The Wheel Winter 2021

Winter 2021 Issue 5

A GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE

Welcome to your community magazine

CONTENTS MAYOR’S MESSAGE 4 RADSTOCK IN BLOOM 5 YOUTH CONNECT 7

Bringing together Clandown, Haydon, Radstock and Writhlington.

W

elcome to the fifth edition of The Wheel! We’re now gearing up for the Christmas season, so you’ll find lots of up coming news and projects to help us celebrate safely. This year, why not shop as local as possible for Christmas and support each other as we come out of yet another difficult year?

In this issue, we catch up on In Bloom, find out more about the Writhlington Flower Show and remeber some of Radstock’s fallen in time for Remembrance Day. If you’d like to feature in future issues of the Wheel, make sure to get in touch with us in time for the next edition, deadline will be on 10th January.

FLOWER SHOW HISTORY LEST WE FORGET FIVE ARCHES MAGAZINE big local RADSTOCK LIBRARY WELLBEING HUB RADSTOCK FOOD CLUB SWAN TRANSPORT FOODBANK MARKET HALL HISTORY LIVE WELL B&NES CLERK’S MESSAGE Councillors

8 10 12 17 18 19 20 22 23 26 29 30 31

In the meantime, enjoy this issue and have a lovely Christmas and a wonderful New Year and we’ll see you in 2022! thewheelradstock

WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO 3000 HOMES IN THE AREA? PRICES START FROM JUST £55

CALL ZOE ON 01761 410141

The next edition of The Wheel will be in January 2022. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 437962 before the deadline of January 10th 2022.

If you have difficulty reading the print, please contact the Town Clerk for a large print copy. You can also view The Wheel on the council’s website at www.radstock-tc.gov.uk.

The Wheel is produced by Ignyte Media Ltd, Bathway Farm, Bathway, Chewton Mendip, BA3 4LN. Tel 01761 410141. Whilst 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 Radstock 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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MAYOR’S MESSAGE Welcome to the fifth edition of the Wheel, Radstock’s quarterly record of all that is available locally.

As we stand on the other side of the tunnel that was Covid-19, it is worthwhile taking stock, enjoying what we still have, whilst noting what has disappeared.

As a community we are fortunate enough to work with dedicated individuals who have looked after the needs of the impecunious, elderly and housebound.

We have a council that has dedicated itself to the betterment of our town and managed to keep important facilities, such as the library, open through thick and thin.

For Radstock to grow and prosper, it is important that we shop and conduct business locally as far as possible. We wouldn’t want to be subsumed into a larger conurbation where all trace of the historic town were quietly removed! The corollary of assured independence is that Radstock becomes increasingly self-contained and this would be reflected in the diversity of businesses and facilities within the town. In this endeavour, everyone has a part to play.

To paraphrase the late President Kennedy, ask not what Radstock can do for me, ask what you can do for Radstock.

Rupert Bevan Mayor of Radstock

ADVERTISE TO 3000 HOMES IN THE AREA CALL ZOE ON 01761 410141

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2021 Gold Award in the Ayre Cup for RADSTOCK N BLOOM It’s

been a very busy few months since I last sat down to write an article for The Wheel. The summer baskets have been fantastic and we have received many compliments on them and the planting around town, including a small painted pebble “You are Lovely” gift left in the Brian Perrett Memorial Signal Bed. Jean has been extra busy working on the Church Street bed and we are excited to have some new blood within the group with new ideas and are looking forward to developing the area into a place of adventure and education for the young school children heading to and from St Nicholas School.

We welcomed the RHS judge to Radstock back in July. Showing off the best of Radstock, we visited the fantastic Writhlington Orchid Project and learnt about how the Orchid Project adapted throughout the pandemic selling orchids propagated by the students online. After, we headed to the Writhlington Community Allotments, a small but fantastically worked space of flowers and vegetables with a sense of community.

Leaving Writhlington behind, we headed up to Haydon and were met by Cam Valley Wildlife group.

The judge was taken on a tour of Haydon batch, probably the best example of natural rewilding, before heading to Haydon Community Gardens, a lesser known space of flowerbeds, woodland runs and greenspace.

Finally, we headed back into town, stopping to admire the Memorial Gardens, Miners’ Wheel and Museum and the greenway beds, planted and maintained by Councillor Gary Dando. Passing the Riverbank Café, who have put on an amazing floral display this year, crossing over to admire the new planter and knitted display by the wonderful Radstock Knitters group.

Then, we walked along Fortescue Road and saw the traders’ displays, then on around to the Brian

Perrett Memorial Signal Bed, meeting Pam and Jo, who have worked very hard on this space; weeding, moving and planting stuff from the old Radco garden. Together they have created a space which was the most photographed area of the day, before we stopped for lunch.

Skip forward to the 7th October and we received our award for this year’s main competition - we won a Gold!

We are over the moon with the result and at our first meeting in 18 months decided on the 2022 colour scheme which will celebrate a historic Jubilee year alongside the theme of Grow in the Community.

If you’d like to get involved or perhaps start a rewarding and fantastic community project, we are looking to support and start projects in the Tyning and Clandown area, please contact us for more information.

Radstock, Westfield, Midsomer Norton How to contact us www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/your-area/somer-valley/

Lisa ALLERTONBALDWIN Mark GRAHAM Steph JONES

PC 3964 Neighbourhood Constable

PCSO 8743

Lana WASHBOURNE

Olga HAPOVA PCSO 7205

PCSO 8755 PCSO 6972

PS 3184 Neighbourhood Sergeant

George SIMPSON PC 3356 Neighbourhood Constable

Jonathan HARDY

Paul THATCHER

Glyn SAMWAYS PCSO 7485

Kate CHARLTON

PCSO 6196

PCSO 7380

PCSO 7649

Report crime online www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/

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YOUTH CONNECT SOUTH WEST Youth Connect South West

deliver open access youth work sessions in Radstock every Monday and Wednesday, 7-9pm.

The Youth Work team host these sessions, along with project work, at the youth centre on Church Street for young people aged 13-19.

The team provide activities for young people which include cooking, arts and crafts and sports activities.

This autumn, the team have been hosting a wellbeing project for young women from Radstock, looking at practical techniques and ways to promote positive health and wellbeing. Funded by Radstock Town Council, the team have been able to host an 8-week project that incorporates the arts, outdoors/ nature, meditation/mindfulness, plus allowing a practitioner to host some yoga.

On the back of the successful summer Holiday Activity Fund (HAF), that was led by Bath Rugby Foundation (BRF) and funded through Bath and North East Somerset Council through central government funding, YCSW will be partnering again with BRF, to host a Christmas provision that will offer activities and trips for young people who receive free school meals or need extra support. This programme will be hosted for three days in the Somer Valley area for young people aged 11-16 from within Bath and North East Somerset. Activities will include nutrition, arts, crafts, and youth work topics, plus a Christmas themed trip.

Youth Connect South West also provides wider support for individual young people and their families, through our engagement team. If you require additional support i.e., with careers, mental/ physical health or education, then please drop us a message or call and we can arrange a referral with the team.

For more information about our youth work provision, or any of the work that we carry out, please contact Carrie Ford – 07875488718 carrie.ford@ycsw.org.uk Visit our website www.youthconnectsouthwest.org.uk or look us up on Facebook & Instagram @youthconnectsouthwest

REPORT, VIEW OR DISCUSS LOCAL PROBLEMS Did you know you can report highway and other issues in the area directly to B&NES council at fix.bathnes.gov.uk You can upload pictures and location details of any issues in the area.

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A Brief History of Writhlington Flower Show Just

over 132 years ago, the very first Writhlington Flower Show took place and was reported in the Somerset Standard and Wilts. & Dorset Advertiser on 7 September 1889 as below: Writhlington “FLOWER SHOW: This show was inaugurated in May last at a meeting convened by the Rev. R. A. Ramsay, rector in the National School room – with the promise of the Kind patronage of the Right Hon. Lord Hylton, the Rev. R. A. Ramsay as president and hon. secretary, Mr J. C. Walton, Vice President, and messrs M. Carpenter, A. King, S. Denning, G. Lewis, W. Swift, Job Swift as a working committee and it only wanted a fine day (which happily was the case on Thursday) to Rev. R. A. Ramsay ensure its success.

Mr Mark Carpenter of the Manor Farm, Writhlington very kindly placed his field adjoining the school at the disposal of the committee and the show was held there. The committee decided to alter the system of prizes and instead of giving prizes, as was usual, for particular flowers, fruit and sorts of vegetables, to give them for the best well-kept gardens and the best collections of flowers, fruit and vegetables grown by individual cottagers in the parish.

The judges of the cottage gardens was Mr Walters of the Kensington Nursery Gardens Bath and for the garden produce, Mr Bowne of the Beckington Nurseries, who also kindly sent a large contribution of fine specimen plants. Great credit is due to the

Minute Book 1947 entry

Rector and the committee for the admirable way in which the arrangement for the Show were carried out. The Writhlington Brass Band played throughout the afternoon and evening.”

The Flower Show has been at the heart of Writhlington and over the years, has been supported by dedicated local people who have given their time, energy and dedication to ensure successful shows year after year.

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exhibitions of special classes, which included an exhibit of typical herbs and flowers which would be found in 1940’s cottage gardens.

Knitters found old patterns and knitted up wartimestyle jumpers, a table was set aside for wartime memorabilia and show supporter Ron Cottle, who served in the RAMC, sent along a collection of pictures from regimental pantos.

Fund Raising

Flower Show Centenary Committee

In 1989, the Flower Show celebrated its Centenary in style. A flurry of activity took place to raise funds to ensure the show would be worthy of this milestone celebration. A fund raising committee was set up under the chairmanship of Les Gay and raised over £1,000 by staging a variety of social events for the villagers. This led to the raising of a magnificent £1,000 which was used to hire a large marquee to house the Flower Show.

The Flower Show Medallion The Writhlington Flower Show Centenary Committee commissioned this in 1989 for the Flower Show.

Dennis Chedgy did some research and found a collection of old miners’ medals possibly from mining rescue. Norman Matthews designed the medallion from those original mining medals. Local Artist and Sculptor Paddy Creton then made moulds and cast the Bronze Medallion to commemorate the Centenary Show in 1989, one of which was presented to the Writhlington Village Hall Committee and is still displayed in the Hall today.

This is the badge used on the front cover of all the Show Schedules.

1995 In 1995, Writhlington Flower Show took place on the 50th Anniversary of the war’s end and had a 1940’s theme. There were six VJ-Day only classes,

Over the years, the Flower Show committee has organised numerous events to raise valuable funds. This included a World War II day in 2008.

The event saw wartime vehicles parked outside, a kitchen parlour set up in the hall with a fire range and enamel pots and kettle, not forgetting a cat in front of the fire. A washhouse with a mangle, old tin baths and buckets and an exhibition of all the washhouse necessities that women would use to do the household cleaning. St Mary’s School produced wartime recipes and the children dressed for the occasion.

The 130th Writhlington Flower Show took place on 17th August 2019 and is still a highlight of the village’s annual calendar.

Many thanks must go the all those who have dedicated their time and energy over many years to make the show so successful.

We look forward to many more Shows.

Schedule 1961

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LEST WE FORGET Remembering the Great War with Radstock’s fallen.

Albert’s Story Service No. 24001.

Veal, Albert. Bombardier. 61st Trench Mortar Battery. Royal Field Artillery.

Albert Veal was born in 1882 at Frome Hill Radstock, to parents William Veal and Emily (neè Short). His father originated in Hampshire, but his mother was from Midsomer Norton and the family lived in Radstock for much of Albert’s life.

Following the death of his mother, Albert’s father remarried to Mary Ann Latchem and the family moved to 31 Carlingford Terrace. Around this time, Albert started working as a coalminer before joining the local militia, the 4th Somerset Light Infantry Regiment. At 23, he joined the Royal Garrison Artillery and enlisted on 21st December.

On 19th October 1906, he embarked for India where he served tours of duty in Jutogh, Ambala, Quetta, Lahore, Raawalpindi and Khaira Gali. While there, he contracted malaria and spent some time in hospital with tape worm, infections and a face wound which was caused while off duty.

Following his time in hospital, he transferred to the 26th Heavy Battery and returned to England on 3rd April 1914, where he was stationed at Aldershot.

When the Great War started on 16th August 1914, Albert was sent to France and Flanders to support the British Expeditionary Force, which was in retreat from Mons in Belgium. On 9th December of that year, he was hospitalised again, this time for Typhoid Fever. He was sent to Southampton where he remained

The Wheel for 30 days treatment. Once fit, he was drafted back to France on 8th March and on 28th May, he was posted to 5th Trench Mortar Battery, a unit that suffered heavy losses. On 29th August he transferred to the 61st Trench Mortar Battery and then on 25th October was promoted to Bombardier.

Records show that Albert returned to England a few days after his promotion to marry Agnes Banks in Surrey, the pair welcomed their first child, James, the month prior.

After a short leave to celebrate his wedding, Albert returned to the front and was admitted to the 20th Casualty Clearing Station and two days later, to the 11th General Hospital before being evacuated once more to Southampton. The initial diagnosis was Meloncholia but was later changed to Stress of Campaign, which became commonly known as Shell Shock. These days, such symptoms would be treated as being Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Albert spent

SWALLOW’s CHRISTMAS LUNCH Members of SWALLOW Charity are looking

forward to the festive season, they have already started baking Christmas cakes and making jams and chutneys for the Christmas Hampers that will be on sale in November.

And in the SWALLOW Community Café at St Nicholas Church Rooms they will be serving Christmas lunch from 23rd November to 16th December 2021.

SWALLOW is a local charity providing support to teenagers and adults with learning disabilities. All the money raised through sales will go to support their work. If you would like any more information about the work of SWALLOW or how you can get involved, please contact fundraising@swallowcharity. org or ring 01761 414034 and ask for Nicky.

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four days in the hospital at Southampton before being sent to Napsbury War Hospital in St Albans after his condition weakened. He was medically discharged from the army on 15th April 1916 and was admitted into civilian care at Wells Asylum, where it is noted he was treated for delusional insanity.

Albert died the following March and was buried at St Nicholas Churchyard in Radstock.

Although commemorated on the Radstock Town War Memorial, St Nicholas’ Church and in the Somerset Book of Honour, Albert is not listed on the Common Wealth War Graves Commissions database or on the list of soldiers who died in the Great War, which is the official casualty list.

This Remembrance Day, be sure to spare a thought for Albert and those like him.

Lest we forget.

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LOCAL HISTORY MAGAZINE, FIVE ARCHES, REACHES 100TH EDITION MILESTONE ‘Five Arches’ is the name that was given

to the local history journal of the Radstock, Midsomer Norton & District Museum Society back in 1986, when its first issue was published.

The name Five Arches, relates to the viaduct of the five black, brick railway archways, some of which remain standing today, that carried the Somerset and Dorset (S&D) Railway over the Great Western Railway (GWR). Coming from Radstock and heading west, the S&D railway ran parallel with the GWR climbing in height before heading south over the GWR at Five Arches towards Midsomer Norton South Station; meanwhile, the GWR line headed away from Radstock towards Bristol via Farrington Gurney. Today the GWR line is the Greenway cycle path. The former S&D line is now the cycle path that runs behind Wheelers Road, Five Arches Close, the Midsomer Norton park, and the batch, coming out on Silver Street opposite Midsomer Norton South Station.

Five Arches 100th Edition Cover

Five Arches shares the reminiscences of many local people, some of whom are sadly no longer with us; their memories of our towns and villages, and of growing up and working in our local communities, have been captured as a time capsule within the pages of the journal. The publication is also famous for its regular ‘Rambles’ feature, taking readers on a local history walk around different parts of the coalfield, with old photos and stories to accompany them on their way and, over the decades, has produced occasional special issues on special subjects.

The Five Arches’ milestone 100th edition is, as usual, packed with articles on local history accompanied by beautiful old photos. In fact, every one of the 100 issues is full of carefully researched, interesting, informative contributions covering a multitude of topics from across the former Somerset Coalfield: coal mining, local railways, stories from the world wars, school days of past times, local sports teams of bygone days, farming, and local businesses of the past and much more besides.

None of this wealth of local history, collected and beautifully presented, would be possible without the dedicated Five Arches team of volunteers, headed for the last 29 years by Julie Dexter. Julie took over the editorship in 1992, when original editor, Julian Rutter stepped down. Julian had started the magazine in 1986 and, when he handed over to Julie, the journal was an established and popular biannual magazine, which Julie increased to triannual publication which it remains today.

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David Fisher’s drawing of Five arches showing a locomotive coming from Radstock heading towards Farrington Gurney on the GWR line with the Somerset and Dorset locomotive coming from Radstock heading over the arches towards Midsomer Norton South Station.

“The journal is an important voice for the Museum Society and supports both The Society and The Museum (which houses and manages the Society’s collection) providing valuable income and publicity for both.”

Julie Dexter, Editor of Five Arches for 29 years to date

Dennis Herbert, Chairman of the Radstock, Midsomer Norton & District Museum Society, said: “Each edition has covered a wide variety of topics and promotes the aim of the Society, to advance the education of the public in the history of the local area.”

Radstock Museum Chairman, Simon Carter, said:

Julie Dexter, Editor of Five Arches, said: “The production of each issue has been a real team effort… Five Arches would not be what it is without them whether they’ve been involved through the contribution of a single corner-filler or illustration or given a long-standing commitment as a team member.” Current production team members are: Elizabeth Maggs, Keith Trivett, Dennis Chedgy, Tom Randall, David & Isobel Cheetham and Gill Hogarth.

But anyone can contribute an article; do you have memories to share or knowledge of a particular local industry or way of life from the Somerset Coalfield area? The team would love to hear from you if you do.

Dennis Chedgy, the longest standing team member, has been with Five Arches from the beginning. Over the years he has made regular contributions, many of which have taken the form of rambles. In the 100th issue, he takes his daughter for a historical walk around his hometown, Radstock. Dennis begins his ramble with an introduction from a document held in the Museum archives from 1790 which states:

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“Radstock is a village situated eight miles south of Bath on the turnpike road from Bath to the city of Wells, It has an intersection here on the western side to part of the very old Roman Fosseway, part of which still exists, built with local stone, a raised convexed surface, some 6 feet in width and roughly a ¼ mile in length is visible. A new coalmine has recently opened here in the parish and is carried out with great success.”

Issue 100 of Five Arches and many copies of back-issues are available at Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum Shop. You can also subscribe to Five Arches for £15 per annum (UK) including post and packing, via the museum website: radstockmuseum.co.uk or by sending your name and address and a cheque payable to ‘Radstock Museum’ to Dennis Chedgy, La Ronda, Manor Road, Writhlington, Radstock BA3 3NA.

Back issues of Five Arches on Sale in Radstock Museum Shop

Autumn 2020 Issue 1

Winter 2021 Issue 2

Do you look after someone in your family?

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE, CALL ZOE ON 01761 410141

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Worried about heating your home?

With

energy bills likely to soar this winter, Age UK B&NES is urging people to see if they are eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme which saves households £140 off their electricity bill.

The charity is concerned that for some, the rising prices could mean choosing between heating or eating. They are encouraging older people to take advantage of their free service, which checks eligibility of benefits. AgeUK’s Information and Advice Team can do a simple check to see what you are entitled to and can save you vital money each year.

Information & Advice Manager, Gill Adams, said: “We know that affording to heat your home through Autumn and Winter is often a worry for people. With price rises, it is likely that everyone is going to feel the pinch, meaning that people on low incomes could really struggle.

“We help hundreds of people a year save money on their energy bills and would really encourage people over 65 to give us a call and see if they could be saving - many people do not even realise they are eligible!”

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is different to the Winter Fuel Allowance which all people of pension age receive. It is a one-off payment of £140 paid through your supplier, taking money off your electricity bill. Pre-payment meters and pay as you go meters are included. If you receive pension credit or are on a low income, you could be eligible.

I & A Manager, Gill Adams, continues: “Everyone deserves to live in a warm home that can be affordably heated and whilst there are a great many ways to save energy, ultimately, if you are struggling to pay a bill or keep up payments it is your energy company’s duty to help.”

AgeUK Bath & North East Somerset’s Information and Advice Team can be contacted on 01225 466135 or advice@ageukbanes.co.uk

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RADSTOCK & WESTFIELD BIG LOCAL It’s a really exciting time for the Radstock &

our mental and physical health.

Westfield Big Local and you’re invited to be a part of it! Our group of local volunteers are busy identifying opportunities where we can work together to make our area an even better place to live. We have already invested hundreds of thousands of pounds locally, and will spend more over the next few years.

Over the next few months, we will be heading around the area to talk with people about our investment plan for 2022 to 2026. There are important discussions to have, including finding ways we can work with other community groups, councils and businesses to make sure we can have a great impact.

We would like to thank all the residents who have taken the time to give us feedback at our Dragons’ Dens, on the street, at meetings and via social media. It’s clear that many of you support the work we do, both to help residents to develop their own project ideas, and to ensure there are opportunities, locally, that make it easier for us all to take care of

We would love to chat with you at the drop-ins we are holding around the area, or alternatively please get in touch to arrange a meeting.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more info www.facebook.com/RandWBigLocal

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RADSTOCK LIBRARY NEW HOURS AND NEW ACTIVITIES Radstock Library hours have changed

to make it easier to come and borrow a book or use one of our computers to look something up, fill in an online form or print a delivery label out.

We are also restarting activities with something on every morning we are open.

Our opening times are now Tuesday 9am-4pm Wednesday 10.30am-5pm Thursday 9am-4pm And the second Saturday of the month, 10am-12 noon. (So this means 11 December, 8 January, 12 February and 12 March). On these Saturdays, different Radstock Councillors will be on hand to chat about everything and anything you want or need help with.

On the first Tuesday of the month from 11am, Radstock Library hosts a ‘Silent Book Club’. You are welcome to bring along your own book, or borrow one from the Library and read it in companionable silence for an hour or so. There’s no need to talk or discuss your book – but of course, the staff will be on hand to chat to if you want.

‘Toddler Tales’ take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 11am with stories, tales and general activity for half an hour or so.

Meanwhile, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday mornings of every month, come at 10:30am for a 10:45 start with ‘Read and Rhyme’. The sessions include songs, silliness and stories, providing gentle entertainment and friendship possibilities for those from birth to school age. Feel free to bring along your own musical instruments or shakers, to add to the fun.

The Library has books for all ages – from picture books for the very young, books for young readers, graphic novels and books for teenagers, books offering help with relationships, feelings and life events such as going to school for the first time or visiting the doctor, books with advice for adults on lifestyle, books for gardeners, cooks, home decorators - plus the usual crime and adventure novels, romantic and fantasy novels.

It’s free to join and membership gives you access to e-books to download, audio books, magazines and newspapers, as well as over 2.5 million books across the 145 Libraries West partners.

Advance warning for Christmas; the Library and Radstock Council will be closed from 4pm on Thursday 16 December, reopening on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

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Community Wellbeing HUB supportING local residents in need The Compassionate Communities Hub has

changed its name to the Community Wellbeing Hub. It is still open to support local residents with any of the following: • feeling isolated, lonely or anxious • money advice and benefits support • collecting medication • shopping • delivering or accessing food • stopping smoking • achieving a healthy weight and keeping active • employment and skills • housing This Hub is a partnership between the council, Virgin Care, the B&NES CCG, 3SG and others including

Bath Mind; AgeUK B&NES and Citizen’s Advice B&NES. The combined efforts of a number of organisations means that skilled professionals are working alongside volunteers to ensure there are appropriate responses to meet community needs.

If you know of someone that needs assistance or you have a concern about a resident’s wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact the Hub, or pass on the number - 0300 247 0050. communitywellbeinghub.co.uk/

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Radstock Food Club As always, it is great to see our members coming through the door each week even more so now we are able to see faces without masks as COVID restrictions ease.

We were able to include a couple of events at the end of the summer holidays where members have been able to taste some prepared foods and take away recipe cards which went down a treat and was well received.

Our volunteers are always so happy, welcoming and continue to make a difference to our members’ day and are just an absolute joy to have helping us with the running of this club. They put in so much effort to make the club feel like it should do with lots of social conversation, laughter and great atmosphere.

The members always leave with a smile, not just because of the food, but because they are a part of something so much more.

Each week, we continue to welcome new members, as well as some intake following our late closure of Mulberry Park Food Club. If you are interested or know anyone who would like to become a member, please do get in touch.

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Give a few hours a month to SWAN TRANSPORT Swan Transport is looking for volunteer

drivers who just wish to help out a few hours a month. Swan has a number of roles where people need only commit to giving a few hours a month.

The first is to help us get passengers to Covid-19 booster vaccinations and this would be arranged on an ad-hoc basis.

The second role is to take passengers to a coffee morning group run by Swan for local passengers living around Radstock and Midsomer Norton to go to the Swallow Café, these are held monthly on a Wednesdays 10.30 -12.30 to enable people to have a social get together and meet others over a coffee or tea. Our drivers are welcome to join us if

they wish to join in the socialising.

Our scheme is following the latest guidelines from the NHS, Government and the Community Transport Association to keep everyone safe.

Support, PPE, mileage expenses and drinks are paid

by Swan.

Swan’s drivers help people using their own vehicles to get people to the services they need in the community for their health and well-being and prevent further isolation.

If you would like to find out more about volunteer driving with Swan for a few hours, please ring us on 01761 439548.

Or email us at swan.transport@btconnect.com

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SOMER VALLEY FOODBANK The

Somer Valley foodbank is designed to help individuals and families in crisis through the provision of emergency food supplies. Local care professionals in the Somer Valley area refer people by issuing them a voucher for the foodbank centre where they are given their food supplies.

Vouchers can be obtained from Welfare Support, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Health visitors, DHI, Family Support, The Compassionate Hub, Housing Associations, Schools and many other support agencies.

Before the pandemic, clients were given a cup of coffee and help in finding other professionals who can help them out of their crisis. Keeping covid safe is a priority, but we hope to be able to re-start cups of tea and a chat in the near future. Advice leaflets are put in to each of the food parcels for people to read and use if they want. The foodbank gives the general public the opportunity to contribute to and support local well-being in a simple practical way by donating food or money.

The Somer Valley Foodbank has 4 distribution centres; The Salvation Army Hall in Midsomer Norton on Monday from 12 - 2pm, The Cellar at Paulton Methodist Church on Wednesdays from

11.30 to 1.30pm, St Nicholas Church Tearooms in Radstock on Wednesdays from 12 – 2pm and Peasedown Methodist Church on Fridays from 12 – 2pm.

For more details, contact Paul Woodward on info@ somervalley.foodbank.org.uk or visit the website at www.somervalley.foodbank.org.uk

AVON AND SOMERSET CONSTABULARY

Community Speedwatch www

How does it work?

• A group of local residents volunteer to monitor traffic speeds • Vehicles travelling at excess speed will be recorded and reported to the Police • Police issue a letter to the registered keeper • Repeat offenders are targeted by the Police.

Read more: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/csw

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Make contact with your local Neighbourhood Policing Team Visit: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/your-area or call 101

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Get involved

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The Carers’ Centre ‘hidden army’ Survey Independent

local charity, The Carers’ Centre, has announced the results of a recent survey of over 8,000 respondents into public awareness of issues affecting unpaid carers both in the Bath area and nationally.

The research sought to examine people’s opinions on the ‘hidden army’ that is unpaid carers, what type of support is available, and how best to offer support.

Key findings from the research included: • 79 per cent of unpaid carers find it hard to ask for help • 80 per cent of respondents said there isn’t enough support or financial assistance for unpaid carers Deputy CEO of The Carers’ Centre, Janine Woodward-Grant, said: “This research demonstrates the huge and unseen burden of work resting on carer’s shoulders and highlights how some carers struggle to ask for help. The findings reiterate the great need for more support and funding for carers, particularly since the pandemic.

“Becoming a carer can be isolating, stressful and exhausting so The Carers’ Centre provides support, advice and respite to help carers manage their caring role.

“Carers are often unrecognised for their incredible contribution to society, so it’s good that this research helps shine a light on their hard work and makes people aware of what a demanding role caring can be.”

Fiona Carr from Peasedown St John, who cares for her husband John and is supported by The Carers’ Centre, said: “The research finding that struck me most was that 79 per cent of carers ‘found it hard to ask for help’ which is troubling and it’s worrying that barriers to carers asking for help were ‘they didn’t want to be a burden’ or ‘they didn’t want to appear not to be coping.’

“Personally, I think asking for help is not giving up, it’s actually refusing to give up by getting the help you need to continue caring to the best of your ability. I also agreed with the research findings on carers needing more financial assistance as the Carers’ Allowance is only £67.60 per week, yet carers save the government more than the annual budget for the NHS every year.

About The Carers’ Centre The Carers’ Centre is an independent charity working in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES) and is a network partner of the Carers’ Trust. It supports carers of all ages in the region, providing a range of advice and support directly to more than 4,500 carers a year who are caring for a family member that is ill or living with a disability. The service provides one-to-one counselling service as well as workshops, courses, yoga, reflexology, a community garden and even pampering days. All their services are free and designed to improve the physical health, mental and emotional wellbeing of carers so they are better able to manage the impact of caring.

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THE STORY OF RADSTOCK MARKET HALL The story of Radstock Market begins with a local

man called Moses Horler. Moses was born at Roundhill, Bath Old Road, Radstock in 1818. He was a stone mason, devout Methodist, and Sunday school teacher and he wrote and published his “Recollections” in 1900. Working class biographies are scarce, and so his recollections contain important memories about working class life in Radstock. In his recollections, Moses mentions a meat waggon arriving at the market in 1847 and this is the first known reference of a market in Radstock.

In 1848, brewers George Coombes and his brother Joseph Combes, moved from Camerton to run the Bell Inn, Radstock (which is the stone building, now flats, to the left of the museum) and The Lamb Inn, Clandown. They grew their brewing business producing Clandown Bitter sold widely across the West Country and even into Wales. The brewery was housed in the square red-brick building that still stands today behind Radstock Museum. It was a tower brewery, whereby there were several floors starting on the top floor, with a different process taking place on each descending floor producing the beer.

The Coombes brothers then took on the Waldergrave Inn (Now Radstock Hotel and Bars)

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and matured their beer for 2-3 years in the cellars beneath the inn. Their company name was Coombs’ Clandown & Radstock Breweries & Hotels Co. Ltd. The Coombs family owned the land on which the market took place.

In1872, a trade directory refers to the market as “well provided with produce from the surrounding country” and by 1880, there was a collection of shed-like structures forming an enclosure within the Bell Inn area which formed a more permanent outside market. These structures sat in a yard with a low wall around the perimeter topped with railings.

The market took place on Saturdays and was popular, with not only Radstock people, but folks from all the surrounding villages, who would travel into Radstock to shop at the market. As well as a Saturday market, there was a Wednesday livestock market in Waterloo Road Radstock, both sites being owned by the Coombs family since 1848.

The market was of course the place where the local mining families would buy their provisions. Early on a Saturday the gang leader of each team of miners would collect the weekly wages from the office on Frome Road. The gang leaders would then go into the Bell or the Waldergrave Inn to distribute the wages to their gang members.

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The wives would be outside the pub (they were not allowed inside) waiting for the men to come out and hand over their wages so they could buy the provisions at the market for the family, hoping the money would not all get spent on beer in the pub first.

In the late 1800s, Tom Martin, a surveyor, Radstock born and bred, was appointed by George Coombs (the brewer and owner of the market site) to design and project manage the building of a new market hall which was built over the period from 18971898 costing £2,500, Tom Martin also designed the Methodist Church in Radstock (which sadly is to be closed in January 2022).

The Market Clock, visible both inside and outside the Museum, was made by F.S. Lane, who made clocks, watches and jewellery at his shop in The Street.

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Originally illuminated by gaslight and paid for from the rates, it was the only public means of knowing time in Radstock apart, of course from the sounds of the local pit hooter The Somerset Guardian and Radstock Observer newspapers reported in 1898 that: “The new market premises of Messers Coombs and Co. which have recently been in course of erection are now rapidly nearing completion. Perhaps the most conspicuous addition to the premises is the clock, which has been placed in the tower of the building by Mr F.S. Lane, it contains all the most recent improvements for correct time keeping, some of them being by Mr Lane himself. The arrangement for working the four sets of hands is an ingenious construction, being especially designed not to cast any shadow upon the three outside dials when illuminated by gas light.”

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“Inside provided seventy stalls in three avenues supplying goods of all the essential commodities from a piano to a parsnip.

one-eyed fishmonger whose undeserved fate was to be machine gunned by a German plane in the streets of Bath during the Blitz on the city.

Outside in an open space were a number of all shapes and sizes of wheeled wooden stalls offering fish, fruit and vegetables, the lot sprinkled with visiting pedlars of various quack and catch penny gadgets.”

“One memory I always retain of the market was on dark evenings, the lighting of the stalls, especially those outside, their lights were paraffin lamps, quite graceful in some ways. They were brass, and they gave off a ring of white flame. They gave atmosphere and character to the evening market, but never buy food from underneath the lamps as it would be paraffin flavoured!

Local man, Ron Yelling, recalls market day in the middle part of the last century.

“Saturday was always a favourite day; it was market day. The normal unhurried calm of every weekday was transformed into a crowded and bustling community, which was the highlight of the week and affected the business and social life of the whole town.

“After being invalided out of the First world War, my uncle Mr Bert Line had a stall selling cheese, butter, and bacon just inside the door opposite the Somerset and Dorset station.

“Mr Bill Fern had several stalls crammed with boots and shoes. He had a gang of us school children put them out in the morning and collect them up at the end.

“Mr Skinner repaired boots and Mr Marshall sold toys and all the butchers were based on the raised floor of the market.

“Mr Rich sold seeds and gardening tools and Mr and Mrs Perkins sold sweets; we bought the pink and white minty shrimps which we took down to the stables on the right-hand side of the Waldergrave Hotel and gave some of them to the horses- they loved them “One trader would pull out teeth for a small fee using no anaesthetic or injection with his captive audience looking on aghast “As well as inside stalls, there were many stalls outside the Bell and the Waldergrave. One outside trader I clearly remember was a quiet and pleasant

“I have many happy memories of Radstock Marketits friendliness and its trades people. It contributed greatly to the business, social and community life of our small market town.“ The market remained until the early 1980s when it finally closed, probably due to a change in the way people shopped in the 1970s and 80s, moving from the high street and markets to larger supermarkets with car parks. The market hall building remained empty until 1998 when it reopened as Radstock Museum.

In 1995, the Museum Society, with assistance from the local authority, purchased the Market Hall at Radstock and a Heritage Lottery Grant allowed the renovation and furnishment of the building ready to house the collection of local artefacts from life in the Somerset Coalfield. In 1998, the new museum opened its doors. Since this time, the museum has welcomed visitors from the local area and from all over the world and recently was recognised by The Guardian as one of the top ten small museums in the UK. Complied by Lucy Tudor, Volunteer, Radstock Museum, with extracts from the book, ‘Radstock Reminisces’ by Radstock Museum Volunteers, with information from Five Arches Journal. ‘Radstock Reminisces’ is available from Radstock Museum Shop.

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Live Well B&NES information for all Bath

& North East Somerset residents have a brand-new, web-based resource providing information, signposting, resources and support.

Whether you are looking for local childcare, a toddler group, some parenting support; information and resources to support your role as a parent/carer with a child with a disability or additional need; or signposting to resources for an adult needing care or support; Live Well B&NES all provides this.

Information, services and groups are regularly added to Live Well B&NES; so if you work with, support, provide services to, or run, groups for children and young people or for adults needing care or support (such as older people, adults with physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments, people living with mental ill health), make sure you’re included! It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register. www.livewell.bathnes.gov.uk www.facebook.com/livewellbathnes www.instagram.com/Youth_Info_Bathnes

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CLERK’S MESSAGE It

is starting to feel much colder and do I dare mention the C word?

Since I last wrote we have been busy planning and organising. Creating that list, checking it twice…

Yes, Christmas is coming and it is nice to be able to share with you some of the Council’s plans to get local events back on track.

Radstock Town Council is hopeful that this year we will bring cheer and a smile to all. I know many of our residents and local people were able to enjoy the light switch-on virtually last year, but it will be great to see many of the local groups and organisations who regularly support the event back again this year. The light switch-on will coincide with the activities at the amazing Radstock Museum. If we are good, Santa will be in attendance, as well as hot chocolates and mince pies. Why not make an afternoon of it and see what Radstock has to offer? Support your local community groups, businesses and shops?

This year, with the kind support of Bath & NE Somerset Council, we have a new scheme of Christmas street lights and new lights for the Town’s Christmas Tree and hopefully a little surprise or 2 in addition!

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday 27th November LIGHT SWITCH-ON Have you thought about the Queen’s Jubilee next year? We have a long bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd June to Sunday 5th June. Is there anything you would like the Town Council to organise? We are already looking at the possibility of tree planting to support the Queen’s Green Canopy (also helping in supporting the Climate and Economic Emergency). Let us know your thoughts.

In September we held our first Neighbourhood Planning (NDP) workshop - what a great turn out!

Thank you to those who attended or have pledged their support already.

The NDP is an opportunity to really understand what you would like to see in the area and gives you the opportunity to have a say in where you would like new shops, homes and businesses and what they will look like. This also creates a plan of where development money should be spent and invested in the area. We are currently setting up the working group and hope to have regular updates for you all shortly.

If you do have ideas or suggestions for the town council or would like to speak to your local councillor, there is now an opportunity to pop in to the library on the 2nd Saturday of the Month between 10am and 12pm. It’s also a great opportunity to visit the library and see what is on offer. Remember, membership is free and offers a wide range of services.

George Clutten - Town Clerk

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YOUR TOWN COUNCILLORS

Cllr Gary Dando Radstock Haydon Ward T: 01761 432739 M: 07813 904923 E: garydando41@gmail.com

Cllr Chris Dando Radstock Centre Ward T: 01761 432918 M: 0771 3103380 E: chrisdando3@gmail.com

Cllr Mrs Elizabeth Derl-Davis Radstock Centre Ward T: 01761 439119 E: edegarry48@gmail.com

Cllr Rupert Bevan - Mayor Radstock Centre Ward M: 07980 607127 E: rupert.s.bevan@gmail.com

Cllr Mike Boulton Radstock Haydon Ward T: 01761 436681 E: mikeboulton@headweb.co.uk

Cllr Nick Toogood Radstock Writhlington Ward M: 07715 939804 E: n-toogood@sky.com

Cllr Bruce Shearn Radstock Clandown Ward T: 01761 751117 E: bruceshearn@yahoo.co.uk

Cllr Colin Currie Radstock Centre Ward T: 01761 420296 E: colinandrewcurrie11@gmail.com

RADSTOCK TOWN COUNCIL Radstock Community Hub The Street Radstock Somerset, BA3 3PR Cllr Robert Langley Radstock Writhlington Ward M: 07970 708216 E: roblangley04@gmail.com

Cllr M atthew Shearn M: 07710 263998 E: m.shearn3198@googlemail.com

Cllr Adrian Dodgson M: 07812 046091 E: awdodgson@gmail.com

T: 01761 437962 E: council@radstock-tc. gov.uk www.radstock-tc.gov.uk