MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Let me welcome you to this first issue of our own town magazine, The Wheel. This is a much needed publication that will enable as many people as possible to keep in touch with events and projects in Radstock. I hope it will encourage you to take part and derive much enjoyment and satisfaction from being part of our community. As with other settlements in the Somer Valley, Radstock has witnessed significant development recently and the population has risen by nearly one third in the last six years. With this has come the gradual growth of services such as the Hub and the open spaces. Volunteers are always needed to maintain opening hours and to help the local charities in the area, numbers of which are always increasing. If you have spare time and would like to get involved, there is much to do! Radstock has a strong gardening tradition and both the allotments and open spaces are a credit to the town. We have taken up the litter picking initiative,

Don’t be a tosser! from B&NES and it is proving to be a great success. Our town possesses a unique industrial heritage and in future weeks, we are aiming to commemorate this by installing a set of heritage plaques which will provide local information. You may already know that the Town Council purchased nearly 20 acres of former mining land at Haydon, which covers the site of Haydon Batch. The intention was to provide an amenity to local people - not only for dog walking, but community activities too. We are fortunate enough to have the legacy of four Sustrans cycle paths and the tranquillity that these afford is a great blessing, as well as opportunities for exercise. We are made aware daily of the negative side of people’s lives brought about by Covid-19. With the group Family Action, we have set up a food club with partnership from the Children’s Centre to help. Details can be found on the Council’s website: www.radstock-tc.gov.uk I wish you all health and good fortune in the coming weeks. Rupert Bevan Mayor of Radstock

07415100886 Market Place, Radstock, BA3 3AE