CLERK’S MESSAGE

My first message in the first publication of our new magazine, I really do feel privileged to be here. I have lived in the area since I was 4 and could never see myself living anywhere else. If lockdown has taught me anything, it is to really appreciate the things around you. The green spaces, the parks, the history and most importantly, people. I joined the Council in December last year and what a whirl wind my first 10 months has been. I’d firstly like to thank the community for your very warm welcome. I love meeting the community and hearing about all the fantastic things you all do to contribute to the area. No one would deny it has been a difficult time for all of us with the outbreak of Covid-19. In my first week (way back in December) I was helping at the seniors’ Tea Party, in the wonderful Whisty Hall, meeting lots of new people and reconnecting with some I haven’t seen since I was very little. A Tea Party seems so unattainable for this year, which is sad but we will adapt. People have had to adapt – Council meetings being held remotely (some help from grandchildren), businesses adapting their ways to make a living and support the community, charities and clubs struggling but making the most of the time to renovate and fundraise, people supporting and volunteering with 3CS to deliver to those people in need and neighbours taking the time to check on each other and stand proud on a Thursday evening to give thanks. This makes me proud and I want to thank you all! You have all pulled together in so many ways. In July, B&NES introduced the ‘Tosser’ anti-littering signs and you have all really embraced the campaign with teams and teams of people coming out to litter pick and make the Town and villages beautiful. The Radstock In Bloom team have been working to paint Radstock pink, the allotmenteers working so hard on their plots and even volunteers cleaning signal poles and fixing the toilets. There are too many people to list them all here, but personally as someone who works, lives and cares about this area, I would like to say THANK YOU! Radstock, Clandown, Haydon and Writhlington you are beautiful on the inside and out. I’d like to finish by reflecting and taking the time to think. As I write this, the lockdown restrictions are easing, please just stop and spare a moment for those around you, we do not all cope in the same way and if you do need help, there is no shame in asking. Please ask. Be Kind. George Clutten - Town Clerk

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