ISSUE 141 – JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
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However difficult it has been across the growing confidence. There may be country since 2010 when cuts were difficulties ahead but there are still 65million imposed, the next 12 months hold real people living and working in this country. I hope you had a really good Christmas hope for local prospects. I really hope that this coming year will and New Year’s Eve and wish you a We have almost made all the savings asked eventually see a more settled and happier happy, healthy and successful 2019. of us and now look forward to a period of time than last year, even though there I would also like to congratulate the staff building and investing in services again. is still so much uncertainty. Politics at at North Somerset for the wonderful job all levels, fuelled by years of financial We really do have some excellent they have done despite fewer resources restrictions, has created an atmosphere of businesses in North Somerset and they and more demands. worry and anger. Our democratic society lead the way in the economy of our seems to be in constant turmoil. They cannot possibly do everything that communities and also give much welcome we all ask of them, or indeed they would advice on opportunities and needs for In a diverse and ageing population, wish to do, but when I look across the continued growth. different economic and environmental region it puts it in perspective and shows circumstances, differing views, values and I have mentioned Bristol Airport (Lulsgate) how well they have done. ambitions of new generations, change is before but they have just won an award inevitable and much-needed but it should In return, I need to thank North Somerset as the best Airport in Europe, in the be seen as positive and not threatening, residents for the way they have coped five million to 10 million passengers certainly not hateful. with the effects of reduced resources. It category. That is excellent and a good is not easy and often irritating not to get advertisement for the area, well done to Given that we have just honoured and what seems obvious and routine, so thank everyone who works there. remembered those in the First World War, you on behalf of the council. let’s get our problems in perspective. Other investment in North Somerset continues, which is a positive sign of Councillor Nigel Ashton Leader of North Somerset Council Contacts Contents
Call us Direct numbers for other popular services: For all council services, call 01934 888 888 For waste and recycling, (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) road issues, planning and building control: At the prompt, say who you 01934 888 802 want to talk to if you know (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) their name, or say what 4 News update 30 Creative hub to For council tax and benefits: you want to talk about in a double in size 01934 888 144 10 Could fostering be word or two. (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) your New Year’s 33 Building work starts For social services: resolution? on innovative food centre 01275 888 801 12 Night Assessment (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm) Centre for homeless 36 Climate change crisis people opens 40 Preserving our Do it online – report it, request it or pay for it at: 14 Get fit for New Year heritage www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect 20 Making Weston safe 43 Shared Lives scheme Or go straight to these popular web pages by adding these and enjoyable at night needs new carers shortcuts: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/myaccount /planning /schooladmissions /wastecollections /termdates 24 Walk around 47 Contact details Portishead
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www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 3 News Portishead hall’s future is secured
The future of a popular community hall in Portishead has been secured.
North Somerset Council has transferred the lease for Avon Way Hall to Vintage Church, which will continue to operate it as a community facility. Avon Way Hall is on the first floor of a building above It is well used by many groups, including dance, baby retail units in Avon Way. It has off-street parking and groups, exercise classes and martial arts. disabled access.
Chris James, the leader of the Vintage Church, said: Vintage Church was chosen to take over the building “We are delighted to have taken over the running following a public consultation and formal expressions of Avon Way Hall and our desire is that it remains a of interest from local organisations. community space for Portishead. Community groups or individuals wanting “We are working hard on retaining all of our to book the hall can email existing bookings and look forward to new users [email protected] or call being welcomed to use the hall.” Aaron Rath on 07413 456 464
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4 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news
Planning for North Somerset’s future transport A series of major consultations shape how transport schemes are It sets out where to focus on plans for housing, prioritised in the coming years. resources and what infrastructure improvements are needed to meet employment, and The JLTP addresses ambitions. transport growth in existing and North Somerset over expected challenges, Options to support sustainable and the next two decades is including planned greener travel are also included, housing and such as cycling, walking, bus, now looking at how you employment rail, and electric and autonomous want to move around growth, and looks vehicles. the region. at improving Suggestions include: The draft Joint Local connections � reopening a nationally Transport Plan (JLTP) for people and significant railway line between proposes the West of businesses across all Portishead and Bristol to England’s transport priorities and transport types. improve transport links in the policies to 2036. This is the fourth plan developed by region North Somerset, Bristol, Bath and As well as looking for feedback � continuing to build sections of North East Somerset, and South and comments the consultation, the North Somerset Coastal Gloucestershire councils, and the which is open until Sunday 17 Towns Cycle Route to link latest version also includes the West February, wants to know the areas Brean, Weston, Clevedon, of England Combined Authority. where you would invest to make Portishead and Bristol changes. The results will help � improving public transport within Weston-super-Mare Ever wondered what your neighbourhood town centre with public realm alterations, a new transport looked like 200 years ago? hub and a reduction in the dominance of traffic, to enhance with Historic England, the Great An online map system is now links for other road users available for residents to Weston Heritage Action Zone and local community groups. � improved infrastructure for discover the changes to their areas in North Somerset neighbourhood over the last The council is asking for local earmarked as possible sites for few hundred years. history enthusiasts to help build a future development, such as a bigger online picture. If you have link to bypass Banwell Know Your Place is a free historical pictures, or stories of different � an on-going commitment to online map system that allows users areas in North Somerset, visit the highway maintenance, with to compare periods of history. website to load up your gems and North Somerset already in the help develop a fuller picture of the North Somerset Council has top ten per cent of all local area’s past. digitised and transcribed hundreds authorities in the country for of maps and documents, working A roads and in the top five authorities for unclassified Visit www.kypwest.org.uk and click on the roads (2017 data). North Somerset link
Consultation on the draft Joint Local Transport Plan runs until Sunday 17 February. For more information and to comment visit www.travelwest.info/projects/joint-local-transport-plan
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 5 News New mobile library launches in Long Ashton A twice-weekly mobile library is driving into Long Ashton this month. The mobile library will visit the car park at Long Ashton Community Centre in Keedwell Hill every Tuesday afternoon from 2.30-4.30pm and every Friday morning from 9.30-11.30am, from Tuesday 8 January. Pop up events, such as children’s story times and rhyme times, will then start in the spring at venues However, library members can borrow and return around the village. items to any library in the LibrariesWest area. The mobile library is being introduced following the Reservations ordered online or on-board the mobile closure of the current library building in Lovelinch library can be collected for free from any North Gardens. Somerset library. North Somerset Council has closed the library as part Housebound residents in Long Ashton who of £260,000 savings to the library service over the cannot use the mobile library or travel next two years. to another one can sign up for the home library service. Call 01934 426 657
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6 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news
Don’t miss the primary school deadline If your child is due to start Parents of any child now in their last year of infant school who are due to reception year in September transfer to a junior school will also then there are just a few weeks need to apply by this date. left to apply for primary Parents can name up to three school places. preferences, for schools both within and outside North Somerset. The closing date to apply is Tuesday 15 January for children To ensure you are offered one of born between 1 September 2014 your preferred schools, don’t miss and 31 August 2015. the application deadline.
Apply for a school place online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/admissions by Tuesday 15 January South Parade Memorial day to mark set for a facelift horrific impact of genocide South Parade and Knightstone Road in Weston-super-Mare are The horrific impact of the many a safe place to call ‘home’ is part to receive a facelift with work genocides around the world will of the trauma faced by anyone starting this month. be remembered this month. experiencing persecution and genocide. A new crossing point will be Holocaust Memorial Day takes installed near Weston College’s place on Sunday 27 January so Local events and activities are being Knightstone campus, pavements people can come together to pledge planned for North Somerset. These will be widened and roads to put an end to such oppression will be publicised nearer the time in realigned. and suffering. the local press, the council’s social media feeds, and in local libraries. This is to make the area This year’s theme is Torn from safer and more attractive for Home, encouraging people to Books relating to Holocaust pedestrians and motorists and reflect on how the enforced loss of Memorial Day will also be available encourage more footfall to the in local libraries. town centre.
There may be lane closures, narrow lanes, traffic lights and diversions in place, but most of the resurfacing will take place during twilight and night time.
Work is expected to last until April.
Updates and news about road Are you a member of a community group and would you like to closures will be published organise some activities to mark Holocaust Memorial Day? on the council’s social media If so, contact Anthony Rylands on 01934 634 989 or feeds, or visit [email protected] www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roads www.hmd.org.uk
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 7 News Help bring the joy of gardening to care homes Green-fingered people with helps reduce social isolation and Volunteers who can spare two hours a passion for horticulture are loneliness. a fortnight will work alongside trained facilitators to help care home needed to help work with older They are organised by Bristol-based residents access all the benefits of people in North Somerset. charity Alive, which works to enrich taking part in fun activities, whenever the lives of older people in care. Growing Support social and possible, outside in the garden. therapeutic horticulture workshops The charity has just received A Winter Alive – Growing Support connect participants to their funding to run these sessions in induction is taking place at gardens and get them involved North Somerset and is now looking The Create Centre in Bristol, from in a social group, which in turn for volunteers to get involved. 10am-12.30pm on Tuesday 5 February, and 5.15-7.45pm on Wednesday 6 February.
To book a place or for more information visit www.aliveactivities.org, email [email protected] or call 0117 377 4756
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8 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news
Demolition of police station begins
The demolition of the former R&B king brings slick sounds to Tropicana police station in Weston-super- Mare has begun. Slick and smooth sounds will be Next month, electronic and dub band grooving through Weston-super- Dreadzone are also appearing. North Somerset Council is Mare soon when R&B king Trevor demolishing the station as part of Dreadzone are described as one Nelson hits the decks. its plans for Walliscote Place. of the most energetic and powerful Trevor Nelson is bringing classic live bands to emerge from the post- In its place will be a soul and R&B to the Tropicana, rave scene. contemporary building, including in Marine Parade, on Friday 25 modern homes. See them at the Tropicana on January. Friday 15 February. The demolition is expected to be The multi-award winning DJ is the finished by February. pioneer of the UK urban scene and For more information visit has a career spanning decades. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roads Buy tickets online and see what else is on at the Tropicana at or follow the council’s social www.tropicanaweston.co.uk media feeds. Proud to Care bonus scheme starts
The vital work care workers do is The bonus will be worth one week being celebrated through a new of their average weekly pay, as bonus scheme announced by calculated during the six months. North Somerset Council. Over 300 direct care staff are set to benefit from the scheme which Staff who work for one of the recognises the important role care council’s strategic care providers workers play in helping some of will receive a bonus payment after every six months of working for North Somerset’s most vulnerable their employer. residents.
Turn to page 42 to find out more about the scheme, including which care providers will be paying the Proud to Care bonus. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/proudtocare
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 9 Could fostering be your New Year’s resolution? Could you take up a new “The hardest thing is being “I’m so proud to say through hard challenge and make fostering disappointed when a child does work, our relationship with him, your New Year’s resolution? not share our ambition and desire and his desire and determination to for their future. change he is now a non-smoking, People from across North Somerset healthy footballer, thriving in a are needed to make a real “Not every child wants to be helped team, with a brilliant routine. difference in their community and or supported and at times it feels help look after local children. like you end up having a long-term “He attends secondary school tenant – but with you as the cleaner, where he is over-achieving and is Fostering can be demanding but the cook, the taxi and the carer. an absolute pleasure to have as is hugely rewarding and means so part of our family. much to children who are unable “The feeling of being to live with their own families for a uncomfortable in your own home “This child clearly needed the variety of reasons. isn’t a nice one and at times, opportunity to develop; by due to wanting different things, a being placed in foster Richard, a North Somerset foster placement doesn’t work. Social care with us he was carer, spoke to Life about what workers work with you well in given the chance he fostering is really like. these situations, though. clearly needed.” Richard was only 25 when he and his partner Sam decided to become “Every child is different, every foster carers. placement is different and you Since then they have had a number need to be clear with yourself of placements, several challenges what you want to achieve and and many more good memories can offer.” and successes. Richard added that the rewards Richard said: “I suppose ‘why are also tremendous: foster?’ is the most obvious question “The children we’ve and one which is probably the cared for are some of easiest to answer. the most amazing “We had a spare bedroom, people I’ve ever wanted to give something back met. and felt we had the skills to nurture “One came a child to fulfil their potential.” to us at Richard acknowledged that life as 12-years-old, a foster carer has its challenges. a smoker, not He said: “Being a carer is hard at mainstream work. Having a child who isn’t school, no your own is a new challenge as routine and was you have to accept that there are associating with very different rules between a child bad influences in care and your own flesh and where the use of blood. drugs was deemed okay.
10 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February And his final advice for anyone considering becoming a foster carer? “Be prepared for your life to change Did you know? and finally accept that yours and your There are about 230 family’s life will never be the same children needing foster again – for the good and the bad.” care in North Somerset. Read Richard’s full story at North Somerset Council doesn’t www.n-somerset.gov.uk/fostering have enough foster carers and some children must be placed in expensive, private placements away from their home, schools and family. What do I need to foster? A variety of schemes are available if a potential carer can’t Potential foster carers commit to full-time fostering. need a spare bedroom, some These include Supported experience of caring or working Lodgings, a bridge to with children and a willingness independence for young people to develop parenting skills. in care aged 16 and over. North Somerset Council provides on-going support, training and a generous allowance to cover costs. Could you foster? Call 01275 888 999 for more information. The team is happy to chat to anyone who is interested. If now is not the right time, it might be in the future. Find out more and have an informal chat with social workers and foster carers at the next open evening, from 6.30-8.30pm on Wednesday 16 January at the new Costa Coffee in Oxford Street, Weston-super-Mare. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ fostering f fostering northsomerset l fosteringNS
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 11 Hundreds of households saved from homelessness each year
Support workers Lisa and Jamie
More than 500 households are � mediation between landlords Night Assessment Centre saved from homelessness every and tenants opens year in North Somerset thanks � working closely with other to on-going and wide-ranging agencies and departments, such A new night centre has opened support. as domestic abuse services, in Weston-super-Mare to provide mental health teams, social care a warm bed for up to 10 rough People can face homelessness for a teams and more. sleepers each night. variety of complex reasons so North Somerset Council’s housing team As a result of this work, a total of Weston Night Assessment Centre supports them in a number of ways. 551 households were successfully opened in November at Somewhere prevented from becoming homeless To Go, in the Boulevard. This might include: during 2017/18. It is the result of 15 organisations � resolving benefit problems working together, led by local As well as this, 316 households churches and charities, and � negotiating with family and were provided with temporary supported by Weston Town Council friends accommodation and 485 households and North Somerset Council. � providing tenancy support for were helped into long-term housing, clients struggling with their tenancy either as a way of preventing their The space offers a safe place for homelessness or a move on from homeless people to stay overnight, temporary accommodation. have a shower, wash their clothes, store belongings and have a basic breakfast the following day. In the morning, further assessments and referrals are made to other agencies, such as the council. It is not a drop-in shelter – those wanting to use the centre will need Members of the steering group who helped set up to be referred and assessed by trained outreach support workers. the Night Assessment Centre
12 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February What to do if you spot a rough sleeper If you are concerned about a rough sleeper, you can contact Barry Edwards and Garry the national rough sleeping Hoare, who helped set up helpline StreetLink. the centre You will be asked for the specific location, the time you saw them and any information to help identify them. The centre has already made a Rough sleepers Details are then passed onto positive impact to people’s lives. the local council or outreach The council’s homeless prevention service so they can find the One young couple who had team works closely with a range person and offer support. previously lost their accommodation of partners to help rough sleepers said: “This centre has literally Call StreetLink on access accommodation and saved our lives. 0300 500 0914 or visit support. “We didn’t know where to turn next www.streetlink.org.uk and were getting ill on the street. Homeless charity St Mungo’s is This has made us look to the future commissioned by the council to Funding provide outreach support to rough with hope.” Officers from North Somerset’s sleepers, alongside the local housing team have asked central Another young man who lost YMCA. his accommodation through an government for funding to help unfortunate series of events is also This outreach team finds and rough sleepers, through the Rapid now receiving help. talks to rough sleepers to help Rehousing Pathway and the Rough move them off the streets and Sleeper Initiative schemes. He said: “I didn’t know I could get into suitable accommodation by This includes ideas for initiatives help. I thought I’d messed up and referring to other services such as which will help rough sleepers that was that.” the homeless prevention team. during cold weather. Project lead Barry Edwards said: Trust is gradually built up to “The Night Assessment Centre is It is hoped the council will find out enable people to find routes out of more than just a bed for the night. if it’s successful this homelessness and towards recovery. It is a place where people can month. access support and other services.” The centre is run by trained staff and Other ways to help volunteers who can also signpost Landlords who would consider letting their property to rough sleepers to other support one of the many households the council helps each year, can contact available, such as housing, addiction 01934 426 483 or [email protected] to discuss or mental health services. incentives and support. It is also working jointly with North Somerset Council to provide the To make a donation to Somewhere to Go or find out more about their emergency cold weather provision work visit www.somewheretogo.org.uk during times of particularly extreme The Night Assessment Centre relies on volunteers. If you’re interested in weather. helping, email [email protected] f WestonNightAssessmentCentre
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 13 Have a healthy 2019 New year is the perfect How much physical activity do we need? time for you to make a Adults need two types of physical activity each week to stay healthy – new start and prioritise aerobic and strength exercises. your health and wellbeing. How much you need depends on your age. For adults aged 19-64:
� At least 150 minutes of � As well as this, try to do strength There are plenty of opportunities moderate activity a week, such exercises that work all major in North Somerset to get active, as cycling, brisk walking or muscle groups on two or more lose weight, learn a new skill or water aerobics. days a week. join a new club. � If your activity is vigorous, when Dr Andrew Burnett, North Somerset Exercise can be beneficial for both you are breathing fast and have Council’s Interim Director of Public difficulty talking, this can be the body and mind but you don’t Health, said: reduced to 75 minutes. need to don the Lycra in a gym – “Being more physically active in � just a swift 10 minute walk around Mix it up – try for 30 minutes a everyday life reduces the risk of day over five days to reach the disability and many long-term the block at lunchtime can clear recommended 150 minutes. Bouts conditions no matter how old you your head for the rest of the day. of 10 minutes at a time provide are or your state of health. Walking benefits, and means you avoid more, using the stairs and simple sitting for long periods of time. balance exercises will all help. Start small and build up gradually.”
For more hints and tips, and advice for other age groups, visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise This girl can Women are getting inspired to take part in exercise by Sport England’s new This Girl Can video. #ThisGirlCan celebrates women doing their thing no matter how they do it, how they look or even how sweaty they get. Feel motivated to #fitgotreal whether cycling, running, playing football, rugby, netball or more. Search the hashtags on social media or visit www.thisgirlcan.co.uk
Discover the wide variety of activities available locally in the North Somerset Active Directory. The directory is for everyone, including beginners, older people, those returning to exercise or anyone who wants to try something different. Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/activedirectory
14 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Have a healthy 2019 Health Trainers changes lives Anyone who needs a little one-to-one “She supported me all the encouragement to lead a healthier way through my journey, lifestyle can find a host of support with regular appointments through the Health Trainer service. and talking through different Health Trainers give free and resources I could use, such as confidential advice to adults in the eat well guide and traffic Weston-super-Mare who want to light labelling.” make healthy lifestyle changes, whether increasing physical activity, Five months on, Tina still attends losing weight, giving up smoking or Weight Watchers and has gone reducing their alcohol intake. from size 24 to size 16 to18. Tina Roberts met health trainer Tina added: “This has made an Debbie Stone for support and impact on my diabetes and I am encouragement with losing weight now on a lower insulin, which is and has lost three stone as a result. good for me. I also have more confidence. Tina Roberts Tina said: “Debbie referred me to Weight Watchers and saw me “I still want to meet my target every other week, teaching me weight so I’m still going to Weight about eating all the right food. Watchers every week.”
Support from the Health Trainers is completely free. To book an appointment or discuss what’s available call 01934 427 661 or email [email protected]
Free activities available Free and half-price activities are available to some residents in North Somerset so they can make use of their local leisure centre to get active.
The Get Active Pass is available to people who meet certain criteria and are referred by their doctor, practice nurse or health trainer.
The pass provides limited free and half price entry to specified activities at these leisure centres: Scotch Horn in Nailsea, Hutton Moor in Weston-super-Mare, Strode in Clevedon, Backwell, Churchill, and Parish Wharf in Portishead.
Contact your local GP or health trainer to find out what the eligibility criteria is and if you can apply.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 15 Improving your health in older age
Gentle exercise in older age can Portishead resident Val Guest, help you stay healthy, energetic aged 79, had suffering back Put your best foot and independent. problems for 15 years, with a slight curvature of the spine and some disc forward Improving your fitness and mobility is a degeneration. positive thing no matter what your age Getting a more active lifestyle and it doesn’t matter how mobile She was struggling to attend her could be as simple as putting you are – whether you are regular Pilates class as the one foot in front of the other. floor work increased already fairly active or Walking is free, easy and can her pain and instead mostly chair-bound. be done at any fitness level. found a gentle The social and Ageing Well class. If you need a little extra support emotional benefits to get started, walking groups of attending a Val said: could be the answer. class can also be “I am amazed as important as the North Somerset Council’s at the difference increased energy health walks programme offers levels. it made. free, short, friendly, guided Here in North Somerset, “I was seeing my walks in the area’s four main an Ageing Well programme osteopath monthly but haven’t towns and some villages. been in the past six months. of classes is managed by Age UK The majority of walks are on Somerset. “The stiffness and tightness has pavements so just come with Choose from gentle classes such as completely gone, and I’ve even comfortable and practical seated yoga or Flexercise, to more noticed an improvement in my footwear. active ones like Mature Movers or strength and balance.” Zumba. To view the latest health For more information about Ageing Well classes contact Nikki walks programme visit Smith: 07530 777 895 or [email protected] www.walkingforhealth.org.uk For a full list of classes visit www.ageuksomerset.org.uk
16 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Pupils from Yeo Moor Primary School Walking to school improves wellbeing
Walking to school could be the Schools run different schemes to perfect way for families to squeeze encourage their pupils to be more some exercise into their busy lives. active. Top tips for walking to school: Current NHS guidelines say that Yeo Moor Primary School, in � wear bright/reflective colours, young people who are active for Clevedon, took part in Modeshift especially in winter at least an hour a day have better STARS National School Travel general health, stronger bones and Awards. � plan a safe route away from higher levels of self-esteem. main roads Assistant head teacher Tor Zakaria Walking to and from school could said: � if you live too far to walk all be an easy way to fit this into your the way, try getting off the bus “We would definitely daily routine. one stop early or parking five recommend it. minutes away It also means parents avoid parking � talk about what you see on your stress and save money on bus fares “It had an impact on the journey or fuel costs. number of children walking to school and they really � why not arrange to walk with Children can also familiarise friends one day a week, to help themselves with the local area and enjoyed collecting badges you all stick to it? practise life skills, such as finding and celebrating their safe places to cross the road. achievements in assembly.”
Schemes for schools Schemes and resources are available to encourage pupils to walk to school:
Living Streets’ WOW Modeshift STARS North Somerset Council has Support is available to help partnered with national walking schools complete the National charity Living Streets to run this School Travel Awards scheme. year-long walk to school challenge [email protected] in 15 schools. Pupils who travel Child pedestrian training actively at least once a week for a month are rewarded with a badge. Volunteers teach young children [email protected] knowledge and skills to cross roads safely. [email protected]
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 17 Weston Vision
Independent shop Game-changing among Britain’s best conservation area for Weston A new, extended conservation area for Weston-super-Mare has been described as a game changer.
The new Great Weston Conservation area stretches from Birnbeck Pier to Royal Sands Paul Batts (centre) with his and includes the town centre of wife Julie Batts and shop Weston. manager Peter Hughes. It was adopted by North Somerset Council in December. An independent shop in Cara MacMahon, Heritage Weston-super-Mare is Action Zone officer, said: celebrating after being “This is a game changer for named one of the best Weston-super-Mare. small shops in the country. “By including the town centre in the conservation area, we gain Outdoors and Active, in Meadow “It is also important for Weston’s access to the partnership grants Street, reached the final 25 regeneration to develop its lively scheme from Historic England. of the UK’s Best Small Shop independent areas, not only for the “This scheme will generate at 2018 competition, run by the locals but also for visitors, as high least £500,000 of grant from Independent Retailers Consortium. streets are going through such big Historic England over the next changes.” The competition celebrates the four years to enhance shop commitment and creativity of Paul, who has run the shop for 12 fronts. It will also help us engage independent retailers and the years, also does a lot to highlight with shop owners and residents central role they play in their local the independent areas of the town. as partners and stakeholders community. He is chairman of Weston Business in shaping Weston as a quality Outdoors and Active is a footwear, Improvement District, which place to live, work and enjoy.” clothing and rucksack fitting represents more than 400 businesses For more information, visit specialist store. in the town centre, and helped get a www.n-somerset.gov.uk/regeneration Owner Paul Batts said: “It’s so nice to large metal arch fitted to promote the get recognition at a national level for Orchard Meadows area. all the small things we do locally. Paul was also involved in helping “People are now realising how Weston gain its plastic-free Cleaner important it is for the local economy Coastline status, as the shop has to use your local shops and services. never used a plastic bag. “Not only do you get better service, He also runs a plug-in hybrid car but it means more social engagement and tries to use ethical suppliers. which creates a stronger community.
18 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Weston Vision New book delves into Weston’s past
Discover more about The book launch Weston-super-Mare’s takes place at 6pm on Wednesday 13 March, history and heritage in at the Blakehay Theatre, in a new book about the Wadham Street. beautiful town. In addition, and to coincide with Tickets for the book the publication, images from the launch are free but Weston-super-Mare – book will be on display in Tiffany’s booking is essential. The Town and its Seaside Heritage restaurant on the Grand Pier. Contact the Blakehay Theatre has been commissioned by Historic The exhibition runs from January box office on 01934 645 493 England as part of the Great Weston until late June, every day from or visit Heritage Action Zone work. 10am-4pm. www.blakehaytheatre.co.uk Climbing centre proves a hit
People of all ages are facing their fears and climbing great heights at an exhilarating new attraction in Weston-super-Mare.
Clip n Climb is the town’s first climbing centre and it opened in Dolphin Square in November. It offers the ‘ultimate climbing experience’ to customers aged four and up, on a variety of colourful equipment. You could try the face-to-face climbing wall, an 18-foot leap of faith platform, or the Astroball and Twister challenges. Children’s parties, pre-school sessions and fitness classes are also offered. The centre has opened inside the Dolphin Square leisure hub, which is also home to Nandos, Anytime Fitness, Pizza Express, Luda Bingo, 7Bone Burger, Prezzo, Loco Mexicano, Costa Coffee and an eight- screen Cineworld cinema. It forms an important site within the Weston town centre regeneration programme, to encourage inward investment in the town. The team at Clip n Climb
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 19 Growth Co-working space to double in size
A hot-desking and co-working space in Weston-super-Mare How did the company is more than doubling in size this year to provide more begin? opportunities for local freelancers and small businesses. My dad brought me back a ZX Spectrum in 1982, which he’d The Stable, in Wadham Street, is In the business world, they are used borrowed from a friend at work, and increasing its shared and private office by banks, telephone companies, I wrote some code and created a space from 3,000 to 7,000 square insurance companies, charities, conversation. feet to create extra room for meetings, transport, education and many others. events, freelancers and small digital, Many years later I studied Life spoke to Phil to find out more… tech and creative businesses. anthropology and decided to run an ethnography (a study of a cultural The centre offers free hot-desking What is the business? environment) in a virtual world. I trials, rooms available to hire by found a computer system I could talk non-members, and rolling time-based Elzware is a conversational user to in a virtual world and was hooked. memberships for those in the creative, interface company – human to digital and technology industries. computer conversations. After some time working on the automation of a customer service The latest digital innovator choosing For nearly 20 years we have system, I decided to go Weston-super-Mare and The Stable as created interactive systems for many all-in on conversational his business base is Phil Hall. businesses, including healthcare, systems and education, local government, and Phil founded Elzware nearly 20 launched Elzware corporations of all shapes and sizes. years ago, a company which in 2002. utilises Chatbot technology – Elzware is the base company and we talking to computers. have launched two other companies from this – Artelli42 and Echoborg. Consumer-based virtual assistants, such as Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Artelli42 creates photo-realistic Alexa, can tell you where the nearest web-based avatars, and Echoborg restaurant is, what the weather will be is a funny and thought-provoking like later or play your favourite tune. performance show where the audience has a conversation with an Phil Hall artificial intelligence. of Elzware
20 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Growth Co-working space to double in size
The Stable manager Kerry O’Neill and hub co-ordinator Sam Brannigan
Why did you move to What made you Weston-super-Mare? move into the Stable? into leading companies and show how realistic and reactive artificial Elzware and the companies it works At The Stable, the quality of space intelligence can be within information with are all remote so it really doesn’t feels as good as the shared spaces and education systems. matter where people are physically. in central Bristol but the mix of people is truly refreshing. I’ve taken We were based in Bristol but my wife a permanent desk and have some What are your plans for the and I decided to move to Weston remote computers to access when I for the good network speed, good future? need to. transport links and lots of fresh air. We hope to bring the Echoborg The Stable was probably the key The cleanliness and beauty of the to The Stable early this year. In point that brought us here. I can see hillside area just drew us in - to 2019 we will also be rolling out it becoming a very busy hub for have a beautiful ancient wood, the conversational systems that are nearly creativity of all sorts in the Weston wonderous sea, a mainline train indistinguishable from human beings. area, working also with the forward- station and an exciting, emerging We will be doing this ethically and thinking Weston College. and developing town centre is honestly, though, not using people’s just brilliant. personal data to advertise to them or How has your business for any other purposes. been boosted since moving into The Stable? Find out more at www.thestableweston. Elzware was kept very busy last year com or contact hello@ as conversational user interfaces thestableweston.com or became more widely available. 01934 315 305. Visit the A highlight was the Echoborg project website to find out more about becoming a finalist in the Future the deals available, such as hot of Story Telling, an international desking time vouchers. competition in New York. www.elzware.com www.artelli42.com With Artelli42, we’ve taken a www.echoborg.com photo-realistic avatar-fronted system
www.n-somerset.gov.ukwww.n-somerset.gov.uk ll@NorthSomersetC@NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 21 Keeping you safe this New Year Homes are often stacked with new gadgets and Register items to increase your gizmos following the festive period so now could chances of getting them back be the perfect time to ensure your property is safe Items can be registered online to and secure. increase your chances of having them returned if you are unfortunate enough Avon and Somerset Police tackle many different types to have them taken. Register serial numbers through of crime, from major fraud and modern slavery to Immobilise at burglary and domestic abuse. www.immobilise.com But did you know the simple steps you could take to Register your bike to deter thieves protect you and your community against crime? Join the Bike Register for free and Here are the top five New Year’s resolutions from the have your bike marked. Marking police… can act as a deterrent to thieves. Look out for your neighbours and community Visit www.bikeregister.com Also buy a secure lock for Get to know the people living on your street and your bike. check-in on those who could be most vulnerable to criminals such as rogue traders or burglars. Volunteer and give back to your community Fraudsters often prey on older people. Many volunteer opportunities are available with Rural residents can join Farm Watch Avon and Somerset Police if your new year’s resolution is to give back to your community. Farm Watch is a free service where residents share Visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/ information and provide police with intelligence. jobs-and-volunteering Local policing teams also visit members, offering advice on how to make equipment or vehicles If you can’t commit to something regular, joining your secure and ways to deter criminals from gaining local Neighbourhood Watch could be another option. access to valuables.
www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
22 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Take timeTake out time – Walk out Photo by Virginie Naudillon Claire Barker Dr Helen Parkhurst Amanda Prowse Literary festival returns
Would-be writers can get top tips Highlights include a talk by Dr Helen talk about her stories which feature from best-selling authors during a Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of ordinary women overtaken by literary festival in Weston-super- Emmeline Pankhurst, which reveals extraordinary circumstances. how far women have come since the Mare next month. There will also be writing and poetry suffragettes, how far we still have to workshops, information about self- Weston Literary Festival, organised go and how we might get there. by Weston Town Council, takes publishing and getting publicity for place between Friday 22 February Also appearing is Knitbone Pepper your book. author, Claire Barker, whose children’s and Friday 1 March at Weston A short story stories were shortlisted for the Museum and the Blakehay Theatre. competition is also Sainsbury’s Children’s Fiction award. This week-long festival features running. Entries, talks, workshops, panel discussions, Amanda Prowse, who writes no longer than book signings and free children’s powerful and compelling gritty 800 words, must storytelling and hopes to build on the contemporary fiction, including the be received by success of last year’s inaugural event. bestselling ‘My Husband’s Wife’, will Friday 1 February.
Tickets are needed for most events. Visit www.wsm-tc.gov.uk for details or the Facebook page f Westonlitfest
Vegan food to tickle your taste buds Vegan food and drink will be on the Thatchers Cider Tasting Room and menu this month during a fantastic a pop-up wine and gin festival in free food and drink festival. association with The Wine Shop at Winscombe. eat:Vegan takes place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 26 You could also screen print your own January at the Winter Gardens in bag with Zara Emily Print Works and Weston-super-Mare. learn new skills at the cookery school and demo stage demos. More than 70 food and drink producers will be showcasing www.eatfestivals.org their vegan products, as well as a
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 23 Take timetime outout – – Walk Walk Blow away the cobwebs at Battery Point
Walk information
Distance: about 2.3 miles Battery Point is the blustery Start the walk at Portishead’s Lake Difficulty: medium – some headland in Portishead at the Grounds, a popular park and lake rocky, uneven, uphill paths in situated right next to the Esplanade. Eastwood. A couple of sets northern end of the Esplanade. The beach and surrounding of steps, going both up and Last year, the historic site shoreline is an important area down. Wear suitable footwear was one of 100 areas across of geographical and biological Duration: about 1.5 hours at interest, with its inter-tidal mudflats the country to be named a a leisurely pace and saltmarsh habitats. Centenary Field, giving it The limestone rocks of Battery Map: OS 154 Explorer protection in perpetuity as a Point and Woodhill Bay near the site of remembrance. pool are part of the Portishead Pier to Black Nore Site of Special How to get there The Centenary Fields Scientific Interest. programme, run by the Fields Head north on the Esplanade Start at map ref: ST 463770 in Trust charity, protects towards Battery Point and the open By car: Free parking is valuable green space as a air pool, and go up the steps next available at the Lake Grounds living remembrance to those to the café. Refreshments: The Lake who fought and lost their lives Once you’ve reached the top of Grounds café is open daily in World War 1. the headland, there are plenty of 10am-4pm, except in very benches to sit on and enjoy the bad weather. Toilets available spectacular panoramic views. next door (20p charge) The area has a long history as a ‘look out’ and area of defence. Café Lido at Portishead Open Air Pool is run by volunteers. There are remains of an Iron Age Opening times for 2019 were hillfort in Eastwood and beacons still to be confirmed at the were erected during Elizabethan times to warn of invasion from the time of Life going to print Spanish Armada.
24 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February TakeTake time time out out –– WalkWalk
The first fortifications were built in the 17th century, during the Civil War. Army barracks were then built during the Edwardian period, which were manned by Devon and Cornwall Fire Command during the First World War. The original lighthouse was built in 1931 and after it came to the end of its life, this near-replica was installed in 1999. The bell from the original lighthouse can now be seen on Wyndham Way. This map is for guidance only and walkers should carry and use the OS 1:25000 map when out. © Searchlights and guns were put Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100023397. You are not permitted in place during the Second World to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell this data to third parties in any form. War and these were manned by Take the steps downhill in front of the town and controlled shipping the Home Guard. you, signposted to the RNLI shop. movements around the world. The site was acquired by the local These steps lead to the northern tip Exit the park in the far left corner, council in 1949 and people have of Port Marine, with views across going up the steps. Turn left at the been able to enjoy unrestricted the Severn estuary. top, exiting onto Burlington Road. access since then. Walk south along the marina’s Go to the end and cross straight edge, once the site of power over onto South Road. stations but now terraces of At the roundabout, cross straight attractive, individual homes and over then take the first right, Beach luxury apartments. Road East. Continue straight on at the Continue down the lock side until crossroads to join Beach Road West. you reach the sculpture of the Turn left into Rodmoor Road, and woman, part of the public art trail. this will lead you back to the Lake Turn right here and head towards Grounds. Take time to pop into the Jubilee Park and the Arc of Britain in Bloom award-winning Walk back across the headland Angels. These five female figures Rodmoor Gardens first, though, and join the path that runs behind commemorate the masts of maintained by Portishead in Bloom. the pool to the woods. Portishead Radio which stood above Enter the woods, a local nature reserve, and take the steps up on the right-hand side. Cross the road and continue up the steps opposite. This is a gentle uphill climb but watch out for rocks. Keep going forwards, keeping to the main path. You’ll have views out across the marina through the trees. At the end of the path, follow the steps downhill onto Pier Road. Turn left, then continue downhill past the Royal Inn.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 25 Take time out
LOCAL EVENTS February Mixed Company Lyrical Ladies Choir (E) Rock Choir Clevedon Somerset Singers (E) Community Choir (E) 7.20-8.20pm, Nailsea (E - term time only) 7.45pm, 7.30pm, Meeting House, Friday 15 7.30-9.30pm, Golden School. £4 per session. Christchurch Clevedon, Sidcot School, Sidcot. January Dreadzone The Tropicana, Valley Primary School, 07722 298 550, Chapel Hill, Clevedon. 01934 743 965 Maine Parade, Weston- Nailsea. £6 per session gillatkinson15@blueyonder. www.rockchoir.com Yatton Ladies Choir (E) Now until Sunday 13 super-Mare. Electronic and with free taster co.uk xander-jaymes.lepetit@ 7.30-8.30pm, Yatton rockchoir.com Alfred Leete: the man dub with reggae roots. Clevedon Choral Society Waves of Harmony (E) Infants School. £4 per behind the icon Weston www.tropicanaweston.co.uk (E) 7.15 pm, Methodist 7.30pm, Weston Rugby Portishead Town Band (E) session. 07722 298 550, Church Hall, Kenn Football Club, Sunnyside 7.45pm, Methodist Church gillatkinson15@blueyonder. Museum, Burlington Street, Saturday 16 Weston. Telling the story Road, Clevedon. www. Road, Weston-super-Mare. Hall, High Street. co.uk St Paul’s Church Bridal of the Weston man who clevedonchoralsociety. Women’s 4-part acapella New players welcome. Harmony Plus Choir (E) Fair 2019 created the famous Your 10am-5pm, St org.uk group. New members 07816 544 474, 7.45-9pm, Emmanuel Country Needs You poster. Paul’s Church, Walliscote Rock Choir Weston- very welcome. 01275 818 575 Church, Weston. www.westonmuseum.org Road, Weston-super-Mare. super-Mare (E, term time 01934 642 806 or Pill Community Choir 01934 629 112 Displays of wedding only) 7.45pm, Vintage www.wavesofharmony.co.uk (E) 7.45-9.15pm, Pill Sunday 13 dresses, cakes, jewellery, Footlights Community Choir Church, Hughenden Cheddar Male Choir(E) Community Centre. £5 per 7.45-9.15pm, Community Keith Price’s 15th charity hair and beauty, floristry, Road. www.rockchoir.com 7.30pm, Draycott Village session or £4 if paying for photography and much Entrance, Nailsea School, model train show xander-jaymes.lepetit@ Hall. New members a term. Free taster session. Mizzymead Road. No 10am-4.30pm, The more. Visitors can enjoy rockchoir.com welcome. www.wendysergeant. refreshments, an afternoon experience necessary. Campus, Highlands Lane, Clevedon Light Opera www.cheddarmvchoir.co.uk vpweb.co.uk, 07818 065 015 Locking Castle, Weston. fashion show and live 01275 814 220 music throughout. Club (E) 7.30pm (Juniors Winscombe Community footlightsperformance@ Working layouts and Thu 7pm) Princes Hall, Singers (E) 7.30pm, Congresbury Singers (E) gmail.com trade stalls. Adults £7, Free entry. [email protected] Clevedon Community Winscombe Community 7.50pm, Old School Portishead Community Choir OAPs £6.50, children £2, Centre. 01275 791 556 Centre, Sandford Road. Rooms, Congresbury. family ticket £16. www. (E) 8-9.30pm, Avon Way Vocalise Choir (E) www.facebook.com/ 01934 876 104 Hall, Portishead. £5 per westonsupermaretrainshow. winscombecommunity com MUSIC 7.30-9.30pm, United Samba Drumming (E) session or £4 if paying for Reform Church, Waterloo singers 8-10pm, All Saint’s Church a term. Free taster session. The Snow Baby by Soap Mondays Street, Weston. £5 inc Campus Choir (E) Hall, All Saint’s Lane, www.wendysergeant. Soup Theatre 11am and refreshments. 7.30-9pm, The Campus, Clevedon. Beginners vpweb.co.uk, 2pm, Weston Museum, Portishead in Harmony (E)(women only) 01934 627 709. Locking Castle, Weston- welcome, £6 with free taster 01275 814 220 Burlington Street, Weston. www.vocaliseann.co.uk super-Mare. session. 01275 545 714 A theatre show with 10.30am-12pm, The Folk Thursdays Hall, Portishead High Clevedon Players (and 01934 832 283. Weston Brass Band (E)(and puppetry and storytelling www.singoutlouduk.com Music Is Fun (E)(babies, for children aged 3 and up Street. £5 per session. Wed, Fri)(leading up to Thu) 8pm, Church Road www.wendysergeant. a play) 7.30-10pm, the Weston Choral Society (E) Methodist Church, Upper toddlers and pre-schoolers) and their families. Tickets Methodist Church, Nailsea. £8.50 each, free vpweb.co.uk, Stables, behind Princes Hall, (term time only) 7.30pm, Church Road, Weston-super- 01275 814 220 Princes Road, Clevedon. Milton Methodist Church Mare. 01934 824 461 30 min session £3, 40 min for under-2s. session £3.40. 07722 01275 853 975 Hall, Milton Hill, Weston- Nailsea Folk Club (2) 8pm, Call 01934 621 028 or Clevedon A Cappella (E) 298 550, gillatkinson15@ Costanzi Consort (E) super-Mare. Grove Sports Centre, call into the museum. (women only) 2-3.30pm, blueyonder.co.uk Kenn Road Methodist 7.45pm, All Saints Church, 01934 813 255 Nailsea. All performers and Friday 25 Church. £5 per session. Weston-super-Mare. Clevedon Music Club (3) audience welcome. £1. Singing Mums Choir (E) Trevor Nelson The www.wendysergeant. Auditioned chamber choir 7.30pm, Community www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk 7.10-8.10pm, Nailsea Tropicana, Maine Parade, vpweb.co.uk directed by Peter Leech. Centre, Princes School. £4 per session. Weston-super-Mare. Slick 01275 814 220 www.costanziconsort. Road. Classical concerts Wednesdays 07722 298 550, and smooth stylings from org.uk by professional musicians. Clevedon Ladies Choir gillatkinson15@blueyonder. Afternoon singing group co.uk the R&B king. (fortnightly) 2-4pm, RAFA Concert Band (E) £8 per concert on the door. (E)(September-June) www.tropicanaweston.co.uk St Jude’s Hall, St Peter’s 8pm, Victoria Methodist 01275 879 099 2.15-3.30pm, St Peter’s The Baytree Singers (E) Church, Baytree Road, Church Hall, Station Road, Nailsea Choral Society (E) Church Hall, Alexandra 7.30-9.30pm, St Jude’s Worle. 01934 413 571 Weston-super-Mare. www. 7.30pm, Vestry Hall, Road. £25 per year. Hall, St Peter’s Church, rafaconcertband.org.uk Christ Church, Nailsea. 01275 874 109 Baytree Road, Worle. 01934 820 205 01275 875 533 clevedonladieschoir@ No experience necessary. gmail.com Footlights Community Choir www.nailseachoral.org.uk Portishead Choral Society 8-9:30pm, Community Trinity Singers (E) 7.30pm, Highly Strung Community (E) 7.45pm, The Folk Hall, Hall, Trinity School, Churchill Primary School, Band (E) 6.30-9.30pm. High Street, Portishead. Portishead. No experience Pudding Pie Lane, Langford. Folk/country music. www. 01275 855 059 necessary. www.trinitysingers.co.uk highlystrungcommunity Cantiamo Ladies Choir 01934 415 301 band.co.uk (A)(grade 8+ musicians Tuesdays 01275 847 909 Tra La Community Choir only) 8.15-9.30pm, Cadbury Wind Band (A) 7.30pm, Club Room, Weston Music Appreciation Nailsea School. £5 per (E)(term time only) Community Centre, Long Society (A) 7.30pm, session. 07722 298 550, 7.15-9.15pm, Yatton Ashton. 07932 623 672 St Jude’s Hall, Baytree gillatkinson15@blueyonder. Rugby Football Club. Road. 01934 814 752 co.uk 01275 792 300
26 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February KEY: (E) Every • (A) Alternate • (1) First • (2) Second • (3) Third • (4) Fourth • (L) Last Take time out
Weston Organ and Saturdays Backwell Sequence Dance 01275 854 375 Keyboard Club (1) Pret A Chanter Ladies Club (E) 8-10.15pm, WI Yatton Sequence Dance 7.30pm, Somerset Choir (A) 9.30-11.30am, Hall, Backwell. £3 per Club (E) 2-4.30pm, Suite, Weston Football Southfield Church, Nailsea. person. 07710 460 550 Claverham Village Hall. Club. £5 members, £6 £8 per session. Weston Folk Dance Club 01275 851 221 non-members. 07722 298 550, (E) 8-10pm, Corpus Christi Egyptian Bellydance (E) 01934 812 759 gillatkinson15@blueyonder. Church Hall, Weston-super- (term time only) Worle Community Choir (E) co.uk Mare. 01934 514 226 6.45-7.45pm, St Saviours 7.30pm, Becket Primary Cadbury Saxophone Band Brazilian carnival style Church Hall, Locking Road, School, Tavistock Road, (A) 10.15am-12.30pm in dance with live drummers Weston-super-Mare. Worle. New members Cleeve/Yatton. (E) 8-10pm, All Saint’s Hall 01275 855 016 welcome. 07972 909 939 01934 830 072 or Clevedon. Nailsea Le Roc (E) Vibe Pop/Rock Choir www.cadburysaxband.co.uk Call 07780 641 427 8-10.30pm, Scotch Horn (E) 7.30-9.30 pm, St Portishead LeRoc Sundays (E) Leisure Centre, Nailsea. Joseph’s Primary School, 8-10.30pm, Portishead Beginners/intermediates. Bristol Road, Portishead. Barley Rye choir (E) Primary School, Station £6. 07816 649 077 [email protected] 6.30-8.30pm (winter) 7-9pm Road. Modern jive. Muskrats Jazz Band (1) (summer), Ring o’ Bells, 07909 063 624 Fridays 8.30pm, Clarence House, Nailsea. New members [email protected] Sequence, Ballroom, welcome. 01454 411 052 High Street, Portishead. In Motion Dance (E) and Latin Tea dance (E) £4. Bar and dancing, all 8-11pm, Banwell Village 2-4.30pm, Kewstoke welcome. 01275 814 434 Hall. 07903 655 924. Village Hall. DANCE 07760 176 747 Fridays www.in-motion-dance.co.uk North Somerset Intercultural Mondays Singtastics Junior Choir (E) Wednesdays Dancing Association (E) (Y3-Y7) 3.40-4.30pm, DB’s Dance Club (E) New and Old Sequence 7.45-9.30pm, Nailsea Hannah More School, 10-11am, Clevedon dance class (E) Methodist Church, Silver Nailsea. £3 per session. Community Centre. Line 10.30am-12.30pm, Street. Admission £2. 07722 298 550, dancing. 01275 854 375 Kewstoke Village Hall. www.nida.site40.net gillatkinson15@blueyonder. Latin and jive (E) (absolute 07437 203 642 Clevedon Sequence Dance co.uk beginners 1-2pm, next DB’s Dance Club Club (E) 7.45-10.30pm, Lions Brass 4 Youth (E) steps 2.15pm) St Peter’s line dancing (E) Walton St Mary’s Church 5.30pm/6.15-7.45pm, Church Hall, Clevedon. £5. 10.45-11.45am, Clevedon Hall. 01275 847 293 1st Clevedon Scout Hall. 07940 823 581 Community Centre. Social dance (1) County brass band. Sequence, Ballroom 01275 854 375 8-11.30pm, Somerset Hall, 07815 733 886 and Latin Tea dance (E) Total beginners sequence Portishead. £5. Weston Youth Orchestra (E) 2-4.30pm, St George’s and ballroom (E) noon-1pm, 01275 831 884 6-7pm (8-12 yrs), 7-9pm Community Centre, Willow Kewstoke Village Hall. Social dance (4) (12-20 yrs). Boulevard Close, Weston-super-Mare. 07760 176 747 8-10.30pm, St. James Hall, United Reformed Church, 07437 203 642 Sequence tea dance (E) Winscombe. £4. Weston-super-Mare. Egyptian Bellydance (E)(term 2-4pm, Avonway Hall, 01934 516 852 01934 622 519 or time only) 7-8pm, Backwell Portishead. 07787 520 230 WI Hall, Station Road. 01934 644 745 Saturdays Male Choir (E) 7.30-9pm, 01275 855 016 Latin and jive (E) (absolute Chelis Theatre Company (E) Victoria Methodist Hall, Nailsea Scottish Dancers beginners 7-8pm, next 2-5pm St. Saviours Church Weston-super-Mare. (E) 8pm, Christchurch steps 8.15pm) St Peter’s Hall, Weston-super-Mare. 01934 529 728 Hall, Christchurch Close, Church Hall, Clevedon. £5. Drama, dance and singing North Somerset Nailsea. £2.50. 07940 823 581 for 6-18-year-olds. Community Brass Band 01275 790 937 01934 625 301 Easy Strollers line dancing (E) 7.30-9.30pm, Puxton Portishead Square Dancers (E) beginners 7-8pm, 2nd and Hewish Village Hall. Sundays (E) 8-10pm, Folk Hall, Clevedon Scout Hall, 01275 397 582 Avon Dance Club Tea Dance Portishead. Coleridge Vale Road North Congresbury Brass Band (E) 01275 817 964 (Monthly) 3-6pm, Somerset 50s and 60s rock ‘n’ roll 7.30-9.30pm, Methodist £2.50 each class Hall Portishead. (E) 8pm-late, Tavern Inn Church Hall, Congresbury. 01934 823 128 the Town, Regent Street, 01275 849 611 / Tuesdays Ballroom and sequence (E) Weston-super-Mare. 07986 007 829 Social Morning with Historic 7.30-10pm, 01934 412 826 Clevedon Gilbert and and Country Dancing to Live Kewstoke Village Hall. Sullivan Society (E) Music (E) 9.30-11.30am, Thursdays 07437 203 642 Folk Hall, Portishead. 7.30-10pm, St Peter’s Irish Set, English and Social dancing (E) £3 per person. Church Hall, Alexandra Scottish Country Dance (E) 7.30-10.30pm, Hutton 01275 847 909 Road, Clevedon. 10am-noon, North Weston Moor Leisure Centre, New members welcome. Movement to Music (E) Village Hall, Portishead. £5. Weston-super-Mare. £5. 01934 838 713 10-11am, Methodist Church, 01275 847 909. 01934 518 529 www. Portishead. westonsocialdancing.co.uk Nailsea Concert DB’s Dance Club line 07899 754 937 Orchestra (E)(term time dancing (E) 11am-1pm, only) 7.30pm, Nailsea DB’s Dance Club social Folk Hall, Portishead. Methodist Church. www. tea dance (E) 2.30-5pm, nailseaconcertorchestra.org Clevedon Community West Mendip Orchestra Centre. 01275 854 375 (E)(term time only) Abanico Salsa Classes (E) 7.45-10pm, Lynch Chapel, 7.30-10:30pm (3 classes, Winscombe. beginners to improvers) 01275 463 480 Kenn Village Hall. Call in Harmony Plus Brass (E) advance: 07971 565 406 7.45pm, Emmanuel Church, Avon Dance Club (E) Weston. 01934 629 112 8-10pm, Somerset Hall, Nailsea Theatre Club (E) Portishead. Ballroom and 8pm, Nailsea Little Theatre, Latin practice night. Union Street. 01934 823 128 01275 852 275 (Box office: 07772 981 037)
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 27 Inspiring young musical talent Could someone in your family be the next Lauren Zhang or Nicola Where the ensembles meet Benedetti? Or would playing a Wednesday (Weston-s-Mare) Saturday (Backwell) musical instrument help them gain MMSchool of Pop and Rock MMOrchestras, string ensembles confidence in other areas? (minimum age 11) and wind bands for players of Nurturing musical talent is high on Grade 1 to 5 Thursday (Worle) the agenda in North Somerset and Saturday (Clevedon) help is at hand to enable young MMNorth Somerset Jazz Orchestra people to reach their full potential. – Big Band (Grade 5+) MMSymphony orchestra, concert MMClarinet Ensemble (Grade 5+) band, swing band and string North Somerset Centre for Young ensemble for players of Grade Musicians (NSCYM) encompasses MMSimply Strings – (Grade 4+) 5 and above 18 ensembles for children and MMTutti – beginners orchestra young people to play strings, brass, percussion, woodwind, piano, last summer 61 members travelled saxophone, guitar and more. to the Loire region of France The groups meet weekly during for three concerts. term time in Backwell, Clevedon For more information and Weston-super-Mare and new about North Somerset members are always welcome to join. Centre for Young Musicians Playing an instrument has many visit www.nsmusic4you.org.uk or benefits, including improving call 01934 426 430 concentration, language, literacy skills and memory, as well as increasing motivation, empathy and social skills.
Mark Trego, music service leader at North Somerset Council, said: “Although the music making is totally brilliant and the performances great, for many the benefits of being part of a vibrant young musical community, making friends and basically having fun is as important.”
NSCYM ensembles perform regularly at community events, churches and sell-out concerts both in North Somerset and further afield.
In recent years, more advanced groups have played at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and
28 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February New coastal cycle route a step closer
Long-awaited plans to join up a coastal walking and cycling route from Brean to Clevedon have moved a step closer.
A planning application was submitted at the end of last year to build a 1.4 km shared-use walking and cycling path at Tutshill Sluice, The path, initially proposed to be which will link Kingston Seymour made from stone recycled from old and Wick St Lawrence. road surfaces, will be an important further step in linking up the region’s The path, which follows a section coastal towns. of old railway line, will enable cyclists and walkers to cross the It follows the success of the Brean Congresbury Yeo river. Down Way, the largely traffic-free route from Uphill to Brean, which The quiet route will reduce the distance opened in 2017. between Weston and Clevedon town centres by about four miles for non- Frankie Mann, sustainable travel An expression of interest of up to motorised traffic and improve safety by and road safety manager at North £650,000 towards the project avoiding the busy A370. Somerset Council, said: has been given approval by the Government’s Department of It will also encourage active travel “The path will benefit both Environment, Farming and as local people and visitors will be locals and visitors by Rural Affairs. more likely to leave their cars at providing an excellent home and commute by bike. addition to the region’s A full business case to secure the funding is due to be submitted if Information about the history of the flourishing cycle network and planning consent is granted. area and detail about the lowlands bringing further economic that the sluice gates protect will be development to the area.” provided on information boards along the route, along with details View the planning application for the new path online at about local wildlife. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/planning and search for ‘Tutshill’
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 29 Enjoy a host of after-dark entertainment in Weston
Evening and night time visitors Businessman Derek Kinsley recently “I was amazed at the variety of high- to Weston-super-Mare’s town moved to Weston-super-Mare from quality places to go and things to do centre can relax and feel safe Bristol because he wanted a more on an average Friday evening. rural life. He was given a tour of while enjoying sociable bars, “The whole town had a lovely, relaxed local venues by a friend and said: fantastic food, live music, unique vibe and I felt safe and comfortable “We wandered down the promenade entertainment and more. wandering around at night. before going to dinner at Lasseters in The town centre has gained Purple the Winter Gardens. “I have since brought friends of mine Flag status for the last three years who own a restaurant in Bristol for “After a stunning meal, we walked – meaning it offers an entertaining, dinner at Michelangelo’s and they through the Italian Gardens into diverse, safe and enjoyable night out. were really impressed. Grove Village to find a live band The after-dark experience is ever- in the courtyard of the Brit Bar and “I am really happy to have moved to improving as part of the town’s acoustic music in Loves Café. We then Weston, proud to call it my home and regeneration programme and new ended up in the new Mediterranean, look forward to exploring all that the visitors are impressed by what Olea Lounge. nightlife has to offer.” they’ve found.
Derek Kinsley
30 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Flying the Purple Flag
Work is continually being done to improve the perception and reality of Weston at night.
Over the last three years, there has been a five per cent fall in recorded crime and anti-social behaviour.
In recognition of this work, a new joint submission has now been A safe haven in the Sgt Lee Kerslake made by North Somerset Council, town centre Avon and Somerset Police and Police patrols Weston Business Improvement MAVISbus – the distinctive purple District (BID) to retain the Police response teams patrol multi-agency vehicle in service prestigious Purple Flag award for Weston’s main licensed premises at – provides a safe, warm and non- another year. night to prevent disorder or deal with judgmental place for people to get Highlights in the past year include any that occurs. help or medical attention on their the traffic light scheme for licensed night out. Wearing high-visibility jackets, premises going from strength to officers work in zones and can During winter, the community bus is strength. issue dispersal notices to anyone parked in Weston’s town centre on This status identifies towns and cities causing or likely to cause anti-social Saturdays after payday and other which provide an entertaining, behaviour, asking them to leave the Saturday nights when high demand diverse and safe night out. area for about 12 hours. is anticipated.
It was introduced in 2015 and back Sergeant Lee Kerslake is overseeing On board, you can find a variety of then 15 premises were rated as red the police response in Weston town people on duty, including the police, or amber because they were poorly centre at night. ambulance, street wardens, street managed or raising concerns, but pastors, council licensing officers and He said: “We work 5pm to 3am now they are all rated green. other local agencies. You could get shifts and try to mix patrolling and treated for a minor injury, get help A Best Bar None scheme is also managing the areas with licensed calling a taxi, or it can even just be being introduced, to help build premises checks and talking to somewhere to charge your phone. a positive relationship between premises owners, managers and staff. the licensed trade, police and the St John Ambulance’s volunteer area “In the main we try to support council. manager Damien Macdonald said: security as effectively as we “With our first aiders close to the Howard Pothecary, North Somerset can in doing their job. action, ready to take care of people Council’s community safety manager, who are sick, injured or worse for said: “We want to provide a safe, “Where we have routinely wear, we’re making sure that should enjoyable and friendly evening and problematic premises, we seek anyone’s night out come to an abrupt night-time economy for everyone, to work with them to improve the end for any reason, they’ll be while promoting good trade and management or take action as in safe hands.” tourism and reducing demand on necessary.” police and clinical services.” Follow the Safer Stronger North MAVISbus is available to hire for St John Ambulance is Somerset team on social media for community events, roadshows or now recruiting more regular updates. outreach work. Visit volunteers in North www.mavisbus.net, call Somerset. Find out @saferstrongerns l 01934 427 265 or email more at saferstrongerns f [email protected] www.sja.org.uk/volunteer
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 31 Low-cost loan to help get on the property ladder
First-time buyers who want to make 2019 the year they get on the property ladder could get help with costs thanks to a council loan scheme.
As part of its commitment The loans are to supporting residents administered by Wessex to be able to afford and Resolutions Community own their own home, Interest Company, an North Somerset Council’s ethical lender, on behalf first time buyer loan is a of the council. low cost scheme designed The interest rate is fixed at to help first time buyers four per cent throughout with the initial cost of the loan period (4.2 per buying their first home. cent APR) with no early People who live in or repayment charges. have a connection to There is flexibility to make North Somerset can lump sum reductions of apply for a loan of up £100 or more at any time to £5,000 to help with and you may even be moving costs, such as able to delay the start of removals or legal fees. your repayments to allow One local couple who you to settle into your new used the loan said: home first. “Without the extra funds, Loans are subject to we would have needed status. Missing future to save for longer, while payments could affect at the same time house your credit rating and prices would be rising. ability to obtain credit in “We felt we were fighting the future. a losing battle until our Wessex Resolutions friend told us about this CIC may insist on loans new scheme. We have being protected at the now moved in and are Land Registry by a Title happy in our new home.” Restriction.
If you’re a first-time buyer interested in the loan scheme and would like to know more, contact Wessex Resolutions CIC: 01823 461 009 [email protected] www.n-somerset.gov.uk/firsttimebuyers
32 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Serving up new food and drink centre
Building work has now started “It will not only benefit on a unique food and drink established food and drink innovation centre – the only one manufacturers but will also of its kind in the South West – kick-start others and play a vital in Weston-super-Mare. role in the council’s bid to drive growth in the North Somerset The Food WorksSW is being built in economy and create local jobs.” a 10-acre Food Enterprise Zone, within Junction 21 Enterprise Area, The scheme is funded by the and will provide a range West of England Local of specialist facilities Enterprise Partnership and technical support (LEP) through the for food and drink Local Growth Fund manufacturers and the £11.3m across the South construction West region. contract is being The centre will help carried out by businesses of all sizes Willmott Dixon. Do you run a food to innovate and grow Now that building or drink business and will include: work has started on site, and would you like � 12 food grade business units the council is in the process of to know more about to lease appointing an operator to run the opportunities available at The Food WorksSW? � four product development areas the centre. � exhibition, training and A 15-year contract is due to be Do you want to know more about workshop space awarded in March. This will the support and opportunities available to businesses in the wider � meeting rooms and a café. give the operator the opportunity to sign-up occupiers and take Junction 21 Enterprise Area? Simon Gregory, North Somerset bookings ready for when it opens Contact North Somerset Council’s projects and programmes next year. Council’s economic development SW manager, said: “The Food Works team on 01934 426 266 or will help to enhance the undoubted The operator will manage all SW email strengths of the area’s food and aspects of The Food Works on the council’s behalf. [email protected] drink sector. www.foodworks-sw.co.uk
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 33 Recycling Reduce your waste line in 2019 Renew your recycling habits to help North Somerset be a little greener this New Year. Recycling rates going up in North Somerset
Recycling rates are on the rise in manager, said: “Over the year Keep reading Life over the coming North Somerset thanks to continued ahead we will be working hard months for more ideas on how efforts from local residents and this with our contractor Biffa to make it you can recycle more and reduce is good news for all of us. as easy as possible for people to your impact on the environment by recycle more. reducing your waste line. Last year over 6,500 tonnes of North Somerset food waste “Sometimes it can be confusing for was converted into carbon-free people to know what goes in each Recycling real electricity. That’s enough to power box, and what can and can’t be around 1,000 local homes. recycled, particularly as there’s no Christmas trees common approach nationally. In total, almost 61 per cent of Real Christmas trees – minus the waste generated in North Somerset “The good news for our residents is decorations and pots – will be was recycled in the first half of last that in North Somerset we’re able collected from year. to recycle more items than most the kerbside this other parts of the country. month for people Sending waste to landfill is signed up to the expensive, both in terms of financial “So we’re asking residents to make garden waste cost, and the cost to the environment. a new year’s resolution to change service. By minimising the waste we all send one thing for recycling. to landfill, we can work together to Put them out on “That might be recycling food keep costs down and reduce our your usual garden waste from now on using the environmental impact. waste collection caddies we provide, or it might be date between Monday 21 Colin Russell, North Somerset encouraging other people in the January and Friday 1 February. Council’s recycling and waste household to do their bit too.” Garden waste collections are monthly during winter so check Making the most of the recycling centre when yours is due. All recycling Recycling centres can get If you’re taking black Follow signs around calendars can be found online at very busy following the bags of waste, staff the site to find the www.n-somerset.gov.uk/calendar festive period so sorting may ask you to right containers Christmas trees can also be your items before you set open them so they and dispose of your taken to one of the area’s three out can help speed up can check nothing recycling in the correct recycling centres and put into the the process. recyclable is inside. place. garden waste skip.
Recycling centres are currently on their winter opening hours – until Friday 1 March at Weston-super-Mare and Portishead, Sign up for the garden and until Sunday 31 March at Backwell. waste service at Find opening hours and a full list of what can be taken there at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ www.n-somerset.gov.uk/recyclingcentres gardenwaste
34 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Recycling Reduce your waste line in 2019 Renew your recycling habits to help North Somerset be a little greener this New Year. Where does your recycling go? Questions are often asked about where the recycling goes once it’s MMBiffa collects the paper taken from the kerbside. from the kerbside MMPaper is stored in a separate This month, Life looks at paper… bay at the Biffa transfer station in North Somerset
MMThe paper is MMResidents put out loaded onto their newspapers, lorries and magazines, taken to the envelopes and paper mill in junk mail for Norfolk recycling
MMThe mill provides about 450,000 tons of newsprint each year to Read the next regional and edition of Life to national publishers find out about the journey of plastic. MMNew clean paper rolls MMIt is pulped and cleaned are created to remove all ink
Recycling and waste collections Check your calendar online at were changed during the festive www.n-somerset.gov.uk/calendar period to allow for bank holidays. In the event of severe weather, keep media feeds to see if Collections will return to normal on an eye on www.n-somerset.gov.uk your recycling or waste collections Monday 14 January. /disruption and the council’s social are affected
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 35 Tackling the climate change crisis
The most extensive warning by 2080 up to 1.2 million UK homes Change (IPCC) revealed that the about rising global temperatures may be at increased risk of flooding. world was heading towards a temperature rise of 3°C instead. has been given as scientists show Most countries around the world efforts to tackle climate change adopted the Paris Agreement This would be catastrophic so are way off track. in 2015 to limit the global rapid and significant changes are Last autumn a series of stark temperature rise to 1.5°C above needed in energy use, land use, warnings came out – that CO pre-industrial levels, a moderately cities and industry. 2 safe level of heating. emissions have risen for the first time Life takes a look at what is in four years, that UK summers could However, the dramatic report by the happening locally in be 5°C warmer by 2070, and that Intergovernmental Panel on Climate North Somerset…
Action plan for Electric vehicles North Somerset Transport accounts for 34 per At North Somerset Council, electric cent of the UK’s greenhouse vehicles make up 40 per cent of its The priorities for reducing gas emissions so the increased fleet. carbon emissions within North popularity of electric vehicles can As well as reduced carbon emissions, Somerset have been set out in help carbon reduction targets. they bring financial savings and an action plan. The efficiency of plug-in cars is improvements in air quality. North Somerset Council has ever-increasing, with standard Improvements are also in the adopted a local carbon reduction driving ranges now up to 200 pipeline for a public recharging target, agreed with the other West miles, and more affordable models network, as part of the Go Ultra of England councils, to reduce are available. Low West project. emissions by 50 per cent by 2035.
The council is focusing on actions which will deliver social and economic benefits as well as environmental ones.
The plan will be reviewed regularly to include actions and opportunities as they arise.
Read North Somerset Council’s low carbon action plan at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ Funding is available for businesses across the West of England climatechange which are keen to use electric vehicles. Email [email protected] to find out more
36 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Tackling the Planning future growth New development should take Last autumn saw an early put forward, such as requiring carbon reduction into account consultation about the Local a minimum energy efficiency through good design and using Plan 2036, which also sets out standard for new homes, and climate change crisis planning policy, and questions whether suitable sites should renewable and low carbon about climate change were be identified for large-scale forms of energy. included. A range of options was renewable energy development. To help make this happen it must be reflected in rules that guide development, which are included as part of a series of major consultations around housing, employment, and transport growth that are happening now, and are planning the future of North Somerset until 2036. There is a need for about 25,000 new homes in North Somerset by 2036 and where these might go and what infrastructure is needed For more details visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/localplan2036 to make sure they work well is to Comment on proposed planning rules and climate change targets be part of a local plan. by emailing [email protected] What can Improving energy efficiency in the home I do?
Energy efficiency in the home can tenants aren’t encouraged to carry The world cannot meet its be improved through a range of out work. climate change target without low-cost work. individuals changing too. Last year the council approved a If you’ve bought a house with an carbon reduction business plan The IPCC report suggests some energy performance certificate which covers domestic energy individual actions: efficiency and renewable energy (EPC), consider incorporating any � buy less meat, milk, use. recommendations into planned cheese and butter and repairs or refurbishments. As part of this, homes which meet more locally-sourced seasonal food North Somerset Council wants to the eligibility criteria – particularly tackle fuel poverty and the effects in the private rented sector and � drive electric cars, and walk of people living in cold homes. residential park homes – could get or cycle short distances funding to install more heating and � take trains and It is highest in the private rented insulation features. buses instead of planes sector as short-term leases mean � use video conferencing Use a reputable contractor to carry out work in your home, instead of business travel using recommendations from friends or family or recognised � use a washing line instead accreditation schemes. Visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or of a tumble dryer www.trustmark.org.uk � insulate your home For home energy advice and to check eligibility for funding, contact the � Centre for Sustainable Energy: 0800 082 2234 or demand low carbon in www.cse.org.uk/advice every consumer product.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 37 Investment in roads In the thick of grit
Weather stations, round-the-clock work and sophisticated forecasting all help ensure North Somerset’s roads are gritted when the temperature drops.
From October to April, “No two days or forecasts are air temperatures, wind speeds and council officers take on extra the same and there are different moisture levels in the air. responsibilities in order to work challenges and hazards we have to Data is sent every 20 minutes seven days a week to ensure the respond to.” to environmental measurement main road network is kept as safe company, Vaisala. as possible. Weather stations and Vaisala process the information The team is made up of highway forecasts and send it on to weather forecast engineers who are responsible for company MetDesk, which provides improving and maintaining the Data from three weather stations accurate local forecasts. roads across North Somerset all form a key part of the decision- year round. making process. Three forecasts a day are provided to the team – 6am, midday and 6pm. Life spoke to one of the key The stations – located at Bristol decision-makers in the team to find Airport, Churchill and Clevedon The midday forecast is usually used out more about how and when they – collect information on road and to make a decision about whether decide to send out the gritters. or not to send out the gritters.
Peter King is a one of five decision- makers who work on a rota basis to ensure someone is available 24-hours-a-day.
Training for the job is thorough and ongoing, with regular courses and refreshers ahead of every winter season.
Pete said: “This is not a 9-5 job. It involves working at weekends, in the evening, and sometimes during the night. Pete King in the salt barn
38 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Investment in roads
The gritters
Six gritters operate in North Somerset and the brand new fleet was recently renamed in a public vote.
Bleadon-cold, Nailski, Portispread, Weston-scooper- Mare, Sleetholm and Burrrrrington can spread an average of three- and-a-half tonnes on a 78-mile gritting route.
Gritting facts control how much salt • The council’s salt barn holds is dispersed, where and 2,000 tonnes of salt and how widely. This means the driver can just concentrate • 40 per cent of the council’s on driving, so improving safety. road network is treated The driver can over-ride the Challenges of the job • Each gritter now uses system if needed. sophisticated software to The sporadic nature of gritting means careful planning needs to be done to ensure the right number of How can you help? drivers are available at the correct times. Residents can help during bad Walking or travelling in bad weather weather in order to keep local can be frightening for elderly or Gritting duties are in addition communities safe. frail people so offer to collect any to the driver’s working day. It’s prescriptions, shopping or supplies. challenging during severe weather Cold weather can be very harmful, to co-ordinate all the driving hours especially for people aged 65 If you are clearing snow or ice and the mandatory nine-hour break or older. Check in on neighbours from the area around your home, needed during a 24-hour period. and loved ones and offer to help if could you help an elderly possible. neighbour too? Gritting should also avoid the rush hour periods if possible.
The Beast from the East last year meant the winter maintenance team Gritting routes had to respond to a red weather warning. Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/winterroads and enter Teams across the council also joined your postcode to see which routes are gritted and help forces to keep council services plan your journey running as much as possible.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 39 Protecting North Somerset’s heritage History enthusiasts across North Somerset are volunteering their Work continues at Worlebury hillfort time to share knowledge and skills and help protect the area’s heritage for future generations.
Preserving an area’s heritage is important in recognising the buildings or places within it that have historic and cultural value.
It helps us understand previous generations and the history of where we came from.
Volunteers are working hard across Volunteers remove piles of stones North Somerset and you could get involved too… Volunteers are continuing to work Conserving Barrow Gurney’s history hard at Weston-super-Mare’s Iron Age hillfort to remove tree cover Conservation area status was The special character of Barrow and vegetation. Gurney will be preserved for future granted in June last year – the first generations thanks to conservation new conservation area in North Vegetation is the biggest threat to Worlebury Camp hillfort, the area status being adopted for the Somerset for 20 years. 10-hectare site overlooking Weston historic village. Former parish council chairman Bay, Sand Bay and the Bristol Barrow Gurney is a well-preserved Eric Gates, who was involved in Channel. example of an estate village, getting the status, said: “The designation recognises the Thanks to clearance work already showing the historic, economic and undertaken at the Scheduled social relationships that supported unique and historic character of the village. Monument, the Glade area is now the ‘great house’ at Barrow Court. returning to its natural state of It has a high rate of pre-1838 “A new footpath also means it is limestone grassland and Iron Age buildings and went through much easier to walk through the storage pits are clearly visible. centre and appreciate the buildings extensive remodelling in the early Volunteers have also removed some and the valley in which the 20th century, particularly in the illegally-constructed features, such community is set.” Arts and Crafts style. as piles of stones people have made from the defensive banks of the hillfort itself. Volunteer John Martel said: “I went to school within yards of the hillfort’s ramparts almost 65 years ago and have seen major changes to its condition since then. “Weston-super-Mare’s most Find out where North Somerset’s conservation areas and listed important archaeological feature buildings are at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/heritagemap – and what could be a wonderful
40 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Heritage forum goes from Protecting North Somerset’s heritage strength to strength
recreational amenity for all – needs care and attention.” Volunteer Debbie Marriott said: “I won’t forget the excitement of uncovering and clearing my first storage pit, which was totally hidden in brambles. “We are removing some quite dense undergrowth outside the Glade and can see the amazing views, showing exactly why the hillfort was built here.” North Somerset Council’s senior archaeologist Cat Lodge said: “We would like to thank all Are you a member of a local history group? volunteers who continue to work Would you like to join a forum to share ideas? hard and support the project.” History, archaeology and heritage Maggie McCarthy, from Banwell North Somerset Council has groups within North Somerset Society of Archaeology, said: now created a conservation are now sharing information and “The forum helps me learn more management plan for the site. advice thanks to a new forum. about archaeology and local history, with tips and sources from This document will be used as part of North Somerset Heritage Forum other societies and how they have a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. was set up in 2017 by officers from overcome problems. Other plans include creating North Somerset Council for like- interpretation boards and signage, minded people to get together and “My love of local history is very as well as research projects to learn share ideas. important to me – to protect and more about the people who lived preserve our heritage for future The first event was held in Weston- there more than 2,000 years ago. generations to enjoy and learn super-Mare and topics included about how their ancestors lived collaboration projects, archiving, Find out more about the and worked.” history of Worlebury information sharing and the hillfort and read the council’s heritage projects. Raye Green, from Worle History Society, said: “The forum provides management plan at The second forum was held in us all with a great opportunity to get www.n-somerset.gov.uk/hillfort Nailsea’s Tithe Barn and the third together with like-minded people. If you’re interested in was held on Clevedon Pier. Thanks volunteering at the site, email to Nailsea Town Council and “We share ideas and pass on Cat Lodge at dm.archaeology@ Clevedon Pier for providing these information.” n-somerset.gov.uk or contact venues free of charge. the group on Facebook To find out more about the forum or other volunteering f worleburyhillfort opportunities, email [email protected]
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 41 Is now the time to find your new career in care? Are you looking for a change of strategic care providers – Alliance “It means people who are able to job or a second career before Living Care, Brunelcare and Notaro. return home from hospital can do so quicker, safe in the knowledge retiring? Are you a new parent The Proud to Care bonus scheme their needs will be met. wanting to return to work? If is an incentive to recruit and retain any of these apply, a rewarding more care workers and recognise “Care workers can also play a career in care could be for you – the vital work they do in supporting vital role in reducing the number of and you could receive a bonus some of North Somerset’s most unnecessary hospital admissions, to boot. vulnerable residents. ultimately freeing up hospital beds for those in greatest need.” There are many roles to choose Gerald Hunt, North Somerset from within the health and social Council’s head of commissioning, The scheme is being funded by the sectors, such as personal care, said: government’s additional social care helping with domestic jobs, helping investment, announced in autumn people access services in their “We need more people locally to last year. community, and many more. work in care jobs and help us to help people who can no longer North Somerset Council received To encourage more people into the look after themselves. £924,000, part of which is being field, a bonus payment equivalent used to provide the Proud to Care to one week’s average pay will be “Having high quality, accessible bonus scheme. paid every six months to employees home care available in our of North Somerset Council’s communities also helps relieve Who gets the some of the pressures on local Proud to Care bonus? health systems, particularly during winter. Current and new employees of Alliance Living Care, Brunelcare and Notaro Homecare, after they’ve worked for their employer for six months.
How much?
The bonus payment will be equal to the employee’s average weekly pay calculated over the six months (minus any mileage claims). It is paid every six months.
Find out about the Proud to Care bonus scheme and search and apply for jobs at www.n-somerset. gov.uk/proudtocare
42 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Shared Lives carer Mary Cassidy and her partner John Gow
Help make a valuable difference to a vulnerable person’s life Shared Lives North Somerset
Would you like to make a carers in North Somerset for to help them feel like it’s their own valuable impact on a vulnerable three years. home.” adult’s life and help develop their Mary has diverse experiences in She also helps them develop confidence and independence? care and had been a Shared Lives independent living skills, such as North Somerset Council’s Shared carer for the previous seven years cooking. when she lived in West Sussex. Lives scheme needs more people to Mary added: “I would recommend provide a welcoming home for adults She now provides day support and it to anyone who feels they can who have a learning disability or short breaks for several adults with provide a home and change the other health or sensory disability. learning differences and disabilities lives of others.” on a regular basis. The scheme sees carers sharing Shared Lives manager Amie their home, family life, interests Mary said: Sutherland added: “We have and skills with someone who needs a fantastic group of carers who some help and support to live a “I wouldn’t do anything else. are making a real difference to fulfilling life. The people you have become people’s lives.” Carers receive a fee for the support family. Carers come from a wide range they provide, whether long-term, of backgrounds and family “When I get to know the people short breaks or day support, circumstances. Extensive training I’m supporting, I like to make sure helping the person access and and on-going support we provide some personal touches, integrate with the wider community. is provided. such as pictures, bedding and mugs This can be flexible to meet the needs of the family or the person’s availability. More people are needed to become Shared Lives carers Mary Cassidy and her partner John to help expand the service. Gow, who live in Weston-super- To find out more call 01275 888 368 or email Mare, have been Shared Lives [email protected]
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 43 New community learning courses for the New Year Are you or someone you know struggling to improve your employability, health, wellbeing and confidence?
Free or low-cost courses are run by North Somerset Council’s Upcoming courses and start dates community learning team for Personal development: Employability courses people aged 19 or over. MMMindfulness – MMIT – Monday 14 January New courses are now starting Wednesday, 23 January this month, and might appeal to MMCare Academy – people who have dyslexia, drug MMAnger management – Monday 21 January or alcohol issues, mental health Wednesday 23 January MMBecoming your own boss issues, learning difficulties, physical MMBritish Sign Language – (introduction to self-employment) disabilities or more. Friday 25 January – Thursday 31 January
David attended mindfulness, IT MMWoodwork for women – MMFinding work in cleaning – and hospitality courses. He said: Friday 1 March Tuesday 5 February “People don’t realise how many Functional skills: MMIntroduction to event and project services are out there. management – MMEnglish literacy – Monday 25 February “Everyone I was working with was Monday 14 January brilliant. I’m telling everyone now – MMGardening projects – April 2019 MMBrush up maths you’ve got an opportunity. Go and Future courses (contact community sort it out.” (pre-entry numeracy) – Monday 14 January learning for start date) Aspasia attended ESOL (English MMESOL (English for speakers of MMIntroduction to childcare for speakers of other languages) other languages) – (Level 1) and event and project management Monday 14 January MMMake money on blogging courses. (in Weston-super-Mare, MMOffice skills (in Clevedon) She said: “I am so grateful for the Clevedon and Portishead) opportunity you gave me to meet MMSocial media for great people and to improve my self-employment English.”
Sabine has completed building self-confidence, social media and To sign up to a community learning course, contact the team IT courses. She said: “I feel like I on 01934 426 196 or [email protected] am surrounded by friends, I haven’t Volunteers are also needed to help with basic admin tasks. met anyone who’s not nice and Contact the team if you are interested compassionate.”
44 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February GetGet vocal,vocal, bebe heardheard Get vocal, be heard
Listening to residents’ views is an We did: important part of the democratic Comment on process and North Somerset Installed yellow lines on council consultations Council welcomes ideas to make Newfoundland Way and Phoenix Have your say on North things better. Way on a trial basis. The mixture of double and yellow lines aims Somerset Council’s policies by While the council can’t act on to stop inconsiderate parking and taking part in consultations. every suggestion, it listens to keep traffic flowing around the All consultations are listed at feedback and makes changes estate. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ where possible. Where the lines were implemented, consult notices were attached to street You said: Sign up online to receive lights informing residents on email alerts when new how to comment. At the end of People continue to be inconsiderate consultations are opened. when parking on the Ashlands the six-month trial period any Estate in Portishead and it makes improvements required as a result If you can’t get online at it difficult for larger vehicles to of comments will be considered home, posters are put up get through. Delivery vehicles, and implemented where practical. at the beginning of every month in all North Somerset emergency vehicles, waste Parking attendants and the local libraries and council collection lorries and buses have police will be monitoring the connect points, such as all experienced problems, with situation with fines issued for the Castlewood office in public transport in particular being drivers ignoring the restrictions. cancelled on occasion. Clevedon, to publicise open consultations and how to take part.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 45 Your views – Letters, photos, tweets, posts
Dear Editor, Potential improvements to the A38 would be looked at in the future, as the council I was astounded to read NSC is planning strengthens Weston to Bristol links and Your views a £80m bid for a bypass for Banwell and makes sure the transport network can ‘improvements’ to the A38. cope with increasing demand. Send your items to ? Banwell could be improved by simply Editor, North Somerset Life Rerouting HGVs may ease pressure on one routing all HGVs up the A370 (except road but move it to another. The council North Somerset Council school coaches during term time). The A38 must look at the entire network and impact Floor 1, Town Hall does not need significant improvements, of any changes across the system. Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ apart from sorting the dysfunctional traffic The concept and location of a bypass for or email [email protected] lights at Bristol Airport. Banwell has featured in the Local Plan for the My biggest concern is NSC planning @NorthSomersetC last few decades and, as such, been subject l to first bid for Government money, then to many rounds of public consultation. NorthSomersetCouncil consult. Surely this is the wrong way f round? I am sure there are many who There will be more consultation about the road design and school places, and NorthSomersetLife would want other priorities coming well before the council’s apparent aim of the Local Plan will have another round of public consultation this autumn. Items submitted without a valid name and address destroying countryside. will not be considered for publication. Please tell us Jeremy Comley MA, Churchill You can also now comment on the Joint if you do not want your details published. Due to Local Transport Plan. See page 5. space restrictions letters may be edited. Editor’s response: Correction If successful, the bid would fund school In the last edition we gave the Wessex places and improvements to transport Water number to report water leaks. infrastructure in and around Banwell, as This is wrong – report any leaks in well as a route around the village. North Somerset to Bristol Water on 0800 801 011. Apologies for the confusion.
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l Can broken fairy lights be recycled? l Who do I report a broken streetlight to? fl 28500 0918 We had a power cut a few weeks ago and North Somerset Council: there’s a streetlight that hasn’t turned back Many topics are Yes, you can put broken fairy lights in your on since. covered on Twitter recycling box. Make sure you wrap them up and Facebook and or put them in a plastic bag. North Somerset Council: last month these issues You can report a faulty streetlight online at were raised… www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect
46 North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February Life contacts and tides times North Somerset Life North Somerset Life is published by The next edition will be delivered For free regular emails North Somerset Council. from: Monday 4 March 2019 about news, events and services subscribe at For advertising and sponsorship Your copy should be delivered with www.northsomersetlife.co.uk opportunities contact Will Jenkins: your post unless you use Royal 01934 426 474 or Mail’s opt-out service to block Coming next issue: [email protected] unaddressed mail. l Heritage Action Zone in For editorial contact View back issues at Weston-super-Mare [email protected] or www.n-somerset.gov.uk/nsl 01275 884 139 l Library service in Long Ashton l Crime prevention advice
JANUARY 2019 FEBRUARY 2019 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 Tue 02:34 9.88 08:42 2.28 15:05 10.10 21:13 2.23 1 Fri 04:14 9.73 10:08 2.32 16:45 9.89 22:35 2.18 2 Wed 03:43 10.12 09:42 2.13 16:10 10.34 22:11 2.05 2 Sat 05:10 10.33 10:58 1.90 17:36 10.44 23:20 1.77 3 Thu 04:42 10.53 10:36 1.89 17:06 10.66 23:01 1.80 3 Sun 05:57 10.87 11:40 1.56 18:20 10.86 23:59 1.48 4 Fri 05:31 10.92 11:22 1.65 17:53 10.95 23:42 1.59 4 Mon 06:38 11.23 – – 18:58 11.12 12:18 1.36 5 Sat 06:14 11.24 – – 18:35 11.16 12:00 1.49 5 Tue 07:13 11.42 00:35 1.33 19:31 11.26 12:53 1.25 6 Sun 06:53 11.44 00:18 1.46 19:13 11.28 12:35 1.39 6 Wed 07:46 11.51 01:09 1.27 20:02 11.34 13:28 1.20 7 Mon 07:31 11.52 00:52 1.40 19:49 11.28 13:09 1.36 7 Thu 08:16 11.54 01:42 1.24 20:32 11.38 14:01 1.18 8 Tue 08:04 11.46 01:25 1.41 20:21 11.18 13:43 1.39 8 Fri 08:47 11.49 02:15 1.26 21:01 11.30 14:34 1.22 9 Wed 08:37 11.29 01:56 1.49 20:52 10.99 14:16 1.48 9 Sat 09:19 11.28 02:46 1.35 21:32 11.02 15:08 1.38 10 Thu 09:09 11.03 02:27 1.62 21:23 10.72 14:49 1.62 10 Sun 09:51 10.87 03:17 1.56 22:05 10.57 15:40 1.65 11 Fri 09:41 10.68 03:00 1.78 21:55 10.36 15:25 1.81 11 Mon 10:23 10.36 03:48 1.84 22:38 10.07 16:13 1.95 12 Sat 10:15 10.25 03:34 2.00 22:31 9.93 16:02 2.06 12 Tue 11:00 9.86 04:23 2.13 23:17 9.62 16:52 2.23 13 Sun 10:53 9.79 04:14 2.25 23:10 9.51 16:45 2.33 13 Wed 11:48 9.42 05:12 2.42 – – 17:47 2.53 14 Mon 11:37 9.40 05:00 2.52 – – 17:37 2.59 14 Thu 00:15 9.22 06:17 2.74 13:03 9.12 19:05 2.84 15 Tue 00:00 9.17 06:00 2.78 12:37 9.16 18:43 2.80 15 Fri 01:46 9.11 07:57 2.95 14:37 9.34 20:55 2.71 16 Wed 01:11 9.04 07:14 2.96 13:59 9.25 20:08 2.83 16 Sat 03:14 9.67 09:31 2.44 15:56 10.10 22:03 2.06 17 Thu 02:35 9.37 08:49 2.79 15:15 9.81 21:27 2.38 17 Sun 04:27 10.59 10:33 1.78 17:05 11.03 23:06 1.44 18 Fri 03:46 10.13 09:56 2.20 16:20 10.58 22:24 1.80 18 Mon 05:31 11.53 11:37 1.15 18:02 11.88 – – 19 Sat 04:47 10.97 10:51 1.64 17:19 11.33 23:20 1.32 19 Tue 06:24 12.30 00:02 0.83 18:53 12.51 12:29 0.57 20 Sun 05:44 11.71 11:47 1.18 18:14 11.95 – – 20 Wed 07:13 12.84 00:51 0.34 19:40 12.90 13:17 0.16 21 Mon 06:37 12.28 00:13 0.91 19:06 12.40 12:39 0.78 21 Thu 07:58 13.14 01:37 0.03 20:24 13.04 14:02 -0.03 22 Tue 07:25 12.67 01:03 0.59 19:54 12.67 13:28 0.49 22 Fri 08:41 13.16 02:23 -0.03 21:06 12.87 14:47 0.06 23 Wed 08:12 12.88 01:50 0.40 20:40 12.73 14:17 0.36 23 Sat 09:24 12.84 03:06 0.17 21:47 12.34 15:29 0.41 24 Thu 08:58 12.85 02:38 0.38 21:25 12.51 15:06 0.43 24 Sun 10:05 12.16 03:44 0.59 22.28 11.52 16:06 0.93 25 Fri 09:44 12.53 03:25 0.54 22:11 12.01 15:52 0.69 25 Mon 10:46 11.24 04:22 1.15 23:09 10.56 16:42 1.52 26 Sat 10:31 11.94 04:11 0.88 22:58 11.30 16:38 1.09 26 Tue 11:29 10.26 05:00 1.75 23:54 9.66 17:21 2.11 27 Sun 11:18 11.17 04:57 1.32 23:46 10.51 17:23 1.58 27 Wed – – 05:45 2.35 12:20 9.37 18:08 2.69 28 Mon – – 05:46 1.81 12:10 10.39 18:15 2.08 28 Thu 00:54 8.94 06:46 2.92 13:29 8.76 19:25 3.19 29 Tue 00:40 9.80 06:43 2.32 13:08 9.73 19:16 2.55 30 Wed 01:45 9.35 07:55 2.68 14:18 9.36 20:32 2.76 31 Thu 03:01 9.31 09:08 2.65 15:37 9.44 21:38 2.57
Tide timetables for Weston-super-Mare Tide facts Weather conditions which differ from the Tidal predictions for Weston-super-Mare Approximate high water times at: average will have an effect on the differences have been computed by the Proudman Clevedon: 10 min • Portishead: 18 min between predicted and actual tide times. Oceanographic Laboratory. later than Weston-super-Mare. Strong winds can hold the tide in or push Copyright reserved. the tide out. Air pressure can also cause fluctuations in predicted levels. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tidetimes recycle me when you’ve read me www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 47