Midsomer Norton Life Winter 2019

Winter 2019 Issue 33

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A packed issue for the Winter season

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

C O N T E N T S

WELCOME TO

TOWN PARK

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TOWN HERITAGE CASH WIN

6

TOWN TRUST REPORT

8

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

12

MIDSOMER NORTON CARNIVAL

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elcome to the winter 2019 edition of Midsomer Norton LIFE. It is a packed magazine, looking back on the summer and forward to Christmas. There are reports on the Council’s projects, from major ones like the Town Park, to minor but useful ones like a bus shelter and benches in the Garden of Friendship.

We especially celebrate the wonderful Heritage Award, and consider ideas on how the money can be spent.

COMBE LEA'S SCARECROWS

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Life being what it is, the summer has not been all sweetness and light. There is a report about vandalism at West Clewes play park and we continue to work with the police and others to reduce anti-social behaviour at the Somer Centre Car Park. We have made the gate on the road functional, and planning is in hand for CCTV coverage and in due course, a barrier and gate to the Car Park itself.

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Established community events like Beating the Bounds have been a pleasure, and a new event, the Festival of the Scarecrow at the Combe Lea Community Resource Centre, was a delight. The huge number of entries, over 50, showed that many people were as enthusiastic as the Town Council’s officers, who created a scarecrow mayor!

Manager Sue Bendall’s initiative really paid off, and perhaps this will become an annual event.

Plans are in hand for Remembrance Day and the Christmas period, when in addition to the usual events, the Town Council will host a children’s party and cinema showing, a new feature in the town calendar.

I hope you find the magazine a pleasure to read, and a useful source of information.

Cllr Michael Evans – Mayor of Midsomer Norton

SPORTS ROUND UP

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MIDSOMER NORTON PRIDE PLAY PARK VANDALISM

22 23

WHAT'S ON

24

REVEREND CHIPLIN RETIRES

26

COMMUNITY CINEMA

28

MIDSOMER NORTON SOCIETY

33

OUTFIELD FEST

35

AUTUMN LITTER PICK

37

Carers’ Centre

39

LOCAL INFORMATION GUIDE

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The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in February 2020 If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 410141 before the deadline of 20th January 2020.

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

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

WORKS AT THE MIDSOMER NORTON Town Park

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ork to continue the development of the Town Park has been progressing, with three major milestones being reached since the last report in Midsomer Norton LIFE being pursued by a working partnership of the Town Council and the Town Trust.

Meanwhile we have had a specialist ecological contractor on site, Darwin Ecology, who have begun to work on controlling some areas of unwanted scrub and doing preparatory works to allow the main contract works to proceed without risk of damaging protected species.

Firstly, the improved riverside path has been completed, with the installation of handrails to the new steps, seats along the river and combined litter / dog waste bins at either end.

Secondly, some significant further funding has been secured from Bath & North East Somerset Council through Section 106 funding.

Under S106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, (as amended) contributions can be sought from developers towards the costs of providing community and social infrastructure, the need for which has arisen as a result of a new development taking place. This latest boost brings a further £250,000 to the project, which has provided a top-up to enable the amphitheatre to be included as part of the current works, together with some enhancements to facilitate its use for performances. This leaves funds in hand that should be sufficient to provide improvements to the main entrance, including a sensory garden area, and to continue work to other areas to develop and improve a network of accessible routes through the lower parts of the site.

Thirdly, following the unexpectedly high tender / costs received, an affordable contract has now been negotiated with a contractor, who should have commenced work on site by the time this article is published. This contract will see the completion of improvements to the Celebration Meadow, construction of the Amphitheatre and creation of the improved access from the FiveArches Greenway.

The ecological surveys previously commissioned had shown presence of slow worms and grass snakes. These are both protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act, as well as being a desirable wildlife asset for the site. To ensure none are harmed by the works, the ecological contractor has been sensitively cutting back and clearing hiding spaces that will be affected by the works. They have also set up a number of heat traps on site. These provide a warm hiding place

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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and allow reptiles to then be captured and relocated to other parts of the site where they will not be harmed.

Some large areas of impenetrable bramble were cut back and cleared in autumn 2018 as advance works to improve the Wild Meadow area to the east end of the site. If cut back and left, brambles grow back vigorously. These areas were purposely allowed to re-grow, in order to provide sufficient fresh leaf area to then treat them with herbicide.

Darwin have now undertaken a careful herbicide application, which should weaken the brambles.

They will then be returning to site in the next few weeks to cut back the weakened brambles and to begin to form paths through the meadow.

Some further bramble re-growth is then expected over the next year or so, but these initial works will help enable some ongoing grass cutting along path routes. We will also be looking to set up annual cutting of the whole meadow which, with mowing of the paths, will gradually bring the brambles under control.

Some areas of bramble around the fringes of the Wild Meadow will be retained and cut on a seven yearly cycle to maintain a balance of woodland, scrub and grassland, helping to maintain maximum wildlife benefit.

The improvement work so far planned in detail, only covers about a third of the site, with most of the batch and the large flat plateau on the top being left for consideration under future phases.

Works here are likely to be less extensive, largely maintaining the existing range of habitats as they are. The main focus will be on improving safe access, which is quite a challenge given some of the very steep slopes. Meanwhile attention will be turned to looking at the long term management of these areas to ensure that encroaching scrub and tree saplings do not wipe out some of the most interesting grassland habitats. The ongoing safety of trees will be another focus, not least as sadly many of the ash trees on the south side of the batch, facing the greenway, are now succumbing to ash dieback disease. This disease has been steadily

spreading across the UK since around 2006 and is expected to kill 95% of all ash trees.

Resolving treatment of the west entrance to the Park remains the biggest challenge. This is the only real interface between the park and the town centre, and the only entrance accessible by vehicle. However, the bottleneck formed by the Somer Centre and River Somer flood relief tunnel outfall, provides a somewhat inauspicious and unwelcoming entrance, leaving the extent of the park hidden beyond.

The Environment Agency have significant control over this area due to the river and the flood relief tunnel. Following their rejection of an initial design proposal, a revised design has now been agreed by the Town Council, but comment on this is awaited from the Environment Agency. If approval can be gained, it is hoped that work to improve the entrance can then follow on, soon after the current contract.

Although it has taken a number of years to acquire the land, raise funding and secure planning permission, work to deliver the town’s vision for a Town Park is now finally starting on the ground.

In parallel a huge amount of work has also been undertaken by the Town Trust, whose job it is to manage the Town Park going forward. Central to the long term sustainability of the Town Park is enabling the local community to engage with the Park – further details of which are included on page 8/9 in the report from the Town Trust.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Town wins

Heritage England cash T

he town has been named by the government amongst only 59 towns across England to benefit from a £95 million fund to revive historic shopping areas. The successful bid, led by B&NES and developed by the Midsomer Norton Regeneration Partnership, defines a programme for a ‘Heritage Action Zone’ to address the particular challenges the High Street is facing.

Already there has been much speculation on social media as to what the money is to be actually spent on. It has to be emphasised that there is a clue with the inclusion of the word ‘Heritage’ in the title on what this funding is for. The funds can be used to visually and physically improve the fabric of Midsomer Norton’s historic High Street, making it a more attractive environment to live in and visit, encouraging an improved retail, leisure and cultural offer.

For the moment, however, B&NES are not releasing the final amount of the funding win until they have met with Heritage England.

Key to Midsomer Norton’s case was the fact that, along with Keynsham (who have also won funding), it is one of only two Conservation Areas designated ‘At Risk’ in B&NES and the bid was very much in line with the Management Plan detailed in the recently updated Midsomer Norton & Welton Conservation Area Appraisal.

In summary the successful 19 page Heritage Action Zone programme focuses on three Core Projects as follows: Project 1: Re-establishing the original medieval town market place in The Island - as a modern location for regular markets and cultural events and activities along with achieving the reinstatement of the

town’s 19th century Market Hall on the ground floor of the Town Hall. The fact that the Market Hall project was ‘oven ready’ with Listed Building Consent undoubtedly helped make the bid stand out. Combined the Market Hall and The Island will give the town, a year round non-weather dependent market base. At the same time there will be funding to improve the historic shop frontages in and opposite The Island to lift the street scene.

Why the market focus? The view is that by animating town centres and attracting back footfall, Frome and other towns across the country have had success. The 2017 Midsomer Norton Shopper Survey found that only 20% of local residents visited the High Street due to the limited range of goods and services on offer.

Interestingly this is the self-same strategy the local Norman Knight followed back in 1242 when he applied to Henry III for a Royal Charter for a Thursday Market which first put the town on the map. And no, the aim is not to permanently pedestrianise The Island, only make it possible to close more easily to traffic on Market Day(s), allowing stalls to be easily wheeled out from the Town Hall yard and for traders to have easy access to electricity and water.

Project 2: Improving the Pedestrian Walkway from South Road Car Park to the High Street – most visitors to the town currently pass through this area and right now are confronted with an uneven surface, unsightly bins and run-down buildings – it will now be possible to tackle this whole area.

Project 3: High Street shop front and signage improvement scheme – based on an initial Shop Front Condition

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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provided important evidence to underpin the bid said: “This is fantastic news! We’ve now got a decent pot of hard cash and a focused plan. When the first Markets take place we need the support of local residents to help reclaim their High Street by coming down to shop, see the improvements taking place so that together as a community we can truly get Midsomer Norton back on the map”.

Survey the aim is to look at how funding can be best used to lift the town’s historic shop fronts to create a more inviting environment for people coming to the town. One element is to consider a 4 year small grant Heritage Action Zone scheme where local landlords could apply for funds to do work.

The Mayor, Cllr Michael Evans, said: "The success of this bid to conserve and enhance Midsomer Norton High Street’s historical inheritance is brilliant news. The Town Council will continue to work with Historic England and B&NES to ensure that the money is spent to good effect for our town.”

Cllr Paul Myers, B&NES, Midsomer Norton Redfield, whose research into the history of the town and work with the Chamber over many years

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

TOWN TRUST REPORT

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ith the works at the Town Park about to begin in earnest led by the Town Council (see page 4), the Town Trust has been focusing on how to ensure in the long term this important community space fulfils its potential in the life of the town through community engagement.

The Town Trust’s vision for the Park is for the community to see it like the ‘Room of Requirement’ in Harry Potter which magically offers an ideal venue to meet the needs of an infinite number of different users.

The Town Council has been working on engagement with various potential user groups.

There have been ongoing discussion with a local group hoping to establish a regular Park Run here. This is likely to be the first regular group activity to make use of the wider site. There have also been discussions with a local theatre group who have advised on some of the detail of the amphitheatre, helping to ensure it will be suitable for its intended use. As more and more of the site becomes accessible, the potential for various community groups and organisations to make use of the site will grow. Any such groups who may want to use the park are encouraged to contact the Town Council.

The Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Club have also been working with the project team to promote the proposed Sensory Garden at the west entrance and provide some sponsorship for this element.

Whilst there are so far six projects at various stages of formation, the hope is that LIFE can encourage local residents and community groups to come forward with more ideas for the Town Park. Here are details of ideas the Town Trust is currently working on: Sensory Garden – space has been allocated at the west entrance to the Town Park to create a self-

contained garden area that allows visitors to enjoy a wide variety of sensory experiences. In order to achieve this, the Town Trust has been working in partnership with the Radstock & Midsomer Norton Lions Club to not only design and sponsor this feature but work to help maintain and develop it going forwards. The design of Sensory Gardens aim to provide as many opportunities as possible to stimulate the senses, both individually and in combination, in ways that users may not usually encounter. At first sight a garden may be simply regarded as colourful and beautiful – but what if you are only partially sighted or can’t see at all? Plants in the Sensory Garden will be laid out in raised beds to allow everyone, including wheel chair users, access to touch them. Every single plant has a different feel in terms of things like leaves – wide, narrow, elliptical, oval or hairy.

Being close will also allow a better appreciation of the smells - honeysuckle, lavender, violets, mint, and chocolate cosmos, which releases a chocolate-like scent. Finally, as the Sensory Garden will be next to a river, a platform with seating is being included in the plans to allow people to sit and listen to the sounds of the River Somer.

Park Run - There has been ongoing discussion with a local group hoping to establish a regular Park Run based in the Town Park. In order to achieve this a great deal of thought and planning has been going into designing paths and routes which will not only allow the necessary distances but also make the most of the interesting landscape

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

and differing terrain. The Town Park looks set to provide a fabulous location for runners once the current works are completed before Christmas.

Apple Tree Planting for Wassailing – the Midsomer Norton Society was one of the first community groups to get in touch with a request to plant apple trees so that the Town Park can be part of an expanded route for the annual town Wassail event in January 2019 (see page 33).

The discussions in hand are looking to identify traditional and rare varieties of apple trees which could be preserved in the Town Park and already discussions are in hand with a local business to sponsor the project.

Amphitheatre – The Midsomer Norton Community Trust has experimented with a number of outdoor events and suggested early on the idea of including an amphitheatre in the Town Park which could be used for live theatre, concerts and films. In order to ensure that the space truly meets the practical requirements of people wanting to stage events there, we have been in discussions with a local theatre group and the Community Trust’s projectionist. The Midsomer

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Norton Society, however, has gone a step further and citing the town’s name, is looking to put on a performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Wednesday 24th June 2020 in partnership with the Community Trust. As well as the link between Midsummer’s Day and the town’s name, the Amphitheatre, surrounded by woodland, would be a truly idyllic setting for an evening performance and it is hoped could develop into a new part of the town’s calendar.

History Trail & Monument to Miners – the idea of a history trail was included in the very first concept designs for the Town Park five years ago as a way of engaging people of all ages with historical events in the town's development. The idea is that a series of posts along a planned route could chronologically lay out key milestones from the appointment of the town’s first Vicar, Sir Bricius, in 1107, to events like the sinking of Norton Hill Pit and a star in space being named after the town. It has also been proposed that at the culmination of the trail there could be a monument on top of the batch to commemorate all the miners that died and in particular, the Norton Hill Pit Disaster of 1908.

Events and Activities – these are key to encouraging visitors to the site as many residents haven't been to the Town Park yet. One of the first events to be held in the Park was this year’s Town Fayre. However, the Town Trust is keen to consider many more events and activities. For example, they’d like to hear from anyone interested in setting up a Forest School in what is the largest public green space in the area. In addition,

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

discussions are in hand with fun fair and circus operators to consider using Celebration Meadow as a venue. Other ideas include the possibility of an annual Midsomer Norton Kite Festival in Celebration Meadow.

Town Trust is about to establish a ‘Friends of the Town Park’ group, which it is hoped, can attract volunteers to come and enjoy working in the fresh air managing trees, dealing with invasive species, like the Himalayan Balsam and clearing litter.

Considering the potential for events and activities however must not distract from the everyday business of managing and maintaining the Town Park as a largely wild space. To this end, the

If you have ideas for activities and events in the Town Park or would be interested in becoming part of the Friends Group, please ring 07530 042627.

A NEW

TOWN FARM?

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he Secretary of the Town Trust is keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in joining an initial steering group to explore setting up a Midsomer Norton Town Farm.

There are examples all over the country of communities setting up small farms as a social enterprise to reconnect people with where their food comes from, finding out how it is grown, re-connecting with the land, learning about good health, the environment and sustainable farming.

Please ring 07530 042627.

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Remembrance Day

Parade and Service 2019 T

he traditional Remembrance Day Parade and Service will take place this year on Sunday 10th November when the town will commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military, and civilian men and women in the Two World Wars and later conflicts.

The parade will leave North Road/Radstock Road at approximately 10.40am and march towards the War Memorial, where two minutes silence will be observed. This will be followed by the laying of wreaths. The parade will then make its way to St John’s Church for the service. Upon conclusion of the church service, the parade will then make its way back to the War Memorial.

The High Street and Church Square will be subject

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to a rolling closure between the hours of 10am - 12.40pm. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience that this may cause during this time and thank you for your patience. Businesses along the High Street will be open as normal.

All ages are invited to the Remembrance Day Parade and Service to remember those in our community who have given their lives in conflicts around the world. We look forward to seeing you.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

The Midsomer Norton Neighbourhood Plan

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he idea of a Neighbourhood Plan (NP) was part of the Big Society drive by the David Cameron-led Coalition Government of 2010. Cameron hoped that communities would be strengthened and life improved if small areas, like towns or parishes, were able to have a say in the planning of how their built environment was to be developed. The Neighbourhood Plan would set planning policies to form part of the development plan used in determining planning obligations. It would be the fine local detail at the bottom of a hierarchy of plans, so it would not contradict any of the B&NES Core Strategy or Local Plan, but would add to them. The NP sat alonside vague but worthy ideas like the encouragement of volunteering, but unlike them, it was firmed up, given real legal status and, arguably, teeth.

To emphasise that it was serious, money was attached: the then new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a tax on development levied per square metre of floor space, would be paid in part to the smallest authorities, such as our Town Council. If the Town or Parish Council did not have a Neighbourhood Plan, 15% of CIL monies would be paid to it directly, but if there was a fully established Neighbourhood Plan, that would rise to 25%.

So we have two incentives to bring our NP forward: first, to engage people in thinking about the future of our area and to have some say in it. In fact, for the NP to become part of planning law, it has to be approved, finally, by a local referendum. And secondly, to bring some welcome extra money to the Town Council, without having to raise the Precept (the small part of Council Tax which goes to the Town or Parish).

Work has been done, a Neighbourhood Plan

Committee was formed three years ago, a draft plan appeared and formal public consultation took place, with a public exhibition in the Town Hall. However, it has to be admitted that the project stalled. Faithful readers of Midsomer Norton LIFE will know that the Council decided to concentrate on achieving the long dreamed-of Town Park, and to engage with Bath and North East Somerset Council in the transfer to the Town Council of key community assets including the Town Hall, the Orchard Hall and the Somer Centre.

These major projects took (and are taking) much of the Council’s attention and energy. However, a lot of work was put into the Neighbourhood Plan in the earlier years, and a substantial and well-illustrated draft exists, incorporating the comments from the consultation and offering policies to improve the town centre, make access to the centre easier, preserve our wonderful natural environment, further improve leisure facilities, and guide potential developers in some principles of design intended to preserve and enhance the local character and the Conservation Area.

A small group has met to try to knock the draft into shape, and it has a further meeting planned.

Once that is achieved, there are a number of steps in the plan-making process before it can go in front of the full B&NES Council to be approved.

We haven’t got there yet, but “watch this space”: we do intend that you will see a Neighbourhood Plan come into the light in the end.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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BUS SHELTER VANDALISM

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Contractors have now been contacted to replace the missing panels. The panels are made from polycarbonate a strong, tough material. The repairs will be completed in the coming weeks.

If you would like to report any vandalism of any kind please contact the Town Council on 07161 418701 or e-mail the office at info@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk.

The office at the Town Hall is staffed every day from 9-5 (4.30 on a Friday).

idsomer Norton Town Council received several complaints from the community regarding the vandalism of its bus shelter on Station Road in Welton. Three of the panels had been broken and covered in graffiti. The bus shelter is regularly used by residents catching the bus into Bath.

The Town Council contacted B&NES and arranged for the shelter to be cleaned and repaired. The first job was to remove the broken panels to make them safe to avoid any injury. The shelter was then given a good clean and the transformation had begun.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Midsomer Norton & District CARNIVAL Monday 11th November from 7.30pm

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

C

arnival is the largest community based charity event in the Somer Valley. It’s an opportunity for the whole community to come together for an evening of glittering spectacle and to raise money for local charities and good causes.

The unique event is 100% volunteer-led, run by the community by donations, fund raising, support from local business and sponsored by Midsomer Norton Town Council and the Midsomer Norton Community Trust. Most of all, we need the support of local people to line the streets of the town and to enjoy with us our wonderful Somerset Illuminated Carnival. Of course, you can also show your support for all the hard work that’s gone in to making the event possible by donating either in a collection bucket or by donating online at any time, every little helps and EVERY penny

Assembly Area The A367 Wells Road, Fosseway (beyond the White Post roundabout) will be closed from 9pm on Saturday 9th November to allow larger carts to assemble before the Carnival.

Procession Route Closures on the procession route will be implemented in stages starting from the High Street in Midsomer Norton which will be closed from 5.30pm until 1am, Charlton Lane at 6.30pm then the A367 from the Industrial Estate to the White Post and Charlton Road and Silver Street from 7pm. The A362 Radstock Road will be closed at 8pm from Stones Cross all the way to Radstock. Roads will be re-opened as soon as possible after the procession has cleared each section of road, starting with Charlton Lane and the west section of the A367.

Dispersal Area The east section of the A362 Radstock Road (between the Midsomer Norton Enterprise Park and Radstock) will remain closed until approx 2.30am on Tuesday 12th November as required to allow the larger vehicles to dis-assemble.

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goes direct to charity.

The Carnival procession starts at the roundabout near Charlton Road at 7.30pm and proceeds down Silver Street and then up Midsomer Norton High Street, finishing by Burlington Road on Radstock Road at approx. 10pm. To ensure the safety of entrants and spectators, road closures, parking suspensions and footpath closures will be operating on a number of streets within the area.

We need to close roads to ensure public safety for the event. We’ll lift the closures as soon as the procession has passed, the public have dispersed and we’ve been able to return the road affected to normal. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will be providing live traffic/closure updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Parking Suspensions Vehicles remaining parked on designated roads will be subject to a fixed penalty notice and towed away. Contact 01225 448025 to arrange recovery of removed vehicles and B&NES Parking Service for any queries or appeals on 01225 477133. Please note that road closures and parking suspensions apply to all vehicles, including those using disabled (’Blue Badge’) parking spaces.

The times stated are the legal road closure times permitted by Bath & North East Somerset Council and Mendip District Council.

However, we will endeavour to close the roads for as short a period of time as possible to minimise disruption, so in many cases the roads may be re-opened before the times stated.

Bus Services Please be aware that some bus services maybe disrupted. More information on the change of service should be posted on affected bus stop.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

The Garden of Friendship

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he Garden of Friendship is now near completion with benches and a bin to be installed within the coming weeks.

of the original plans for the church and Scott’s designs for the K6 kiosk. These will be displayed in the telephone box for all to admire.

Midsomer Norton Town Council have placed an order for 3 sturdy benches to finish off the Garden and make it a green space for the community to enjoy.

The south boundary has now been renovated with a border and a new palisade fence screened by a beech hedge following the granting of planning permission.

With the telephone box as a feature, which the Town Council adopted from BT and arranged for it to be refurbished by professional restorers, Remember When, the Garden will be a place to relish.

The final piece of the initial project saw a bespoke pair of gates under an arch designating the site as The Garden of Friendship installed.

The Council have been working with the Royal Institute of British Architects to produce copies

The space has already been used by community groups for events as it offers a perfect spot for children’s games or activities, garden parties or any outside activity close to the town centre.

Contact the Town Council in the first instance – 01761 418701 or by email to info@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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FESTIVAL OF THE SCARECROW at COMBE LEA

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idsomer Norton Town Council had kindly been invited to take part in the Combe Lea Festival of the Scarecrow, Sue Bendall approached the council looking for some local community support.

Sue Bendall said: “We are a community and we want to involve local people and organisations from across Midsomer Norton and beyond in this event. It will be fun and we are really looking forward to seeing a variety of contributions from traditional straw to contemporary framework or some people may want to knit one. We don’t have a specific theme and we are looking forward to seeing people’s creations.

The Town Council agreed to take part in the event and created our own Mayor Scarecrow, “Mayor Michael” who had a great time being created by the Town Council team and after his long weekend away, he is now safely back home.

Mayor Michael and Councillors Lynda and Richard Robertson all attended the event and kindly volunteered to be part of the judging. With a total of 51 Scarecrows entering, it has been great to see so many people getting involved.

The winners are: • Child winner, ‘Kacey’s Scarecrow’ – Kacey • Adult winner, ‘Whizzy’ – B&NES Library and information service* • Sirona Winner, ‘Jack Sparrow’ – Mandy, June and Harley • Visitor's vote, ‘Boris’ – Clifford family

Midsomer Norton Town Council

The 2019 Midsomer Norton Free Senior Citizens' Christmas Party will be held on

Friday 13th December 2019

Now in its 9th year, Midsomer Norton residents are invited to enjoy an afternoon of music and food.

This year, the event will take place at Welton Rovers Football Club from 2.00 – 6.00pm, the time has changed from evening to afternoon to enable more local residents to attend.

Tickets for the event will be available from Monday 18th November 2019 on a first come, first served basis with a maximum of 2 tickets to be reserved by any individual.

Furthermore, as this event is now in the afternoon, no transport will be provided.

So, if you are over 60, live in Midsomer Norton and would like to dance and sing-a-long to the sounds of The Sneakers, a popular band playing 50’s, 60’s and 70’s music, please contact the office at the details given below: Midsomer Norton Town Council, Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton BA3 2HQ Telephone: 01761 418701 Email: info@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk

CHRISTMAS MENU 2019

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS Bar opens at 7pm, your meal will be served at 8pm followed by a disco from our resident DJ until midnight.

07/12/2019 • 13/12/2019 14/12/2019 • 19/12/2019 20/12/2019 • 21/12/2019 Call 01761 417711 to book

STARTER

MAINS

Red onion & goat cheese tartlet with dressed salad Curried parsnip soup with herb pesto Chicken liver parfait with chutney & toasted ciabatta Smoked salmon with dill mayonnaise, pickled cucumber

Roast turkey with all the festive trimmings Vegetarian nut roast with roast potatoes & veggie gravy Roast loin of pork topped with savoy cabbage crust Baked Cornish pollock with dauphinoise potatoes

DESSERTS

£38.50

Best Western Plus Centurion Hotel Charlton Lane Midsomer Norton Nr Bath BA3 4BD

Dark chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet Selection of 3 cheeses, chutney & crackers Passionfruit cheesecake with chantilly cream Christmas pudding with rum custard

Lunch 2 Course £18.50 Lunch 3 Course £22.00 Dinner 2 Course £23.50 Dinner 3 Course £27.00 All dishes can be made gluten free, just let us know.

Vegan options are available.

AFTERNOON TEA

Afternoon Tea £20 Cream Tea £9 Bookings can be made via Club Reception – Vouchers available.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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Children’s Christmas Party and Cinema Night 2019

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his year will be the first year that the Town Council will be hosting a Children’s Christmas Party and Cinema Night for the youngsters of Midsomer Norton.

The Children’s Christmas Party, for children aged between 5 and 11 years, will be held on Sunday 8th December 2019 at the Somer Centre. The party will start at 3pm and finish at 5pm. Parent's support will be required. There will be food and drink for the children, and entertainment provided

by DJ, Glynn Davis.

We are also holding a Cinema Evening for the older children aged between 12 and 16 years.

This will take place in the Town Hall on Thursday 12th December 2019. Film and times to be confirmed, so keep checking the website - www. midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk. There will also be food and a drink for the older children.

Tickets are required for both of the events and are free! They will be available from Midsomer Norton Town Council from Monday 11th November 2019 on a first come, first served basis.

Midsomer Norton Town Council, Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton BA3 2HQ Telephone: 01761 418701 or Email: administrator@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Green Army Fighting Difficult Campaign

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t has been a disappointing start to the season for Welton Rovers. After the first two months, Welton find themselves towards the wrong end of the Western League Division One table. There have been one or two positive results, noticeably Warminster Town away and Bishops Lydeard at home, but overall the new manager, Jared Greenhalgh, has his work cut out to turn the tide and set Welton on the road to recovery.

On a positive note, Welton Reserves have started their season in dynamic form and are currently riding high and unbeaten with six straight wins maximum points and stand proudly second in the table. The Under 18’s have also started their season with a win and it's pleasing to see a new crop of youngsters joining the club.

On the Social side, the club continues to host events, parties and celebrations for the local community and the first class facilities at the club, including two skittle alleys that continue to be well used by local people. Welton Rovers is an ideal location for the up and coming Christmas parties and celebrations.

At Norton Down, Midsomer Norton Rugby Club’s pre-season training led by Club Coach, Martin Blackmore and Tom Fear, Club Captain, was well supported and helped the First team get off to a flying start. The team won their first four games scoring an average of nearly fifty points per game.

The game against Gordano provided a large crowd of former players and a great show of skillful rugby with a final score of 50-12 in Norton’s favour.

Photo Neil Denning

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Unfortunately, this run of winning run to an end in Gloucester, when the team came up against a very committed and organised Matson fifteen, losing fifty points to seven.

The seconds and thirds have had more unsettled starts to the season and have both faced struggles with fixtures. The seconds have found it hard after being promoted while the thirds had their first two games cancelled by their opposition.

The Colts have played four games these being a mixture of Dorset and Wiltshire Merit table games and friendly fixtures winning three of the matches.

On the second weekend in October the Club held its annual Minis Festival with local clubs bringing teams of young players who are starting out on their rugby careers.

As the last league match of Midsomer Norton Cricket Club’s season got under way at the end of August, second placed Midsomer Norton welcomed champions elect Taunton Deane to Withies Lane. Mathematically, Norton couldn’t bridge the points gap between the two teams, but it was an opportunity for the home side to demonstrate the progress made this season. A hard fought 42 run win for the home side left Midsomer Norton just thirteen points behind Taunton Deane – England cricketer Jack Leach’s hometown club. Norton were unbeaten from the first week in June and won ten games in a row to secure second spot.

That same weekend, both the Second and Third XIs won their matches to secure promotion. Earlier in the summer, Midsomer Mavericks, Midsomer Norton Cricket Club’s womens' cricket team, retained the Somerset Cricket Board’s Softball trophy at Weston-super-Mare on the last Sunday in June, after beating the top teams from across the county once again. The Mavericks were the first winners of the title in 2018.

The Club received an award from the Town Council at a special community service at St John’s Church in June and hosted the successful Outfield Festival in August. Midsomer Norton can look back on the summer of 2019 – in which new

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changing facilities were built and opened – with some pride.

New players of all ages and abilities and social members, are always welcome at the club. Club news is also posted on Facebook at facebook. com/midsomernortoncc and Twitter at @ MidNortonCC. Mendip Hockey Club’s season is well under way at the Chew Valley Sports Centre. The Mens' teams have both made a good start to their League campaigns, the firsts under the captaincy of Max Spalton in Central 2, and the seconds, with Toby Green at the helm, in West Central 2.

April Callow's Ladies' 1st team began their season with wins over Knowle and Chippenham in WCWHL East division, while the Ladies' 2nds and 3rds have suffered mixed fortunes as they compete in Wessex 1 and Brunel 2 respectively.

Club Chair, Karen Holliwell, and Junior section coach, Cherilyn Carey, have been delighted with the performance of the Mendip youngsters at Sunday morning training, which takes place at Downside School, Stratton on the Fosse. The Junior section continues to provide a steady stream of fresh talent into the Senior teams, and new players of all ages and abilities are always welcome. Contact details can be found on the website: www.Mendiphockey.org.uk and on Facebook.

If this report has wetted your sporting appetite, tune in to Somer Valley FM every Tuesday at 6pm on 97.5FM for all the latest news from Welton Rovers, Midsomer Norton Cricket Club and Midsomer Norton Rugby Club, along with a host of our other local and professional teams. Special thanks go to Charlie Matthews, Bob Allard, Carrie Tiley and Neil Denning for their contributions towards this article.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Midsomer Norton Pride sets out aims for the future

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he LGBTQA+ community plus family and friends met at the Town Hall on the 20th September to set out the aims for the future of the annual Pride Event in Midsomer Norton.

Organised under the wing of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust in 2017 and 2018, the feeling of the meeting was that the work begun by Nik Jovcic-Sas and Grant Johnson had grown into an event which needed an organising committee and membership to help share the workload.

It was therefore agreed to create a membership group called ‘Midsomer Norton Pride, part of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust’, on the basis that there was a strong desire to continue working very much as part of the Trust who had done so much to help the event develop and grow since its inception.

The new membership discussed and then voted a clear set of Aims and Objectives for Pride as follows:

AIMS: • To unashamedly represent Midsomer Norton and the wider Somer Valley and unapologetically stand up for the rights of the LGBTQA+ community.

• Midsomer Norton Pride is for everyone in our community to celebrate together on the basis that we are ALL stronger together.

OBJECTIVES: • Community: To bring the community together to celebrate, create understanding, opportunities for engagement and to tackle discrimination. We also want to create safe and positive events and opportunities for everyone to connect with the established community.

• Social: To challenge hearts and minds and to be a beacon of positive social diversity both here in the UK and those 77 countries where it is still illegal to be LGBTQA+.

• Education: To work with the local community to raise awareness of LGBTQA+ issues as a basis for presenting positive attitudes, role models and ultimately an inclusive society.

• Campaign: To not only help shape policy and procedure but to engage in the local and wider political landscape to not only maintain but also to further human rights for LGBTQA+ communities everywhere.

The new ‘Pride Members’ then elected officers, Grant Johnson – Chair, Paul Myers – Secretary, Matthew Livsey – Treasurer. A Committee was then voted in, including; Lauren Barnes, Sean Boon, Sarah Wright and Patricia Flagg.

The new Committee agreed to meet as soon as possible to begin to develop a year round programme of activities and events including the Annual Pride Event in June 2020. For further details please visit the Pride Facebook page: MidsomerNortonPride.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

23

VANDALISM AT West Clewes Play Park

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arlier this year, new items of play equipment were installed at West Clewes.

Following on from a successful £10,000 lottery grant obtained by the Town Council and further funding in the region of £20,000 the installation included a climbing structure, a trampoline, a see-saw, a springer, a couple of spinners and a roundabout. Picnic benches were also installed at the beginning of August.

A recent bout of vandalism saw the safety pads around the trampoline being ripped up and broken, putting the trampoline out of use for health and safety reasons. Fires were also started on top of one of the picnic benches and by the fence causing damage to both.

The vandalism was caught on the CCTV which was installed recently as a result of previous acts of vandalism and covers a wider area including the park area and the gym equipment.

The Police are currently investigating the matter and have been given video footage of the incident.

If you have any concerns with vandalism or notice anything you think we should be aware of, please contact the Town Council on 01761 418701or e-mail info@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 25th - Downtown Abbey: Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm, £5 for adults and £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

26th - Dora and the Lost City of Gold: Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 2.30pm, £5 for adults and £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

26th - Downtown Abbey: Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm, £5 for adults and £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

26th - Real Ale Trains Another chance to to mix good beers and steam trains together - it's an unbeatable combination! Somerset and Dorset Railway, Silver St, Midsomer Norton.

27th - Pumpkins on the Platform Ghostly goings on, horrid faces and spooky pumpkins! Come and join in the fun - if you dare! Somerset and Dorset Railway, Silver St, Midsomer Norton.

31st - Light Party Games, activities and buffet. All families welcome, no cost. Dress as a hero, no scary costumes. 3.30 - 6pm, Midsomer Norton Methodist Church, High St.

NOVEMBER 1st - Fireworks, Paradis Palm Court Trio at Midsomer Norton Town Hall. 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm.

2nd - Norton Radstock Round Table Firework Display Advance tickets: £4.00 per person, At the gate: £5.00 per person - Under 5s FREE From 7pm, Midsomer Norton Cricket Ground. Tickets

from Brookes Newsagency and Norton Sports & Camping.

3rd - Lego Club, Age 5 - 11 years, All welcome and children must be accompanied by an adult. 3.30 5pm. Midsomer Norton Methodist Church, High St. 4th - Full Town Council Meeting in the Beauchamp Room, Town Hall, 7pm - 9pm.

7th - NT Live: Hansard at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7:00 pm. £12 for adults and £10 children.

8th - Goldfinch: Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm, £5 for adults and £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

9th - Asterix – The Secret Of The Magic Potion: Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 2.30pm, £5 for adults and £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

9th - Downtown Abbey: Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm, £5 for adults and £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

10th - Remembrance Day Parade and Service. All ages are invited to the Remembrance Day Parade and Service to remember those in our community who have given their lives in conflicts around the world. 10.30am - 12.30pm. High St, Midsomer Norton.

11th - Midsomer Norton Carnival. From 7.30pm.

The Carnival procession starts at the roundabout near Charlton Road at 7.30pm and proceeds down Silver Street and then up Midsomer Norton High Street, finishing by Burlington Road on Radstock Road at approx. 10pm.

11th - Planning Committee in the Beauchamp Room, Town Hall, 7pm - 8pm..

12th - Finance & Operations Committee in the Beauchamp Room, Town Hall, 5.30pm - 7pm.

14th - Norton Hill Sixth Form Open Evening, 6pm 8.30pm, Norton Hill School.

22nd - Judy: Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7.30pm, £5 for adults and £3 children, £12 families (2 adults,

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

1 or 2 children).

23rd - Abominable: Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 2.30pm, £5 for adults and £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

23rd - Joker: Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 2.30pm, £5 for adults and £3 children, £12 families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children).

23rd - NT Live: Present Laughter at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7:00 pm. £12 for adults and £10 children.

30th - Christmas Fayre at St John's Primary School.

Stall holders should email stjohnsmsnpta@ outlook.com for a pitch and more information.

11am-3pm, St John’s Primary School, Midsomer Norton.

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Cinema Evening for older children aged between 12 and 16 years. Film and times to be confirmed, keep checking the website - www. midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk. There will also be food and a drink. Town Hall, Midsomer Norton.

13th - Midsomer Norton Town Council FREE Christmas Social Dance and sing-a-long to the sounds of The Sneakers, a popular band playing 50’s, 60’s and 70’s music. Tickets for the event will be available from Monday 18th November 2019 on a first come first served basis with a maximum of 2 tickets to be reserved by any individual. 2.00 – 6.00pm, Welton Rovers Football Club..

JANUARY

DECEMBER

13th - Planning Committee in the Beauchamp Room, Town Hall, 7pm - 8pm.

1st, 8th, and 15th - Santa Specials. This is the year's most popular event. Book early to make sure of your seat, either online (from September) or in the station shop Somerset and Dorset Railway, Silver St, Midsomer Norton.

14th - Finance & Operations Committee in the Beauchamp Room, Town Hall, 5.30pm - 7pm.

18th - Traditional Wassailing event including planting of new apple trees in the Town Park.

Meet at the Town Hall at 11am.

5th - Midsomer Norton Society - Tales of the Fallen. Stories of those who gave their lives in 1944 in WW2. Town Hall, Midsomer Norton, 7.30pm.

18th - Evening Wassailing event for Adults. Town Hall.

6th - Winter Warmers, Paradis Palm Court Trio at Midsomer Norton Town Hall. 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm.

FEBRUARY

8th - Free children’s Christmas Party. This year will be the first year that the Town Council will be hosting a Children’s Christmas Party for the youngsters of Midsomer Norton aged between 5 and 11 years. There will be food & drink and entertainment provided by DJ Glynn Davis 3pm 5pm, The Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton.

3rd - Full Town Council Meeting in the Beauchamp Room, Town Hall, 7pm - 9pm.

9th - Planning Committee in Beauchamp Room, Town Hall, 7pm - 8pm.

10th - Finance & Operations Committee in the Beauchamp Room, Town Hall, 5.30pm - 7pm.

12th - Free childrens Cinema Evening.

10th - Planning Committee in the Beauchamp Room, Town Hall, 7pm - 8pm.

11th - Finance & Operation Committee in Beauchamp Room, Town Hall, 5.30pm.

Let us know about your events in Midsomer Norton: zoe@midsomernortonlife.co.uk or call 01761 410141

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

RetiremenT of Reverend Christopher Chiplin and Diane Chiplin

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fter twenty five years as vicar of St John the Baptist Church, Midsomer Norton, the Revd. Christopher Chiplin has decided to hang up his clerical collar and retired on Sunday 29th September – along with Diane, his wife who makes up the team that has served our community so well.

Christopher and Diane came to Midsomer Norton in June 1994 with their young family to find Midsomer Norton’s Parish Church literally crumbling with a newly launched £200,000 restoration underway. Undaunted, he famously abseiled down the church tower in October that year raising over £2000, spearheading fundraising which was enthusiastically embraced by the congregation and saw all restoration work to make the tower and roof safe and watertight completed by the millennium. Work to reorder and redecorate the interior of the building then started and following a brief three month closure when services were conducted in the Church Hall, St John’s reopened to loud acclaim on Whitsunday 2011. In 2012 the organ was reinstalled in a new case to its current elevated position in the new gallery having been cleaned and repaired. Other church improvements have included creating mobility friendly access to the church, installing a kitchen area and accessible toilet and tarmacking the church hall car park.

Retiring inevitably involves a certain amount of stock taking and Christopher has reflected that he has baptised over 760 babies, and married 200 couples, including in 2017, perhaps the most poignant, his eldest daughter Laura. The number of funerals he has conducted are countless but his sensitivity, pastoral support and dignified services are highly valued and have been much appreciated.

Outside the parish, Christopher has played an active part in community life. He was Chair of Governors at Clandown School until its closure

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

and Vice-chair at St John’s School for twenty years.

He is a valued trustee of the Sperring Charity, a position he intends to continue in retirement. As Mayor’s Chaplain for several years he delivered a ‘Thought’ at the beginning of each Town Council meeting and has been awarded two Civic Awards.

A keen swimmer, Christopher is a familiar figure walking through the High Street every morning to take an early dip and has made many friends there.

There was always a swimmers table or two at the annual Summer lunches he and Diane hosted in the Vicarage to raise money for the Restoration Appeal.

Diane, a former paediatric Ward Sister at the Bristol Children’s hospital, chose to support Christopher in his work here in Midsomer Norton rather than return to nursing when the children were older. Along with Christopher and their children she has embraced an ‘open house’ and

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delighted in welcoming anyone and everyone and making Midsomer Norton their true home. Diane was a Sunday School teacher for twenty years and has been an active member of the church social committee for twenty five years helping to raise necessary funds for the Restoration Appeal.

She has been the Chair of the Midsomer Norton Friends Group of Children’s Hospice South West, for twenty five years helping not only to raise essential funds but also ensuring the work of the now three childrens' hospices is widely known.

Christopher and Diane will be retiring to Salisbury and, whilst sad to be leaving the many friends they have made here over the last twenty five years, they are very much looking forward to becoming part of a new community and enjoying a little rest before they see how this next chapter of their lives unfolds.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

FORTHCOMING COMMUNITY CINEMA Downton Abbey (PG) 25th & 26th Oct, 9th Nov, 7.30PM

Dora And The Lost City Of Gold (PG) – SATURDAY 26TH OCT, 2.30PM

The television series Downton Abbey followed the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who worked for them at the turn of the 20th century in an Edwardian English country house. Over its 6 seasons, the series garnered 3 Golden Globe Awards, 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, 69 Emmy nominations in total, making Downton Abbey the most nominated non-US television show in the history of the Emmys – even earning a Special BAFTA award and a Guinness World Record for the highest critically rated TV show along the way.

Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora (Isabela Moner) for her most dangerous adventure ever – High School. Always the explorer, Dora quickly finds herself leading Boots (her best friend, a monkey), Diego (Jeffrey Wahlberg), a mysterious jungle inhabitant (Eugenio Derbez), and a rag tag group of teens on a live-action adventure to save her parents (Eva Longoria, Michael Peña) and solve the impossible mystery behind a lost city of gold.

The Goldfinch (15) Friday 8th NOV, 7.30PM Theodore “Theo” Decker was 13 years old when his mother was killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The tragedy changes the course of his life, sending him on a stirring odyssey of grief and guilt, reinvention and redemption, and even love. Through it all, he holds on to one tangible piece of hope from that terrible day…a painting of a tiny bird chained to its perch.

The Goldfinch is produced by Nina Jacobson (The Hunger Games films, American Crime Story) and Brad Simpson (World War Z, American Crime Story). Mari Jo Winkler-Ioffreda, Kevin McCormick, Sue Kroll and Courtenay Valenti are the executive producers. The screenplay is by Oscar nominee Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), based on the novel by Donna Tartt, which spent 30 weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers list.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Asterix: The Secret Of The Magic Potion (PG) –SAT 9TH NOV, 2.30PM

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show, battles with management, charms musicians and reminisces with friends and adoring fans, her wit and warmth shine through. Even her dreams of love seem undimmed as she embarks on a whirlwind romance with Mickey Deans, her soonto-be fifth husband.

Featuring some of her best-known songs, the film celebrates the voice, the capacity for love, and the sheer pizzazz of “the world’s greatest entertainer.”

Abominable (U) SATURDAY 23RD NOV, 2.30PM

A fall during the picking of mistletoe led Druid Getafix to make a decision: he will travel through Gaul with Asterix, Obelix and Pectin in search of a young talented druide to guarantee the future of the village.

He must indeed find the one who will take his suite and to whom he will transmit the Secret of the Magic Potion.

Judy (12A) FRIDAY 22ND NOV, 7.30PM Winter 1968 and showbiz legend Judy Garland arrives in Swinging London to perform a five-week sold-out run at The Talk of the Town. It is 30 years since she shot to global stardom in The Wizard of Oz, but if her voice has weakened, its dramatic intensity has only grown. As she prepares for the

DreamWorks Animation and Pearl Studio’s co-production Abominable takes audiences on an epic 3,000-mile journey from the streets of Shanghai to the breathtaking Himalayan snowscapes. When a mischievous group of friends encounter a young Yeti, they embark upon an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Joker (15) Saturday 23rd November, 7.30pm Warner Bros. Pictures’ Joker stars Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix in the title role, alongside Oscar winner Robert De Niro, and is directed, produced and co-written by Oscar nominee Todd Phillips.

Joker centres around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen. Phillips’ exploration of Arthur Fleck, a man disregarded by society, is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.

NT LIVE – Hansard (15) THURSDAY 7TH NOV, 7PM See two-time Olivier Award winners, Lindsay Duncan (Birdman, About Time) and Alex Jennings

(The Lady in the Van, The Queen), in this brandnew play by Simon Wood, broadcast live from the National Theatre in London. It’s a summer’s morning in 1988 and Tory politician Robin Hesketh has returned home to the idyllic Cotswold house he shares with his wife of 30 years, Diana. But all is not as blissful as it seems. Diana has a stinking hangover, a fox is destroying the garden, and secrets are being dug up all over the place. As the day draws on, what starts as gentle ribbing and the familiar rhythms of marital scrapping quickly turns to blood-sport. Don’t miss this witty and devastating portrait of the governing class, directed by Simon Godwin (NT Live: Antony & Cleopatra, Twelfth Night) and part of National Theatre Live’s 10th birthday season.

NT LIVE – Present Laughter (12A) THURSDAY 28TH NOV, 7PM

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Matthew Warchus directs Andrew Scott (BBC’s Sherlock, Fleabag) in Noël Coward’s provocative comedy Present Laughter.

As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.

Captured live from The Old Vic in London, Present Laughter is a giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

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BEATING THE BOUNDS

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partnership of the Midsomer Norton Society and St John’s Church recreated the age old ceremony of ‘Beating the Bounds’ on Sunday, 22nd September 2019. Meeting at the Town Hall at 2pm it took an intrepid group of walkers just over three hours to walk the entire town boundary.

The reason for choosing to walk the Town Boundary is that the Parish Boundary reflects the pre-1933 map of Midsomer Norton – the Parish boundary for example includes Clandown and Clapton. As well as the wonderful views of the town and its valley setting there were regular stops to hear about different aspects of the history of our community from Paul Myers, in his role of Chairman of the Midsomer Norton Society.

The origins of the custom of ‘Beating the Bounds’ is believed to date back to days of Alfred the Great and AEthelsatan and may even have derived from the Roman festival of Terminalia held in February. Terminus was the God of landmarks and in practical terms the idea was that in the days before maps, if you lived in an area, you needed to know where your ‘tribe’s’ territory began and ended and thereby stop neighbours encroaching.

In later times, beating the bounds had a religious aspect which is reflected in the rogation where

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the accompanying clergy beseech (ie rogare) the divine blessing upon the parish lands for the ensuing harvest. As a result, Beating the Bounds was held on Ascension Day or Rogation Sunday. This feature originated in the 5th century, when Mamertus, Archbishop of Vienne, instituted special prayers, fasting and processions on these days. This clerical side of the parish boundsbeating was one of the religious functions prohibited by the Royal Injunctions of Elizabeth I in 1559, but it was then ordered that the perambulation should continue to be performed as a quasi-secular function, so that evidence of the boundaries of parishes might be preserved.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

33

Amazing Society Programme for 2019/2020

N

ow in its 12th year, the Midsomer Norton Society is launching a programme of events for 2020 designed to celebrate as never before Midsomer Norton, its community and traditions.

Beginning with the annual Beating of the Bounds event in September (see page 31) the October meeting provided a fascinating evening where local people shared their experiences of working in the town. Memories ranged from what it was like at Welton Bag, Blatchford Engineering and Pratten’s to smaller businesses like Prior’s Mineral Water.

The next meeting on 5th December at 7.30pm in the Assembly Room will focus on telling the stories of those who gave their lives in 1944 in the Second World War – continuing a fantastically detailed research project carried out by Nick Waton.

The New Year will begin with Midsomer Norton’s now ‘traditional’ Wassail and it is hoped include two firsts: The planting of new apple trees in the Town Park, and the launch on the 18th January, of an evening event for adults to complement the lunchtime event – both events starting in the Town Hall.

The Society is appealing now for people with memories of shops of yesteryear in the High Street for it’s February talk. Do you remember Welshes opposite the Town Hall or visiting the Co-op at the top of the High Street?. Then come along on the 27th February at 7.30pm to share your memories so the Society can record them for posterity.

Despite his retirement, the Rev. Chiplin will continue to work with the Society on a project to write the history of St John’s Church for the Society evening in April focusing on the history

of Midsomer Norton’s Churches. Do you have any pictures or memories linked to the town’s churches you could share with the Society?

In April the Society is teaming up with Midsomer Norton Cricket Club to present a talk on the history of the Club. To this end, the Society are keen to hear from players of the past with memories and photos to bring the history of this important sporting institution in the town alive.

On the 8th May 2020, the Society is planning to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe night – teaming up with the Midsomer Norton Community Trust. Do you remember VE Night in Midsomer Norton in 1945? If so, the Society would like to hear from you to find out how the town celebrated that night.

Finally, given the town’s name, the Society is keen to put on a performance of Shakespeare’s - A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Wednesday 24th June 2020 in the NEW Amphitheatre in the Town Park. As well as the link between Midsummer’s Day and the town’s name, the Amphitheatre, surrounded by woodland, would be a truly idyllic setting for an evening performance and it is hoped could develop into a new part of the town’s calendar.

For further details visit www.midsomernortonsociety.co.uk

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

35

Outstanding Outfield Fest

T

he Outfield Festival held at Midsomer Norton Cricket Club on the 25th August was an outstanding success. Fabulous weather combined with a great line-up helped the event reach capacity, raising much needed money for the club to invest in its facilities and encourage the growth of the women's game.

Michael Eavis opened the festival early in the afternoon before a variety of acts performed culminating in East 17 and Toploader playing to the thousand-plus crowd.

through a generous sponsorship grant.

The whole day went flawlessly and the organisation was spot on. The Outfield Festival would like to give a special thanks to Midsomer Norton Town Council who supported the event

Plans are already underway for next year's festival and, after the success of this year, the hope is that this will become a permanent fixture in the Midsomer Norton calendar.

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RO OF

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

The autumn litter pick

T

he Town Council held its autumn litter pick on Sunday 29th September, and there was a good group of volunteers, including a couple of families who brought their children, which pleased and encouraged everyone.

The predicted rain kept off until the last quarter of an hour or so, enabling a good number of bags to be filled. This litter pick coincided with a particularly memorable church service at St John’s, the last Sunday service by our retiring vicar, Father Christopher Chiplin, so numbers may have been reduced by this.

The normal timing for our litter pick on a Sunday morning may deter some, so the Council will be considering Saturday mornings as an alternative in future, perhaps starting with the spring 2020 pick in April.

Talk among the volunteers suggested that more people were picking up litter more often; for instance, the Lions have frequent and regular picks, and more individuals are deciding to weigh in and do a bit without the need for a formal event to spur them on. The contribution from public authorities is greater than it used to be too, with the Town Council’s caretaker supplementing the

main effort by B&NES. Greater awareness of the environment on the media scene, from David Attenborough to Extinction Rebellion, is having an effect. But there was general agreement that while picking up litter was much better than it used to be, the dropping of litter was not much changed, so no excuse for complacency.

Please look out for details of the next pick on the Midsomer Norton LIFE facebook page or on the Town Hall notice board, and join the party.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

CHRISTMAS FAYRE AT ST JOHN's PRIMARY SCHOOL

S

t John’s Primary School, Midsomer Norton will be holding their annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday 30th November from 11am-3pm.

There will be an Santa's Grotto, a raffle with top prizes such as a Nintendo Switch, arts and crafts room. There will be a games room with throw the snowball and much more. The School will also have a licensed bar and hot will be available.

Stall holders should email stjohnsmsnpta@ outlook.com for a pitch and more information.

If any parents would like to volunteer or join

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

39

CAFE LAUNCH

C

arers in the Midsomer Norton area now have two opportunities a month to socialise and get advice and support as the B&NES Carers’ Centre is expanding its neighbourhood carer cafés.

Chief Executive David Trumper said: “Carers at our café in Mardon’s have said the café is their lifeline and is the only break they feel able to take from their caring responsibilities. We are delighted we can expand our support to more carers in the B&NES area.”

Anyone who is a carer is welcome to drop in to a café and learn more about what the Carers’ Centre has to offer. For more information phone 0800 388 885 or log on to www.banescarerscentre.org.uk.

On Wednesday 30 October, the centre will be launching a second café at the Mardon’s Social Club in Westfield from 2pm to 3.30pm. Currently the charity operates a café from 10am to noon on the first Monday of the month. As the morning café has proved so popular, an afternoon one has been set up for the last Wednesday of every month.

Thanks to new funding from The National Lottery Foundation and People’s Postcode Trust, the Carers’ Centre has opened more cafés throughout the B&NES area. On Thursday 27th September, a new café was opened at the Bloomfield Care Home in Paulton. The Bloomfield Café meets the last Thursday of every month from 10.30am to noon.

The cafés are part of a broader effort by the charity to reduce loneliness and isolation by offering carers and their cared for the chance to drop in, have a hot drink, chat and meet others from their area.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

YOUR LOCAL INFORMATION AND GUIDE

Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with what is happening in the town

MSNLife

41

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Is Your Child Starting School In September 2020?

Norton Hill Primary School is due to open in September 2020. This £7.8 million primary school has been designed to be a bespoke school, specialising in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), MFL, Forest School and Outdoor Learning. The school has been commissioned by the DfE to meet the growing numbers of children needing primary school places in the local area. Norton Hill Primary School will have superb sports provision, with two indoor sports halls, a dance studio, two large pitches for football and rugby and a hard surface sports pitch.

As part of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, the staff and pupils will work closely with secondary school specialists to support all pupils in experiencing a high quality education in order that they reach their full potential. Our aim is to ensure pupils achieve high academic literacy and numeracy skills and to foster a love of learning, while also becoming confident, independent-minded citizens of the future. Our unique provision will support pupils through their primary school life with a seamless transition into their secondary school education.

Alun Williams, CEO of Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, is delighted to announce the appointment of Kerrie Courtier as the new Executive Headteacher of Norton Hill Primary School. Mrs Courtier is the former Executive Headteacher at Longvernal School, and took the school from an Ofsted rating of ‘Requiring Improvement’ to ‘Good with Outstanding features’.

OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE AN OUTSTANDING EDUCATION SO THAT ALL OUR PUPILS REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL IN LIFE.

Contact Us: Email – office@nortonhillprimary.com Tel – 01761 414276 Facebook Page – Norton Hill Primary School

Please register your interest on our website to keep up to date with current news and parent meetings www.nortonhillprimary.com

Reception children starting school in September 2020, need to APPLY NOW via https://capita.bathnes.gov.uk/CitizenPortal_LIVE/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fCitizenPortal_LIVE to avoid disappointment.

LOCAL LIFE

43

REGULAR EVENTS IN MIDSOMER NORTON MONDAY Police Beat Surgeries every third Wednesday of the month between 10 - 11am at Costa Coffee, The Hollies.

Come and meet a member of the team to discuss local policing issues.

Carer’s Centre Coffee Mornings, first Monday of the month 10am - 12pm.

Join Carer Support Officer, Lorraine for one to one support and to meet other like minded people in a similar situation. Mardons’ Social Club. For more information call 0800 0388 885.

Stop off for tea, 11am - 1pm at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

Knit and Natter, 1.30pm at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

First Tuesday Women’s Group, 2.30pm Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

U3A Coffee Mornings, last Monday of every month (3rd Monday on bank holidays) 10.30am - 12pm at the Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton.

Walking Football, 10 - 11am Midsomer Norton Leisure Centre.

AgeUK Book Group, third Tuesday of the month 10 - 11.30am Midsomer Norton Library.

First Thursday Social, first Thursday of every month at Welton Rovers Football Club, 2pm - 5pm.

Midsomer Norton Lunch Brunch, first Monday of every month in and around Midsomer Norton, contact AgeUK for next venue, active@ ageukbanes.co.uk or 01225 484510.

Tai Chi, 11am - 12pm at the Town Hall.

U3A speaker meetings, second Monday of every month, 2pm at the Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton.

Full Town Council Meetings, first Monday of alternate months, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7 - 9pm public welcome.

TUESDAY Men’s Shed Meetings, 9.30am 2.30pm, Farrington Farm.

Cook and Eat Sessions, first and third Tuesday of the month, 11.30am - 2pm at Orchard Hall. Contact AgeUK B&NES for more details, active@ ageukbanes.co.uk or 01225 484510.

Singing for Fun, last Tuesday of the month, 2.30 - 4pm at Orchard Hall.

For more information, contact AgeUK B&NES, active@ageukbanes.co.uk or 01225 484510.

WEDNESDAY Roots Baby and Toddler Group, 1 2.30pm Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.

Tai Chi, 2 - 3pm at Orchard Hall.

Midsomer Norton Walking Group, first and third Wednesday of the month, meet at Midsomer Norton Town Hall at 10am, for more information, contact AgeUK B&NES, active@ageukbanes.co.uk or 01225 484510.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY Cinema at the Midsomer Norton Town Hall, every 2nd & 4th weekend of the month.

Men’s Shed meetings 9am – 1pm, Farrington Farm.

SATURDAY Somerset Farmers’ Market, first Saturday of the month, outside the Hollies Gardens, Midsomer Norton High Street.

Cinema at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, every 2nd & 4th weekend of the month.

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LOCAL LIFE

45

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

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

MIDSOMER NORTON TOWN COUNCIL 01761 418701

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

MIDSOMER NORTON TOWN TRUST 07530 042627 MIDSOMER NORTON COMMUNITY TRUST 01761 419133 The Office is based in the Town Hall

BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL 01225 477000

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

CITIZENS ADVICE 03448 487919

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

AGE UK B&NES 01225 466135 FOOD BANK

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

07729 523986

CHILDREN’S CENTRE

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

DOG WARDEN 01225 394041 DOCTOR SURGERIES

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

PHARMACIES

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

DENTISTS

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

HOSPITALS

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

VETERINARY SURGERY

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

SCHOOLS Longvernal Primary School, 2 Longvernal Midsomer Norton BA3 2LP - 01761 412777 Midsomer Norton Primary School, High Street Midsomer Norton BA3 2DR - 01761 412289 St John’s C of E Primary School, Redfield Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 2JN - 01761 412019

Welton Primary School, Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2AG - 01761 413131 Norton Hill School, Charlton Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 4AD - 01761 412557 Somervale School, Redfield Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 2JW - 01761 414276

CHURCHES

Midsomer Norton Methodist Centre, High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DR - 01761 410450 St John the Baptist, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HX - 01761 411216 Welton Baptist Church www.weltonchurch.org.uk - 01761 410274 Salvation Army, Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 2AJ - 01761 420170 Holy Ghost Catholic Church, High Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2DR - 01761 235111

TRANSPORT

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

HALL HIRE

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

DHI 01761 419086

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PUBLIC TOILETS

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

48

LOCAL LIFE

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

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

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

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

Ian Macdonald Insurance Services Limited Your Local Broker Since 1981

The local choice for ALL your insurance needs 113 High Street, Midsomer Norton Tel: 01761 416937 Fax: 01761 416266 www.ianmacinsurance.co.uk

LOCAL LIFE

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

Council Connect: For help with waste, roads, libraries, planning and general enquiries Tel: 01225 394041 Email: council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk Customer Services: For Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates Tel: 01225 477777 All other enquiries: Tel: 01225 477000 Email: enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk BATH ONE STOP SHOP 3-4 Manvers Street Bath BA1 1JQ Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8.30am – 5pm Wednesday: 9.30am – 5pm Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm Saturday: 9am – 4.30pm GUILDHALL BATH (Electoral Services, Register Office, Bath Record Office) Guildhall High Street Bath BA1 5AW MIDSOMER NORTON LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICE The Hollies High Street Midsomer Norton BA3 2DP Monday – Thursday: 9.30am – 5pm Friday: 9.30am – 4.30pm Saturday: 9.30am – 1pm

49

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

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

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

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

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

50

LOCAL LIFE

A MESSAGE FROM THE CLERK Wow, what a year it has been! When I look back at what the Town Council has achieved this year, it’s truly incredible and yet, there is much more still to come with some exciting times ahead.

The Town Park has now started the next stage and the transformation will give the residents of Midsomer Norton a much-wanted usable green space. A further application made to B&NES for £250K of S106 funding has ensured the project can continue and include the aspects such as the amphitheatre where we can hold outside events. With B&NES Parks Officers remaining fully supportive of the project we are able to work with New Leaf Studio - chartered landscape architects to ensure we deliver the project. I am excited on what the Town Park will be able to achieve in the future and the space that will become available to hold and facilitate events for the town is endless.

Another first for the Town Council is children’s Christmas party and cinema night for the younger residents of the Town and plans are now in full swing so we can deliver the festive magic for the children of the town.

The town has recently had some more iconic news, as if the Asset Transfer wasn’t enough for

Stories, News, Events

TELL US ABOUT IT!

news@ignyte-uk.co.uk 01761 409831

the year, a successful bid to Historic England led by B&NES and developed by the Midsomer Norton Regeneration Partnership will now go some way for the future of the Town. It will benefit from part of the £95 million fund to revive historic shopping areas. Further details of this can be found in this edition of LIFE. Finally, with a full calendar to welcome the winter season, I do hope you enjoy the fabulous festive events. I would like to wish you all from myself and the team at Midsomer Norton Town Council a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Donna Ford PSLCC Town Clerk

follow us @MSNLife @midsomernortonlife @MidsomerLife

LOCAL LIFE

YOUR TOWN COUNCILLORS

Cllr Michael Evans (Mayor) 01761 235996

Cllr Steve Plumley (Deputy Mayor) 07913 952901

michevans@gmail.com

s.plumley@sky.com

Cllr Sue Graham 07896 411 840

Cllr Brian Lawrence

sujgraham@gmail.com

(Chair of Finance and Operations Committee)

07701 007 277

51

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

Cllr John Baker 07827 994171 j.baker6@sky.com

Cllr Lynne Clement 07855 037905 01761 414003 lynne.clement@btinternet.com

Cllr Gordon Mackay (Chair of Planning Committee)

07806 604 302

bcml@hotmail.co.uk

council@gordonmackay.net

Cllr Lynda Robertson 01761 415629

Cllr Richard Robertson 01761 415629

Cllr Chris Smith 07969 181 166

therobertsons70@outlook.com

therobertsons70@outlook.com

nannychris57@outlook.com

Cllr Michael Moxham 01761 419960 07593 185850 michael.moxham@freenet.de