The Wheel Spring 2023

A GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE

Bringing together Clandown, Haydon, Radstock and Writhlington.

Hello! Not only is this the first issue of 2023, it's also the 10th edition of the Wheel! There are loads of great things coming up for Radstock over 2023, you'll get to see a sneak peak of some of the exciting projects to come in this issue.

You can find out more about the Radstock Regeneration Plan, Radstock in Bloom have great tips for sustainable gardening and the 'Bee Bold" project that will enhance biodiversity and pollinator habitats in the area.

We hope you have a great Easter and we'll catch up with you in the summer.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

5k RUn AnD wALk

MAnOR COpSE UpDATE

COMMUnITY CAFÉS

OUR BLUE SpACES

1ST RADSTOCk BEAvERS

LOCAL pOLICE REpORT

TOwn COUnCIL pRECEpT

CREATIvITY wORkS

RADSTOCk MUSEUM

RADSTOCk LIBRARY

RADSTOCk REGEnERATIOn

RADSTOCk In BLOOM

YOUTH COnnECT

pOLLInATOR FUnD

CLERk ’S MESSAGE

TOwn COUnCILLORS

The next edition of The Wheel will be in May 2023. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 437962 before the deadline of 8th May 2023.

If you have difficulty reading the print, please contact the Town Clerk for a large print copy. You can also view The Wheel on the council’s website at www.radstock-tc.gov.uk.

The Wheel is produced by Ignyte Media Ltd, Bathway Farm, Bathway, Chewton Mendip, BA3 4LN. Tel 01761 410141. Whilst 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 Radstock 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.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Welcome to the 10th edition of The Wheel. We are now well into 2023. Here in Radstock, we can look back on 2022 with great pride. There were many achievements for the Town Council, including: continued local service provision, running the library and community hub, where there are regular activities, running community events, awarding community grants, and managing the progression of the Neighbourhood Development Plan. We are also pleased to be involved in plans for the future of Trinity Methodist Church. All this, and more, was achieved over the past year.

Funding has been secured for Haydon Batch in partnership with Somer Valley Rediscovered Green Recovery Fund and we look forward to the development of the Haydon Batch Master Plan.

Radstock is delighted to have been awarded funding from The West of England Combined Authority “Bee Bold” Pollinator Fund and you can read more details about the project later on in this edition of The Wheel.

We look forward to sharing our plans for the future of Trinity Methodist Church and it becoming a community building and home for the Town Council, library and community hub. It will once again hopefully become a welcoming home to many groups and organisations and a venue for events and activities.

We continue to work closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council on Radstock Town Centre improvements and will keep you updated with developments. You will have also seen that the redevelopment of the former Radco Superstore has commenced and we look forward to seeing work progress there.

The Annual Town Meeting will take place on

Wednesday 24th May at Trinity Methodist Church Hall from 6.30 to 8pm, Light refreshments will be served and we look forward to welcoming you along. We will also be acknowledging and recognising the huge contributions our Making A Difference nominees make to the well-being of Radstock and announcing an overall winner.

In Bloom are creating plans to brighten the Town and delight us with their floral displays. We look forward to hearing about their plans and wish all the In Bloom volunteers the greatest success for 2023.

We also look forward to celebrating the Coronation of His Majesty The King on Saturday 6th May, 2023. The Coronation Ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey, London, and will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Ceremony will see His Majesty King Charles III crowned alongside The Queen Consort.

We hope you will enjoy this edition of The Wheel, please do let us know if there is anything you would like to be included in future editions.

May I take this opportunity to wish you the very best for 2023 and I look forward to seeing you around the town.

With Best Wishes,

Nick Toogood Mayor of Radstock

FREE COMMUnITY 5k Run And WAlk

A free community run and walk is now available in the new Midsomer Norton Town Park.

Welton Church Runners have been working for 4 years to get a parkrun in the area but were turned down at the last minute by Parkrun HQ despite the course being approved by two local ambassadors. Not to be put off by this, the club gained community support from Welton Baptist Church, Bath & NorthEast Somerset Council, Midsomer Norton Town Council and St John’s Foundation and there is now a free event on the first Saturday of every month. After the event you can enjoy free refreshments in the Somer Centre. All runners, walkers and volunteers are welcome, no matter what your ability.

Please register for your place beforehand and collect your number from the Somer Centre from 8.15am the first time you run. The link to do this can be found on Facebook ‘midsomernortontownpark5k’ or tinyurl.com/weltonchurch5kseries.

Welton Church runners (and walkers) also meet every Saturday at 9am (at the Somer Centre). Everyone is welcome to join including those wanting encouragement with the Couch to 5k programme and walkers.

MAnOR COPSE UpDATE

In 2019, Bath and North East Somerset Council undertook a review of play areas that it manages across the district in order to be able to continue to deliver services within a sustainable budget. The review also sought to understand which of its spaces offered the best play value and to explore options for diversifying the play offer.

The outcome of the consultation about the play area at Manor Copse in Writhlington was inconclusive. The Council will need to remove the formal play equipment from the space at some point in the future because of budget pressures and to ensure that B&NES can continue to invest in formal play facilities at the nearby play area at Old Road; but

converting the space at Manor Copse, to something other than a traditional formal play area, will require a significant investment of time and funds to help design and landscape a space that meets the needs of residents and is sustainable to manage.

Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Parks Team is hoping to re-visit the process of re-designing the space as part of the Somer Valley Re-discovered project. In the meantime, we do need to remove the slide at Manor Copse within the coming months. It has reached its end of life and will become unsafe if we don’t remove it soon; but there will be no changes to the other play equipment at Manor Copse without consulting residents first.

COMMunitY CAféS Up AnD RUnnInG AT RADSTOCk MUSEUM

We are pleased to report that the Community Cafés at Radstock Museum are up and running again. They are all free (although a small donation is welcome).

There are three cafés so far, two of which the members have chosen to name as clubs. The Memory Club is a stimulating session for people with memory loss and dementia, with activities based on different senses, games and crafts and time to chat over a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits. It is held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, 10.30am-12 noon.

The Local History Club is a group to share local history, peoples’ stories and to discover hidden treasures with games, quizzes, tea/coffee and biscuits. It is held on 1st and 3rd Monday of every month, 10.30am-12 noon.

And the Wellbeing Café for Carers is a group to chat and relax, try different craft activities with some games and maybe exercise or a stretch. Tea/coffee and biscuits included. It is held on the 4th Monday of every month 2pm-3.30pm.

A member of the carers’ cafés said: "It's brilliant to have a local group to go to because most of the groups are in Bath, which is too far for me. I really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the community cafés and the volunteers are very friendly and welcoming."

If you are interested in joining one of the cafés, contact Jenny Newbury on 07811 073025 or events@radstockmuseum.co.uk. Or just come along to a café. Feel free to bring a friend and/or come and make new ones.

Free Energy Advice

As the temperature continues to drop, the centre for sustainable energy team want to ensure that everyone in BANES has access to advice and information to help keep their homes warm.

They’ll be giving advice on making your home more energy efficient, reducing energy bills, ways to increase your income and ways to save money. If you have any questions, please come along.

The sessions will be in Radstock Library and are open to anyone on the first Tuesday of the month from 10.30am till 1.30pm.

• Tuesday 7th March - 10.30am till 1.30pm

• Tuesday 4th April - 10.30am till 1.30pm

If you're unable to attend a session in person, please call our advice line for further help and advice on 0800 082 2234

The theme is GREEN– improve the environment, get people outside, increase

OuR BluE SPACES pROJECT

The Bristol Avon Rivers Trust's (BART) Our Blue Spaces project was created to encourage communities to reconnect with their blue spaces, such as rivers, streams, and ponds, in order to learn more about freshwater environments, gain new skills, improve their mental health, and meet new people in their community. The project aims to instil a new appreciation and devotion for the natural environment in the Somer Valley Rediscovered (SVR) area around Midsomer Norton and Radstock, as well as to provide new and exciting ways for the local community to enjoy their blue and green spaces in the area, including highlighting the important role that the Cam and Wellow Brook can play in providing opportunities to enhance nature, public wellbeing, and the local economy.

The Covid-19 pandemic forced communities to spend less time outside in nature with one another, which has had a negative impact on many people's mental and physical health. Aside from the pandemic, climate change is impacting on our freshwater ecosystems, causing drought and flooding in many parts of the UK, including the Bristol Avon catchment. Recent extreme weather events have

highlighted the need for our rivers to become more resilient to these pressures, as well as their role in improving health and wellbeing and providing wildlife habitat.

BART's first event was a river dip along the Wellow Brook in Midsomer Norton on Saturday, October 1st 2022. Participants learned how to kick sample, identify a variety of freshwater invertebrates, and gained a better understanding of the Wellow Brook's health. Members of the BART team educated participants on the major threats to river environments and aquatic life, as well as how people's behaviour at home, such as water usage, and everyday habits can impact river health. Members of the community were able to reconnect with their local river and learn about the pressures impacting our freshwater environments and the creatures that live there, all while developing new skills.

1St RAdStOCk BEAvERS vISIT THE LIBRARY

1st Radstock Beavers enjoyed a trip to Radstock Library and Community Hub on Wednesday 1st February. They worked towards their Book Reader badge by talking about their favourite books and how to care for them, as well as craft activities, including making a bookmark.

Town Council Officer Diane, and volunteers, Julie and Mike, who helped on the evening, also talked to the Beavers about activities and facilities available at the Hub, including craft sessions and the borrowing of litter pickers.

Mike and Julie said: “We had great fun with the Beavers they were very interactive and we enjoyed showing them how to look after books and listened to them telling us about their favourite books.”

They finished the meeting by investing one of their newest members but still have room for more, if interested in joining please contact 1stradstockbeavers@gmail.com

DRIvE FOR GOOD HEALTH AT SWAn tRAnSPORt

Swan- Transport volunteer drivers help to get local people out and about who are unable to use conventional public transport and whilst driving, they get to meet 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. Being active in the community and volunteering has many health and wellbeing benefits.

A recent study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that people who volunteer are happier than those who do not. Every two years from 1996 to 2014, researchers took data from nearly 70,000 research participants about their volunteering habits, mental health, levels of stress, and daily mood. Volunteering can make a positive difference to our own and others’ lives at the same time as benefiting our local communities.

Whether you’re 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 volunteer driving team help to get people who have no transport of their own to take journeys across the B&NES. 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.

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.

lOCAl POliCE REPORt

I write this article whilst having the pleasure of looking at crime figures for the Somer Valley beat, which encompasses Radstock, Westfield and Midsomer Norton and I am delighted to say overall crime in the last 3 months has fallen by 75% compared to the same period 12 months ago. Last year for November, December and January we had 230 recorded crimes for the area. This year we only have 183 recorded crimes. I am sure there are many factors to this, but I like to think that some of this will be down to the hard work of the PCs and PCSOs on your neighbourhood team. A lot of their work behind the scenes goes unnoticed but everything we do aims to have a positive impact.

My main focus for the next few months will be working even harder to disrupt the supply of controlled drugs in the area by robust policing of suspected drug dealers. This can only happen if we are in possession of the community intelligence around who out there is supplying drugs. I would urge all residents to speak to the local beat team, call 101 or call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report any concerns or suspicions they have. With

the right community intelligence, I am more than happy to visit any address with my big red key. We have had some great success stories in the last 12 months in relation to drugs including a warrant being executed in Radstock and pro-active searches in local parks where 1000s of Class C pills were seized. Both cases are progressing through court, but I want to build upon this impetus.

In the police, I have very quickly learnt that we cannot please everybody all the time. I have a small team of neighbourhood officers working from Radstock police station and every member of the public will have a different priority, so we have to focus on what we assess has the highest threat. I would remind the local residents that you are fortunate to have a local station where police officers on the response teams parade 24/7. Just because the front office isn’t open 24/7 doesn’t mean police officers are not working. This isn’t always the case locally or nationally in towns of a similar size and long may it continue that Radstock, Westfield and Midsomer Norton is serviced by local officers.

Sgt 432 Lee Humphreys

RADSTOCk TOwn COUnCIL PRECEPt 2023/4

The Precept is a levy raised by the Town Council to fund expenditure for the year, as part of our plan to make Radstock a great place to live, work and shop.

The precept supports the running of the Community Hub and Library; grants to local community groups and activities such as the Christmas lights and youth services; and maintenance of our play and outside facilities at Tom Huyton Park, Haydon Batch, Haydon Allotments, Memorial Gardens, and Southfield Recreation Ground.

This year’s plans include acquisition of a new community building and relocation of the Community Hub and Library.

The Town Council remains committed to provide value for money, especially this year when we are all struggling with the increases in the cost of energy and food.

The budget this year has balanced the impact of inflation on the council’s operations with the constant desire to keep increases to a minimum. The Town Council has been fortunate to receive grant funding that has enabled the progression of many projects and activities. Some of these projects are only possible with the support of Somer Valley Rediscovered, Bath & NE Somerset Council, the West of England Combined Authority and Radstock In Bloom.

Next year’s projects will include continued work on the Bee Bold Pollinator project at Southfield Recreation Ground, Haydon Batch and upgrades and improvements to Tom Huyton Park.

The 1.88% increase to the precept equates to an annual charge to residents of £159.59 for a Band D equivalent property, or an annual increase of £3.07. Many of the houses in Radstock are a lower banding, meaning your overall payment may be smaller.

The opposite page shows a breakdown of the income and expenditure for the 2023 – 2024. You will notice there is a difference of £ 255,730; this represents the use of earmarked reserves for current projects enabling us to keep the precept increase as low as possible.

Last year saw the continued work on the Haydon Batch Master Plan with public consultations taking place and funding granted in partnership with the Somer Valley Rediscovered Green Recovery Fund.

The Sakura Cherry Tree Project saw the planting of 6 cherry trees on Jubilee Crescent; a Jubilee Commemoration Bench installed in the Miners Memorial Gardens and continued maintenance of our open spaces with work carried out on play equipment in Tom Huyton Park.

The Town Council supported work placements and work experience which involved the Princes Trust renovating benches in Tom Huyton, while the Library and Community Hub hosted many activities which were much enjoyed by residents young and old.

The future of the former Trinity Methodist Church has been of great importance over the last year and much work has been taking place to acquire and

Grants awarded

develop the building for future community use.

Work has continued to develop the Neighbourhood Plan for Radstock and next year will see residents invited to take part in public consultations that will help shape the plan further.

local Services for local People

The Town Council administers the following services and facilities:

 Tom Huyton Memorial play park at Somervale Road

 Radstock Memorial Gardens & War Memorial at Waterloo Road

 Recreation grounds and park at Southfield

 Greenspace at Church Street

 Community Library Services

 Community Hub

 Free PCs

 Support for Youth Provision

 Grounds maintenance services

 Miners' Wheel memorial at Waterloo Road

 Public conveniences at Somervale Road

 Bus shelters and public seats

 Litter and dog waste bins

 Jubilee Crescent

 Support of Radstock in Bloom

 Allotments at Haydon

 Haydon Batch

 Radstock Food Club

Advice Network £1,000.00 Radstock Museum £850.00 SWALLOW £956.00

Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band £1,000.00

Southside Family Project £1,000.00

 Litter Hub (with Radstock in Bloom)

 Used Stamp collection site for RNIB

a full list of your Town councillors can be found on page 31

 in the

 

Our popular Community (no audition) Choirs take place each week at:

MONDAY IN FROME from 2pm-4pm at HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

TUESDAY IN WELLS from 2pm-4pm at ST THOMAS CHURCH

WEDNESDAY IN KEYNSHAM from 2pm-4pm at KEYNSHAM METHODIST CHURCH

THURSDAY IN BATH from 2pm-4pm at WIDCOMBE BAPTIST

THURSDAY from 2pm-4pm at MIDSOMER NORTON METHODIST CHURCH

NORTON RADSTOCK

There’s no charge to attend your ‘meet us’ rehearsal. The pictures above were taken at the recent Bath Abbey BIG SING – 100s of our Good Afternoon Choir members enjoying a workshop and evening concert.

CREAtivitY WORkS And PARtnERS OFFER nEw wORkSHOpS

New Free Photography Group in Radstock

Radstock Snap and Stroll

Tuesdays, 2-4pm

Meet at the Swallows Cafe, BA3 3QG

To book please contact Laura: laura@creativityworks.org.uk | 07715 382877

A local wellbeing photography group exploring in and around Radstock and further afield. No experience or fancy camera required! Bring a camera or phone, appropriate clothing for the weather and an open mind. Meet new people and enjoy snapping and strolling.

Free Drop-in Workshops at the Former Trinity Methodist Church

Make and Mend: Scrap to Sculpture

Tuesdays, 9:30 – 11:30am

At the former Trinity Methodist Church, 27 Wesley Road, Radstock, BA3 1DB

Activities will be based around making scrap art, willow weaving, crafting, sewing and more.

All materials are provided, and you can bring clothes from home you’d like to mend or upcycle. Our team of artists is here to help you learn new techniques or simply have a chat over a cuppa.

Parents with young children are particularly welcome - we have toys and pre-school activities so everyone can have fun and be creative

Free refreshments and snacks are provided.

For more information please visit www.lostrobot.org/ radstock or email Producer@lostrobot.org.

Weekly craft workshops at Peasedown Saint John

‘Crafty Minds’ is a new creative wellbeing group with Bath Mind. Meets every Monday, 1:30 – 3:30pm at The Hive, Bath Road, Peasedown Saint John, Bath, BA2 8DH.

Enjoy fun and relaxed crafting with a focus on wellbeing and enjoying creativity together. Each session costs just £3 to cover materials. To join please email wellbeing@bathmind.org.uk or phone 07538 113890.

To find out about our other workshops and projects please sign-up to our monthly newsletter: www. creativityworks.org.uk/newsletter-signup/ Or follow us:

Facebook: CW4everyone

Instagram: creativityworksuk

Twitter: CW4everyone

BUILDInG TOY E xHIBITIOn AT RAdStOCk MuSEuM

Radstock Museum has a new temporary exhibition for spring called “Buildings in a Box: the miniature world of architectural construction toys.” Open from 1st February to 14th May 2023.

The exhibition draws from the personal collection of the curator and shows the wonderfully wide range of architectural building toys that have been produced across the world from the mid-nineteenth century onwards. From simple wooden nursery blocks, through complicated constructions of metal to the familiar interlocking plastic bricks of today, toymakers have given children the chance to build houses, castles, log cabins, railway stations and so much more.

We are open in the afternoons Tuesday through to Sunday from 2pm until 5pm and on Saturdays

we are open 11am until 5pm. Our tearoom and bookshop are also open and temporary exhibitions are included in the museum entrance ticket.

ACTIvITIES AnD EvEnTS AT RAdStOCk liBRARY

The Library hosts regular activities and events –keep an eye on our Facebook page, website and posters at the Library for up to date information.

Knitting & Crochet Workshop - On the morning of the first Tuesday of the month the sound of chatter and laughter, usually drowning out the clicking of knitting needles, come along and join this cheerful group from 10.00 to 11.30am. All welcome.

Read and Rhyme – On the mornings of the first and third Thursday of the month is ‘Read and Rhyme’ with songs and stories and musical instruments from 9.30am onwards.

Board & Card Games - On the third Tuesday of every month, we are starting board and card games. So even if you’ve not played for ages, bring your favourite board game along, pass the time in the warm with company of like-minded people.

We are always looking for adult volunteers so if you have a couple of hours free during the day and would like to help out at the Library just pop in and say hello.

The Library is free to join and membership gives you access to e-books to download, audio books, magazines and newspapers, as well as over 2.5million books across the 145 Libraries West partners. We are open Tuesday, 9am -4pm, Wednesday, 10.30am-5pm and Thursday, 9am -4pm.

We have books for all ages – picture books for the very young, books for young readers, graphic novels, books for teenagers, books offering help with relationships, feelings and life events, such as going to school for the first time or visiting the doctor, books with advice for adults on lifestyle, books for gardeners, cooks, home decorators - plus the usual crime and adventure novels, romantic and fantasy novels.

RAdStOCk REGEnERAtiOn TOwn CEnTRE ACTIOn pLAn

An action plan to regenerate Radstock town centre is being developed thanks to funding secured by Bath & North East Somerset Council from the West of England Combined Authority’s Housing and Regeneration Enabling Fund.

The Action Plan will focus on improvements to the vitality and viability of Radstock Town Centre, including bringing vacant and soon to be vacant buildings and shops back into active use and assisting community organisations in the town, improvements to the Town Centre including, new street trees and identifying redevelopment opportunities. The plan is being developed by the B&NES Council in partnership with Radstock Town Council.

Following on from feedback received in September & October 2022, we are now inviting residents and businesses to have their say on the action plan project ideas. Information will be on display in Radstock Library until the 7th March and a drop-in session will take place between 1pm – 6pm on 28th February. An online survey will also be available on the Radstock Town Council website.

We will be asking for further feedback on the following projects ideas:

• Working with Radstock Town Council to develop Trinity Methodist Church as a community hub

• Radstock Cultural programme

• Event space for hosting outdoor events

• Tree planting in the town centre

• Parking, signage & pedestrian improvements

• Improvement of the town centre offering, including, public toilet provision, promotion of historic environment, better mix of shops, public realm, streetscape & digital infrastructure

• Management of vacant properties including temporary uses for vacant shops

• Site improvements

The project partners will seek funding to deliver these improvements with delivery expected from 2024-25 onwards.

B&NES Council launched its new Local Plan for the district in September 2022 which will provide a new overall planning framework for Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and Radstock. The regeneration action plans will complement and inform the new Local Plan.

RAdStOCk in BlOOM

This year, Radstock in Bloom will commemorate our town's heritage and mark 50 years since the closures of the last mine in 1973. Our baskets will be adored with red, yellow, green and white symbolising the flag of the Somerset District Miners. We have several surprises to include in this year’s display, alongside a major project for the area.

We are also, continuing our sustainability drive and expanding our knowledge. We would like to share with you some information we have called...

operation Quench

The changing climate will have a big impact on the way we garden. 2022 was an exceptionally dry year and we all struggled with watering our gardens, baskets and pots. Radstock in Bloom have been researching water usage in the garden and have come up with Operation Quench, which should help reduce our water consumption in our gardens. We’d like to share our research with Radstock residents and readers of The Wheel, in the hope we can all think about how to reduce our water consumption and keep our plants and gardens healthy in dry or drought periods.

collect rainwater: Even in dry districts, 24,000 litres (5280 gallons or 150 water butts) could be collected from an average sized roof each year. However, most water falls in winter, and would have to be stored for use in summer. DIY stores are good places to purchase basic plastic water butts. It is easier to access the water if the butt has a tap at the base and sits on a stand, so that the watering can will stand on the ground under the tap. Stands can be either ready-made or improvised with a pile of bricks, but it’s important to make the base firm and level in case it topples, and use the lid supplied to stop wildlife falling in, prevent algae growth and discourage mosquitoes.

add organic matter to your soil: keeping your soil healthy by adding organic matter should help to

minimise the need for watering. As well as nourishing your soil, use bulky materials like garden compost or well-rotted manures. These materials release nutrients slowly, improve soil conditions and stimulate essential micro-organisms.

Where possible sow and plant in autumn or early Spring: Plants need the most water in hot, dry and windy weather, which is usually when water companies are least able to meet demand. Plants are most vulnerable to shortages of water when they are first planted when their roots have not yet established into the deeper, moister layers of soil. Planting in the Autumn or early Spring gives the plants time to establish and roots time to reach into the deeper layers of soil.

Plant or sow into wet ground – or after rain:

Newly planted shrubs, trees, herbaceous perennials, seedlings, annuals and vegetables will all need to be watered carefully until their roots establish.

mulch the ground: Mulches can be split into two main groups; Biodegradable; garden compost, wood chippings, bark and leaf mould. Non –Biodegradable; slate, shingle, pebbles, gravel, stone chippings and other decorative aggregates. Benefits of mulching include helping soils retain moisture, suppress weeds, protect plant roots from extreme hot and cold temperatures and give a decorative finish to your pots and beds.

Water heavily: This means less often and avoid watering gardens and plants between 11am-4pm in the summer. Water the soil and base of the plants NOT OVER the plant.

Where possible, use a watering can: A hose uses around 135 litres of water for every 15 minutes of use. That is the equivalent of approximately nineteen, 7 litre watering cans.

If you’d like to get involved, please contact us via email or speak to us in the streets, its not all about the flowers. radstockinbloom@gmail.com

Opening times: Weekdays 09.30 – 18.00

Weekends & School Holidays 09.30 – 16.30

Address: Planet Volt

c/o The Centurion Hotel, Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton BA3 4BD

When it comes to taking care of our pet’s wellbeing, keeping an eye on their oral health is a massive factor in ensuring they stay fit and healthy. Like us humans, there are a multitude of ways we can keep our pet’s teeth in check, and looking and smelling clean all day long. From ultrasonic teeth cleaning to dental chews, we have everything you need to keep your dog’s gnashers in check and their smile beaming 24 hours a day.

Bad breath in dogs can be caused by a multitude of reasons and are very common. In fact, 80% of dogs begin to show signs of oral disease by the time they are 2 years old! The causes include food residues on or between the teeth, or residues from play activities like chewing. Even if these reasons for bad breath in dogs are relatively harmless, they should be taken seriously, because if ignored, they can lead to tartar.

Ultrasonic tooth brushing is a great help in removing tartar and preventing build up.

The ultrasound waves are transmitted via each wet toothbrush bristle to the toothpaste, creating millions of micro-bubbles that penetrate deep below the gumline & into the smallest gaps between the teeth & gum pockets. The ultrasound also increases the blood flow to the gums to heal wounds & stop bleeding.

Another vital element of our dog’s health is their coats, and thankfully there are a few very easy steps you can

take in order to keep your dogs’ coats and skin healthy. A dog's coat and skin make up between 10% and 15% of its entire body weight and is the biggest essential organ of your canine companion's body. Your dog’s skin and coat are also a great indicator if there is a problem and is often the first thing a vet will look at when examining them.

Regular grooming and washing with natural soaps and shampoos, alongside treats and chews that are loaded with skin and coat friendly nutrients, are all great methods in taking steps to look after your furry friend’s precious coats. We recommend researching what fur type your dog has, as this can influence how frequently they need to be groomed, as well as what brush type needs to be used! Dogs with a curly coat, such as doodle varieties, need to be particularly careful of matting as this can cause pain and discomfort, so regular brushing is needed to prevent this.

So, when it comes to keeping your four-legged friends pain free, whether that’s their oral health or their coats, with a few simple snacks, some wonderful washes and glorious grooming products, it’s easy to keep your dog’s skin, coat and teeth looking and feeling at their very best.

If you need any advice, please do pop into The Dog Groomery, or send us an email!

YOutH COnnECt SOutH WESt

Youth Connect South West Youth Services operate from Radstock Youth Hub on Church Street in Radstock and are open Monday and Wednesday evenings.

Monday’s session is changing to a project night for young people aged 13-19, and will see the start of a brilliant collaboration between YCSW and Creativity Works to run an arts project all about young futures, volunteering and gaining creative experience. The project is all about young people taking a lead on designing and creating, hosting and running an event/installations/galleries. It aims to give young people an insight into the field, how collaborative art work can be delivered in the community whilst learning new skills. The outcome for the project will be to have a presence within the Radstock Festival mid year. Starting from February 27th, 7-9pm, young people can just turn up to get involved.

Our senior session, on Wednesdays, from 7-9pm, continues to engage young people aged 13-19 in positive activities and young people have been busy over the winter months learning new skills in stone carving with Ruby from Little Lost Robot, working with Creativity Works and funded by WECA.

It’s been a hugely popular activity giving young people new skills to work with different mediums and work collaborately with artists to create works in the community. The young people will be working on a bench for Charley’s Garden in the community and then go on to learn how to start building speakers and event spaces. Alongside this, from March, at the sessions, along with Bath Festivals, the team will be offering music sessions, with DJing, all hoping to tie together to showcase the community later.

For more information about sessions in Radstock at our Youth Hub, please contact;

Carrie Ford, NES Youth Work Team Leader07875488718

Facebook - Youth Connect SouthWest Instagram - @youthconnectsouthwest

COMMunitY POllinAtOR fund

Radstock Town Council are delighted to have been awarded funding from the West of England Combined Authority's “Bee Bold” Pollinator Fund. The Fund has been created to support communityled ecology projects that enhance biodiversity and pollinator habitats across the West of England region and the funds objectives are:

• To create and enhance the biodiversity in the area with an emphasis on improving pollinator habitats to contribute towards the regional ambition to increase the abundance of wildlife by 2030

• To raise awareness and empower communities to take action to address the ecological emergency

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The project will be known as “Southfield Community Garden” and will be sited at Southfield Recreation Ground, a greenspace for the community managed by the Town Council. Funded by the West of England Combined Authority.

The Town Council are delighted to be working in partnership with Radstock in Bloom to deliver this fantastic project.

At its heart, the project will revitalise a former play area into a Community Garden with an emphasis on creating pollinator habitats. An educational classroom area will be installed to raise awareness and empower the community to address the current ecological emergency and teach about how they can play their part to support bees and pollinators in our area.

Across the wider area, there will be extensive planting of a wide variety of nectar and pollen-rich flowers and shrubs, with a focus to ensure the planting covers the whole year with particular emphasis on Spring and Summer.

The project will encourage the support of volunteers and will encourage the involvement of local residents, community groups and partners. Local schools will be invited to take part too. If you are interested in

volunteering, please contact us, we would love to hear from you.

We look forward to sharing further updates as the project develops. For further information contact us: council@radstock-tc.gov.uk

01761 437962

www.radstock-tc.gov.uk

radstockinbloom@gmail.com

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ClERk ’S MESSAGE

Hello all,

Signs of spring are finally coming and it is starting to get a little warmer – hurrah!

This winter has been challenging, thinking about how we can stay warm and be smarter about how we use energy. The community hub and library has become a warm space, a breast-feeding welcome venue and our amazing volunteers and supporters have run more workshops and events. It has been lovely to see so many children and adults join in with these amazing activities and our visitors increase. The Radstock Foodies Club have also been busy and have found grants and funds that have supported the club. I really couldn’t be prouder of them all and their efforts.

Details of this years’ budget are on page 16. The Town Council have been very fortunate to have received grant funding that have enabled us to carry out some of the projects (many that have already started this year). They include the amazing Bee Bold Pollinator grant in partnership with Radstock In Bloom and the Green Spaces Project with Somer Valley Rediscovered that will start the master plan works at Haydon Batch. The Radstock Regeneration project with Bath & NE Somerset Council also continues and there will be consultation at the end of this month.

Have you heard about the Making a Difference Awards? The Town Council introduced the awards several years ago. It is designed to recognise the amazing work of our unsung heroes and Town supporters. The Council have nominated many people this year but all residents are welcome to nominate anyone they feel have gone above and beyond in our community. If you have someone you think should be recognised, please do get in touch.

Please take note of this year’s Annual Town Meeting. All award winners will be invited to the event along with our grant recipients who will be there to update you on their progress. The meeting is open to all and

we welcome your thoughts and comments on how the town can be improved. This year’s meeting will be held on Wednesday 24th May 2023 at Trinity Methodist Church, Radstock.

This year will also see the Local Elections in May. Are you interested in becoming more involved in your community? A councillor’s role is to represent the views, wants and needs of their ward members and balance these wants and needs to shape the direction of the Town/Parish Council. A councillor can make a huge difference to the area in which they stand and shape the area for the future. The Town Council is the closest tier of government to residents and as such can provide support to bridge the gap between those levels. The responsibilities of a councillor are to: represent the ward for which they are elected, decision making, developing and reviewing council policy, scrutinising decisions taken by the councillors as well as regulatory and statutory duties. To qualify to become a councillor you must live or work within the area. You can find more details on becoming a Councillor on our website.

If you want to make a difference to our community but do not want to become a councillor there are many ways you can get involved. It can be as much or as little commitment as you wish from completing surveys so we can understand your views (for example the Neighbourhood Development Plan), volunteer in the Library for a few hours, litter picking or report a road or pavement issue via ‘fix my street.’

Thank you in advance of everything you do to make the community a great one.

Take care all.

George

YOUR TOwn COUNCILLORS

cllr

Radstock Haydon Ward

T: 01761 432739

M: 07813 904923

E: garydando41@gmail.com

Radstock Centre Ward

T: 01761 432918

M: 0771 3103380

E: chrisdando3@gmail.com

cllr

Radstock Centre Ward

T: 01761 439119

E: edegarry48@gmail.com

Radstock Centre Ward

M: 07980 607127

E: rupert.s.bevan@gmail.com

cllr

Radstock Haydon Ward

T: 01761 436681

E: mikeboulton@headweb.co.uk

Radstock Writhlington Ward

M: 07715 939804

E: n-toogood@sky.com

Radstock Clandown Ward

T: 01761 751117

E: bruceshearn@yahoo.co.uk

cllr

Radstock Centre Ward

T: 01761 420296

E: colinandrewcurrie11@gmail.com

RADSTOCK TOWN COUNCIL

Radstock Community Hub The Street Radstock

Somerset, BA3 3PR

T: 01761 437962

E: council@radstock-tc. gov.uk

Radstock Writhlington Ward

M: 07970 708216

E: roblangley04@gmail.com

M: 07710 263998

E: m.shearn3198@googlemail.com

M: 07812 046091

E: awdodgson@gmail.com

www.radstock-tc.gov.uk

Gary Dando

mike Boulton

cllr Robert langley

cllr chris Dando

cllr nick Toogood - mayor

cllr m atthew Shearn

mrs elizabeth Derl-Davis

cllr Bruce Shearn

cllr adrian Dodgson

cllr Rupert Bevan

colin currie

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