The Wheel Winter 2022

A GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE

Bringing together Clandown, Haydon, Radstock and Writhlington.

Hello and welcome to the final edition of the year! It has been a strange year, though we have gotten past the horror of the pandemic, we’ve had some highs and lows, including a hot and sunny summer, the joys of the Jubilee and then the sadness that was the Queen's funeral.

In this issue we’ll be looking forward to Christmas and the New Year – and all the fun and games that come with that time of year. We also have a great article on How to be Green this Christmas.

We celebrate the success of Radstock In Bloom winning the Best Small Town award and find out more about the regeneration plans for the Town Centre.

If you want to contribute to future editions, make sure to send your news, photos and events to news@ignyte-uk.co.uk and we’ll see you in 2023!

In the meantime, enjoy this issue, have a great Christmas and we’ll see you soon!

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

HAYDOn BATCH UPDATE

RADSTOCK In BLOOM BIG LOCAL YOUTH COnnECT COMMUnITY POLICInG SWAn TRAnSPORT

RADSTOCK LIBRARY

CREATIVITY WORKS

A GREEn CHRISTMAS SWALLOW

REGEnERATIOn GIRLS AnD BOYS BRIGADE

FUTURE BRIGHT

RADSTOCK MUSEUM CLERK’S MESSAGE TOWn COUnCILLORS

The next edition of The Wheel will be in Feb 2023.

If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 437962 before the deadline of 3rd January 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

Much has happened since the last edition of The Wheel and it was with great sadness that Radstock Town Council learned of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the residents of Radstock, I would like to express our deep sorrow and send our condolences to the Royal Family.

The Town Council continues to work on some exciting projects for the town and much work has been going on to explore options to secure the future of Trinity Methodist Church. We hope that soon there will be good news to share about its future.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to the fantastic team of In Bloom volunteers who brought our town to life with stunning floral displays and beautiful created spaces. This is exemplified by the creation of the Church Street bed next to the library car park. This took many months of hard work all starting with clearing and making space for new plants and developing the bed into the beautiful feature it now is, with a much wished for “Fairy House”. We are delighted that this wonderful team have deservedly won the Ayre Cup.

There is much going on and The Town Council continues to work closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council to improve Radstock Town centre. We hope you took the opportunity to give your opinion during the public engagement in September.

There is much to look forward to over the coming months and we hope you will be able to join us at some, or all of the events that are been arranged. These include Remembrance Sunday which will take place on Sunday 13th November, 2pm at the Radstock War Memorial. For Christmas we will be hosting a Senior Citizens tea party and the Christmas Lights Switch on. You will find more information in this edition of The Wheel.

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 all a safe and Happy Christmas..

Nick Toogood Mayor of Radstock

HAYdOn BATcH – FUnDInG UPDATE

Somer Valley Rediscovered has been working with Radstock Town Council and other partners to secure funding from the West of England Combined Authority Green Recovery Fund for five key greenspaces in the Radstock, Westfield and Midsomer Norton area, one of which is Haydon Batch.

The funding will be used for nature recovery projects such as grassland restoration and the management of woodlands and watercourses, It will benefit a whole host of wildlife at Haydon Batch and the four other sites; Waterside Valley in Westfield and Midsomer Norton Town Park, Wellow Brook Walk and Staddlestones Open Space in Midsomer Norton. The grant will also fund improvements to make the sites more accessible including welcoming entrances and better paths which will enable more people to enjoy the sites and to spend more time in nature.

For Haydon Batch, this means that Radstock Town Council will be able to start implementing improvements which have been identified in the masterplan such as removing selected areas of scrub to ensure the grassland remains in good condition, formalising some of the entrances and paths, and creating interpretation boards giving information about the wildlife and heritage of the area. The grant will enable more events and activities to take place on the Batch, such as the very popular bat walk that took place in September. There will also be opportunities for people to get involved through practical conservation volunteer tasks and monitoring wildlife. For more information, please contact the SVR Project Manager, Miriam Woolnough Miriam_woolnough@bathnes.gov.uk or council@radstock-tc.gov.uk

BAT WALK

On Thursday 22nd September over 20 people including both adults and children attended a bat walk at Haydon Batch. The walk was led by Miriam Woolnough, from the Somer Valley Rediscovered

project and began with a talk about bats and their ecology. As bat calls are inaudible to the human ear bat detectors were handed round enabling everyone to ‘tune in’ to the bats. After a stroll around the Batch and as the light was beginning to fall a few Pipistrelle bats were detected. Pipistrelle bats are our smallest and most common species in the UK and come out at dusk meaning they can be seen as well as heard on a bat detector. Towards the end of the walk and once it was completely dark, more Pipistrelle bats were detected.

There are 18 species of bat in the UK and we know from previous surveys that several species of bat are present on the Batch, however on this particular evening only the Pipistrelles chose to show themselves! Bats will be preparing to hibernate from late October onwards and won’t be on the wing until springtime. However, more bat walks are planned for next year.

RAdSTOcK In BLOOM

It doesn’t feel like 7 months have past since we received and started growing this years displays. It has been a very hot summer, which has meant a lot of work for our bloomers, one of the driest summers on record and so in this edition of The Wheel its only fair to talk about some of those In Bloom unsung heroes that put these lovely displays together and maintain them throughout the year.

The new tubs, which appeared in July along the long island on The Street, were planted by Angus Hooper. Angus is probably the most experienced gardener

on the team, and has for many years dedicated his time to the Haydon Community Garden, a little-known spot to those that don’t live in Haydon, and an Outstanding RHS In Your Neighbourhood achiever for many years. He also tends to the Trinty Church Gardens and if you’re visiting Radstock very early in the morning you may catch a glimpse of him doing so. Angus also has a small team who ensure Haydon is always looking its best.

Gary Dando, our very own Begonia specialist tends to the two flowerbeds at the end of The Greenway just before you cross to our towns iconic Wheel. These beds have always stood out during the summer months with their vast displays of Begonias and summer bedding. Gary brings to the table a vast knowledge of Begonias which have featured heavily in our hanging baskets. Begonias are just great doers that work extremely well in Radstock’s very own microclimate, they tolerate the heat and bring plentiful blooms.

Pam Young and Jo Kelly have tended the Brian Perrett bed aka The Signal Bed on the corner of what is now the old Hope House. Both are experienced bloomers, who for many years worked and in their spare time tending the Radco Gardens. Royston Knight brought the town the Signal feature, which is now part of Radstock, and for many years led the bloomers and worked tirelessly in what was a difficult time for Radstock in Bloom as the town underwent its first regeneration. Knee replacement has seen Royston taking on a more supporting role.

Andrew and Sue Linham, two long serving bloomers, also now take on a supporting role, Andrew helps with the admin of the In Bloom competition portfolio by proof reading and layout suggestions. Sue helps with the catering and is currently working on a small area at the bottom of Haydon Hill where we are hoping to introduce more wildflowers in 2023.

Jean Hopegood, Louise Stock & Caz Gray are our newest members. Jean has worked extremely hard on the Church Street flowerbed, the towns newest addition to the RHS tour. Her dedication to this area and enthusiasm brings a fresh outlook. Louise joined In Bloom and represents Tyning who this year, we have supported by purchasing a meter square planter to brighten up a tiny corner with bigger plans for 2023. Louise also supports the Swallows & Church Rooms area and has worked hard to tidy up what can only be described as an overgrown mess. Caz supports Angus in Haydon, working alongside him to keep Haydon looking its best and helps us with all things Curo.

These are some of the town’s unsung bloomers, there are more and we’ll talk about those in another edition. As this edition goes to print, we are heading down to Hazelbury Plunkett to find out how we have done in the RHS South West in Bloom competition.

We are delighted that the Town has this year won the Ayre Cup – Best Small Town. Congratulations and a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Radstock in Bloom.

RAdSTOcK & WESTFIELd BIG LOcAL nEW RADIO SHOW AT SOMER VALLEY FM

The Radstock & Westfield Big Local

excited to be part of a fab new radio show on Somer Valley FM. Rob has teamed up with Simon from Age UK BANES and Janine from the Carers’ Centre to produce 'The Community Show, weekly'. We showcase the different opportunities for getting involved locally, as well as highlighting the services we can access for our health, wellbeing and more! You can listen live at 2pm every Thursday or on catch up whenever you like!

It's been tons of fun to get out into the community and speak to people about their experiences and what their organisations have to offer:

• We’ve spoken with Phil from Somer Valley Rotary about our brilliant Dragons’ Den that takes place in Radstock or Westfield every year, where we give away £5,000 to support numerous projects that benefit local people – The Rotary generously donated £500 towards the pot this year and Phil was a kind dragon!

• We’ve talked about the support the Carers’ Centre and Age UK can give people affected by loneliness, including the Carers’ Café they’ve been running at Mardons Social Club.

• And we’ve investigated the ways in which people can volunteer in the community, including becoming a driver for SWAN Transport helping people who are older, frail or moderately disabled with no transport of their own, to get out and about.

• We talk about social prescribing, the cost of living, Black History Month, carers’ rights, running at the Bath Half for your fav charity, and much much more!

Tune in every Thursday, 2pm, on Somer Valley FM, 97.5fm, DAB, or online at somervalleyfm.co.uk

TRInITY METOdIST cHURcH

At the meeting of the Full Council, held on Monday 3rd October, Radstock Town Council unanimously agreed to the purchase of Trinity Methodist Church.

Trinity Methodist Church, Radstock, closed as a place of worship at the beginning of the year. Since then, Radstock Town Council has been working with church trustees, Bath & North East Somerset Council and many other interested residents, groups and charities to explore potential use and future of the building.

Subject to Contract, a bid for the purchase has been successful and next steps will involve completion of the purchase.

The Town Council continue to work closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council to investigate

funding opportunities alongside other potential funding streams. The Town Council has undertaken a thorough review of the financial implications and has confirmed a Public Works Loan to support the purchase will not require additional funding from residents.

Radstock Town Council would like to thank all those who have supported and expressed their interest in the preservation and future of Trinity Methodist Church as a community space in the heart of the town and look forward to welcoming existing users and new users in the future.

YOUTH cOnnEcT SOUTH WEST GET CREATIVE

This This summer, Radstock Senior Session's young people designed and created the brilliant art display on the Boarding of the old Radco site.

With a funding bid from Big Local and the go ahead from the Cooperative Society, an exploration of creativity bloomed.

With a range of ideas, the young people created a design that gave nod to the mining town heritage, the Cooperative Society, and local areas. Over three weeks the young people painted base layers, spray painted the design and final touches. With such success, the team hope to do more graffiti in Spring 2023.

Our Inters had a great summer with a trip to Brean. For some, this was the first time going out on a trip with YCSW that allowed them to spend time with their friends and enjoy a fun day out. They also got the opportunity to join the secret cinema night for all inters groups in NES, having a dedicated night at Midsomer Norton Town Hall and watch those mischievous minions up to their usual antics!

YCSW supported young people and the community following the tragic death of Charley Bates. YCSW continue to offer support to all young people affected, working with Off the Record, who are based at Radstock Youth Hub on Tuesdays. If you are a parent worried about a young person, or a young person who needs additional support please contact Carrie at Radstock.

This winter, the team are continuing to run sessions on Mondays for young people aged 11-13 between 6pm and 8pm. Senior’s sessions run on Wednesdays for young people aged 13-19 at 7pm –9pm, and have asked for a youth café offering meal deals and cooking opportunities.

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

AvOn And SOMERSET POLIcE

The tragic events of July this year have been a reminder of the fragility of life and brought the reality of knife crime and its long-lasting impact to our community.

As the police, our primary responsibility is to protect the community, but to do this we need your help. If you are aware of anyone who is carrying a knife, whether it's for protection or criminal intent, we want to know so we can protect those who may come to harm, including the person carrying it. Therefore, we would ask parents and guardians to speak to your child about knife crime and explain the risks they are taking in carrying these deadly weapons. If you come across a knife of any kind and don’t wish to report it to the police, it can be safely disposed of in the knife

bin at the front of Radstock Police Station. PS Humphreys from the Neighbourhood Policing Team says, “As a policing team, we are continuing to patrol the community and when necessary, we are engaging with youths and look at additional support we are able to offer through a multi-agency approach”.

If you have concerns about a young person, there is support available to them through organisations such as Youth Connect. Alternatively you can contact your local policing team via www.avonandsomerset.police. uk or when we hold one of our regular beat surgeries, dates of which can be found on our website or via our social media.

YOUnG VOLUnTEERS nEEDED AT SWAn TRAnSPORT

Radstock- based SWAN Community Transport welcomes new team members, and reaches out to Young People.

SWAN have been aiding people who cannot access public transport for over 20 years. Journeys include medical / dental appointments, family visits, shopping and trips to the theatre. All of this is made possible by our awesome volunteers who are at the centre at of our charity. Many of our passengers would not be able to get out if it wasn’t for transport; it’s a lifeline in tackling loneliness and isolation in our community.

We are excited to now be running a scheme to recruit younger volunteers (age 18-25 years old). We want to hear from any young people who would like

to join our small and friendly team. Roles include driving, travel buddying, and helping to organise and host our ‘cuppa and chat’ social events. We will provide lots of support to new volunteers, mileage allowance for drivers and you will be welcomed by our passengers who are all keen to have some younger people to connect with.

Volunteering is a great way to get out and meet people, gain new skills and is seen as a valuable asset to potential employers.

“Its peace of mind. Its meeting people, chatting and engaging with people of all ages.”

(Passenger feedback survey June 2022)

If you are aged 18 -25 and would like to find out more about volunteering with Swan Transport please contact Helen Allen on 07447816479 or email youngproject@swan-transport.co.uk

We would also welcome any drivers who are aged 25+ and they can find out more by contacting The Swan Office on 01761 439548 or by emailing office@swan-transport.co.uk

Learn more about our work at Swan.chessck.co.uk

COME AnD jOIn In THE FUn AT RAdSTOcK LIBRARY

We signed up a record 45 new members over the summer and lent out an astonishing 1,600 books. Detective books and vegetable growing and gardening books were especially popular this summer.We're ready with some lovely crafting books to help you get ready for homemade Christmas presents, plus a wide variety of picture books to help youngsters with their reading. We get regular deliveries of new books, so if you can’t find something you like (unlikely with over 3,000 in stock) we can order something in specially for you.

Many Radstockians come to use the computers and printers – printing labels to return delivery parcels is a favourite - and others to access the free on-line Ancestry Records that membership gives you.

The Summer Reading Challenge was a great success again. With stickers and posters, online activities and ideas for things to do, it challenges youngsters to read six books over the summer to earn a certificate and medal.

Our weekly activities over the summer linked in to the ‘Gadgeteers’ theme. We had Junk Modelling, Food, Gardening and Knitting sessions with children of all ages joining in and awarded a record number of certificates and medals.

The activities were such a success that we are moving our Read & Rhyme - songs and stories with musical instruments - to 9.30am on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month.

Joining the Library is free – no hidden costs or extras to borrow books, use the computers or download online ebooks, magazines and newspapers. We are open Tuesday 9am–4pm, Wednesday 10.30am–5pm and Thursday 9am–4pm.

We are always looking for adult helpers so if you have a couple of hours free during these times and would like to help out just pop in and say hello.

cREATIvITY WORKS And PARTnERS OFFER nEW WORKSHOPS

Free drop-in workshops at Trinity Methodist Church

Join Little Lost Robot every Tuesday, 9:30 –11:30am for ‘Make and Mend: Scrap to Sculpture.’ Held at 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.

Free refreshments and snacks are provided, and weekly sessions will be held until Tuesday 22 November.

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. Meet 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.

Antenatal and postnatal mental health courses

Two new courses have just begun at Radstock Children and Family Centre for women who may be struggling with their mental health – no skills or previous experience needed.

Our Time Our Space is an Antenatal course to give mums-to-be the time, space and skills to help promote wellbeing and reduce anxiety and isolation. It includes arts-based sessions, relaxation and time to meet and talk.

This course has started, but you can join late. To find out more about Our Time Our Space please contact Judith: 01225 396660, Marsha: 07971 484598, or email brightstartcc@bathnes.gov.uk.

My Time My Space is for mums experiencing low mood or depression. Sessions provide time and space for themselves, and the chance to learn new coping strategies to support wellbeing and reduce anxiety and isolation.

This course has started, but you can join late. To find out more about My Time My Space please email makeamove@hcrgcaregroup.com or phone 07592 103325.

About Creativity Works

Creativity Works is an award-winning, socially engaged arts charity based in Radstock. We work in Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) and across the South West. Our mission is to use the power of the creative process to bring people and places together to create a better future for themselves and their communities.

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

RAdSTOcK And MIdSOMER nORTOn

ROUnD

at the Midsomer Norton Methodist Hall.

September 23rd,

Norton Lions attended the AGM of the First

have

several break-ins and vandalism.

time over the last few years,

The Lions have contributed to the installation of an alarm system and it is hoped that this

guard against such events occurring in the future.

other guests were entertained by the

group once the official business of the AGM was over. The evening was a great opportunity to see first hand what is being achieved with this youth group

Radstock.

Earlier in the month, Lions and Somerset Prostate Support Association held a prostate screening event

This was an opportunity for 200 men to have free confidential screening with a trained nurse. 260 places were available on the day with 200 of those being free funded by Lions and SPSA.

Thanks to our friends of Lions and SPSA we had enough volunteers on the day to help us make this major event run smoothly.

If you would like to help us with events coming up this Winter, such as our fundraising Carol Float in December, please contact us by email at contact@rmnlions.org.uk

A GREEn cHRISTMAS

Forget about having a white Christmas, this year, go green and have an eco friendly event!

With everyone being a little more environmentally conscious these days, here are some top tips to make sure that your Christmas has a big impact on the family and a little one on the world around you.

• One way to be eco friendly is to wrap presents using recyclable paper.

Bows and ribbons aren’t biodegradable and neither is glittery paper. Why not use brown paper or reuse paper from previous years? You can even make your own tags using recyclable or reusable materials.

• Look out for eco friendly Christmas Crackers. Many shops are now offering reusable crackers that can come out every year. Alternatively, you can use crackers that don’t contain plastic or anything that isn’t recyclable.

• Choose your Christmas tree carefully.

When it comes to trees, many of us use artificial trees that can be reused every year, which is better than replacing a tree every year, but to reduce your plastic waste, having a real tree is better. Not all real trees are created equal though, if you’re going for real over artificial this year, look out for trees that are FSC certified and reduce your carbon footprint by staying local. Once the Christmas season is over,

some Christmas tree producers will take the trees back and replant them or you can take them to a recycling centre where it can be shredded and used in other products. Look out for local animal centres, including zoos and conservation centres, as they are always keen to have fresh trees as enrichment for the animals.

• Decorate with the environment in mind.

Much like Christmas trees, many decorations contain non recyclable materials which end up in landfill when they are thrown away. Try using natural decorations like holly branches and pine cones from your garden or local park. You can also use LED fairy lights to lower your energy use and get solar powered outdoor lights for your gardens and windows.

• Eco friendly Christmas cards.

Rather than buying cards that are plastic wrapped or covered in material that can’t be recycled, why

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not make your own cards? You can reuse cards from the year before to make your own unique designs or get some card or paper and get creative! We all love receiving post but to really lower your environmental impact, rather than buying cards, make a donation to a local charity instead.

• Sustainable Christmas dinner

We always go overboard and end up with too much food at Christmas. Try to reduce waste by making meal plans for using up any left overs and be as sustainable as possible when choosing your ingredients – such as getting your meat from local suppliers or checking its credentials when buying.

Mitchard & Sons

High Class Family Butchers

Westfield Radstock

3XS Tel: 01761 412109 www.gmitchardandsons.co.uk

Top quality meat and products at affordable prices

We are now taking orders for xmas needs from November 1st

All Xmas orders taken in the shop with a deposit

Opening Hours: Closed Mondays

Open 7am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday

Open 7am to 1pm Saturday

Wishing all a Happy and Healthy Xmas and New Year

SWALLOW cHARITY PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS

Swallow members are looking forward to Christmas this year!

At the SWALLOW Community café in Radstock they are busily making chutney and Christmas cake, ready to sell in special Christmas Hampers.

The café will also be offering Christmas lunches from 22nd November 2022 to 15th December 2022.

Early booking is advised so please see www.swallowcharity.org for more details or ring 01761 414034.

As well as planning their Christmas menus, the Work Skills Craft Group have been making Christmas decorations and cards, and the gardening group are

looking forward to making Christmas wreaths. It’s a very busy time of year but one that everyone enjoys.

If you would like to know more about any of these activities please contact Nicky on 01761 414034 or nickyt@swallowcharity.org, or go to the SWALLOW website www.swallowcharity.org.

RAdSTOcK TOWn cEnTRE REGEnERATIOn AcTIOn PLAn

An action plan to regenerate Radstock town centre is set to be developed thanks to new funding secured by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The council successfully bid for £750,000 funding from the West of England Combined Authority’s Housing and Regeneration Enabling Fund to create action plans and masterplans for four town centres in Bath and North East Somerset, working in partnership with residents, stakeholders and landowners.

The first action plan to be developed will be for Radstock Town Centre and will identify opportunities for improvements to the area to revitalise the town centre and bring vacant shops back into use.

The plan will aim to enhance the vitality of the town centre and could include community

events and markets, improved public spaces and supporting employment and upskilling in the town centre. It will be developed by the council in partnership with Radstock Town Council.

Keynsham Town Centre will also have a regeneration action plan created from 2024 and Twerton and Midsomer Norton High Streets will benefit from Masterplanning activities for key sites near the High Street. Masterplanning is due to start this year and Midsomer Norton Masterplanning is due to start in 2024.

All four projects will agree priority ideas and seek funding to deliver improvements to revitalise the town centres, with delivery expected from 202425 onwards.

The Council is also due to launch work on its new Local Plan for the district in September, 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.

Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet assistant for Neighbourhood Services, said: “I am delighted that work is starting on a regeneration action plan for Radstock as part of our wider commitment to revitalising town centres across Bath and North East Somerset. The plans will mean real change can be achieved and further funding sought to support the needs of our communities.

“The focus for Radstock will be to improve the vitality and viability of the town centre, in particular bringing vacant buildings and shops back into active use and assisting community organisations in the town to find new premises which meet their needs.

“The renewal of the high street and making the most of Radstock’s heritage assets, including historic buildings, will also give a potential for increased tourism and footfall in the town, supporting local trade”.

Engagement took place at events in the town in September & October 2022 and feedback from this will inform the development of the action plan for Radstock. A formal public consultation will take place after the action plan has been completed in 2023.

jOYFUL CHAOS AnD PRACTICAL LIFE SKILLS RAdSTOcK GIRLS And BOYS BRIGAdE

Radstock's Girls and Boys Brigade opened its doors this September to greet many familiar faces, alongside a rush of enthusiastic new starters.

Girls Brigade, which meets on Wednesdays, is entering its 8th year as a local group, and currently supports 50 girls split across four age brackets between four and sixteen.

Boys Brigade has been running for 3 years in Radstock and is a growing group with over 20 boys.

This term, in response to the varying experiences of the children over the past couple of years, the theme is ‘Caring for others’. This has been split into several different areas focused on the different age brackets, with the younger two groups learning about the people who care for us and how to look after each other, and the older girls also considering self-care and coping strategies in difficult situations. We had two brilliant evenings with our local Police in Radstock who talked to the children about their job and how to keep safe, as well as seeing the police van and all that’s inside!

our teenagers have been developing their first aid skills and learning how to cope in an emergency, and many enjoyed letting their chaotic side reign in a joypacked circus-skills evening with plate-spinning, mild acrobatics, and stilt-walking.

All of the groups are incredibly inclusive, and children from a variety of backgrounds and with a range of interests and personalities come together to play games, do crafts, learn, sing, dance - whatever they are interested in - and to find they are accepted exactly as they are.

‘We love that we can provide this safe space for children to just be themselves,’ says Kerin Adam (children and Family worker at Radstock Baptist Church). 'Whatever their week has been like, however they’re feeling, they can come and be among friends and enjoy themselves. That’s such a rare thing to find.’

For those looking to find out more, invariably the sounds of laughter and well-organised chaos can be heard spilling from Radstock Baptist Church on Wells Road every week.

Some of the highlights so far have varied depending on age! For a number of the youngest ones, sitting in a police van and hitting the sirens was an evening well spent, while a number of our 7-10 year olds loved learning some basic first aid and creating their own first aid kit. The older girls involved in our Young Leader training scheme prepared a talk on fire safety and presented it to the younger ones. Meanwhile,

Girls Brigade: Wednesday evenings from 5.15pm for 4-7 year olds, and 6.30pm for those aged 7 and over!

Boys Brigade: Thursday evenings from 5.30 for 4-7 year olds and 6.30pm for 8 years and over.

All our welcome to come along and see what we do!

FREE cAREERS cOAcHInG AVAILABLE TO EVEn MORE LOCAL RESIDEnTS

Future Bright offers FREE career

coaching, training and support to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to take your next step at work. When you sign up, you are matched with a dedicated career coach who will support you to create a personalised plan and put it into action.

What will I get?

Support: Work with your personal career coach oneto-one

Advice: Practical help to take control of your work and pay

Skills: Access to training and development tailored to your needs

Support is now available to those who are:

• Aged 18 and over

• In paid work (including zero hours and selfemployed) and earning less than £10.90 an hour (previously less than £9.90 an hour)

• OR in paid work and receiving means tested benefits or tax credits

• Live in the West of England (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol or South Gloucestershire)

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.

Read on and find out how Jenny moved her career forwards with help from Future Bright.

Jenny's Story

After Jenny was made redundant she started her own freelance business offering multimedia editing and community management. Jenny knew that she needed advice and equipment to be able to work effectively as a freelancer and was directed to Future Bright for support.

With the support of her Future Bright Careers Coach, Andrew, Jenny accessed some additional training to ensure that her skill set remained up to date and was able to access funding to pay for business cards and some equipment. Andrew linked Jenny up with Cool Ventures (small business specialists who offer free support and advice) and Jenny attended their “Starting Your Own Business” and “Essential Finance” webinars. Jenny has secured a long-term client who needs her exact skill set and is also picking up other smaller pieces of freelance work.

Jenny reflects, “Future Bright helped give me the confidence and confirmation to know I had the skills and abilities to take my next step forward as a selfemployed freelancer.

“I highly recommend spending some time writing down your desires, challenges, plans, limitations and resources available to have a clearer idea of what tools, opportunities or resources Future Bright can help you get in touch with or move toward. Be as honest and transparent as possible.”

COULD YOU VOLUnTEER AT RAdSTOcK MUSEUM TEAROOM?

Would you like to help run a community café for 2 hours a month or more often if you choose?

Radstock Museum is looking for volunteers to help make teas and coffees and chat to café attendees in the lovely Museum Tearoom.

Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of AnneKatell Peton as the Museum’s new Community Engagement Manager. Anne-Katell will be relaunching the Community Cafes from November 2022.

Jos Bins, Museum Treasurer said, “Before Covid, the Museum used to run Community Cafes for various groups who benefited from the opportunity to meet together in the Museum surroundings. Thanks to funding from St John's Foundation, we have recruited a new part-time member of staff who will be responsible for restarting these cafes.”

Anne-Katell has a great deal of experience with other community groups in the area working with all the relevant agencies across our locality. She said, “I am delighted to announce that we are relaunching the Museum’s community cafés and we need your invaluable support and time to run them successfully. We are planning to restart some of them in November and build up to more in 2023 to include all the following:

• a community cafe for former coal miners and friends.

• a café focusing on local history, peoples’ stories, and home treasures.

• a memory café with activities based on reminiscence and brain power.

• a well-being cafe with mindfulness activities and a positive twist.

As a volunteer for one of these groups, you will be a key part of the team. Your tasks will include welcoming members, chatting to people, making

teas and coffees, and of course eating biscuits!

The cafés will be running on Monday mornings, Monday afternoons, and Tuesday mornings for a couple of hours. Some will be monthly, others every other week and some are likely to be weekly. If you would like to volunteer for one of these groups, even if it’s just once a month, or would like more information, please contact Anne-Katell at events@ radstockmuseum.co.uk

If you are interested in attending one of the cafes or used to attend the cafes before Covid, you will be warmly welcomed. The cafes will be free to attend including refreshments, although a small donation would be greatly appreciated. More details will be published on the Museum’s website: www. radstockmuseum.co.uk in the coming weeks and on the Museum’s Facebook page.

Alternatively, you can contact Anne-Katell at events@radstockmuseum.co.uk

on Saturday 26th

2–4.30pm,

On at The Miners’ Wheel at 5pm.

in with.

in the

for

and visit the old Coop to find out what Christmas goodies would have been on offer in days gone by.

enjoy winter warming refreshments in the museum tearoom and find last minute unique Christmas gifts, Christmas cards and annual gift tickets in the museum shop. For details visit www.radstockmuseum.co.uk.

I do love this time of the year, getting the winter clothes out and wrapping up warm. Friends and family always seem to have a bit more time for a catch up and the frost and cold chilly mornings always bring a freshness to the air. It also seems to be the time of organising and preparing.

It certainly has been a really tough few years for us, but I have seen the community really come together when we have needed it most. Recent events in Radstock have seen the community groups and organisations pull together even more and I would like to thank every one of those who have gone above and beyond in supporting the Radstock community throughout this difficult time.

It seems like there is great news for Radstock on the horizon. Bath and North East Somerset Council have secured money for an Active Travel Social Prescribing grant for the area. Somer Valley Rediscovered have secured the Green Project Funding which includes plans for Haydon Batch and Regeneration Scoping has begun with the results of the consultation due any moment. Thank you for those that have responded, as well as the groups and residents who have shared ideas. Radstock has so many talented people in the area it truly is incredible. From the drone videos that show off the beautiful batches and surrounding areas, the incredible musicians and artists and those with so many incredible talents and the support of volunteers to achieve it all. Those who report issues or concerns or respond to consultation, you all really do make a difference and Radstock a great place to be.

The purchase of Trinity Methodist Church aims to support a community centre in the heart of Radstock – a place for all community groups and activities to come together. The success of the centre will need the support of everyone. By the next issue hopefully, there will be plans on how this will be achieved. The Council have reviewed this for sometime and are confident the purchase will have no impact on the precept.

The Town Council have also continued work to review further upgrades and improvements at Tom Huyton Park which we plan to carry out over the Winter months, ready for Spring next year.

Please do look after yourselves and your neighbours, the energy crisis is a concern for us all. The Radstock Community Library will continue to be a warm and welcoming space if you need it. Please keep a look out for Christmas events and support available throughout the magazine.

Take Care, George