks to improve basic facilities.

The walk was designed to loop around Bath and its outlying villages, with the walk commencing at Ralph Allen School. The team hiked their way out of Bath, walking through Bathhampton, then down to the historic village of Norton St Phillip and back up through the rural village of Wellow, eventually returning to their starting point at Ralph Allen School. Along the way were various check-points where the team had to answer questions such as “At the first lamp post on the RH side in ‘Ostlings Lane’, what is the 3 figure number that is painted on the lamp post?”

If the walk wasn’t challenging enough, the route description had been written in code. Student team member Jack Bridges became an expert in

code reading and navigated the whole 26.7 miles without getting the team lost! Here is a sample of the route description the team had to follow: “When the RD turns sharp R, ascend steps on R to ST. X ST into large FLD. X FLD & head for RH hedge line. Follow hedge to arrive at ST & LMG. X ST & continue SO through gap in hedge on MCB 285 to ST.” Staff member Louise Kiveal commented about the experience; “We had a fantastic day of walking and the support along the walk was excellent, with plenty of cake provided. The forecast in the run up to the weekend didn’t look promising, but despite the odds, we were lucky that the day remained largely dry. There was however a lot of mud! It was a fantastically well organised event, and I know that we all felt we had gained a great sense of achievement for a very worthwhile cause. ” The Midsomer Norton Sixth Form has asked that if anyone would like to donate to this fantastic cause, to please contact Sharon Chard at Norton Hill School. Any donations would be gratefully received. The team has asked to extend its thanks to the organisers of The Bath Beat Challenge for the fantastic support on the day and for their kind donation to their trip.

‘OKLAHOMA’ – A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

N

Norton Hill School has just finished its four-day run of the renowned musical ‘Oklahoma’ as its annual Upper School production.

The performance was tremendously well received by its audiences who were seen singing along and clapping throughout the most well-known numbers of the show, including the unmistakable ‘Oh, What a Beautiful Morning’ and ‘Oklahoma’.

Audience members were asked what they thought of the show as they left the performance.

The comments received included; ‘an amazing

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

performance’, ‘thoroughly enjoyed the show’ and ‘an absolute joy!’ One audience member emailed the school to say; ‘The Oklahoma production was excellent. Each production and concert seems to build on the last.’

With over 70 students involved in the show with every area of production covered by the pupils themselves including lighting, back stage and sound, every night of the show ran smoothly with no major incidences. Head of Arts Faculty Steve Bridges commented; ‘We’re immensely proud of our students. They demonstrated professionalism, confidence and talent. The staff at the school always work hard to ensure the shows are a success, but they wouldn’t be what they are without the commitment and talent shown by the students.

It was an absolute delight to see the dedication and passion on their faces as they belted out the musical numbers.’

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Norton Hill School has stated that each of the evening shows were performed to sell-out crowds, with over 500 tickets sold! Norton Hill Arts Faculty wished to extend its thanks to both parents and the community for supporting the show and more importantly for supporting its students.

Norton Hill School Arts Faculty are already said to be planning for their summer events.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

AWARD ACHIEVED

BY WELTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

W The Director of Public Health Award which elton Primary School have been awarded

recognises and rewards Early Years and educational settings that deliver health and well-being outcomes. It enables the school to identify and tackle health issues, inequalities and ‘narrow the gap’ in their own community.

promotes, develops and supports over 142,000 chartered accountants worldwide.

The BASE competition is aimed at students aged 16-19. It’s a unique and exciting experience where students are engaged in a challenging business game which enables them to develop key employability skills and understand what it would be like to be an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

The team faced a gruelling day-long challenge, which put them under pressure from the very start and afforded no time for lunch breaks. By midafternoon, their analysis was complete and the six students presented their conclusions to the panel of Management Accountants and hundreds of other contestants, held in the University of West of England’s Cavernous Exhibition Centre. Despite not winning, the team were delighted to be presented with the runner’s up award.

Well done to all of the team at Welton Primary School.

SIXTH FORM BUSINESS STUDENT’S BRING HOME ACCOUNTANCY AWARD

S

ix students from the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form have recently walked away from the South West’s Regional ‘Business, Accounting and Skills Education’ (BASE) competition with a runner’s up award.

The team faced fierce competition from other schools from across the region to secure the award which was presented to the team by organiser’s ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales). ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organisation which

The six students were Dan Teare, Molly Barron, Laura Hartley, Leah Siejok, Megan Parfitt and Chris Harper.

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? Call Zoe on 01761 410141 or email her at:

zoe@midsomernortonlife.co.uk

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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A MESSAGE FROM

THE CLERK A

t this time of the year, the Council is, as usual, busy ensuring that its annual legal commitments are met such as submitting its Accounts for audit and appointing Councillors to Committee and Working Party duties.

Two key meetings took place in May – firstly the Annual Town Meeting at which the Council reports to all of the electorate on its activities and sets out its plans for the coming year and secondly the Annual Meeting of the Town Council at which the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the following year are elected and duties are allocated amongst the eleven Members.

The Annual Town Meeting was well attended and many of the Councillors helped to deliver a presentation on what the Council has been doing.

Around 50 electors were present to hear details from Members about both projects and routine business. At the Annual Meeting of the Council which followed a week later, Cllr Paul Myers was re-elected as the Town Mayor with Michael Evans being re-elected as the Deputy Mayor. Almost all of the Committees and Working Parties remain with their current membership unchanged – there has been much activity and continuity has proved to be an important aspect for the Council.

Our accounts have been completed and, subject to an internal audit on 10th June, they will be submitted for a full audit in mid-June. In August, we will post formal notices advising electors of the availability of the Accounts for inspection.

All of this has to be managed alongside the routine business with well over 40 Committee and Working Party meetings to be supported each year, agendas and minutes being produced and posted on the web site as well as Committee papers and a wide range of decisions and actions to be implemented.

As we head in to the holiday season, Carole Sims and I will be ensuring that we provide the office with cover and keep the routine business running smoothly. Our thanks go to all of the Councillors for their hard work and support and Carole and I are looking forward to the challenges of the next Municipal Year which, in the case of the Town Council, leads us up to its first routine election in May 2015, four years after it was formed.

Clive Stilwell Town Clerk 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE FOR ALL BRANCHES PROVIDED AT MIDSOMER NORTON BY OUR OWN TEAM OF DEDICATED VETS AND NURSES Silver Street, Midsomer Norton Tel: 01761 412223 Appointments 7 days a week 39 Berkley Road, Frome Tel: 01373 466100 Appointments Mon - Sat 208 Whiteway Road, Bath Tel: 01225 442280 Appointments Mon - Fri

CONSULTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT Please telephone your local branch COMPLETE HEALTHCARE FOR FOR ALL YOUR PETS

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MIDSOMER NORTON 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

Brian Lawrence Finance Area: Redfield

Jane Lewis Planning Area: Welton North

John Slade IT and planning Area: Welton Centre

Linda Dunford Community groups & activities Area: Charlton Park

Lynda Robertson Comminuty groups & activities Area: Welton Centre

Clive Stilwell Town Clerk

Michael Evans Law & order Area: Town Centre South

Paul Myers Mayor; Civic Area: Redfield

Pete Mocock Planning Area: Hayes Park

Richard Robertson Allotments & Transport Area: Welton Centre

Steve Plumley Sport & Culture Area: Radstock Road

Sara Box Children & Young People Area: Withies Park

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