Spring 2014 Issue 10

Sponsored by Midsomer Norton Town Council

A GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE

DON’T MISS Community Survey results Precept 2014/15 Community Trust moves forward

See inside for details of the Midsomer Fayre Day on Saturday 12th July NORTON LIFE NORTON MIDSOMER TO WELCOME Mayor andDeputyMayor ofMidsomer Norton Cllr Paul Myers & CllrMichaelEvans vibrant asMidsomer Norton. It’s hard to imagineanother town intheUKas CarnivalNorton returning to theHighStreet. the autumnthere isevery prospect ofMidsomer after ourRoyal was Charter firstgranted; andin including theBigGigon12thJuly–766 years FayreNorton asourmainsummerfestival we are lookingforward to thereturn ofMidsomer Dream’, aplay for written thetown, performed; On June21stwe willsee ‘A Midsomer Knight’s 2014 willbeavery specialyear for thetown. groups continues withsomething for allages. organised by Midsomer Norton’s community renaissance interms andevents ofactivities As thefollowing pages show, theveritable 1812 TitheMapby Thatcher &Hallam. and thefirstitem beingoffered intheform ofthe with theTown Archive thismonthwithtraining addition it’s even beenpossible to make astart taking onkey community assets inthetown. In running –ready to face thechallenge ahead of TownNorton Trust andCommunity Trust upand After three years we now have boththeMidsomer set offindings whichare includedinthisissue. ForumNorton hasbegundrawing together afirst available inearly JanuaryandtheMidsomer The firstresults oftheCommunity Survey were our town. ceases to amazeusjusthow muchisgoing onin prepare Midsomer LIFEitnever Norton henthetimecomes each to quarter W

CONTENTS COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS COMMUNITY GROUPGRANTS permission ofthepublisher.permission or stored inany retrieval system inany form withouttheprior ofthispublication may bereproducedAll rightsreserved. Nopart materialendorse any includedwithinthispublication. advertising Ignyte Norton orMidsomer Town Council doesnotofficially omissions resulting from negligence, accident orany othercause. forany lossordamagecausedby to anyerrors liability or party nor itseditorial contributors canaccept, andhereby disclaim, data contained inthispublication isaccurate, neitherthepublisher Tel 01761410141. careWhile hasbeentakento every ensure the Court, Third Avenue, Westfield Trading Estate, Radstock BA34XD Life isproduced Norton byMidsomer Ignyte Ltd, Suite 7, Westfield council’s website at www.midsomernortonlife.co.uk You canalso view Midsomer Life Norton onthe contact theTown Clerkfor alarge print copy. If you have difficultyreading theprint please 410141 before thedeadline of16thMay. in thenextedition,please contact uson01761 in June.Ifyou would like your group to beincluded The nexteditionofMidsomer Life Norton willbe NEW YEAR’SHONOURSLIST MESSAGE FROMTHECLERK WEBSITE ANDMOBILEAPP TOWN TRUST LAUNCHED PHOTO COMPETITION TOWN COUNCILLORS GROWING FOR GOLD COMMUNITY TRUST VINTAGE MARKET MAP INITIATIVE SCHOOL NEWS RIVER UPDATE THINGS TO DO THE PRECEPT WHAT’S ON CARNIVAL 26 24 22 20 18 14 10 8 6 4 54 50 44 42 38 29 58 57 4 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE brand

MIDSOMER s part of its ongoing strategy to attract A more people to discover the delights of Midsomer Norton, the Town Council gave a

commissioning grant to help promote the new user’s preferences... NORTON brings you our Midsomer Vintage Market in its first few months. the need of an app, on image size and scripting new responsive website.

Launched on Saturday 16th November the market any device as the website The areas most proactive, will automatically switch to You can now view all of our You

has attracted an enthusiastic following thanks to abilities. In other words, the automatically respond to the accommodate for resolution, award winning, letting agency

the efforts of market organiser Sarah Brereton. website has the technology to ...UNLIKE THIS ADVERT! VINTAGE properties seamlessly, without MARKET Visit the What’s On pages for forthcoming dates. WWW.ACCREDITEDLETTINGS.CO.UK SEE OUR NEW FULLY RESPONSIVE WEBSITE: RESPONSIVE FULLY NEW OUR SEE @accreditedlet t: 01761 410111 e: [email protected] More properties urgently required for waiting tennants waiting for required urgently properties More 6 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 7

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE PHOTO COMPETITION To submit your “Summer 2014” picture, visit the Town Council’s web site and follow the instructions to ave your photo on the next cover of H Midsomer Norton Life! upload your photo. To celebrate the 10th issue of Midsomer Norton Life, Photo entries must be in readers are being invited to submit a summer picture colour, portrait format and which will be used for the cover of Issue 11. If this is successful, it will become a regular feature with each of a minimum of 300dpi. the four annual issues featuring seasonal photographs submitted by readers.

Take a look at the montage to see the evolution of the cover photo since the first issue and put your creative hat on and see what you can do. The successful pictures will be selected by a panel comprising the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Myers, the production team at Ignyte Ltd and the Town Clerk, Clive Stilwell. They will be looking for photos SOMER CRAFT which capture the season and reflect Midsomer Norton as a place. ADDIX For all your paper crafting needs! Open: Tues 6-9pm Wed-Fri 10-4pm Sat 10-3pm We stock Cuttlebug, e-Bosser, Pergamano, a wide selection of cutting FREE of candies packon dies, embossing folders, presentation of stamps and stencils, this advert ProMarkers and Spectrum Garden Design • Planting Schemes Noir plus a good selection of Horticultural Consultancy inks, card and embellishments Courses in Gardening and Garden Design WEEKLY WORKSHOPS and craft clubs Unit 6, Rookery Farm, Binegar, Radstock BA3 4UL www.christinepritchard.co.uk 01749 840567 07739 048679 [email protected] tel: 01761 221166 • mobile: 07966 172282 www.somercraftaddix.com 8 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 9

LOCAL SOLICITORS LEAD Midsomer Norton Town Archive, where precious systems in the coming documents relating to the town’s history will months with a view to be carefully stored and catalogued so that local preparing for the Archive to MAP INITIATIVE people wanting to find out more about where they go live. Radstock Museum live can access a wealth of information. recently ran a course for Members of the Midsomer “We’re delighted to be the first to pass an item to ocal solicitors Thatcher & Hallam are at the Norton Community Trust the Midsomer Norton Archive. The map which we L heart of an amazing initiative which will and the Midsomer Norton have looked after for many years will be of interest not only ensure that the unique Midsomer Norton Society - sharing the to a wide range of people from keen historians to Tithe Map of 1822 they hold will be preserved for Museum’s skills in archiving. local people simply wanting to see what Midsomer future generations to enjoy – but their generosity The new archive has made Norton was like in the early 19th century”, said will also mean that many more people will be able it clear that it will only be George Persson, a Partner at Thatcher & Hallam. to see this wonderful document. focusing on documents and Thatcher & Hallam LLP have been working for The Tithe Map is probably one of the most photographs and has already the Town Council over the last 12 months on the important documents to survive from the period formed a strong collaborative relationship with creation of Midsomer Norton’s new Town Trust as it details all the land and buildings in the town Radstock Museum. in 1822 and would have been used as a basis to and Community Trust which have been highlighted For further details visit calculate amounts paid by landowners to the in the local press. What is less well known is that www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk as part of the Town Trust there will be a new Church. Tithes were effectively like today’s systems of local rates.

The Barn, Clapton, Radstock BA3 4EB The map which measures almost two metres by 07961 320193 one metre is a unique hand drawn document and [email protected] is in remarkably good condition considering its Sweet Cumin age. However, thanks to Thatcher & Hallam, the authentic Indian cookery school map has been scanned at local design agency ‘The Whole Story’ at Peasedown St John and can now Fun classes for adults and young budding chefs who would be reproduced. The plan is to have a full size copy Live Music, DJs, Comedy Club, like to learn more on how to combine different spices to framed in the Town Hall and for smaller copies to Real Ale, Surreal Cider, produce tasty authentic Indian food. Come and experience a be printed and sold to raise money for the new lesson to give you confidence to cook flavourful Indian food Midsomer Norton Archive. Staffed Mobile Bar for Events in your own kitchen.

Classes start at £55 per person - you can join a group or “The inspiration for the Town Archive came from create your own with your friends and family and have a the first President of the Midsomer Norton Society, Live music great time together David Fisher who died last year. It is so fitting that Thursdays & Saturdays this new store of historical reference material has All the meals are cooked and frozen including: and are perfect for dinner parties and been dedicated to his memory, with the permission of his widow Brenda. He had a passion for local cosy night in. They can be defrosted 27th March - Stand Up Comedy Club We also sell and heated up on a stove or microwave. history and inspired so many people by sharing his truly authentic Our unique combination of spices knowledge of the town. I know he would have been 5th April -The Cheaterslicks makes the Sweet Cumin curries stand so delighted to see this project come to fruition”, 16th April - Easter Pop Quiz frozen takeaway out from the rest. said Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton. 17th April - Confectionery curries! The food is cooked on a weekly basis and it’s a first come first served basis. Volunteers will begin creating the necessary filing Traditional Indian food cooked with love… 10 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

around 2% consisting of Allotment rental income THE PRECEPT and a little interest from its reserves. Funds are broadly split between the Town Council’s 2014 - 2015 three strategic objectives: • To develop a strong sense of community • To encourage civic pride in our town • To be a well-run council which delivers results The budget for 2014-15 amounts to £343,114 and the table below shows planned expenditure broken down in to categories.

Budget 2014/2015 Central Services - Council Office, Staff and £112,060 Equipment, Professional Fees

Democratic Process - Newsletter, Website, £22,060 Training, etc or another year Midsomer Norton Town Parks and Play Areas - Equipment Maintenance £3,848 F Council has frozen the Precept charge at the Allotments - Water and grounds maintenance £1,850 same level as last year. Ground Services - maintaining the town £34,500 Town and Parish Councils have the power to environment raise money through taxation – this is known as Memorials - Maintenance £600 the ‘Precept’. The Precept is collected by Bath Street Marshals £20,000 and North East Somerset Council along with Community Support - grants £20,000 contributions for Avon Fire Authority and Avon and Somerset Police Authority and its own Council Tax. Community Events £30,800 The amounts are added together to form a single Youth and Children activities £7,500 contribution figure which is applied to all houses in Community Plan £35,000 Council Tax Band D. Lower rated households pay a smaller amount and larger households pay a larger Town Park Development Costs £16,300 amount. Capital and Projects - Loans and capital £29,096 provision The Town Council has looked closely at what its plans for the next year will cost and has put together a budget that seeks to maintain, as far Total Budget Expenditure £343,114 as possible, funding for its key operations. Where additional costs are likely, reductions have been Future Plans found elsewhere. The result is that the Town Council Precept for a Band D household will remain The Town Council has set itself a target to bring the fixed at the same rate for another year - £86.16. As level of the Precept down to its rate of 2000/2001 there are more houses in the town, total income as compared to the Retail Price Index. Outline will rise slightly and this allows any increase in costs expenditure plans and projected income show it is to be absorbed without affecting the overall cost firmly on target to achieve this difficult challenge to the town’s Council Tax payers. Other income is by April 2015, delivering real value for money to the marginal for the Town Council and will remain at town’s Council Tax payers. 12 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 13

SOMERVALE PROPELLED of sports, ranging from gymnastics to indoor MIDSOMER NORTON TO SILVER rowing and everything in-between. Other schools in the competition included: Nailsea, The Grange, Hanham and John Cabot. YOUTH COUNCIL Recently, six students from The competition comprised three Somervale School were awarded different elements; these included FRIENDSHIP Silver at a University based body management, set skills and trampoline competition held in then a routine. The students were TEAMWORK Bristol. ver the winter, a group of young people said to have worked incredibly hard The six students, Mara Burgess, to learn the three different elements O has been working with the Town Council KINDNESS to establish a Youth Council for Midsomer Norton. Mollie Chivers, Bailey-May Tucker, (which had to be learnt on the day) Lily Axford, Lauren Watts and Jack Barter were yet despite the high pressure, they individually The Town Council has offered its full support and ENCOURAGE provided a budget to help get the Youth Council selected to represent the school and B&NES in performed to a very high level, vindicated by started. MIDSOMER NORTON the trampolining competition which was held at winning the coveted silver medal. Somervale YOUTH COUNCIL UWE Sports Centre. The competition was part of School is extremely proud of their troupe of The group has agreed a draft constitution and have the West of England Winter School Games. The talented trampoliners, and looks forward to seeing created some logos that are being professionally school games are held in forty five regions across them in action in the near future at other regional reproduced so that the best one can be chosen and R NORTO the UK, twice a year. The games include a variety contests. taken forward. A series of events is being planned ME N O YO S U including a summer fayre in which the Youth D I T Council will play a full part. H M Cllr Sara Box is leading on behalf of the Town Council and she is delighted with the response MNYC so far. “It’s been great to see young people being enthusiastic and coming along to the Town Hall to talk about the Youth Council. There is still For a complete sign service Class times (pre booking only): some work to do and we will be looking to hold C ! For design, production & installation O U N C I L Mon-Thurs: 6.30pm-8.30pm Wed: 11am-1pm Fri-Sun: 1-3pm elections for the new Council in the spring. The of all types of sign products and services. Trial sessions: £20 for 2 hours Town Council wants to involve younger people in Contact us on: 10 x 2 hr sessions £100, or £80 (20% off) when presenting this advert Session prices & membership options available online decision making and also to help them understand R ME NO Tel: 01761 418800 pace can be hired for private functions and hen parties SO RT S how communities work and see how they can help.” D O [email protected] or visit fromesigns.co.uk I N M www.caveofmystery.org.uk An election is being planned for the spring, following consultation with the group of young volunteers. Advice is being provided by Off the Record who supported B&NES in the recent Youth MP elections and the Town Council will be working High Street. (Opposite The Island) with local schools to make sure as many young Cave of We provide catering for children’s birthday parties people as possible can have their say in who will Mystery Circus Show and celebrations at a very competitive rate, represent them. 12th April 2014 8pm Y l starting at just £3 per head. o ciC ‘An evening of amazing feats MNu Y n t h C o u Contact us now for a quote of authentic enchanting www.puretastemidsomernorton.co.uk magical mystery’ [email protected] £5 in advance, £8 on the door The new design of a Youth Council logo 01761 414499 01761 418004 - 07817 672219 - [email protected] is underway. ‘Add us on Facebook’ Unit 5, Cloud Hill Enterprises, East Court Road, Temple Cloud, Bristol, BS39 5BX 14 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 15

encourage input and information from everyone who MIDSOMER NORTON COUNCIL downloads it. This is a key requirement if the Town Council is to successfully encourage younger people to become WEBSITE & MOBILE APP more involved, as research shows that smart phone app usage is at its highest with younger people. The app will be free to download and it is planned that by using GPS, the app will be capable of alerting people to offers and opportunities within a certain distance of their current location. Photos and videos can be submitted and if approved by the Council and/or Trust they will be available for others to access. Links will take people to information about Council projects, news, information about community groups and also access to information about spaces that can be hired.

eeping you informed – on the web and on enhanced Councillors’ page, a more accessible K the move is a priority for the council. minutes and agendas section that has been grouped to prevent long pages for visitors to scroll through A new look web site has been produced by the and the development of a gallery of photographs Town Council team in partnership with Skills which is continuing as work in progress. on Toast. With a clear, fresh layout and greatly improved access to Council information, the new At the same time a mobile site app is being site has been available since late January. The launched, making the web site content more Council team has been trained to maintain and accessible from devices other than a PC. The app update the site, to keep information in an easily will enable the Town Council and the Community accessed format and to measure how visitors are Trust to tailor information to people who using it so that their needs can be met. download it and complete a profile. This will help with targeted publicity about events and news Features include an updated events capability, an as well as enabling the Council and the Trust to 16 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 17

MAKE A DIFFRENCE Great excuse to buy or bake a few cakes! Finally we are also looking for a Coordinator – just a couple of hours admin a month to make it all “Contact the Elderly” is looking for a few more happen. Groups are small and friendly , and the volunteers of any age to get involved with the service is unique. new Somer Valley group. The charity sets up The charity, which was set up in 1965, now has 29 local tea party groups, hosted by volunteers, to groups in the area and is still growing. Helen Ker, help brighten up Sundays for older guests aged Regional Development Officer, hopes that the 75+ who perhaps find it harder to get out alone, Somer group can be number 30! We’re hoping and don’t necessarily have local family/friends that the Midsomer Norton Community Trust can who can pop in. We are nearly ready to start! get involved, and link in with some of the events Just a couple of hours once a month on a Sunday for the elderly that they are organising too. afternoon is all you need to help out as a driver, or perhaps you would like to be a host and welcome a small group into your home for tea For details about the scheme, to volunteer or just a couple of times a year (downstairs toilet take part as a guest, contact Helen: 01225 873812 and no more than 3 steps required). or email: [email protected] A SECOND DEFIBRILLATOR DONATION

ital life-saving equipment will be installed can now offer these vital facilities within easy reach V at the Island end of the High Street of the busy town centre and for incidents that following a donation of a public access defibrillator might happen across the town. “Over the Christmas (PAD) by the Rotary Club of Midsomer Norton and period, one of the Midsomer Norton Street Pastors Radstock. The Town Council have placed an order helped with the deployment of the PAD from for a 24 hour access cabinet, identical to the one West Clewes after a young man was taken ill in the at West Clewes Recreation Ground which was High Street. Although the unit was not required to launched in October 2013. discharge a shock on that occasion, the fact that it was able to make an initial assessment and was on The cabinet and PAD will be installed on the wall of stand-by until the paramedics attended was a huge Baron’s Property Services, opposite the Town Hall. reassurance” said Clive Stilwell, Town Clerk. As with the West Clewes unit, the defibrillator will be linked through local company AED Locator with Midsomer Norton’s Street Pastors have been the Ambulance Service who hold details of all PADs instructed how to use PADs as part of their on their emergency system. comprehensive training programme. Nevertheless, many PADs have been deployed by members of Providing access to a PAD at either end of the the public who are talked through the whole one-way High Street has been an objective of the process by the Ambulance Service and the units are Council since July 2013 when it received its first designed to provide voice prompts at all stages of donation from the Rotary Club of the Somer Valley. their use. The Town Council is delighted that the town centre 18 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

TOO MUCH CHOICE COMMUNITY AND TOO MANY SIZES TO LIST Furniture “To make awards to organisations that bring people together, promoting SALES GROUP understanding, tolerance and responsibility or that support people in the community by alleviating hardship”. GRANTS

Since it was created, the Council has made awards totalling over £50,000 to a wide range of community organisations. Here are a few of the recent projects that the Town Council grants have NEWWe now supply supported: • Midsomer Norton Street Pastors were granted money to help fund specifi c training for the volunteer Pastors and to assist with uniform costs • Midsomer Norton Social Club was given a grant The Silver Street Nature Reserve are restoring an to help fund materials to refurbish some toilet ancient spring head with the help of a grant from facilities. The work has opened up access to a the Town Council. function room for people with disabilities and was carried out almost entirely by volunteers idsomer Norton Town Council continues • Midsomer Norton Rugby Club successfully to award Grants to local organisations to M applied for a grant to help them install a public support a range of activities in the town. Because access defi brillator in a specially designed cabinet. the Council has responsibility for the use of public This key life-saving equipment complements the funds, the Council works to a clear Grant policy so units around the area, in particular at other sports that it complies with legislation. clubs such as Welton Rovers and Farrington Golf Each year the Town Council allocates a specific Club. amount of funds from its budget to be used to • SWAN Advice Network were awarded a grant to award Grants to local organisations. The aim of the help them with specifi c transport costs supporting Council policy for Grants is: their Access to Health project WAREHOUSE FULL OF FANTASTIC FURNITURE AT AMAZING PRICES • WISH was granted funds to support volunteer HUGE SPARE ROOM? carers who give up their own time to help disabled OAK, PINE, LEATHER, INDIAN, BEDS, ~SUITES~ Families required to accomodate short stay people on day trips or even holidays – without this IT’S ENDLESS AND ALL AVAILABLE TO TAKE AWAY OR HAVE DELIVERED German, American, French students. help some of them might never be able to enjoy Students stay 2/3/4 days - 2/3/4 students per family. time away. Students depart daily 8.20am – Returning 6.30/7.00pm. Woodpecker Furniture FREE & EASY PARKING Open Payment from 01/04/14 - £162 (3 Students x 4 nights) £216 (4 Students x 4 nights) Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton Mon-Sat 9.30 -5 & Sun 10-4 TEL 01761 410016 A great fun way to increase your family income! Each year, there are three grant rounds – eight Set your sat-nav to BA3 4BD FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT (No obligation) applications are currently being considered and the Carol: 01749 840821 mob: 07877717408 [email protected] next round will be advertised in July 2014. For our online sales go to …. “www.furnitureco-op.co.uk” Or Hannah: 01761 436576 mob: 07720 572047 20 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 21

uring April, free ‘Growing for Gold’ groups on board as possible and we will lend a GROWING D Sunflower seed packs will be available on hand with support and advice wherever we can!” a first-come, first-served basis to all appropriate Nicola went on to say “With the wholehearted groups who register their interest with the support of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust FOR GOLD Midsomer Norton In Bloom Team. and the Town Council, we are really pulling out After success in winning a Gold Pennant in last all of the stops to make our town look as florally year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) South West colourful as possible. We have a few new planting in Bloom Awards, Midsomer Norton will be taking a ideas in the pipeline which will look fantastic once fuller part in the 2014 competition which marks the they’re in place. We are looking forward to making 50th Anniversary of RHS Britain in Bloom. The RHS our ‘In Bloom’ entry a real team effort this year”. is encouraging Community Groups across our town The RHS has lots of categories to enter giving us a to plant golden pollinator-friendly flowers this year. fantastic opportunity to recognize the many groups Nicola Ware, the Town Council’s Horticultural within our community for all of the hard work and Contractor said “We are really keen to involve effort they put in all year round. as many schools, clubs and community groups Anyone interested in taking part in this year’s as possible, so if you are proud of your group’s RHS entry should contact Nicola via an email at gardening, nature or horticultural achievements, [email protected] or visit please get in touch and let us know. We will also be www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk making every effort to get as many interested

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What do you think is your biggest achievement? Now in her 82nd year Shirley is still actively SHIRLEY NAMED IN QUEEN’S It’s a close contest between being a founder involved on ten Committees including the member of Radstock Museum and the Somerset & Somerset & Dorset Railway as a Trustee and a Dorset Heritage Railway Trust. When I see people Director, Sarah Ann Trust, Somer Centre, Whisty NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST of all ages today appreciating heritage which might Community Hall, Radstock Museum, Longvernal otherwise have been lost – I feel really proud that I School Governor, Somer Valley Partnership, Nature was able to help make this happen. Reserve and Dial-a-Ride. In short, Shirley is not just a Midsomer Norton treasure – she a national They always say people regret what they didn’t treasure. What do you think is the most important thing to have time to do – is there anything you wished being a good volunteer? you’d done? Well for me the key thing is that I’ve always enjoyed Being so involved as a volunteer on top of having working with people to help others. So, if you’re five children didn’t leave much time for book INTERESTED IN not enjoying what you do there isn’t much point in learning and further education. I did four O doing it. Levels when I was 42 but I’d loved to have had the ADVERTISING? What would you say has been your most proud opportunity to go on to higher education. But that moment? option was wasn’t open to people in my day. At 14 Call Zoe on 01761 410141 my life started working in our family shop – even I think it was when I was made first lady president though I’d passed the Eleven Plus. or email her at: of the Chamber of Commerce. As someone who [email protected] has lived and worked in commerce in the High Street all my life I felt I had a wealth of hands on experience to bring to the role. Your time must have involved a lot of meetings – NORTON didn’t they drive you mad at times? hirley Steel was awarded a British Empire Very occasionally but really meetings are a ‘Beautiful, handmade artisan rugs DISCOUNTS S Medal in the New Year’s Honours in reflection of the people who attend them and that make a house a home’ Mothers Day Gifts and Cards recognition of more than 67 years of voluntary what they bring to it and want to achieve as a team. service to Midsomer Norton. Midsomer Norton All Committees have their ups and downs but such Range of Garden Products LIFE recently caught up with Shirley at her home to a lot is achieved by people in meetings – sharing www.orientalrugsofbath.com Confectionary for Easter talk about her long life in volunteering. ideas and being creative. Nestled amongst Bookbarn International’s hundreds of thousands of second-hand and rare books in their capacious Homeware/Toiletries premises at Hallatrow, BS39 6EX. 01761 451764 and much more ...ALL AT DISCOUNTED PRICES Specialists in all SALLY TEALLS BABY MASSAGE aspects of A BOND FOR LIFE hairdressing Tuesdays - Methodist Church Hall, MSN Approved stockist of Baby Reflex & Yoga 9.30 – 10.15am GHD and Wella products Baby Massage 10.30 - 11.30am and 12 – 1pm

BONDING • SOOTHING • SENSORY STIMULATION • EASE COLIC DIGESTIVE ISSUES • SLEEP PROBLEMS • TEETHING To celebrate our 5 year anniversary we will HIGH STREET be offering special discounts CALL 07974820944 TO BOOK YOUR PLACE MIDSOMER NORTON Please see our Facebook page for the latest offers www.sallyteallsbabymassage.co.uk 24 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 25

Lion President Trevor, Tesco Duty Manager, Alli Ure, Father Christmas LION’S IN and Jo Sykes, Silver band Musical Director and band members. MIDSOMER NORTON

Lions is the world’s largest service organisation with 1.35 million members in 208 countries. Lions have helped with relief for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines with more than $1million already distributed to the Philippines. There are many clubs in the Philippines which means that we have the essential support networks already in area and internationally. Lion President, Trevor place. These clubs have been distributing aid and Hipwood and club members thank all who will continue to do so for a long time to come. contributed and helped. You can be sure that the Clubs in Haiti are still helping with relief as a result money will be put to good use. of the earthquake there nearly four years ago. We are a mixed club having 19 members, Lions are in it for the duration! including 2 ladies. If you are interested in joining MIDSOMER NORTON Your local Lions Club rounded up 2013 with the us and our wonderful organisation, then contact traditional carol float collections in Midsomer any lion or visit our website Norton and the surrounding villages. We were www.rmnlions.org.uk, to fi nd out more about us. CARNIVAL fortunate with the weather this year, only having to cancel two collections due to rain. 24 HOUR On Monday 23rd December and Christmas Eve, we EMERGENCY ith the prospect of Carnival returning to Westfield in the 1990s. Westfield has largely kept were grateful for the shelter provided by Tesco’s SERVICE FOR W Midsomer Norton, it is timely to take a look the event alive in recent years. entrance foyer; the carol float itself braved the ALL BRANCHES at the history of this iconic event which so many elements and survived, even if it got rather wet. PROVIDED AT Meanwhile, with the support of their local councils, people have fond memories of. We were supported both days of collection at MIDSOMER the other Carnivals in Somerset have flourished – NORTON BY OUR Tesco by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock The first Midsomer Norton Carnival took place on bringing thousands of visitors to market towns like OWN TEAM OF Silver band, led by Jo Sykes. the 12th November 1948, which was a huge success Bridgwater, Wells and Glastonbury every year. DEDICATED VETS bringing light and fun in the dark days immediately AND NURSES Over the last 15 months the Midsomer Norton & During the month we collected approximately following the Second World War. However, recent District Carnival Association have been working on £4000 which will be used to help those less Silver Street, Midsomer Norton research by the Midsomer Norton Society has a new route which would see the Carnival return fortunate than ourselves, in both the local Tel: 01761 412223 Appointments 7 days a week revealed that early in 1961, by refusing to allow not just to Midsomer Norton, but also Westfield either event to have fairground activities in the High 39 Berkley Road, Frome and Radstock. A test run for the new route was Street, Norton Radstock Council effectively killed Tel: 01373 466100 Appointments Mon - Sat carried out on Sunday 23rd February 2014 and the ARE YOU IN PAIN? both the Carnival and Midsomer Norton Fair. only sticking points proved to be two small road Laser therapy is an effective 208 Whiteway Road, Bath It was to be another 15 years before Midsomer adjustments needed outside the Town Hall and at treatment for: Soft tissue, sport and repetitive Tel: 01225 442280 Appointments Mon - Fri Norton Carnival was revived in 1975 - by which the top of the High Street in Midsomer Norton – stress injuries, Inflammatory, neurological & time the town had lost its slot in the main Carnival which it is hoped that B&NES can carry out before dermatological conditions, back problems. CONSULTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT Circuit, which it has never been able to regain. November 2014. Please telephone your local branch Concerns over speeding at the top of the High CHEW VALLEY How fantastic it would be, to see a new era Street were eventually to lead to the widening Laser Therapy & Wellness Clinic COMPLETE HEALTHCARE FOR of Carnival, which could bring our community FOR ALL YOUR PETS of the pavements there which in turn resulted together across the Somer Valley. www.chewvalleylaserclinic.co.uk www.silvahousevets.co.uk in Midsomer Norton Carnival being moved to 01761 490906 26 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 27

hilst the programme to clear and replant thrown into the river and what can be done W the River in Midsomer Norton has been to reduce it. It was during this process that we delayed by the wet weather, work is progressing discovered that one volunteer who clears the river with a view to reaching Martins News Agents by the EVERY day of the week had been keeping a daily end of March this year. tally for the last four and a half years. And the results are fascinating. A simple graph shows that The problem has been two fold; on the one hand since August 2009 the amount of rubbish being there was concern not to disturb the river bed at a removed daily has fallen by two thirds. time of such increased water flow and risk flooding, on the other volunteers having been drenched What is also interesting is to note the point at to the skin on two separate attempts and were which the River Somer Transformation Project was reluctant to try again until conditions improved. In implemented in May 2011 and then again when the order to speed up the process Saturday working has Street Marshals started work in the Autumn of 2012. been introduced and Community Payback will be Both these factors seem to have had an impact and focusing their efforts alongside volunteers from the moved our river forward significantly from the bad beginning of March. old days of 2007 when it was full of rubbish. In the meantime, volunteers have taken the So well done to Ray Jean who works so hard to opportunity to look at how much rubbish gets keep our River Somer free from rubbish. RIVER UPDATE 28 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 29

£100 WINNERS Sam, Molly and Alfie are the proud winners of MIDSOMER NORTON FORUM £100 for entering the ‘find the word’ competition at the Midsomer Norton Lantern Fayre evening in December. COMMUNITY SURVEY The children visited each shop on the list and wrote down each letter they found, once all The results from the community survey carried Community Plan and the proposed Neighbourhood letters had been gathered they put them together out by the Midsomer Norton Forum in late 2013 Development Plan. to spell a Christmas word. have now been analysed and they provide some As many people as possible in each household All of the correct entries were put into a prize important and persuasive arguments about the were encouraged to participate in completing the draw and Sam, Molly and Alfie’s family were the future of the town and the priorities of those who questionnaire. In total, 1468 people were involved lucky winners of £100 to spend as they wish. live here. in completing the questionnaire of which 46% Sam and Alfie attend Midsomer Norton Primary were male and 54% female. There was a broad School and Molly attends Fosseway School. distribution in terms of age with an even 50/50 split RESPONSES of responses from people under 60 and over 60 The competition was sponsored by HEY! A total of 4683 questionnaires were delivered by years of age. Magazine and we were proud to present the a number of volunteers across the town despite children with their cheque. There were 5 key sections in the survey – some challenges caused by new developments A - Stronger and Safer Communities and street numbering systems. 1192 questionnaires B - Economic Development were returned to the collection points across C - Healthier Communities the town – a response rate of over 25%. This is D - Environment and Sustainability better than expected and provides a really reliable E - Families and Young People. sample on which to base some key actions for the

PEOPLE FEELING PART OF THE COMMUNITY 72% of all responses said that, as a household, they felt part of the community and this figure was the same when looking at responses from households with nobody over the age of 60. PART-TIME COURSES AREAS OF THE TOWN THAT GAVE PEOPLE CONCERN SPRING 2014 700

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FREE distance learning qualifications 500 nortcoll.ac.uk 01761 433161 FREE courses for jobseekers 400 300 SKILLS and qualifications for your career 200 FUN one day workshops and leisure courses 100 OTHER - 55 OTHER COLLAPSED DRAINS - 218 COLLAPSED PEOPLE - 160 FOR YOUNG SUPPORT CYCLE PATH CONDITION - 126 CONDITION PATH CYCLE MOBILITY ACCESS TO SHOPS - 116 TO MOBILITY ACCESS - 89 ROADS MOBILITY ACCESS 0 DOG FOULING - 664 - 659 SURFACE ROAD - 652 PROVISION PUBLIC TOILET LITTER - 506 - 489 CONDITION PAVEMENT - 446 CONDITION FOOTPATH - 391 BEHAVIOUR ANTISOCIAL LIGHTING - 244 FOOTPATH - 232 CROSSING ROAD 30 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 31

EMPLOYMENT IN MIDSOMER NORTON BUSINESSES PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE TOWN When asked where people in the household work, 66% of those who were employed travelled outside There was very strong support for keeping a shopping centre in the High Street with 96% saying that it Midsomer Norton to their workplace. This confirms the very high level of “out-commuting” in the town. was important or very important. When asked what businesses they would like to see there was a wide range of responses. When asked what they thought of employment opportunities in the town, the highest score was ‘poor’ and the results were similar for the under 60 households to the overall survey numbers. 900 ALL RESPONDENTS UNDER 60’S ONLY 800 400 200 700 350 600 300 150 500 250 200 100 400 150 300 100 50 200 50 100 VERY GOOD - 2 VERY GOOD - 16 - 175 AVERAGE POOR - 193 POOR - 80 VERY VERY GOOD - 4 VERY GOOD - 38 - 394 AVERAGE POOR - 431 POOR - 173 VERY RESTAURANTS - 166 RESTAURANTS - 152 SUPERMARKETS SPECIALTY - 139 SPECIALTY PUBS AND BARS - 67 PUBS AND BARS HEALTH AND BEAUTY - 137 HEALTH SUPPLIERS - 120 SPORT CAFES - 79 HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS - 67 PROVIDERS SERVICE HEALTH - 4 AGENTS ESTATE - 66 OTHERS 0 0 DIY - 817 - 754 CLOTHES MAJOR CHAINS - 608 MARKET - 601 WEEKLY - 524 IND FOOD RETAILERS - 441 ELECTRONICS BOOKS - 436 - 328 ENTERTAINMENT CENTRES - 233 ADVICE 0 WHAT DO YOU THINK OF CURRENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TOWN?

SPORTING ACTIVITIES PRESERVING THE CHARACTER AND HERITAGE OF THE TOWN Many households reported a wide range of sporting activities that they pursued in Midsomer Norton and There was clear evidence that people care about the character of the town and its heritage. the long tradition of active swimming participation came to the fore. 91% believe it is very important/important to preserve the character and heritage of Midsomer Norton. 700 400 350 600 300 500 250 400 200 300 150 200 100 100 50 VERY IMPORTANT - 685 IMPORTANT VERY - 392 IMPORTANT NEUTRAL - 77 - 17 UNIMPORTANT ALL - 8 AT NOT CRICKET - 31 - 30 ARTS MARTIAL SQUASH - 22 SQUASH EXTREME SPORTS - 12 EXTREME SPORTS TENNIS - 21 - 19 BADMINTON - 15 NETBALL BASKETBALL - 4 BASKETBALL - 4 BOXING - 81 OTHER SWIMMING - 349 - 269 ATHLETICS/RUNNING/WALKING - 214 CYCLING - 140 GYM - 134 FITNESS/AEROBICS - 97 FOOTBALL - 56 GYMNASTICS/DANCING - 49 BOWLS - 46 RUGBY 0 0 IN WHICH SPORTING ACTIVITIES DO MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD PARTICIPATE IN MIDSOMER NORTON? HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO PRESERVE THE CHARACTER AND HERITAGE OF MIDSOMER NORTON WHEN CONSIDERING NEW DEVELOPMENT? 32 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 33

TOWN PARK IMPROVEMENTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE There was huge support for the proposal to create a Town Park, with 81% agreeing/strongly agreeing and In the final section, only households with children under 18 were asked to respond. similar percentages from below age 60 and across the whole group. 300 ALL RESPONDENTS UNDER 60’S ONLY 250 500 200 200 450 180 150 400 160 100 350 140 50 0 - 243 SOCIALISE TO SAFE PLACES - 213 SHOPPING OUTLETS - 160 LEISURE FACILITIES - 159 ACCESS SAFER NIGHT TOWN - 141 EVENTS - 102 FACILITIES PLAY - 98 FACILITIES SPORTS - 90 AND CRAFTS FACILITIES ARTS - 15 OTHER 300 120 WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FACILITY DO YOU FEEL MOST NEED IMPROVEMENT IN THE TOWN? 250 100 THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 200 80 160 150 60 140 120 100 40 100 50 20 80 60 STRONGLY AGREE - 467 AGREE STRONGLY - 475 AGREE NEUTRAL - 193 - 21 DISAGREE - 13 DISAGREE STRONGLY - 189 AGREE STRONGLY - 187 AGREE NEUTRAL - 86 - 9 DISAGREE - 6 DISAGREE STRONGLY 0 0 40 WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PROPOSAL TO CREATE A TOWN PARK? 20 0 GOOD - 4 VERY GOOD - 33 - 107 AVERAGE POOR - 49 POOR - 12 VERY DON’T - 145 KNOW HOW DO YOU RATE THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE TOWN? 500 THE APPEARANCE OF THE TOWN 450 WHAT NEXT? their comments before being finalised – the Neighbourhood Development Plan will need to be 400 The Forum has a huge amount of data from the Generally people felt more positive than negative approved by an independent inspector and be put survey, not just in in the numbers set out in the about the appearance of the town centre. 350 to the community through a referendum. 300 graph above, but also in the comments that were added to the questions by so many of you. These This is a great start to setting out some key 250 are now being analysed to ensure that everything principles for the future for both the community 200 that has been put forward in the questionnaires can as a whole and for a major opportunity to shape HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE GENERAL 150 be considered. development in the town for many years to come. APPEARANCE OF THE TOWN CENTRE? 100 From all of the information the Forum will be Full details of the data results from the survey 50 developing a wide-ranging action list for the will be available on the Midsomer Norton Town Community Plan which itself will guide the VERY GOOD - 69 VERY GOOD - 431 - 471 AVERAGE PORR - 139 POOR - 37 VERY Council web site and a hard copy will be available 0 Neighbourhood Development Plan. The plans for residents to view at the Council’s offices in the will be presented back to the community for Town Hall. 34 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 35

“I’ve always been fascinated by Maypole dancing. Not only is it great fun, it’s a great way to get people exercising and it symbolises for me how a community can come together. It would be fantastic if we could establish Maypole dancing as a regular part of Midsomer Norton Fayre Day. I’d particularly like to see my fellow Town Councillors form a team and take up a set of ribbons as this is an activity for people of all ages”, said Cllr Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton. With six months to go to Midsomer Norton Fayre, there’s plenty of time to get a team together. Any groups or Schools interested in taking part need to contact Community Development Manager Alex Davis on 01761 419133 or visit www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk

MAYPOLE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED

idsomer Norton’s schools and community for July with a chance to win a glittering array of M groups are being invited to take part in a trophies and medals. Midsomer Maypole Festival to be launched as part The Maypole kits are easily transportable in of the Town’s Fayre Day on Saturday 12th July at sections and come with a music CD and set of Gullock Tyning. dance instructions. They only take a few moments Local B&NES Councillors Paul Myers and Chris Watt to assemble and are ideal for use either outside or have purchased five Maypoles with part of their in a hall. There is even a pole available for wheel Ward Councillor Initiative Funds which will be held chair users. by the new Midsomer Norton Community Trust The first workshop, led by Cllr Myers, took place and loaned out to groups in the town wishing to last Saturday morning with a group of pupils from learn to dance. A competition is being organised Welton Primary School at the Town Hall. 36 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 37

WANSDYKE PLAY MOVES IN INTER SCHOOLS We are all very proud of our achievement. WITH COMMUNITY TRUST SWIMMING GALA Thanks to: Camron Haris, Luka Williams, Charlotte Stokley, Ella Parfit, C.Callaway, L.Anderson, Mia Francis, Wansdyke Play Association will be moving its On the 29th of January some St. John’s Primary Alex Bennet, Cerys Ford, Holly Derrick, Charlie operation from Redfield Road to a new base School pupils attended the inter- schools Francis and Joe Wollacott. at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, enabling it swimming gala in Midsomer Norton. The to work more closely with the newly formed children had to compete against 15 other Midsomer Norton Community Trust and other schools and they came came 3rd. resident community groups. 1st places were gained by Girls Medley Team Wansdyke Play Association, founded in 1993, “We’ve witnessed the veritable transformation which included: has developed an outstanding reputation for in recent years of the Town Hall into Midsomer Mia Francis positive work in supporting children’s play and Norton’s premier community hub, and as an 1st in 25m Freestyle the development of stronger communities organisation are keen to work with the new 2nd in 50m Freestyle through play both in the Somer Valley and Community Trust to expand support for on the national stage. Their work includes children’s play in the area. With additional Cerys Ford management of local steering groups, regular facilities such as the Orchard Hall and green 3rd Freestyle communication with the police and youth spaces in the town there is enormous potential Holly Derrick, Charlotte Stockley, Alex Bennett offending teams, links with social care, schools, for partnership working with the Trust”, and community groups. They ensure on-going said Emma Hamilton, of the Wansdyke Play dialogue with the local authorities to inform Association. strategic development of services at a local Practical arrangements to achieve the move level. In addition they give support and advice are well in hand so that the Wansdyke Play to local residents groups and advocate on Association should be resident at the Town Hall behalf of children and young people by the end of March 2014. Clare Hall Nursing Home,Ston Easton NORTON RADSTOCK This elegant nursing home is set in rolling countryside SWIMMING CLUB with immaculately kept lawn gardens, and with most of the rooms benefiting from panoramic views. Norton Radstock Swimming Club were privileged Clare Hall’s highly trained nursing staff and health care to welcome Paralympian, IPC World/European and assistants are able to cater to the needs of our residents Commonwealth champion swimmer Stephanie providing day care to weekend breaks, respite care, high Millward to the Annual Disco & Presentation achieved with the help of a grant from Midsomer dependency and palliative care, residential and nursing care. evening held at Paulton Rovers FC on the 24th Norton Town Council. Any dietary requirements can be easily January. Also in attendance Midsomer Norton catered to by our chefs, who use locally Mayor Paul Myers and honoured Life Members Georgia Boulton received the Junior Victor Ludorum and Liam Willcox won the senior award sourced ingredients and our home Dennis Barter, Kay Harvey and London 2012 grown vegetables. Olympian Stacey Tadd. for the highest number of first places. Katie Ball was awarded the Endeavour Cup for her For more information or to arrange a The Major presented certificates and medals to commitment to volunteering on poolside. Awards all the finalists from the club’s annual gala held for the most improved times went to Elliot Lewis, viewing, contact us: last November. He also presented Stacey, with Daniel Milverton, Hannah Brooks-Scully, Katie 01761 241626 her UKCC Level 2 Coaching certificate which she Boby, Jessica Pinches and Georgia Vause. [email protected]. www.clarehallnursinghome.com 38 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 39

On the airwaves More live music with the crusts cut off, of course! As well as piano music played by Jacquelyn Bevan on the Bechstein COMMUNITY The Trust has teamed up with the South West’s We have more live music than ever coming grand, there were original tracks from the great station of the year Somer Valley FM to broadcast up over the next few months with some new bands of the 1920s and 30s. The next event is on TRUST MOVES a new weekly radio programme Somer Valley Life. offerings joining our regular favourites. Covering a wide range of community activity in Sunday 27th April 2014. The Midsomer Concert Hall has some fantastic Midsomer Norton and the surrounding towns and FORWARD villages that make up the Somer Valley, the show Sunday Afternoon concerts lined up in its tea aims to raise awareness of all community events time slots (5-6pm). On the 16th March we have On Wednesday April 2nd, impressive live and the hundreds of community groups within the Mendip Ensemble on Sunday with a concert performer and highly original writer, Steve the region. So if you want the latest news tune of light-hearted tunes with a party theme. We Knightley, will be at the Town Hall as part of his in to Somer Valley FM every Wednesday from also have Cressida Nash & Jacquelyn Bevan Grow Your Own Gig Tour – tickets are £16 and can 11am-12pm at 97.5FM or www.somervalleyfm.co.uk. with Baroque n Roll (13th April) and the much be obtained from Bath Box Office on 01225 463362 If you can’t catch it live fear not, it repeats every anticipated piano recital from Brenda McDermott or online at www.facebook.com/steveknightley. (18th May). Thursday 7pm-8pm. Our popular regular offerings continue with The For full details of all the above events as they are Paradis Palm Court Trio continuing to delight announced, head to Blockbuster Cinema Programme audiences at the Town Hall on the First Friday of www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk or the month, 12.30-1.30pm and The First Thursday The Spring means one thing for the Community phone 01761 419133. Cinema – great films. On Saturday 22nd March Afternoon Social bringing popular music and at 7.30pm the gripping Gravity brings its stunning laughter to Welton Rovers FC on the first visual display to the Town Hall’s cinema screen as Thursday of every month, 2-5pm. George Clooney and Sandra Bullock star in the A slice of nostalgia returned to the town with the blockbuster which stole the show at the BAFTA launch on the 9th February of the Midsomer Tea awards. At the same time on Saturday 26th April Dance between 3pm and 5pm on Sunday once he Community Trust has moved forward as we also bring you the heart-warming story of Walt a quarter at the Town Hall. With all the gusto T never before since the last issue of LIFE Disney and the writer of Mary Poppins in Saving we’ve come to expect from the Trust team they’ve expanding the Cinema, launching the Midsomer Mr Banks. created an authentic event, making 1920’s waitress Concert Hall and Tea Dances and taking on Free Estimates and Full Installation Service We also have some treats for the whole family outfits and gathering cake stands, tea cups, kentia responsibility for Midsomer Norton Fayre. As a Supply only available. Also offering tiling, with our Family Showcases which continue in palms and damask tablecloths backed with a result there is more than ever to do in the town: flooring, appliances, sinks and taps. the new 2.30pm slot. On Saturday 22nd March frenzy of baking traditional fare, including seed we bring you the zany Cloudy and the Chance of cake, Victoria sponges and cucumber sandwiches - MIDSOMER FAYRE DAY – Saturday 12th July Meatballs 2 and on Saturday 26th April we bring This year, a collaboration between the you the favourite for the Animated Feature Oscar Community trust and various other local Frozen. organisations sees a new format for the The Classic Cinema continues to give you the BENS CARPET & Midsomer Fayre on Saturday 12th July. Including unique opportunity to see the some of greatest a a Fam Jam at the Skate Park, Community Fayre UPHOLSTERY CLEANING films in HD on the big screen in its 2pm Friday and Maypole Festival, the day will particularly afternoon slot. So far our Ealing comedies have Domestic & Commerical focus on young people in the town and proved very popular, so audiences should be Competitive Rates coincides with the Big Gig at Midsomer Norton delighted with The Ladykillers on Friday 14th Discounts for OAP’s Rugby Club and other events throughout the March. A slightly different tone follows as we town – celebrate those spring showers with the classic Find us: Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 2AD more details to follow so keep checking musical Singin’ In The Rain on Friday 11th April. Tel: 01761 419114 Email: [email protected] www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk 01761 415 922 l 07729 365846 www.firenzaltd.co.uk 40 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 41

Although the Council requested the Midsomer The Town Council is therefore launching a CEMETERY PROVISION Norton Forum to put a question about the future consultation and an appeal. of the cemetery in the Community Survey carried out last October, the organising group rejected PUBLIC CONSULTATION: IN MIDSOMER NORTON the request on the basis that across the 14 focus Midsomer Norton Town Council requests town groups they’d organised, no one mentioned the residents to respond to the question: “Do you issue despite it having been in the press. Whilst think there should be a cemetery in Midsomer on the face of it this was entirely reasonable Norton in the future?” by writing or emailing the as the Community Plan content was owned by Town Clerk (details below) with their views. You ince time immemorial, there has been a the people and could not be determined by the can write as little as yes or no or much more, but graveyard in Midsomer Norton– either councillors, it has left the Council in a dilemma. S the aim of the consultation is to establish what around the Parish Church of St John or since the local people think. 1830s in Church Lane. However, in a few years DATA PROTECTION ACT: The personal details provided as part the town cemetery in Church Lane will be full of the consultation will only be used in connection with the AN APPEAL TO LANDOWNERS: and so the Town Council has been looking well administration of the consultation and will not be shared with in advance at options for the future and is now any other organisation. Your personal information will not be Midsomer Norton Town Council is also used for any other purpose other than mentioned. It will be held appealing to landowners and developers to be seeking the views of Midsomer Norton residents. and stored securely and will be securely destroyed in line with legislative requirements. As with all Council held information, aware of the likely need for space for a new “When the new Town Council was set up in 2011, consultation information will be subject to the provisions of the cemetery in the town, and requests that anyone it became apparent that unless land could be Freedom of Information Act legislation and may be disclosed to who would be interested in selling land located found for a new cemetery, the only option for the public if requested. within the town boundary to make contact with local people to be buried would be at the main the Town Clerk. Any initial approaches will be B&NES facility at Haycombe near Bath. This would treated in strictest confi dence if requested. mean a long journey and for many the feeling that having lived in Midsomer Norton all their lives, they would need to leave when it came to finding Please respond by Friday 4th April to: a final resting place. Given the sensitivity of this Local Town Clerk issue we wanted to try and balance the need, Local Midsomer Norton Town Council, Town Hall, ensure that people were aware and gather their IndependentIndependent Midsomer Norton, Bath BA3 2HQ views, without causing distress”, said Councillor Retailer Or email: Steve Plumley. Retailer [email protected] OPEN TIMES OPEN TIMES Mon - Fri - 8.00 - 5.30 For further details please visit: At the time the Council was formed, Councillors MonSaturday - Fri - 8.009.00 - 5.305.00 www.midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk were confident that, even though no provision SaturdaySunday - -10.00 9.00 - 5.004.00 had been made by our predecessors, it would be Sunday - 10.00 - 4.00 10% Discount for possible to purchase a piece of land. However, LOCKSMITH DJPhillips over10% 60’sDiscount everyday! for despite extensive investigations over the last over 60’s everyday! three years it became apparent that not only are 10 Bath Road, Downside, 24hr emergency Lawnmowers from £59 there very few sites left in Midsomer Norton for 10Shepton Bath Road, Mallet, Downside, BA4 4JX call out Shepton Mallet, BA4 4JX 07809 723051 LARGE SHOWROOM a cemetery, but that those which could meet the town’s needs are increasingly unaffordable due to NO CALL OUT FEE Garden machinery, the growing frenzy of house building in the town Keys cut on site including car keys tools & accessories Hardware Retailer sending land prices through the roof. Trading Standards approved FREE Collection & Delivery of the Year 2012 CRB checked www.rightpricediy.co.uk Highbury Farm Business Park, Harts Lane, Hallatrow BS39 6EH Hardware Retailer of the Year 2012 Tel: 01761 453131 www.fineturfmowers.com Phone us on:www.rightpricediy.co.uk 01749 345042 Shop www.keypresslocksmith.co.uk 01749 344323 Office / 01749 345042 Shop 42 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 43

27th - Midsomer Norton Society, Town Hall Railway Heritage Trust, Midsomer Norton Station, 28th - Planning Committee meeting at Midsomer MIDSOMER 7.30pm. History of the Somerset Guardian. Silver Street, Midsomer Norton, Telephone 01761 Norton Town Hall from 7pm. 411221. 27th - Stand Up Comedy Club, The Wunderbar, NORTON LIFE High Street, Midsomer Norton. 21st - Give Blood, Donor Sessions. 10am till 2pm, MAY The Somer Centre, Gullock Tyning, Midsomer 1st - First Thursday Afternoon Social at Welton WHAT’S ON APRIL Norton. Rovers from 2pm to 5pm, £3 entry. 23rd - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3’s. Sing 2nd - Paradis Palm Court Trio at Midsomer Norton 2nd - Steve Knightley from Show of Hands will along nursery rhymes. 10.30am – 11am at Midsomer Town Hall from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, free entry – be showcasing live at Midsomer Norton Town Norton Library. donations appreciated. Hall at 8pm. Tickets via Bath Box Office www. MARCH bathboxoffice.org.uk 01225 463362 or locally via 24th - Welton Chapel, Welton Village Group 3rd - Craft Fair at Midsomer Norton Methodist 07977 737621. 7.30pm. History of Blatchford Engineering. Hall. Handmade crafts from local makers. 14th - Midsomer Norton Palladium at the Town Something for all the family. Free admission. 3rd - First Thursday Afternoon Social at Welton 26th - Midsomer Norton Palladium at the Town Hall showcasing The Ladykillers at 2pm. Homemade refreshments. 10am-1pm. Rovers from 2pm to 5pm, £3 entry. Hall showcasing Frozen at 2.30pm and Saving Mr 15th - Midsomer Norton Vintage Market at The Banks at 7.30pm. 3rd - Somerset Farmers Market at the Hollies 4th- Paradis Palm Court Trio at Midsomer Norton Hollies Gardens from 8am to 2pm. Gardens from 9am to 1pm. Town Hall from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, free entry – 27th - Tea Dance at Midsomer Norton Town Hall 16th - Concert Hall at Midsomer Norton Town Hall donations appreciated. from 3pm to 5pm, £4 per head for traditional 7th - Give Blood, Donor Sessions- 13:30-15:30 / showcasing the Mendip Ensemble from 5pm to afternoon tea plus tea and cakes. 16:30-19:15. The Somer Centre, Gullock Tyning, 5th - The Cheaterslicks, The Wunderbar, High 6pm. Free entry – donations appreciated. Midsomer Norton. Street, Midsomer Norton. 17th - Planning Committee meeting at Midsomer Norton Town Hall from 7pm. 5th - Somerset Farmers Market at the Hollies Gardens from 9am to 1pm. 18th - Poetry liaisons. Share favourite poems or your own work in a friendly environment. 7th - Full Council meet at Midsomer Norton Town Midsomer Norton Library. Free. Hall from 7pm. 19th - Joined-up writers. A free workshop for 11th - Midsomer Norton Palladium at the Town developing your story and poetry-writing skills Hall showcasing Singin’ In The Rain at 2pm. and ideas. 1-3pm Midsomer Norton Library. 13th - Concert Hall at Midsomer Norton Town Hall 22nd - Little Pickles Market- Baby and Toddler showcasing the Cello & Piano : Bach, Moscheles, Speedcoat Specialists nearly new sale. Entry is £1 for adults, children Beethoven from 5pm to 6pm. Free entry – free. Goody bags for the first 50 guests! Market donations appreciated. For servicing, repairs and sales runs from 10.30am to 12.00pm The Somer Centre, 16th - Joined-up writers. A free workshop for of all makes of caravans and motorhomes Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton. developing your story and poetry-writing skills and ideas. 1-3pm Midsomer Norton Library. • Caravan Servicing • Damp Repairs 22nd - Midsomer Norton Palladium at the Town • Annual Habitation Checks • Accident Repairs Hall showcasing Cloudy With A Chance Of 16th - Easter Pop Quiz, The Wunderbar, High • Alu-Tech Bailey Approved Repairers • Insurance Repairs Meatballs 2 at 2.30pm and Gravity at 7.30pm. Street, Midsomer Norton. • Warranty Maintained • Accessory Fittings 25th - Singer-songwriter Sue Harding performs 19th - Midsomer Norton Vintage Market at The Full range of accessories and equipment in our shop upbeat songs and heartbreaking ballads. Midsomer Hollies Gardens from 8am to 2pm. Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9am - 1pm Norton Library 7pm. Free, tickets from the library. 19-20th - Easter Bunny Weekend at Midsomer Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade, Bristol BA3 4TY 26th - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3’s. Sing Norton Station from 11.30am - 3.30pm. Easter Egg Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 along nursery rhymes. 10.30am – 11am Midsomer Hunt, tickets in advance, £6 per child - available Email: [email protected] Norton Library. from the station shop. The Somerset & Dorset 44 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 45

Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre Football with a qualified coach can be played at Methodist Church Women’s Fellowship meet MIDSOMER 8pm to 8.45pm. South Wansdyke Sports Centre every Tuesday fortnightly from September to June at the Methodist Church Centre at 3pm, for more Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust is from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on the outdoor pitch. information contact 01761 235970. NORTON LIFE open every Monday from 1pm to 4pm, for viewing Golden-Oldies singing session at Greenacres only contact 01761 411221. Community Room, Greenacres, Midsomer Norton Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 10am to 10.45am. Wesley Guild at Midsomer Norton Methodist BA3 2RD every Tuesday 2-3pm. Open to all, THINGS TO DO Church from 4.00pm fortnightly, a Christian voluntary donation of £1 per session. Please call Senior Rugby training at Midsomer Norton Rugby services, devotional, cultural, social and musical the office to check your session is on and for Club at 7.30pm, contact 07773567887 or 01761 interests with invited speakers. more information 01761 470006. 419750. Monday youth club (term time only) at Midsomer Midsomer Norton Townswomen Guild meets Stop off at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church MONDAY Norton Methodist Church, 6.15pm for children in on the third Tuesday of each month at St John’s for morning coffee and lunches from 11am to 1pm. years 3 to 6 and 7.45pm for children in years 7 and Church Hall at 2pm. For more information call Somer Artists meet every Monday from 3.15pm to Spinning classes at Midsomer Norton Methodist above. 01761 413528. 5.15pm at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton Church for morning coffee and lunches from 11am to draw and paint, and have frequent workshops Job Centre Plus Midsomer Norton Children’s 50+ swimming at South Wansdyke Leisure Centre to 1pm. for those who want to learn new skills. For more Centre 9.30 - 3.00 Appointments or drop in. 11am to 12 noon. information contact Peter on 01761 434428 or Kate Gentle exercise classes at South Wansdyke Sports Mass is celebrated at St John the Baptist from 12 on 01225 421842 or visit our website at The early shift café at Longvernal School. Coffee centre at 10.45am. noon every Tuesday. www. somersetartists.co.uk. and cake in conjunction with Longvernal Tweenies group for parents or carers of preschool and Norton Radstock U3A at Somer Centre, Midsomer school aged children 8.45am to 10.45am. Norton. Speaker-meeting every second Monday 2-4pm, Coffee morning every last Monday 10.30-12 20.20.20 classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre Jacarandas noon. at 11am, every Monday. Award Winning Coffee Shop I buy ANY Job Centre Plus Midsomer Norton Childrens Healthy Back stretch and tone classes at South Hot Specials Centre 9.30 - 3.00 Appointments or drop in. Wansdyke Sports Centre at 12 noon. Homemade Soups Luxury Hot Chocolate Storytime Stories for 0-5 year olds for Free. Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre Delicious vehicle 11.00am - 11.30 am at Midsomer Norton Library. at 6.30pm. Homemade Food Open Sundays Longvernal Play Session Orchard Vale Hall Every 10 – 3pm ANY condition Monday @ 3.30pm After school fun & activities TUESDAY Coffees, Cakes, Lunches and Snacks with the Play Rangers – Wansdyke Play Association EVERYTHING HOMEMADE ANY mileage ● ANY colour 01761 420660. Drop in Baby Clinic Midsomer Norton Children’s 109B High Street, Midsomer Norton 01761 410888 Centre 10.00 – 11.30. ANY price ● ANY age Playzone (parent & toddler group) Longvernal Primary School 1.15 – 3.00 pm Term Time Only Somer Athletic Club at Norton Hill Sports Centre 01761 418226. for adults 7pm to 9pm. Music with Mummy at the Methodist Church Dance class with the Desert Divas at St John’s every Monday from 10am to 2.30pm for more Church Hall from 7pm to 8.30pm. For more *TODAY* Toe Nail Cutting, Corns,Callus or information call Justine on 0171 413039. information call 01761 416671. Verrucas, Ingrowing or Thick Toe No fees. Local service Nails. Affordable treatment in the Tummy Gym Sessions are held at South Wansdyke Short mat bowls every Tuesday at The Somer comfort of your own home. Sports Centre from 5.45pm to 6.15pm. Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Contact 01761 Call Mike on telephone: 418400. Weekend or Evening visits available Passport to Health sessions are held at South Tel Donna: 07738 565873 07971 543547 / 01761 434021

Wansdyke Sports Centre from 11am to 2pm. A step in the right direction.... Donna Walker, SACDipCFHP, MPSPract (answer machine - I will return call) 46 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 47

Playtots from 10:00am - 11:30am at the Town Hall Early support stay and play group at Midsomer Playtots from 10:00am - 11:30am in the Town Hall, for pre-school children,babies and their carers. Norton Children’s Centre every Thursday from For pre-school children,babies and their carers. THURSDAY 1.30pm to 3.00pm, for more information contact Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre Housegroups with Welton Baptist Church from Jenny Peplow singers meet every Thursday at 01225 396660. 1.15pm to 2.00pm and 8pm to 9.00pm. 7.45pm, a chance to meet in smaller groups for 7.15pm at the Somer Centre, for more information Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre prayer, bible study and general this and that. call Jenny on 01373 812093. 1.15pm to 2.00pm. Citizens Advice Bureau 3rd Thursday of the month Senior Rugby training at Midsomer Norton at The Childrens Centre Midsomer Norton 01225 FRIDAY Rugby Club at 7.30pm, contact 07773567887 396858 for appointments. Stay & Play 9.30 – 11.00 at The Children’s Centre. WEDNESDAY or 01761 419750. Family First (for parents and carers of children Short mat bowls every Friday at The Somer Centre FISH Trampoline club for Juniors at Norton Hill St John Ambulance adults and cadets: cadets with additional needs) 1.30pm to 3.00pm. Come from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Contact 01761 418400. Sports Centre from 5pm to 7pm. can be aged 11 to 16 and meet at 6.30pm to 7.45pm along on the first Thursday of every month to and the adults meet at 7.45pm onwards: St John Inflatable session in the swimming pool at South Norton Radstock Ramblers meet for a walk every Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre. Ambulance Hall, Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton. Wansdyke Sports Centre every Friday from 6pm to Wednesday, contact 01761 435178 for more details. Welton Vale over 50’s club meet in the 7pm. Children 8 to 15 years old. Gentle Exercise classes at South Wansdyke Sports Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Community Room from 2pm to 4pm, for more centre at 9.15am. Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre Centre from 6.30am to 10.30am, 11.30am to 1.30pm, information call 01761 417960. from 6.30am to 1.30pm, 2.00pm to 8.30pm. 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre Somer Valley Gardening group meet on the 2nd at 7.45pm Tummy Gym Sessions are held at South Wansdyke Passport to Health sessions are held at South Thursday of every month, for more information Sports Centre from 6.00pm to 6.30pm. Wansdyke Sports Centre from 10am to 2pm. call 01761417252. Music with Mummy at the Methodist Church Golden-Oldies singing session at Welton Vale every Wednesday from 10am to 12 pm, for more Community Room, Welton Vale , Midsomer information call Justine on 01761 413039. Norton, Radstock BA3 2BG every Thursday 10.30-11.30am Open to all, voluntary donation of Aqua Zumba at South Wansdyke Sports Centre £1 per session. Please call the office to check your from 12.30pm to 1.15pm. session is on and for more information Toddlers group at Midsomer Norton Methodist 01761 470006. Church at 12.30pm term time only. Music with Mummy at the Methodist Church Dynamos from 6:30pm-7:45pm, at Welton every Thursday from 10am to 12pm, for more Baptist Chapel a childrens’ group for age 6 to information contact Justine on 01761 413039. school year 4. Passport to Health sessions are held at South Superchargers at 6:45pm-8:00pm in St. John’s Wansdyke Sports Centre from 8pm to 10pm. Ambulance Hall from childrens’ group for school Health and Beauty Group at St John’s Church Hall After school appointments available Tuesday - Friday years 5 & 6. at 7.30pm to 8.30pm all ages welcome from 30’s to Contact lenses from £18.50 per month including solutions & aftercare Voltage from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Town Hall for 80’s. Contact Annette on 01761 414163. Teens group for school year 7 to age 14. New patients welcome | A wide selection of frames The Old Bakery artists meet on the last Thursday Visit us in store: 2 Mansbrook House, 15 High Street, Midsomer Norton Wives Group at Midsomer Norton Methodist of every month except December at The Church Centre meets alternate Wednesdays at Fromeway in Radstock, for more information call Tel: 01761 413212 www.edwardsmidsomer.co.uk 2pm. Various speakers and topics. For more info or 01761 418956. SC HEARING LTD Richard Gethin, Director confirm date ring 01761 436770. • Family run business since 1997 • A full and friendly assessment of your hearing • All types of aid supplied • Full servicing and repair programme available • Tuesday mornings or HOME VISITS BY ARRANGEMENT 48 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 49

Adult social badminton club every Friday at Active 8 Saturday Kids Club at South Wansdyke Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre Evening Worship from 6.00pm at Midsomer Norton Hill Sports Centre from 6pm to 9pm. Sports Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm for 8 to 12 6pm to 7pm. Norton Methodist Church. year olds. Meet for prayer at Midsomer Norton Methodist Junior rugby games and training at Midsomer Morning Service at 10:30am at Somervale School; Church at 9.45am. Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre Norton Rugby Club at 10.30am, contact morning worship service for all ages. from 11.30am to 5.00pm and 6pm to 7pm. 07773567887 or 01761 419750. Pop in for coffee at Midsomer Norton Methodist eNeRGy groups at 10:30am at Somervale School Church at 10am. Midsomer Norton Methodist Cricket Club meet Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust is for groups for all ages from 3-11 during the main every Saturday in season, for more information open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm contact 01761 morning service. Whist Club at Midsomer Norton Methodist contact John on 01761 412328. 411221. Church from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Welton Baptist Church Evening Service 6:00pm at Mass is celebrated at St John the Baptist from Gener8 at Midsomer Norton Methodists takes Somervale School; evening service - “café style”. The Early Shift from 8:30am-10:30am in the Town 9am every Saturday. place on the 1st Sunday in the month in November Hall for parents or carers (after doing the school Ignite (14-18’s) at 8:00pm-9:30pm at Welton and December and the 2nd Sunday in the month for run) to have an early coffee and a cake and a bit of Children’s Dance classes every Saturday afternoon Baptist Chapel for young Peoples group for age the rest of the year from 9.30am, includes activities, a chin wag! at the Orchard, contact Paula on 07860 839560 for 14-18. lively bible stories etc. more details. Yoga fitness at 11am at South Wansdyke Sports Norton Radstock Ramblers meet for a walk every Morning worship Youth church and crèche from centre. Passport to Health sessions are held at South Sunday, contact 01761 435178 for more details. 10.30am at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church. Wansdyke Sports Centre from 9am to 2pm. Zumba at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 1pm. Evening service from 6pm at St John the Baptist. The local churches Men’s Breakfast Fellowship Spinning classes at 6.30pm at South Wansdyke meets monthly ( 2nd Saturday excluding July and Sports centre. August) at 8.30am ( breakfast from 8am) venues Café 3:16 at the Town Hall from 7pm to 9pm. A vary. For more information call Midsomer Norton youth café open to teenagers to hang out for a Methodist centre on 01761 401450. couple of hours in the evening. Saturday Night Praise at 7.30pm on 3rd Saturday each v Windows month at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church. Inflatable session at South Wansdyke Sports v Doors Centre from 6pm to 7pm. Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre v Conservatories at 10.00am. 15 Years Experience, v Fascia Inflatable session at South Wansdyke Sports Friendly & Reliable Service v Gutter SATURDAY Centre from 4pm to 5pm. v Fixings & -Servicing Silicone Workdays take place every Saturday at Silver - Boiler/System upgrades Street Nature Reserve from 10.30am. Please meet Tel: 01761 414524 by the notice boards in the woods. For more SUNDAY - Breakdown & General Radstock Road, information contact Lucy or James on 01761 411292 Maintenance Midsomer Norton Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre or 07595 604248. Radstock from 10.00am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 8.00pm. - Landlords Safety Certificates Window Warehouse Saturday Club at The Town Hall Midsomer Norton - FREE QUOTES! Said Mass at 8.00am at St John the Baptist Church. from April. A range of activites for disabled & non disabled children 10am to 2pm. Contact Wansdyke Family Sung Mass and Sunday School at St John Oil, Gas & LPG Boiler Specialist Radstock Play Association 01761 420660 or email admin@ the Baptist Church at 9.30am. wpa-play.com. Tel: 07516 118198 or 01761 432469 Junior badminton coaching every Sunday at Inflatable session in the swimming pool at South Norton Hill Sports Centre. 10am to 11am for 7 to 11 email: [email protected] Wansdyke Sports Centre every Saturday from 4pm years, 11am to 12pm for 11 to 14 years and 12pm to [email protected] to 5pm. Children 8 to 15 years old. 1pm for 14years and over. 535028 50 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 51

Tim Chandler, the Midsomer Norton Schools’ made by pupils between the ages of 11 and 16). SCHOOL NEWS: Partnership Outdoor Education Co-ordinator This measure looks at all the subjects studied by commented, “This is an incredibly exciting trip for students at GCSE level and averages the combined us and I know the students are looking forward to it grades from these to give a score for every school AFRICAN massively, albeit with a little trepidation. Seeing first- nationally. hand the poverty that exists in the region will be a There was further good news across the two shock, but we all hope to make a small difference ADVENTURE schools in English and Maths where the students’ through the work we will be doing. The wonderful progress was much improved on 2012 levels. Both donation and on-going support of the local branch schools also exceeded national benchmarks for of the Royal and Commonwealth Society is really the percentage of students achieving the English encouraging and gratefully received”. Baccalaureate, the group of GCSE subjects most The 21 students travelling to the Nakuru area of valued by universities. The results overall confirmed Government making exams more difficult to Kenya, North-West of Nairobi, will be spending the ‘good’ judgement that OFSTED gave the two pass; however, our students at both schools have time working in a school and on other community school last year as both schools are exceeding achieved some of the best results’. He added that; projects. There will also be an opportunity to travel national averages in the vast majority of measures. ‘It is particularly pleasing that students at both through the nearby National Park where they will Somervale and Norton Hill study subjects that are Alun Williams commented; ‘I am delighted by encounter wildlife, cross the equator and visit the challenging and academic in nature and therefore the outcomes achieved by both Norton Hill and spectacular ‘Thompson Falls’. well-regarded by sixth forms, employers and Somervale schools. Students worked incredibly parents. No wonder so many of our students were Tim Chandler concluded by saying, “The students hard with their teachers last year, despite the smiling in August last year’. have worked extremely hard over the past year to raise funds for this expedition and are truly thankful to RCS Bath for their financial support which is helping to make this incredible opportunity a reality, tudents from the Midsomer Norton Sixth not just for a select few but for all”. S Form will be embarking on a ‘once-in- a-lifetime’ trip to Kenya this July. A trip of such magnitude is never cheap, but this hasn’t dissuaded the Sixth Form students who have been tirelessly MIDSOMER NORTON fundraising to help reduce the costs. On top of SCHOOLS’ LEAD THE the students’ efforts, the Sixth Form has recently received some fantastic news to help support WAY IN GOVERNMENT MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ECO FRIENDLY LANDLORD SAFTEY CHECKS the venture. The Bath and District Branch of The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) contacted PERFORMANCE TABLES NEW ENERGY EFFICIENT BOILER INSTALLS ALL PLUMBING WORK the Sixth Form with the pledge that they would POWERFLUSH EXISTING HEATING SYSTEM RELIABLE AND FRIENDY SERVICE donate a financial contribution towards the cost of eleased this week were the 2013 the project - welcome news for all involved in the BOILER SERVICE 24 HOUR CALL OUT Performance Tables for Schools which show expedition. R that once again Norton Hill and Somervale School The RCS is an educational charity working in are leading lights in the Norton Radstock area Bath and the surrounding area to help promote and across Bath and North East Somerset. Both 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL BOILER INSTALLS WITH THIS ADVERT international understanding through the vehicle schools, under the leadership of one Headteacher, of the modern Commonwealth. It does this by Alun Williams, have provided excellent teaching to Michael Andrew Pollock promoting awareness of the Commonwealth, ensure all students achieve extremely well at both sponsoring educational travel projects and organising GCSE level and in the joint Midsomer Norton Sixth Tel: 07706 106392 Commonwealth related events, much like the trip Form. Both schools have exceeded the national Email: [email protected] organised by the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form. value-added target of 1000 points (the progress 52 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 53

LOCAL PRIMARIES GO COMPUTING During the workshop, the enthusiastic students PROFESSIONAL were asked to perform a ‘technical warm up’, HEAD-TO-HEAD FOR CLUB IMPRESSES PUSHES STUDENTS followed by a range of travelling exercises and yoga positions. Batel proceeded to teach the students ATHLETIC WIN COMPUTING GIANTS TO ARTISTIC LIMITS ‘phrase of movement’, which formed a small section of a much longer dance routine. Throughout the day, the students worked tirelessly to home n Monday 13th January, a group of Year 12 their skills in completing a fully choreographed Dance students from the Midsomer Norton O performance, designed and led by Batel. Sixth Form had the unique opportunity to meet Batel Magen, founder and choreographer of the Student Milly Russell commented; “We picked Bristol based Neshima Dance Company. up Batel’s choreography pretty well, however there were sections of dance which proved to be Neshima Dance Company is a conceptual dance extremely challenging, including a walking shoulder theatre company which examines and unpicks balance, high kicks and floor work.” humanistic themes and reconstructs them through expressive dance, text and original musical scores. The Sixth Form would like to extend its gratitude Batel Magen, by her own admission seeks to to Batel Magen, for taking the time to come and n Thursday 16th January, over 120 Year 5 and push boundaries in her work through challenging teach its students invaluable skills, especially to O Year 6 children from 6 local Primary schools orton Hill School was awarded five technical physicality and by including emotional those who intend to follow a career in dance gathered in the Sports Hall at Norton Hill School N Raspberry Pi computers to be used within content. performance. to compete in the region’s ‘Sports Hall Athletics the school as part of their after school ‘Computing Competition’. The schools included High Littleton, Club’ initiative. This achievement was the result of a Midsomer Norton Primary, Paulton Junior, St selection of superb entries, which were submitted John’s, Westfield and the Academy of Trinity. All to the ‘Hour of Code’ event, which took place Summer Breaks schools performed well with some exceptional across the globe. During this event, students were performances from Westfield pupils. Due to required to ‘code for an hour’. The students could use a programming language of their choice, which FAMILY Westfield’s sheer grit and determination, the school HOLIDAYS 2014 emerged as overall winners with Midsomer Norton included languages such as industry standard Primary closely behind in second place and Paulton ‘Python’ and the more visual ‘Scratch’. City Breaks Junior in third. The overwhelming screams of support From whizzing jet-pack games to conversational from fellow pupils were a testament to the passion, virtual robots and Raspberry Pi tinkering, students enjoyment and camaraderie shown by these young produced an assortment of fantastic games and athletes of the future. programs which didn’t go unnoticed by computing This particular event could not have taken place giants Google and the Raspberry Pi foundation. without the help of the Norton Hill Sports Leaders, Norton Hill School achieved Maths and Computing who gave up their time to help coordinate each specialist status several years ago and is upheld of the sporting event stations. Many of the Sports to this day. The school is nationally recognised Leaders have already achieved their Silver Award for the quality of support it offers its students in in Leadership with over half the academic year still developing their mathematical and ICT skills. left to go! Beth Jones, the School Sports Partnership As your local Travel Counsellor based in Radstock, with over 20 years experience in the travel industry, I can tailor-make your Contact Your Travel Counsellor Manager stated that, “The Sports Leaders were a The new Raspberry Pi computers will be used during the afterschool club, where students perfect holiday. Available at a time to suit you, I will provide an great help acting as officials throughout the event. unrivalled level of personal service, taking care of all your travel Maria Foxwell Each of the primary schools should be immensely can learn how to code fun games and complex needs down to the finest detail. programs, become a Linux administrator or create 01761 436 160 proud of their pupils’ sporting achievements. We Everything you book with Travel Counsellors is financially [email protected] look forward to seeing them all at our next sporting their own computer network. protected including hotels, low cost airlines and car rental. www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/maria.foxwell event in the very near future”. 54 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 55

SILVER ST NATURE RESERVE For further information please contact Lucy or James WORKDAYS Edwards -Telephone: 01761 411292 or 07595 604248.

Workdays are every Saturday morning from 10:30 am until further notice. Please meet by the noticeboards in the woods as usual depending on how many turn up at the time determines what kind of tasks they tackle, of course this is all down to the weather. The pathway remains one of the important jobs and we would like to complete the Withies Lane Entrance by connecting the two paths up. Then MIDSOMER NORTON we will concentrate on the path between the Springhead and Withies Lane after TOWN TRUST LAUNCHED restoration work has finished.

s part of its programme to secure the Town Trust. Added to these will be the recently A future of the town’s community assets, the signed lease for the Catholic Church Garden and All you need for towing Town Council has created the Midsomer Norton hopefully ownership of St Chad’s Well and the Town Trust, which in future will hold community new Town Park. The Trust can hopefully ensure Trailers for work, sport & leisure Office: 01761 419069 buildings and green spaces in trust for the benefit that community assets in the town will be held for STOCKISTS - of the Erde range of Trailers. Wide Range of trailers Mobile: 07733 101543 | Email: [email protected] of local people. future generations to enjoy”, said Cllr Paul Myers, and accessories in our showroom. Mayor of Midsomer Norton. Midsomer Norton Town Council has put a great TOWBARS - we supply and fit towbars to most types of car and Fast, Reliable & Local deal of effort into trying to create a way of The intention is that the new Midsomer Norton commercial vehicles. All electrical fittings soldered and all work Quality Fitted Kitchens protecting the town’s assets from the vagaries Community Trust, which was launched on guaranteed. Special towbars made for camper vans. of different elected administrations and local Midsummer Day last year and led by ‘Community PARTS AND SPARES - we stock a wide range of towing Supply only or supply and fit government reorganisations. In 1933 when Trustees’, will manage the Town’s buildings and accessories and security products. Midsomer Norton Urban District Council was spaces on a daily basis. The Community Trust has merged with Radstock, the ownership of assets already made quite a mark in the Somer Valley such as the Town Hall and the Gullock Tyning with the Community Cinema, Arts Programme, Recreation Ground passed to Norton Radstock Concerts and Drama. Urban District Council. At some point the assets Meanwhile with the new Trusts in place the stage were passed onto Wansdyke District Council, but is set for B&NES to conclude the asset transfer when B&NES took over they inherited everything. Associated building services include: arrangements and thereby acknowledge all the copy 01761 411171 l Carpentry l Bathrooms l Kitchens “When B&NES eventually transfer the Town hard work involved in Midsomer Norton stepping l Loft Conversions & much more... Hall, Orchard Hall and flower beds under the up to the mark to manage its own community Avon Trailer Towbar Centre Ltd long promised asset transfer process, the Town assets. Unit One, First Avenue, Westfield Industrial Est. A seamless project at the best value! Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 4BS Council intends to pass these leases onto the www.avontowbarcentre.co.uk Check out our website: www.ajshomes.co.uk 56 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 57

NORTON RADSTOCK RAMBLERS We will continue to try to find a resolution when A MESSAGE FROM we receive calls and we are always here to help but WALKS PROGRAMME we would like to encourage residents to call B&NES THE CLERK Council on the number above in order that the issue can be resolved. Date Time Area Walk Start Length Leader Contact 16 Mar 9:15 Winscombe. Park in the free car 8.5 Pam 0117 9674030 Public Toilets Meet leader to start park in the middle of Improvements to the Town Hall are being planned walk at 10am Winscombe, next to that will allow us to provide a public toilet in the Woodborough pub. Maps H elping our customers help themselves. Island during working hours. The Automatic Toilet 141 & 153. alongside the Town Hall was seriously vandalised Many people call the Town Council every day Ref: 420576 in February and has been removed from service. concerning a very wide range of problems in and We are doing all that we can to make alternative 23 Mar 9:15 Alhampton, Park in village, meet at 7/8 Tessa 01761 470453 around the town. The Town Council Officers do all arrangements but the work will take a few Hornblotton. green tin Chapel in No that we can to either help resolve the problem or weeks and we ask for your understanding whilst Start walk at 10am Through Road. use our contacts to identify the organisation that we complete the building work. There are also Ref: ST 628 346. can resolve it. additional public toilets in Gullocks Tyning that 6 Apr 9:30 Buckland Dinham, Junction of Coalash Lane 6/7 John D 01761 419085 In many cases we are able to contact a B&NES remain open for use. Lullington and and Cuckoo Lane Council Officer to look in to a problem or advise Hapsford. Ref: ST 773 496 Town Clerk one of the B&NES Ward Councillors who are able Clive Stilwell - Start walk at 10am to take up an issue on the resident’s behalf. 13 Apr 9:30 Wellow Shoscombe. Old Station Car Park Ref: 6.5 Rose R 01761 435178 However, the most effective way that residents can Meet leader to start ST 738 581 pass on complaints or report issues is for them to Large walk at 10am range of patio call B&NES Council Connect line as this ensures slabs now in 27 Apr 9:30 Wells-Penn Hill- East end of Ash Lane 7.5 Rose D 01749 670697 that the issue is logged and will be resolved. Wookey Hole. Wells BA5 2LW. 07804645206 stock Meet leader to start Ref: ST 548 464 If you have an issue or complaint, the number to walk at 10am dial is: 4 May 9:40 Hemington, Radstock, car park behind 10.5 Paul 07976603766 Hardington Faulkland. the Library. B&NES Council Connect Start walk at 10am Ref: ST688547 01225 394041 11 May 9:30 Lye Hole. Wrington east end of 8 Simone 0117 9323518 Meet leader to start village. walk at 10:15am 18 May 9:30 BathSkyline. Clevedon Walk 6.5 Sarah 07869591189 Meet leader to start Ref: ST 762 647 INTERESTED IN walk at 10am

All Sunday walks start from South Street car park from where we car share to the walk start proper. Car or lift not guaranteed. ADVERTISING? The map references refer to the walk start proper, for start times or any other walk details please contact the walk leader. Walkers are reminded that they should be properly clothed and shod, should carry adequate food and refreshment and should carry Call Zoe on 01761 410141 a personal medical kit. Walks Secretary; Rose Rogers 01761 435178 or email her at: For further details, and up to date information, log onto our website at www.nortonradstockramblers.co.uk [email protected] 58 MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE Why wait any longer? Midsomer Norton Town Council YOUR TOWN Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton Move in a month with Bath BA3 2HQ - 01761 418701 [email protected] COUNCILLORS midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk Part Exchange

Brian Lawrence Jane Lewis John Slade Linda Dunford Finance Planning IT and planning Community groups & Area: Redfield Area: Welton North Area: Welton Centre activities Area: Charlton Park

• Buy and sell in Lynda Robertson Clive Stilwell Michael Evans Paul Myers one quick, easy, Comminuty groups & Town Clerk Law & order Mayor; Civic hassle-free move* activities Area: Town Centre Area: Redfield • Valuation carried Area: Welton Centre South out and off er made within 7 days • No chain or estate agent fees to pay

MIDSOMER NORTON Marketing Suite and Show Homes open daily 10am – 5pm Nightingale Way BA3 4NL Pete Mocock Richard Robertson Steve Plumley Sara Box 2 bedroom apartments from £138,500 Planning Allotments & Transport Sport & Culture Children & Young People 3 bedroom homes from £204,000 Area: Hayes Park Area: Welton Centre Area: Radstock Road Area: Withies Park 0844 488 3057 4 bedroom homes from £255,000 lindenhomes.co.uk/impact *On selected homes only. Subject to status, terms and conditions apply. Not available in conjunction with any other off er. Prices and details correct at time of going to press. Photograph shows Linden homes at Impact. Carp & F MSN Life Full Page Feb 2014.indd 1 11/02/2014 16:23