The Wheel -Autumn 2022

Autumn 2022 Issue 8

A GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE

CONTENTS

Bringing together Clandown, Haydon, Radstock and Writhlington.

Welcome to the autumn edition of the

Wheel, we hope you have had a lovely summer and that you didn’t suffer too much during the recent heatwaves!

In this latest issue, we would like to introduce you to Radstock’s new mayor, Nick Toogood and share the responses from the Haydon Batch consultation which took place earlier in the year.

There are lots of ways that you can get involved in events and activities across the town, from joining in with the Summer Reading Challenge with Radstock Library or volunteering with Radstock in Bloom, litter picking or Radstock Museum. You can find out more about all these opportunities and more in this issue.

If you have anything you would like to submit for our Winter issue, get in touch with us on news@ignyte-uk.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you and we’ll see you next season. thewheelradstock

thewheelradstock

WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO 3000 HOMES IN THE AREA? PRICES START FROM JUST £55

CALL CARMEN ON 01761 410141

MAYOR’S MESSAGE Haydon BaTCH UPDATE RADSTOCK IN BLOOM YOUTH CONNECT SWAN TRANSPORT CREATIVITY WORKS Community Policing RADSTOCK LIBRARY SWALLOW CAFÉ NO PLACE FOR LITTER HUB BIG LOCAL RADSTOCK MUSEUM LET's GET BUZZING FUTURE BRIGHT PROJECT SCOPE TOWN COUNCILLORS CLERK’S MESSAGE

4 5 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 22 23 24 29 30

The next edition of The Wheel will be in November 2022. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 437962 before the deadline of 14th October 2022.

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.

4

The Wheel

MAYOR’S MESSAGE A very warm welcome to the eighth edition of

The Wheel, a magazine for the people of Radstock, which we hope you will continue to find informative and interesting.

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Rupert Bevan for all he did through his tenure as Mayor during particularly difficult and unprecedented times for all.

I am delighted to have been elected as the new Mayor for Radstock and look forward to leading the Council and working closely with my fellow councillors and the people of Radstock. I hope that my experience as Ward Councillor to Writhlington for the last ten years will hold me in good stead for the position. The last ten years has taught me the importance of listening and representing the people of Writhlington, which I have done to the best of my ability.

I have strong community and family roots in the town having lived here since 1969 and a great passion for the outdoors, in particular the growing and showing of Dahlias.

The Town Council is working on some exciting projects for the Town, including Haydon Batch, the recent public consultation will help to guide the future masterplan. I thank everyone who participated in the consultation, it provided valuable feedback.

Bath & North East Somerset Council have recently

drawn up the Radstock Town Centre Action Plan, which you can view on the Town Council’s website or read about in this edition of The Wheel. It is an interesting plan which we hope will guide the future of our town.

May I take the opportunity to wish you all a very happy autumn, I look forward to seeing you around the Town.

Nick Toogood Mayor of Radstock

ADVERTISE TO 3000 HOMES IN THE AREA CALL ZOE ON 01761 410141

The Wheel

5

Haydon BatcH – Consultation Results and Update Since

the consultation exhibition in the Community Hub in the spring, the consultation was left open to give everyone sufficient opportunity to comment on the proposals. In all, 61 people completed questionnaires. The majority of whom were in the 50 plus age bracket. Under 25s were particularly under represented, but it is hoped we can undertake further consultation with this age group with the help of Youth Connect South West.

In general the feedback was positive, with 57% of respondents saying that the proposals would likely result in them using the site more and a massive 81% saying that they felt that the balance of the masterplan was about right.

In relation to the proposed features, improved accessibility, improved paths, provision of seating and picnic benches, and improvements to the entrances were the most popular features.

There were quite a few negative comments about the proposed football pitch and facilities. However, this feature does not form part of the Haydon Batch project itself as it is not on the Town Council's Land and is being promoted by the Haydon Village Hall Trust rather than the Town Council. The proposals were simply shown on the masterplan for context.

The outcome of the current planning application will need to feed into detailed proposals and the exact location for the Haydon entrance to the batch site.

Some people were concerned that the proposed shelter is not appropriate, however others had expressed desire for a shelter from wind and rain.

Additionally, some of the groups (Arts and Health and Wellbeing groups) who will potentially make use of the site have expressed that a shelter would be an important feature for them. The shelter will remain as an option on the masterplan, but probably not one of the first items to be progressed. In due course, its design would need careful consideration to help ensure vandal resistance and that it did not form a focus for antisocial activity.

Another recurring concern is use by motorcycles.

It is not possible to physically prevent access to motorcycles without prejudicing other users (mobility buggies / push chairs). With increased positive use, the site should become less attractive to motorcycle users. This will be combined with an active campaign to make contact with the few motorcyclists concerned and discourage this use of the site.

The Town Council are currently looking at funding options to progress a first phase of improvement works on site and are working in partnership with the B&NES Somer Valley Rediscovered project to seek a green spaces grant from the West of England Combined Authority.

Meanwhile, this summer two species of wild orchid have been recorded at Haydon Batch for the first time, a single Green Winged orchid and a group of about 20 Bee Orchids. This is testament to the high ecological value of the grassland, the preservation of which forms one of the core objectives of the project, embodied in the Masterplan.

6

The Wheel

RADSTOCK IN BLOOM When I joined the fantastic group of volunteers

that make up the 'Radstock In Bloom' team, I thought I was signing up to occasionally planting up some tubs, watering display beds and the odd bit of weeding. I am a keen gardener and giving back to the local community in this way was something I had always intended to do once I’d finished “paid” work.

So when I was invited to rejuvenate the Church Street bed, next to the Library car park, I quickly realised that this particular area was more of a ‘Challenge Aneka’ project than “project potter”.

In late spring of 2001, work began. The bed was large, overrun with ivy, couch grass, ground elder, brambles etc. The soil was starved of any light and nutrients and the only plants that were identifiable were either strangled or smothered. A beautiful Radstock white lias stone wall stood smothered by brambles and ivy and the really tall conifer was choking under the same. I had no idea what lay underneath all of this and was at times a little hesitant to find out! But have you heard the old adage ‘how do you eat an elephant?’ The answer?

One piece at a time; so that’s exactly how the transformation began.

By June 2021, the bed was cleared from the main Radstock Road as far as the conifer and it was so thrilling to discover hidden gems. The wall was intact, despite the attempted ravage of the clinging ivy. This meant the rescued spring and winter Jasmines now could be trained across it. All done lovingly with just a pair of secateurs and repeated careful digging with a small hand fork. This method ensured that any new buds the extra light created, were preserved. The Weigelia bloomed resplendently, the three corned leek was reduced so that there was much more space available for new plants to feature and many plants donated by the very kind Angus provided much needed colour. The greatest discovery was the slow worms and the miner bees, very carefully their habitats had to be respected and maintained and additional homes were created in the corners for

winter safety. Mr Robin and Mr Blackbird became my constant companion too.

By late summer, clearance up to the end wall was completed, the honeysuckle threw out its gorgeous scent, the poppies grown from seed shone in the sunshine and I could be heard singing Eidleweiss ever so quietly as this lovely delicate flower came into bloom.

With the late extended summer warmth still in the ground, sedums, fuschias, carnations, echinacea, penstamons, cranesbill, ferns, day lillies, and with weeks of loving care, even the rebirth of a beautiful red rose provided a wealth of colour.

Autumn saw the excited children finally returning to school and so began the training of the wildest section. No, not the children... The Norwegian laurel! Completely covering a 6m section, this beast took a bow saw and some very heavy duty loppers to take out all the lower branches and suckers and turn it into the tree you see today. The soil, devoid of any real nutrition was fed and then covered with a mulch of recycled compost from all the ‘gold award’ winning baskets that were so appreciated in the town centre. Sustainability is everything in gardening these days, so the begonia bulbs and tender plants were overwintered.

With the continuing weekly visits, I began to appreciate that this area of Radstock was a very busy

The Wheel

7

part of the town and many passersby would stop to offer thanks, chat, share a joint love of plants and even pop along with donations from their own gardens and lovely woodwork ornaments and little plant gifts appeared as if by magic. If these were from you, then please accept my heartfelt thanks!

I also got to know Carrie and Tony, who share the adjoining wall of the old schoolhouse and who have been so kind in their provision of occasional water and ongoing support of the changes occurring.

The flower bed is situated opposite the Manor Farm and I was so grateful for the kindness of Mr Raj who popped over with regular cups of piping hot tea in the colder winter months. But it is the weekly conversations with the incredible pupils attending the local school and their encouraging parents that is really inspiring the bed you see today. They have shown a real interest in all aspects of the garden, they are like sponges soaking up plant knowledge and all things gardening and their enthusiasm is infectious.

archways, a tree bench, bee-friendly planting and bug hotels. As toadstools magically appeared then disappeared quickly last autumn, it was clear that a fairy corner was a natural next step and the children repeatedly asked, "will we have a fairy house?"

Thanks to the very talented bloomer Cathy, their wish was granted and in June 2022, the lovely house was installed with a grand opening celebration with fairy cakes for all!

With the childrens’ views onboard, planning into 2022 continued and now this summer, there are

Jean Hopegood (Radstock in Bloom volunteer gardener)

There is much still to do, however I can say that becoming a member of “Radstock in Bloom” has provided so much reward in ways I did not really appreciate when I started. The team of volunteers give their time so generously all around the town and surrounding areas, and we can appreciate the beautiful spaces they create.

If you are interested in joining us, even if it’s for occasional help, an hour or two, here and there, simply contact our chair via email – radstockinbloom@gmail.com

8

The Wheel

JUBILEE TREE PLANTING A tree planting took place on Sunday 5th June at

the Fun Day held to celebrate the Queen’s milestone Platinum Jubilee.

The Fun Day held at Southfield Recreation Park was supported by the Town Council, Radstock Town Football Club and Youth Connect South West and saw families enjoy an afternoon of family fun, music, face painting and traditional games.

The Mayor, Councillor Nick Toogood was joined

by Councillor Adrian Dodgson for the planting of a “Liquid Amber” tree renowned for its Autumn colour.

CITY CENTRE Wed 19th Oct Sat 3rd Dec Thur 2nd Mar Sat 6th May -

4pm-7pm 10am-1pm 4pm-7pm 10am-1pm

SOMER VALLEY Sat 5th Nov - 10am-1pm Sat 28th Jan - 10am-1pm Wed 17th May - 4pm-7pm

2022-2023

Experience Bath College Taster Days Feb Half Term

REGISTER TODAY!

bathcollege.ac.uk/openevents

The Wheel

9

PRINCE'S TRUST – Tom HUYTON PARK A group of six 17-25 year olds working on a

Prince's Trust self development programme took part in a community project working with Radstock Town Council to help improve the local Tom Huyton Park.

They raised over £150 to help fund supplies, such as paint and paintbrushes to makeover benches and seating areas around the park.

The project involved painting the benches and seating areas with themed designs to help raise awareness of different causes, which include Mental Health Awareness, Support for Ukraine and the LGBTQA+ community.

The group all live in the local area and used the park as they grew up, it is a project that they deeply cared about and they were grateful for those who supported them to complete a challenge that will bring benefit to the community.

Somer Valley Walking Festival The Somer Valley Walking Festival will be taking

place once again this year celebrating it’s 6th anniversary.

Our aim is to encourage local people and visitors to explore the beauty of the local countryside and also to discover its rich industrial and other heritage.

We are offering two days of walks of varying lengths to suit all levels of experience and fitness. All walks are free and do not require booking (except for the long walk on Saturday).

Simply turn up at the place and time given, allowing time to register.

This event takes place over the weekend of 10th/11th September.

Saturday walks start from various local venues, including a repeat of the very popular Coal Canal walk from Paulton to Limpley Stoke.

Sunday walks start from the Conygre Hall, Timsbury, with refreshment at the end.

Full details will be published nearer the time, just make a note of these dates in your diary now!

Marilyn Weeks

10

The Wheel

YOUTH CONNECT SOUTH WEST The Youth Work team have been busy over the

past few months supporting Radstock Jubilee events at the tea rooms and at Southfields Playfield. What a fantastic couple of days, hosting arts, crafts, family tug of war, giant twister, and lots of fun games.

Having enjoyed these events, the team are looking forward to our summer programme offering young people sessions throughout the school holidays. In addition to our regular sessions, we have some trips and workshops open across our services in the North East Somerset youth team. Please check our website for more details of the programme in each area or follow us on social media.

Our Inters session is open and running now for any young people aged 11-13 in secondary school but this summer we invite the year 6 school leavers to join us in our summer programme on Mondays between 6pm-8pm. We have summer cooking, a short first aid project to learn basic skills and lots of games, crafts, and sports.

Seniors continues for those aged 13-19 on Wednesdays 7pm-9pm, either outside at the basketball courts or at our youth hub on Church Street.

This summer we will be running sports sessions, three courses on a bbq and a range of outdoor/ indoor activities.

The team are working on something really exciting this summer, after winning a bid at the Big Local Dragon's Den, to run some graffiti workshops in Radstock and in partnership with RADCO. We hope this will be an incredible opportunity for young people to showcase their artistic skills to the community.

For more information about sessions in Radstock at our Youth Hub, please contact; Carrie Ford, NES Youth Work Team Leader 07875488718 Facebook - Youth Connect SouthWest Instagram - @youthconnectsouthwest

MONDAY INTERS YOUTH CLUB NIGHT Are you in Year 7, 8 or 9?

Come hang out with friends and get involved in crafts, music, cooking, and other activities at

RADSTOCK YOUTH HUB 6PM -8PM Church Street Radstock, BA3 3QG 50p subs and registration required For more info contact Carrie carrie.ford@ycsw.org.uk 07875488718

The Wheel

11

Volunteer drivers for Swan Transport Swan Transport have seen an increase

in local demand for people needing help to get to appointments and get out to their local shops and community facilities. Swan is looking for volunteers to come forward and join our team. A car and some time on your hands is all that is needed. Whatever can be offered is appreciated. Swan follows the Inland Revenue rate for mileage reimbursement, and we are expecting this to go up soon in line with inflation and all support needed is given by the office staff to make the role easier.

Sarah Oughton, Swan Coordinator, says: "Our drivers are the most important and vital ingredient to Swan’s success; we are always looking for new volunteer drivers to join our team. If you are

REPORT, VIEW OR DISCUSS LOCAL PROBLEMS Did you know you can report highway and other issues in the area directly to B&NES council at fix.bathnes.gov.uk You can upload pictures and location details of any issues in the area.

interested in driving and you have the use of a car and would like to join Swan Transport and meet new people, I would love to hear from you." Please ring Sarah for a chat on 01761 439548 or email Swan: office@swan-transport.co.uk SWAN Transport is a project within Swan Advice Network - Reg Charity No 1141396 and has been operating in the community for 21 years with volunteer drivers using their own cars to provide this service. At Swan, an individual service is provided for those older or disabled passengers in need and hardship living in the county that may require health or social journeys anywhere across the Bath & North East Somerset County and beyond.

New treatments to The Beauty Lounge!

We are now offering Micro-needling and Chemical peel facials.

These advanced facials are amazing for treating a number of different skin conditions such as: • Sun spots • Acne scars • Blemished skin • Fine lines & wrinkles These facials can be performed both on their own, or together as a combined treatment for ultimate skin rejuvenation with incredible results!

Want more info?

Give us a call on 01761 56 80 80 or pop into the salon for your free consultation now!

The Beauty Lounge, 4 The Street, Radstock BA3 3PL

12

The Wheel

Creativity Works The co|Create Training and Support Programme,

funded by the West of England Combined Authority, as part of the wider Community Support Fund and run by Creativity Works, offers a variety of opportunities to develop new skills and connections in enjoyable, creative ways. During the 6-week facilitated course the participants are able to explore their creativity and build their self-confidence whilst learning new skills.

By the end of the gently facilitated course, participants will have taken part in a creative workshop session, designed an access statement and developed skills in communication, personal resilience, working creatively in community groups, and how to become self-employed. There are also a wealth of personally defined opportunities to support

people throughout and once they have completed the course.

Support can also be offered with Childcare, Transportation, BSL Interpretation, Mental Health Support and Translation where necessary.

Feedback has included: “It has been really good and really well organised. I have had a chance to learn a bit about lots of things. Because the group was small and the people facing similar challenges to me, I didn’t feel like I would be lost in the group or that I wouldn’t be able to understand what we were talking about. I wouldn’t change anything about it, it was all interesting.”

If you are interested in joining us at our next sessions, starting in mid-September, please contact Stacey via stacey@creativityworks.org.uk and Rachel via rachel@ creativityworks.org.uk or call 01761 438 852 and leave a message for one of the team.

WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO 3000 HOMES IN THE AREA? PRICES START FROM JUST £55

Autumn 2020 Issue 1

2022 SpringIssue 6

Winter 2021 Issue 2

A GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE

A GUIDE LOCAL TO LIFE

TO A GUIDE LIFE LOCAL

Welcome to your new community magazine

Welcome

to your

community

magazine

Welcome

to your

new comm

unity magaz

ine

CALL CARMEN ON 01761 410141

The Wheel

13

Policing Our Local Community As we move through the summer months and

into the school holidays, historically, this period has seen an increase in anti-social behaviour practically around open spaces, such as play parks, skate parks, and playing fields.

Anti-social behaviour is highly disruptive to the surrounding community and is linked to other behaviour, such as criminal damage, which causes unnecessary cost to the owner. Therefore as a local policing team, we are committed to patrolling these areas frequently to prevent anti-social behaviour andto intervene as early as possible. When antisocial behaviour and other offences, such as criminal damage, are committed, we will look to investigate as fully as possible and bring the offender to account.

Many of the crimes committed at this level are

carried out by those who are under 18 and normally when they are part of a group. Therefore, we ask parents and guardians to make sure that their young person is acting responsibly while out of the house and reporting any concerning behaviour. If you witness offences being committed, please contact the police via 999. There are also other methods of contacting the police, for non-emergency call 101 or via the Avon and Somerset Constabulary website.

If you wish to raise a concern or find out about your neighbourhood policing team, details can also be found on the website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/your-area/ If you would like to meet a member of the team in person, we do hold regular beat surgeries details of which can be found on website or via our social media.

14

The Wheel

Summer Reading Challenge at RADSTOCK LIBRARY

Radstock Library

is once again holding the national Summer Reading Challenge and inviting young people between the ages of 4 and 11 years to sign up and take part.

Last year, over 90% of youngsters who signed up with us went on to complete the Challenge and receive a Medal and Certificate.

The theme this year is everyday science, invention and creation, fun with friends and young heroes making the world a better place.

Between 9 th July and 3rd September, young readers signing up to the Gadgeteers Challenge get a fold out poster showing a summer party and by reading books, collect transformation stickers to add to the poster.

Logging on to summerreadingchallenge. org.uk unlocks activities and virtual reward badges.

The Library will be setting up a Gadgeteers Creative Challenge Success photo wall where we will be posting pictures of creations linked to the theme, such as cooking, gardening, drawing, fashion or model making.

It’s free to sign up to, so we look forward to welcoming everyone to Radstock Library.

We are proud to provide our clients with top quality Home Care services they expect and deserve.

Personal Care, Home Help, Companionship.

Over 15 years experience in care homes, hospitals and home care.

Please call Chloe on 07949317210 email: busylizziehomecare@gmail.com

The Wheel

15

SWALLOW Community Café offers outside catering Swallow

the local charity supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities, runs the community café at St Nicholas Church Tea rooms in Radstock. It offers SWALLOW members the opportunity to gain valuable catering skills, both in the kitchen and front of house, as well as offering the whole community a welcoming venue for healthy nutritious food and drink.

The team at the café are also able to offer catering for events, such as children’s parties, other social gatherings and work meetings. Menus can be tailormade to individual’s needs and budgets. It is always good to book early, so ring the Café Manager, Tara on 01761 414034.

Tara says: “We welcome the opportunity to cater for events – it gives our members even more experience and an opportunity to earn some money, which is such a confidence booster.”

Radstock Town Council have provided funding to help cover the costs of paying members to work at the outside catering events. The café provided the catering for the recent Jubilee party – here is a photo from the event: Opposite: Dan, a SWALLOW member working hard making cakes for the Jubilee Party.

Photo credit: Adrian Wyatt, Creativity works 2022 – Celebrating

40 YEARS

of Dance in Radstock www.suehilldance.co.uk

Over 50 classes a week in all styles of dance from 18 months to adult From £16.50 per month

16

The Wheel

NO PLACE FOR LITTER HUB In Autumn 2018, Keynsham Wombles and

B&NES Council approached Radstock in Bloom to become a No Place for Litter Hub and advisor for the Somer Valley Area, as we have been carrying out regular litter picks since 2014.

Radstock in Bloom and B&NES Council can help by providing equipment via No Place For Litter ‘Radstock and Somer Valley Hub’ and across B&NES via other litter hubs and by helping to arrange collecting bags of litter after the event.

No Place For Litter are volunteers working alongside B&NES to maximise the help and support available to volunteer litter pickers across our council area.

They are experienced litter pickers and happy to help with any questions or advice in organising an event.

Since the first lockdown in March 2020, the local area has become more explored as part of daily exercise, many people are still taking walks and exercise in and around the local area.

However, litter has also increased over the same period, not only is this unsightly, but it also damages our environment and has a knock-on effect to our local eco-systems.

Bottles start their journey to the sea via the town’s river, animals can get entangled in littered objects

and die a slow and painful death. Items like broken glass, pins, and other sharp objects present in litter can injure animals and humans who tread on them unknowingly. Some substances present in the litter can be ingested by animals and produce toxic effects inside their bodies, irreversibly harming them.

Our lockdown litter heroes and Wombles continue to take the time to litter pick. More groups and individuals are looking to get involved in Litter Picks.

Tyning Together, a community group formed during Covid, is still litter picking in the Clandown / Tyning Ward. Writhlington Action Group, another Radstock Ward group formed have protected a greenspace from development and continue to hold regular picks in and around Writhlington. The Midsomer Norton and Surrounding Area Wombles Group have been extremely busy across the Somer Valley since forming not long after the first lockdown.

As a result of the increased awareness and more people getting involved in the fight against litter in the Somer Valley during Covid and continuing to the present day, Radstock in Bloom and Radstock Town Council created a Drop in Litter Hub in 2021 at the Community Hub and Library.

Autumn 2020 Issue 1

2022 SpringIssue 6

Winter 2021 Issue 2

A GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE

A GUIDE LOCAL TO LIFE

TO A GUIDE E LIF LOCAL

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE, CALL CARMEN ON 01761 410141

Welcome to your new community magazine

e to your

Welcom

azine

ity mag

commun

Welcom

e to your

new com

munity

magazine

Open Evening Thursday 27 September

6:30PM - 8:00PM

www.writhlington.org.uk.

Headteacher’s Keynote Speech Guided Tours Come and see the opportunities on offer at Writhlington School Daily tours will be available for booking from September. Please call reception on 01761 433581

CREATING OPPORTUNITY. INSPIRING ACHIEVEMENT.

The Wheel

19

RADSTOCK & WESTFIELD BIG LOCAL The Dragons Awake!

It

has been three years since we last held a Dragons’ Den, while Covid cast its long shadow over community events in general, but finally it was time to rekindle the magic, and on Friday 1st July, it was as much fun as it has ever been!

Our particularly enjoyable take on Dragons’ Den was dreamt up in 2014 as a way to give the community the opportunity to get funds to make great things happen in the area, and it quickly became established as a popular and regular event - we’ve just run our 8th one and have now funded over 80 projects!

In the large hall at Whisty, in Tyning, a collection of brave local contestants competed for a share of £5,000 and the opportunity to carry out their project in the community. There were twelve excellent and extremely creative pitches that wowed the audience and impressed the friendly Dragons.

The community audience were invited to take on the difficult, almost impossible, task to choose the worthy winners and cast aside two unfortunates.

However, with the temptation of a SWALLOW meal as a voters’ reward, the votes quickly came in and we

were given the orders to kindly distribute the bounty between ten awesome pitches.

You will be pleased to know that the volunteers from Radstock Foodies Club went all out and, dressed up in very special outfits (see photo!), gave a very entertaining and winning pitch. They now have £500 to purchase slow-cooker recipe books for the club’s members!

You can read about all the winners on our website – so please give it a visit: RadstockWestfield.org.uk Special thanks to Somer Valley Rotary Club for sponsoring one of the prizes! They do great things in the community, so please check them out and see how you can get involved.

About us: Our community group is responsible for investing lottery money in ways that help people to make improvements to the area for the benefit of the community. If you are a resident of Radstock or Westfield, please consider joining us.

Contact our worker: Rob Wicke robwicke@ radstockwestfield.org.uk / 07901950114 Photograph courtesy of: Paul Groom Photography

20

The Wheel

Two New Exhibitions THIS AUTUMN at RADSTOCK MUSEUM Locally made clay tobacco pipes exhibition Did you know that clay tobacco pipes were made in Chilcompton, Oakhill, Stratton-on-the-Fosse and Leigh-on-Mendip? Come and see some of these locally made pipes at Radstock Museum.

Clay pipe making in the Radstock, and north-east Mendips area is the subject of a new display at Radstock Museum. Remnants of clay tobacco pipes can be found almost anywhere, even in your garden.

The industry started in Norton St Philip in around 1620, and the early apprentices subsequently started their own workshops in the Mendip parishes where they grew up. The display has been put together by Marek Lewcun, whose mother Daphne was descended from the pipe maker, Thomas Whittock. There will be a display of pipes made in the area, and there will be information panels with copies of old documents to accompany them.

The area can also boast one of the most infamous pirates of the nineteenth century, a fact which was not known until just one year ago. Born in Shepton Mallet, William Watts served as an apprentice to a pipe maker in Ashwick, but his life quickly descended into a life of crime. His trial was an international sensation, and he was the last pirate to be hanged at Execution Dock in London in 1830. To find out the full story, come and visit the exhibition.

The History of Methodism In Our Local Area Did you know that several local Methodist chapels were built by coal miners, with their own money and their bare hands?

Deeply embedded in the mining and later, the railway community, Methodist spirituality sustained people through hard times, especially the 1908 Norton Hill mine disaster, and the First World War. Radstock residents recall Sunday School outings to the seaside and all the fun of

the youth clubs and choirs. Several chapels, like Westfield Primitive Methodist Church (1861) , were built by the miners themselves, with their money, and their bare hands. The earliest foundation stone found so far, is in Combend, Radstock and dated 1810.

This exhibition will focus on: Redfield Road, Midsomer Norton, the Clandown chapels, Frome Road independent chapel, Radstock Wesleyan Church, Wells Hill United Chapel, and Writhlington.

Both exhibitions will run from August 23rd until November 30th 2022.

“A Victorian Christmas” Saturday 26th November A date for your diary. A “Victorian Christmas” family event will take place at Radstock Museum during the afternoon of the 26th November. There will be lots to see and do with Victorian themed arts and crafts for children, Victorian Christmas history, and demonstrations, a Victorian style Christmas grotto, warming winter refreshments and gifts. This will be followed at 5pm by the Christmas lights being switched on in Radstock at the Miners’ Wheel just outside the museum.

The Wheel

Swallow Charity – GET INVOLVED WITH OUR FUNDRAISING

Swallow is the local charity supporting

teenagers and adults with learning disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives. SWALLOW relies on fundraising and donations to be able to continue its work.

SWALLOW members love to get involved with fundraising, and this year, we are repeating a very popular event – a three hour Zumbathon on 17th September 2022 from 11am – 2pm at the Hive Community Centre in Peasedown St John.

Here are some photos from last year.

Please email Charlotte Sayers at charlottesayers@swallowcharity.org or ring her on 01761 414 034 for more information.

21

22

The Wheel

Let's Get Buzzing – A Call To Action As

a council, we made a commitment to help tackle the Climate and Ecological Emergency. Our teams are busy creating new wildlife habitats in parks by planting new wildflower meadows, habitat grassland, and planting thousands of new trees across the district.

Our aim is to encourage B&NES residents to create more wildlife habitats whether through planting flowers in their garden, creating a window box on their balcony, or collaborating to create larger habitat areas.

We hope you will join us and rise to the challenge.

01761 568683

The Wheel

23

FUTURE BRIGHT FREE CAREER COACHING For

single mum Claire, the dream of making a career change and starting her own business was being held back as a result of having two jobs, running a household and countless other daily challenges. “Due to covid I lost one of my jobs, then I was furloughed from another,” she recalls.

“Then through some tragic circumstances in my personal life, it made me realise life really was too short and I was ready to take the plunge and change the pathway in my life. It was then I found out about Future Bright.”

Claire was matched with a Future Bright Career Coach, Ramona, and together they started to make a plan. Ramona linked her up with Cool Ventures (an organisation which offers funded support to small business support) and Claire completed their ‘Starting in Business’ webinar which helped her think through whether self-employment would be the right option.

She researched and applied for a local course, with Ramona helping her to secure the funding needed to pay for it.

How do I sign up?

Go to www.futurebright.org.uk and fill in the online form or call 01225 395555 for a chat with the team.

Claire passed the course with flying colours and is currently applying for nail technician roles. She is also making plans to run her own business alongside a part-time job and has made all the arrangements necessary to run this from her own home.

Future Bright offers FREE one-to-one career coaching to residents: • In Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire • Aged 18 and over • In paid work (including zero hours and selfemployed) and receiving benefits or tax credits • OR in paid work and earning below £9.90 an hour

Future Bright is funded and managed by the West of England Combined Authority and delivered by Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils.

24

The Wheel

Radstock Town Centre Area Action Plan – Project Scope Radstock Town Council and

Bath and North East Somerset Council are working in partnership to look at regeneration of Radstock Town Centre.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has been successful in obtaining revenue funding from the West of England Combined Authority Housing Regeneration Enabling Fund to prepare delivery plans working in partnership with landowners and stakeholders. This will facilitate delivery and access to funding, to support the infrastructure needs arising in communities including response to strategic growth.

The scoping project will look at opportunities to improve the vitality of the town centre including enhancement of infrastructure, public realm and heritage assets, links to green infrastructure, and transport, improved local shops, business and community premises offer, potential for tourism, given the town's heritage and encouragement of use of sustainable travel modes.

Opportunities

Types of project areas that could be tested through the Action Plan are outlined below. The projects will be guided by existing policies and provide a strategic approach to future planning in the Somer Valley.

The Radstock Town Centre Area Action Plan will identify links between existing projects, gaps in provision & opportunities for action, for example: •S omer Valley Rediscovered green infrastructure projects •D fT Active Travel: Walking & Cycling Social Prescribing Pilot •R adstock Healthy Living Centre • RADCO Redevelopment •A 37 & A367 Corridor Improvements

Skills

• Better pathways to employment • Improve skills in conjunction with Bath College Somer Valley Campus • Green jobs • Apprenticeships

The Wheel

Property

• Redundant property register and suggested re-use, eg Trinity Methodist Church, Children's Centre, Library, St Nicholas old school, Brunel Shed, museum toilet block and Lifestyle Fitness site • Property finding for local businesses and organisations • Mapping ownership of town centre property and sites

Public Realm

• Changing toilet, seating, space for food stalls and events in Tom Huyton Park • Infrastructure and road layout • Parking • Access to broadband and improvement in speeds • Improvement scheme for shops in Fortescue Road • Improve bus shelters • Recharge points for electric bikes and bike racks • Review and rationalisation of signage

Vibrant Town Centre

• Embrace the 15 minute neighbourhood concept where everything a resident needs is 15 minutes away by foot or bike • Place branding • Events and markets • Bring vacant shops back into use • Tourism opportunities

Green Infrastructure

• Green energy production • Wellow Brook • Promote link between the Norton Radstock greenway and two Colliers Way • Street trees

For the latest update and further details, please visit the Town Council’s website – www.radstock-tc.gov.uk.

Further communication and consultation will be announced in the near future.

25

From

£895

*

for a fully fitted electric garage door.

Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our expert local installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s no mess.

Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up FREE of charge.

CALL US TODAY ON:

0117 369 9986 MOBILE:

07537 149 128 *Offer valid for openings up to 2.4m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.

The Wheel

27

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME CARNIVAL ROYALTY? On

Friday, 23rd September, Midsomer Norton & District Carnival will be looking for this year’s Carnival Royalty. The first competition since COVID cancelled events for the last 2 years.

The Royal party traditionally lead the grand illuminated carnival parade along the route through Midsomer Norton, overseeing the route from the Royal glass coach.

As well as the honour of being carnival royalty, there is also some prize money up for grabs across all four of the positions available, these include: Carnival Queen – (Age 10 to 18) Winning £50 Carnival King – (Age 10 to 18) Winning £50 Carnival Princess – (Age 5 to 9) Winning £30 Carnival Prince – (Age 5 to 9) Winning £30

To enter, just complete the form on the website www. illuminatedcarnival.co.uk and then go along to the competition on Friday, 23rd September at Prattens from 7.30pm.

“What if I fall ill?”

“What if there was an emergency?”

There are a lot of “what if’s” when looking after someone with an illness or disability.

For peace of mind, contact The Carers’ Centre.

We will support you to create a free action plan, to help you if the unexpected happens. banescarerscentre.org.uk support@banescarerscentre.org.uk 0800 0388 885 (9am–1pm, Mon–Fri)

28

The Wheel

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE WHEEL, CALL CARMEN ON 01761 410141

Are you looking for a new job?

Search ‘Proud to Care Bathnes for a great range of care jobs.

Hours that fit around you Training and support provided Wide variety of roles

proudtocare.bathnes.gov.uk

The Wheel

29

YOUR TOWN COUNCILLORS

Cllr Gary Dando Radstock Haydon Ward T: 01761 432739 M: 07813 904923 E: garydando41@gmail.com

Cllr Chris Dando Radstock Centre Ward T: 01761 432918 M: 0771 3103380 E: chrisdando3@gmail.com

Cllr Mrs Elizabeth Derl-Davis Radstock Centre Ward T: 01761 439119 E: edegarry48@gmail.com

Cllr Rupert Bevan Radstock Centre Ward M: 07980 607127 E: rupert.s.bevan@gmail.com

Cllr Mike Boulton Radstock Haydon Ward T: 01761 436681 E: mikeboulton@headweb.co.uk

Cllr Nick Toogood - Mayor Radstock Writhlington Ward M: 07715 939804 E: n-toogood@sky.com

Cllr Bruce Shearn Radstock Clandown Ward T: 01761 751117 E: bruceshearn@yahoo.co.uk

Cllr Colin Currie Radstock Centre Ward T: 01761 420296 E: colinandrewcurrie11@gmail.com

RADSTOCK TOWN COUNCIL Radstock Community Hub The Street Radstock Somerset, BA3 3PR Cllr Robert Langley Radstock Writhlington Ward M: 07970 708216 E: roblangley04@gmail.com

Cllr M atthew Shearn M: 07710 263998 E: m.shearn3198@googlemail.com

Cllr Adrian Dodgson M: 07812 046091 E: awdodgson@gmail.com

T: 01761 437962 E: council@radstock-tc. gov.uk www.radstock-tc.gov.uk

30

The Wheel

CLERK’S MESSAGE We are just in the midst of a heatwave, the end

of the school year is upon us, Radstock In Bloom are having their judging day today and the town is looking bright and beautiful. Summer really is here!

The Town Council has been busy looking at infrastructure and have lots of plans to improve facilities at Town Council managed areas. We are also working with Bath and NE Somerset Council to look at the regeneration of Radstock Town Centre.

This will hopefully bring a lot of the activities and greater plans together and help shape a bright future for the Town.

Tom Huyton play park has seen some much needed maintenance and repairs and the council are currently looking at a master plan of works for the future. We would very much like to hear from you if there are things you would like.

Haydon Batch Masterplan has now been finalised.

Thank you to those who have shared their views through the public consultation, we are now seeking funding with the huge support from Somer Valley Rediscovered.

The Radstock Neighbourhood Development plan working group will be holding consultations shortly to understand how and what residents would like to see for the future of the whole of Radstock and its wards.

There really is a lot going on - and we want and need to hear your views too. There will be consultations for all for these activities and chances for you to get involved. You can find details throughout this edition and on the council’s website.

We have been very lucky with support from amazing volunteers. The Bloomers (Radstock In Bloom) have done us proud once again with a Jubilee inspired theme. The Knitters, Wombles, Litter Heroes, various Community Groups, as well as, the amazing charities who have invested so much into the area and have all worked really hard to make Radstock special.

Thanks also go to Creativity Works, Youth Connect and the Natural Theatre Company who produced a free creative and interactive family fun day to mark the Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The Princes Trust have been working on a project to refurbish the benches in the Tom Huyton play park; this included creating a new look, raising funds and completing the project from start to finish.

A fantastic team of volunteers support the Community Hub and have shown their initiative and enthusiasm by bidding for funding from the Big Local Radstock-Westfield Dragons Den. Both the Community Library volunteers and the Radstock Foodies Club volunteers were successful and will be putting funds towards an outdoor sensory area and slow cooker recipe books respectively.

Thank you everyone for all you do!

Wishing everyone an enjoyable summer and I am looking forward to updating you in the next edition.

Take Care, George

Acorns Nursery @ Trinity Church School

Learning Growing Believing Together ted Qualified, dedica d staff and experience available, Extended care city subject to capa

Term t for 2, 3 ime nursery and 4 y ear old s Space s avail able

Funding fo r 2, 3 and 4 year olds and C hildcare vouchers a ccepted

reas outdoor a Fantastic g stimulatin providing s xperience learning e

Fresh, healthy food cooked on site For more information, contact the school office on: 01761 438650 or email: office@trinitychurchschool.com Trinity Church School, Woodborough Lane, Radstock, BA3 3DE