MSN Life Autumn 2021

Autumn 2021 

Issue 40 

Sponsored by Midsomer Norton Town Council 

Updates on Heritage Action Zone, 

plans for events in the town and much more inside.

Where ever, when ever 

ESTATE AGENTS 

FOR SALE 

T. 01761 411020 

www.samchiversproperty.co.uk 

TO LET 

ESTATE AGENTS 

T. 01761 411020 

www.samchiversproperty.co.uk 

Call 01761 411020 

www.samchiversproperty.co.uk

WELCOME TO 

MIDSOMER 

NORTON LIFE 

C O N T E N T S 

MAYOR'S WELCOME 

RETURN OF COMMUNITY 

TRUST EVENTS PROGRAMME 

TOWN COUNCIL OFFICE 

HERITAGE ACTION ZONE 

SENSORY GARDEN 

4 

5 

7 

8 

11 

H 

ello and welcome to the Autumn edition 

of Midsomer Norton Life. It is hard to 

believe that we're almost at the end of another 

year, but as we look forward to the autumn 

months, we hope that more of our favourite 

events can return and life becomes a bit more 

normal. 

In this issue, you can find out more about upcoming 

events at the Town Park Amphitheatre and the 

return of face to face council meetings among 

other exciting upcoming projects. 

If you want to appear in our Winter issue, which 

will be our 10th anniversary(!), get in touch with us 

- news@ignyte-uk.co.uk 

YOUTH CONNECT 

WELLBEING IN NATURE 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ST JOHN'S 

WELLOWBROOK WALK 

WERN 

DUCK UPDATE 

AGE UK 

CAN YOU HELP HENRY 

CONSERVATION 

VOLUNTEERS 

12 

15 

16 

17 

19 

21 

22 

23 

25 

A TICKET TO RIDE AT THE 

STATION 

27 

WELTON ROVERS 

38 

A MESSAGE FROM THE CLERK 

41 

How do I keep up to date with 

Midsomer Norton Life & 

Midsomer Norton Town Council 

on social media? 

It's Easy! 

MSNLife 

midsomernortonlife 

MidsomerLife 

MidsomerNortonTC 

Norton_town 

The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in 

November 2021. If you would like your group to be 

included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 

410141 before the deadline of 12th October 2021. 

If you have difficulty reading the print please contact 

the Town Clerk for a large print copy. You can also view 

Midsomer Norton Life on the council’s website at www. 

midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk 

Midsomer Norton Life is produced by Ignyte Media Ltd, Bathway Farm, 

Bathway, Chewton Mendip, Somerset, BA3 4LN Tel 01761 410141. 

While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in this 

publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors 

can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or 

damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, 

accident or any other cause. Ignyte or Midsomer Norton Town Council 

does not officially endorse any advertising material included within 

this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be 

reproduced or stored in any retrieval system in any form without the 

prior permission of the publisher.

4 

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 

WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR 

H 

ello everyone and welcome to the 

latest edition of Midsomer Norton 

Life. I hope you are managing to keep well 

now that the regulations regarding the Covid 

19 virus are being lifted. It certainly helps that 

the vast majority of people have received their 

vaccinations and I hope that those who haven't 

yet managed to organise it, can do so soon. 

Hopefully, when you receive this copy of 

Midsomer Norton Life, the weather will be a bit 

better than it is at the time of writing this. We're 

just going through the batch of wind and rain 

storms following on from those few days when it 

was scorching hot. Not too good for those of us 

who are trying to get some gardening done! 

Keeping you up to date with the Town Park, 

unfortunately the Lions had to cancel the 

opening of the Sensory Garden due to the 

Covid regulations, but they have now been 

able to reorganise it for 11th September at 12 

noon. So, if you would like to come along to 

this event, please do. We have had a number of 

organisations contacting us about holding events 

in the Town Park and they are all being arranged. 

If you are part of a group that would like to meet 

up in the Town Park for an event, please contact 

the Town Trust to get it organised. 

I expect you have noticed that several dropped 

kerbs have been installed around the town. This 

makes life so much easier for wheelchair and 

mobility scooter users. 

My Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mike Moxham, has 

had a number of comments from members of 

the public about the state of the old brewery 

building at the Welton, Bibby and Baron site on 

Station Road. With a construction background, 

Mike was the best person to contact Welton, 

Bibby and Baron about this and they have 

responded saying they intend to carry out a 

structural survey soon. So, that sounds like good 

news. 

Thank you all for taking the time to look through 

this copy of Midsomer Norton Life where you 

will find lots of information about what is going 

on in the town. Take care and enjoy the rest of 

your Autumn. 

Lynda Robertson, 

Mayor of Midsomer Norton Town Council

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE 5 

A return for Community 

Trust’s events Programme 

T 

he Midsomer Norton Community Trust’s 

events programme is set to finally return in 

full, 18 months after they were last held. 

“As with many other community groups it’s been a 

struggle to keep going with the impact of COVID. 

However, we have survived and our volunteers 

turned out in force recently to run our first 

concert at the Town Hall. All we need to do now is 

to get the message out there that we’re returning 

and I’m confident we can begin serving the local 

community again!”, said Alex Davis, Trust Manager 

at the Midsomer Norton Community Trust. 

The First Thursday Afternoon Social returns to 

Welton Rovers on the 2nd September from 2-5pm 

with live musical entertainment from Spirelane. 

Since its launch the monthly First Thursday has 

developed into a popular event in the social 

calendar. Local entertainers provide a blend of 

musical entertainment, laughter and even a bit of 

bingo with hot and cold refreshments available 

from the bar. The Social is the perfect chance to 

have a laugh, make new friends and dance or foot 

tap the afternoon away! Upcoming acts include 

Niteshift, Bennie Vee and Russ Matthews. 

Meanwhile, the Paradis Palm Court Trio series 

resumed in August. These classical concerts see 

Jacquelyn Bevan (piano), Lisa Betteridge violin & 

Linda Stocks (cello) play a lunch-hour concert, 

12.30-1.30pm on the first Friday of each month in 

the Assembly Room at Midsomer Norton Town 

Hall. Each concert is themed and comprises pieces 

of music in a wide range of styles. Delicious 

homemade cakes are on sale, along with tea & 

coffee. Entry is free, with a retiring collection 

towards the cost of running the series. 

Meanwhile the Trust are aiming to resume 

the Community Cinema screenings from 

October. The Trust are currently in discussions 

with their distributors about the film lineup 

for the Community Cinema with news 

and tickets expected to go on sale in early 

September. For more information on all of these 

events as they’re announced, head to www. 

midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk

6 


Have you seen the new 

Greenspaces Poster? 

Y 

ou may remember in the last edition of 

Midsomer Norton Life an article regarding 

a green spaces poster being designed for 

Midsomer Norton. 

The posters have now been installed on the back 

of the bus stops on The Island. 

The posters include a map, making the town's 

green spaces easy to find alongside a few 

interesting facts about the Somer Valley. 

Next time you are passing have a look and see 

the green spaces Midsomer Norton and the 

surrounding area has to offer. 

I SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES 

WHO'S WITH ME?


Town Council Office NOW opeN 

A 

s Coronavirus started to race across the 

world last year, our community faced 

many challenges and the residents of Midsomer 

Norton went to extraordinary lengths to protect 

each other, their friends, and their families 

from the effects of the virus. A couple of 

consequences of the pandemic were the national 

lockdowns and the working from home mandate. 

As a result of this, on Friday 20th March 2020, 

Council staff said goodbye to each other and 

the Council offices which were then closed for 

the foreseeable future. The office staff found 

themselves starting work on the morning of 

Monday 23rd March 2020 at home! Definitely a 

new experience for us all. The Town Hall offices 

may have been closed, but the Town Council 

remained firmly open for business, continuing 

to ensure public services were maintained and 

running where possible. 

Our Town Warden maintained his presence out 

and about in the Town and was able to work 

outside by following the government guidelines 

on social distancing. We saw how hard Dave works 

around the Town in the last issue of Midsomer 

Norton Life and we would like to thank Dave for 

his continued commitment during these difficult 

circumstances. Town Council and Committee 

meetings were moved online and held remotely 

via Zoom, because of a change in legislation to 

reflect these unparalleled times. The Town Council 

was able to hold all their meetings in this way for 

the duration of the restrictions. 

After a lifting of restrictions, the Town Council 

offices were reopened on Monday 19th July 2021. 

Currently two members of the office staff are 

in the Town Hall, while further staff continue to 

work from home until a phased and gradual return 

of all staff by the end of August. 

A deep clean of the office was carried out with 

every workstation cleared and thoroughly cleaned. 

Ventilation was an issue in the office because of 

many layers of paint being applied to the window 

frames over the years. The Town Warden was 

able to rectify this and the windows can now be 

opened to let air flow through the office. 

To ensure the continued safety of staff and 

visitors, we would like to request that visits to 

the office are kept to a minimum. Please arrange 

an appointment where face to face contact is 

required. Contact details can be found on our 

website. The office staff are always happy to help 

and are available via email or telephone during 

office hours. We do hope that the numbers in the 

area continue to improve as they currently are at 

the time of writing, and that normal service can 

resume as soon as possible.

8 


HIGH STREET Heritage Action 

Zone makes further Progress 

A 

s the High Street Heritage Action Zone 

(‘HSHAZ’) programme moves into Autumn, 

the project team are pleased to report that 

further progress has been made on the various 

project streams and a number of key things 

have happened over the summer months. These 

developments relate to improvement works on 

the High Street, support for local organisations 

and stakeholders and plans for new community 

events and activities. 

The first key development relates to The Island 

and the specialist input now being received from 

engineers at AECOM regarding the plans for the 

new Market Square. Over the recent months, 

AECOM have been undertaking technical work to 

test the proposals and ensure they achieve highquality 

design standards, support local businesses, 

improve safety for pedestrians and road users and 

function well for markets and other community 

events. The engineers are currently looking at 

the condition of the river culvert beneath The 

Island and considering how to make sure it is 

safe; this will require site investigations and trial 

holes to take place at some point soon. Once 

the engineering works and tests are completed 

the designs will be updated and shared with the 

community. 

As mentioned in the Spring issue of Midsomer 

Norton Life, plans for the Town Hall project 

continue to take shape and the newly-formed 

‘Transformation Implementation Committee’ have 

been meeting with the project managers to work 

out how best to reinstate the ‘Market Hall’ on the 

ground floor for community use. At the moment 

the Committee are considering how best to cost 

and phase these works and also fundraise for the 

The High Street Heritage Action Zone outlined on 

a street plan of Midsomer Norton 

© Crown Copyright and database right 2020. 

All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence 

number 100024900 

later phases, including the new side extension and 

upper floors. The Committee are pleased that 

tenders from structural, mechanical and electrical 

engineers have been received and surveying/ 

technical work from these professionals will come 

forward in the next few months. 

In other news, the project team were delighted 

to have many business owners, landlords and 

residents attend the community webinar 

presentation for the High Street Study in late 

July. Held online, this webinar gave an overview 

of the surveys carried out on every pre-1960 

High Street building, recommendations for 

improvements within the town centre and the


associated guidance for shopfronts. The webinar 

also presented the findings of the High Street 

Questionnaire and launched the Shopfront and 

Heritage Asset Improvement small grants schemes. 

For those who may have missed this event the 

recording can be found here: bit.ly/3frMVNz 

High Street business owners and landlords 

interested in carrying out improvement works to 

their shopfronts are also encouraged to contact 

the High Street Project Manager and fill out the 

associated Expressions of Interest form. 

Other updates include another successful 

meeting of the HSHAZ ‘Steering Group’ on 

Wednesday 7th July. Items discussed at the 

meeting included the development of the new 

HSHAZ website, opportunities for outdoor arts 

commissions in Summer 2023 and the recruitment 

of an Engagement Coordinator to run markets, 

community events and cultural activities on the 

High Street on behalf of the Community Trust. 

If this role is of interest to you, or someone you 

know, please keep an eye out for the forthcoming 

job advert or get in contact with the High Street 

Project Manager or Trust Manager (manager@ 

midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk) 

For more information about the HSHAZ project, or 

to discuss anything mentioned above, please feel 

free to contact the High Street Project Manager, 

Edward Heritage, via email or post (details below). 

Email: MidsomerNortonHSHAZ@bathnes.gov.uk 

Edward Heritage, High Street Project Manager, 

c/o Midsomer Norton Town Council, The Island, 

Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HQ. 

TOWN PARK Amphitheatre 

M 

idsomer Norton Town Council have 

transferred the ownership of the Town 

Park to the Town Trust, whose mission is to 

provide spaces for the inhabitants of Midsomer 

Norton for social welfare, recreation, leisure time, 

voluntary groups, events and activities. 

Welton Baptist Church have plans to use the 

amazing new 300 seat Amphitheatre space for 

song, worship, picnics, talks about the Gospel 

and testimonies about God’s impact on individual 

lives. 

Midsomer Norton Town Council have transferred 

the owner ship of the Town Park to the Town 

Trust, whose mission is to provide spaces for 

the inhabitants of Midsomer Norton for social 

welfare, recreation, leisure time, voluntary groups, 

events and activities. 

Please get in touch with Jo Corbett, the 

Secretary of Midsomer Norton Town Trust, if 

you are interested in using the Amphitheatre 

or another space in the Town Park for an event. 

You can contact her by email: secretary@ 

midsomernortontowntrust.co.uk or by phone: 

07873 232437. Her office hours are Tuesdays and 

Thursdays, from 9am to 5:30pm

Does your child have Myopia? 

Award winning lenses available now 

HOYA MiYOSMART lenses use cutting edge technology to help manage the development of myopia 

(also known as short-sightedness). 

They are clinically proven to be an effective solution to slow down the progression of myopia and 

are as easy to wear as any pair of glasses. 

Benefits of MiYOSMART 

MiYOSMART lenses with D.I.M.S 

technology have been clinically 

proven within a two year clinical trial, 

the results showed that the level of 

myopia progression was reduced by 

an average of 60%.* 

MiYOSMART is child friendly and 

easy to adapt to as they are just 

like wearing any other single vision 

lenses. 

MiYOSMART offers protection 

with a impact resistant material, 

UV protection and anti reflection 

coating for durability and easy 

cleaning. 

Visit our practice and ask a member of the team for more information. 

* Myopia progression (SER) by 59% and axial 

elongation (AL) decreased by 60% compared 

with those wearing SV lenses. 

Edwards Opticians 

2 Mansbrook House, 15 High St, Midsomer Norton 

Tel: 01761 413212 

www.edwardsmidsomer.co.uk


OFFICIAL OPENING FOR THE NEW 

SENSORY GARDEN 

R 

adstock and Midsomer Norton Lions club 

has had a number of successful 

environmental projects, facilitating litter picks 

held monthly alternating between Radstock 

and Midsomer Norton since 2018, and funding a 

grassroots group, More Trees, for B&NES to grow 

and plant trees in Bath and North East Somerset 

in 2020. However, by far the most ambitious 

project for the club has been its involvement 

in the creation of a sensory garden with Lions 

funding the plants and trees within the garden 

of the new Midsomer Norton Town Park. Earlier 

in the year the club won the Lions' District 

Environmental competition in recognition of 

their work over the last few years. 

The project has taken a number of years and the 

development for the whole park will take more 

years and funding in the future to complete. The 

land is owned by the Town Council and the site 

was given to the Town Trust, who now manage 

the park project where the sensory garden 

is sited. The idea of a new ‘Town Park’ being 

developed in Midsomer Norton was put forward 

by the Midsomer Norton Town Trust in 2017 and 

approved by BathNES council. 

The club is delighted that our MP Jacob Rees- 

Mogg, along with the Mayor of Midsomer Norton, 

Lynda Robertson will officially open the sensory 

garden on Saturday 11th September. 

The Lions hope that the sensory garden will leave 

a permanent environmental legacy within the park 

for the people of Midsomer Norton and Radstock 

and future generations and that it will appeal to 

all 5 senses and offer a rich therapeutic experience 

to people with a range of different needs. 

The design encourages a protected, stimulating 

place for people to enjoy simply being, working 

and socialising outdoors; a place for reflection and 

enjoyment. 

The club would like to thank all of the people 

involved in this project who have made the 

Sensory Garden go from an idea into reality. 

Sarah Oughton, President, Radstock & Midsomer 

Norton Lions Club

12 


Youth Connect South West & 

MIDSOMER NORTON TOWN COUNCIL 

Y 

outh Connect South West is a youth 

focused charity delivering services in Bath 

and North East Somerset. In Midsomer Norton 

they will be delivering community-based youth 

work sessions using Midsomer Norton Town 

Council funding. 

The project will operate on two evenings a 

week starting from 7th September 2021. Tuesday 

evenings between 6-8pm will be based at the 

container (HUB) at the skate park for a youth café 

session that includes cooking and participating 

in a range of table top activities. YCSW will be 

engaging with young people to develop the HUB 

and increase its use. On Friday evenings between 

6 – 8pm will be a detached session (on foot). The 

team will cover hotspot areas identified from 

previous youth work and by the police and Town 

Council, such as the High Street. 

The sessions will offer young people improved 

access to support for physical wellbeing, mental 

wellbeing, sexual health and relationship issues, 

improved access to employability and training 

support and access to positive activities. They 

will provide an opportunity to build positive 

relationships with trusted adults, have more access 

to relevant support services, and educate and 

discourage young people from involvement with 

serious violence, criminal activity and substance 

misuse. 

The aims of YCSW are to reduce anti-social 

and criminal damage incidents related to young 

people in the High Street, skate park and Town 

Park, by engaging young people more with their 

community and increasing their feelings of 

community ownership. 

Youth Connect South West, Bath Rugby 

Foundation, Bath Area Play Project and partners 

also delivered a fun and powerful package of 

summer activities at the Astro Courts at Midsomer 

Norton Sports Centre, Gullock Tyning. This was 

open to all teenagers aged 12-16, with activities 

including sports, exercise and creative play, as well 

as nutritious food, for all attendees to enjoy. This 

ran on Mondays from August 2nd to August 23rd. 

Youth Connect provide a range of other services 

for young people, such as supporting unemployed 

young people or providing individuals with 

support with issues that affect them. More 

information on Youth Connect services can be 

found at www.youthconnectsouthwest.org.uk. 

Harry Parsons is the leader for the Midsomer 

Norton work and can be contacted via: 

harry.parsons@ycsw.org.uk


A RETURN TO SOME NORMALITY at 

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH 

S 

t John's are very pleased to let you know 

that as the Covid restrictions are beginning 

to lift, they are now holding weekly Holy 

Eucharist services at 10am every Sunday. On 

Sunday 5th September they will also reintroduce 

the 8am service. St John's encourage the 

congregation to still wear masks, and they are 

now able to sing hymns – a great step forward. 

A new member of the team at St John’s is Revd 

Philip Hopper, who has joined in a training post as 

Assistant Curate. Philip will be working on a part 

time basis, and the team very much look forward 

to his ministry with them. 

On Tuesdays at 10.30am - 11.45am St John's are 

resuming their coffee mornings, so people can 

meet for a chat and a cup of coffee or tea. This 

will be followed by Eucharist at 12 noon for those 

who wish to stay. 

The social events started again, the first one being 

a Songs of Praise followed by a cream tea on 

Saturday 21 August at 2.00pm. 

There will be a very warm welcome to anyone 

who would like to join any of these occasions. 

To obtain more information, please visit the 

Facebook page - St John’s MSN community group. 

9 OUT OF 10 

CUSTOMERS 

RENEW WITH US 

EACH YEAR 

To find out why, talk to us 

today about your home and car 

insurance needs. 

Call your local Bath agency on: 

01761 239382 

A P R Smith & H G Wareham is an appointed 

representative of The National Farmers Union 

Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). 

Fresh and 

local pork, 

beef, lamb 

and chicken 

cut to your 

specification. 

LocAL 

DeLiverieS 

AvAiLABLe 

Tel: 01761 418506 

112 High Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2DA 

Phildaybutcher

14 


MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE SURVEY 

M 

Midsomer Norton Town Council is 

committed to using the most appropriate 

channels of communications to reach our wide 

variety of customers and stakeholders, including 

residents, employees, schools, businesses, 

community partners and all levels of government. 

The Town Council are eager to listen, review 

and check that our communications are being 

understood by our community. We are constantly 

striving to improve the way that Midsomer Norton 

Town Council communicates with our customers 

and stakeholders. 

Of the replies to our recent survey about this 

magazine, 96% of respondents said that they 

look forward to receiving Midsomer Norton Life 

maxem 

eyewear 

Magazine. 

We asked for your ideas for future features, 

and your feedback will help us to ensure that 

we are targeting our readership. Your requests 

include finding out what the Town Council are 

doing to help the environment, news about 

volunteer groups, catching up with things different 

Councillors have been up to, positive stories about 

local youths in our Town and some interviews 

with local businesses and shop keepers. 

Our thanks to everyone who took part in our 

survey. The Town Council has agreed to appoint 

a working party to look into the future of the 

magazine and additional communication channels. 

maxemeyewear.co.uk 

Unit 1, Block 33, Second Avenue, 

Westfield Industrial Estate, BA3 4BH 

Tel: 01761 235802 

info@maxemeyewear.co.uk 

Find us @maxemeyewear 

Husband and Wife team, Vicky 

and Matt Andrews have over 20 

years experience in the optical industry and have opened a 

dispensing only shop that offers an independent personal 

service with competitive prices. Dispensing only means 

that you just need to bring in an up to date prescription to 

order spectacles. 

All the spectacle and sunglass frames range from £30 - 

£70 and coated lenses start from £30 per pair. They are 

also happy to reglaze any cherished frames, pince-nez or 

even monocles at no extra charge. 

Matt has run his own business called Maxem Glazing, 

providing a service directly to opticians all around the 

country. Vicky is a fully qualified Dispensing Optician who 

is on hand for any help and advice that is needed for frame 

and lens selection. 

“Westfield Trading Estate was a perfect location for our 

business. With rent not as high, we can pass this saving 

onto our customers and offering a parking space just 

outside the door makes the trip worthwhile.” 

Affordable prices with 

an independent service. 

Same day service available. 

Repair service. 

Covid measures in place. 

Affordable prices with 

an independent service. 

Same day service available. 

Repair service. 

Covid measures in place. 

Please bring in your 

current prescription.


WELLBEING IN NATURE 

E 

arlier in the year, Midsomer Norton Town 

Council staff were invited to learn more 

about connecting communities to green spaces. 

Somer Valley Rediscovered were funding a 

four day training course run by Emily Malik 

and Michéal Connors as part of the Natural 

Academy. The training was focused on assetbased 

approaches to nature connection and 

engagement. In Midsomer Norton we are very 

lucky to have numerous green spaces around us. 

The Natural Academy state that, “our mission 

with the NatureWell approach is to find a flexible, 

scalable, integrative way of helping people and 

the natural world recover and flourish. As we 

know, this is vital for all our futures together 

as one health”. Natural Academy is a social 

enterprise whose mission is to support the health 

and wellbeing of people and nature. They have 

developed the NatureWell approach from over 

12 years’ experience of working with people's 

health in natural settings. NatureWell is part 

of a well-evidenced learning framework that is 

being delivered across the region and nationally as 

part of NHS Forest. 

The first two days of the course were held at the 

end of June at Combe Hay Wine and Vineyard, a 

beautiful location, just outside of Bath, where we 

were kindly invited by the owners for the training 

session. The second part of the training took 

place in early August at Greyfield Wood in High 

Littleton, another wonderful natural area we are 

lucky enough to have on our doorstep. It was 

a great opportunity to learn how we can engage 

more in the green spaces owned by Midsomer 

Norton Town Council. 

The aim of the training was to show us how to 

help people and communities connect to nature 

for their health and wellbeing by disseminating 

good practice more generally. By realising the 

value of local communities and natural spaces 

NatureWell can be applied to help people 

connect to natural spaces to develop healthy 

communities and, at the same time, to care for 

our natural spaces in Midsomer Norton. It also 

helps those who are living with challenges to 

their health or wellbeing, are socially excluded, 

or deprived to access the many benefits that 

connecting with nature provides. 

After the last 18 months of living through a 

global pandemic we are all now familiar with 

the health and mental health benefits that being 

able to get out into nature can bring, even for an 

allotted hour to get some exercise! During the 

pandemic some of us discovered a new found 

love of walking or discovered new local walks to 

areas we were not aware of. It is time to embrace 

and maintain this change going forward and to 

preserve our great outdoors and appreciate how it 

enhances our daily lives.

16 


Happy Birthday St John's! 

S 

t John’s Primary School have been 

celebrating their 300th year this month 

with a series of celebrations. The school was 

founded in 1721 after money was left in the will 

of Ann Harris to educate the poorest 40 pupils 

in the Parish of Midsomer Norton. Today the 

school is attended by over 430 pupils who are 

enormously proud of the school’s long history. 

The 300th anniversary festivities began on St 

John’s Day, Thursday 24th June, when we held 

assemblies where the children learnt more 

about the history of the school. They took part 

in a treasure hunt around the school to find key 

features which hint to the development of the 

site from commemorative plaques, bricked up 

doorways, historic fireplaces and the school 

bell which was tolled for us all to hear. In the 

afternoon we held a picnic on the field in class 

bubbles and enjoyed cakes (donated by our lovely 

PTA) and party games. 

Earlier this month, Alun Williams, CEO of 

Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, 

Headteacher Danielle West-Gaul and pupils 

from Year 3 officially opened our outdoor 

classroom. 

This new facility will provide another area of 

learning for pupils attending forest school, as 

well as the opportunity to move lessons out of 

the classroom. Other year groups worked hard 

preparing for its opening by helping to cover the 

floor area with chipped bark. We would like to 

thank George’s Garden for donating a cherry tree 

which was planted to mark the occasion. 

Later this year the school will be installing a 

stained-glass window in the school hall which is 

being designed by Edgar Phillips. Former pupils and 

local residents can make a donation to go towards 

the installation by visiting gofund.me/09844bd6


Wellow Brook Walk UPDATE 

T 

he Great British Summer weather brings 

the usual mix of sunshine and heavy 

showers - the perfect combination for the grass 

and greenery at Wellow Brook to grow and 

grow at a rate of knots! Since the farmer who 

previously, and very kindly, cut the area, retired a 

couple of years ago, the Town Council have been 

looking for somebody else to do the job. 

The four acres of, sometimes rough under foot, 

terrain is difficult to cut without the correct 

machinery, and we were very lucky to find a local 

farmer, Paul, who had the equipment for the job. 

Paul was able to cut further into the hedgerow 

than had been done previously, and this has 

opened the field up considerably. There is now a 

larger area for dogs to run in and for residents to 

enjoy. 

Please do get out and experience this part of our 

Town. Our plans to improve the area are still 

being considered, so keep an eye on our website 

and social media for any updates. 

Wellow Brook also has a problem with Himalayan 

Balsam, which thrives along riverbanks. It is fast 

growing, non-native to the UK, and spreads rapidly 

annually by seed. Himalayan Balsam can grow 

up to three metres in height, and each plant can 

produce 800 seeds which can spread over seven 

metres away, or even further if transported by 

water. 

The Town Warden has spent a lot of time carefully 

pulling the plant by hand. The issue is being 

tackled at the appropriate time of the year with 

the correct equipment. 

Our home help service 

offers flexibility and choice 

to suit individual needs, 

enabling you to remain 

independent and 

comfortable in your home. 

Respite or regular care available. 

Fully qualified, registered and insured. 

Contact us for more details 07714 425461 

reginapersonalassistant@outlook.com 

PersonalAssistantBecauseWeCare

18 


MUGA at West Clewes 

M 

idsomer Norton Town Council have 

received quotes and approved the 

construction of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) 

at West Clewes Recreation Ground. The MUGA 

will have a court suitable for multiple sports 

including football and basketball. On the outer 

side of the fences will be a cricket wicket, 

hotshot target, and penalty shootout board. 

The Town Council successfully secured Youth 

funding from B&NES towards this project and the 

Youth Hub at the Town Park. A lottery grant was 

applied for by the Recreational Trust which was 

successful and they have also contributed further 

funds towards the full cost of the project. Any 

outstanding funding will be supplied by the Town 

Council from the reserves. 

The Town Council are excited about providing 

this free, fun facility and the physical and mental 

health benefits it will bring to the town. 

Sight Support West of England 

S 

ight Support West of England improve 

the quality of life for visually impaired 

people. They provide practical and emotional 

support for people adjusting to living with sight 

loss. They support people to continue to live 

independently by equipping them with the tools 

they need and create peer and social networks to 

help reduce isolation. 

The charity believe that sight loss shouldn’t stop 

people reaching their full potential. 

The Sight Advisors are available to offer 

information and advice on assistive technology, 

lighting, magnifiers and much more to help you 

manage your sight loss. They are committed to 

ensuring the services are accessible to everyone, 

so appointments are available in accessible 

locations across the region. 

All face-to-face services are provided observing 

COVID-safe procedures. Booking is essential. 

Please call Sight Support on 0117 3224885 to 

make an appointment. Sessions run on the 4th 

Thursday of each month, between 10am and 1pm 

at Midsomer Norton Town Hall.


West of England Rural Network 

WERN 

New Village Agent appointed 

A 

s we come out from the COVID lockdown 

and life begins very slowly to return to a 

new normality, many people are very nervous 

about what they will find as they leave home 

after nearly 18 months of self-isolation. Local 

support services, clubs and social activities 

have been closed and events cancelled as the 

Government asked us to stay at home. 

With a glimmer of light now showing at the end of 

the tunnel, local charity WERN (West of England 

Rural Network) is looking to support people in the 

community who have struggled with their physical 

and mental wellbeing. They have appointed 

Michael Auton as their new Village Agent working 

across Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Westfield and 

Paulton. 

Two teams of Village Agents (North Somerset and 

B&NES) are embedded in the rural communities 

in which they work, providing confidential 1-to-1 

support with information and advice. Alongside 

this they work with local people to create new 

opportunities for activities and social groups, 

and encourage people to move more and sit less 

through gentle exercise and walks. 

The focus is on people living in rural, often remote 

locations. Older residents often feel forgotten 

and ignored. They are certainly out of sight as 

the social groups they attended have been closed 

over the last year. During the pandemic Village 

Agents became a vital point of contact for food 

and other essential supplies. 

Michael has lived in the Somer Valley for many 

years and will use his wealth of experience and 

local knowledge to signpost residents to local 

services, befriending groups or offering 1-to-1 

support. He is now looking to connect with 

service groups, lunch clubs, befriending groups, 

churches and charities, and is keen to come and 

talk to readers about how the service can support 

them at home. 

Michael said: "The last 15 months have been hard 

on all of us and we have struggled to manage 

the impact of COVID on our lives. Social contact 

has been significantly restricted and activities we 

took for normal may no longer exist. As the new 

Village Agent for Midsomer Norton, Radstock, 

Westfield and Paulton, I am here to help any 

residents to provide information and support to 

access services which will improve their health 

and wellbeing." 

Anyone over 18 years of age can be supported and 

you can self-refer if you are struggling and need 

additional support. Michael can be contacted by 

emailing michael@wern.org.uk or telephone 07392 

700765. More information about the Village Agent 

service can also be found on the WERN website - 

https://www.wern.org.uk/village-agents

20 


BATH MIND – HERE TO HELP 

T 

he past two years have been hard on 

everyone, both physically and mentally, 

so if you feel like you need support, join the 

team from Bath Mind at one of their local mental 

health and well-being groups. 

The Midsomer Norton Wellbeing Group meet 

every Tuesday from 11am until 1pm at the Swallows 

Café. It is an inclusive and supportive group that 

encourages positive mental health through peer 

support and creativity, offering a number of 

different activities, as well as one to one talks, 

which are facilitated by the group’s organisers. 

Bath Mind also run Open Opportunities sessions 

at their base on Manvers Street in Bath. This group 

supports those with ongoing mental health issues, 

allowing them to engage in social activities linked 

to the five ways to well-being. This group meets 

face to face every Monday and Wednesday from 

11am until 1pm. 

Young people struggling with challenges, anxiety 

or depression or who just want a group of likeminded 

individuals that they can speak openly 

with are encouraged to visit Safe Space, the 

online well-being group provided by Bath Mind 

volunteers. Safe Space is held via Zoom on a 

Thursday from 5pm – 5.30pm with monthly meet 

ups in person. 

To find out more about Bath Mind’s work,please 

contact the wellbeing team on wellbeing@ 

bathmind.org.uk or call Becky on 07538 113890. 

 

 

 

Travel with confidence in 2021 - Enjoy a coach 

holiday memorable for all the right reasons 

Holidays & Day Trips available 

Pembrokeshire 

Coast & Countryside 

Fri 15 - Mon 18 Oct 

4 days - £349 

 

Includes 

Picton Castle & Gardens 

Tenby 

Pembroke 

 

3* Giltar Hotel ,Tenby 

overlooking South Beach 

3 nights DB&B 

Sights & Sounds of 

Liverpool 

Fri 5 - Mon 8 Nov 

4 days - £299 

 

Includes 

4 nights DB&B 

All coach travel 

 

4* Mercure Liverpool 

Atlantic Tower Hotel 

Located very close to 

Albert Dock area 

Festive Breaks 

Victorian Festivities, IOW 

8 - 12 Nov 

 

Waddesdon Manor Xmas 

Lights & Oxford 

28 - 29 Nov 

 

Tinsel & Turkey Llandudno 

13 - 17 Nov 

 

Tinsel & Turkey Eastbourne 

26 - 29 Nov 

 

Tinsel & Turkey Babbacombe 

3 - 6 Dec 

www.johnmartincoachholidaysbath.co.uk 

Email:info.johnmartin@btconnect.com


Duck update 

B 

ack last Summer we received a call from 

a resident advising us that several 

ducklings were stuck in the grate on the River 

Somer. 

The mother duck was obviously very distressed 

at not being able to reach her ducklings, which in 

turn was upsetting for the resident who contacted 

us. At this time, our Town Warden was fortunately 

able to install some wooden planks to enable the 

ducklings to climb out and be happily reunited 

with their mum! However, these wooden planks 

were not a long-term solution to the issue. 

The issue arose again earlier in the summer, with 

several very upset residents reporting stuck 

ducklings to us. We immediately reported this 

matter to the RSPCA (as redirected by the RSPB) 

who can be contacted on 0300 1234 999. After 

rescuing the ducklings from the area, the RSPCA 

advised us that they could not move the duck 

and ducklings up stream, as this was their nesting 

ground, and they would eventually make their way 

back to it. 

We, therefore, contacted the Environment Agency 

and explained the situation to them. After a visit 

to the area, they came up with a plan to install a 

ramp with small pieces of wood all the way up. 

This would enable the ducklings to make their 

way out without sliding back down to the place 

where they were getting trapped. We would 

like to thank the residents for alerting this to us, 

the RSPCA for carrying out their rescue and the 

Environment Agency for installing the ramp and, 

hopefully, preventing any further incidents. 

DROP-IN COVID Vaccinations 

A 

s part of the NHS Covid-19 vaccination 

programme, Bath & North East Somerset 

Council offered mobile drop-in vaccination 

appointments at various locations in B&NES 

throughout May, June, July and August 2021. 

The vaccination bus parked in the Town Park 

spaces near the Somer Centre. They targeted 

areas where there was a relatively lower uptake of 

vaccinations, and to rural areas where accessing 

a large vaccination clinic may have been harder. 

The vaccine bus operated as a drop-in service 

so people didn’t have to book; they could just 

turn up and have their vaccine, and there was no 

requirement to be registered with a doctor. The 

bus also operated as a space where people could 

come to find out more about the vaccine without 

having to actually have it. It was very difficult to 

predict what the uptake would be: they had the 

capacity to provide up to 200 vaccines per day.

22 


AGE UK offer SUPPORT FOR THose 

who have lost THEIR COnfidence 

A 

ge UK Bath & North East Somerset is 

urging the public to be compassionate, 

as we head into autumn, with a recent survey 

showing that a huge 48% of older people say 

they have lost their confidence, and many 

more are worried about the future. 

CEO, Simon Allen, said: “We are really concerned 

that nearly half of people who answered our 

survey say they have lost confidence. Older 

people have been some of the most affected 

during the pandemic and for many, the isolation, 

lack of contact, worry and loss of loved ones has, 

understandably, taken its toll. Therefore, we are 

urging the public to really be mindful of older 

people in our community who may want to take 

things slower – not all of us are ready for no 

masks and group hugs." 

The survey, which went to thousands of residents 

in Bath & North East Somerset, has shone a light 

on how older people have coped during the 

pandemic, what support is needed and feelings 

about the future. 

Nearly half of all people who answered said 

they had lost confidence, which has sparked the 

charity to launch an emergency ‘Confidence; to 

live the life you choose’ appeal raising money for 

more one to one support including tailored 

mobility exercise, access to community groups, 

chat and check in and practical guidance to 

getting online. 

Comments from the survey included: 

Paula, 69, “I've never spent so much time alone 

without human contact before. I have become 

very isolated and have felt very lonely.” 

Peter, 81 said: “I need confidence to understand 

technology and get online. I find it difficult 

being disabled and relying on other people all the 

time.” 

Rose, 63 said: "It is hard making friends when you 

don't have confidence”. 

Brian, 76 said: “I do hope I can build up the 

confidence to go out of the house again.” 

Confidence isn’t changed overnight and so the 

charity is asking people for regular donations to 

support their ongoing work which will see older 

people having the confidence to live the life they 

choose. 

Age UK Bath & North East Somerset want to 

remind people that they are here for anyone 

over 55 who might need advice, support out of 

hospital, help at home or just a friendly chat. 

Can you help to support people in building back 

their confidence? Please visit 

www.ageuk.org.uk/bathandnortheastsomerset


CAN YOU HELP HENRY? 

H 

enry is an 8 year old from Midsomer 

Norton who loves to be independent 

and make people smile. At 12 months old he 

was diagnosed with cerebral palsy spastic 

diplegia which most noticeably affects Henry’s 

lower limbs making him unable to stand or walk 

unaided. This has never stopped Henry aiming 

for better mobility and independence with his 

determined nature helping him along the way. 

Henry has received weekly therapy since diagnosis 

which has become a big part of his life, teaching 

him the skills to sit, crawl, walk with a walker 

and now learning to walk with just sticks thus 

increasing his stamina to go even further. These 

are skills we all take for granted but Henry worked 

extra hard to achieve. 

Thanks to everyone`s support and help with 

fundraising he was able to have SDR in July 2020 at 

the Portland Hospital London. 

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery is a 

procedure that treats muscle spasticity caused 

by abnormal communication from the brain 

to the muscles. It achieves this by cutting the 

nerve rootlets in the spinal cord, thus reducing 

spasticity while improving the range of motion 

and functional mobility. 

Following SDR there is an intense rehabilitation 

period of 3 years and without this Henry will 

not gain the full benefits from the operation. He 

has been working so hard before and after and 

deserves the chance to improve his mobility and 

independence. 

Just4Children are still trying to raise funds to 

continue to allow Henry to access the therapy he 

needs and any equipment and orthotics to aid his 

independence. 

You can help by either donating to www. 

justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/just4children/ 

helpinghenry or why not join in the the firewalk 

that’s happening on the 8th October at MSN 

Cricket Club. 

If you would like to volunteer to walk on fire 

and raise some well needed funds, contact 

helpinghenry6@gmail.com

FIREPLACES FLUES INSTALLATION WOODBURNING & MULTIFUEL STOVES 

INFO@IGNISSTOVES.CO.UK - 01761 437366 - WWW.IGNISSTOVES.CO.UK 

FIRE ENGINE SHED, UNIT 6 COLLIERS YARD, FROME ROAD, RADSTOCK BA3 3PT 

SUPERB SELECTION 

OF HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS 

AVAILABLE NOW! 

Will provide colour and interest 

in the garden from year-to-year 

COMPOST (inc a good choice of peat free), 

FARMYARD MANURE, DECORATIVE BARK, 

GRAVELS AND GRITS 

SPRING FLOWERING BULBS 

AVAILABLE AT THE END OF AUGUST 

Wells Road, Chilcompton, Radstock BA3 4RR 

Telephone: 01761 232137 

Open: Mon. to Sat. 10am – 4pm. Closed Sundays


The Conservation Volunteers 

AT THE TOWN PARK 

T 

he Conservation Volunteers (TCV Bristol) 

have completed a 200m path over the last 

few months at Midsomer Norton Town Park. It 

has taken the incredible efforts of a small group 

of volunteers to lay 400m of revetment and 

move 58 tonnes of hardcore/hoggin all by hand. 

Work is now underway on a set of steps leading 

from the Amphitheatre up to the Greenway 

behind. Twenty-six steps were built initially; 

several more days work will be necessary to 

complete the job. 

Midsomer Norton Town Trust appealed for 

funding for the paths and were delighted to 

receive £1558.62 in donations. A huge thankyou to 

everyone who generously contributed. There will 

be an opening ceremony for the paths and steps 

once the work is completed. 

The Town Council, Town Trust and Community 

Trust are delighted with the continued 

developments at the Town Park, and very grateful 

for the amazing work undertaken by TCV. Please 

get in touch if you can spare some time to work 

on this, or other TCV projects. 

A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS 

Would you like to help maintain 

Midsomer Norton Town Park? 

If you interested in physical activity outdoors 

that will be a positive benefit for the 

community then get in touch. 

All tools and training will be provided by TCV. 

Visit www.tcv.org.uk/getinvolved/volunteering 

or contact the TCV officers on 07739447995

26 


3SG - Community Wellbeing Hub 

B 

ath and North East Somerset Third 

Sector Group (3SG) has been providing 

support to charities, social enterprises and 

community groups in Bath and North East 

Somerset since 2016. 3SG is an independent 

charity that has a membership of over 140 

organisations, made up of charities, social 

enterprises, faith and voluntary groups. 

Their aim is to raise the profile of their members, 

provide 1-to-1 support and offer opportunities to 

influence local strategic decision making. 3SG also 

provide hundreds of volunteer marshals to the 

Large Vaccination Centre at Bath Racecourse and 

are currently recruiting so use the contact details 

below if you'd be interested. 

Since the start of the pandemic, 3SG has also been 

behind the local volunteer response and was a 

founding partner of the Community Wellbeing 

Hub. The Community Wellbeing Hub is still open 

and continues to offer a wide range of advice 

and support to residents of Bath and North East 

Somerset. 

You can contact the hub on 0300 247 0050 from 

Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm. 

If you would like to find out more about 3SG, then 

please get in touch: 

Email: Miles at contact@3sg.org.uk 

Call: 01225 683087 

Website: www.3sg.org.uk


‘A Ticket to Ride’ AT THE STATION 

T 

he weekend gala to celebrate the visiting 

steam locomotive Austin at Midsomer 

Norton station saw four locos in action in some 

of the best weather of the summer! The biggest 

ever gala saw resident Class 08 and 03 Diesel 

Shunters working alongside unique Sentinel 

steam locomotive ‘Joyce’ and the visiting Kitson 

0-6-0ST ‘Austin 1’. 

There was an intensive timetable that saw 

both freight and passenger services, with all 

combination of locos in action. Two vintage buses 

were on site assisting with transport to and from 

the gala. The Wickham Trolley was also put to 

work providing a ride within the confines of the 

station yard. 

Austin has been hauling passenger services every 

summer weekend and will be a major part of the 

autumn Gala on the 22nd to the 24th October. An 

extra treat this year are Driver Experience courses 

on Austin on September the 4th and 18th. Looking 

forwards, bookings will soon be available on the 

website for Santa Specials on all the December 

weekends. 

People have been very welcome over the summer 

weekends and volunteers at the station would 

like to thank all the visitors who have made all 

their hard work worth while. 

You can get your ‘Ticket to Ride’ on the website 

or why not join the team as a working volunteer? 

Booking for all events and rides is through the 

website, sdjr.co.uk 

THINK BIG 

SHOP SMALL 

= 

JOBS, COMMUNITY 

INVESTMENT, BUSINESS

28 


Wheelchair & Pushchair Access 

in Midsomer Norton 

M 

idsomer Norton Town Council has 

always been keen for all its residents to be 

able to enjoy as much of the town as possible. 

Many steps have been taken to ensure better 

access to as many of the town's public areas as 

possible. However, it had been reported to us 

that there was an issue with access to the Town 

Park, because of the lack of dropped kerbs in the 

area. 

Councillor Steve Plumley contacted B&NES 

Council and arranged to meet with one of their 

officers, along with Councillor Mike Moxham 

for some practical advice, to discuss suitable 

locations. B&NES Council granted permission for 

the works to go ahead, and the dropped kerbs 

have now been installed, making it easier for 

wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs to 

access the Town Park and the Somer Centre. 

Another area that was notified to us as proving 

difficult to access, was the entrance to Hayes 

Road, as there was not enough room to negotiate 

the bars. The bars in Hayes Road have reportedly 

been an issue for years but it was recently brought 

to our attention again by a resident. The bars were 

so close together as to not allow some of the 

newer children’s buggies and mobility scooters to 

get through. 

Councillors Steve Plumley and Mike Moxham 

again met up with the B&NES Council's Highway 

Inspector, and they have now installed new bars 

with an increased space between them to make 

access into and out of Hayes Road much easier. 

We would like to thank B&NES Council and their 

officers for their assistance in making the areas 

more accessible. 

DUSTLAND FAIRYTALE 

ANTIQUES & RESTORATION 

Furniture • Vintage Toys • Silver Objects • Glassware 

Ceramic Items • Jewellery • Vintage Coins • Lighting 

Unusual & Rare Objects • Bric-a-brac ... etc. 

All types of furniture restored/repaired (free quote) 

Free valuations given for insurance or selling. 

For enquiries, please phone Sean on: 07454 972 973 

129 High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DA 

(next to One Stop shop) 

Open: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 

Like and follow us on facebook 

From fashion and 

designer sunnies to 

more classic designs 

and value options, 

our sunglasses are 

available either with or 

without a prescription 

2 The Island, Midsomer Norton. Tel: 01761 414136


HELP Stop Anti-Social Behaviour 

T 

he Town Council are disappointed to 

continue to deal with anti social behavior 

at West Clewes and the Town Park. In recent 

weeks the trampoline has been broken, bottles 

smashed, litter left and individuals have been 

drunk and disorderly. Broken glass is a serious 

health and safety risk, especially so close to a 

park where children are playing and where dogs 

are frequently walked. The Town Warden quickly 

responds to reports of broken glass to ensure no 

one is injured. 

CCTV in both areas have recently been upgraded 

and blind spots have been removed. Due to this 

upgrade the office staff are now able to download 

good quality footage to send to the police. The 

police have been taking the footage to the local 

schools in a bid to identify those youths who 

appear on the footage. In three recent instances 

the youths have been identified and the parents 

have been informed of their children’s behaviour. 

Two Community Resolution Orders have been 

raised and two youths now have a six month ban 

from entering West Clewes. 

Each time an instance of anti-social behaviour is 

reported the office staff must take time out of 

their busy schedules to trawl through the CCTV 

and download the appropriate footage. The Town 

Warden spends a large 

part of his time repairing 

the damage caused or the 

clearing up. At times the 

damage is severe and the 

Town Council must pay 

a contractor to make the 

repairs. 

All this is costing the Town Council money. The 

funds received by the Council come from the 

Town’s residents' council tax. Spending money on 

repairs takes away funds for other projects that 

make the town a better place to live in. 

The Town Council have been working closely 

with the police in combating this unacceptable 

behaviour, including patrols taking place. The 

police are eager to speak with those mistreating 

these areas and educate them on the impact of 

anti-social behaviour. 

With the summer holidays upon us, the Council 

would like the open areas to be enjoyed by the 

community as a whole and for residents not to be 

put off by anyone being a nuisance or causing a 

disturbance. 

If you witness any anti-social behaviour, please 

contact the Police on 101. 

HIGH STREET DIY 

FOR ALL YOUR HARDWARE & DIY NEEDS 

• New selection of Spring Bulbs 

• Over winter seed potatoes 

• Giftware 

• Key cutting 

• Gardening items 

• Ironmongery 

FREE local 

delivery service 

• Homewares 

• Bespoke handmade cushions 

3 Mansbrook House, High Street, MSN 

Tel: 01761 414355 

Loft Boarding South West 

Need more storage space? 

Make use of your loft and create 

more space in your home 

Loft Ladders Raised Loft Storage 

Loft Lighting Insulation 

Loft storage solutions for period and new build homes 

that do’t void your warranty 

01373 813 438 

www.loftboardingsouthwest.co.uk

OPEN 

EVENTS 

2021 

Wed 13 th Oct 

& Wed 1 st Dec 

START YOUR JOURNEY 

Both 4pm –7pm 

at City Centre & 

Somer Valley Campus 

www.bathcollege.ac.uk/openevents 

info@bathcollege.ac.uk 

@bathcollege 01225 328 720 

PRE-REGISTER 

ON OUR 

WEBSITE 

All aspects of roofing – Lead specialists 

• Roof Replacement • Detailed Lead Work 

• Repairs • Fibreglass • Flat Roofing 

• UPVC Fascias and Soffits 

01225 251458 | 07540 700908 

jackson-dixroofing@outlook.com


SOMER VALLEY FM is BLOOMING! 

S 

omer Valley FM, the local radio station for 

North East Somerset, based in Midsomer 

Norton, have had their gardens further developed 

and spruced up by the Prince's Trust 2 Team from 

Bath College. 

The team, based on the Somer Valley campus, 

initially cleaned and cleared the area, renovated 

existing borders, planted afresh and even designed 

and built a lit path. 

Ben Perry, Prince's Trust Team Leader was 

delighted with the results. "The team were 

brilliant in planning and completing the garden 

redevelopment very quickly. Working well 

together, I’m sure the skills they are gaining as part 

of the Prince's Trust training will help them in their 

future careers." 

The Prince's Trust Team is Sophie, AnnMarie, 

Ashleigh, Liam, Callie and Nathanial. 

Richard Burgess, Station Manager, commented: 

"We have a great relationship with Bath College, 

across all the campuses. It’s important to me 

and our team that we encourage our young, 

local people wherever we can, from gardening 

through to media presenting. The students were 

a pleasure to be around – I hope they can find 

the right opportunities for themselves when their 

education is complete." 

The Prince's Trust next programme starts 27 

September, finishing 17 December. 

To contact your local radio station: 01761 411755, 

studio@somervalleyfm.co.uk, or find us on social 

media.

32 


Join the WELTON RUNNERS 

W 

ould you like to make new friends and 

have company when you’re exercising? 

'Welton Church Runners' could be the group for 

you! 

We meet every Saturday morning, 9am outside of 

the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton. Everyone 

is welcome, whatever your age (children must 

be accompanied by adults). The group follows 

various circuits around Midsomer Norton Town 

Park, depending on ability. Some of the runners 

have also recently been part of a fantastic 

volunteer team adding a new path, linking the 

existing routes, to create different options. For 

those wanting to do a little extra, some of the 

group are also doing Couch to 5k and would love 

to offer encouragement and support. Others 

also sometimes meet in the week for time trials. 

Whether or not you’re ready for going the “extra 

mile”, coffee and cake with new friends at a nearby 

café is a popular option after running together 

on Saturdays - it would be great to see you. If you 

would like more information or would like to join, 

please contact eugene.kertzman@weltonchurch. 

org.uk 

ANDREW JAMES 

CARVED 

STONE 

LETTERS 

- keeping tradition alive - 

MEMORIAL MASONRY, 

INCLUDING DESIGN & FITTING 

HEADSTONE RESTORATION 

& RE-LETTERING 

LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS 

We will work with you to sympathetically design, produce and install a personal 

memorial, either hand carved or engraved. Lawn memorials, complete kerb sets, 

cremation tablets and vases available in a wide range of slate, stone and granite. 

We also offer headstone restoration services. 

WWW.CARVEDSTONELETTERS.CO.UK 

PHONE: 01749 840 869 / 07966 366 816 EMAIL: andrew@carvedstoneletters.co.uk


MIDSOMER NORTON RUGBY CLUB 

A 

s summer turns to autumn, excitement 

builds as Midsomer Norton Rugby Club 

prepare to play their first matches for almost 

eighteen months. 

The First XV begin their season in Cheltenham on 

Saturday 4th September, before the first chance 

to catch them at home the following Saturday 

against Chipping Sodbury. The Second and Third 

XVs have slightly longer to wait, starting their 

league campaigns on Saturday 25th September. 

The Junior Section continues to thrive with the 

pitches at Norton Down full of youth players 

of all ages enjoying training on Sundays. With 

coronavirus restrictions easing the clubhouse has 

now fully reopened and families are enjoying its 

new look after a volunteer-led refurbishment. 

Behind the scenes there have been changes with 

Neil Denning stepping down as Chairman after 

an incredible nineteen-year stint in the role. Alex 

Davis was elected as the club’s first new Chairman 

for almost two decades. 

The club have recognised the contributions to 

the club of Neil Denning, Bob Ladd and Simon 

Mollison with the award of Life Memberships. 

The contribution of the three individuals will be 

celebrated at an event this Autumn. 

The rugby club welcomes new members and 

players of all ages and abilities. For more 

information head to 

www.midsomernortonrfc.co.uk 

NICHOLAS J MAGGS FUNERAL SERVICES 

A Dignified Goodbye 

Planning your funeral may seem daunting, 

but there’s nothing to worry about, and it’s often better to prepare. 

We provide a thorough planning service for clients throughout the Somerset area. 

Professional, compassionate service with over 50 years in business 

Service available 24/7 • Doctor liaison • Funeral announcements • Catering 

Burial • Vicar liaison • Flowers • Music • Crematorium • Private Chapel of Rest 

Contact us, and learn more on our wide-ranging services. 

Telephone: 01749 840499 / 346567 • Email: n_maggs@hotmail.co.uk 

www.njmaggsfuneralservices.co.uk

Hockley 

Contact us for our FREE DESIGN SERVICE. 

We are an in-stock business and can supply both rigid 

and flatpack kitchens to suit every budget. 

To support our trade 

account holders, and our 

local communities, our 

depots are open with 

measures in place to serve 

our customers safely. 

Elmbridge 

Trusted by the trade, 

Howdens are chosen 

by thousands of 

tradespeople and 

homeowners alike for 

their home renovation 

project. 

Download our latest 

brochures today or 

order your copy to be 

delivered to your 

home by post. 

We have now launched 

our online accounting and 

anytime ordering ability 

for all ur trade account 

holders. 

Third Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock BA3 4XD 

Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm | Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm 

Tel: 01761 662000 Fax: 01761 412202 

www.howdens.com/find-a-depot/radstock


RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT – THE 

CHIEF SCOUTS BRONZE AWARDS 

F 

or so many people, this has been a 

challenging year. Trying to run a Beavers 

group (the youngest section in Scouting for ages 

6-8 years) has pushed the leader’s ingenuity to 

the limit! 

With imagination aplenty, the Beaver leaders 

of 1st Midsomer Norton Scouts have managed 

programmes that allowed the young people 

to have fun and continue to gain their badges. 

Thanks to the wonders of Zoom, there have 

been visits by the police and fire services, plus a 

magician and even a pantomime. 

With lockdown easing, all the groups at 1st 

Midsomer Norton Scouts have been able to meet 

back face to face. Last week saw the end of the 

Beavers' year, with a family party in the park. 

Over 100 badges were given out to the group, 

including some very special badges. Five Beavers 

achieved the top award which can be presented 

at Beavers, the Chief Scouts' Bronze Award. Huge 

congratulations go to Ollie, Charlie, Ed, and Zach. 

Amelie, aged 8, not only achieved this award, but 

she managed to attain every badge that Beavers 

has to offer. A total of 22 activity and 6 challenge 

badges, from first aid and road safety to hikes, 

fires, and cooking. 

Martyn Rayner, the Beavers Leader for Ottawa 

group, said: “We are so proud of Amelie’s 

achievement. She has hardly missed a session in 

the past two years and joined in every activity 

with a big smile on her face. We will miss those 

leaving us this term, but hope they enjoy Cubs and 

stay within the Scouting movement for years to 

come.” 

If you are interested in your children joining 1st 

Midsomer Norton Scouts, please send their details 

to joiners@midsomernortonscouts.org.uk or for 

further details on joining or volunteering please 

visit our website: midsomernortonscouts.org.uk

36 


Gardening in the sunshine 

SWALLOW Charity 

S 

WALLOW is a local charity supporting 

teenagers and adults with learning 

disabilities. SWALLOW members and staff have 

been busy getting out and about and enjoying the 

good weather. The SWALLOW horticulture group 

have been planting up hanging baskets and also 

making a ladybird bug house. 

If you would like to know more about SWALLOW’s 

work please go to www.swallowcharity.org. 

Registered charity 

number 1045893. 

The charity relies on 

donations to be able 

to continue its work in 

Midsomer Norton. If you 

would like to support the 

charity by making a gift or 

fundraising please contact 

Nicky Tew on nickyt@ 

swallowcharity.org.


SOMER VALLEY FOODbank 

D 

ue to the sale of our existing warehouse, 

the Somer Valley Foodbank needs to find a 

new storage facility that can hold up to 7 tonnes 

of non-perishable food. We need a space that is 

about 1,500 square feet in size. 

We are appealing to the local business community 

for help in this matter and if anyone knows of 

or has a premises that we could use, please 

could they contact the Somer Valley Foodbank 

Chairman, Paul Woodward, on 07729523986 or 

email info@somervalley.foodbank.org.uk. 

“We need this matter resolved as soon as possible, 

as we have to leave the present warehouse by the 

end of the year. The foodbank management team 

would like to thank our landlord who has been 

most generous and helpful with the arrangement 

we have and it is just unfortunate that we have to 

leave. It has been a very useful warehouse for us 

to have for the last year. We fully understand the 

need to sell the facility but we just do not have 

the funds to purchase it,” said Paul Woodward. 

The Foodbank provides three days of emergency 

food to people who need it the most. 

Professionals such as health visitors, social workers 

and the CAB identify people in crisis and issue 

them with a Foodbank voucher. This all done via 

phone calls and electronic vouchers. 

The voucher can be taken to a Foodbank 

distribution centre, in Midsomer Norton, 

Peasedown, Paulton or Radstock, where a friendly 

team of volunteers will help people with their 

food needs. 

With more than 70 volunteers collecting and 

transporting food, helping in distribution centres 

and providing support to those who visit, the 

Somer Valley Foodbank is one of the biggest 

volunteer-led projects in Bath and North East 

Somerset. 

Of the 2,000 people who receive help each year, 

they are referred to the Foodbank for a variety of 

reasons, such as being on a low income, benefit 

delays, benefit changes, debt, ill health and 

unemployment, etc. 

“We would also like to thank the local press for 

their continued support and to the community 

who continue to donate food for us to hand out 

to those who are referred to us by local agencies. 

We are now calling on the community for help in 

finding a new warehouse,” added Paul Woodward. 

For more information about the Somer Valley 

Foodbank, visit www.somervalley.foodbank.org. 

uk, email info@somervalley.foodbank.org.uk or call 

07729523986

38 


GOOD NEWS FROM Welton Rovers 

W 

elton Rovers’ season has got off to a 

fantastic start with the Midsomer Norton 

team winning the Fry Club Cup for the first time 

in the club’s history. 

The prestigious pre-season tournament has been 

won by the likes of Bristol City and Bristol Rovers 

in the past, and celebrated it’s 50th instalment 

this year. Rovers will go down in the competition’s 

history as the milestone winners after a 2-1 victory 

over Mendip Broadwalk in the showpiece final. 

Welton Rovers Confirm New Club Sponsor 

Welton Rovers are delighted to announce Sam 

Chivers Estate Agents as the club’s new Primary 

Sponsor. 

Sam Chivers Estate Agents are local experts in 

residential property sales, lettings, commercial 

lettings and land of all types in the postcode areas 

of BA3, BA2 and BS39. 

As part of the new sponsorship deal, the Sam 

Chivers logo will adorn Welton Rovers’ brand new 

Nike manufactured home kit, which the club wore 

in their opening leaguefixture at Odd Down. 

Rovers' chairperson, Malcom Price, said of the new 

relationship: “There is no better company for us 

to have started this relationship with than Sam 

Chivers Estate Agents. Their work is everywhere 

to see within our community, and for our football 

club to receive their support is a massive boost to 

us going forward, as well as a further commitment 

to their work within our local area”.


MIDSOMER NORTON TOWN TRUST 

T 

he Town Council has transferred three 

of its assets to the Town Trust, the 

charity established in 2014 to provide facilities 

for recreation for the inhabitants of Midsomer 

Norton. The Trust has now added to its assets the 

Town Park and Somer Centre in Gullock Tyning, 

and the Silver Street Nature Reserve. The Trustees 

will seek to maintain these spaces for the use of 

groups and residents of Midsomer Norton, in line 

with the Trust's charitable objects. 

The Town Trust is currently working closely 

with the Town Council on the Town Hall 

Transformation Project, which is seeking to 

improve the operational challenges at this building 

in the heart of the Town. The Town Hall offers 

G. Mitchard & Sons 

Family Butcher • eSt. 1913 WeStFielD 

We thank our customers 

for their continued support supplying their 

needs for every and any occasion. 

We are pleased to supply our customers 

with locally farmed meat, poultry, 

milk and cheeses, 

home-prepared bacon and cooked meats, 

our prize-winning pies and sausages, 

plus our famous faggots! 

Shop opening hours: 

Tuesday to Saturday, 7am to 3pm. 

Phone orders taken Mon-Fri 7am-5pm 

(for collection during above shop opening hours) 

or visit our Facebook page 

Westfield Radstock BA3 3XS 

Tel: 01761 412109 

a range of spaces for community use but the 

addition and partition of rooms over its 150 year 

history make the building difficult to use and it 

is in a poor state of repair. The proposal being 

implemented is a transformation of the building 

to reinstate the original ground floor Market Hall 

and construction of a rear extension for offices, 

community meeting rooms, storage and service 

rooms. 

These current projects, along with the ongoing 

management of St Chad’s Well and the Orchard 

Hall are keeping the Trustees and the Town Trust 

Secretary busy and hold the promise of exciting 

opportunities to come for the communities of 

Midsomer Norton. 

Broadies Supplements 

0% THC FULLY LEGAL 

Don’t be shy, 

come say Hi 

NEW 

STORE OPEN 

13 Stony St, 

Frome 

• CBD PRODUCTS 

• CBD OIL 

• CBD E-LIQUIDS 

• CBD FOOD & DRINK 

• CBD SKINCARE 

• CBD TEA & COFFEE 

• CBD CAPSULES 

9 HIGH STREET, MIDSOMER NORTON BA3 2LE 

01761 568081 • broadies-supplements.co.uk 

broadies.supplements@googlemail.com 

#broadiessupplements

40 


Silver Street Nature Reserve 

F 

or the last couple of years we have been 

feeling the benefit of our wild open 

spaces. In Midsomer Norton we have the 

wonderful Town Park and the Silver Street Nature 

Reserve as well as other areas in walking distance. 

We have found that being in contact with our 

natural side feeds the mind, body and soul and 

listening to bird song is just a joy. Walking is also 

good for us too. 

So many people come to the Nature Reserve in 

Silver Street and are pleasantly surprised with 

what they find there. A lovely cool woodland 

with the glint of the pond appearing through the 

trees and the spring ever flowing even in the dry 

weather. The meadow is full of wildflowers and, 

facing south, is a wonderful place to sit a while 

and look over Midsomer Norton. 

We have had our assessment from It’s your 

Neighbourhood (In Bloom) and hope for a 

favourable result; the judge was very impressed 

with the work our volunteers have achieved this 

year. So come along and see for yourself what you 

are missing! 

Let's clamp 

down on 

Catalytic 

Converter 

Theft. 

Responsibilities can 

build up when you 

care for someone 

You’re not alone. The Carers’ Centre 

is here to support you. 

0800 0388 885 

Monday–Friday, 8.15am–3pm 

support@banescarerscentre.org.uk 

banescarerscentre.org.uk 

Organised criminals can 

remove catalytic converters 

from under a vehicle in a 

matter of minutes. 

If you have information on 

those behind catalytic 

converter theft, contact us 

100% anonymously. 

You can speak up and remain 

100% anonymous. Always. 

crimestoppers-uk.org 

CC-Adverts-March2021-v2.indd 1 23/03/2021 09:35

MIDSOMER NORTON LOCAL LIFE 41 

A MESSAGE 

FROM THE CLERK 

I hope this edition of Midsomer Norton Life finds 

you well and you enjoyed the summer months. 

As you will have read earlier in this issue, the staff 

of Midsomer Norton Town Council have started 

to return to the office after a long 18 months 

of working remotely. With COVID cases rising 

locally, we must all continue to act to control the 

spread of the virus, to keep ourselves and others 

as safe as we can. If you do need to see us, please 

make an appointment, or continue to contact us 

via email or by phone; we are always happy to 

help where we can. 

You will have read that Anti-Social Behaviour is 

continuing to have an impact in the Town. While 

we are aware that it is a small minority causing 

issues, the consequences affect us all at the end 

of the day. Should you see anything of concern 

then please report it to the Police on 101. This is 

not an emergency number for incidents requiring 

an immediate response but can be used to report 

a crime or incident. As another example, we have 

had reports of cars parking in locations likely to 

cause an obstruction – this too can be reported 

on 101. 

Similar to 101 in a sense that you can report an 

issue requiring attention, is the Bath and North 

East Somerset Council Fix My Street website - 

https://fix .bathnes.gov.uk. Here you can report 

problems with roads, pavements, parks, litter and 

fly tipping, and overhanging vegetation to name 

but a few, for all locations in Bath and North East 

Somerset. 

Recent installations in the Town have included a 

new bus timetable at Redlands Terrace. This was 

requested by a resident early last year and was 

delayed because of the pandemic. New bars have 

been fitted between Hayes Road and Northmead 

Road, allowing mobility scooters and buggies 

better access. The Somer Valley greenspace 

posters are now up in Midsomer Norton, Radstock 

and Westfield. The poster in Midsomer Norton 

can be seen on the back of the bus stop on The 

Island detailing the green spaces in our area. 

Finally, a new server has been installed at the Town 

Hall, for increased service reliability for its users. 

In other news, all revenue grant payments have 

been made and letters sent to the recipients. 

Please see the Midsomer Norton Town Council 

Grant Policy on the website to see if your local 

voluntary or community group might be eligible 

for financial help. We are also continuing to 

investigate funding for the planned improvement 

works at Wellow Brook, including potential 

funding from S106 monies, the Duchy of Cornwall 

and Somer Valley Rediscovered. 

With Wellow Brook Walk also in mind, we have 

been advised by Somer Valley Rediscovered that 

as part of the new Environment Bill, developers 

will need to demonstrate part 10% Biodiversity 

Net Gain (BNG) on qualifying developments. 

Ideally this net gain of biodiversity is delivered 

on-site but, in some instances, where this is 

impossible, they may be allowed to achieve this 

10% increase off-site. In return for the off-site 

improvements the developer must provide 

funding for a minimum of 30 years management to 

achieve stated habitat creation and improvements. 

We have nominated the Town Park and Wellow 

Brook Walk as potential areas to take advantage 

of this funding and are waiting to hear from the 

B&NES ecologist. 

Please continue to keep up to date with what 

the Town Council are doing by having a look at 

our website and social media pages, which are 

updated regularly. I would also like to take the 

opportunity to let you know that (at the time of 

writing) the Full Council, Planning Committee, and 

Finance and Operations Committee meetings due 

to take place in September, will see a return of 

meetings in person, and all details will be found 

on the website in due course.

42 

LOCAL LIFE 

YOUR TOWN 

COUNCILLORS 

Midsomer Norton Town Council 

Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton 

Bath BA3 2HQ - 01761 418701 

townclerk@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk 

midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk 

Cllr Lynda Robertson 

(Mayor) 

07912 516223 

lyndaroberston@midsomer 

nortontowncouncil.co.uk 

Cllr Michael Moxham 

(Deputy Mayor) 

01761 419960 

07593 185850 

mikemoxham@midsomer 


Cllr Lynne Clement 

07855 037805 

01761 414003 

lynneclement@midsomer 


Cllr Michael Evans 

01761 235996 

michaelevans@midsomer 


Cllr Sue Graham 

07896 411 840 

suegraham@midsomernorton 

towncouncil.co.uk 

Cllr Christian Griffiths 

07568 482261 

christiangriffiths@midsomer 


Cllr Brian Lawrence 

(Chair of Finance and 

Operations Committee) 

07701 007 277 

brianlawrence@midsomer 


Cllr Gordon Mackay 

(Chair of Planning 

Committee) 

07806 604 302 

gordonmackay@midsomer 


Cllr Pete Mocock 

07891 380197 

petemocock@midsomer 


Cllr Steve Plumley 

07913 952901 

steveplumley@midsomer 


Cllr Richard Robertson 

07511 413721 

richardrobertson@midsomer 

nortontowncouncil.co.uk

MSN Life Autumn 2021

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?