Issue 132 – September/October
French flavours...
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil For more details visit www.weston.ac.uk/openevents North Somerset Council does not endorse or recommend any commercial Welcome products or services featured in advertising in Life magazine. Dear Contents 4 News update reader, 10 Devolution update I hope you had a good summer despite some of the 12 French flavours waft into Weston disappointing weather at the start. The sunny days in 18 August showed North Somerset at its best, with events Consultation on libraries and children’s centres all over the area as well as just beautiful countryside. The newly restored Marine Lake in Clevedon is excellent 24 Walk – Follow the path of the poets and those involved in creating it are deserving of their accolades. 28 Made in North Somerset Showcase
It was certainly an eventful time, with the electorate taking 32 Driving out hate crime the momentous decision to leave the European Union 34 Change to recycling and waste contract and then the experts telling us that either we are going to be much better off trading with the rest of the world, 38 Thriving leisure facilities in Portishead or possibly we are heading for ruin. I’m glad they have 43 Fight the flu with a jab made that clear. I found the debate on both sides very depressing, not just because of the obvious distortion of 44 Have your say in council consultations facts, to the extent that many of the claims didn’t even 47 make sense, but because most of the time was spent on Contact details personal abuse. 12 18 Soon after the Brexit vote we had extraordinary manoeuvring and plotting in the main parties, ending with a new Prime Minister and Cabinet, and still waiting for the outcome in the Labour leadership. Again it was about the personalities not the issues. I hope that all these changes will give the opportunity for a better relationship between politicians and electors, enabling a little more respect and tolerance on both sides.
The Olympics came as a welcome break and the success of the Great Britain team has been inspiring. So many 28 32 brilliant performances to be proud of.
While writing this I am on a holiday flight, clear skies looking down on the stunning view of the Alps and sadly one of my first thoughts was wondering if the developers had put in a planning application.
Councillor Nigel Ashton Leader of North Somerset Council
This publication is available in large print, Braille or audio formats on request. Help is also available for people who require council information in languages other than English. Life editor: 01275 884 139
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 3 News Theatre shows return to TROPICANA THE the Tropicana BAY
Theatre fun returned to Weston’s Tropicana this summer with comedy, arts and music entertaining audiences at the seafront site.
The varied line-up continues this l Performance poetry will tell the It runs from Saturday 12 to Sunday autumn and winter as the venue on story of shattered friendship and 20 November (but no show on Marine Parade establishes itself as an the hollow reality of the New Monday 14). Tickets cost £14 or arts and entertainment centre. Labour dream. £12 concessions.
This summer has also seen the fun Luke Wright will perform What l Hear life-changing experiences fair Funland @ Tropicana and an I Learned from Johnny Bevan on of meeting gorillas in the jungle exhibition of urban street art, The Friday 4 November. Suitable for during a spoof comedy show. Wormwood Rocks: The Gallery @ teens and adults, tickets cost £10 Glorilla, or Gloria in the Mist, Tropicana. or £7. is performed by female comedy All these theatre shows are suitable l Step back in time to 1823 with a pair Spitz and Co and features for children and adults. The upcoming unique performance of the gothic comedy, slapstick and non-stop line-up includes… horror story Frankenstein. hilarity. l A funny and heartbreaking Popular historical comedy duo Suitable for teens and adults, see story about love, loyalty and Living Spit tell Mary Shelley’s story the show on Friday 25 November. the enduring power of the like never before, with a four- All performances are inside with imagination, on Friday 23 piece band, preposterous puppets, unallocated seating. On-site facilities September. grotesque gags and diabolically include The Bay café with licensed bar. desperate dance moves. The Mysterious Vanishment of Pobby and Dingan, performed by More shows will be coming in November and December. See the next issue of Travelling Light, is based on Ben Life for details or visit www.thebayweston.co.uk Rice’s acclaimed debut novel. It tells the story of a boy’s mission For more information about shows, including performance times, prices and to save his family in an Australian age suitability, visit www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com. Search for The Bay under outback opal mining community. ‘venues’. Tickets can also be booked through the Tobacco Factory box office: Suitable for ages nine and over. 0117 902 0344. A limited number are also available from The Bay café.
4 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news
In the heart of North Somerset is Sandford Station, a vibrant retirement village with a great community spirit. The excellent facilities and staff provide the perfect retirement lifestyle. To book a personal tour or to simply find out more call 0117 919 4262. See our latest video of life at Sandford Station just type ow.ly/XSYGw into your browser.
Registered Charity 202151
Time to apply for school places Parents will soon be able to apply Applications can also be received for school places if their child is due for children who were born between to start school or transfer to a new 1 September 2012 and 31 August one next year. 2013 and are due to start school from September 2017, as well as Applications can be submitted from any children who is in their last Monday 12 September for children year of infant school and are due to who are now in their final year of transfer to a junior school. primary or junior school and are due to transfer to secondary school in The closing date for these September 2017. applications is 15 January 2017.
This also includes students who want To read a parent guide and apply to transfer between years 9 and 10, online visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ such as to North Somerset Enterprise admissions and Technology College. Paper application forms available on 01275 884 078, 884 014 or The closing date for all these request. [email protected] applications is 31 October.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 5 News
Could you help your community in an emergency?
Would you like to learn the skills Volunteers are needed specifically To find out more, visit a drop-in needed to help your community in an in Clevedon and Portishead so session on… emergency? anyone who could share their local l knowledge and skills, and make a Friday 9 September at Nailsea Community Resilience North Somerset difference when it counts, is urged to Library, from 10am to noon. is a volunteer programme which trains get in touch. l Friday 14 October at The Campus in people to help their local community Locking Castle, from 10am to noon prepare, respond and recover from an emergency. l Friday 11 November at Portishead Library, from 10am to noon The scheme is open to anyone who lives or works in the district and is aged 14 or over. No experience is 01934 426 322 • www.communityresilence-ns.org.uk necessary as training is given.
Affordable home insurance Remember to for flood-risk properties
register to vote Flooding can be devastating and it can also leave householders struggling to find affordable insurance Registering to vote is a two-stage process and afterwards. residents in North Somerset are being reminded to return their forms. A new not-for-profit scheme has now launched to help people in flood risk areas find affordable home insurance. The annual household enquiry form, which Flood Re is a joint re-insurance scheme set up between the lists all people eligible Government and insurance industry. to vote in a household, was sent out in August. Each year the scheme collects a tax from home Residents need to insurers which is put into a inform the council central fund. of any changes, or confirm if nothing has Individual insurers then changed. pass on any high flood risk elements of a property’s policy This can be done by text, internet, telephone or by onto Flood Re. If a valid claim post, and details are outlined on the form. Reminders is made on the policy, Flood will be sent to all non-responding properties. Re reimburses the insurer from the central fund. Anyone who is not yet registered to vote but adds their name to a household enquiry form will receive Residents should talk to their an invitation to register. insurers to see if their home is eligible for Flood Re. This can be completed online at www.gov.uk/ yourvotematters or returned by post. Reminders will be sent to non-responding electors. For a list of participating insurance companies visit www.floodre.co.uk
6 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news
Top national award for New online local handyman charity self-help tool launches
A new online self-help tool has launched for From left, Neil Woollard (senior handyperson); Chris Taylor (volunteer); people who might need more support to live Ellie Bull (area manager); Kevin Snowball (chief executive); Lord Best (a House of independently in their own home. Lords cross bench peer) The self-help tool can be found within the A charity which provides a It provides a handyperson adults section of North Somerset Council’s handyman service across the service for small repairs, a online directory - a portal of information, West of England is celebrating larger repairs and adaptations advice and resources about all types of social after scooping a national award service, and a specialist care. for the second time. bathrooms adaptations service. It is designed to help WE Care and Repair has We Care and Repair also residents consider been named national Home runs an equipment and their needs and Improvement Agency Service of demonstration centre in find things which the Year 2016 at the national Weston-super-Mare, to could help them stay Home Improvement Agency and showcase the range of mobility independent at the Handyperson Service Awards, aids and independent living touch of a button. held at the House of Lords. products on offer. It asks a series of The charity helps older people The centre, based in the questions and the and those with disabilities to Motex Centre in Winterstoke answers provided continue living independently Road, Weston-super-Mare, is will determine what and safely at home for as long open 10am-4pm Monday to information and as possible. Saturday. advice is given at the end. Equipment and demonstration centre: 01275 888 804 We Care and Repair: 0300 323 0700 (normal landline rate) North Somerset Council is committed to www.wecr.org.uk helping people live safe and fulfilling lives in their own homes but for some people, age or disability might mean they can’t do as much Rehome unwanted electrical equipment as they once did. Some residents might need help getting Unwanted electrical equipment Items collected will be repaired by around, looking after themselves, or with and furniture will be given a Changing Lives and resold in their shopping and cleaning. new lease of life thanks to re-use stores or recycled through North events held throughout October Somerset’s recycling centres. If the tool recommends you may need more and November. help, you can choose to refer your answers to For information and updates the council as part of the assessment process. North Somerset Council is hosting about these events visit these events with social enterprise www.n-somerset.gov.uk/reuse Find the self-help tool within the adults Changing Lives so residents can or your local parish council section of the online directory: donate their unwanted electrical website. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/onlinedirectory equipment and furniture.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 7 News Free electric blanket testing and slipper exchange
Residents will be able to check the l Tuesday 20 September - safety of their electric blankets and Clarence Park Baptist Church, slippers ready for winter during Walliscote Road, Weston-super- a series of sessions around North Mare l Friday 28 October - Kenn Road Somerset. Methodist Church, Clevedon l Tuesday 27 September - Faulty electric blankets are a serious Somerset Hall, The Precinct, The events are organised by North hazard and badly-fitting slippers can Portishead Somerset Council and CURO contribute to a fall. Community Connect, along with l Monday 3 October - Milton Avon Fire and Rescue and North Sessions run between 9.30am and Baptist Church, Baytree Road, Somerset Community Partnership. 3pm on selected days. Weston-super-Mare
Book a time slot in advance by l Tuesday 4 October - Nailsea CURO: 0300 123 2463 calling 0300 123 2463. Methodist Church, Silver Street Drop-in and discover Protect against your energy entitlements shingles Older people in Get ready for winter fuel bills and make sure you’re not wasting North Somerset are money by dropping in to a free advice session. being reminded to get themselves vaccinated The home energy team from the Centre for Sustainable Energy is against shingles if they running drop-in sessions in Weston-super-Mare for people who are eligible for the want free, impartial advice. free jab. This could include anything from fuel People who are 79 years old and have debt and supplier complaints, previously been offered a shingles vaccine to heating controls, damp and mould, but haven’t received it, should ensure they or switching suppliers. have it before their 80th birthday. No appointment is needed. Just visit… For the last three years the vaccine has been l Town Hall, Weston- routinely offered to people aged 70, and super-Mare - Thursday a catch-up programme is running to ensure 15 September and 20 everyone has it before they reach 80. October, from 1-4pm Shingles is caused by the reactivation of l Worle Library - Tuesday the same virus that causes chickenpox in 13 September and 11 children. It can be a painful rash and the risk October, from 10am-1pm and severity increases with age.
CSE home energy team: 08000 822 234 Visit your GP practice for more information. www.cse.org.uk/advice www.nhs.uk/shingles
8 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news
New community minibus for villages
Villagers in the heart of North Somerset are benefiting from a new community minibus to take them out and about.
Churchill and Langford Minibus Society has operated for more than 40 years in these two villages and now its services are being extended.
Earlier this year, the society took delivery of a new 12-seater vehicle thanks to a grant by the Department for Transport.
The society is now extending its service to include Winscombe, Shipham, Sandford, Banwell and Burrington.
It offers trips to towns in the area, New volunteer drivers are needed to help the service run. Anyone transport for other organisations, who would like to help, preferably with a D1 category on their driving clubs and societies, and the Good licence, can contact Alan Purcell on 01934 862 250 or Malcolm Letts Companions scheme to combat social on 01934 852 314. For bookings call 01934 852 725 isolation. Mental health and wellbeing support
Young people can face many As well as non-fiction, graphic novels pressures in life so a new library and fiction are also included. scheme has launched to support their The books are free to borrow from mental health and wellbeing. libraries and if one isn’t available, it Reading Well is part of the national can be reserved for free. Books on Prescription scheme and No overdue charges will be made aims to help young people cope on Reading Well books if they are with pressure, boost confidence returned late. and deal with difficult feelings and experiences. The books are also available to young people in North Somerset It includes 35 books that have been secondary schools and Weston chosen by young people and health College library. experts, containing information, advice and personal stories about dealing with anxiety, depression, For the list of books visit: www.reading-well.org.uk stress, or experiences like bullying. or your local library
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 9 Council committed to partnership success in days of devolution
Commitment to joint working across the West of England area remains a priority for North Somerset Council despite its rejection of a devolution deal for the area.
In June, North Somerset Council This partnership is well-established, members voted to refuse the current with many schemes delivered West of England devolution deal successfully and nearly £700m more being offered by Government. on the horizon.
Although much of the deal In its response to this summer’s looked attractive in principle, the consultation about the proposals, the requirement to have a directly council stressed the importance of elected mayor overseeing the work ensuring that North Somerset, within of a combined authority to deliver the the West of England Partnership, deal was considered by the majority continues to play a key role in of councillors to add an unnecessary shaping the region’s economy. and costly layer of bureaucracy. It is keen that partnership working A consultation among local continues across the area on key residents and businesses conducted issues such as spatial planning, prior to the council’s decision transport, economic development supported this view, with 82 per and skills to avoid growth stalling cent of respondents opposing the or taking place in an uncoordinated requirement for the ‘metro mayor’. and unsustainable manner.
The other three councils in the Responses to the consultation are West of England area - Bristol, currently being considered by the Bath and North East Somerset, and Secretary of State who will need to South Gloucestershire - all voted in make a decision whether to proceed support and are now proceeding with the arrangements to establish a with arrangements, subject to the directly elected mayor. outcome of a recent consultation and parliamentary approval. If the decision is taken to go ahead as planned, the combined authority North Somerset Council does not would be set up and the ‘metro To read North Somerset Council’s object to this as long as the new mayor’ for the other three authorities response to the consultation and devolution arrangements don’t would be elected next May. find more information visit damage the existing highly successful www.n-somerset.gov.uk/devolution West of England Partnership.
10 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Food and drink innovation centre takes step forward
Food and drink producers in North Somerset will be given a big boost when an innovation centre of national importance opens its doors.
Earlier this year North Somerset 4 product development facilities A private sector-led project advisory councillors agreed to support the with specialist technical support group is advising on the specific principle of the FoodWorks SW centre and equipment so businesses can needs and requirements of the food and a bid to the West of England scale-up production, innovate and drink industry. Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to and develop new and improve fund its construction. existing products This includes Campden BRI, BIC Innovation, Business West, North The initiative is aimed at food and 4 small food-grade units for new Somerset Enterprise Agency, drink manufacturers and will boost and growing businesses. Thatchers, Yeo Valley, Lovely Drinks, the profile of this thriving industry Marshfield Bakery, North Somerset both regionally and nationally. It will More than 160 jobs in food Council and UWE. also raise awareness of the business manufacturing, testing and opportunities accross North Somerset. production will be created. A full planning application for the centre will be submitted this autumn. Four acres of council land at Weston These will increase as businesses Business Quarter, in Junction 21 move on and into larger premises Current estimates are that all relevant Enterprise Area, have been earmarked within the Food Enterprise Zone. build costs will be about £10.7m. for the site dependent on development costs being funded through the LEP. It is also expected that more jobs Subject to planning approval and will be supported through the necessary funding, work will start Facilities at FoodWorks SW will development of the wider supply next summer with the centre opening include: chain and on-site business support. late summer 2018.
4 meeting space, industry specific business development support For more information visit www.foodworks-sw.co.uk or l@FoodWorks_SW and advice, an opportunity to showcase products
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 11 Weston Vision
French flavours waft into Weston French flavours will Bistrot Pierre, part of an “We want to make the best use of the independently-owned restaurant views and the floor-to-ceiling windows be wafting through group, opens its doors in Weston- flood the space with light to create a Weston’s seafront soon super-Mare this month. really special dining experience.” when a new restaurant The restaurant, based in the rotunda Bistrot Pierre offers great value opens its doors. in Princess Royal Square, is the French cooking and seasonal chain’s sixteenth in the UK and menus. It combines classics such as is the latest opening in Weston’s steak-frites, boeuf bourguignon and multi-million pound regeneration tarte au citron, with its own take on programme. regional favourites like tarte flambée, Bouillabaisse and paté de campagne. Visitors to the 180-seater restaurant can enjoy a stylish French interior The restaurant is open seven days a with wide-ranging views across the week, serving breakfast, lunch and bay, beach and Grand Pier. dinner. There are gluten-free dishes as well as child-friendly options. Owner Rob Beacham said: “We are really excited to be opening in Weston at a significant time www.bistrotpierre.co.uk for the town as it undergoes its Competition! regeneration. 01934 643 972 Bistrot Pierre is giving away a “We are also extremely excited to free dinner for two to celebrate open in such a stunning location. its opening. Please email: By renovating an existing beach- [email protected] by side restaurant, we hope to bring a Friday 30 September. Winner certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the town’s picked at random. thriving restaurant scene.
12 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Living, learning, lifestyle Have your say on planning in Weston town centre
Regeneration in Weston-super-Mare is now well under way with investment being made in sites across the town centre.
The £18m construction of Dolphin For this to happen, the town Square is progressing rapidly, work needs more diverse leisure and has started on Weston College’s cultural opportunities, a more flagship Law and Professional Services focussed shopping area, and better Academy at the Winter Gardens, the accessibility to help increase footfall Homes and Communities Agency has all year round. invested in numerous sites around the town, and a Miami-style makeover Creating high-quality residential has been given to The Centre, the developments is an important part of 1930s Art Deco building opposite the this as it will create more demand for Town Hall. shops and services, and in turn boost the town centre economy for residents People are being invited to have their and visitors. say on the planning framework which will support those looking to invest in North Somerset Council is already the town centre, the Supplementary taking a leading role in driving this Planning Document (SPD). forward by purchasing the police station and former magistrates court This document contains details about to develop into modern apartments. key policies, such as ensuring there is quality design, improving the choice The council is also working closely and quality of housing in the town with the Homes and Communities centre, utilising the rich heritage of Agency to develop housing on sites the town to drive regeneration and across the town centre, which will act conservation, and improving the as a catalyst for further investment. public realm. The SPD will be formally adopted by The vision for Weston town centre is the council this winter but residents for it to be a vibrant and lively place have the chance to view the draft where more people want to live, document and comment on it. learn and spend their leisure time.
For more details visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/consultation or call the planning policy team on 01934 426 603
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 13 Growth Creating a vibrant ‘Weston Lanes’ area
Business owners based in Weston-super-Mare’s town centre are putting their heads together to promote their location to visitors and residents alike.
Paul Batts, owner of Outdoors and Active in Meadow Street
In the summer, North Somerset Paul Batts is the owner of long- Orchard Meadows contains a lot Council hosted a workshop for standing business Outdoors and of small units and new businesses businesses from Orchard Street and Active on Meadow Street. are opening all the time, such as the Meadow Street, as well as Grove Little Toy Box toy shop, Daly Podiatry Village, to meet and discuss what The shop opened nearly 10 years ago foot health and Canine Cuts dog improvements could be made to and Paul, who is also chairman of grooming service. draw more people into their areas. Weston Business Improvement District, said: “Creating a ‘Lanes’ destination is Some more established businesses Now the idea for a vibrant and a long-standing idea so it’s great that have expanded in recent years, such buzzing ‘Weston Lanes’ destination is things are now moving forward. as Emarty music shop and Eastern being developed, based on laneways Spice food store. found in other cities around the world “We are a seaside town but we want such as Brighton and Melbourne. to show people that there is more to More hanging baskets have been Weston than the seaside and High installed to improve the look of It also ties in with North Somerset Street. the area and a metal ‘Welcome to Council’s regeneration plans for Orchard Meadows’ sign will soon be Weston, to develop a thriving town “When people visit a new installed. centre with a strong local economy, destination, they don’t say, ‘that was which are well under way with a nice Boots’, they remember the significant levels of investment being individual, unique shops.” made already.
14 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Growth
A vision for Weston Lanes
Ideas generated at the recent workshop include…
4 reducing speed limits or creating a shared space to improve pedestrian access
4 the pavement from Big Lamp Corner into Meadow Street could be widened
4 small, tucked-away licensed venues could morph from A lane in Melbourne, Australia cafés during the day into restaurants/bars at night, offering live music, comedy or performing arts in an intimate setting
4 the heritage and Paul said: “There is a community, architecture of the streets village feel here. Businesses are should be enhanced talking to each other more. There is a collective feeling for getting 4 opening hours could be something done.” reviewed, with a trial of one late night a week Rachel Lewis, regeneration manager at North Somerset 4 shop frontages could be Council, said: “Small businesses improved with canopies make a great contribution to the and fairy lights liveliness of successful towns and cities and a number of Weston’s 4 there could be more laneways have the potential to advertising and directional be developed into wonderful signs from other parts of alternative spaces.” town.
Brighton’s North Laine area
www.orchardmeadows.co.uk • www.wsmtcp.co.uk • f/westonbid l @WestonBID
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 15 Investment in roads
Investment in roads paying off
Public opinion about The report from the Department For minor B and C roads the reduction for Transport (DfT) looks at the was even more striking. In 2011 roads in North Somerset percentage of roads in an area the proportion of these roads where has been low in recent that should be considered for maintenance should be considered maintenance. was 12 per cent but for 2015 the years but a national figure was five per cent, also below report has revealed they The higher the percentage, the more the national average of seven per cent. roads need to be looked at and the are better, on average, worse the condition of the overall And for unclassified or U roads, only than other areas across road network. nine per cent of North Somerset’s roads needed to be considered England. The most recent report for 2015 for maintenance - half the national shows that the condition of major average of 18 per cent. and minor roads in North Somerset is well above both national and Despite this, residents’ surveys in recent regional averages, with the condition years have shown low satisfaction of the council’s 1,100km network scores for the condition of roads and continuing to improve. pavements.
Only one per cent of main A roads In response, North Somerset Council in North Somerset were found to be has committed an extra £40m over five in a condition where maintenance years to maintaining and beginning to should be considered, well under improve the district’s roads. the national average of four per cent and a significant decrease Colin Medus, the council’s head since 2011 when the figure was five of highways and transport, said: percent. “Investing in roads remains high on our agenda and these results show that our approach is working.”
16 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Investment in roads
Percentage of roads in North Somerset that should be considered for That’s 1 every maintenance 6,555 potholes 90 seconds Assuming were repaired this month 253 working days per year 14 and an 8 hour day
12 Potholes repaired July 2016
10
8
A roads That’s the same as 6 B and C roads 7,831 square metres of 679.7 parking spaces 4 patching Assuming a parking space of completed 4.8m x 2.4m dimesions 2
July 2016 0 Patching completed 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 DfT report year
As well as the additional money, the council has also That’s the same as the adopted a proactive ‘whole life’ approach to maintaining distance between roads and introduced reactive smart gangs who work 3,806 Dundry across the area. gullies and were cleaned this month Long Ashton Colin said: “We know from our own data, such as the Assuming the average gully number of potholes being reported to us, that our roads is 1m in depth are steadily improving, and the results from the national July 2016 DfT survey confirm the progress we’re making.” Gullies cleared
Room for improvement on minor roads
The condition of North Somerset’s major roads is better than in previous years, as shown in the DfT report and the council’s own surveys.
However, there is room for improvement on unclassified roads – which make up the majority of the area’s road network.
The council is already shifting its focus to invest more available resources into the minor roads and will continue this approach to improve their condition over the coming years.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 17 Get vocal, be heard Have your say on future of children’s centres and libraries
Residents in North Somerset still have the chance to help shape the future of children’s centres and libraries in the area.
A major review is currently taking The consultation runs until Friday “However, if we are to continue to place about community buildings 30 September and residents are provide good quality services in our and services run by North Somerset being asked what they think of the communities at a price we can afford, Council, with particular focus on the proposals, what impact different we need to be delivering them in a 14 children’s centres and 12 libraries. options would have on their use of different way. the services, when they would like to The Community Access Review access services and whether they have “We already have some excellent aims to make sure these buildings any other ideas. examples of services working very and front-facing services are fit for well together. purpose, in the right place, cost Libraries and children’s centres are effective, equipped to deal with new two of the council’s most highly-rated “For example, at The Campus in technology, and can meet the current services by residents and it is committed Weston we have a library, children’s and future needs of residents. to continuing to deliver them. centre, two schools, a café and other community facilities. It is being completed in stages and Mandy Bishop, assistant director the seven localities in the first phase of operations at North Somerset “Others include the Healthy Living are Yatton, Congresbury, Winscombe, Council, said: “This review is about Centre and Town Hall in Weston, Worle, Long Ashton, Pill and Weston ensuring we retain and, where and The Barn and Castlewood in South (Bournville and Oldmixon). possible, improve these services in our Clevedon. communities rather than lose them as is happening in some other parts of the country.
18 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Get vocal, be heard
Informal engagement sessions will be held throughout September. These will give residents the opportunity to speak to officers involved in the project, have their questions answered and make their views known.
l Monday 5 – 2pm and 7pm, Congresbury Methodist Hall, High Street, Congresbury
l Wednesday 7 – 3pm and 7pm, function room at the Woodborough Inn, Sandford Road, Winscombe
l Tuesday 13 – 2.30pm and 7pm, Worle Community Centre, Lawrence Road, Worle
l Thursday 15 – 2pm and 7pm, Long Ashton Community Centre, Keedwell Hill
l Monday 19 – 2pm and 6pm, St John Ambulance Hall, The Poplars, Easton-in-Gordano
l Tuesday 20 – 2pm and 7pm, Hangstones Pavilion, Stowey Road, Yatton
l Tuesday 27 – 2pm and 7pm, For All Healthy Living Centre, Lonsdale Avenue, Weston-super-Mare (afternoon session in church hall, evening session in community hall)
Anyone interested in going should put their name down in “This review provides us with a great advance so organisers can predict numbers. opportunity to improve customer access to services through self-service, increased opening hours and to co-ordinate services Email [email protected] and maximise the use of our buildings for the benefit of families and communities.”
All feedback from the three-month consultation will be compiled into a report for executive How to give feedback councillors to consider in December. l Complete an online survey at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/car Any changes will be implemented from April to July next year. l Email [email protected]
Three other more ‘complex’ locations – l Write to Community Access Review, Post Point 16, Town Nailsea, Clevedon and Weston Central - will Hall, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ form the second phase of the review. l Visit your local library or children’s centre Consultation on these will take place next year l Attend a public engagement session with changes implemented by April 2018. l Call Council Connect: 01934 888 802
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 19 First-hand fostering experiences
Fostering is a life- Many foster parents open up their “However, it could sometimes mean homes while their own children are that you have less time to spend with changing experience for still small and it brings many benefits your own children due to certain all the family and it can to the whole family. situations, but it will make you all really value your time together. be a valuable education North Somerset Council currently looks after about 200 children “It also allows you to grow stronger if your own children still but there are only about 70 active as a family unit, as you learn to help live at home. fostering families who are approved each other cope with any difficult for one to three placements each. situations.”
More are now needed and the council Alexia’s parents are also foster carers. is urging families to get in touch who have the space and skills to nurture a The 10-year-old said: “The best thing vulnerable child. about being in a foster family is that I get to be included in lots of fun Sophie*, aged 15, comes from a activities. foster family. “I will always know that my family are She said: “Opening up your home helping children who would have had to vulnerable children is a wonderful rough starts to their lives. thing to do. It allows those individuals to be in an environment that “I always have a play mate and if I encourages and nurtures them. have had a rough day at school then I can look forward to coming home and seeing my foster brother or sister.”
20 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Richard Grierson and his partner Sam “Our most recent placement came to have been foster carers for five years. us at 12-years-old, a smoker, not at mainstream school, had no routine and Richard is still only 30 and said: “As a was associating with bad influences. boy I always wanted to join the police and dreamt of catching baddies like “I am so proud to say that through Batman. hard work, our relationship with him, and his desire and determination “I’ve been a police officer for nine to change, he is now a non-smoker, years and think that as much as we a healthy footballer, has a brilliant can have an impact on a life, the routine, and is over-achieving at community or people we deal with, school. He is an absolute pleasure to Sam and Richard we rarely get to see the end result have as part of our family.” which I find frustrating. It can be hard work though. Richard “So we decided to foster when we added: “Having a child who isn’t your Would he were 25. We had a spare bedroom, own is a new challenge as you have we wanted to give something back to accept there are very different rules recommend it? and felt we had the skills to nurture a between a child in care and your own “I don’t regret fostering alongside child to fulfil their potential. flesh and blood. becoming parents or being relatively “Despite the poor starts in life, the “We have learnt to understand young,” Richard added. children we’ve cared for are some of that every child is different, every “My children love our current placement the most amazing people I have ever placement is different and you need to like a brother and they are learning met. be clear with yourself what you want that not every child has the same to achieve and what you can offer. upbringing, which I think is great education. *Names of children have been changed “If you are thinking about it, talk it though with loved ones and understand the full implications. Be prepared for your life to change and accept that your family’s life will never be the same again.”
Could you foster?
There are lots of different fostering opportunities available to suit different family situations, whether long-term, short-term, specialist, or respite care for people who can’t commit full-time.
Contact the fostering service to find out more: 01275 888 999 www.n-somerset.gov.uk/fostering [email protected] f /fosteringnorthsomerset
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 21 Commuters go green www.travelwest.info
Green travel is high on the agenda for companies across North Somerset who want to promote healthy lifestyles for their staff.
North Somerset Council runs a range Bike racks and shower facilities are of initiatives to encourage sustainable also provided to encourage anyone travel for commuting and business, who can to cycle or run into work. including the Big Commuter Challenge and Travel to Work survey. Delyth added: “We appreciate this takes a bit of advanced planning but Design consultancy firm Harmsen it is met with positivity and taken up Tilney Shane, based in Flax Bourton, when the weather is a little warmer.” has taken advantage of these initiatives. A passenger payment scheme has also been set up to encourage car sharing Delyth Williams, from the firm, said: to meetings. “The Big Commuting Challenge was a perfect platform to get everyone Delyth said: “This is a great platform engaged and enthused. for us to build on and we look forward to really reducing our carbon footprint “We encourage staff to leave their cars in future.” at home and consider commuting to work in a more sustainable way, and it Earlier this year North Somerset was always going to be challenging. Council successfully bid for £415,000 from the Department for Transport’s “We had people car sharing, cycling, Sustainable Travel Transition Year fund. running and using public transport which is great considering our offices This money will be used to continue are located in the countryside.” the good work it is already doing to promote sustainable travel alternatives The company also received a match- to businesses, schools and to new and funded grant to install an electric existing communities. charging point for their fleet vehicle, and are currently borrowing an electric www.travelwest.info/businesses/ bike from the council to give staff the north-somerset opportunity to try it out.
22 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Take time out
Give your taste buds a treat
Enjoy fresh local produce, fine dining and tasty treats during a popular food festival in Weston this month.
Weston-super-Food Festival returns Tasty snacks and meals will be on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 available to buy from many gourmet September to its new venue at the street food stalls. Choose from genuine Tropicana on the seafront. Basque catering, Japanese sushi, Mediterranean, French, Indian and Both indoor and outdoor markets will Thai cuisine, as well as traditional feature more than 150 stands, with West Country catering. everything from venison and wild Competitions will include the tasty game to cheese, wine, cakes, liqueurs Popular foodie celebrity Mike Smylie Weston-super-Bake Off and a and other specialist and award- will make a return with Kipperland, wacky knitted fruit and vegetable winning products. where he will show visitors how to competition. prepare fish from his on-site smokery. This year’s festival features a new Elsewhere, a large edible festival Eat and Be Food experience theatre You could then buy fresh shellfish from garden will take place in the Town with hands-on workshops, producer the Dorset coast or trout from a local Square, off the High Street. showcases, tasting experiences BioAqua farm. and cookery demonstrations by Here you will find a kitchen garden In the children’s and family area, professional chefs, including Josh nursery, green woodworking Tractor Ted will make an appearance Eggleton from the Michelin-starred demonstrations, plant sales and with a giant bouncy tractor and visitors gastropub Pony and Trap. inspiration and advice about will have chance to see some smaller growing delicious produce at home. Food-themed circus skills, smoothie farm animals up close. bikes and street theatre can also be seen, along with food science from Weston super Food Festival runs from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 17, and At Bristol and entertainment in the live 10am to 5pm on Sunday 18 September. www.westonsuperfoodfestival.co.uk music marquee.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 23 Take time out - Walk Follow in the footsteps of poets Follow in the footsteps of poets on this short, circular, coastal path in Clevedon.
Walk information
Distance: About 1.5 miles
Difficulty: fairly easy – the route is short Poets’ Walk is a little over a mile in Start this walk at Marine Lake, which but there are lots of woody length but the area includes a wealth underwent an £850,000 restoration paths and steps. Wear suitable of features, including limestone last year. footwear. grassland, woodland, a rich diversity of wildlife, an Iron Age fort, Second Take the stone steps up into the Duration: World War shelter, and stunning views woodland and turn onto the right-hand About an hour at a very across the Bristol Channel. path. This path leads to a view point leisurely pace at the end, a big stone circle. The site is managed by North Map: Somerset Council with help from the Turn left up some steps and continue OS Explorer 153 Friends of Poets’ Walk volunteer group to the lookout. This was built in about and, thanks to their hard work, some 1835 by Ferdinand Beeston, then old footpaths have recently been owner of the Salt House. It is known as How to get there opened up. the Sugar Lookout.
Poets’ Walk is a tranquil route around After a few yards take the second Start at map ref: ST 397710 Church Hill and Wain’s Hill. path on your left, and then follow the zigzag path immediately on your Car: Its name is a reference to the English right, up through the woodland. Pay and display car park poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and at Salthouse Fields, or park Alfred Tennyson, who visited Clevedon considerately on the road. and were inspired by the time they spent there.
24 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Take time out - Walk
The Friends of Poets’ Walk meet at 2pm every Thursday to carry out a range of activities, including litter picking, scrub management, path clearance and scything the ramparts on Wain’s Hill in the summer.
Tools and insurance are provided by North Somerset Council.
Everyone is welcome. Call Angela for more information: 01275 873 974 www.clevedonconservationvolunteers.org
The Friends of Poets’ Walk, with help Ahead of you will be views of St. Turn left up to St Andrew’s Church from the Woodcutters for Wildlife Andrew’s Church, which viewers of and, after passing the front of the volunteer group, have focussed on ITV’s Broadchurch will recognise. church, take the right-hand path, repairing and reopening historic signposted to Salthouse Fields. pathways. Continue down the path and at the junction with the formal path, Continue on the paved path until you This zigzag path is one that has take a sharp right and then a left, see a woodland trail going up on recently been restored to allow following the signpost to the Iron Age your left. Follow this trail until you get access up the side of Church Hill. earthworks. to some woodland steps, which then lead you back down towards Marine Follow this path to the top of the hill This paved path runs around the Lake. Or keep straight on to return and you will come to an iron cross peninsular and was constructed in via the lookout. bollard. This originally marked the 1929. top of the (then fenced) zigzag path and prevented grazing cattle from Near the end of Wain’s Hill, leave wandering onto the path. the formal path to take the zigzag woodland trail to your right. This From here, take the right-hand path leads out onto the road so go past which leads back downhill. You will the cottages, allotments and town pass the Tennyson posts on your left, cemetery. a sculpture erected in 1994 which includes lines from Tennyson’s poem In Memoriam AHH.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 25 Take time out
Local events Tuesday 20 Saturday 8 and Mixed Company Clevedon Music Club Sunday 9 Community Choir (E) concert season begins Chew Valley Arts Trail 7.30-9.30pm, Golden September Teignmouth Room, 10am and 6pm, 22 Valley Primary School, Clevedon Community venues open across Nailsea. £6 per session Saturday 10 Centre. Enjoy eight the valley for browsing with free taster Winscombe Michaelmas concerts for £48, or half and buying, including Clevedon Choral Society Fair the season for £26.50. St Andrew’s Church in (E) 7.15 pm, Methodist 1.45pm, Winscombe Admission to individual Blagdon, the Prince of Church Hall, Kenn Community Centre. Fruit concerts is £8 on the Waterloo in Winford, Road, Clevedon. www. and veg, flowers and door. For more details and Rickford. www. clevedonchoralsociety. craft/baking entries, and phone 01275 879 099 chewvalleyartstrail.co.uk org.uk an afternoon fair. or 875 262 or 01275 333 128 Clevedon Light Opera Club (E) 7.30pm (Juniors Winscombe Community Weston Brass Band (E) Sunday 11 Friday 23 – Sunday 25 Saturday 8 Thu 7pm) Princes Hall, Choir (E) 7.30pm, (and Thu) 8pm, Church Winscombe Primary Road Methodist Church, Model Train Show Clevedon Tides Festival Mendip Society walk Clevedon Community School, Moorham Road. Upper Church Road, 10am, The Campus, Marine Lake, Salthouse around Banwell 2pm, in Centre. 01275 791 556 www.winscombecommu- Weston-super-Mare. Locking Castle, Weston- Fields, Clevedon. An free car park opposite Vocalise Choir (E) nitychoir.org.uk 01934 842 461 super-Mare. The largest annual event organised school on main road. A 7.30-9.30pm, United one-day show in the by Marlens to celebrate 5-mile walk to Banwell Reform Church, Campus Choir (E) Nailsea Folk Club (2) South West, raising the lake. Music, arts and Hill and through Christon Waterloo Street, Weston. 7.30-9pm, The Campus, Grove Sports Centre, funds for Weston crafts, family activities Wood. 01934 820 745 £5 inc refreshments. Locking Castle, Weston- Nailsea. (4) Prince of Hospicecare and the and events in the water. 01934 627 709 super-Mare. 01934 Orange Inn, Yatton. All Free entry. www. Saturday 15 832 283. www. musicians and singers Castle Kids Club. 01934 Clevedon Players (and clevedontides.co.uk singoutlouduk.com welcome. 425 075 www.weston- Charity Christmas Card Wed, Fri)(leading up to supermaretrainshow.com Sale 9.30am-noon, Weston Choral 01275 857 784 Thursday 29 a play) 7.30-10pm, the Abbots Leigh Village Stables, behind Princes Society (E) (term time Saturday 17 Wednesdays Bridge Lessons for Hall. Free admission. Hall, Princes Road, only) 7.30pm, Milton Mendip Society walk Beginners 2pm, Coffee and homemade Clevedon. Methodist Church Hall, Clevedon Ladies Choir around Burrington Ham Winscombe Bridge Club. cakes. 01275 374 523 01275 853 975 Milton Hill, Weston- (E)(September-June) Meet 2pm outside The 10 weekly two-hour super-Mare. 2.15-3.30pm, St Peter’s RAFA Concert Band (E) Burrington Inn. About 5 lessons. £45. To book Friday 28 01934 813 255 Church Hall, Alexandra 8pm, Blakehay Theatre, miles with a moderate call 01275 540604 or Road. £25 per year. All Sixties Night Weston-super-Mare. Clevedon Music Club climb. 01275 848 052 www.winbridge.org.uk featuring The Berries (3) 7.30pm, Community 01275 876 131 or www.rafaconcertband. 01275 858 246 8pm, Weston-super- org.uk 01934 820 205 Centre, Princes Road. Saturday 17 and Sunday October Mare Football Club, Classical concerts by Juke Box Ukulele Club 18 Winterstoke Road. In aid Footlights Community professional musicians. (E) 6.30-8 pm, St Choir 8-9:30pm, North Somerset Vintage Sunday 1 of Weston Hospicecare. £8 per concert on the Mark’s Primary School, Community Hall, Trinity Tractor Club Steam Up Tickets £10. 01934 522 door. 01275 879 099 Worle. £5 per session. Coffee morning School, Portishead. No 10am, Birches Farm, 511, 01934 621 618 All abilities welcome. 10am-noon, Hutton experience necessary. Nailsea Choral Society Cambridge Batch, Village Hall. In aid of or 01934 423 960 (E) 7.30pm, Vestry Hall, 07870 788457 Flax Bourton. Displays Weston Hospicecare Tuesdays Christ Church, Nailsea. Upstaged Drama Group of vintage tractors, Nicholas McCarthy: 01275 875 533 www. (E during term time) cars, motor bikes, A Musical Tea Time (2) One-handed pianist nailseachoral.org.uk 7-8.30pm, Theatre in steam engines, etc. 2-4pm, Lady of Lourdes 7.30pm, St John’s Trinity Singers (E) the Hut. Sessions and Demonstrations of horse Church Hall, Milton, Church, Church Lane, 7.30pm, Churchill workshops for 16 to ploughing, dry stone Weston-super-Mare, Churchill. Champions of Primary School, Pudding 25-year-olds. upstaged@ walling and hedging. £1.50 inc tea/cake. Churchill Music! £12, Pie Lane, Langford. hotmail.com Saturday evening 01934 413 571 non-champions £16, www.trinitysingers.co.uk Weston Music entertainment from the Cadbury Wind Band under 18s £4, from 01934 415 301 Appreciation Society (A) Redhillbillies. 07769 (E)(term time only) 01934 852 919 or info@ 7.30pm, St Jude’s Hall, 977 198 or 01278 671 7.15-9.15pm, Yatton Portishead Town Band churchillmusic.org.uk (E) 7.45pm, Methodist Baytree Road. 01934 784. www.nvtec-north- Rugby Football Club. 814 732 somerset.org MUSIC 01275 792 300 Church Hall, High Street. Monday 3 New players welcome. Somerset Singers (E) Lyrical Ladies Choir (E) English Civil War battle Friends of Trendlewood 07816 544 474, 7.30pm, Meeting Mondays 7.20-8.20pm, Nailsea and encampment The Park illustrated 01275 818 575 House, Sidcot School, Portishead in Harmony School. £4 per session. Helicopter Museum, presentation 7.30pm, Sidcot. 01934 743 965 Locking Moor Road, (E)(women only) 07722 298 550, Pill Community Choir Tithe Barn, Church Yatton Ladies Choir (E) Weston-super-Mare. 10.30am-12pm, The gillatkinson15@ (E) 7.45-9.15pm, Pill Lane, Nailsea. Local 7.30-8.30pm, Yatton Musket drills in the Folk Hall, Portishead blueyonder.co.uk Community Centre. £5 photographer Andrew per session or £4 if Infants School. £4 per morning and a pitched High Street. £5 Waves of Harmony Town, showcasing paying for a term. Free session. 07722 298 battle in the afternoon. per session. www. (E) 7.30pm, Victoria wildlife images from taster session. www. 550, gillatkinson15@ Adults £10.75, children wendysergeant.vpweb. Methodist Church Hall, Nailsea’s Trendlewood wendysergeant.vpweb. blueyonder.co.uk £5.75. 01934 635 co.uk, 01275 814 220 Station Road, Weston- Park. £3 entry (inc co.uk, 01275 814 220 Harmony Plus Choir (E) 227. www.helicoptermu- refreshments). www. Clevedon A Cappella super-Mare. Women’s Congresbury Singers 7.45-9pm, Emmanuel seum.co.uk/events friendsoftrendlewood- (E)(women only) 4-part acapella group. (E) 7.50pm, Old School Church, Weston. park.org.uk 1.15-2.45pm, Kenn 01934 643 823. Road Methodist www.wavesofharmony. Rooms, Congresbury. 01934 629 112 01934 876 104 Friday 7 – Sunday 9 Church, Clevedon. co.uk Footlights Community Samba Drumming (E) Choir 7.45-9.15pm, HydroGarden Weston £5 per session. www. Cheddar Male Choir 8-10pm, All Saint’s Community Entrance, Beach Race Beach, wendysergeant.vpweb. (E) 7.30pm, Draycott Church Hall, All Saint’s Nailsea School, Weston-super-Mare. co.uk, 01275 814 220 Village Hall. Lane, Clevedon. Mizzymead Road. No 34th annual beach Afternoon singing group New members welcome. Beginners welcome, £6 experience necessary. race. Giant mountains (fortnightly) 2-4pm, St www.cheddarmvchoir. with free taster session. 07818 065 015 of sand are formed into Jude’s Hall, St Peter’s co.uk 01275 545 714 footlightsperformance@ a difficult track. www. Church, Baytree Road, gmail.com rhlactivities.com Worle. 01934 413 571
26 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Take time out
Portishead Community Singtastics Junior Choir Cadbury Saxophone Movement to Music (E) Sequence tea dance (E) Fridays Choir (E) 8-9.30pm, (E)(Y3-Y7) 3.40-4.30pm, Band (A) 10.15am- 10-11am, Methodist 2-4pm, Avonway Hall, Ballroom, Latin and Avon Way Hall, Hannah More School, 12.30pm in Cleeve/ Church, Portishead. Portishead. sequence dancing (E) Portishead. £5 per Nailsea. £3 per Yatton. 01934 07899 754 937 01934 644 745 2-4.30pm, Kewstoke session or £4 if paying session. 07722 298 830 072 or www. DB’s Dance Club social Latin and jive - absolute Village Hall. for a term. Free 550, gillatkinson15@ cadburysaxband.co.uk tea dance (E) beginners (E) 7-8.15pm 07437 203 642 taster session. www. blueyonder.co.uk 2.30-5pm, Clevedon and ‘next steps’ from T&A Burlesque (E) wendysergeant.vpweb. Sundays Lions Brass 4 Youth (E) Community Centre. 8.30pm. (Also Thurs 6-7pm, Victory Hall, co.uk, 01275 814 220 5.30pm/6.15-7.45pm, Barley Rye choir (E) 01275 854 375 2-3.45pm) St Peter’s Uphill, Weston-super- 1st Clevedon Scout Hall. 6.30-8.30pm (winter) Avon Dance Club (E) Church Hall, Clevedon. Mare. 01934 627 122 Thursdays County brass band. 7-9pm (summer), Ring 8-10pm, Somerset Hall, £5. 01275 876 314 or 07732 799 918 Music Is Fun (E) 07815 733 886 o’ Bells, Nailsea. New Portishead. Ballroom Easy Strollers line North Somerset (babies, toddlers members welcome. Weston Youth Orchestra and Latin practice night. dancing (E) beginners Intercultural Dancing and pre-schoolers) 01454 411 052 (E) 6-7pm (8-12 yrs), 01934 823 128 7-8pm, 2nd Clevedon Association (E) Methodist Church, 7-9pm (12-20 yrs). Backwell Sequence Scout Hall, Coleridge 7.45-9.30pm, Nailsea Nailsea. 30 min session Boulevard United Dance Club (E) Vale Road North Methodist Church, Silver £3, 40 min session Reformed Church, 8-10.15pm, WI Hall, Abanico Salsa Classes Street. Free admission. £3.40. 07722 298 Weston-super-Mare. Backwell. £3 per person. (E) 7.30-10:30pm (3 01275 854 366 550, gillatkinson15@ 01934 622 519 or 07710 460 550 classes, beginners to Clevedon Sequence blueyonder.co.uk 07787 520 230 Weston Folk Dance Club improvers), Clevedon Dance Club (E) Singing Mums Choir Male Choir (E) (E) 8-10pm, Corpus Triangle Club. Call in 7.45-10.30pm, Walton (E) 7.10-8.10pm, 7.30-9pm, Victoria Christi Church Hall, advance: St Mary’s Church Hall. Nailsea School. £4 per Methodist Hall, Weston-super-Mare. 07971 565 406 01275 847 293 session. 07722 298 Weston-super-Mare. 01934 514 226 50s and 60s rock ‘n’ roll 550, gillatkinson15@ Social dance (1) 01934 529 728 (E) 8pm-late, Tavern Inn blueyonder.co.uk Brazilian carnival 8-11.30pm, Somerset North Somerset style dance with live the Town, Regent Street, Hall, Portishead. £5. The Baytree Singers Community Brass Band DANCE drummers (E) 8-10pm, Weston-super-Mare. 01275 831 884 (E) 7.30-9.30pm, St (E) 7.30-9.30pm, Puxton 01934 412 826 All Saint’s Hall Streetdance (2)(4) Jude’s Hall, St Peter’s and Hewish Village Hall. Mondays Clevedon. Call 07780 7-8.30pm, Claverham Church, Baytree Road, 01275 397 582 DB’s Dance Club (E) Thursdays 641 427 Village Hall. For 8-15- Worle. No experience 10-11am, Clevedon Congresbury Brass Portishead LeRoc (E) Easy Strollers year-olds. necessary. Community Centre. Line Band (E) 7.30-9.30pm, 8-10.30pm, Portishead line dancing (E) 01934 838 017 Portishead Choral Methodist Church Hall, dancing. Primary School, Station 9.15-10.15am Society (E) 7.30 pm, Social dance (4) Congresbury. 01275 854 375 Road. Modern jive. (improvers) St Joseph’s Catholic 8-10.30pm, St. James 01275 849 611 / Ballroom and sequence 07909 063 624 10.20-11.20am Church, West Hill, Hall, Winscombe. £4. 07986 007 829 beginners dance lessons heather@portis- (intermediate) 1st Portishead. 01934 516 852 Clevedon Gilbert and (E) 10am-noon, Corpus headleroc.com Clevedon Scout Hall. 01275 849 278 01275 875 235 Sullivan Society (E) Cristi church hall, Ceroc dance lessons (E) Saturdays Cantiamo Ladies Choir 7.30-10pm, St Peter’s Weston. 01934 510 New and Old Sequence 8-11pm, Banwell Village Chelis Theatre Company (A)(grade 8+ musicians Church Hall, Alexandra 749 dance class (E) Hall. www.ceroclebeat. (E) 2-5pm St. Saviours only) 8.15-9.30pm, Road, Clevedon. New 10.30am-12.30pm, Latin and jive – next net, ceroclebeat@ Church Hall, Weston- Nailsea School. £5 per members welcome. Kewstoke Village Hall. step/improvers (E) outlook.com super-Mare. Drama, session. 07722 298 01934 838 713 1.30-3.15pm, St Peter’s 07437 203 642 550, gillatkinson15@ Ballroom and sequence dance and singing for Nailsea Concert Hall, Clevedon. £5. DB’s Dance Club line blueyonder.co.uk (E) 8-11pm, Town 6-18-year-olds. Orchestra (E)(term time 01275 876 314 and Country Lodge, dancing (E) 11am-1pm, 01934 625 301 Weston Organ and only) 7.30pm, Nailsea Egyptian Bellydance Bridgwater Road. Folk Hall, Portishead. Keyboard Club (1) Methodist Church. www. (E)(term time only) 0117 9778 200 01275 854 375 Sundays 7.30pm, Somerset nailseaconcertorchestra. 7.30-8.30pm, Dance Weekly Sequence Dance Suite, Weston Football Avon Dance Club Tea org Studio, Nailsea School, Wednesdays Club (E) 2-4.30pm, Club. £5 members, £6 Dance (Monthly) 3-6pm, West Mendip Orchestra Nailsea. Claverham Village non-members. 01934 Easy Strollers line Somerset Hall Portishead. (E)(term time only) 01275 855 016 Hall. 01275 851 221 812 759 dancing (E) improvers 01934 823 128 7.45-10pm, Lynch Easy Strollers line 9.15-10.15am, 1st Egyptian Bellydance Worle Community Ballroom and sequence Chapel, Winscombe. dancing (E) 7-8pm Clevedon Scout Hall, (E)(term time only) Choir (E) 7.30pm, (E) 7.30-10pm, 01275 463 480 (intermediate), 8-9pm Great Western Road. 7.30-8.30pm, Castle Becket Primary School, Kewstoke Village Hall. Harmony Plus Brass (E) (improvers), Clevedon 01275 875 235 Batch Community Tavistock Road, Worle. 07437 203 642 7.45pm, Emmanuel Triangle Club, Old Centre, Bishops Avenue. New members welcome. DB’s Dance Club Social dancing (E) Church, Weston. Church Road. 01275 855 016 07972 909 939 line dancing (E) 7.30-10.30pm, Hutton 01934 629 112 01275 875 235 10.45-11.45am, Nailsea Le Roc (E) Muskrats Jazz Band Moor Leisure Centre, Nailsea Theatre Club Social dancing (E) Clevedon Community 8-10.30pm, Scotch Horn (1) 8.30pm, Clarence Weston-super-Mare. £5. (E) 8pm, Nailsea Little 8-10pm, St Marks Centre. 01275 854 375 Leisure Centre, Nailsea. House, High Street, 01934 518 529 www. Theatre, Union Street. Church, St Marks Road, Beginners/intermediates. Portishead. £3. Bar and westonsocialdancing. 01275 852 275 Worle. 01934 644 691 £6. 07816 649 077 dancing, all welcome. co.uk (Box office: 01275 814 434 Portishead Square 07772 981 037) Dancers (E) 8-10pm, Traditional jazz night Folk Hall, Portishead. (2) 8.30pm, Salthouse Saturdays 01275 817 964 pub, Clevedon. Resident Pret A Chanter band, the Dixieland £2.50 each class Ladies Choir (A) Rascals. Free entry 9.30-11.30am, Tuesdays Southfield Church, Fridays Social Morning with Nailsea. £8 per session. Historic and Country Singing for Pleasure (E 07722 298 550, – 20-week course starts Dancing to Live Music gillatkinson15@ (E) 9.30-11.30am, Folk 26 Sept) 1.30-3pm, blueyonder.co.uk Tickenham Village Hall. Hall, Portishead. £2 per 01934 512 669 person. 01275 847 909
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 27 Made in North Somerset Showcase 2016 The Stallholders SATURDAY Barbara Langdon Get Noticed Rugs of Art www.onenear.com/ www.facebook.com/ Unique latch-hooked rugs barbara-langdon getnoticedbycarol with pure wool pieces or Celebrate recycled T-shirts. Organic wheat bags and Fabric items including cushions made using hand cushions, cards, bunting, local food, drink, printed organic cottons. and bags. Viva’s Beadbox www.vivasbeadboxjewellery. arts and crafts Big Sky Textiles JoeJoe Handmade & weebly.com www.bigskytextiles.co.uk Missycards Colourful, pleasurable bead jewellery enhanced by the Unique hand-spun yarns Tasty food and unique crafts will be on show www.etsy.com/joejoehandmade shapes, colours and textures and hand-woven textiles, during a popular annual event to showcase North of Agates, Jaspers, Lava using British wool and other www.missycards.co.uk Somerset’s best local food producers, artists and and more. natural fibres. Missycards – unique craftspeople. handmade cards and The sixth annual Made in North Somerset Showcase, Dragonfly Jewellery framed gifts. Willow Basketry organised by North Somerset Council, is a market of JoeJoe Handmade A basketmaker, entranced www. hand-sewn gifts. by the properties and colour some of the most talented food and drink producers dragonflyjewelleryandbeads.co.uk and art and craft businesses in the area. of willow. Unique jewellery and glass Moonlight Jewellery Visitors will have the chance to sample, buy and designs, using silver, copper talk to the 47 stallholders at the event, which takes and glass beads. www.moonlight-jewellery.com place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 1 and Sunday Individual one-of-a-kind 2 October, at the National Trust Tyntesfield estate in glass beads and unique jewellery pieces. Wraxall. There will also be music, theatre, storytelling and SATURDAY & SUNDAY hands-on activities during the weekend. Entrance to the market is free. Normal charges Abigail Mill Barefoot Stonebaked apply to the house and grounds. Car parking is www.abigailmill.co.uk Pizza Co Chew Moo’s £3 per vehicle, per day (free for National Trust Original framed and members). www.barefootstonebakedpizza. Ice Cream Company unframed embroideries, co.uk prints and handmade www.chewmoos.co.uk www.innorthsomerset.co.uk/madein Fresh, Italian-style pizzas cards, kits and embroidered Artisan ice-cream from their baked in an impressive @madeinnsomerset jewellery. pedigree Guernsey cows. wood-fired oven. TimeOutInNorthSomerset CJ’s Home Baking Aldwick Court Farm and Barley Wood Vineyard Old fashioned baking, sweet Walled Garden Studios and savoury goodies. Range www.aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk www.walledgarden.co.uk of gluten and wheat free. Producer of award-winning Five studios set in a beautiful English wine, from hand restored working kitchen Claire Hall Glass selected grapes. garden with award-winning www.clairehallglass.co.uk restaurant The Ethicurean Original fused glass Amy R Lee Jewellery on site. jewellery and sculptural Design vessels from a studio in www.amyrlee.co.uk Blackberry Lane Designs Backwell. Silver and gold jewellery, www.facebook.com/ from conception to blackberrylanedesigns Clevedon Craft Centre completion, completely by Gifts and framed pictures www.clevedoncraftcentre.co.uk hand. from enamelled copper. Jewellery, pottery, leatherwork, mosaic art, Banwell Pottery Brockley Stores illustration and more. Brandon Trust www.brockleystores.co.uk www.banwellpottery.org The Stores bake and curate Coburg Crafts Part of the Brandon Trust, a mouthwatering selection www.coburgcrafts.co.uk a UK charity supporting of local food. Affordable, handmade people with learning jewellery and accessories. disabilities and autism. Butterflies Disclaimer North Somerset Council is co-ordinating the Made in North www.butterfliescoffeeshop. FELTbyFI Somerset Showcase but is not responsible for any acts or omissions co.uk www.facebook.com/FELTbyFI by any individual businesses involved in this event. It does not A traditional café/tea room accept any liability for any accident, injury or illness arising from Handmade felt work, selling homemade produce visits to the event. Contact The National Trust Tyntesfield about including pictures, accessibilty. All information correct at the time of printing. – quiches, cakes, scones brooches, trinket pouches and soup. Photography by Liz Milner lizmilner.wordpress.com and jewellery.
28 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Tyntesfield, 1 and 2 October, 10am-4pm
Great British Country Renee Kilburn Ceramics Preserves www.reneekilburn.com Traditionally-made artisan A ceramic artist, hand- chutneys, marmalades, modelling stoneware pieces jams and jellies. for the home and garden.
Hand painted Stuff RT Bear www.facebook.com/ www.rtbear.co.uk handpaintedstuff Decorative and functional Old handpainted furniture porcelain pottery. with birds, leaves and Lolly and Moo flowers. www.lollyandmoo.co.uk Somerset Charcuterie Stunning soy wax candles www.somersetcharcuterie.com Images by Simon and melts, and bath products too. Embracing traditional www.imagesbysimon.co.uk Italian and Spanish SUN Local landscape Lucy Routh Art methods, combining them photographer displaying with the rich food culture of Barley Wood Walled Serious Treats and selling cards, limited www.lucyrouth.co.uk the West Country. edition prints and framed Inspired by nature, her Kitchen Garden www.serioustreats.co.uk prints. distinctive style is bold and Sutton Ridge Vineyard www.walledgarden.co.uk Award-winning chocolate brownies. vibrant yet simplistic. www.facebook.com/ Organic vegetables grown Sutton-Ridge-Vineyard in Barley Wood Walled Stephanie Eastwood Floral Producer of award-winning Garden, Wrington. English wine. Design www.stephanieeastwood.co.uk The Story Group Floral designs incorporating www.storybutchers.co.uk locally grown flowers and foliages. Organic beef and lamb burgers, sausages and bacon baps. West Country Wood Design www.westcountrywooddesign. Trethowan’s Dairy co.uk www.gorwydd.co.uk A bespoke service for Makers of Gorwydd designing and making Caerphilly, an award- Carolyn Jewellery pieces of furniture to fit your winning unpasteurised cows’ www.carolynjewellery.co.uk exact requirements. milk cheese handmade to a Hand-crafted silver traditional recipe, using milk jewellery using traditional The Wicked Chilli Jammy Picklers Mr T. G. Pullin’s Bakery from Puxton Court Farm. techniques. www.thewickedchilli.co.uk www.pullinsbakery.co.uk www.facebook.com/ Twisted Oak Locally produced original thejammypicklers For generations the Pullin Jacklands Fishing Lakes chilli sauces made from their own fresh chillies. Homemade preserves – family has made award- www.twistedoakbrewery.co.uk www.facebook.com/ jams, chutney, pickles and winning artisan bread using A family-run business jacklandsfishinglakes locally milled flour and craft cordials. situated on a working farm. Trout and coarse fishery and skill. farm shop. Whitegates Apple Juice Jane’s Flower Pots Mydsomer Studio Ready-planted baskets, Producers of single variety Jewellery by Jo planters and hanging www.mydsomer.co.uk apple juices, a pear juice www.jewellerybyjo.co.uk baskets etc, for all seasons. Handmade, affordable and traditional cider. Affordable yet pretty fused glass. Silver plated sterling silver and gemstone pendants, earrings, John Smythe – Beekeeper Wight & Wight jewellery. brooches, rings, cufflinks. Honey and sections www.wightandwight.co.uk produced from nector which Individual silver and copper Marcela’s Purse bees have gathered from Pear Tree Arts jewellery; colourful fused www.marcelaspurse.co.uk flowers around Blagdon. www.buddybird.co.uk glass, nunofelt scarves and Handbags and purses to A beautiful hand crafted leather goods. complement any style, and Julia’s Sewing Room range of ceramics, mugs, assorted crafts. Quality fabric home jugs, bowls and yarn/ Winnies Bakery Ltd knitting bowls. accessories and gifts. Bread, cakes, pastries, rolls Mayringues and flavoured breads. KS Woodwork www.mayringues.co.uk www.kswoodwork.co.uk Wood ‘n’ Things Unique handmade meringue and Woodturned and hand www.woodnthings-uk.com marshmallow products crafted designs for the Beautiful unusual mirrors with no additives or home, gifts and special in Cleeve depicting tree preservatives. occasions. silhouettes and landscapes.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 29 Crematorium to mark 50 50th anniversary YEARS
Remember a loved one at Weston-super-Mare’s crematorium this month during an open day to mark its 50th anniversary.
The site, in Ebdon Road, will open Since then, Dignity has spent more to the public on Saturday 10 than £2m refurbishing and extending September. the chapel and public areas, extending the crematory machine Visitors can have a tour around and installing mercury abatement the crematorium and grounds, equipment. search the records for family history information, find out about memorial Plans for an extension to the options and take part in a special cemetery and memorial gardens, service to remember loved ones who and additional car parking, were have been laid to rest. approved by the council earlier this year. The first cremation at the site took place on 7 February 1966, but The free open day runs from 11am to the first burial didn’t happen until 3pm on Saturday 10 September. The August 1968 as there was already a memorial service is at 1.30pm. cemetery in the town and many more open churchyards than today. For more information call the crematorium Office: The crematorium was under local 01934 510 608 authority control until North Somerset www.dignityfunerals.co.uk Council transferred the service to Dignity in 2010.
30 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Putting North Somerset on the map
Historical maps of North Free digital mapping project Know Visitors will be able to upload and Your Place West of England allows share their own information about Somerset will soon be users to explore the heritage of their the area to help build a rich and freely available online local area through old maps, archive diverse community map and discover images and linked information. how North Somerset has transformed for the first time. over time. The service launched in Bristol in 2011 and over the last few months The website - www.kypwest.org.uk has extended to include South - will continue to grow as more Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire and resources are added, including Wiltshire. enclosure and tithe maps, and drawings and photographs from North Somerset will be added this archive and museum collections. autumn, along with Bath and North East Somerset, and Somerset. It also features an accompanying blog to follow the project’s progress. Historic Environment Record data is available alongside the maps to The Know Your Place West of www.kypwest.org.uk provide a valuable research tool for England project was awarded everyone interested in local history. £379,800 by the Heritage Lottery Fund, with match-funding and in-kind support from local authorities and heritage groups across the region.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 31 Driving out
in North Somerset
Hate crime can have National Hate Crime Awareness It can be committed against a person Week runs from Saturday 8 to or property and anyone could be a devastating effects Saturday 15 October and members victim, even if they are not a member on individuals and of umbrella group RHINS (Responding of the group at which the hostility is to Hate Incidents in North Somerset) targeted. communities so victims will be setting-up displays and holding or witnesses are being drop-in sessions to mark the week. Alex* said: “I was born and raised in Weston-super-Mare and I love living urged to report any RHINS includes representatives here but I am often the victim of verbal incidents to help drive from North Somerset Council, Avon abuse from people who I’ve never met and Somerset Police, SARI (Stand before. it out. Against Racism and Inequality), EACH (Education Action Challenging “People mimic how I walk and think Homophobia), North Somerset People this is funny because they laugh at me. First, and Citizens Advice North Somerset. “They don’t realise how much this can affect someone’s life, being made fun of just because of who you are is So what is hate crime? cruel. We are all different and we all have feelings.” Hate crime is any crime that is targeted at a person because of Alex has now received support from hostility or prejudice. learning disability charity North Somerset People First to help regain This might be because of the person’s his confidence. disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or * not his real name transgender identity.
32 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October He said: “I have made new friends Howard Pothecary, community safety and now we support each other. manager at North Somerset Council, Representatives from a range When people make fun of me now it said: “Reporting makes a difference of organisations will be doesn’t upset me, I just feel sorry for – to you, your friends, and your available to talk to members of them because they don’t know any community. the public during Hate Crime better.” Awareness Week, which runs “By reporting hate crime when from Saturday 8 to Saturday Following the EU referendum result it happens, you can help stop it 15 October. in June, there were increased reports happening to someone else. So of hate crime across the country, please report it if you are a victim or Visit the stand in the Town Hall, including a slight rise in the Avon and you witness it taking place. in Weston-super-Mare, from Somerset police area. Monday to Friday if you would “You will also help the police to like advice or to report a hate Detective superintendent Will White, better understand the level of hate crime. from Avon and Somerset Police, said: crime in your local area, and “Hate crime can have a devastating improve the way they respond to it.” Victims of Hate crime will also impact on victims and their quality be there to talk about their of life; it divides communities and Michelle Burnett, chief executive experiences. neighbourhoods. of North Somerset People First and member of RHINS, said: A roadshow will also be “We will always support anyone who “Members of the RHINS group feel travelling throughout the is victimised and work closely with that a positive and proactive way area… all communities to stamp out crimes to combat hate crime is working motivated by prejudice and hate. If together. l Saturday 8 - Rainbow you or someone you know is a victim Café, based in Cameo please don’t hesitate to call us.” “We need local communities to look bar, Walliscote Road, out for one another, particularly Weston-super-Mare North Somerset Council condemns those who are more vulnerable than any form of hate crime and, at the ourselves. l Monday 10 - The Campus, last full council meeting, councillors Locking Castle (morning) unanimously agreed a motion to “If you see an incident or behaviour that you think is, or could be, a hate ensure local bodies have the support l Tuesday 11– Weston crime, please don’t ignore it, report and resources they need to fight and College Knightstone it.” prevent it. Campus (10am-1pm)
l Wednesday 12 – For All Healthy Living Centre (9am-12.30pm) and Big Lamp Corner in Weston (1.30-4.30pm)
l Thursday 13 and Friday 14 – school visits.
For more information, or to discuss how you could become involved in Hate Crime Awareness Week, email CSDCommunity@n-somerset. gov.uk
Report a hate incident online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/hatereport or call Council Connect: 01934 888 801 Call 999 in an emergency or the police on 101 in a non-emergency.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 33 Recycling New recycling and waste contract starts next year
Improvements will come to North Somerset’s recycling and waste service next year when a new contractor takes over.
Biffa has been appointed to take over Since the current contract began in Satisfaction among residents is also the area’s household recycling and 2010, North Somerset Council has high, with the service gaining between waste collections and run its recycling become one of the top performing 87 and 91 per cent in residents’ centres for the next seven years, from 1 councils in the country for recycling. surveys. March next year. The amount of residual waste generated North Somerset Council is committed The service will stay mostly the same but by each household is now half of what to ensuring that these high levels of with some key improvements. it was in 2006 and well below the customer satisfaction are maintained national average. under the new contract. These include an increase in the amount of materials you can recycle, The recycling rate in the area has also the introduction of different coloured increased from 21 per cent in 2005 to Life takes a look at recycling boxes, better reuse services 58 per cent in 2015/16. so old items can find a new lease of what the new contract life, improved recycling facilities for This has reduced the cost of sending flats, and using bins for garden waste waste to landfill by about £11m over will look like… collections. the same period.
34 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Recycling
Recycling collections from Kerbside refuse collections Garden waste service the kerbside Waste will continue to be collected Garden waste will now be collected every two weeks from existing in bins, not sacks.This change is Collections from the kerbside will 180-litre bins, or grey sacks/black ties being made for a number of reasons remain largely unchanged. where applicable. but largely because of health and In addition to the materials currently safety concerns around the current collected, small waste electrical items system. (up to the size of a small toaster) will The new service will be subscription- now be collected by crews. based with a one off fee of £20 for A second different coloured box will each bin registered to the property. also be introduced to help residents Bins will be available in three separate their materials. different sizes - 140, 180 and New boxes will not be rolled out 240-litre - and each property will be immediately but will be made allowed up to two bins. available when residents request For properties where bins would additional or replacement containers. be inappropriate, smaller more Recycling and food waste will remain manageable reusable garden waste a weekly collection. sacks will be available.
How does the cost of the
£50-53 annual garden waste service service charge £32 annual (depending on area) £42 annual service charge, compare? service charge, plus £21 for plus £2.78 the bin one-off delivery charge £30 annual £20 one-off service charge registration fee
North Somerset South Bath and North Bristol Somerset Waste Gloucestershire East Somerset Partnership
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 35 Recycling
Commercial waste Changes to recycling service centres
A commercial waste collection All thee recycling centres – in service will still be offered to small Backwell, Portishead and Weston- and medium-sized businesses who super-Mare – will have dedicated sometimes find it difficult to secure reuse areas for items that could be a reasonably priced service. These given another home. businesses will also be able to pay to use the area’s recycling centres. Hard plastics and plate glass will also Food waste for flats be added to the list of items which can be recycled. A food waste collection service will be Bulky waste introduced for people who live in flats A resident’s permit scheme will be and communal properties. A lot of bulky waste has the potential introduced during autumn 2017. to be reused or recycled so North This will be free of charge but only The food waste bins will have lockable Somerset Council will work with a available to North Somerset residents. lids to prevent spills and so wildlife local charity/social enterprise to help CCTV and automatic number plate can’t get in, and they will be removed provide this service in future and recognition systems will support this. for cleaning every four weeks. ensure the reuse value is maximised. The recycling centres will have web cams to allow residents to check how busy the site is before setting out.
Small and medium-sized businesses will be able to use the recycling centres at Weston-super-Mare and Portishead for up to six hours a week.
A fee will be charged but it will provide these businesses with a convenient waste disposal solution.
36 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Recycling
Investment
North Somerset Council will invest £8m on new collection vehicles, machinery and depot facilities.
All vehicles will be fitted with equipment to allow real-time route information to be collected, which will be provided to Biffa and council staff.
The equipment will also allow the council to carry out twice-yearly surveys about the amount of waste and recycling produced.
The new contract is also a big boost for North Somerset’s economy.
Between three and five per cent of Biffa’s workforce must be apprentices or in traineeships, and there is an aspiration that at least 90 per cent of the workforce are North Somerset residents.
Arrangements have also been made to continue and expand the partnership work with existing reuse social enterprises, James Scott’s North Somerset Reuse Project and Somerset Wood Recycling.
Have your say
A consultation launches this month to look at the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of recycling centres.
It will include questions on reducing the opening hours as well as the level of charge residents pay for delivering DIY waste such as rubble, paint and plasterboard.
Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/rc2016
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 37 Thriving leisure facilities prove popular in Portishead
Leisure facilities in Portishead are proving popular with residents as investment in venues across the town is paying off. £1.2m refurbishment The new state-of-the-art gym was Whether you want to work up a completed in November 2014 and sweat at Parish Wharf, get your boosts centre usage additional work then took place dancing shoes on for a trip to during that winter. Somerset Hall, or smell the flowers Thousands more people are getting during a stroll around the Lake fitter and healthier following a This included a new reception desk Grounds, there is something for £1.2m refurbishment of Portishead’s and café with more seating. everyone. leisure centre. Improvements were also made to Life takes a look at some of the Parish Wharf, in Harbour Road, the entrance of the swimming pool highlights… has seen its visitor numbers increase changing rooms and toilets, as well from about 180,000 a year to about as providing an additional studio 250,000 since the refurbishment was space for classes and activities. completed last March. Parish Wharf leisure centre: More than 1,000 extra people have 01275 848 494 also signed up for membership and swimming lessons are now given to nearly 700 children a week.
38 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Improvements at Green Flag for Lake Somerset Hall Grounds Prestigious Green Flag status has been awarded to Portishead’s Lake Grounds, meaning it is one of the best green spaces in the country. © Fay Powell
The award, run by environmental The area offers a diverse range of charity Keep Britain Tidy, is a sign that uses for visitors and there is a strong the space boasts the highest possible community feel. standards, is well maintained and has excellent facilities. Many local groups already work Improvements inside and out are hard on the site, with Portishead bringing people back to Somerset Hall. The Lake Grounds is the seventh in Bloom and Pride in Portishead open space in North Somerset to organising litter picks and improving The hall, in The Precinct, hosts fly the flag, joining Prince Consort the plants and flowers, while many events, celebrations and Gardens and Jubilee Park in Weston- Portishead Town Council provided organisations throughout the year super-Mare, Abbots Pool Woodland new play equipment. and more people are now visiting in Abbots Leigh, Watchhouse Hill in thanks to its £15,000 improvements. Pill, Trendlewood Community Park in Green Flag awards are given on an Nailsea and Uphill Hill Local Nature annual basis and winners must apply During the last 18 months, new Reserve in Uphill. each year to renew their status. accessible ramps have been built, the dancefloor has been refurbished, new signs have been put up, and it’s had a lick of paint. Flagship library remains popular Portishead’s flagship library is still The updated balcony is now fully going from strength to strength five accessible for people to enjoy a years after its opening. drink they have bought from the fully licensed bar. The library, on the ground floor of Horatio House in Harbour Road, Somerset Hall is run by North opened in April 2011 and is more Somerset Council and manager Paul than twice the size of the town’s Hillman said: previous library.
“The space is so flexible that in any It now receives about 81,200 visitors one month we could be hosting a year, with about 6,800 visitors a variety of meetings, afternoon a month. People use the space to Portishead library: 01934 426 040 tea dances, blood donor sessions, read, relax, sip coffee, browse the [email protected] parties or even live action wrestling internet or get their council questions with a full size ring.” answered. Almost 98,000 items are A library book sale will be held at borrowed a year, about 8,100 items Portishead library on Saturday 15 The hall is also home to many clubs a month. and Sunday 16 October. and organisations such as Portishead Harbourside WI, Portishead Floral Popular sessions include Storytime Young people can have their say Art and Portishead Players. on Thursday afternoons for babies, in a library survey next month. toddlers and pre-schoolers. Anyone up to the age of 16 can take part in the questionnaire. Somerset Hall can accommodate The library also has a team of The survey runs from Sunday a range of celebrations with space friendly computer buddies who can 16 to Saturday 29 October in for functions of 50 to 250 people. help visitors get online and assist your local library or call Call 01275 884 100 them using a computer or tablet. 01934 426 897. [email protected] Contact the library to book a session.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 39 Giving a voice to black and other minority ethnic communities
Black and other minority ethnic communities continue to have a voice in North Somerset thanks to a new joint venture.
North Somerset Council and North “Our members come from every “When it came to awarding a Somerset Clinical Commissioning corner of the world but we know there new contract, we were particularly Group (CCG) awarded a 12-month are many more people we have yet impressed with the partnership contract to local voluntary to meet. approach put forward by the MFA organisation the Multicultural and the wide range of new ideas they Friendship Association in June. “We believe that this BME project can had to work with a community that help you to make a positive difference can sometimes be viewed as hard to This means they are now working to the services on offer, so contact us reach.” together, along with mental to make your voice heard.” wellbeing organisation 1in4 and the Plans for the upcoming year include… Carlton Centre, to empower BME Louise Roberts, equality and diversity communities, give them the chance manager at North Somerset Council, l completing an annual health and to get their views heard, and enable said: “Both the council and CCG are community safety survey them to participate in the development committed to seeking the views of l of public services in North Somerset. individuals and organisations in North developing clear, articulate routes Somerset to help them provide and to engage the community in Triliria Newbury, from the Multicultural develop services in the most effective developing services Friendship Association, said: “We are and efficient way. l so pleased to have been given the supporting members of the chance to act as a gateway into the community to help evaluate local many and varied communities in our health services. local area.
MFA is based at the Badger Centre, Wadham Street, Weston-super-Mare. Open Tuesdays 1-3pm • 07587 335 963 • www.mfa-wsm.org.uk
40 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October TROPICANA How to book THE BAY Box Office 0117 902 0344 Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1BE www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com TheBayTropicana • WestonSeafront www.thebayweston.co.uk • [email protected] Tickets also available from The Bay Café, Tropicana
Luke Wright Travelling Light What I Learned The Mysterious from Johnny Vanishment of Pobby Bevan and Dingan Friday 4 November Friday 23 September 7.30pm 7pm Age: 13+ £10/£7 concession Age: 9+ £10/£7 concession “Pulsating piece of poetic storytelling” ★★★★ Lyn Gardner, Guardian “A delightful story with a huge heart” WINNER Fringe First Award for new writing ★★★★ Public Reviews WINNER The Stage Award for acting excellence
Living Spit’s Spitz and Co Frankenstein co-produced with Salisbury Playhouse Glorilla Saturday 12 Friday 25 November and Sunday 20 7.30pm November Age: 13+ 13, 19, 20 – 2.30pm £7 12-13, 15-20 – 7.30pm Comedy, slapstick Age: 11+ and non-stop hilarity £14/£12 concession
“World Class Actors at the top of their game” FTR 26831 0716
General enquiries 01934 629 829
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 41 Don’t chicken out... respect your food and stay safe
Chicken now accounts l washing your hands after l raw meat can drip bacteria, so handling raw meat and its store it at the bottom of the fridge. for almost half the meat packaging removes poisioning eaten in the UK but bacteria l keep a preparation board for raw meat only it does need careful l do not rinse raw chicken as it l handling to avoid food can spread juices and bacteria. defrost frozen chicken thoroughly Dry off juices with a paper towel in the fridge before cooking poisoning. instead so you can throw it away. l cook poultry until the juices run Poultry is a great, versatile ingredient l prepare salads and vegetables clear and the meat is no longer for student meals so families with loved before preparing meat pink. ones leaving home for the first time this l consume any food before the use- month are being urged to remind them l keep raw meat and cooked food by date. of some simple food hygiene rules… apart - don’t over-stock the fridge to avoid raw meat packaging touching ready-to-eat food
f @/foodstandardsagency f /nsfoodandsafety
42 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Health matters Help fight flu with a jab
Don’t be knocked off l People with a learning l Can flu be treated with antibiotics? disability No - flu is a viral infection and your feet this winter – antibiotics can’t treat viruses. l Pregnant women protect your health with l People living in a residential l Will it give me flu? a flu jab. or nursing home No. The vaccine is inactivated and cannot cause flu. Many l Informal or unpaid carers Jabs are available from September people catch colds during winter to offer protection before flu starts l People aged 65 and over and if you have symptoms after circulating in the winter. The flu (who may also be eligible for the jab you may have already vaccine is still the best and only real a pneumonia vaccine – your caught a cold before having the protection against flu for you and your GP surgery can provide more vaccine. loved ones. information). l Flu is just a bad cold isn’t it? l Life found out more… Where can you get it? Flu can cause severe symptoms. From GP surgeries and most Most people have to take time off pharmacies. Many surgeries offer from work and/or can’t continue l Who can have the flu jab? flu’ vaccination clinics with no normal daily life. Some may even Anyone. People most at risk from need for an appointment. Text be admitted to hospital. developing complications are ‘pharmacy flu’ with your postcode offered a free jab. Others can still to 80011 to see your three closest l Is the vaccine safe? have a jab for about £10. Contact participating pharmacies. Yes. It can be given to babies your local pharmacy for details. and older people with very few l Is it always effective? reactions. l Who is entitled to a free jab? The flu virus is constantly changing l Young children (nasal spray so there is a new vaccine each for pre-school children and up year. Last year it was effective For full details visit: to year 3) in more than half of those who www.nhs.uk/flu-jab received it. If you do get flu it’s l Anyone with a long-term likely to be milder and shorter- medical condition (aged six lived than it would otherwise be. months or older)
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 43 Get vocal, be heard Have your say and help influence council policies
Get your voice heard and help influence council policies by taking part in a consultation.
North Somerset Council organises more than 50 consultations throughout the year so residents can have their say on council services and policies.
These cover local, area-wide or regional issues, and can be about a range of subjects such as health, education, roads, social care, housing and more.
The council has a duty to consult on certain things, such as the Changes to policy are made wherever l installing of a mini roundabout long-term development of the area possible following feedback from at the Cabstand junction in and equalities issues, and it often residents. Portishead. consults on other issues too to help make decisions on the best use of Recent changes include… Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/consult to resources. see all current and upcoming council l Christmas school holidays consultations, as well as an archive of Examples of recent consultations tweaked in response to what all completed ones. include…. schools wanted On this page you can register to l the proposed West of England l extra recycling bins for flats in a receive email alerts about new devolution deal part of Portishead consultations matching your interests. l expansion plans for a school l designing a creative hub in Posters are also put up in libraries at Weston-super-Mare, an office the start of each month to advertise all l regeneration plans for Weston- space for micro businesses and current consultations. super-Mare’s town centre start-ups in the creative sector l planning policies for land usage l changing the rules about the www.n-somerset.gov.uk/consult contributions which developers or for more information call l licensing private landlords in have to make to roads and public Dave Ostry: 01275 888 762 central Weston-super-Mare. services
44 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October Get vocal, be heard Get vocal, be heard KEY Feedback is welcomed l new proposed by North Somerset route Council because l current route residents on the receiving end of council services often have good ideas about how to © Crown copyright and database rights 2016 Ordnance Survey 100023397 make them better. You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell this data to third parties in any form.
While the council can’t act on every The project is a collaboration Volunteers also completed work on suggestion, it makes changes where between many partners, including the Sedgemoor side of the route, possible. North Somerset Council, Sedgemoor including vegetation clearance, District Council, the charity drainage works and new fencing Greenways and Cycleroutes, the and gates. You said: Environment Agency, Natural England and Brean Parish Council. North Somerset’s part of this project will be completed fully this year, What are you The route is intended to increase including works to prepare the tourism in the region by allowing Environment Agency sluice for the doing to improve easy access between the two resorts, opening of the path. and by linking Weston to the Stop cycle routes in the Line Way - a cycle route which runs The path will open once a safe route through Somerset, Devon and Dorset. from the River Axe to Brean beach area, especially (along Weston Road) has been In June a work camp took place completed. to Brean? which saw volunteers lay 500 tonnes of stone to create 1.4km of new This section is being delivered by stone dust path leading up to the Greenways and Cycleroutes in We did: River Axe. collaboration with all stakeholders. In addition, 500 metres of existing It is anticipated the route will A joint project is currently ongoing track have also been improved ahead open next summer, dependent on to create a multi-use, off-road path of the work due to start this autumn. successful funding bids. leading from Weston-super-Mare’s promenade to the beach at Brean. This section will be tarmacked so it www.greenwaysandcycleroutes.org can be shared with farm vehicles.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 45 Your views - Letters, photos, tweets, posts
Dear Editor, Colin Russell, recycling and waste manager: Your views While I understand The intention of the permit scheme is to restrict use the need to restrict of the recycling centres to North Somerset residents ? Send your items to recycling centre sites to only, but for the application to be as simple and Editor, North Somerset Life genuine North Somerset streamlined as possible. North Somerset Council residents, I am at a loss to Although not finalised yet, it is likely that the resident Floor 1, Town Hall understand the necessity will apply online using the ‘my account’ system on Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ of registering with the the council’s website. Details will be verified against or email [email protected] council. council tax information and vehicle details can then @NorthSomersetC This would be costly and be entered. l time consuming as a The registration number will be logged on the person would need to be f NorthSomersetCouncil automatic number plate recognition system which is employed in completing installed at all recycling sites. Residents will then be NorthSomersetC the register, as well as the & able to drive straight into the site unchallenged. data transmission to each Items submitted without a valid name and address site. If a vehicle is not registered, the automated system will not be considered for publication. Please tell us will alert staff. They will then go over to the driver to Just ask to see the driver’s if you do not want your details published. Due to discuss how to apply if they are a local resident, or space restrictions letters may be edited. driving licence. advise on other sites if they are not. Roland Purchase, I appreciate the simplicity of checking driving licences Clevedon but this can be time consuming and lead to queues of vehicles. It can also be difficult during bad weather or poor light.
& We can’t show all of your photos in Life but you can see them at pinterest.com/NorthSomersetC
SIMON JAMES Ian Freeth
North Somerset Thank you @ Where can I get a The travellers l f f Council: NorthSomersetC for local concessionary are back in The fl It often takes around great service. New bus pass? Barrows. Please could five working days to do Many topics are recycling boxes you advise on how North Somerset the necessary welfare covered on Twitter arrived in 5 days! long we should be Council: checks then serve Thanks to ‘Clare’ who expecting them to and Facebook and Please see our eviction notices. answered my phone stay before they are last month these website at www.n- call. moved? issues were raised. somerset.gov.uk/ diamondtravelcard
46 North Somerset Life • Issue 132 – September/October The Winter Focus special edition will be delivered from: Monday 31 October North Somerset Life
North Somerset Life is the award winning magazine for the people of North www.n-somerset.gov.uk Somerset. Your copy should be delivered with your post unless you use Report it. Request it. Pay for it. Royal Mail’s opt out service to block unaddressed mail. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect You can download this issue and back issues from www.n-somerset.gov.uk/nsl or pick copies up from council buildings. 8am – 6pm Mon – Fri Council Connect: for all streets Coming next issue: Sign up to Life’s online edition and open spaces enquiries: l Winter Focus – keep warm and and recieve news straight into 01934 888 802 well, recycling in winter weather, your inbox. Visit Care Connect: for all social salting routes and more. www.northsomersetlife.co.uk services enquiries: 01275 888 801 Tide timetables for Weston-super-Mare [email protected] Main switchboard: Tide facts Weather conditions which differ from the average will have an 01934 888 888 effect on the differences between predicted and actual tide times. Approximate high water Emergency (out of hours): times at: Strong winds can hold the tide in or push the tide out. Air pressure can also cause fluctuations in predicted levels. 01934 622 669 Clevedon: 10 min Tidal predictions for Weston-super-Mare have been computed by Portishead: 18 min the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory. later than North Somerset Council Weston-super-Mare. Copyright reserved. Town Hall Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tidetimes
September 2016 October 2016 Date High water Low water High water Low water Date High water Low water High water Low water
Time Height (M)Time Height (M)Time Height (M)Time Height (M) Time Height (M)Time Height (M)Time Height (M)Time Height (M) AM PM AM PM 1 Thu 07:40 11.88 01:12 0.91 19:56 12.07 13:29 0.84 1 Sat 07:54 11.97 01:24 0.96 20:08 12.03 13:39 0.95 2 Fri 08:19 12.02 01:50 0.86 20:33 12.14 14:05 0.85 2 Sun 08:26 11.99 01:56 1.03 20:39 12.00 14:09 1.02 3 Sat 08:53 12.02 02:25 0.93 21:07 12.09 14:37 0.94 3 Mon 08:56 11.93 02:25 1.10 21:07 11.89 14:37 1.09 4 Sun 09:26 11.90 02:56 1.05 21:38 11.89 15:08 1.08 4 Tue 09:25 11.73 02:53 1.19 21:35 11.61 15:04 1.21 5 Mon 09:56 11.60 03:25 1.21 22:08 11.50 15:36 1.28 5 Wed 09:51 11.34 03:17 1.35 22:02 11.13 15:30 1.43 6 Tue 10:24 11.10 03:50 1.42 22:35 10.94 16:02 1.54 6 Thu 10:18 10.77 03:41 1.61 22:31 10.49 15:57 1.77 7 Wed 10:51 10.47 04:16 1.70 23:03 10.26 16:29 1.87 7 Fri 10:46 10.10 04:10 1.96 23:02 9.82 16:27 2.17 8 Thu 11:19 9.77 04:44 2.05 23:33 9.56 17:02 2.27 8 Sat 01:17 9.46 04:40 2.35 23:39 9.21 17:05 2.58 9 Fri - - 05:19 2.44 11:52 9.13 17:43 2.71 9 Sun - - 05:24 2.73 12:02 8.91 17:59 2.97 10 Sat 00:13 8.93 06:06 2.86 12:41 8.58 18:41 3.14 10 Mon 00:37 8.72 06:28 3.12 13:20 8.56 19:23 3.29 11 Sun 01:16 8.46 07:13 3.27 14:11 8.34 20:11 3.44 11 Tue 02:07 8.58 08:09 3.35 15:08 8.91 21:24 3.05 12 Mon 02:59 8.49 09:11 3.36 15:54 8.97 22:10 2.90 12 Wed 03:46 9.25 10:00 2.82 16:27 9.98 22:34 2.21 13 Tue 04:26 9.34 10:35 2.58 17:02 10.08 23:04 2.03 13 Thu 04:57 10.37 10:58 2.02 17:26 11.14 23:29 1.52 14 Wed 05:29 10.43 11:26 1.83 17:56 11.17 23:54 1.40 14 Fri 05:53 11.43 11:56 1.43 18:18 12.07 - - 15 Thu 06:22 11.39 12:20 1.31 18:45 12.00 - - 15 Sat 06:42 12.22 00:24 1.01 19:05 12.70 12:48 0.95 Ian Freeth 16 Fri 07:08 12.09 00:46 0.96 19:30 12.57 13:09 0.92 16 Sun 07:29 12.74 01:13 0.61 19:49 13.08 13:34 0.61 17 Sat 07:52 12.57 01:33 0.62 20:13 12.93 13:53 0.63 17 Mon 08:11 13:03 01:56 0.36 20:34 13.22 14:16 0.43 18 Sun 08:34 12.85 02:17 0.38 20:55 13.10 14:37 0.47 18 Tue 08:53 13.09 02:38 0.31 21:16 13.09 14:57 0.46 19 Mon 09:14 12.92 03:00 0.31 21:37 12.99 15:19 0.50 19 Wed 09:36 12.84 03:19 0.48 22:00 12.61 15:38 0.72 20 Tue 09:56 12.67 03:43 0.48 22:19 12.53 16:01 0.76 20 Thu 10:19 12.24 03:58 0.88 22:46 11.79 16:17 1.17 21 Wed 10:38 12.07 04:22 0.86 23:04 11.74 16:39 1.19 21 Fri 11:05 11.37 04:38 1.41 23:36 10.81 16:58 1.72 22 Thu 11:22 11.22 05:01 1.38 23:52 10.76 17:19 1.71 22 Sat - - 05:20 1.97 11:56 10.44 17:48 2.27 23 Fri - - 05:43 1.93 12:13 10.30 18:09 2.26 23 Sun 00:31 9.88 06:15 2.52 12:56 9.67 18:54 2.77 24 Sat 00:49 9.84 06:40 2.48 13:16 9.55 19:17 2.78 24 Mon 01:38 9.28 07:32 2.94 14:11 9.32 20:28 2.98 25 Sun 02:02 9.25 08:01 2.91 14:36 9.26 20:57 2.96 25 Tue 02:59 9.23 09:12 2.89 15:36 9.58 21:54 2.58 26 Mon 03:27 9.29 09:38 2.78 16:06 9.66 22:20 2.47 26 Wed 04:21 9.79 10:21 2.33 16:50 10.31 22:54 1.98 27 Tue 04:49 9.98 10:49 2.14 17:19 10.54 23:23 1.76 27 Thu 05:23 10.60 11:16 1.74 17:45 11.04 23:43 1.49 28 Wed 05:49 10.88 11:45 1.48 18:12 11.35 - - 28 Fri 06:10 11.23 12:00 1.35 18:29 11.48 - - 29 Thu 06:37 11.54 00:11 1.21 18:56 11.81 12:28 1.06 29 Sat 06:51 11.58 00:21 1.25 19:07 11.68 12:37 1.19 30 Fri 07:18 11.86 00:50 0.97 19:34 11.99 13:05 0.93 30 Sun 06:26 11.73 00:55 1.19 18:40 11.74 12:09 1.15 31 Mon 06:58 11.80 00:26 1.20 19:10 11.76 12:39 1.15
recycle me when you’ve read me www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 47 HHOWOW WILL WILL YYOUOU quit thisthis sstoptober?toptober? There’s lots of support available, There’s lots of support available, so talk to your local Stop so talk to your local Stop Smoking Service. Smoking Service.
Search Stoptober Search Stoptober /stoptober @stoptober /stoptober @stoptober
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