Midsomer Norton Life Summer 2023

Hello and welcome to the summer edition of Midsomer Norton Life!

If you're looking for things to do this summer, as well as a chance to catch up with local news, make sure to have a flick through - we have details on the upcoming Midsomer Norton Town Show, what's happening with the Town Hall renovations and more!

Don't forget, if you want to feature in our next issue, get in touch with us before 20th July 2023 - you can send your news, photos and events to news@ignyte-uk.co.uk

damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Ignyte does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved.

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SOMER vALLEY FOODBANK

The Somer Valley Foodbank continues to provide food and signposting advice to the people of this area, with distribution centres in Midsomer Norton (Salvation Army Hall), Radstock (St Nicholas' Tearooms), Peasedown (Peasedown Methodist Church) and Paulton (The Cellar, under the Methodist Church). People still need a voucher from one of the professional agencies in the area.

We have seen a more than 30% increase in demand since the start of the year, which means the cost of living crisis is beginning to effect more and more people. This has therefore put a great strain on our stock levels and although we can still meet the demand, our need for donations has increased. We have also started to buy in stock. Therefore we would be very grateful if people could donate an item from our most wanted list whenever they shop. The list is on the front door of Tesco and Sainsbury’s and on the website.

Donations can be left at the following places; All churches on Sunday am, just before or after a service, The Hive, Peasedown weekdays (through

main doors, by the door to the Post Office), the Salvation Army Hall, Midsomer Norton, Mondays between 10 – 11am, St Nicholas' Church Centre Radstock, weekdays 9 – 3pm in the foyer.

We are also hoping to hold a one day collection in Tesco during the next few months, when we will hand out shopping lists to help people choose the correct items that we need to replenish stocks. Please keep an eye out for us.

The other news is that we have been adopted by Thatcher and Hallam as their charity of the year and we are tremendously grateful and thankful for their support. We are looking forward to working with them to help those in need in this area.

If anyone has any questions or wants to know anything about the foodbank, then they can email on info@somervalley.foodbank.org.uk.

As always, we are grateful to all those who support us in our efforts to help people and we know we couldn’t do it without the support of this community. Thank you all.

BATH MIND WELLbEING GroUp

Radstock Wellbeing group is an inclusive and supportive community group encouraging positive mental health through conversation and creative activities, whilst enjoying the delights of the Swallow’s Café! The sessions are supported by Bath Mind staff and volunteers.

Group members connect with each other in their own way, so there is no pressure to constantly

be doing activities. It is a great opportunity to learn new skills, such as crafting or sewing, make connections with people that are empathetic and kind, and be supported in your mental health.

The group meets at The Swallows Café in Radstock on a Tuesday from 11am to 1pm. To find out more about coming along, email wellbeing@bathmind.org.uk or contact 07538 113890.

LotS happENING at THE LIBRARY

Bath and North East Somerset Libraries give you free access to much more than books… and they’re available to everyone.

It’s free to sign up for a library card, and once you’re a member, you can start using all our wonderful services.

Your library membership gives you access to a wide range of digital facilities and resources, from free computer and internet access to online audiobooks, magazines and access to ancestry.com. Support and advice to help you to improve your digital skills is also available at several of our branches.

You can sign up online at librarieswest.org.uk, or pop down to your local library to become a member now.

We run a wide variety of free events, for both children and adults. Our weekly Baby Bounce and Rhyme is always a popular event! You can view our full timetable by visiting our Library Blog at bathneslibraries.wordpress.com.

Volunteers are an important and valued part of our library service. We offer a mixture of short and long-term volunteering opportunities across Bath and North East Somerset. These range from children's group leaders, IT guides, event helpers, and Home Library Service volunteers to support roles that you can do from home.

If you are interested in finding out more, please visit bit.ly/VolunteerAtBanesLibrary.

YOUR HIGH STREET NEEDS YOU

N’FEST IS baCK!

This summer N’Fest is back! A morning club jam packed with fun, games, crafts, stories and lots more for kids aged 4 to 11.

There’s also a great café for parents and carers, plus a Sunbeams space for you to come with your toddlers. This year, our theme is N’Fest at the zoo!

There’ll be a great new drama and a bunch of fantastic activities all aimed at building friendships and learning how much God loves the creation we see all around us. We hope you can join us

G. Mitchard & Sons

Family Butcher • eSt. 1913 WeStFielD

would like to thank customers, old and new, for their continued support

from from August 21st -25th. Head to the website and click “What’s on” for venue and booking details. www.weltonchurch.org.uk

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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

Fosse Way School • Westfield Primary

Midsomer Norton Primary

St John’s Primary

High Littleton Primary

St Nicholas Church School

Leigh On Mendip Primary

St Julian’s Church School

Farrington Gurney Primary School

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77 High Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2DE

Tel: 01761 418972

Website: nortonsports.co.uk

Email: nortonsportsandcamping@hotmail.com

MIDSoMEr N ortoN toWN ha LL INvESTMENT PROJECT

Aproject to transform Midsomer Norton Town Hall is progressing at pace as part of the wider £2.5m High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) to regenerate the town centre. Ownership of the building was previously transferred from Bath & North East Somerset Council to Midsomer Norton Town Council to bring it back into community use.

The construction work, which began in September 2022, has seen the lower part of the building restored to its original double height, which will lead to the reinstatement of a modern and

accessible Market Hall providing new community facilities.

The project is the centrepiece of Midsomer Norton’s High Street Heritage Action Zone, a partnership between Bath & North East Somerset Council and Historic England and local stakeholders to regenerate the town’s historic buildings and celebrate its culture.

After work began, a number of issues were immediately identified, including the lack of any foundations, the poor quality of the cross wall, which was crumbling away and the rot in the timbers that hold the Assembly Room floor in place.

The design team, construction team, the Town Council and its partners have worked hard to address the issues and the development of Phase One is now well under way.

Additional funding has recently been secured from the Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which have brought in an additional £450,000 grant funding to the project.

is progressing and to see evidence of the major restoration project works undertaken to date. Further details of this will be available soon.

Following completion, the Town Hall will be structurally sound and more resilient to face the future and its contribution to the next 160 years of life in Midsomer Norton.

The final project programme has now been put in place and Phase One is expected to be completed by the end of 2023 when the building will once again be open for the community to use and enjoy.

On 3rd June 2023, as part of the Midsomer Norton Music Festival, the Community Trust is planning to work with contractors to be able to give people a sneak peek into the building to see how work

The iconic Midsomer Norton Town Hall was built in 1859 and has been the home of a number of organisations over the past 160 years, undergoing various alterations over the years to help meet the requirements of various tenants. The alterations varied in quality and purpose, leaving the building in a poor state. The building was one of four constructed close together at around the same time and in a similar architectural style by John Harris Smith and was listed at Grade II in 1979.

pLa NS UNDErWaY for CARNIvAL

What do you remember from a dark winter’s night back in November 2022?

I expect like most people, you’ll remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason and plot and this exciting tradition is of course directly linked to the other big highlight of November, our very own Illuminated Carnival

which returned to Midsomer Norton for the first time in two very long years due to COVID.

And what a return it was, the streets echoed once again to the vibrant sounds, the bright colours reflected vividly in the river, and memories were made by the thousands of spectators that gathered with families looking on with delight at the spectacle, yes, Carnival was back!

Photo: Graham Price Photography

But not only was our cherished Illuminated Carnival back to brighten the winter's night, the grand parade was led by a truly remarkable entry as it snaked through our streets, one of Royal approval, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant cart also came to Midsomer Norton, a rare and very privileged sight, just one of only ten exclusive appearances.

The spectacular evening was indeed a great success and raised over £6,000 for local charities and other good causes within our community. The effects of our Illuminated Carnival truly spread well beyond a single night in November. Last year alone, our Illuminated Carnival helped fund a varied range of community groups, including 1st Midsomer Norton Scouts, Merriman Theatre Group, Wessex 4X4 Response, Midsomer Norton Radstock Dial-A-Ride, and MSN Drama Club, as well as local national organisations, such as

Barnardo’s, St John Ambulance and Fire Brigade Charities to name just a few.

The work on this year’s event has already begun, it’s organised by a small, dedicated team of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who work tirelessly to bring the spectacle to our town and we’re very proud to be 100% voluntary, which means every penny we raise for our registered charity is used supporting our community.

You can be involved too, not only are we looking for new members to help organise the event, but we are also inviting community groups, local charities and good causes to come and fundraise at our Carnival, get in touch now.

You can contact us for more information via our Facebook page or at our website IlluminatedCarnival.co.uk, we’d be very pleased to hear from you.

MIDSOMER NORTON FAYRE

Midsomer Norton Fayre is set to return for an eighth time on Saturday 8th July 2023 between 12 noon and 4pm.

The event is hosted in the Town Park and Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton Leisure Park.

Plans are well underway for the annual familyfriendly extravaganza. Attractions will include Bouncy Castles, Face Painting, Punch & Judy, Street Organ, Balloon Modelling, Music Workshops and much, much more. Parc Skateboarding are also bringing a Skate Jam to the town's skate park.

This year’s Maypole Dance Festival will also see over 100 local school children taking part in the main arena outside the Somer Centre followed by other community group displays through the afternoon. Inside the Somer Centre, there will be displays of Art and Photography, as well as the popular Tea Room with delicious cakes and sandwiches.

The Arts Festival also brings its main celebration to the heart of the Fayre. After the success of last year, attendees will be able to enjoy a range of music, poetry, puppet shows, drama and more from the best local creative minds.

Midsomer Norton Town Show 2023

This year’s Midsomer Norton Fayre will host the eighth edition of the annual Town Show, celebrating the creativity of the people of Midsomer Norton and the surrounding area. Entries are invited across a range of categories from all ages and abilities. All entries will be displayed on the day of the Fayre inside the giant Town Show Marquee.

Sections include: Vegetables, Cookery, Flowers, Handicrafts, Art and Photography – with special categories for children to enter as well. As always, there will be a number of trophies and medals to be won, as well as the enjoyment of participating and contributing to the show.

Entry forms for the Town Show - complete with the full entry guidelines and cake recipes, as well as helpful hints and tips - are available now!

For more information about the Fayre - including Town Show entry forms - head to www.mnct.co.uk/fayre

MIDSoMEr NortoN toWN CoUNCIL RE vIEW OF THE YEAR 2022-2023

Town Council Properties

Wellow Brook Walk has undergone significant improvement and accessibility works. The land is leased from the Duchy of Cornwall. A new pathway has been created with selective vegetation cleared, under ecological guidance, to provide a view of the brook. Benches, a picnic table and bins have been installed to allow residents to enjoy this wildlife corridor, along with information signs and a totem sign.

The programme of works was mostly funded from housing developer contributions, with additional financing from Western Power, the B&NES Somer Valley Rediscovered project and the National Lottery Awards for All. The Somer Valley Rediscovered Project, administered by the West of England Combined Authority, has recently released an additional £43K of funding for the Wellow Brook Walk, which will allow the natural grassland areas to be restored and managed to prevent scrub development. This will lead to increased biodiversity and pollination while increasing the water quality of the Wellow Brook.

A new gate and fence was installed at the Garden of Friendship, creating a new entrance from the Sainsbury’s car park side. New flowerbeds, steps and pathways were also created. The new hornbeam hedge will be kept lower than before, as so many people have commented on the lovely view that has been opened up. The garden is a quiet place to sit just off the High Street next to the Catholic Church.

At West Clewes, the new Multi Use Games Area was opened to the public, with facilities for Penalty Shootout, Wicket Cricket, Hot Shot Target Wall, Tennis, Basketball and 5-a-side football. It has been well used alongside the outdoor gym,

teen shelter, bike stands and play area at the Recreation Ground. New bins and benches were installed too. Funding for the project came from Section 106, Lottery Funding, the West Clewes Trust and Life Cycle UK.

The Allotment Association report that they are currently fully subscribed with a waiting list. New signs have been designed for the River Somer in the High Street. Phase 1 of the Town Hall Transformation project is well underway, work for the Phase 2 extension has gone out to tender and planning permission has been applied for. The War Memorial was cleaned in February 2022.

The Town Trust has been gifted a number of properties in order that they will always belong to the people of Midsomer Norton. This includes St Chad's Well and Memorial, the Orchard Hall, Somer Centre, Silver Street Nature Reserve and two plots of land in Withies Lane. The Town Park is in the second phase of development, and has also been awarded funding through Somer Valley Rediscovered via the West of England Combined Authority Green Recovery Fund. New bins and information boards have been installed, along with bird boxes created at Community Trust events. The amphitheatre has been used for music and community events, and Welton Church Runners hold a monthly 5K run in the Town Park.

Town Council Events

Last year the Council provided free Christmas parties for children and seniors, worked with Mens’ Shed to create wooden reindeer kits for the third year running, and organised the annual Civic Awards and Remembrance Day Parade in the

High Street. The Council worked with the local community and ran an amazing four day Queen’s Jubilee event with the lighting of a beacon at the Rugby Club, a free music festival at the Town Park, a Farmers' Market and Duck Race in the High Street, Street Party and free train rides at the Somerset and Dorset Railway Station, a Family Day at the Cricket Club, a Jubilee Social at Welton Rovers Football Club and Afternoon Tea and Church Service at the Methodist Church.

A new website was created last year, monthly surgeries moved from the Town Hall to the Farmers' Market, and Council meetings filmed and broadcast on YouTube for the first time. The Town Council purchased a van for the Town Warden, meaning he no longer has to use his own vehicle. He completed a course in Signing, Lighting and Guarding, which means he can now take the speed cameras down and relocate them. Town Council staff moved out of the Town Hall into temporary offices in Unit 14 on South Road while Town Hall Transformation Work is undertaken.

Town Council Grant Awards

As well as the funding to support the Jubilee events, many local groups and events benefited from grants awarded by the Town Council. These have included:

 A teen Christmas event for Youth Connect

South West

 Local youth provision through Youth Connect

South West

 Somer Valley FM and their Education Trust

 Somerset Farmers' Market

 The Outfield Festival

 Midsomer Norton Community Trust Arts Festival

 Midsomer Norton Community Trust Warm Spaces at Unit 14

 Midsomer Norton Community Trust

Engagement Coordinator

 Midsomer Norton Carnival Association

 Midsomer Norton Town Fayre and Show

 A contribution to the new community space at Midsomer Norton Leisure Centre

 Bath Area Play Project summer activities at the Town Park

 Midsomer Norton Town Trust

 Silver Street Nature Reserve

 Musicians South West CIC

 P.E.O.P.L.E Charity

 Norton Radstock U3A

We, in turn, are grateful for all of the funding we have received for the Town Park, West Clewes, Wellow Brook Walk, the Town Hall and also to Backhouse Housing, who contributed £2000 towards the wonderful Christmas tree we had in December.

Staff and Councillors

The end of the year has brought much change to the Town Council. Town Clerk Donna Ford, Deputy Clerk Amanda Hazell and Senior Administrator Caroline Brown have all moved to work at new Town Councils and will be much missed. We hope that they are proud of all that they have brought to the town. Midsomer Norton Town Council has flourished under their hard work, dedication and vision.

With elections on May 4th, we also said goodbye to long serving Councillors Michael Evans, Steve Plumley, Brian Lawrence, Lynne Clement and Pete Mocock, who all stood down after working hard for the community of Midsomer Norton for many years. Cllr Steve Plumley was awarded The Peter Duppa-Miller Award for Town Councillor of the Year at the B&NES Community Awards this year. At the time of writing, it is not known which of our current Councillors will be re-elected and which new faces will be joining the Council in 2023, but we look forward to the year ahead with the new team under the Locum Town Clerk Paul Russell. From Midsomer Norton Town Council

MIDSOMER N ORTON A RTS FESTIvAL

Midsomer Norton Music and Arts Festival, a free festival celebrating local performance and creativity, will be held at the Town Park on 3 June 2023, 1pm-7pm

The full line up of artists, with the headliners confirmed as The Entitled Sons. The six-piece, hailing locally from Somerset, have been going from strength-to-strength. Last seen in the Somer Valley wowing crowds at 2022’s Outfield Festival, in March the group won The Pilton Stage competition, and will be performing at Glastonbury this year.

In addition to popular acts from the area, the festival will feature sixth-form bands from local secondary schools, Norton Hill and Somervale.

“We’re building on the success of the Queen’s Jubilee festival last year, which saw an incredible turn-out for acts,” said Alex Davis, manager of Midsomer Norton Community Trust. “This time, we’re excited to be giving up-and-coming musicians from local schools an opportunity to play at our amazing amphitheatre, here in Midsomer Norton’s Town Park.”

Several catering stalls will offer a variety of international cuisine options, alongside a fully

stocked bar run by Volunteers from Outfield Festival. There will be a bouncy castle, face painting and displays from local artists.

In the two weeks leading up to the Festival, there will also be an arts trail on the theme of MY HIGH STREET. Local schools, community groups and artists are being invited to create art on paper carrier bags, to be displayed in shop windows. The trail has been organised as part of Midsomer Norton’s Cultural Programme, funded by Historic England.

For more information, including timings, sponsors and more head to www.mnct.co.uk

C ULTURAL PROGRAMME CELEbratES thE hIGh StrEE t

Midsomer Norton’s four-year Cultural Programme is now in its final year. The project, which showcases the rich and fascinating history of Midsomer Norton High Street, is run by Midsomer Norton Community Trust and funded by Historic England as part of their High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme.

There’s plenty to get involved with over the summer months! Read on to discover what’s in store.

Upcycled bench installation

A set of four benches, which were formerly on Midsomer Norton High Street, have now been lovingly restored by the Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed and painted and engraved by local artists.

Over summer, the benches will return to four locations around the Town Centre to showcase local creativity and provide new perspectives on Midsomer Norton’s culture. The designs reflect a range of different themes, including architecture, industry, wildlife, and medieval history.

The selected artists collaborated with a range of local community groups to inspire their designs. Notably, Connections Day Services Art Group provided original drawings to be incorporated into a quirky streetscape scene by Trowbridge-based artist Samuel Lindup.

Other selected artists include prominent muralist Molly Mural, Bath-based illustrator Jessica Smith, and up-and-coming multimedia artist Sharne Tasney.

MY HIGH STREET – community arts trail

In late May and early June, a community arts trail will be taking place in celebration of Midsomer Music & Arts Festival. Artworks on the theme of MY HIGH STREET, contributed by local schools and community groups, will appear in shop windows along the length of the High Street. There will also be two special large-scale installations created by Creative Space Welton and local illustrator Michelle Venn.

Visit www.yourmidsomernorton.co.uk to find a full list of host venues.

Midsomer Norton Heritage Open Days –8-17 September 2023

Are you a community group with an amazing story to tell? Do you have a burning idea for a history talk or workshop? Or perhaps you have access to a special heritage building that you want to share? We want to hear from you!

Our Cultural Consortium is once again coordinating Midsomer Norton Heritage Open Days this autumn. For ten days in September, shops, squares, churches, cemeteries, private homes, civic buildings, parks and performance venues will open their doors to the public.

The team can support with event sign-up, planning and promotion. Your event will also be featured in a special Bath & North East Somerset heritage brochure and on the Your Midsomer Norton website.

Get in touch at culture@midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk.

MSN LIONESS WALKING F OOTBALL

Ladies - did you used to play football? Always wanted to have a go but never had the opportunity? Worried you might be too old/ inexperienced?

Well, a new women's walking football group started in March.

They play Tuesdays, between 6pm-7pm at Dragonfly Leisure.

Walking football is a no-running version of football played in teams, and an excellent way to keep active. No prior experience is necessary and it can be a great way to catch up with friends, old and new.

Why not get in touch and join in, no previous

experience or skills required, 18+ only. Find out more on Facebook, simply search MSN Lioness Walking Football.

music

JUNE

3rd June – Chocker Band at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

3rd June – The Longshots at Mardons Club, from 9pm

9th June – SOS The Music of ABBA Tribute at Mardons Club (ticketed event)

10th June – Powerload at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

17th June – Squashed Flies at the Riverside Bar,from 8pm

17th June – Flick Switch at Mardons Club, from 9pm

24th June – Reboot Band at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

24th June – Haytown75 at the Mardons Club, from 9pm

JULY

1st July – Ragged Union at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

1st July – Outatime 80s Tribute at Mardons Club, from 9pm

8th July – Down and Dirty at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

15th July – Rough Justice at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

15th July – Freefall at Mardons Club, from 9pm

22nd July – Molly Chambers Band at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

22nd July – Hair Of The Dog at Mardons Club from 9pm

29th July – The Clones at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

29th July – Chasing The Beat at Mardons Club, from 9pm

AUGUST

5th August – Tequila Mocking Bird at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

12th August – The Picadilloes Band at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

12th August – VooDooSeven at Mardons Club, from 9pm

18th August – Trash Casino (Charity Night) at Mardons Club (Ticketed Event)

19th August – Fantastique at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

26th August – Rock solid at the Riverside Bar, from 8pm

Midsomer Love live music?

Then make sure you get these dates in the diary.

#lovelocallive

MIDSOMER N ORTON R UGBY C LUB

In what was a rollercoaster year for the sport, Midsomer Norton Rugby Club can be proud of what was an encouraging season across the board. The club continues to field three senior sides in the league system and the First XV competed extremely well, with the Second XV and a veteran Third XV showing signs of their revivals.

What was particularly exciting was how many youth players stepped up to the plate - including front row forwards, Alf Gregory, Jackson Carey and Henry Maclachlan, as well as backs, such as Kieron Humphries and Max Meacham. All of these featured in an exciting end to the season in the

Bath Combination Cup, in which Norton stunned Bath Uni 46-43 in the semi-final with three tries in the last 6 minutes, before falling narrowly to Chippenham - a side who finished second in the division above - in the final at The Rec.

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We also have an engineering department that offers servicing, and repairs on your mobility products either in our workshop or at your own home.

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The stand out player for the season was Hugh Jeffery, who finished the season with 33 tries and scored in both the Semi and Final. Honourable mentions should also go to imperious captain Tom Fear, as well as Joey Button, whose presence and aggression has helped the plethora of youngsters. With a great mix of characters across the club, Midsomer Norton - coached by Martin Blackmore with help from Rob Viol and Johannes Jonker - will expect to build upon the progress made this year in what is a very tough league.

The Junior Section also continues to thrive - with rugby for children across all the school years - and it's success can be best illustrated by the fact all 22 players plus the coach in First XV's Final at the Rec came through its ranks. For those interested in joining - at either senior or junior level - more information can be found at www.midsomernortonrfc.co.uk

The support of local businesses is vital to the running of Midsomer Norton Rugby Club and enables us to continue providing rugby opportunities to the local community.

The grounds and clubhouse host matches/events on over 40 weekends a year and are visited by players, families and spectators from around the South West and further, so you can be assured that your business will be seen regularly by people across the region.

The support of local businesses is genuinely appreciated by everyone involved with the club, which includes 3 senior teams of over 90 members and a thriving junior section of over 250 members. If you are interested or want to discuss any other sponsorship opportunities, please contact the club at midsomernortonrfc.co.uk or email info@midsomernortonrfc.co.uk

BROAD BEAN FRITTERS

These simple fritters make a good vegetarian main course but you could also serve smaller ones as starters or canapés for a summer party (they can be made in advance and gently warmed through in a low oven). Kids generally love them, particularly the dinky-sized ones.

Ingredients:

• 300g podded broad beans (about 900g in their pods)

• 125g self-raising flour

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tbsp crème fraîche

• 125ml milk

• 200g soft, mild sheep’s or goat’s cheese, crumbled

• Small handful of mint leaves, chopped

• Small handful of chives, snipped or chopped

• A little sunflower or olive oil and a knob of butter, for frying

• Sweet chilli sauce, to serve (optional)

Method

1. Cook the beans in a pan of boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and refresh in cold water. Peel off the outer skins and discard, leaving the bright green inner bean. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, eggs, crème fraîche and milk until you have a smooth, thick batter. Crumble in the cheese. Stir in the broad beans, mint and chives and season with salt and pepper.

2. Melt a little oil and butter in a large frying pan. Add spoonfuls of the mixture (you’ll need to cook in two or three batches) and cook on a medium heat for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown on the bottom (you’ll see small bubbles appearing from underneath as they’re ready). Flip and cook for 2 minutes or so on the other side, until cooked through. Serve with sweet chilli sauce for dipping, if you like.

Recipe by Riverford

SUMMER BERRY CHOCOLATE TRAYBAKE

Does anything say summer more than berries? This refreshing chocolate cake is a great addition to any BBQ, garden party or picnic this summer.

Ingredients:

• 175g self-raising flour

• 150g light brown sugar

• 50g cocoa powder

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 2 eggs

• 150ml milk

• 150ml oil (vegetable or sunflower)

• 450ml double cream

• Berries – we recommend strawberries, blueberries, raspberries & cherries

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4 and line the traybake tin with baking parchment.

2. In a mixing bowl, fully combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder and bicarbonate with the whisk before adding the milk, eggs and oil.

3. Mix everything together to form a smooth batter, then pour into a lined tin. Place in the oven on the middle shelf and bake for 25-30 minutes until springy in the centre.

4. Allow the sponge to cool before removing from the tin.

5. Whip the cream to soft peaks, swirl on top of the cooled sponge and top with your preferred berries just before serving.

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Leave the doom and gloom behind and think about joining our team, helping to get people active, getting out and meeting new people. If you have use of a car and want to stay healthy and boost your wellbeing, consider becoming a volunteer driver with Swan.

Whether you are a young driver or more experienced, we would love to hear from you and whatever time you can give will be valued. This is volunteering that works around you, not the other way around. We pay mileage expenses based on the Inland Revenue rates, and training and support is provided.

This role has direct contact with people and if you are not sure what it entails, you can try it out before deciding to join. Swan has a brilliant team of volunteer drivers who can show you the ropes and take you on a typical journey so that you can see if this is something you would benefit from and enjoy doing. Our driving team help to get people who have no transport of their own to take journeys across the B&NES County. We have regular and ad hoc trips with a wide variety of journeys and as a driver, you decide what type of journeys you enjoy, so you can pick what you

like. All the passengers you take will be mobile enough to get in and out of the car with minimal assistance.

Swan Transport assists residents in Bath & North East Somerset who are older and disabled people on low income. It enables people to participate in social, recreational and community opportunities and helps people remain independent.

If you are interested or just want to find out more, contact us on 01761 439548 or email office@ swan-transport.co.uk and talk to Sarah or Ann who can explain a bit more and answer your questions about volunteering as a driver with Swan.

Charity number 1141396. Co No 6883950. www.swan.chessck.co.uk

NEW rEC orDS SE t at thE TOWN PARK FREE 5K RUN

On Saturday, March 4th both the male and female records were broken at this regular free 5K event.

The new male course record is now held by Oliver Aldred, who ran in 18 minutes, 57 seconds whilst the female record we set by Victoria Ratcliffe in 21 minutes and 8 seconds. Both these runners are local and are members of Somer AC.

Congratulations to them both, as well as to all who took part, especially if it was their first 5K run.

This event is presented by Welton Church Runners and takes place on the first Saturday of the month at 9am at the Somer Centre.

Runners of all standards are welcome, as well as walkers. Free tea and cakes are served after the event.

To see more, visit their Facebook page (Midsomer Norton Town Park 5K) or to register to run /walk at tinyurl.com/weltonchurch5kseries

THE CARERS' C ENTRE CAN HELP

It's not always easy to recognise the impact of looking after your friends and family. You may be a mother, husband, son, friend, etc doing all that you can for them. It might feel like the extra help you provide doesn't really come with a name, it's something you do out of love or a sense of duty.

We know how challenging caring for someone due to old age, illness, disability, mental health difficulties or an addiction can be.

You can support a family member or friend at any age, but it can be especially tough if you're a young person. There's lots of tasks you might do to help them like the housework, giving medicine or managing family finances.

PAULTON DENTAL & IMPLANT CENTRE

The Carers' Centre offer many services to help and support carers. From emotional support to wellbeing activities to financial guidance and employment advice.

They enable people to improve their health and wellbeing by connecting them to others, and by helping them to take control of their caring role. They strive to work with the wider community to improve recognition and support for unpaid carers.

If you need any advice or support, you can find out more here www.banescarerscentre.org.uk or call the Freephone Support Line on 0800 0388 885 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 1pm) or email, support@banescarerscentre.org.uk.

Tel: 01761 416057

reception@paultondental.co.uk

Ivy Cottage, High Street, Paulton BS39 7QA

Smile Transformations in Paulton

Bespoke dental care delivered with a gentle approach, in a relaxed, friendly and professional atmosphere.

www.paultondental.co.uk

Dental Implants

Constantly improving our facilities, our equipment is kept up to date and our staff are highly trained in order to deliver a high level of dental care and a complete range of dental treatments to our patients.

HEARTTALKS for tho SE affEC tED bY prEGNa NCY Lo SS

HeartTalks was founded by Chantelle Walmsley, Pregnancy Loss Empowerment Practitioner Trainee, Nurse, Author (of The Girls that Refused to Quit: Vol 3) , Wife, Angel and Earth mama.

HeartTalks provides hope and empowers voices for those affected by pregnancy loss. Having experienced the challenge of accessing support during the pandemic following recurrent pregnancy loss, from this space of authenticity, Chantelle set out on a mission to not only bring about change, but to connect with other whispering hearts also requiring support at this difficult time.

After carrying out a local survey to understand the need for support locally, she set up a monthly peer support circle/group. The sessions run once a month at Unit 14 in Midsomer Norton. This FREE monthly, gentle and supportive space provides access to a community, information and emotional support. They provide Support Packs gifted from the community from our Amazon Wishlist to include self-care and wellbeing items. A drop in support library with printed educational information, resources and books to loan.

Heart Talks will be putting in a charity application in the summer. This will further support them to apply for funding in order to extend their mission and reach those further afield requiring much needed support with our monthly circles, support packs and resources.

Chantelle has been calling on the community to support them with this process and have been running a

series of local fundraising events and set up a gofundme page to help raise awareness and funds to continue the important service and submit the charity application.

HeartTalks is steadily growing interest and strives to reach as many requiring support locally, raising awareness through media, social media channels and publication of our free monthly support circles in Midsomer Norton. Partnering with the primary care networks, acute centres, and fertility services.

HeartTalks is dedicated to expanding our campaign to reach all areas and outside catchment areas so that those affected by pregnancy loss have access locally to the services that they need, in the time of need.

You can find out more at www.hearttalks.co.uk or email Support@hearttalks.co.uk

READY, SET, READ!

The theme for this year's Summer Reading Challenge is 'Ready, Set, Read!' Delivered in partnership with national children's charity the Youth Sport Trust and public libraries, this year's Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep children's minds and bodies active over the summer break, empowering young people to forge new connections with others and unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading.

Children are challenged to get reading over the summer holidays. From July to September, through taking part in the free Challenge, children will be able to join a superstar team and their marvellous mascots as they navigate a fictional summer

obstacle course brought to life with illustrations by children's illustrator Loretta Schauer, rewarded by free incentives, including stickers.

The Summer Reading Challenge shines a light on the power of public libraries as a hub for local communities and will bring together the benefits of sport, play and creativity. The Youth Sport Trust has developed fun family activity cards, which alongside the official 2023 Summer Reading Challenge book collection, will aim to keep imaginations moving over the school holiday. The Challenge and activity cards are available to access through the online digital platform, summerreadingchallenge.org.uk, to allow those with limited physical access to the library

Open Morning and Evenings at Wellsway School

Year 5 - Tuesday 4th July - Tours from 9.15am – 10.45am

Year 6 - Thursday 21st September - Tours from 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Year 6 - Tuesday 26th September - Tours from 9.15am – 10.45am

We are delighted to confirm our two open morning dates; we are offering tours to students and families who are interested in joining Wellsway School in September 2024. Visitors always comment on the purposeful, caring and happy ethos of the school, so what better way for you to find out about our vision and values than to come and experience them for yourselves? For those parents/carers who are unable to attend, there will be an additional Year 6 Open Evening in September. The morning will provide an opportunity to see the school in action; to visit curriculum areas and discuss the Wellsway School experience with students and staff.  Please be advised that the morning will finish at 10.45am, the last tour will depart at 10.20am. Our staff and students are the biggest advocate for our school and I am sure when you visit, you will see why we believe Wellsway School is a unique community.

Sixth Form Open Evening

Thursday 5th October, between 6.00pm – 8.00pm

We are delighted to invite key stage 4 students to our Sixth form open evening. On the evening students will be able see the enhanced range of subjects and enrichment opportunities on offer at Wellsway school and learn how we work as a collaborative Sixth Form ‘Futura Sixth’ to be a truly comprehensive sixth form. Students will have the opportunity to speak with staff; attend a presentation from school leaders; speak with sixth form students and discover more about our wide range of courses and experiences that support students throughout Post-16 and on to their next step. This will be followed up by our Open Morning for external applicants, on Wednesday 18th October 2023, between 9.05am - 10.45am.

to join in. By participating in the challenge, young people will have the opportunity to explore new reading material, develop skills, and discover new interests.

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and helps to prevent the summer reading 'dip' that many young people experience during their summer holidays while schools are closed. With the help of local libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is accessible to all and provides a fun, free activity for children. In 2022, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 723,184 children and families across the UK, with 608,015 children taking part through their local library service, a 31% increase compared to 2021.

The Challenge also drove 132,223 new children's library memberships which is 40% higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic total.

For more information, visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

LoCa L SC hooL C ELEbratED EARTH DAY

All the children at Midsomer Norton Primary School (MSNP) wore green to represent plants and new life in nature.

They were asked to bring in seeds or plants to support the school's Eco-Schools Action Plan. They are creating a ‘no-mow’ tranquil area with all the seeds contributed by the school's pupils - the peaceful spot will grow freely and encourage bees and butterflies. As a school they are concentrating on maximising the biodiversity of the grounds and keeping the area litter free.

All the classes took part in art based activities, making a pledge to our planet and they also had an Eco assembly by Ms Biss.

It’s essential to protect our planet and invest in our future because if we don’t take action now, we will lose 50% of the world’s species which will contribute to the collapse of the world’s food chain.

By William V, Jupiter Class (Year 5)

ADULT from £22p/m from £10p/m JUNIOR

NINJAIR • SOFT PLAY

LASER TAG • CLIMBING

TOYS & FLOATS POOL PARTIES

OFSTED REGISTERED CLUB

SOFT PLAY • SPORT WORKSHOPS

INTENSIVE SWIMMING LESSONS