Midsomer Norton Life Autumn edition 2016 by Tina Veater

Autumn 2016 Issue 20

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE W

e’ve had an event-full summer with more community events in the Town Centre than ever before. Beginning in June with the second Midsomer Arts Fest which developed into a week long programme of arts activities. At the same time the town had its first Pride Festival, swiftly followed by the Town Fayre and M-Fest - a new live music event. For a town of our size to put on so many things is testament to the Community Trust and all its volunteers. Meanwhile, for the past year the In Bloom Team have been working extremely hard to prepare not just for South West In Bloom but also Britain in Bloom judging. Whilst we await the results in September/October, the main achievement will always be that the town looks truly amazing not only for residents to enjoy but also for visitors – which included our French Twinning partners this summer. The way the town looks is also important for potential investors in the High Street. Our new Regeneration Project Manager officer has been appointed to explore physical regeneration opportunities in the town centre. In parallel the Chamber is to launch a series of initiatives with local businesses to promote the vitality of the High Street. Looking to the future we have a great line-up for the autumn and winter to attract people to the town centre. There’s the regular Farmers/Crafters markets, Town Hall arts programme, CPR-athon, October Fest, Carnival, Christmas event and then a new Wassailing event in January. You’ll see again in this issue a call for anyone who can help bring much needed skills and energy to help power our community vitality – please help if you can spare even a few hours. Cllr Paul Myers Mayor of Midsomer Norton

C O N T E N T S

WELCOME TO

CIVIC AWARDS 2016

IN BLOOM

AN EVENT-FULL SUMMER

WORLD CUP WINNER

GREEN FLAG AWARD

TWINNING WEEK

COMMUNITY BUILDINGS

WELLOW BROOK WALK

CARNIVAL 2016

COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

AUTUMN ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT'S ON @ NYC?

WHAT'S ON

LIBRARY

THINGS TO DO

TOWN REGENERATION

MESSAGE FROM THE CLERK

YOUR TOWN COUNCILLORS

The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in November. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 410141 before the deadline of 21st October 2016. 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.midsomernortonlife.co.uk Midsomer Norton Life is produced by Ignyte Media Ltd, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH 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.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON

CIVIC AWARDS 2016 F

ollowing the successful Arts Festival and the Pride event over the “midsummer” weekend, the town’s Civic Service took place on Sunday 19th June.

• Youth Group of the Year was St John Ambulance Cadets in recognition of their investment in young people and their contribution to making numerous community events possible.

The event has become a regular service of community celebration on the nearest Sunday to Midsummer’s Day each year. Opening with a trumpet fanfare from the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band, as well as a full church service, the Town Council then presented this year’s eleven Midsomer Awards including:

• Community Project of the Year was awarded to the Midsomer Norton Community Trust in recognition of the phenomenal success of the Midsomer Norton Community Cinema offering a service for all at the heart of the community.

• Lifetime Achievement for Stephen Powell in recognition of over 16 years dedicated service as Coordinator of the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Community Service Vehicle Trust as well as giving support to numerous other community groups in and around the town. • Lifetime Achievement for Colin Taylor in recognition of many years’ service to the community through the Midsomer Norton Judo Club and his involvement with the Somer Centre. • New Community Initiative of the Year was awarded to MNCT M-Fest Committee in recognition of their efforts to create M-Fest, a new live music festival for 2016, in response to popular demand from the community.

• Sports Achievement went to Midsomer Norton Rugby Football Club in recognition of bringing honour to Midsomer Norton by gaining promotion to South West Division One for the first time in the Club’s history. • Volunteer Group of the Year was awarded to SWAN Volunteer Drivers in recognition of the contribution made by Swan Volunteer Drivers to the elderly and vulnerable in our community. • Business of the Year was Running High Events in recognition of the huge amount of support provided over and above their contracted service to the Midsomer Norton & District Carnival Association. • Community Group Achievement of the Year went to the In Bloom Committee in recognition

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

of the honour brought to Midsomer Norton by the Committee and its eleven ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Groups’ on winning South West In Bloom 2015 against competition from the whole of the South West of England. • Community Group of the Year was awarded to B&NES Age UK in recognition of the wide range of events and activities offered to Midsomer Norton residents through their hub based in the town. • Volunteer of the Year was Annie Davenport in recognition of her arts related work with numerous voluntary community groups and activities in the town. Also attending for the evening and representing the Queen was the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw, who presented the British Empire Medal (BEM) for ‘services to the community’ to Town Mayor Paul Myers. Mentioned in the New Year’s Honours list 2016 the presentation of the

Award had been delayed so that it could be part of the Civic Service. The town’s people present added their appreciation for the dedicated service of the Mayor with a long standing ovation. On being presented with the medal the Mayor responded by saying - “It’s not often I’m lost for words but I will never forget the honour of receiving this recognition from Her Majesty nor the warmth of the response this evening from the people of the town. Quite frankly I feel very humbled”. The service was rounded off with a dedication of the newly restored Charles II coat of arms believed to have possibly been bestowed on the town for some service during the Civil War. Certainly the King donated bells for the Church and a statue was put up to him on the tower which still stands there today.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

THE IN BLOOM JOURNEY

SOUTH WEST TO BRITAIN I

t’s hard to imagine how, back in January 2009 when the current Midsomer Norton In Bloom Group formed, the town centre had an air of neglect and decay about it with untended overgrown flower beds, rusty litter bins, unvarnished benches and a river full of litter.

jointly with Falmouth in 2015 which meant we were invited to enter Britain In Bloom where we are competing against major players such as the City of London. Therefore, this year has been a journey of discovery for the Midsomer Norton In Bloom team as we’ve got to grips with entering two competitions.

Initially the In Bloom Team began by clearing the flower beds and we started meeting each Sunday morning. We created new beds, litter picked, cleaned out the river and over the years we have steadily improved things to create the streetscape that you see today. At the same time whilst town regeneration has always been a key part of our agenda, as it is for the whole community, many local businesses in the High Street have been struggling as a result of competition from Internet retailers and out of town shopping. So our efforts to make the town look as attractive and inviting as possible has taken on a new impetus as the community overall has sought to support local businesses.

What many people don’t understand is that the town’s In Bloom entry which was judged on the 14th July and the 9th August this year wasn’t just about plants in the town centre. There were fifteen separate ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Award’ entries (judged on the 5th August) ranging from the Midsomer Norton Allotment Association and Somer Valley Gardening Group to the NYC (Norton Youth Club) and Silver Street Nature Reserve – all of which are assessed on the basis of community content and involvement as much as flowers. This then translated forward into those eleven projects which were included on the competition judging routes. A fabulous amount of work went into this year’s In Bloom entries and thanks must go to the Committee and volunteers who have made Midsomer Norton look so wonderful.

Triumph came when we won South West In Bloom

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

AN EVENT- FULL SUMMER

FOR MIDSOMER NORTON I

t has been a summer full of community events led largely by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust – how do they do it? There was the Midsomer Norton Arts Fest for a whole week 17-25th June. There was the town’s first Pride Festival on Saturday 18th June. Then Saturday the 9th July saw probably the largest single day of community events in Midsomer Norton’s history with something for everyone – all kicking off at 12 noon. At Gullock Tyning there was Midsomer Norton Fayre Day which has established itself as a family fun event in recent years. Then, at the same time, in the High Street there was a brand new live music event called M-Fest with a great line-up of local talent.

MIDSOMER ARTS FEST

MIDSOMER NORTON PRIDE

The towns first LGBT – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender event celebrated diversity in our community. From the Friday night screening of the film Pride in the Town Hall through the Cake BakeOff Competition on Saturday and onto the events in the Greyhound and the Wunderbar it was great to see this groundbreaking event supported by the whole community.

MIDSOMER NORTON FAYRE

The Second Midsomer Arts Festival certainly provided a stunning showcase for our community’s visual and performing arts. The sheer number of people taking part was testament to the hard work and inspiring vision of Martyn Plant and his organising team.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

The Fayre began at 12noon with a Duck Race in the High Street and the opening of the Midsomer Norton Maypole Festival outside the Somer Centre. As well as an on-going programme of dance and music performances, the Medieval village returned by popular request and there were community stalls all along Gullock Tying. The Town Show was a huge success and a host of proud winners presented with their Prizes by the High Sheriff of Somerset. A great day overall and thanks to the Town Council and other sponsors, the organising committee who worked incredibly hard and the thousands of local people who gave their support by attending.

M-FEST – LIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL

M-Fest saw the return of live music to the High Street with two outdoor stages showcasing a range of local artists from 12 until 9.30pm with people then moving on to the town’s pubs and music venues after the outdoor stages finished. Despite concerns before the event it passed off without incident thanks to the excellent event management of organisers including the Community Trust, Midsomer Norton & Radstock Rotary, Somer Valley FM and the Wunderbar.

Bands on the outdoor Main Stage included energetic riff driven rock from headliners The Greasy Slicks, foot-stomping Americana from White City Shakers and the quirky pop delights from rock upstarts Ulysses. Meanwhile an Acoustic Stage in the Hollies Garden ran until the early evening headlined by The Sam Evans Band who launched their new album that week. The hope is that by bringing together community groups, local pubs and a great band line-up, it will be possible to establish a live music festival which can grow and develop in future years to encourage local talent.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

NORTON'S SENIOR WORLD CUP WINNER E

nglish World Cup winners are few and far between, so to find one in Midsomer Norton is a rare treat indeed! Steve Phillips, the former Bristol Rovers and Bristol City goalkeeper, currently plying his trade at Bath City, had the honour of representing his country at the recent Seniors World Cup tournament in Thailand. The annual competition involves players aged between 38 and 57 and features teams from countries including Iran, Scotland and the USA. Steve and his England team mates overcame the Auld Enemy, Scotland, on route to the final where they triumphed one nil against the hosts. Following his return to Midsomer Norton, Steve told Somer Valley FM that he hopes to keep his place in the seniors team when England look to retain their title next year. Closer to home, Welton Rovers start their Western League campaign at home to Bishop Sutton on August 9th. This season the Green Army welcome a new Manager in Clive Scott and a new Chairman in Ryan Grubb to West Clewes, following the departures of fans favourites Nick Beaverstock and Stuart Minall from those respective positions. Welton fans will be hoping the new management team can deliver a swift return to the Western Premier Division, following last season's all too brief stay in the top flight. Despite the best efforts of the weather, the summer has seen the return of cricket to Withies Lane. The ever competitive Midsomer Norton had lofty ambitions this season, but a combination of rain and inconsistent form has frustrated the Green Caps. Victory against the league leaders Claverham and third place Bath have been cancelled out by losses to Winterbourne and lowly Stapleton. Norton remain focussed on looking up rather than down, making it more

important than ever for Nortonians to see their team home to a good finish this season. Finally, Midsomer Nortonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest are back in training up at Norton Down, as the town's Rugby Club prepare for life in South West Division 1, the first time in the Club's history the 1st XV has played at that level. Norton is scheduled to start the season away to Newent RFC, with their first home game coming against Somerset side North Petherton RFC. Staying at this level come the end of the season would represent success for a team of local players who have gone through the leagues as theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve grown up together. If this report has wetted your sporting appetite, tune in to Somer Valley FM every Tuesday at 6pm on 97.5FM for all the latest news from our local teams. Saturday Live, broadcast from 4pm every Saturday, provides live match updates of all our local and professional teams.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

GREEN FLAG AWARD FOR NATURE RESERVE Silver Street Nature Reserve has been awarded our 6th Green Flag. We are very pleased our hard work through the year is appreciated and we just love being in Midsomer Norton's Nature Reserve. We need the support of local people and so many of you have told us how much you enjoy going to the woods and meadow just for a walk with or without a doggy by your side, we will continue to look after the reserve for the benefit of wildlife and the local community.

and the grass removed to increase wild flowers. If you would like to be a member of the Friends group we would welcome you, active or not, as membership helps us to afford to carry out improvements to the site. Please contact our membership secretary on 01761 411292.

Some of the jobs we have completed this year are keeping the brambles cut back on the public footpath and our pathways in the woods and meadow. Recently we spent 2 workdays in the meadow doing just that and also removing some of the Balsam that is so invasive. We pulled out thistles before they get a foothold and take over the grass. We hope to have the meadow cut soon

THE SOMER CENTRE The Somer Centre is a "one floor" community centre with a car park that includes 3 disabled parking bays. Additional free car parking is available within 400 metres of the centre. The Centre has a reception foyer area, a large rectangular hall that seats up to 200 people with a stage that can be erected upon request. Also available is a small hall that seats up to 70 people. (NB Both halls have a serving hatch from the kitchen.) and a small meeting room that seats 8 people.

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There is a well equipped kitchen which includes: fridge, cooker, microwave, crockery, etc. A flip chart and projector screen are available upon request. The Somer Centre is available for parties, dances, concerts etc. To book please call Colin on 01761 419703.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

TWINNING WEEK I

n August the Midsomer Norton & District Twinning Association hosted twenty-six people who came to Midsomer Norton for a week as part of the annual exchange. The modern concept of town twinning, conceived after the Second World War in 1947 was intended to foster friendship and understanding between different cultures and between former foes as an act of peace and reconciliation, and to encourage trade and tourism. In the light of the recent Brexit vote there was perhaps some unspoken apprehension as to how it would feel when families met this year from in and around Midsomer Norton with our French partners from Ambarès et Lagrave.

HOW DOES TWINNING WORK?

to worry about communication – it is possible to be hosted by a family where English is spoken. Most younger French people speak very good English.

Our twin town is Ambarès et Lagrave located in South West France – about ten miles North East of Bordeaux. The Midsomer Norton & District Twinning Association makes contact with the French Twining Association and all the arrangements to twin individuals, couples or whole families of all ages with French twinners are made in consultation with you.

We really enjoy the warm sunshine, the blue skies, the warm welcome and the fantastic opportunity to savour the French culture, food and wine first hand – rather than one step removed in a hotel.

A party of our members visit France one year and party from France visits England the following year. The visits are normally at the end of August. Normally therefore one year you’re hosted in France and the following year you return the hospitality. Once in Ambarès et Lagrave we stay with local families and a programme of excursions and group events is organised for us. There is no need

Throughout the year we have events and activities ranging from Films in the Midsomer Norton Community Cinema to picnics in order to raise funds for when as a group we put together a programme when the French visit us. Looking to 2017, the Midsomer Norton & District Twinning Association is keen to encourage new members to join this much loved exchange on a week-long visit to South of France in August. If you are interested in finding out more about twinning, please contact Twinning Association Secretary Sue Hall on 01761 434544.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

In the event the spirit of twinning showed as soon as families met on Monday 22nd August that the bonds of friendship between our two communities run much deeper than our links with the European Union. The welcome garden party event, held at Mr & Mrs Blatchford’s home in Silver Street, launched the week with warm speeches from the President of the Twinning Association and the Town Mayor. In the evening the group went to Westfield Petanque Club at Norton Hill Recreation Ground where the French and English went head to head in a Boules Match. The week was a whirr of activities. On Tuesday a hands on textile workshop, organised by none other than our Town Mayor Paul Myers, who is a Master Handloom Weaver by trade, provided fascinating insights into this very traditional British industry. On Wednesday the group enjoyed a day trip to Exmouth which included a land train ride

around the town, a boat trip with cream tea and rounded off with a meal at a restaurant on the way home. A visit to Farrington Farm Shop and farm tour followed by lunch and skittles at Farrington Village Hall took place on Thursday. Finally, Friday was the Civic Day which is traditionally led by the host Town Council. The day began with a tour of Ammerdown House and Gardens which also included a historic talk entitled The Great Houses of Midsomer Norton and District – prepared by the Midsomer Norton Society. There followed a luncheon in the Town Hall where there was an exchange of civic gifts – Midsomer Norton Town Council giving a framed montage picture commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. In the evening the week’s visit closed with the Twinning Dinner Dance at Farrington Golf Club.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

COMMUNITY BUILDINGS

CONSULTATION

The Town Council is proceeding with detailed work on the options and funding implications of purchasing the buildings including setting out a five-year cost model to ensure that the buildings would continue to be viable. A final recommendation is likely to be put to a Full Council meeting later in the year following detailed negotiation with a range of stakeholders such as B&NES Council, the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and the Town Trust.

n the Summer Edition of LIFE, the Town Council set out its vision for Community Buildings in the town including its decision to press ahead with plans to purchase the Town Hall and the Somer Centre. Readers were encouraged to have their say about the plans in order for the Town Council to understand, and respond to, how the residents of the town felt about the plans. As LIFE went to press for this Autumn edition, the majority of responses were very much in favour of the Town Council protecting the future of these community buildings. The key factor seems to have been the ability of the Council to protect the future of the buildings by vesting their ownership with the Midsomer Norton Town Trust thereby ensuring that they can only be used for the objects of that Trust â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to provide facilities for the residents of the town and surrounding area for leisure and recreation. Charitable Law would prevent the buildings being disposed of unless it was for the benefit of the Trust and its objects. In the event that a building was sold, the proceeds would have to be used to provide the same facilities, most likely by purchasing another facility.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MEMORIAL BENCH A public subscription has been opened by the Midsomer Norton Society to raise money to purchase a bench in St Chad’s Well Garden in memory of local Teacher and Historian Norman Voake. Norman’s long service to the town as a teacher makes it appropriate that the seat in his memory should be located in a garden right next to Somervale School. At the same time his interest in history – particularly the history of education in the town – also links well with plans to restore and develop St Chad's Well as a memorial garden in general for the town. “I’m sure Norman would have been delighted with the idea of having a bench in the St Chad’s Well Garden”, said Betty Voake, Norman’s wife. “It’s such a lovely little garden now to go and sit, with the river running by”. The Society is particularly appealing to past pupils

and friends to not only send in donations but also to write a few words of any recollection of Norman which can be put in a memorial book in the new Midsomer Norton Town Archive in the Town Hall. The Society made a formal approach to the Town Council and it was discussed at the June meeting. Councillors, who as Trustees of the Town Trust hold the St Chad’s Well Garden for the town, supported the proposal unanimously. Once the Midsomer Norton Society has raised the estimated £800 cost of the bench, this will be handed to the Town Council who will arrange installation with their contractors. Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the fund should send their donation to The Midsomer Norton Society, c/o 41 Park Way, Midsomer Norton, Bath, BA3 2HE. Please make cheques payable to ‘Midsomer Norton Society’. The aim is to raise enough money to get the new bench in place by the Wassail Event in January 2017.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

SAVE A LIFE SEPTEMBER

MIDSOMER NORTON CPR-ATHON

his year as part of St John Ambulance’s Save a Life September campaign, community groups and the public are being invited to take part in a Midsomer Norton CPR-athon on Saturday 24th September 2016 between 10am and 2pm. The overall aims are twofold: to increase awareness of basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in the Somer Valley in order to save lives and at the same time raise much needed funds. The event is being run by a partnership between the nation's leading first aid charity and the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and will be held in Midsomer Norton town centre. Community Groups and individuals are being invited to sign up in advance to do two minutes pumping the chest of a dummy on the day. At the same time participants will be encouraged to get their friends and families to sponsor them in order to raise money to run free community group first aid awareness training sessions in the town. However, shoppers of all ages passing by will also be encouraged to have a go on the day. Helen Jones, Unit Manager of Norton Radstock St John Ambulance Cadets explained to LIFE, "It is

WHAT IS CPR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. As all the cells in your body require oxygen, to survive this has to be carried around the body in the blood - pumped by the heart. Without

amazing how such a simple skill to learn like CPR can save people’s lives – and yet it’s so easy to rush about our daily routines without ever taking the time to learn." "But how would you feel if you were faced with someone experiencing cardiac arrest and you simply had to stand helpless because you didn’t know what to do? And you can’t always rely on a paramedic being at hand. So now is your chance to learn and possibly save the life of a loved one or a friend, neighbour or stranger." To register for the Midsomer Norton CPR-athon visit www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk or email manager@midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk. Hard copies of the entry form will be available in the entrance to the Town Hall Reception or Midsomer Norton Library. For more information on St John Ambulance’s work, including first aid advice, how to become a volunteer, details of training for the public, schools and businesses, plus Save a Life September, visit www.sja.org.uk or call 08700 10 49 50. the heart beating, the supply of oxygen ceases to circulate and the cells in the body start to die. Brain cells are incredibly sensitive, after about 4–5 minutes of no oxygen these cells begin to die leading to brain damage and death. The purpose of CPR is to maintain the flow of oxygenated blood around the body to keep the vital organs alive. Whilst it will not restart someone’s heart, it can keep them alive until a defibrillator, which delivers an electrical shock to the heart to restart it, arrives.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

CARNIVAL 2016 H

aving managed to pull off not only a return of the Carnival to Midsomer Norton in 2014, the Midsomer Norton & District Carnival Association went on to completely transform their operational plans to meet the highest standards of modern Health & Safety legislation in 2015. However, a bigger and better Carnival comes at a cost and so in 2016 the main focus is to get the event onto a firm commercial footing through business sponsorship and fund raising if this much loved event is to survive. LIFE recently met up with Hazel Franklin of the Midsomer Norton & District Carnival Association to hear about plans for 2016.

FUND RAISING & SPONSORSHIP The Carnival costs about £30,000 to put on – that’s covering all the insurance, licences, road barriers and closure fees and stewards etc, This sum also includes the vital prize money to attract the Carnival Clubs to bring their floats which they create in their own time and at their own expense. Whilst the Town Council has been incredibly supportive of Carnival in recent years, to survive Carnival needs to develop its own income streams on three fronts: CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP – historically the Carnival has raised very little money from local companies, despite the fact that it is one of the largest events in B&NES creating a great place for companies to promote their brands. Under the Mayor’s Community Challenge Initiative, the Carnival organisers have been able to create Corporate Sponsorship Packages in 2016 as the basis for a mutually beneficial partnership between business and Carnival as never before.

TICKETED HOSPITALITY – taking the lead from other events one way to keep the Carnival free for the majority of people is to offer a seated carnival hospitality package which individuals and companies can buy. The plan for 2016 is to replace the purely VIP Civic Reception in the Town Hall with a much larger hospitality offering to bring in much needed money for the event and to offer something for the main sponsors in return for their financial support. STREET COLLECTION – one of the benefits of Carnival, over and above creating an evening spectacle for the whole family to enjoy, is to raise money for local good causes. All the collectors you see on the night are volunteers from local community groups and good causes who receive 40% of everything they collect. In recent years there simply haven’t been enough collectors so the plan is to work closely with Midsomer Norton’s 100 community groups in order to increase the amount collected. Throughout October there will be a major push to encourage local people to set aside their loose change into a jar at home to bring along to Carnival on the 14th November. We’d love to double last year’s collection from £7,000 to £14,000 – just think what the good causes could do in the community with more money.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

to each event and there will be two age entry categories: 5-9 years and 10-18 years. On arrival, entrants will be asked to complete a form (with a parent/guardian if under 16) and will be given a number to be called up and answer three questions relating to why they think they would make a good member of the Carnival Royalty. A panel of judges will then select the four winners and at the end of the evening these will be announced.

CARNIVAL ROYALTY DATES 2016 CARNIVAL ROYALTY As part of the continuing programme to bring Carnival into the heart of the community, there will be heats to appoint Royalty to represent towns and parishes across the Somer Valley this Autumn. The first heat will take place at the end of September with further events running through to the Grand Final at Midsomer Norton Town Hall on the 28th October (see key dates opposite). Entry to the competition to become Carnival Queen, King, Prince and Princess for the various towns and villages for the next 12 months is free. Just come along

Peasedown St John Beacon Hall, 7.00pm Fri. 23rd September Paulton Village Hall, 7.00pm Fri. 30th September Westfield West Hill Social Club, 7.00pm Fri. 14th October Radstock Victoria Hall, 7.00pm, Fri. 21st October confirmed Midsomer Norton Fri. 28th October, Assembly Room, Town Hall 7.00pm, Midsomer Norton 7.30pm, GRAND DISTRICT FINAL

MESSAGE FROM 2015/16 CARNIVAL QUEEN Megan Tokelove from Westfield was crowned Midsomer Norton & District Carnival Queen in 2015 and for the past year has been carrying out a range of duties, not least leading the procession in November last year. “It’s been a fantastic year for me – I‘ve loved being Carnival Queen. I’ve met so many wonderful people in the community. I really feel that it's been an honour to represent Midsomer Norton and District as carnival queen”, said Carnival Queen Megan. “But the thing I will remember for the rest of my life is the electric atmosphere on Carnival night itself. Sitting in the glass coach as the procession passes through the town and seeing thousands of people lining the route having a great time – it was just incredible. I’d encourage anyone interested in getting involved in their community to enter the Carnival Royalty Competition”. If you would like to enter the Carnival Royalty Competition please visit www.illuminatedcarnival.co.uk or ring 07595 470883.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON & RADSTOCK COMMUNITY SERVICE VEHICLE TRUST (Registered Charity No 276166)

COMMUNITY VEHICLE TRUST MINI BUS Have you seen the Community Mini Bus in your area? This bus is for you! If you are a small group of people who have difficulty in getting to wherever you are meeting, or you are going AbOUT THE TRUSTthis next time you are Why not consider using It was formed on 21st April 1967 to provide a vehicle for the use and benefit of on an outing, and need wheelchair access, or handicapped, disabled and infirm resident in Midsomer Norton and Radstock thinking of apersons trip out! have difficulty in getting on buses, then the and including voluntary organisations whose major activities are carried out in the surrounding areas. Over the intervening period, many thousands of mainly Community Mini Bus, could be just whatdistrict you and Wehad are always looking for the volunteers whoa vehicle. are elderly people have their lives enhanced through provision of such ‘The purpose is to bring the blessing of mobility to people, enabling them to leave their are looking for! willing to drive our bus, if you are interested own homes to attend clubs, functions and outings, and so meeting old and new friends, thus keeping or in touch with the community at large’.either our in hiring driving, please contact We have volunteer drivers who will take you AbOUT THE VEHICLE Co-ordinator Debbie on 01761 416910 or our The vehicle now being used is a specially adapted Peugeot boxer 2.2 Minibus with an to your Lunch Club, or Church or an outing electric hoist at the rear and canManager, accommodate up toon 12 passengers, though fewer if a Transport Nick 01761 413872.We will etc. The Minibus seats 12 passengers, haswheel chair is transported. It is regularly maintained and serviced in accordance with Government requirements, while the Trustees uselater the services of a broker in connection be holding our AGM this year, so look out comfortable seating and a tailgate lift forwith insurance. Current users include Clubs for the disabled and elderly, in addition to for details and why local churches and not other come groups. along and see and wheelchairs. DRIVERS hear for yourself, what an asset the bus can be? Volunteer Drivers are always welcome! Please call for more information. (Registered Charity No. 276166) Organisations may supply their own drivers, who must comply with the requirements of the Trustees and their Insurers. Drivers must be over 21 and under 70, unless otherwise agreed, with a minimum of 2 years’ driving experience. They must complete a declaration form, and undertake an introductory familiarisation session. D & b.S. checks and Driver training for all drivers are now a requirement for Local Authority Funding, together with a Health & Safety Policy undertaking. CONTACT PERSON Enquiries and bookings 01761 – 416910 The Trust hires out the minibus at a rate per mile and is supported by a grant from bath & North East Somerset Council.

Please suPPort your local community Vehicle!

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

COMMUNITY

CHALLENGE C

ommunity Challenge is an initiative being led by Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Myers, aimed at trying to encourage volunteers to help community groups who are embracing all sorts of change and need to develop new skills or just need some short term help. “Often the challenge for community groups isn’t just getting access to money – it’s being able to find people with the know-how to provide input to make it happen”, said Cllr Paul Myers when we interviewed him recently. “I recently got together for a meeting with some of the largest membership organisations in the town including the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Rotary Club, The Radstock & Midsomer Norton Lions, The Round Table and the Connault Lodge. All these groups raise large amounts of money for good causes and also have members with an array of skills and experience. It was agreed to look at ways help could be given to local groups – starting with Carnival, the Christmas Lights Switch-on event and ways to generally support the Chamber in marketing the town centre.

If you think you might be able to offer some time to brings skills to the Community Challenge Project, please ring 07530 042627.

MIDSOMER NORTON SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Midsomer Norton short mat bowls club meet every Tuesday and Friday at the Somer Centre, Gullock Tyning from 2:30 – 4:30pm. New members are welcome to join us for an enjoyable afternoon of bowling with friendly people. Bowls and coaching available. We look forward to meeting you.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

WASSAILING

IN MIDSOMER NORTON M

idsomer Norton is to have a Wassailing event on Saturday 14th January 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reviving the ancient Somerset tradition in the town - organised by the Community Trust in conjunction with the Midsomer Norton Society. Wassailing is an ancient custom that was once popular throughout Somerset. The word 'wassail' derives from the old Anglo-Saxon term 'waes hael', meaning 'good health'. The idea is that people visit apple orchards and recite rhymes and sing songs to awake the apple trees and scare away any evil spirits in order to encourage a good harvest for the coming year. A wassail King and Queen, a role to be performed by the Carnival Royalty, will lead the song and a processional tune to be played and sung from one location of trees to the next. On arrival at an orchard, the wassail Queen will then place toast soaked in Wassail from the Wassail Cup on the bough of the oldest tree as a gift to the tree spirits (and to show the fruits created the previous year). Then following a toast everyone recites:

Here's to thee, old apple tree, That blooms well, bears well. Hats full, caps full, Three bushel bags full, An' all under one tree. Hurrah! Hurrah! Then the assembled crowd will sing and shout and bang drums and pots & pans and generally make a terrible racket until the gunsmen give a great final volley through the branches to make sure the work is done and then off to the next orchard. Originally, the wassail was a drink made of mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and sugar. The hope is that not only will there be a community event during the day on the 14th January but that the local pubs will follow through on Saturday night with Cider themed events. Full details of the event which is still being designed will be included in the Winter issue of LIFE to come out before Christmas.

PULL OUT GUIDE

AUTUMN ENTERTAINMENT

CINEMA, NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE, OKTOBERFEST, FOLK TO PIANO TRIO, JAZZ TO OPERA

PULL OUT GUIDE

NT LIVE AT THE CINEMA AT THE TOWN HALL TOWN HALL Tickets £12 for adults, £10 for under 18s Watch live relays from the National Theatre at Midsomer Norton Town Hall. By embracing the latest digital broadcast technology we are able to offer local residents world class drama on their doorsteps in the Assembly Room Theatre. The Deep Blue Sea (12a) Thursday 1st September, 7pm The Threepenny Opera (15) Thursday 22nd September, 7pm Screening title TBC Thursday 15th December, 7pm

LIVE AT THE TOWN HALL We have a range of concerts throughout the year from folk to piano trio, jazz to opera. Jazz Café with Azhaar Saffar Friday 16th September, 7.30pm (£3 entry) Oktoberfest featuring the Bavarian Oompah Boys Friday 7th October, 7.30pm (£10 entry) Peter Knight’s Gigspanner Thursday 3rd November, 8pm (£13 entry) Sam Evans Band (with support from Jon Parry) Saturday 5th November, 7.30pm (£4 entry, £2 concessions)

PARADIS PALM COURT TRIO AT THE TOWN HALL

Lunch-hour concert, 12.30-1.30pm on the first Friday of each month.Each concert is themed and comprises pieces of music in a wide range of styles. Rosemary’s delicious home-made cakes are on sale, along with tea & coffee. Entry by donation. ‘Scenes of childhood’ Friday 2nd September, 12.30pm ‘Latin American Collection’ Friday 7th October, 12.30pm ‘Invitation to the dance’ Friday 4th November, 12.30pm

Tickets £5 adults, £3 children, £12 for families (2 adults, 1 or 2 children) The Community Trust continues to grow in its mission to bring affordable cinema to Midsomer Norton with audiences of over 2,000 attending screenings in the last twelve months. All screenings feature cinema quality HD projection on the big screen with full surround sound and comfy cinema seating. Refreshments are available at all screenings from the fully licenced Sarah Ann Bar. The Jungle Book (PG) Saturday 24th September, 2.30pm Florence Foster Jenkins (PG) Saturday 24th September, 7.30pm The Angry Birds Movie (U) Saturday 22nd October, 2.30pm Love & Friendship (U) Saturday 22nd October, 7.30pm The Battle of the Somme Friday 18th November, 7.30pm* (£3 entry) Family Showcase: Film title TBC Saturday 26th November, 2.30pm Me Before you (12A) Saturday 26th November, 7.30pm

FIRST THURSDAY AFTERNOON SOCIAL @WELTONROVERS Local entertainer Terry Andrews provides 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! £3 entry. Thursday 1st September, 2-5pm Thursday 6th October, 2-5pm Thursday 3rd November, 2-5pm

PULL OUT GUIDE

FEATURED EVENTS

CINEMA: THE JUNGLE BOOK (PG)

Saturday 24th September, 2.30pm | Midsomer Norton Town Hall Tickets: £5 adults, £3 children, £12 families Family, 104 minutes, Director: Jon Favreau Starring: Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Christopher Walken, Neel Sethi Disney’s visually stunning CGI reimagining of the classic collection of stories by Rudyard Kipling, about the community of animals that surround man-club Mowgli, a human boy adopted by a pack of wolves. After a threat from the tiger Shere Khan forces him to flee the jungle, Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the help of panther, Bagheera, and free spirited bear, Baloo.

“Terrifically enjoyable… spectacular, exciting, funny and fun” – The Guardian

NT LIVE: THE THREEPENNY OPERA (15)

Thursday 22nd September, 7.00pm | Midsomer Norton Town Hall Tickets: £12 adults, £10 under 18s National Theatre Live is the National Theatre’s ground-breaking project to broadcast world-class theatre to cinemas. Shown in glorious High Definition with full surround sound, the full theatre experience is right on your doorstep. Mack the Knife is back in town in this darkly comic new take on Brecht and Weill’s raucous musical broadcast live from the stage of the National Theatre. London scrubs up for the coronation. The thieves are on the make, the whores on the pull, the police cutting deals to keep it all out of sight. Mr and Mrs Peachum are looking forward to a bumper day in the beggary business, but their daughter didn’t come home last night and it’s all about to kick off.

"Enjoyably raucous. A superb cast" - Evening Standard

OKTOBERFEST: THE BAVARIAN OOMPAH BOYS

Friday 7th October, 7.30pm | Midsomer Norton Town Hall Tickets: £15 Back by popular demand, the Bavarian spirit returns to Midsomer Norton for what promises to be a fantastic night of entertainment at the Town Hall. Fill your steins at the town’s Beer Festival and prepare for a night of fun and laughter, which includes a live performance from the Bavarian Oompah Boys, who will provide traditional German Beer Hall entertainment.

PULL OUT GUIDE

SAM EVANS BAND (WITH SUPPORT FROM JON PARRY)

Saturday 5th November, 7.30pm | Midsomer Norton Town Hall Tickets: £4 (£2 concessions)

CINEMA: LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (PG)

Saturday 22nd October, 7.30pm | Midsomer Norton Town Hall Tickets: £5 adults, £3 children, £12 families Comedy-Drama, 93 mins, Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Xavier Samuel, Stephen Fry, Chloë Sevigny Based on Jane Austin’s comic gem, this period drama follows beautiful young widow Lady Susan Vernon’s visits to the estate of her in-laws. Here she waits out the colourful rumours about her dalliances circulating through polite society. Whilst ensconced there, she decides to secure a husband for herself and a future for her eligible but reluctant daughter, Frederica. In doing so she attracts the simultaneous attentions of the young, handsome Reginald DeCourcy, the rich and silly Sir James Martin and the divinely handsome, but married, Lord Manwaring, complicating matters severely.

After a summer tour that has taken them across the country, through Ireland and passed through Romania this is something of a homecoming from rising star Sam Evans and his band. Taking the best bits of soul, funk, reggae and blues the band create an old-school sound that somehow remains fresh and a sensational live show that is guaranteed to get you moving. Support comes from Midsomer Norton’s folk artist Jon Parry. Expect a mix of his own work and some twists on old favourites. The journey for these artists has only just begun so be sure to get on board.

PETER KNIGHT’S GIGSPANNER

Thursday 3rd November, 8pm | Midsomer Norton Town Hall Tickets: £13 Since his departure from folk-rock pioneers Steeleye Span at the end of 2013, legendary fiddle player Peter Knight has turned his full attention to his trio Gigspanner, and in the process has firmly established their burgeoning reputation as one of the most innovative acts on the folk/ roots scene. Traditional music forms the bedrock of the trio's repertoire, but it is the trio’s unique approach that sets them apart...leaving enough space within the arrangements to spread and stretch the music in the moment.

“Magnificent…a feast of imaginative music” The Telegraph

Peter is joined by Roger Flack on guitar and Vincent Salzfaas on Percussion, both of whom are powerful and intelligent musicians in their own right.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MidsomerNYC

@Midsomer_NYC

What's on @

Coming up…

Oktoberfest Night Come and sample Bavarian Food and refreshments! Assembly Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall Thursday 6th October 6.30pm-8.30pm

Halloween Event! A Halloween surprise at the Town Hall! Assembly Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall Thursday 27th October, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Bonfire Night Come and celebrate Guy Fawkes night in the centre of town. Garden of Friendship (Behind the Catholic Church) Thursday 3rd November, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Christmas Party! DJs and Mocktails as the NYC gets into the festive spirit Assembly Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall Thursday 8th December, 6.30pm-8.30pm

NYC is a free Youth Club based in the Midsomer Norton Town Hall for 11 – 18 year olds. The weekly drop in sessions take place every Thursday, 6.30-8.30pm (term time only) and you are free to come and go as you please – just sign in and out at the door so we know who’s on site! There’s loads on offer with Xbox One, table tennis and chill out space with blue-tooth speakers as well as a program of activities including cooking, band jams, DJ’ing, graffiti art and much more. The NYC also put on a range of events throughout the year such as regular cinema nights and the Youth-only Café. NYC is a community project delivered by Wansdyke Play Association and Midsomer Norton Community Trust and is sponsored by Midsomer Norton Town Council.

www. midsomernortoncommunitytrust. co.uk/nyc

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 1st - First Thursday Afternoon Social (Welton Rovers) 2pm-5pm. 1st - National Theatre Live: The Deep Blue Sea at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7:00pm. 2nd - Paradis Palm Court Trio at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 12:30-1:30pm.

3rd - Farmers Market and Crafters Market, The Hollies Garden, 9am – 1pm. 3rd - The Lewis Craven Band, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm. 6th - Council Meeting in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm. 7th - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s. 10.3011 am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free. 10th - A Frayed Knot, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm. 12th - Planning Committee Meeting, 7:00pm in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall. 14th - Blood Donor Sessions, Community Hall, Gullock Tyning, 1-3:30pm and 4:30-7:30pm. Book your appointment at www.myblood.co.uk 17th - Growler, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm. 20th - Poetry Liaisons 7-8pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Share favourite poems or your own work. Open to all and free to attend. 21st - Joined-Up Writers Group 1-3pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Support for budding authors in getting started or exploring ideas. Open to all and free to attend. 22nd - National Theatre Live: The Threepenny Opera at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7:00pm.

PART-TIME COURSES STARTING THIS AUTUMN • Accounting • Animal Care • Art & Design • Baking • Beauty • Carpentry • Ceramics • Computing • Cookery • Counselling

• Creative Writing • Digital Marketing • Fashion • Floristry • Gardening • Glass • Graphic Design • Interior Design • Jewellery • Journalism

• Languages • Massage • Painting • Photography • Programming • Property

24th - Florence Foster Jenkins at Midsomer Norton Town Hall cinema, 7:30pm. 24th - AD/HD, An AC/DC tribute band, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm.

Maintenance

• Psychology • Sculpture • Stonemasonry

For more details, a full list of courses and to enrol online visit:

www.bathcollege.ac.uk Telephone: 01225 328 720 Email: enquiries@bathcollege.ac.uk @bathcollege

24th - The Jungle Book at Midsomer Norton Town Hall cinema, 2:30pm.

/BathCollege

OCTOBER 1st - Farmers Market and Crafters Market, The Hollies Garden, 9am – 1pm.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

1st - The Worried Men, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm. 3rd - Council Meeting in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm. 5th - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s. 10.3011 am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free. 6th - Blood Donor Sessions, Community Hall, Gullock Tyning, 1-3:30pm and 4:30-7:30pm. Book your appointment at www.myblood.co.uk 6th - First Thursday Afternoon Social (Welton Rovers) 2pm-5pm. 7th - Paradis Palm Court Trio at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 12:30-1:30pm. 8th - Hush, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm. 10th - Planning Committee Meeting, 7:00pm in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall.

15th - Dirty Harry, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm. 18th - Poetry Liaisons 7-8pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Share favourite poems or your own work. Open to all and free to attend. 19th - Joined-Up Writers Group 1-3pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Support for budding authors in getting started or exploring ideas. Open to all and free to attend. 22nd - The Angry Birds Movie at Midsomer Norton Town Hall cinema, 2:30pm. 22nd - Love & Friendship at Midsomer Norton Town Hall cinema, 7:30pm. 22nd - Limelight, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm. 25th - Blood Donor Sessions, Community Hall, Gullock Tyning, 1-3:30pm and 4:30-7:30pm. Book your appointment at www.myblood.co.uk

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

29th - The Ray Jones Band, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm. 29th - Freeze, superb covers band, hits from across the decades, Mardons Social Club.

NOVEMBER 2nd - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under - 3s. 10.30-11am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free.

5th - Tamber, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm. 8th - Council Meeting in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 7pm. 12th - Call the Shots, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm. 14th - Planning Committee Meeting, 7:00pm in the Beauchamp Room, Midsomer Norton Town Hall. 14th - Midsomer Norton Carnival at High Street, Midsomer Norton, 7:30-10:30pm.

3rd - First Thursday Afternoon Social (Welton Rovers) 2pm-5pm.

15th - Poetry Liaisons 7-8pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Share favourite poems or your own work.

4th - Paradis Palm Court Trio at Midsomer Norton Town Hall, 12:30-1:30pm.

19th - Innocent Thieves, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm.

5th - Farmers Market and Crafters Market, The Hollies Garden, 9am-1pm.

26th - Oblio, The Riverside Bar, from 9pm.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

LIBRARIES WEST

AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY D

id you know that all library members are able to access materials from libraries throughout the south west and online? Bath and North East Somerset libraries are part of the Libraries West Consortium which in June expanded to include Dorset and Poole libraries as well as Bristol, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. This means that members can borrow, and return and reserve items in any of over 150 libraries, regardless of where they were borrowed. Members can also search the online catalogue of over 2.5 million items and make free reservations. Library staff can of course do this for you in branch if you would like help to find what you need. As a member of BATHNES libraries you can also access the following FREE online services through the Libraries West Website: • Download e books and e audio books to your tablet, smartphone, PC, laptop, e-reader or MP3 player. • Find a range of resources for online learning and research, all free of charge. These include online journals and newspapers, specialist catalogues for Museums, British Library and RNIB, Oxford English Dictionaries and local studies. • Manage your account - check and amend your details and renew books. Go to the redesigned website www.libarieswest. org.uk to find out more about these resources. To log in you will need your library card number and PIN.

Our regular events for children and adults are listed in the What’s on and Things to do Sections. For more information about all events please call in or look at our website or Facebook pages. For more information and opening times go to: Facebook Bathnes Libraries Twitter @bathnes #bathneslibraries Email Councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk Telephone 01225 394041 Web www.bathnes.gov.uk/libraries

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

THINGS TO DO MONDAY 'Fitstep' exercise classes basic 'Strictly' moves, Cha cha, Salsa etc. Have fun, burn away calories! St. John's Church Hall, Midsomer Norton 10.30am 11.15am and 7.15pm - 8pm. Call 07961056700.

Child-minding group for registered child-minders at Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre, fortnightly from 9.30am to 11.30am. Norton Radstock U3A hold a monthly Speaker meeting every 2nd Monday, 2-4pm at Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton, and a monthly Coffee Morning every last Monday 10.30am – noon at Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton. Lunch Bunch (1st Monday each month and cost varies) midday. Meet at various pubs around the area for a friendly lunch with like-minded people. Ring 01225 484510 for details.

TUESDAY

Somerset and Dorset Railway is open every Monday from 1pm to 4pm for viewing only.

Wellbeing Group improve health and mental wellbeing. 10.30am - 12.30pm, Town Hall, Midsomer Norton. Contact Sue on 01225 396042 or Mandy on 01225 835817.

Adult Tap Dancing classes (some experience needed). Fun exercises and routines using basic tap steps. St. John's Church Hall, Midsomer Norton, 6.15pm - 7pm. Call 07961056700.

Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild meets on the third Tuesday of each month at St John’s Church Hall at 2pm. For more information call 01761 413528.

Storytime at Midsomer Norton Library 11-11.30 am. Stories followed by craft activity. For 0-5 year olds. Free.

Methodist Church Women’s Fellowship meet fortnightly from September to June at the Methodist Church Centre at 3pm, for more information call 01761 235970.

Tai Chi at The Town Hall £4, 11am -12pm.

Children and youth club (in term time) at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church, 6.15pm to 7.45pm.

Jacarandas Award Winning Coffee Shop

Hot Chocolate Homemade Soups Daily Hot Specials Homemade cakes Eat in or take-away 109B High Street, Midsomer Norton 01761 410888

WELTON CABS 01761 417600 Friendly and reliable service 4 - 6 seaters cars Airport runs available Trusted courier service

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Golden Oldies singing sessions at Greenacres Community Room, Midsomer Norton every Tuesday 2pm to 3pm. Open to all. Call 01761 470006 for more information. Midsomer Norton Short Mat Bowls Club meets every Tuesday and Friday at The Somer Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Call 01761 418400 for more info. Pre School Speech and Language Therapy (appointments only) at Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre. Call 01225 831800 for more info. Oasis The Listening Project. Need someone to talk to? Feeling lonely or anxious? We are here for you, 10am – 12pm. No appointment needed. MSN Methodist Church. Age UK 10 - 11am Extend Exercise £3 inc refreshments at The Somer Centre. 11.30am - 2pm Cook & Eat £5 (1st and 3rd Tuesday monthly) at The Somer Centre. 10am - 12pm Gadget Busters at The Methodist Housing Association Lounge, Church Lane £3 including refreshments (commencing July 12th). 11.15am -12.15pm Short Walk leaving from The Somer Centre (1st and 3rd Tuesday monthly). 10 - 11.30am Book Buddies at The Library, High Street, MSN £3 donation (3rd Tuesday monthly). 2 - 4pm Social/Games afternoon including refreshments at The Methodist Housing Association Lounge, Church Lane (donations).

2.30 - 4pm Singing for Fun at The Town Hall £3 including refreshments (4th Tuesday monthly). To find out more please ring Age UK Active on 01225 484510 or www.ageukbanes.co.uk/activities.

WEDNESDAY Jenny Peplow Singers meet every Wednesday at 7.15pm at St John’s Church Hall, Midsomer Norton. For more information call Jenny on 01373 812093. Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3s at Midsomer Norton Library. Sing along nursery rhymes 10.30 11am. Every fourth Wednesday. Casual swimming at Midsomer Norton Sports Centre every Wednesday at 6.30am to 10.30am, 11.30am to 1.30pm, 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Mendip Hockey Club training on the astroturf at Norton Hill School for senior men from 7.30-9.30pm. Wednesday Women’s Group at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Centre meets alternative Wednesdays at 2pm. Various speakers and topics. For more information call 01761 436770. Age UK Midsomer Norton Walks 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 10am. Meet outside the Town Hall.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

Walking Group Meet at The Town Hall before heading off for a 2/3 mile walk, 10am. (1st and 3rd Wednesday each month). To find out more please ring Age UK Active on 01225 484510 or www.ageukbanes.co.uk/activities Roots Toddler Group at MSN Methodist Church, (in term time) 1 - 2.30pm. For info call 01761 410450.

THURSDAY Welton Vale over 50’s club meet in the Community Room from 2pm to 4pm, for more information call 417960. The Old Bakery Artists meet on the last Thursday of every month except December at The Fromeway in Radstock, for more information call 01761 418956.

FRIDAY Short mat bowls every Friday at The Somer Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Contact 01761 418400. Meet for prayer at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church at 9.45am. Whist Club at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church from 2pm to 4pm from September to June. Casual swimming at Midsomer Norton Sports Centre every Friday at 6.30am to 12pm, 2.30pm to 6.00pm and 7.00pm to 8.30pm.

SATURDAY

Somer Athletic Club meet at Norton Hill School every Thursday at 7pm. The club welcomes senior and junior members.

Workdays take place every Saturday at Silver Street Nature Reserve from 10.30am. Please meet by the notice boards in the woods. For more information contact Lucy or James on 01761 411292.

NYC - Midsomer Norton Youth Club, term time only, 6.30 - 8.30pm. Town Hall.

Mass is celebrated at St John the Baptist Church from 9am every Saturday.

Mendip Hockey Club training on the astroturf at Norton Hill School for senior ladies from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

The Local Churches Men’s Breakfast Fellowship meet monthly (2nd Saturday) at 8.30am (breakfast from 8am) venues vary. For more information call Midsomer Methodist Centre on 01761 410450.

Back to basics exercise to music for able bodied adults who prefer to work in smaller groups at Midsomer Norton Town Hall in the Assembly Room from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Age UK Walking Football at MSN Sports Centre pay-as-you-play £4. 12 - 1pm. To find out more please ring Age UK Active on 01225 484510 or www.ageukbanes.co.uk/activities. Movement to Music, ideal for those who prefer smaller informal classes, Midsomer Norton Town Hall. For more info call Kay on 01761 435383.

Saturday Night Praise at 7.30pm on the 2nd Saturday of each month at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church. Whist Club at the Town Hall. 7.30pm. Ring Alex on 01761 419133. Saturday Club, term time only, 10am - 1.30pm. Friendly group for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Cooking, den building, games days, trips and much more. Ages 11 - 19 years. Sarah Ann Room, Town Hall, Midsomer Norton. Call 01761 568242 for more information or email admin@wpa-play.com.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

SUNDAY

Casual swimming at Midsomer Norton Sports Centre every Sunday at 10am to 2pm, 3pm to 8pm.

Somerset and Dorset Railway is open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm for viewing, museum, wartime pillbox, buffet coach and gift shop.

Sunday School at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church, 1st and 3rd Sundays, 10.30 am. For more info call 01761 410450.

Welton Baptist Church Morning Service at 10.30am at Somervale School, morning worship service for all ages.

PROMOTE YOUR LOCAL EVENT

Sunday service at St John the Baptist Church at 8am and 9.30am. Evening Worship from 6pm at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church. Welton Baptist Church Evening Service 6pm at Somervale School, evening service – café style.

Call Zoe on 01761 410141 or email:

zoe@midsomernortonlife.co.uk

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Our agents are appointed representatives for general insurance products and introducer appointed representatives for life, pensions and investments of NFU Mutual. Our staff introduce to NFU Mutual for life, pensions and investments. NFU Mutual is The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and by the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers. For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

DRIVERS NEEDED SWAN TRANSPORT SCHEME Do you like driving? Would you like the opportunity to help people in need of transport, by taking them to appointments and social activities? Swan Transport Scheme is looking for drivers in the Bath and North East Somerset area who have use of their own vehicle, to transport people who are elderly, frail or disabled and on a low income. Journeys may include hospital and doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; appointments, day care centres, trips to the hairdresser or shops, and visiting family and friends - you choose each journey you would like to do. All mileage costs are fully covered.

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Our highly valued volunteer drivers are essential in enabling SWAN to provide this important service. We are glad of new drivers from anywhere within the Bath and North East Somerset area.

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

TOWN REGENERATION UPDATE S

ince the last issue of LIFE, a new Town Regeneration Project Manager officer has been appointed to work on exploring physical regeneration opportunities in the town centre.

experience of ‘new comer’ to the Midsomer Norton business community Steve Bishton of High Street DIY who said: “As a new business in the town our experience is incredibly positive both in terms of feedback from customers pleased to have somewhere to buy materials for their DIY projects and hard sales results. The message we get again and again is that people welcome the chance to get face-to-face advice which you often need when planning a DIY project and which you just don’t get from a computer screen.

This is being jointly funded and reports to Midsomer Norton Town Council and Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES). While this role focusses on physical regeneration opportunities, it will also work alongside the Somer Valley Chamber of Commerce and businesses community generally and community groups to focus on regeneration initiatives which will promote the town centre and attract new investment. One of these initiatives will be a new group being created by the Chamber to focus on on-going and new business and community initiatives to promote the vitality of the town centre commencing in the Autumn of 2016. In the meantime we have had new businesses launch in the High Street. Take, for example, the

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mardons SOCIAL CLUB

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“The other really nice thing about being in Midsomer Norton town centre is that there are still so many independent shops. We’ve had a fantastic welcome from not just our immediate business neighbours but from others the length of the High Street. It really feels like we’re part of a business community which is important when you’re in the early days of setting up a new venture”. There is no doubt that local residents do have a role to play in the future of the High Street. Whilst many bewail the passing of traditional grocers and family butchers for example, at the end of the day it really is a case of use it or lose it when it comes to our remaining local independent retailers who provide a terrific service to our community.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

LEEK & SMOKED CHEESE

MACARONI

An invigorating winter dinner, this goes well with salad or a generous helping of wilted greens. Make more than you need, as this freezes well either before or after it is baked. INGREDIENTS 400g macaroni drizzle of olive oil 40g butter 4 small leeks (about 400g), washed and shredded 4 heaped tbsp plain flour 800ml milk 200g smoked Cheddar, grated, plus extra for topping 2 tsp Dijon mustard, or to taste 4 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional) salt and pepper

METHOD Heat the oven to 200Â°C/Gas 6. Boil the macaroni in a pan of salted water until nearly cooked, about 8 minutes. It should be slightly too al dente to eat. Drain and toss in a little olive oil to stop it sticking together. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a small pan on a low heat. Add the leeks and cook gently until soft, about 7 minutes, stirring now and then. Add the flour and stir over a low heat for 2 minutes, then gradually stir in the milk (a whisk helps avoid lumps). Add the cheese and heat gently, stirring, to thicken the sauce and melt the cheese. Season to taste with mustard, salt and pepper. Combine the pasta with the leek mixture and transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle over a little more cheese and the breadcrumbs, if using, and bake for about 20 minutes, until golden on top.

Variation * Add some leftover cooked chicken or fried bacon pieces to the leek mixture before baking. * For extra veg, stir through some blanched and chopped kale, cabbage, spinach, chard or broccoli.

Thank you to www.riverford.co.uk/recipes for this recipe.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON AND RADSTOCK SILVER BAND The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band have had a busy start to the summer. May Day saw the band playing at the Priston May Day celebrations in the pouring rain, all 25 band members managed to squeeze under a small gazebo and play their summer program, most band members managed to stay dry! The bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next appearance was at the World Croquet Championships which was held at Peasedown, where the band had to play the national anthems of all 8 croquet teams as well as a short program of summer music. It was a beautiful evening and the band were rewarded with a glass of Pimms at the end of their performance. The band have played several Sunday afternoon bandstand concerts, at Keynsham, Wells and Parade Gardens in Bath. These concerts are always well

attended and an enjoyable way to spend a summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s afternoon. The band also spent a couple of evenings playing at a furniture store in Bristol, one of our more unusual engagements, but great fun. September will see the band performing at a wedding party in Bath and taking part in the Double Hills Arnhem Remembrance Service in Paulton ,as well as another Sunday afternoon concert in Keynsham Park. The band are currently preparing for the National Brass Band Championships in September. The band qualified for the finals back in March when they took part in the West of England Regional Qualifiers in Torquay and secured third place in their section where they were up against 22 other bands from all over the West of England. If you would like to see where the band will be appearing visit our website www.msnrsb.org.uk for details and contact information.

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NEED HELP WITH HOME IMPROVEMENTS OR REPAIRS? OVER 60 OR DISABLED? CALL OR EMAIL WE CARE AND REPAIR FOR: Trusted Housing Advice, Home Repairs & Adaptations Specialist Bathroom Adaptations

T: 0300 323 0700 WE CARE AND REPAIR IS THE APPOINTED HIA FOR:

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E: INFO@WECR.ORG.UK W: WWW.WECR.ORG.UK

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

LOCAL CHARITY WINS TOP NATIONAL AWARD FOR THE SECOND TIME

ocal charity WE Care & Repair has been named national Home Improvement Agency (HIA) Service of the Year 2016 at the national Home Improvement Agency Awards held at the House of Lords. WE Care and Repair has operated in the region for thirty years and is dedicated to helping older people and people with disabilities, to continue living independently and safely for as long as possible in their own homes. Services offered to older and disabled people by WE C&R in B&NES include: • A handyperson service for small repairs • Larger repairs and adaptations service • A specialist bathrooms adaptations service • Help returning home after a hospital stay

commitment of our staff and volunteers to providing practical services that vulnerable people can trust. We are also proud to be the first organisation to win this prestigious award twice.” The awards were hosted by Lord Best OBE (crossbench Life peer sitting in the House of Lords). Lord Best said: “The quality of the entries to this year’s awards underlines the valuable contribution being made by home improvement agencies. They are very much on the frontline of ongoing efforts to join up health, housing and social care and enable people to live healthy, independent lives.” For more information call 0300 323 0700 visit, www.wecr.org.uk or email: info@wecr.org.uk

The charity also has two showrooms (Bristol and Weston-super-Mare) showcasing bathrooms, kitchens and mobility aids and independent living products to make everyday tasks easier. The quality and safety of WE Care & Repair services is endorsed by the local authorities who commission their services in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset. In addition to scooping the most prestigious award WE Care and Repair were also runner up in the Handyperson Service of the Year and were commended in the Innovations category for their pioneering Making Space Project where volunteers work with people who have sought help with hoarding problems. Accepting the award on behalf of WE Care &Repair was Chief Executive Kevin Snowball: “We are very excited at winning this national award as it recognises the dedication and

Left to Right: Neil Woollard (WE Care and Repair Senior Handyperson); Chris Taylor (WE Care and Repair Volunteer); Ellie Bull (WE Care and Repair Area Manager); Kevin Snowball (WE Care and Repair Chief Executive); Lord Best (House of Lords Cross Bench Peer).

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

MIDSOMER NORTON FAYRE DAY

SUCCESS FOR MIDSOMER NORTON PRIMARY N

ot only did Midsomer Norton Primary win the Maypole dancing competition but our school won the overall competition with our entries for handwriting and craft at the Midsomer Norton Fayre Day. The Reception children created beautifully decorated pebbles and our Year 3 and 4 children showed off their excellent cursive script in handwriting too! Alun Randell, headteacher said, "We were all delighted to see the Mayor pay us a visit in a celebration assembly to award the trophies and certificate. Well done to everyone and especially to Miss Plummer and Mrs de Quidt for coaching our wonderful Maypole team." Mr Randell, the head teacher hasn't stopped smiling and we can't wait for the next fair.

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No job too small, give us a call or drop in for a friendly chat with Gary or email us for a quote.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

SOMERSET & DORSET HERITAGE RAILWAY AT MIDSOMER NORTON STATION Since these first runs, the 7109 identity is now coming together and most of the various steam and water leaks plus extreme hotspots have been attended to ready for the official launch.

aul Atterbury was at Midsomer Norton Station at Midday on Saturday July 9th to officially launch the Station’s very own steam locomotive ‘Joyce’ or Sentinel 7109. Paul, expert on the Antique’s Road show and railway author unveiled the name plate and broke a bottle of cider against the loco. Afterwards he signed books and then toured the station to include the shop, museum and gardens. Joint owner and fireman Nigel Dickinson has already worked up a sweat on previous trial runs of the locomotive and says “This is an exciting time for Andy and me. We have been through many trials and tribulations to get this wonderful old loco going again and we are very proud that Paul came to give it the official steam launch. Sentinel 7109 steamed for the first time in about 50 years in February this year. Initial runs were achieved for the 50th anniversary of the S&D line closure as owner Andy Chapman had promised to meet that deadline – with a bit of luck. However, although operational, there were many outstanding jobs, none the least its paintwork!

Sentinel 7109 was the prototype for Sentinels 47190 and 47191 which were allocated to the Radstock shed and which worked the nearby collieries and therefore entirely appropriate for the area. Owners Andy Chapman and Nigel Dickinson have spent many hours in all weathers in her restoration and July 9th saw the culmination of thousands of hours of work . Whilst the Sentinel 7109 is the same type as the Radstock locos which were used because of the low bridge in the shunting yard, its original design was as ‘Joyce’ when it worked at the Croydon gas works. Photos show Brenden Hill Paul Atterbury Andy Chapman and Nigel Dickinson and the cab of the Sentinel and wielding the cider with owners Andy Chapman and Nigel Dickinson.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

THE WELLOW BROOK WALK and winter refuges for various reptiles known as hibernacula. Work to improve the grasslands and encourage more wild flowers will begin as the weather allows along with installing bird and bat boxes. As this article was being written the Council was in discussion with an ecologist to explore how it could secure some vital ongoing advice and guidance on management and monitoring of the land.

aving reached an agreement to lease the land along the Wellow Brook from Northmead Road to the footpath between Clevedon Road and Beaufort Avenue, Midsomer Norton Town Council has begun work to create a nature conservation area and has named the project “The Wellow Brook Walk”. The Council commissioned the Wildlife Trusts Consultancies to carry out an initial survey in order to help it develop a management plan to achieve its vision for the area – “to develop the potential of the land as a nature conservation area, open to the public to enjoy” – as agreed by the Council at its July 2016 meeting. Initial remedial work on the entrances and footpath along with new signs was completed earlier in the summer and the second stage of work will start in late summer which includes further path improvements to assist with access during the winter and an additional entrance at the east end of the land where winter mud makes access very difficult. Some scrub clearance has been recommended to help the grassland thrive and some non-invasive plants will be removed to help the diversity of the flora and fauna. The survey also suggested some measures such as the creation of better access to the brook

The land itself has a long and varied history. In 1337, Edward III created and granted the title of Duke of Cornwall to his eldest son Edward Woodstock. In addition a charter of 1337 established the Duchy of Cornwall estate as a means of providing an income for the Sovereign’s eldest son and Heir. Included in this original charter was the manor of Isleworth in the county of Middlesex. However in 1421 Henry V exchanged the manor of Isleworth for 19 other manors spread across England. This transfer of land included the ownership and rights of the manor of Midsomer Norton. Prior to the Town Council taking the lease on the land, it was farmed by the Down family at Thicket Mead Farm. Jamie Down has very kindly agreed to cut the grass on the Wellow Brook Walk as part of regular hay making which will enable the Council to keep the grasslands in prime condition for wildlife.

MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

A MESSAGE FROM

THE CLERK With a number of its projects reaching critical stages, the Town Council has been at its busiest since I joined as the Clerk in March 2013. Whilst we are all working hard, we have been very conscious about how well we do and what sort of standards we work to.

Fed up with your job? Looking for a new challenge? Come in and register with us! Providing temporary and permanent staff to all sectors. Find us in the High Street. First Floor, 113 High Street, Midsomer Norton Radstock BA3 2DA

01761 410433 07932 998467

The scheme offers local Councils the opportunity to be benchmarked against other Councils at one of three levels – Foundation, Quality or Quality Gold. The Town Council is seeking to be assessed against the middle level – Quality – and work has been going on since March to make sure we meet the demanding standards required. By the end of 2016, the Town Council should have made its improvements and demonstrated to an independent scrutiny panel that it meets the standard at Quality level. It believes that this will also reassure residents that the Council tax that they pay (around £88 per annum for a Band D household) is being used to the best effect. Finally, a new bench has just been installed outside the Salvation Army Hall as the old one was beyond repair – I hope that it continues to give pleasure to the many people who use it.

PR OO F

A new accreditation scheme, known as the Local Council Award Scheme, has been launched which has offered us a robust quality standard against which we can measure our internal processes and policies as well as the engagement that we achieve with the residents of the town. Following a resolution at its March 2016 meeting, the Council

has been working towards being accredited under the new scheme.

Clive Stilwell (MILCM) Town Clerk

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MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE

YOUR TOWN

COUNCILLORS

Alastair Slade 07714 898902 alastair@alastairslade.com

Richard Robertson 01761 415629 therobertsons@fsmail.net

Midsomer Norton Town Council Town Hall, The Island, Midsomer Norton Bath BA3 2HQ - 01761 418701 townclerk@midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk midsomernortontowncouncil.co.uk

Amy Purchase 01761 411860

Lynda Robertson 01761 415629

amymarch@sky.com

therobertsons@fsmail.net

Jane Lewis 01761 410216

Brian Lawrence 07701 007277

Michael Evans 01761 235996

Glyn Davis 07713 353430

janelewis@clara.co.uk

bcml@hotmail.co.uk

michevans@gmail.com

rickyrocky774@hotmail.com

Steve Plumley (Deputy Mayor) 07913 952901

Luke Barnes 07531 080008

Paul Myers Mayor 07530 042627

s.plumley@sky.com

lukebarnes@somervalleyfm.co.uk

paul.myers@bathasu.com

Help yourself stay well this season Now that summer is turning to autumn, the Wellbeing College has a range of activities planned to help you stay positive

ow are you feeling now the summer is almost over? Could you do with some free support to help you stay well throughout the autumn and winter? Perhaps you live alone and tend to get isolated or maybe you have lost your job and could do with a hand up to get motivated again. You may have a long-term health condition and could do with some regular support, such as joining a gentle exercise or relaxation session. The Wellbeing College is here to provide you with opportunities to help you to help yourself, whatever your situation, as long as you are 16 or over and live in the Bath and North East Somerset area. Most of our courses and activities are free! In spite of our name we are nothing like school! We provide lots of fun and interesting things to learn and do at various accessible venues around Bath and North East Somerset. Our research shows that attending one of our free courses or activities significantly improves people’s wellbeing.

One of the favourites is the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ workshop, a session that explores key areas and how you can develop them to improve wellbeing. An attendee commented: “The course has made me more aware of how many positive ways I work towards maintaining my own wellbeing. It has given me confidence in my own skills.”

Talk to us

If you would like to talk to us about your wellbeing, you can make an appointment and we will arrange for you to meet a Wellbeing Advisor for a friendly conversation, where we can let you know about things you might be able to do to improve your wellbeing. n

Contact us To find out what we have to offer, why not take a look at our website at www.wellbeingcollegebanes.co.uk or give us a ring on 01225 831820. We can tell you about all the courses and activities we have on offer and can send you a copy of our course list.

Activities coming up in the autumn include:

n A morning session of Therapeutic Song Writing This is sure to be fun, even if you aren’t very musical.

n Mindfulness A four-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course teaches you how to cope better with anxiety, worry, stress and the pressures of life.

n Woodland Wellbeing Spending a couple of hours a week in the quiet of a local woodland with no demands being made of you at all, except to immerse yourself in the beautiful environment.