The Wheel

Autumn 2020 Issue 1

A GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE

Welcome to your new community magazine

CONTENTS

WELCOME TO THE VERY FIRST EDITION OF

Bringing together Clandown, Haydon, Radstock and Writhlington.

Hello

and welcome to the first ever issue of The Wheel, the only magazine that is distributed door to door across Radstock, Writhlington, Clandown, Tyning and Haydon! We were due to bring you the first issue back in April, but lockdown caused a bit of a delay – hopefully it is worth the wait!

The Wheel is being produced in collaboration with Radstock Town Council and Ignyte Ltd, the publishers behind other local magazines, including Midsomer Norton Life, The Westfield Warbler and Keynsham News. Much like these magazines, The Wheel is full of community news, what’s on, local information and everything else you could need!

The next issue will be heading out in the Winter, so if you want to feature, don’t forget to get in touch with us. For advertising, contact Zoe on 01761 410141, there are even special discounts available if you want to appear in more than one of our publications! Be sure to speak to Zoe to find out more. If you are part of an organisation, sports club or would like to submit local news, please email us on news@ignyte-uk.co.uk.

In the meantime, you can follow our new Facebook page and we hope you enjoy the first issue of The Wheel! thewheelradstock

MAYOR’S MESSAGE FOOD CLUB HAYDON ALLOTMENTS RADSTOCK IN BLOOM HAYDON BATCH KEEPING SAFE AT PLAY BIG LOCAL HEALTHY LIVING CENTRE PHOTO QUIZ RADSTOCK MUSEUM CORONAVIRUS CREATIVITY WORKS WONDERFUL WILDLIFE YOUTH CONNECT VICTORIA HALL SWAN TRANSPORT SWALLOW CLERK’S MESSAGE COUNCILLORS

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The next edition of The Wheel will be in January 2021. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 437962 before the deadline of 2nd Jan 2021.

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, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH. 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 Don’t be a tosser! from B&NES and it is proving to be a great success.

Our town possesses a unique industrial heritage and in future weeks, we are aiming to commemorate this by installing a set of heritage plaques which will provide local information.

You may already know that the Town Council purchased nearly 20 acres of former mining land at Haydon, which covers the site of Haydon Batch.

The intention was to provide an amenity to local people - not only for dog walking, but community activities too. We are fortunate enough to have the legacy of four Sustrans cycle paths and the tranquillity that these afford is a great blessing, as well as opportunities for exercise.

Let me welcome you to this first issue of our own town magazine, The Wheel.

This is a much needed publication that will enable as many people as possible to keep in touch with events and projects in Radstock. I hope it will encourage you to take part and derive much enjoyment and satisfaction from being part of our community.

As with other settlements in the Somer Valley, Radstock has witnessed significant development recently and the population has risen by nearly one third in the last six years. With this has come the gradual growth of services such as the Hub and the open spaces. Volunteers are always needed to maintain opening hours and to help the local charities in the area, numbers of which are always increasing. If you have spare time and would like to get involved, there is much to do!

Radstock has a strong gardening tradition and both the allotments and open spaces are a credit to the town. We have taken up the litter picking initiative,

We are made aware daily of the negative side of people’s lives brought about by Covid-19. With the group Family Action, we have set up a food club with partnership from the Children’s Centre to help.

Details can be found on the Council’s website: www.radstock-tc.gov.uk I wish you all health and good fortune in the coming weeks.

Rupert Bevan Mayor of Radstock

07415100886 Market Place, Radstock, BA3 3AE

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FOOD CLUB LAUNCHED IN RADSTOCK! Bright Start Children’s Centre Services are

working in partnership with Family Action and Radstock Town Council to run a weekly ‘Food On Our Doorstep (FOOD)’ Club in the Radstock area.

This moves on from the emergency food parcels that the Children’s Centre co-ordinated and delivered during the height of the pandemic.

To become a member, you must live in BANES and live or work within 15minutes of the club (by car or walking) and have a child under 18 years.

We will accept other applications in exceptional circumstances.

The FOOD Club runs from: • Radstock Library: Fridays, 1.30 - 3.30pm For further details, please contact: Your local Children’s Centre via brightstartcc@bathnes.gov.uk Or the FOOD Club Co-ordinator via banesfoodclubs@family-action.org.uk Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Sadly, many families in B&NES are facing food poverty and this situation has worsened due to the impact of Covid-19 on people’s finances. It’s fantastic that the community has pulled together to help families on low incomes access affordable food and I’m grateful to our partners for working with us to get the food clubs off the ground.”

FOOD Clubs provide families with good-quality food at a low cost, while also reducing food waste. It costs just £1 a year for your family to become a member.

Once you’ve joined, you can purchase a bag of tasty food items every week worth approx. £15 for just £3.50!

Heidi Limbert, Children’s Centre Services Manager, adds: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Family Action, Fareshare, Radstock Town Council and others on the food poverty agenda to support local families and individuals and reduce food waste.”

Bright Start Children’s Centre Services providing targeted early help and support to local families.

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MY PLOT AT HAYDON ALLOTMENTS It

was almost four years ago when a copy of a Radstock Council newsletter arrived at my recently acquired Haydon home. An article was informing its readers that some allotments were available nearby.

Having just retired, I was immediately interested as vegetable growing was something that I had never done before and therefore it appealed to me as a new interesting project.

There were half a dozen plots available at the time all heavily weeded and untidy. I eventually chose one with the opportunity of obtaining the one adjacent as well once a rather large shed was removed that was breaking regulations. After successfully clearing the first plot and helping contractors to remove the shed, I then cleared up the second and I was ready to rumble!

There are almost fifty allotments in a peaceful and scenic environment on the edge of the Haydon Batch. The allotmenteers include all ages and genders with an even spread of years and not mainly older, retired persons as is the common concept.

There is a plot specially fitted with raised beds for wheelchair access and for young children to use.

Referring back to my now larger plot, the first thing I did was obtaining relevant library books and surfing the internet but the most important issue for me was to get help from some of the existing experienced gardeners on site. They were so willing to help and because of them, I began to make progress as well as enjoying their friendship.

It was fortunate that I started to work my plot in the Autumn so planting was not an issue. I cleared all the weeds and debris and dug all areas and left everything until the following Spring hoping that there would be some nutrients left in the soil as no vegetables had been grown there for a couple of years or so. My new friends advised me to plant

lots of seed potatoes and onion sets with some broad beans all in early Spring and then follow with brassicas (the cabbage type tribe), French beans, leeks, lettuce, parsnips, beetroot, carrots and courgettes, all mainly grown from seed at home and transplanted into their final position in the ground in late Spring and early Summer. I also planted several soft fruit bushes and strawberries. My successes were potatoes and courgettes which are particularly easy to grow with patchy results among the rest but my enthusiasm had been raised for my new pastime.

In my second year, I particularly learnt a great deal in what to do both from my mistakes and the sources previously mentioned. During the first year, I had erected six compost cages so that I could recycle all

The Wheel waste organic vegetable matter and change it into good compost by late Autumn with the help of some activators. I could then dig this systematically into my soil in the Winter and apart from creating very fertile soil, I was recycling and also keeping busy and fit.

I then found out about crop rotation, as growing the same crop in the same place would result in a

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build up of pests and diseases specific to the crop.

I use a three crop year rotation in an area. Potatoes in the first year then brassicas then anything else in the third year. Plans followed, I sprinkled lime where my brassicas were to be grown (as they like neutral or alkaline conditions) and finally sowed some green manure (plants which are grown to improve the structure and nutrient content of the soil, as well as fixing nitrogen from the air for the next crop) in areas that I had dug and had no compost left!

I then followed on with my third and fourth years, gradually learning from mistakes, which incidentally will never stop, planting more different vegetables and even flowers, and consequently finding my harvest yield increase.

What I have found so interesting is that no year is the same. Some years, some crops of a type are better than others, as there are so many different factors.

Soil composition, climate, weeding and amount of watering are just a few. This year we have had the wettest February ever,the sunniest Spring ever and one of the most exceptional bursts of heat on record.

So there is never a dull moment!!

I am now coming up to a fifth year with both my physical and mental health in good shape and a fridge and freezer packed full of delicious freshly picked vegetables.

By Brian Megson

ALL ASPECTS OF INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING AND DECORATING Chris Radford 07388003472 ALL ASPECTS OF INTERIOR & EXTERIOR RADFORDDECORATING@OUTLOOK.COM PAINTING AND DECORATING @RADFORDDECORATING

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RADSTOCK IN BLOOM What is Radstock in Bloom?

Individual Bloomers take responsibility for various beds around town and groups take on specific areas.

This is all made possible by a service level agreement with Radstock Town Council which is our main source of funding. Radstock Co-operative and our local businesses around town sponsor one or more of our summer hanging baskets outside their premises.

Radstock in Bloom take care of the planting, watering and feeding of the baskets and displays around town throughout the year.

Keep Calm and Bloom On! At the beginning of March, The Bloomers had agreed to purchase three new central reservation planters for the Street and a 3-tier planter for the new shop plaza at Ludlow Court, now accessible from Fortescue Road, from funds raised over the last few years.

The Swallows’ horticulture team had planned to help with planting out, alongside traders who had offered help with deadheading. With our own plans, design and knowledge, we felt sure this was really going to enhance Radstock further and give us a good chance of reaching a RHS Gold standard once again.

At that point we did not know what 2020 had in store!

Radstock in Bloom is a group of enthusiastic local people, who first and foremost, work to make our town a better place to live, shop and visit. As a bonus, we take part in the RHS Britain in Bloom, South West region competition.

We are a group of people who try to make this happen by organising litter picks and taking care of the floral displays and some of the flower beds around town. As well as highlighting to both Radstock Town Council and Bath and North East Somerset any areas we feel require attention.

It was decided shortly after lockdown started that we would cancel the order for the new planters and use the money we had raised over the years to support our sponsors, the traders of Radstock. Every year for many years they have sponsored their own baskets and supported us in many ways. We felt it was important to bring a little colour and cheer to the traders and people of Radstock during these uncertain times.

As lockdown has eased and some normality is resuming to Radstock, we have been able to carry out some of the projects we had planned during those winter months and this started with the

The Wheel unveiling of the Brian Perrett Memorial Bed on the corner of Hope House Surgery. Brian was a Founder of Radstock in Bloom and a keen resident of Radstock. His daughter was invited to unveil the plaque on the wall in his memory. We hope to be adding another feature to this bed very soon alongside more new planting in early spring of 2021.

We hope to carry out more of our plans for this year, as and when we can. One of our next projects is to redesign the courtyard area at the Community Hub and Library, creating a child friendly and welcoming space for quiet reading and reflection, with the use of herbs and flowers and some children’s features, we are looking for volunteers to help.

We have been amazed by the litter response coming from Radstock with Tyning, Clandown and Writhlington all carrying out regular litter picks. Even during lockdown people where using their hour’s exercise to pick up litter on their walks, Radstock

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Town Council are currently promoting B&NES’s “Don’t be a Tosser” campaign alongside our No Place For Litter campaign the effects are showing and word is spreading to Bin It. Radstock in Bloom is also a B&NES Litter Hub, this means we can lend equipment and give help and advice to any groups or individuals who would like to carry out their own litter pick across the Somer Valley.

If you’d like any further information on organising a litter pick or helping Radstock in Bloom, please contact us by email: Radstockinbloom@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.

We hope you are enjoying the displays and thank you for your kindness and support in 2020.

Sean Fletcher – Chairman of Radstock In Bloom

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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HAYDON BATCH

Radstock Town Council purchased Haydon

Batch in December 2018. The land originally formed part of the Kilmersdon Colliery and comprises mainly carboniferous spoil part of which was landscaped and part allowed to naturally regenerate approximately 40 years ago. The area is now a mixture of overgrown open pasture and scrub woodland. To the north and south-western boundaries, the land is bounded by Waterside Brook.

The area is a popular recreational site and the Town Council bought the land to ensure its preservation and continued recreational use for the residents and visitors to Radstock. Future plans include creating a nature area and declaring the land as a Local Nature Reserve.

Throughout the Summer and Autumn of 2019, the Cam Valley Wildlife Group undertook numerous studies which included surveys of habitats, flora, invertebrates, birds, mammals, and reptiles. The study identified an environment rich in butterflies, flowers and other wildlife. The report went on to recommend designation of the site as a Local Nature Reserve.

As a result of the report, the Town Council will be looking into the creation of a management plan which will balance the ecology of the area alongside recreational use.

In addition, the Town Council will be working in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset and the recently launched Somer Valley Rediscovered Project to open up green space to more people.

Deborah Porter – Cam Valley Wildlife Trust

CLIMATE CHANGE EMERGENCY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING A WORKING GROUP TO DISCUSS CLIMATE CHANGE? FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT RADSTOCK TOWN COUNCIL'S TOWN CLERK COUNCIL@RADSTOCK-TC.GOV.UK OR 01761 437962

A Neighbourhood Plan for Radstock The Town Council is working to create a Neighbourhood Plan for Radstock.

If you are interested in joining a working group, please contact the Town Council Email: council@radstock-tc.gov.uk Phone: 01761 437962

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KEEPING SAFE IN OUR OUTDOOR SPACES Radstock Town Council and B&NES council

look after the parks in the area, all of which are now open and ready for everyone to get back outside.

The health benefits of outdoor play are numerous.

Signs have been installed to ask users to support the Covid guidelines.

One of the Council’s play areas, Southfield Play park, also has a multi-user gym, a skateboard ramp, children’s play park equipment and a running course, while the Tom Huyton Park is a large play park which has many play pieces suited to a wider age of children with the added benefit of linking to the greenway and cycle paths in the area.

Southfields is owned and maintained solely by Radstock Town Council, Tom Huyton is leased through B&NES and the many smaller parks are managed by B&NES.

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AN UPDATE FROM RADSTOCK & WESTFIELD BIG LOCAL During lockdown it’s possible that you, or

someone you know, will have received support from the Radstock & Westfield Big Local. They were involved in getting help to those who most needed it - whether by providing hot square meals to people unable to get out of their house, or funding family food parcels, baby supplies or compassionate calls to carers. They are pleased they could make a difference. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, they responded quickly and effectively to a very difficult situation. You can read more about this on the website www.radstockwestfield.org.uk

Unfortunately, Big Local have had to postpone the much-loved Dragons’ Den until later this year, or even perhaps next year! They were hoping to add to the 80+ projects they’ve supported so far but will have to wait until it is safe to bring the community together again for a fun and friendly evening.

Jimmy Deane from Sporting Family Change, waiting in line to buy groceries for families in need

Big Local volunteers, Sue Hill and Robin Moss, decide who’s going to deliver the bag of hot food from Riverbank Café

Radstock & Westfield Big Local have gone past the half-way point in the 10-year programme and will soon be discussing how to invest the remaining funds from the £1million fund. Their vision is for a community that is creating its own future and working together to make good things happen - please get in touch if you would like to join the great volunteers that make up our Big Local Partnership, and have your say on how to make our area an even better place to live.

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THE NEW HEALTHY LIVING CENTRE The NHS England and NHS Improvement Estates and Technology Transformation Fund is a national funding programme to support GP practices to make improvements to services for local patients including more modern, expanded facilities and use of new technologies.

Building

work has started on a new Healthy Living Centre for Radstock.

The opening of the new Hope House Healthy Living Centre, offering local people access to expanded GP services, a Children’s Centre and health and wellbeing support is set to take a step forward now that the building work has started.

The Hope House Centre will provide a new home for the town’s Hope House GP surgery and Children’s Centre services as well as offering a range of other services such as minor operations, chronic disease management and family planning. It will also offer diabetic eye screening, physiotherapy, a diabetes prevention programme and counselling services which local people would otherwise need to travel to Paulton Hospital or the Royal United Hospitals in Bath to access.

The Centre will receive £2.4m from the NHS England and NHS Improvement Estates and Technology Transformation Fund as well as £4.3m of investment from Hope House Surgery, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and local organisation, The Big Local.

The Healthy Living Centre incorporates a Community Health and Wellbeing space supported by the Radstock and Westfield Big Local Partnership, with a Big Local grant administered on behalf of the Big Lottery Fund. This is in partnership with local voluntary organisations such as Bath Mind and Southside Family project, which will provide additional mental health support, child and parent groups, access to exercise programmes, family support and general health improvement programmes.

Healthcare specialists, Osmond Tricks designed the Centre and will manage the construction phase.

The building work is expected to take around 12 months with the centre targeted to open in the summer or autumn of 2021. Work on the project will take into account health and safety restraints and social distancing measures put in place because of coronavirus.

Corinne Edwards, B&NES Chief Operating Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that building work on the new Hope House Healthy Living Centre will begin and I would like to pass on our thanks to everyone involved in moving this project forwards. The centre will offer local residents a wide range of health and wellbeing services under one roof and reduce the need to travel further afield to access other services.”

Stephanie Coombs, Practice Manager for Hope House Surgery, said: “We are excited that work on this project is now set to begin. The Hope House Healthy Living Centre will allow us to continue to

The Wheel provide general practice services to the growing local population and to develop further enhanced services for our community. We know that being able to offer a range of services under one roof is really important and will deliver a number of health benefits to our population from an easily accessible location in the centre of Radstock.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council will fund the part of the building that will house the Children’s Centre.

Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “The start of building work for the new Hope House Healthy Living Centre marks a significant step forward in the regeneration of Radstock that has been taking place over the last few years. I’m delighted that we have been able to support the creation of a centre that is truly fit for the future health and care needs of the community. It will also mean residents can access a

range of services without travelling into Bath, which will not only be more convenient for them but will also help tackle the climate emergency through shorter journeys and reduced vehicle use.”

Ian Biggs, Director of Primary Care and Public Health for NHS England and NHS Improvement in the South West, said: “We are delighted to be able to contribute to this fantastic new health centre. The new purpose-built building means the people of Radstock will be able to access first-class health and care services in the town for years to come.”

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, Bath & North East Somerset Council added: “Covid-19 has highlighted the need for collaboration with a strong focus on preventative measures for our wider community, so I’m delighted that Radstock is going to benefit from this integrated centre. The Children’s Centre will really help local families.”

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PHOTO QUIZ Can you spot where these images were taken around Radstock?

B

A

C

D

E

F G

H

I

J

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ANSWERS A - Riverside Cafe. B - Miners Wheel Memorial. C - Coal Truck above Tom Huyton car park. D - Wooden Bridge on the way in to Tom Huyton E - Fortescue House old sign on the Post Office building. F - Fortescue Road. G - British Lions Club Memorial – Radstock War Memorial.

H - Trinity Methodist Church window – off Fortescue Road. I - Somervale Road Gardens. J - Hope House Surgery – In Bloom baskets.

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Image A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Image F

Image B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Image G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Image C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Image H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Image D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Image I

Image E

Image J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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RADSTOCK MUSEUM Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum

is delighted that it has now reopened on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons (2-5pm). Key parts of the Museum have been treated with an anti-viral protective coating and Covid security measures are in place. The newly-refurbished Alex Hann Exhibition Gallery was officially opened just before lockdown and now contains six mini-exhibitions covering Coalfield heritage. These include the 70th anniversary of the closure of Camerton Colliery, the story of Alex Hann and his Koncap mine safety training invention, an 1883 survey of the Waldegrave Pits in Radstock, the stories behind commemorative watches presented to Radstock families after WW1, the Spanish ‘flu pandemic that hit the Coalfield in 1918

and 1919 and the history of the Thatcher family associated with Thatcher + Hallam, solicitors based in Midsomer Norton. The Museum website (www. radstockmuseum.co.uk) has details of all the safety measures in place.

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CORONAVIRUS – PREVENTING A WINTER LOCKDOWN

Preventing a local lockdown is in YOUR hands

The

director of public health at Bath and North East Somerset Council has said that there are measures in place to prevent a winter lockdown in the local area.

Dr Laurence said: “If everyone does the right thing we will get on top of this. If everyone is a bit slack, we could easily lose it, so it’s all about prevention in all age groups.

“The bug is with us – it’ll never go away” he said.

“Even if we have a vaccine, we have to live with it to some degree.

“Individual and collective behaviour matters so much, and it is the work of the council and its partners to encourage people to take preventive measures seriously, including social distancing and good basic hygiene.

“We must remember that the virus doesn’t change its behaviour just because we change the rules.”

stay alert practice social distancing wash your hands stay at home if you have symptoms and get tested ✓ Book a test via phone on 119 or online at nhs.uk/coronavirus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Keep up to date with information ✓ On the website www.bathnes.gov.uk/ coronavirus ✓ Follow B&NES on Twitter, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram ✓ Tune into your local radio stations ✓ Call 0300 247 0050 or visit 3SG.org.uk/ wellbeing for support with food/medicines/ wellbeing Go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus to find the Local Outbreak Management Plan.

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CREATIVITY WORKS

Creativity

Works is a socially engaged arts organisation who have been based in Radstock for nearly 40 years. The organisation was previously known as Wansdyke Arts Council, North East Somerset Arts, NESA, and finally in 2010, became Creativity Works. We are the only National Portfolio Organisation in B&NES, receiving core funding from Arts Council England in recognition of the high quality of our work and the impact that our work has on the communities of Radstock, B&NES and further afield.

We deliver courses, projects and programmes for a variety of different communities including people living with mental health challenges, women suffering with perinatal depression, vulnerable young people and families, and communities within specific geographical locations. We use the power of the creative process, inspiring and empowering people to explore, develop and grow.

We want to make arts and creativity accessible to as many people as possible as we are passionate about the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities.

One of our most recent projects in the area is Love Letters to Radstock.

“This project is all about hearing stories of why residents love Radstock so much, to celebrate the people and places of the town, and to join together to create amazing and lasting public artworks that bring a sense of joy, celebration and civic pride,” says Oliver Jones, Director, Creativity Works.

Working alongside two artists – Ellie Shipman and Alicia Ridley, Creativity Works invited the community to join them at letter writing stations throughout the town where they were able to create their own love letters on larger-than-life envelopes. These letters will

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be transformed into beautiful, aluminium panels and dotted about the town in people’s favourite locations as the ‘Radstock Love Letters Trail’ for residents and visitors alike to walk and enjoy into the future.

And what will be at the end of the trail? The Angel of Radstock - A striking and magnificent terracotta sculpture created by the community, bearing the names of those they love and those who’ve inspired them written on the intricate clay wings. A truly beautiful monument of everything we love about Radstock. The Angel will be installed, pride of place, on the front of the Radstock Community Hub.

JOIN NOW

with no club joining fee

 Increased opening times (6am to 10pm)  Comprehensive cleaning procedures  Fully staffed gym providing personal service  Exclusive members app Our members feel safe, happy and valued at the Centurion Health Club

The Centurion Health Club is celebrating its 20th anniversary of opening this year. Although this milestone has passed during challenging times, I am immensely proud to be the manager and be able to welcome so many of our members back to the gym.

The Centurion is one of the longest established gyms in the area with an excellent reputation for personal and professional service.

Our members’ health and safety are always our number one priority.

Jol Burgess - Health Club Manager

Centurion Health Club, Charlton Ln, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 4BD • 01761 412214

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THE WONDERFUL WILDLIFE OF HAYDON BATCH Haydon batch is a lovely site owned by

Radstock Town Council. Over the years, the batch has been transformed from a flattened spoil heap to a mixture of valuable habitats that has a really good diversity of flowering plants and is especially good for butterflies, particularly some of the smaller ones. The tall and low-growing herbs, grasses, shrubs and trees provide the plant needs of many different animals throughout the year. Rabbits help keep down coarse grasses and herbs, helping to provide the conditions needed by smaller butterflies like Common Blue, Brown Argus and Small Heath and providing bare earth, used by basking butterflies and reptiles and important for various insects. Four species of Skipper and two types of Burnet moth (striking day-flying moths) breed on the batch.

Excitingly, Dingy Skipper has had a second brood this year, a ‘first’ in this locality according to Butterfly Conservation. Dingy Skipper, along with Small Heath and another butterfly recorded on the site this year, the White-letter Hairstreak, are special butterflies – UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species due to their decline in the UK.

Black-and-Yellow Longhorn beetle (Rutpella maculata), by Deborah Porter

Small Copper by Diana Walker

You may have seen the striking adult Black-and Yellow Longhorn beetle, whose larvae use dead wood, nectaring on the batch. From July to September you can hear various grasshoppers and bush crickets singing in the sunshine. There are birds, toads, bats, slow worms, bumblebees, flies, many different flowers, and more to see.

Cam Valley Wildlife Group does surveys and insect events on the batch. If you would like to know more about the wildlife of the batch or help record the wildlife there, please contact us at camvalleywildlife@ gmail.com or ring Deborah on 01761 435563.

Our events programme is on our website, at cvwg. org.uk. We operate in Radstock, Midsomer Norton and the surrounding area.

Field Scabious by Deborah Porter

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YOUTH CONNECT SOUTH WEST Covid-19 was a brand new challenge for the

team and like the rest of the country, they faced the anxieties and uncertainties about the future and the worry of how they were going to be able to continue to support young people in what was going to be a very vulnerable time for them. All the face to face support stopped, the youth clubs closed, and staff started working from home. They started on plans to text, email, call and use virtual platforms to make sure young people and their families felt supported through this.

Youth Connect SW worked with the local authority to get key worker status. This allowed staff to visit vulnerable young people, offer street-based youth sessions and be out in the community supporting young people and families during the whole of the lockdown period.

In Radstock, Youth Connect SW provided mobile phones and tablets, paid for through the Quartet Fund, to young people to make sure they had a way to stay in touch with the world outside of home. Staff supported several young people and their families in Radstock, who were shielding, by delivering food parcels and cooked meals. Young people and families were contacted via text and phone calls throughout lockdown to make sure there was an ongoing offer of support.

Virtual youth clubs, using Zoom, started in April which gave the youth work team another way to stay in contact with young people. These sessions have recently been quieter now young people can be outside more, we continue to offer Zoom on a Tuesday.

The youth work team have been in Radstock on various days and times delivering detached sessions, these have given a space to check in with young people and make sure they are getting support if needed. Youth Connect SW have run these sessions in line with guidance from the National Youth Agency and PHE. Going forward, Youth Connect will continue to operate following national guidance and common sense. The new normal will be to carry on meetings with individuals and small groups outdoors and on Zoom whilst following safe social distancing measures and continued hygiene. In the meantime, young people in Radstock can expect to continue receiving check-ins from the team, join in activities or catch ups weekly on Zoom, which is now taking place on a Tuesday from 4-5pm.

Regular sessions are now taking place every Monday and Wednesday 7-9pm at the outdoor courts by Radstock Church tea rooms.

For more information about the Zoom and detached sessions for Radstock, please contact: Katy Roberts: 07530263378 Visit our website www.youthconnectsouthwest.org.uk or look us up on Facebook - Youth Connect SouthWest Instagram - @youthconnectsouthwest

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VICTORIA HALL

After 4 months of silence, the Victoria Hall is once again alive.

Sue Hill Dance runs various veins of its business from its Radstock base and it’s not unusual for passers-by to see a flurry of little people in their signature blue uniform or be treated to some choral singing from the resident college students.

Established in 1982, the Susan Hill School of Dancing started in the Victoria Hall offering classes to young dancers from the area in Ballet, Tap, and in those days, Disco Dance. Over the years, the school has continued to grow and the school currently teaches over 400 local children and adults offering 57 recreational dance classes per week. Whilst Disco Dancing is no longer on the menu, it has been

replaced by the modern-day genres of Street Hip Hop, Commercial Jazz, and Contemporary Dance alongside classical favorites in Ballet and Tap. Sue Hill Dance also runs its full-time vocational course (BDC Theatre College) from the Victoria Hall in Radstock with talented 16-19-year-old students choosing to move to Radstock from across the country to train at a higher level, with even international students from Greece, Germany, and Ireland.

Anyone interested in learning how to dance, whatever age or ability is welcome at the Victoria Hall and there is a Covid secure, socially distanced class waiting for you!

Established over

38 YEARS www.suehilldance.co.uk

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CAN YOU HELP SWAN TRANSPORT? Swan Transport has been operating since 2001 and provides friendly provision to access services typically delivering 5,000 journeys a year to people unable to use public transport. This year Swan Transport won’t be able to provide as many journeys but will do what they can to help people get to the services they need in the community for their health and well-being and prevent further isolation.

If you think you can help or just want to find out more about how Swan are operating in these uncertain times please ring us on 01761 439548 or email swan.transport@btconnect.com and Sarah or Ann will explain a bit more and answer your questions. Swan Transport is part of Swan Advice Network.

Drivers needed

Fundraising Appeal

Swan Transport needs drivers to come forward

Swan Transport are raising funds to cover

to help get people out and about again. Swan’s brilliant team of volunteers are starting up after lockdown to provide essential journeys to older and disabled people in Bath & North East Somerset who are on low incomes, however for some of our drivers the risk is too high so they cannot return yet and this is why we need your help.

If you have use of a car and a little or a lot of spare time, please consider becoming a volunteer driver.

Whatever time you can give will be valued. They pay mileage expenses based on the Inland Revenue rates and training and support is provided and ongoing.

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

the costs of buying PPE to keep all the drivers and passengers safe during their journeys. Can you help?

As Swan start to be able to help passengers with their journeys again, it is important that they make sure both the drivers and passengers can travel safely in the car in the current situation.

They have a fundraising page on Localgiving’s website and would be so grateful for any help that you can give our local charity.

You can donate here www.localgiving.org/PPE or www.localgiving.org/charity/swan-transport

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LOSE POUNDS AND RAISE £’S FOR A LOCAL CHARITY information about the charity on the website www.

Swallow Charity, which supports local swallowcharity.org and on our Facebook page www.

teenagers and adults with learning disabilities, is asking local friends and supporters to take part in a fun weight loss fundraising challenge.

The challenge, which starts in September and runs until December, is aimed at those who may have gained weight during the lockdown or simply want to get in shape before Christmas. Participants will receive tips, guidance and encouragement along the way. For every pound that people lose, we will ask friends and family to sponsor them and raise money for SWALLOW. All the money raised will go towards SWALLOW Charity’s vital work which is needed, now more than ever.

Nicky Tew, Fundraising and Finance Manager, said: “I hope that people get involved with this fundraising challenge – I am going to, I would love to lose those lockdown pounds and this will give me the incentive that I need.”

SWALLOW has been continuing to support its members during the crisis and has seen its costs increase and its income decline. The money raised from the challenge will be vital for the charity to continue to provide vital support.

facebook.com/SWALLOWCharity/

’s for lbs, a 12-week fundraising weight loss challenge

Lose Weight, Get in Shape and Raise Money for SWALLOW, supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities Ask friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you for every pound you lose Participants will receive an information pack including tips, recipes, nutrition and fitness advice plus a gym bag to start you on your weight loss journey.

Starting September 2020 Sayers at the SWALLOW Office To find out more, please contact Charlotte llowcharity.org on 01761 414034 or email fundraising@swa

www.swallowcharity.org The Old Engine House . Old Pit Road . Westfield . BA3 4BQ 01761 414 034 Registered charity number 1045893

Here is what SWALLOW members say: “Thank you SWALLOW for all you are doing during this difficult time.”

“I have loved using Zoom during lockdown and seeing all my friends.”

“I’m glad to be back at SWALLOW, it makes me happy.”

If you would like more information about SWALLOW, or how you could support the charity, please contact Nicky Tew on nickyt@swallowcharity. org or call 01761 414034. You can also find more

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

CALL ZOE ON 01761 410141

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CLERK’S MESSAGE My first message in the first publication of our new magazine, I really do feel privileged to be here. I have lived in the area since I was 4 and could never see myself living anywhere else. If lockdown has taught me anything, it is to really appreciate the things around you. The green spaces, the parks, the history and most importantly, people. I joined the Council in December last year and what a whirl wind my first 10 months has been. I’d firstly like to thank the community for your very warm welcome.

I love meeting the community and hearing about all the fantastic things you all do to contribute to the area. No one would deny it has been a difficult time for all of us with the outbreak of Covid-19. In my first week (way back in December) I was helping at the seniors’ Tea Party, in the wonderful Whisty Hall, meeting lots of new people and reconnecting with some I haven’t seen since I was very little. A Tea Party seems so unattainable for this year, which is sad but we will adapt. People have had to adapt – Council meetings being held remotely (some help from grandchildren), businesses adapting their ways to make a living and support the community, charities and clubs struggling but making the most of the time to renovate and fundraise, people supporting and volunteering with 3CS to deliver to those people in need and neighbours taking the time to check on each other and stand proud on a Thursday evening to give thanks. This makes me proud and I want to thank you all!

You have all pulled together in so many ways. In July, B&NES introduced the ‘Tosser’ anti-littering signs and you have all really embraced the campaign with teams and teams of people coming out to litter pick and make the Town and villages beautiful. The Radstock In Bloom team have been working to paint Radstock pink, the allotmenteers working so hard on their plots and even volunteers cleaning signal poles

and fixing the toilets. There are too many people to list them all here, but personally as someone who works, lives and cares about this area, I would like to say THANK YOU! Radstock, Clandown, Haydon and Writhlington you are beautiful on the inside and out.

I’d like to finish by reflecting and taking the time to think.

As I write this, the lockdown restrictions are easing, please just stop and spare a moment for those around you, we do not all cope in the same way and if you do need help, there is no shame in asking.

Please ask.

Be Kind.

George Clutten - Town Clerk

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YOUR TOWN COUNCILLORS

Cllr Gary Dando Radstock Haydon Ward T: 01761 432739 M: 07813 904923 E: gary@dando41@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: cllr.mike.boulton@gmail.com

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 T: 01761 437962 E: council@radstock-tc.gov.uk Cllr Robert Langley Radstock Writhlington Ward M: 07970 708216 E: roblangley04@gmail.com

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

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