PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD

TOWN CLERK WINS PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD

t was announced that Donna Ford, Town Clerk for Midsomer Norton, has been awarded the prestigious accolade of ‘Clerk of the Year’ at the glittering awards night of the National Association of Local Councils held in Milton Keynes. Donna was singled out from over 7,000 Clerks in the UK so this is a fabulous achievement. I

“I’m over the moon not just for myself but for the town. You could have knocked me over with a feather last night when they announced my name as ‘Clerk of the Year’ in front of other Clerks and County Association representatives from around the UK”, said Donna Ford, Town Clerk, Midsomer Norton Town Council.

Donna was nominated by B&NES Cllr Paul Myers and Amanda Hazell, Deputy Clerk, months ago for her work principally on completing the town's Asset Transfer Project - bringing it to fruition after over a decade of delays. In doing this she achieved a key long term objective not just for the Town Council but for the community as a whole.

Cllr Michael Evans, Mayor of Midsomer Norton commented, “Donna joined Midsomer Norton Town Council in March 2018 and has brought energy and vitality to the role – achieving a huge amount for the town in her time with us. Her Award as Clerk of the Year is justly deserved”.

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)

Since the Asset Transfer, Donna has been focusing on working with the Midsomer Norton Town Trust to deliver the Town Park Project where work is progressing a pace on site with contractors.

High St, MSN. Tel 01761 416573 LivemusiceverySaturday See our Facebook Page for details #number1musicvenue #supportyourlocal riverside.drinkers Open all day Fri and Sat. Serving breakfast and lunch, 10am -2pm

S 179 Bus Campaign

he recent announcement that the 179 bus route has been saved was great news for local residents. The route takes in Bath, Paulton, Farmborough, Timsbury and Midsomer Norton, and was even extended to take in Beecham Place in Midsomer Norton. Bath and North East Somerset Rural Transport Group carried out a recent survey which received more than one thousand responses, over 350 of which came from Midsomer Norton residents. Details of the survey can be found online here: www. banesruraltransportgroup.org. Whilst the route has been saved until August 2020 by being awarded to a new operator, its long-term survival is not guaranteed. T

More still needs to be done to ensure the longterm survival of the route and avoid a decline in rural transport services. The route needs to stay viable to remain in operation. There are many reasons why not having a decent bus service affects us all. For instance, if you don’t have a car and you rely on the bus to get to and from work. In the same way, many children use the bus for their school journey. Similarly, for those who don’t drive or are unable to drive, then the bus is a lifeline and can reduce the feeling of isolation in the community. By not using the bus there is an increase in private car journeys, resulting in more traffic on the roads and more pollution. With the current Climate Emergency and the aim to lower transport emissions, by taking the bus reduces the need for single occupancy car journeys.

So, what can be done to help preserve the service and keep our rural communities accessible? If you don’t currently use the bus then give it a try, you may find that it is a cheaper and less stressful way of getting around. If you are a bus user, then try and use the bus for more journeys than you normally would do.

Speak to other people about the buses, not everyone is on social media or has access to updates about the situation and get involved! Campaigners fought hard to keep the 179 service. The bus service is vital to our rural community and so the campaign must continue.

INSURANCE THAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Having a local office means we’re accessible, whether you need to make changes to your policy or make a claim.

We can help you with a range of insurances, including: • Home • Car • Business • Farm • Property Owners • Tradesmen For a real conversation about your insurance call us or pop in NFU Mutual Bath, The Old Stables, Manor Farm, Stratton On The Fosse, Bath, BA3 4QF Tel: 01761 239382

WELTON CABS 01761 417600 Friendly and reliable service 4 - 6 seater cars

MAY VE Day Celebrations – Friday 8th – Sunday 10th

JUNE Civic Service – Sunday 21st

JULY Midsomer Norton Fayre – Saturday 11th

AUGUST Twinning – Thursday 20th – Thursday 27th Outfield Festival – Sunday 30th

NOVEMBER Remembrance Sunday – Sunday 8th Carnival – Monday 16th

DECEMBER Christmas Event (Light Switch on) – Thursday 3rd Children’s Christmas Party – Saturday 5th, 3pm – 5pm Children’s Cinema Night – Thursday 10th Senior Citizens Christmas Party – Friday 11th