A GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE IN MIDSOMER NORTON

Spring 2012Issue 2

Our What’s On and Things To Do pages

DON’T MISS

See inside for fi lm screeningsComing soon Midsomer Norton Cinema!

Sponsored by Midsomer Norton Town Council

Church of the Holy GhostThe town’s oldest buildingTricknology at the Skate ParkLearn new tricks with Tricknology at the Skate ParkBusiness News Town Team InitiativeJubilee Events to CelebrateBig Jubilee Lunch and Family PartyMidsomer Norton PalladiumYour new community cinemaNorman VoakeRead all about this season’s chosen ‘Nortonian’The Launch of the New IdentityNew Council logoMore to do in our townLeisure and sharing the spaceTwinning NewsEvents in Midsomer NortonWhat’s OnPacked calendar of eventsThings To DoCommunity activities for allMerriman Theatre CompanyFantastic theatre groupLocal RecipesMouth watering recipes for home cooking Midsomer Norton Silver BandTheir winning storySchools NewsWhat’s happening in your school?Midsomer Norton Cricket ClubIntroducing Henry Thomas

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WELCOME TO

Welcome to the second issue of Midsomer Norton LIFE.We’ve received very positive feedback on the fi rst issue of Midsomer Norton LIFE from both residents and local community groups.

Since the last issue of LIFE, Midsomer Norton has become holder of the World Record for the largest number of living participants in a Nativity Play – thanks to the work of the Welton Baptist Church and the Chamber of Commerce - supported by other community groups in the town. It was wonderful to see the whole town come together. As a Council, we’ve been looking at ways to get the views of residents and build links between community groups in the town. We recently carried out a Town Survey in order to investigate how residents see the town centre and what issues, if any, they have with litter and anti-social behaviour.

Litter is certainly an issue many of you are concerned about – and so in January we had a Big Litter Pick and we’ve been talking to B&NES about provision of more litter bins, particularly on the new cycle path. The Council has also recently launched a new community grant scheme. In the fi rst round we received 14 applications and have granted £13,000 to a wide range of community projects. As well as looking at delivering improvements in the short term, we’ve also begun looking at the development of a long term vision and associated projects. Finally, in setting our fi rst budget we’ve worked hard to get the most out of the resources available to us whilst not increasing our precept. In the event, we’ve been able to actually reduce it this year due to a windfall from an administrative error on the part of B&NES.

In the following pages we hope you fi nd a rich mix of articles about the people, places and history as well as a comprehensive diary for everything going on in Midsomer Norton.

Cllr Paul Myers & Cllr Linda DunfordMayor and Deputy Mayor of Midsomer Norton

Midsomer Norton Life is produced by Ignyte Ltd, 46 Frome Road Radstock, BA3 3LF Tel 01761 437377.While 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 Midsomer Norton Town Council does not offi cially 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.

The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be in June. If you would like your group to be included in the next edition, please contact us on 01761 437377 before the deadline : 30th May 2012If you have diffi culty reading the print please contact the Town Clerk for a large print copy. You can also view Midsomer Norton Life on the council’s website at www.midsomernorton-tc.gov.uk

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Conveyancing Company/Commercial Family Trusts

Commercial Property Licensing Powers of Attorney

Agricultural Law Tax Planning Court of Protection

Employment Personal Injury Wills and Probate

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MIDSOMER NORTON SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUBMidsomer Norton Short Mat Bowls Club was formed in 1997, shortly after the Somer Centre was opened. It has gained in popularity ever since that time and currently has over thirty members playing regularly. They play every Tuesday and Friday afternoon from 2:30pm until 4:30pm.The club has two teams playing in the Mendip Short Mat league and have entered teams into a number of other competitions that have been organised by various clubs in the area. In addition to this, the club play around four friendly matches a month both home and away. The club caters for all levels of skill and are always looking for new members. Anyone wishing to try the game can come along to one of the sessions where they will receive a warm welcome. Telephone 01761 418400.

GIRLGUIDING CELEBRATES WORLD THINKING DAYThe Norton-Radstock West District Guides, Brownies and Rainbows gathered together on 22nd February for their annual celebration of World Thinking Day. An Art Competition was held on the theme of ‘We Can Save Our Planet’ and the winners were from 1st Midsomer Norton Guides, 4th Midsomer Norton Brownies and 1st Norton-Radstock West Rainbows. The girls are pictured with Mrs Janet Robins, President of the District who presented them with individual prizes and the challenge cups which they won for their Units..

MIDSOMER NORTON LIONSThe Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Club were very pleased, following their January business meeting, to hear of the success of their Christmas activities. Despite a number of the carol floats having to be cancelled due to bad weather, the club received their best results ever. Providing enjoyment and raising funds to help those in need is just a part of the organised events that are run by the members.In November the first lady member Margaret Small, aided by fellow Lions, volunteered to run their Christmas Supermarket draw with gift voucher prizes of nearly £300 for the local people to win. In December, Lions Phil Kendon, Rex Gregory, Trevor Hipwood, Margaret Small, Trish House, Rosine Geare and others contributed to the success of the carol float trips which did make it out between the beginning of December and Christmas Eve.Also in December musical director Heather Hill presented the popular Christmas Concert led by the Somer Valley Singers and baritone Peter Setton. The concert raised £150.00 which was then doubled by the club and put towards rehydration tablets. Following this event was the annual Christmas dinner which was well attended by the Lions and their friends. The annual Christmas card was signed by the Lions and raised a donation for Hope for Tomorrow Cancer Fund.President Richard Munden would like to thank all of the members for their efforts over the last months and year and for the ladies of Lions for their forbearance of Lions commitments by their husbands. But without the support of the public as well, the work undertaken would not have been possible.For any further information please contact Barry Rogers on 01761 414140.

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CHURCH OF THE HOLY GHOST...Midsomer Norton’s

oldest building

At 600 years old, the Church of the Holy Ghost in Midsomer Norton is the town’s oldest complete building – tucked away behind Casswells in the High Street.Built by the Augustinian monks of Merton Priory as a Tithe Barn in the 15th century, its original purpose was to store the harvest from the grange lands which the monks held in Midsomer Norton. In those days farmers were required to give a percentage of their crops to the Church, who then in turn supported the poor and looked after the spiritual life of the town. Carts would come up to the great door at the front, have their contributions recorded, unload and then drive on through and out of the back of the building.The building can be dated from the tracery window above the entrance and the style of the main door. But when you look inside you can also see that the monks must have broadly made up the design as they built it, as the windows are not symmetrical. With the dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, Merton Priory’s lands were given by Henry VIII to Christ Church College Oxford. In 1886, no longer required for storing tithes, it was sold to a private landowner. By 1906 the Tithe Barn had been used as a kennels, a stable and even a chicken house and was derelict and unsafe. Fortunately the monks of Downside Abbey stepped in and purchased it to convert it into a church and so returned it to monastic ownership.

The link with Downside Abbey ensured that a very sympathetic restoration was carried out. Abbot Edmund Ford engaged the services of world famous architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott – the man who designed the iconic red telephone box. He planned the restoration and conversion of the building. As well as taking the roof off and rebuilding it using many of the orginal timbers, Scott made a number of changes to the building including a new main entrance doorway and also a window in the south wall, the tracery being modelled on the original window above the entrance.The richly carved guilded tabernacle of the church dates from 1794 and once stood on the High Altar Chapel in the Bavarian Embassy in Golden Square, London. Other furnishings include Flemish examples of The Stations of the Cross dating from the 18th century as well as Jacobean panelling taken from the buildings of Downside Abbey School. The pulpit at one time was the Prefect’s desk in the study room at Downside.The new Church was blessed on 17th May 1913 and has been in regular use for services ever since. How wonderful that Downside not only preserved it but were able to fi nd such an appropriate use for a building lovingly constructed centuries before by the Augustinian monks.

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Each ability level includes a series of tricks, ranging from 6 to 12 in number. Throughout the levels the tricks will become more and more diffi cult, testing your ability and encouraging you to learn new skills in order to advance through the program and gain more of the exclusive Tricknology rewards. The 49 tricks vary hugely, and include everything from a ‘Bunny Hop’ at the beginning of the Novice section, all the way up to a ‘Backfl ip No Hander’ at the end of the Pro section. Only after a rider has passed one level may they progress onto the next, provided all tricks have been completed along the way.

As you progress through Tricknology the awards you will receive will also get bigger and better. After completing Novice riders will then be eligible to start working towards a sheet of Tricknology Griptape for completing Advanced. You will then receive a set of Tricknology Pegs for the Expert level and fi nally a super exclusive Tricknology Bar for completing the Pro level.The Tricknology program has also been designed to promote “Skatepark Etiquette” as a large part of its ethos. As well encouraging safety and fair-play throughout, the purpose of Skatepark Etiquette is to positively build the image of freestyle scootering in the eyes of both parents and other skate park users alike.To aid your progress, and allow you to show off your scootering skills each rider will be issued with a Tricknology Card. This card will be your passport into the Tricknology program enabling you to record your progression, compare with friends and fellow scooter riders and track your Tricknology progress. The cards will also help riders to learn the mechanics of how the tricks are performed with easy to understand instructions.These cards will be issued to you and handed out at MOJO or Midsomer Norton Skate parkTricknology participants then take the cards away with them to learn the new tricks and skills in their own time. Riders will only be able to test their new skills and progress through the program at regularly organised Tricknology testing sessions.

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The basis of the Tricknology scheme is a learning/testing program designed to help children learn new scooter skills and tricks. It does this by helping you to progress through four set levels of scootering ability; Novice, Advanced, Expert & Pro. Encouraged by a reward system you will be able to earn exclusive Tricknology awards for completing each of the four levels.

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SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE...Do you have questions about your child’s development? Or have a child with an additional need in your family?Norton Radstock Children’s Centre run an Early Support Stay and Play group for parents with concerns about their child’s development or who have a child with additional needs. Come along to Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre, Pows Orchard, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HY on Thursday afternoons from 1:30pm – 3:00pm. We off er a time and place where parents, carers and children can spend quality time playing together and fi nding out what support is available to you. (Access to the Sensory room is also available.)One parent commented “Having met other parents with special needs children, I feel less isolated”. “It enables me to have one-to-one time playing and learning with my daughter”.For more information about Norton Radstock Children’s Centre Services or the groups we run across the area, please call 01225 396660.

MIDSOMER NORTON THURSDAY CLUBThe Midsomer Norton Thursday Club is a social group who meet every Thursday at 2:30pm for a game of Bingo and a get together. They meet at the Community Centre Gullock Tyning, and anyone is welcome. For further information please contact 01761 412061 (evenings only).

The future of the nation’s High Streets has been much in the news of late with Mary Portas, Queen of Shops putting forward a long list of recommendations to the government on how to breathe new life into places like Midsomer Norton.So, at its Annual General Meeting in January this year, the local Chamber of Commerce created its own Town Team to try and bring some Portas magic to the town. “It’s easy to get bogged down in all the doom and gloom but to be honest Midsomer Norton has a lot going for it, if only we can pull our resources together and make the most out of what we’ve got”, said Jon Plenty of Edwards Opticians, who is heading up the new Town Team.On the theme of calling on local resources, the Chamber has been able to enlist the help of retired retail expert Mike Bell, who lives in the town, to share his wealth of experience with local retailers. “In the coming months I will be working in both workshops and on a 1:1 basis with local retailers to help fi nd simple cost eff ective ways they can improve their off ering. Fundamentally the process begins with them

standing outside their shops and businesses to literally view their operations from their customers’ perspective. We’ve got a really great range of independents in Midsomer Norton and with the newly transformed River Somer running through – frankly there are many towns which must envy the footfall and retail environment that we have”, said Mike Bell.

Further initiatives are being examined by the new Town Team so we look forward to hearing more in the next issue of Midsomer Norton LIFE.

TOWN TEAM INITIATIVEChamber launches...

There’s no place like home!

FARMERS’ MARKETSThis lively and much loved monthly event is situated on the pretty Hollies Gardens in the centre of the Town. The market is full with award winning local food producers and a browsing area of guest stalls which can include stained glass, sculpture, plants or local community groups. With refreshments and a seating area available, this can be a good social day out.By choosing to support the local producers at the market you are making a positive diff erence to the local economy. In turn this will help to guarantee the future of our farming industry.The next local markets will be held on April 7th and May 5th in the Hollies Gardens. For more information about the market visit www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk, 01373 814646.

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MIDSOMER NORTON EVENTS FOR 2012

The whole town is invited to attend the BIG launch at West Clewes (Welton Rovers) at lunch time on Sunday 3rd June. Midsomer Norton Town Council have funded a massive 39 metre by 12 metre marquee with space for 400 people to sit down and which will be decorated in red, white and blue to celebrate the occasion. So the whole family can bring along their own packed lunch/picnic to share in all the entertainment, fun and excitement of the great day. Planning is well underway with community groups in the town so watch the local press in the coming months.

Thanks to our town’s amazing community groups we already have a stunning programme of events in hand for 2012

On the evening of the 3rd June the towns sports clubs; Midsomer Norton RFC, Midsomer Norton Cricket Club and

Welton Rovers Football Club are organising a fantastic Jubilee Party for the whole family. Open the residents of

Midsomer Norton the event will be held in the Jubilee Marquee at Welton Rovers. Two live bands have been

booked, there’ll pay bar, dance fl oor and included in the ticket price will be supper. Arrangements are well in hand

and further details will be published shortly in the press.

Inspired by the Royal Charter from Henry III in 1248, arrangements for Midsomer Norton Fayre Day 2012 are already well advanced. Organised by the Chamber supported by local community groups this event looks set to be bigger and better than ever this year. As well the medieval knight’s encampment at St Johns Church, stalls and music at the Priory the Falconer will be at the Church of the Holy Ghost and the much loved Rat Catcher will return to the Hollies Gardens along side the tea garden. Plans are in hand to bring back the marching bands with the held of the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band. Finally the whole of the Town Hall will be turned over for the weekend to an art exhibition which will showcase amazing creativity of the town. Opening at 12 noon Midsomer Norton Fayre will certainly be an event not to be missed in 2012.

Midsomer Norton Christmas Lantern FayreFriday 7th December 2012

Whilst Christmas may seem a long way away plans are already underway for the 2012 event. And let’s face it, the event in 2011 with its World record will take some

beating! As well as the by now traditional lanterns it will be an opportunity for the whole town to come together

to celebrate the message of Christmas.

BIG Jubilee LunchSunday 3rd June 2012

Evening Jubilee Family PartySunday 3rd June 2012

Midsomer Norton Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

The town’s community groups are in the process of putting together their teams ready for the Midsomer Norton Olympics which will take place on Saturday 16th June at West Clewes Recreation Ground (Welton Rovers). The overall event is being organised by the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Rotary Club and looks set to be another memorable day for the town. The organisers are keen that the whole community come along to support the teams as they compete in a breathtaking array of events designed by the towns community groups. An event not to be missed.

Midsomer Norton Children’s OlympicsSaturday 16th June 2012

Final details of Midsomer Norton’s Jubilee Day will be included in special Jubilee Issue of LIFE - coming out earlier than usual in late May 2012.

A FAMILIAR FACE RETURNS TO

MIDSOMER NORTON

Having been based at our Chippenham office for over

six years, Jane returns “home” re-joining the team

at our High Street office.

riginay starng her career here in she brings a weath of experience to the aready estabished

exisng sta of inda, ecy, Sam and Juia - tong

up no ess than 100 YEARS tota service with Norad

between them!!

Pease fee free to pop in a for a chat ,coee and discuss your hoiday needs with Jane -don’t forget the biscuits!!

• • • • • • •

NORAD WELCOMES BACK JANE MARTIN

A FAMILIAR FACE RETURNS TO MIDSOMER NORTON

Having been based at our Chippenham offi ce for over six years, Jane returns

“home” re-joining the team at our High Street offi ce.

Originally starti ng her career here in 1981 she brings a wealth of experience

to the already established existi ng staff of Linda, Becky, Sam and Julia - totti ng up

no less than 100 YEARS total service with Norad between them!

Please feel free to pop in a for a chat, coff ee and discuss your holiday needs with

Jane - don’t forget the biscuits!

TO EXPERIENCE OUR EXPERIENCE CALL 01761 416346 OR VISIT

85 HIGH STREET. MIDSOMER NORTON NORAD WELCOMES BACK JANE MARTIN

On Thursday 1st March Midsomer Norton Town Hall held a community celebration as local radio station Somer Valley FM hosted its 3rd Anniversary party. The occasion brought together many community groups, local businesses and station volunteers. The Midsomer Voices entertained guests as they arrived. Dignitaries attending included Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, the Leader of the Council Paul Crossley and The Chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Peter Edwards. Local businessman Findlay Hobbs described the occasion as, “a celebration of community satisfaction with SVFM,” before adding, “We’ve been in business in this town for forty years and this radio station is the most refreshing thing to come our way.”

LOCAL RADIO

Listen online at www.somervalleyfm.co.uk or on 97.5fm

With over 200 volunteers making quality radio, Somer Valley FM delivers a diverse schedule of programmes off ering local news and What’s On information for Midsomer Norton and the surrounding area. Visit www.somervalleyfm.co.uk for the full list of shows or to listen online. Somer Valley FM bringing our community together on 97.5FM.

The new aff ordable housing development which opened in December at the top of Midsomer Norton High Street off ers not only 23 new homes in the town but also an example of what can be achieved when the town is able to open up a dialogue with a developer.

The site is now complete and fully occupied bringing much needed aff ordable housing to the town. Previous proposals for the site had included blocks of fl ats in red brick which the Midsomer Norton Society campaigned hard against as in their view such structures would have destroyed the character and line of the top end of the High Street.

When Guinness Hermitage were able to unite two sites and begin planning a new development they took on board calls to preserve the character of the High Street frontage and agreed to build two cottages in white lias stone whilst adopting a modern energy effi cient design for the main development behind.In addition, when the garden wall of the old house was being demolished, the Midsomer Norton Society noticed an old date stone from the 18th century and Guinness incorporated it into the end gable of one of the white lias stone cottages.

But why call the development Bevington Close? Well, the name of the house built on the site in 1932/3 by Fred Shearn was called Bevington. Interestingly the name Bevington referred to the small hamlet which his wife, Susanna’s family came from originally just south of Berkeley in Gloucestershire.

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MIDSOMER NORTON COMMUNITY SERVICE VEHICLE TRUST The Trust was formed on 21st April 1967 to provide a vehicle for the use and benefit of handicapped, disabled and infirm persons resident in Norton-Radstock. Over the intervening period, many thousands of mainly elderly people have had their lives enhanced through the provision of such a vehicle, enabling them to leave their homes to attend clubs, functions, to go on outings and to meet up with friends. The vehicle can accommodate up to twelve passengers, fewer if a wheelchair is transported. It is regularly maintained and serviced in accordance with Government requirements. The vehicle is currently used by clubs for the disabled and elderly, local churches and other groups. The Trust hires out the minibus at a rate per mile and is supported by a Grant from Bath & North East Somerset Council. Volunteer Drivers are always welcome! Please call Stephen Powell on 01761 413975 for enquiries and bookings. (Registered Charity No 276166)

WELTON SOCIAL CLUBThe Welton Social Group meets every Thursday in the Community Room from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Throughout the month the club participates in various events; fish and chip lunches, computer group and flexicise. Coming up soon will be their Easter Raffle which will be drawn on the Thursday before Easter. This is a friendly and fun group and anyone is welcome. Please telephone Gill Rice on 01761 417960 for further details.

HEARING AID CLINICSThe Hearing Aid Repairs Clinics are held on the 3rd Friday of each month at the Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Centre, from 10:30am until 12:00pm. The clinic can supply batteries and replace tubing as well as give general advice on the maintenance of aids.

The clinic is run by Volunteers on behalf of and supported by St Martins Hearing Therapy Unit, Bath. Telephone 01225 836097.

The dates of the clinics for the rest of the year are:20th April 2012 21st September 201218th May 2012 19th October 201215th June 2012 16th November 201220th July 2012 21st December 201217th August 2012

MIDSOMER NORTON RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUBThe Rugby Football Club has been busy recently raising funds for the club at the same time as raising the club’s spirits. The club put together a 2012 calendar, available to buy in the club house, with a mixture of scenes some more risqué than others. They also succeeded in raising over £1500 with sponsored moustache growing for the Movember Campaign.The Rugby Football Club’s junior section also organise events to help raise funds for the club. They recently held a wine tasting evening for parents involving someone describing three different wines and someone else tasting the wines and then matching them to the descriptions. This event was supported by an impressive eighty people.The club’s 75th celebration dinner for old players, held on 17th February, was supported by a speech from Gareth Chillcott, former International Rugby player. And still to come, at the end of the season, is a fun day/fundraiser game where two old teams will get together for a game. It certainly has been a busy time!

BATH DANCENTREThe Bath Dancentre is a social dancing club, teaching all grades from beginners to advanced. The Dancecentre also has Ballroom and Latin-American dance classes for the adults and discos for the children. Both adults and children meet at The Town Hall in Midsomer Norton, adults on Wednesday evenings and children on Saturday afternoons.Further details of the classes available can be found on the What’s On Pages or you can contact Paula Goodyear on 01225 312851 or 07860839560.

NORTON HILL SPORTS CENTRENorton Hill Sports Centre offers a range of exercise classes including; zumba fitness, zumba toning, aerobics, total body tone and fitball.In addition to these activities the Sports Centre also offers the following; Astro Turf for hire (suitable for football and hockey), Sports Hall for hire (suitable for football, badminton, basketball, netball, volleyball, table tennis and short tennis), Studio for Hire (suitable for martial arts and dance) and has a Meeting Room for hire (suitable for weight watchers etc). There are a number of clubs who hire out these spaces.Norton Hill Sports Centre has the following events coming later this year.• Free Sports Activity day on Sunday 1st July from 10:00am until 2:00pm. A chance to participate in the activities available at Norton Hill Sports Centre for free and a chance to try Olympic and Para-Olympic Sports. There will also be quad biking, an inflatable gladiator joust and a bouncy castle.• Also on Sunday 1st July Norton Hill Sports Centre will be hosting the ‘Ben Halford Memorial Cup’ which is a charity football tournament raising money for the charity ‘Time is Precious’ . The junior tournament has the following age groups (under 9s, under 11s, under 13s and under 15s). It will run from 10:am until 1:00pm. The adult tournament will run from 1:00pm until 4:00pm.If you require any further information about any of the above please telephone 01761 412136.

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MIDSOMER NORTON JUDO CLUBThe Midsomer Norton Judo Club visited the Kitto Centre in Plymouth towards the end of last year. Ashley Crooks won a Gold medal for successfully winning all four of his contests in the under 16 years over 66k category and winning full Ippon scores with throwing techniques. Connor Schuster also successfully won a Bronze medal for winning his contest, despite having to fight higher grade and weight opponents. Lee Adams, their coach, was extremely pleased with their performance.Following the trip to Plymouth, the Midsomer Norton Judo club players won further medals in the Gloucester Judo competition. Lee Adams, the Wednesday evening coach, congratulated Ashley Crooks on winning another Gold Medal in the under 16 years over 66k category and Connor Schuster on winning the Bronze Medal in the under 16 years under 46k category.Ashley has now gained his Brown Belt 17th Mon and Connor has gained his Green Belt 10th Mon. Both players hope to gain the next grades before the Judo Club travel down to Ambares in France in April 2012.Earlier this year the Midsomer Norton Judo Club members won Bronze medals when representing Somerset County in the West of England annual teams, at the Wellspring Leisure Centre in Taunton.Lee Adams, Black Belt 2nd Dan, won all his contests for the senior team fighting in the under 100K category. Connor Schuster, Green Belt 10th Mon, won one contest and narrowly lost two hard fought contests in the junior under 16 years team, fighting the under 46k category. Ashley Crooks, Brown Belt 17th Mon, won two contests and again narrowly lost one contest to a very experienced player in the junior under 16 years team, fighting in the under 81k category. The club would like to congratulate all three on their success.The next competition for other club members to enter is on the 15th April 2012 at St Dunstan’s School in Glastonbury. For any further information on the Midsomer Norton Judo Club please telephone 01761 413320 or see the club website at www.midsomernortonjudoclub.org.uk.

Your new local cinema in Midsomer Norton

AT THE TOWN HALL

Midsomer Norton will shortly see seen the return of fi lm screenings with the launch of the Midsomer Norton Community Cinema at the Town Hall. Off ering a monthly Saturday double bill including the very best fi lms, on your door step, at aff ordable ticket prices the initiative has been welcomed by residents of the town.Organised by a unique partnership between Bath Film Festival and the Sarah Ann Trust, the initiative links expertise in fi lm presentation with the fabulous Town Hall venue, a local audience and a dedicated team of volunteers.For this fi rst launch year Bath Film Festival led the successful bid for funding from Creative England, Wessex Water and Bath & North East Someset Council.

In the long term, the aim is to create a sustainable, not for profi t community operation which can purchase its own projection equipment and stand alone in 2013.There will be two performances on a Saturday; a family matinee at 4pm and an evening showcase at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 adults, children £3 with a special family ticket for £12 (two adults and two children). Tickets will be sold on the door, subject to availability and with the fi rst month’s programme including recent releases such as ‘Puss in Boots’ and ‘My week with Marilyn’ the Sarah Ann Trust hope to win the support of local residents.Residents are being urged to come on down to the Palladium at the Town Hall to see great fi lms and enjoy everything you’d expect in a cinema including as popcorn and ice cream but above all a warm welcome.

MIDSOMER NORTON COMMUNITY CINEMA

PUSS IN BOOTS (U)(2011. Dir. Chris Miller. Stars (voices of ) Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek. 90 mins)

This classic French fairy story has been told and retold for hundreds of years, and now gets a brand new animated makeover, with Puss as a Hispanic-accented Zorro-like hero, whose confi dence is shaken when he crosses swords with Kitty Softpaws, although they are less like enemies, than rivals, with only one (likely) outcome. Humpty Dumpty gets thrown into the mix, along with an unusually aggressive Jack and Jill, and a very large beanstalk. It’s a cartoon/fairytale mashup, and all the more fun for that. The animation is ace, the pace is hectic, and there is as much fun here for adults as for children.

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (15) (2011. Dir. Simon Curtis. Stars Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Kenneth Branagh. 99 mins)

In 1957, Laurence Olivier decided to make a fi lm of a Terence Rattigan play, which would star himself and Marilyn Monroe. While the resulting fi lm was unmemorable, the clash of the thespian titans is the subject of this delightful period comedy/drama. Monroe was much younger than Olivier, inexperienced, lacking in confi dence, and in awe of her director/co-star. He in turn was annoyed by her obsession with technique and Method Acting, and made matters worse with his imperious impatience. Witness to all this was a young man called Colin Clark, who had a very minor assistant role, but became Monroe’s confi dante and friend for a few days. The fi lm is based on his memoir.A thoroughly enjoyable fi lm which off ers the best of modern and period drama combined.

Matinee (4pm) Evening (7pm)

Sat 31st March 2012

ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS (U)(2011. Dir. Mike Mitchell. Stars Jason Lee, Justin Long. 87mins)

Alvin and the Chipmunks were fi rst invented in 1958, and are more famous now than they have ever been. This is the third Alvin fi lm and has been packing cinemas all over the world. Dave (their minder) and the uncontrollable trio of Alvin, Simon and Theodore, are on a cruise with the Chipettes. However, they leave the ship and fi nd themselves on a desert island where they fi nd even more trouble than usual. Kids of all ages (and plenty of adults) will have a whale of a time.

HAPPY FEET TWO (U) (2011. Dir. George Miller. Stars (voices of ) Elijah Wood, Robin Williams)

Five years ago, we met Mumble, the penguin who had dancing feet, and Ramon, his eccentric mentor. Now they’re back for another dose of icy fun. Mumble has become a father, but his son Erik shows no signs of following in his father’s nifty footsteps. Instead, Erik meets the Mighty Sven, a penguin who can fl y, which is far more impressive than tap dancing. Worse still, there are greater problems, as the entire penguin tribe (and the Antarctic) is threatened by a wall of ice which means they are trapped. Brad Pitt and Matt Damon make special vocal appearances as a couple of crazy krill.

Matinee (4pm) Evening (7pm)THE IRON LADY (12A) (2011. Dir. Phyllida Lloyd. Stars Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent. 105 mins)

Meryl Streep’s Oscar winning performance as ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is the main reason to see a fi lm that is unlikely to leave any audiences in some sort of disagreement. Is it too pro-Maggie, or does it cast her in an unfavourable light? In either case, it is Streep who illuminates the screen, portraying our most controversial PM as a woman on the edge of success, as leader of her country, and in her old age, chatting away to her long-dead husband Denis (Jim Broadbent). The story is told from her point of view, looking back on her life from a personal perspective, starting from her very early days as a political apprentice in her home town of Grantham.

Matinee (4pm) Evening (7pm)

Sat 21st April 2012 Sat 12th May 2012

THE HELP (12A) (2011. Dir Tate Taylor. Stars Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain. 146 mins)

Based on the best selling novel of the same name, this is an exceptionally good drama about the town of Jackson Mississippi in the early 1960s. A young woman comes back from college, and decides to write about what it’s like being a black maid - by talking to the maids themselves. This sets off a chain of events which have a profound impact on everyone concerned. Octavia Spencer won an Oscar for her acting, and Viola Davis deserved one.

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The Friends of Silver Street Nature Reserve was formed in 2005 instigated by Shirley Steel and now supported by B&NES.

The Reserve lies north of the station and consists of a woodland ,meadow, a series of springs, an old stone spring head and a pond. Originally this was part of the estate connected to Norton House, demolished in 1930.

They were awarded the Green Flag last summer for their hard work and community involvement. Since then they have cleared the pond area ready for planting, which will take place shortly. The recent large bonfi re was an attractive sight and lots of debris was burnt. Now they will be concentrating on the meadow and the planting of some trees and bushes supplied by The Woodland Trust.

The management plan includes: winter work, coppicing etc. a circular path through the woodland. The restoration of the Spring Head in the woodland and general work of managing the reserve for the benefi t of wildlife.

They are always keen to involve the local schools and community and have had input from students working on environmental issues as well as the forest school and scouts.

Although they have not fi nalised their Summer programme, they will include : A Bird Song Walk, Butterfl y and Bug Walk, Various Work Days, A Summer Herb Walk and possibly an Owl Prowl in the autumn. To come to any of these events look out for the colourful posters in the town and on the notice boards in The Reserve

SILVER TREETSILVER TREETSILVER TREETSILVER TREET...nature reserve

If you would like to join the reserve, you will be very welcome and they promise you will become infected by the call of the wild and the sense of wellbeing that the reserve provides, We are so lucky to have this ‘hidden gem’ on our doorstep.

Just give Lucy and Jim a ring on 01761 411292. or Shirley Steel on 01761 411630.

MIDSOMER NORTON FOLK DANCE CLUBMidsomer Norton Folk Club started in 1972. The club started dancing at Somervale School, followed by the Methodist Hall in the High Street. The club then moved to St Peter’s Church Hall in Westfi eld where they meet every Friday night from 8:00pm until 10:00pm and have done for the last twenty two years.The club involves country dancing with an aim to helping you to lose weight and keeping you fi t while enjoying yourself. The club welcomes active males and females of any age. The club also meet for a walk every last Wednesday of each month and arrange to go out for trips including skittles nights and always a Christmas dinner.For more information about the Folk Dance Club please contact the Treasurer, Jim Edwards, on 07595 604248 or 01761 411292 (evenings only).

MIDSOMER NORTON SOCIAL CLUBMidsomer Norton Social Club, formerly the RBL, is a small family run club. Locally, the club is still known as Norton Legion. The club is situated at the top end of Midsomer Norton, on North Road, between the Stones Cross pub and Welton Football club. The social club is run by volunteers and is supported by its members and various other clubs who use the facilities; The RBL, Whie Ensign, SLI, MSN Divers, Photographic club, Buff aloes, referees, driving instructors, The Swimming Club and two bands that use the club to practise in.The social club is open six evenings a week, and on Sundays from 11am to 11pm. The club has live music two to three times a month and has their own Pool, Darts, Skittles and Crib teams. The club belongs to The Pub safe – PUB WATCH scheme, so please pop along and try them out. For further information please see the ‘What’s On Pages’ or telephone the club on 01761 412942 (evenings only).

SOMER VALLEY GARDENING CLUBThe Somer Valley Gardening Club is an informal gardening group for the Midsomer Norton area, currently in their fourth year. The aim of the gardening group is to attract members of the community who share an interest in all things garden related. They are a small group with varying levels of experience, from large plots with fruit and vegetables down to patio containers, but who all share an enjoyment in gardening.The group meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month. In May the group run a successful stall at the Farmers Market selling home-grown seedlings, fl owers and vegetable plants. During the summer months the group arranges trips to formal gardens in the area and also visits member gardens. They also organise talks and demonstrations at the Town Hall between October and April.Last year the gardening group had a garden quiz in February, a talk from the National Vegetable Society in March, a tour of the Bishop’s Palace Gardens, Wells in September, participated in discussions on the planting of the River Somer in October, joined Bath University’s gardening group for a talk from top garden designer Ami Maynard in November and rounded the year off with a Christmas meal and Christmas wreath making with mince pies and mulled wine.New members are very welcome. Please contact Suzanne Bird on 01761 417252 or just come along to one of their meetings. Membership is £5 per year then £1 each meeting.

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The next edition of Midsomer Norton Life will be published in June, contact Tina on 01761 437377 or email tina@midsomernortonlife.co.uk if you would like your club, organisation or association included.The deadline for the Summer edition is 30th May 2012.

A profile on the interesting characters in our town

Norman was born in Cardiff in 1931 and went to Michael Hall School until 1947 when he got his first job working for G.E.C in Cardiff. In 1949 he was requested to complete his National service which saw him become part of the Royal Fusiliers until 1951. In 1954 he decided to further his education and he studied at Westminster College in London. Norman took up his first teaching role in 1956 in a small school in Cornwall - this role gave Norman the bug and his career in teaching took off from here. He came to Midsomer Norton in 1959 when he joined the staff at Somervale School, working with children with special educational needs. In 1960 he also became a local preacher at the Methodist church and remained in this role until very recently when ill health forced him to stop preaching and instead become a parishioner.1969 was the year Norman gained his diploma in working with children who had special needs and he was appointed as head of special needs at Somervale school, a role which Norman loved and talks very fondly of. Over the next 18 years Norman taught hundreds of Midsomer Norton pupils both at Somervale and also as part of the Norton Radstock Orchestra where he played the clarinet.In 1988 he decided to take early retirement and his love of discovering our local history came to the fore front of his life. He spent many years researching the schools in Midsomer Norton from as far back as the 18th century. All this information was compiled Norman produced a series of books, focusing on the schools we know today. During his retirement he lectured at a college for adult learners, took a study course with inmates in a local prison and also still worked as a supply teacher until the year 2000. Today Norman sits in his house in Midsomer Norton and still writes for the local radio station, Somer Valley FM and also keeps his hand in with a charity organisation he helped to set up in 2002 as a relief fund for the people of Midsomer Norton Church’s local relief fund work together with the CAB and Barnardo’s to provide food voucher for local families in need of a little help. Norman has played a huge role in the history of Midsomer Norton, through teaching many of our parents and grandparents, to educating our schools on their history as well as setting up charities to help our local people. In short, Norman is certainly a Nortonian we can all look up to.

Our Nortonians NORMAN VOAKE ...retired teacher and preacher

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With much of the initial structure of the new Midsomer Norton Town Council now in place, the new team of Councillors has been turning its attention to deciding on a new town logo.

new logoAt fi rst it was thought the coat of arms on a piece of china might off er the solution. Reference to the College of Arms in London revealed for some reason the manufacturer had actually used an incorrect design used by Taunton prior to 1933 and so the search was on for a new design.

It was at this point local artist David Fisher off ered his services and produced the new design being adopted by the Council.“The Councillors were looking for something more than a logo – they wanted a design that would capture iconic features of the town such as the

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River Somer and the Church of St John the Baptist. Also details from a series of focus groups carried out four years ago by the Midsomer Norton Society indicated that the colour residents most associated with the town was British racing green. Using this broad brief David came up with a whole brand structure incorporating a number of elements in addition to a core logo”, said Town Clerk Michael Curry.

The way is now clear to start using the recently approved brand and residents will notice signage with the distinctive logo going up around the town in the coming months.

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MIDSOMER NORTON...libraryAfter Hours InitiativeWould you like to meet as a small lively group to come up with ideas and then help us make them happen? After Hours is an exciting initiative to provide occasional but regular author talks and activities at times when the library is usually closed. Next event is Poetry Liaisons evening on Tuesday 13th April. This is a FREE event but you will need to book places through Midsomer Norton Library.Also coming up is a further Creative Writing Workshop provided by Tricia Wastvedt on Wednesday 4th April (2pm to 4pm). This event costs £10 per person.The title of the workshop and tickets will be available soon.What would you like to see happening in the library ‘after hours’? Do come along and share your ideas with this small and friendly group in Midsomer Norton Library.

Open hoursMidsomer Norton Library is open : Monday 9.30am to 7pm, Tuesday 9.30am to 5.00pm, Closed on Wednesdays, Thursday 9.30am to 5.00pm, Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm, Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.00pm and closed on Sundays.Homework HelpThe library’s research websites page is a good place for help with your homework or try the Children’s Cyber Library, all available on www.bathnes.gov.uk/leisureandculture/Libraries/children/Pages/HomeworkYou can also ask any question by email, text or telephone using the Enquiry Centre : email: answers@bathnes.gov.uk text: 07919 540 839 or telephone: 01225 787454. Children can access the internet at any library free of charge and every library has information books for you to borrow on a wide range of topics.

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NEW ARTS CENTRE FOR MIDSOMER NORTONThe Sarah Ann Trust is launching a new arts project aimed at bringing the creative arts to all ages in the Somer Valley. The fi rst stage of the project will be an Arts Day at half term on Tuesday, 3rd April. Workshops are being planned covering art, drama, dance, music and hula-hooping PLUS felt-making and spinning demonstrations. All based at the Town Hall in Midsomer Norton this represents an exciting opportunity to young and old during the Easter break. Workshops will last an hour/hour-and-a-half, but there is a charge per person per workshop. The event is open to young people from seven years upwards and accompanying adults.Kirsten Lane explained: “For over a decade I’ve had a dream of launching an arts centre based in Midsomer Norton. So when I approached the Sarah Ann Trust I was bowled over with their enthusiasm for my ideas for bringing vibrant participative arts to the community.“Since then it has been a real whirlwind of activity getting the fi rst day together and now everything is in place for what will be the beginning of a new arts centre in the Somer Valley”, said Kirsten Lane, voluntary Artistic Director for the new Midsomer Norton Arts Project – part of the Sarah Ann Trust. Kirsten, with a degree in the performing arts, has an established track record - including teaching drama and directing many successful shows over almost two decades. For further details email: msnarts@hotmail.co.uk.

MIDSOMER NORTON TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILDThe Guild is a member of the Bath Federation of Townswomen’s Guilds and of the National Organisation of Townswomen’s Guilds. The Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild is a group of friendly women who meet up to enjoy a rich programme of social events and to address local and national issues of the day. The Guild also go out for lunches, theatre trips, conferences and outings. They meet in St John’s Church Hall on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2:00pm. Telephone 01761 413528 for further information.

MUSIC WITH MUMMYIf you can only aff ord to do one thing with your little ones, make it count on every level. Music with Mummy is educational, musical, fun and social and you get to meet like-minded Mums with children of a similar age and spend concentrated, quality time with your little ones. The Music with Mummy group meets at the Methodist Church in Midsomer Norton and is a lively and structured half an hour class that suits children from about a year up to three years. Mummy is as much a part of this session as the children and you will be encouraged to take part with your child giving them concentration skills and confi dence before starting either nursery or school. Please contact Justine on 01761 413039 or justinebunce@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.musicwithmummy.co.uk for further information.

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Improving Midsomer Norton’s Leisure off ering

With increased petrol prices, small market towns across the country are beginning to look beyond the traditional day time shopping options and more towards building a much broader based leisure economy.The Sarah Ann Trust has recently launched a new monthly community cinema in partnership with Bath Film Festival at the Town Hall and has plans to launch a new Arts initiative to tap into the fantastic home grown energy and skills. The hope is that if a local audience can be developed, this can then pave the way to expanding into live drama and music performances in the town to suit a broad range of ages and tastes.On the 7th July, the Bath Americana Festival is bringing a fantastic Cajun Music and Dance evening to Welton Rovers. Further talks are in hand with B&NES Cultural Services to bring a regular arts performance slot to the Town Hall and local groups are coming together to further develop Midsomer Norton Fayre day with the return of marching bands and an art exhibition. Certainly, developing Midsomer Norton as a cultural centre is an ambitious aspiration – but this in turn will help support our local economy and jobs by boosting trade for cafes and restaurants in the town.After all, surely a town of Midsomer Norton’s size should be able to support a wider range of leisure activities? Well yes, but as a town we need to support these pioneering initiatives so that they are to grow and develop.

MORE TO DO ...

The new Town Council recently acquired copies of all the visions and grand development plans for the town going back over 30 years – none of which seem to have ever come to anything. The common theme throughout seems to be that whilst the community has been clear about what it wants, grandiose plans costing millions come to nothing because this sort of money is simply not available.As with the recent experience with the River Somer Project in the town centre, it’s all about getting the right people around a table and being pragmatic in order to make the most of opportunities as they arise, rather than waiting for the big pie in the sky project.Learning from past experience, the Town Council has recently formed two new groups in order to tackle the town’s issues with local energy. In this way we hope to harness forthcoming central government legislation under the Localism Bill to take the town forward.

Midsomer Norton Forum – this group will focus on understanding as never before what the residents of Midsomer Norton want for their town. Based on the recently formed network of 100 community groups, as well as being able to discuss community issues and joint projects such as the plans for the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, Midsomer Norton Olympics and Midsomer Norton Fayre Day, the Forum will begin work shortly on consulting all residents in order to fi nd out what they really want. This process has never really been done before and will form the basis of a Community Plan for the town.

Midsomer Norton Economic Development Partnership – this group will bring together around the table the business community, Town Council, B&NES councillors and the B&NES Economic Development and Planning teams. The aim is to get everyone working together to produce a practical scheme for not only improving the town centre but also to create more local jobs. Areas which have been covered in plans for years include improving the Hollies Gardens as a community space to bring much needed life into the town, making the streetscape in the town centre more attractive to increase footfall along with providing space to allow for larger retailers; better links to and from the car parks and fi nally securing the fabled Town Park.

Whilst many will say they’ve heard it all before, the big diff erence now is that we have the focus on the issues from a Midsomer Norton Town Council

PLANNING FOR A ...

in the townIn Midsomer Norton we face the challenge of improving our leisure off ering with more live music, drama and events whilst at the same time changing perceptions locally to encourage local residents into the town to enjoy them.

Understanding how to share the town centre

In order to really understand what local residents think about the town, the Town Council recently carried out a survey. Having distributed over 1000 questionnaires to businesses and residents in the town 246 people replied. “We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the questionnaire. Whilst the chief concern was litter, many had experienced anti-social behaviour of some kind and with the information received from the survey, fellow Town Councilor Michael Evans and myself will be working with community representatives in the coming months to fi nd ways to address them and help make Midsomer Norton a better place to live and visit”, said Cllr Linda Dunford.The goal has to be to ensure the Midsomer Norton town centre is a place where everyone feels they can visit - whether they have come to listen to a band concert or watch a play before going on to have a meal afterwards, or they’ve come out for a night out visiting pubs with their friends before going onto a club. Add these needs to those of local business people for whom the town centre is their work space and those of residents who live there and want a good night’s sleep - and you can see the challenge of trying to ensure ‘peace and harmony’ in a shared space.That said, if Noah could get the diversity of creation into the arc for 40 days and nights and managed to stop the lions eating the giraff es – clearly where there’s a will there’s a way!

vibrant communityUnlocking Midsomer Norton’s potentialFor decades Midsomer Norton has been waiting for improvements to its town centre. Sadly, whilst we seem to have suff ered at the hands of developers in the 1960s, apart from the Hollies, nothing much has been done since to improve things.

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621 Jamie Woodland_Full Page:Layout 1 17/2/12 15:51 Page 1

Since the last issue of Midsomer Norton LIFE, agreement has been reached between Midsomer Norton and Ambares et Lagrave town councils, to sign a new civic twinning charter this coming August.The original twinning charter was signed in 1982, making this the 30th anniversary year. However, with the new council structure locally, a new charter was needed. Radstock and Westfi eld have decided to make their own arrangements.Midsomer Norton Town Council will therefore be signing a new charter on Tuesday 21st August 2012, in the Town Hall during the French twinning exchange visit this year. As well as signing charter documents, the Town Council will also be presenting to the Mayor of Ambares et Lagrave a painting of Midsomer Norton by local artist and Town Councillor Simon Wellington.The overall family exchange is being arranged by the Norton Radstock Twinning Association, who have decided to keep members who come from a wide area. The Association has put together an exciting week of activities between the 19 to 25 August. Full details will be included in the next issue of LIFE. If you would like to fi nd out more about twinning and how you can take part, please contact The Twinning Association President Jeni Randles on 01761 412130.

TOWNS TO LINK

Midsomer Norton Town Council, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce is also investigating the possibility of links with a province in China. This twinning link is seen more as an opportunity to link with the growing economies of the Far East rather than as a family exchange.A delegation from B&NES established contact with Jiangxi Province before Christmas and since then the Town Council has received a letter from a contact in the Xinyu Municipal Foreign Aff airs Offi ce. This will be followed up in forthcoming months in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce in order to explore the potential for building commercial links between our two communities.

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The team responsible for making the streets of Midsomer Norton look beautiful with seasonal flowers and foliage would like to ask for the community’s help in deciding what you would like to see in the Hollies Gardens this Spring and Summer?What flowers bring a smile to your face?Is there a floral design that you feel depicts the community of Midsomer Norton?Please let us know your thoughts and ideas as these areas are community areas and we would very much like to hear from you.

Contact Carole at the Town Council Offices with your preferred choices on 01761 418701

LET US KNOW ...

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19th Midsomer Norton Town Council planning meeting at the Town Hall at 7pm21st Norton Radstock Ramblers, walk to North Wootton, meeting at 10am by Manor Farm, Dulcote, contact 01761 470453 or 07811 00856724th Midsomer Norton Methodist Cricket Club Annual Jumble Sale, contact 07161 418328 25th Norton Radstock Ramblers, walk in the Westhay area, meet at South Road car park at 9.30am, contact 01761 419384 or 01761 41341325th Sport Relief mile, at various venues26th What Future Our High Street, with the Midsomer Norton Society at the Town Hall28th Baby bounce and Rhyme at Midsomer Norton Library from 10.30am to 11.00am30th Midsomer Norton Social Club – Special event in Aid of The Wiltshire Air Ambulance 31st ‘Palladium at the Town Hall’, Matinee showing Puss in Boots at 4pm, evening showing My Week With Marilyn at 7:30pm

March

April1st Norton Radstock Rambler, walk around Wellow, contact Rose on 01761 435178 2nd Midsomer Norton Town Council meeting at the Town Hall 7pm.2nd - 5th Intermediate and beginner skate board lessons at Midsomer Norton Skate Park, contact 01225 396240 for more information

WHAT’ ONWHAT’ ONWHAT’ ONWHAT’ ON1st Choose your favourite hymns with the Methodist Church Women’s Fellowship, contact 01761 2359701st Poetry Liaisons which is Open Poetry Event from 7pm, Free, T Midsomer Norton Library5th Midsomer Norton Farmer’s Market, at the Hollies Gardens, 9:00am until 1:00pm11th ImMENse weekend away to Georgeham in Devon with Welton Baptist Church, contact Matt for more details on 07588 71538112th ‘Palladium at the Town Hall’, Matinee showing Happy Feet Two at 4pm, evening showing The Iron Lady at 7:30pm13th Passenger train operating day at the Somerset and Dorset Railway, Silver Street, contact 01761 411221 for more information14th Midsomer Norton Town Council, Annual Town meeting at 7pm in the Town Hall review of the year15th The Methodist Church Women’s Fellowship Annual General Meeting and Cream teas, contact 01761 23597018th Hearing Aid Repair Clinic at Methodist Church Centre, 10:30am until 12:00 21st Midsomer Norton Town Council Annual General Meeting, at the Town Hall at 7pm22nd London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay comes to Bath, the Olympic Flame will be carried by Torchbearers through the city of Bath26th Spring Fair at Norton Radstock College, contact 01761 433161 for more information26th - 27th A two day May event at the Somerset and Dorset Railway, Silver Street. Contact 01761 411221 for more information

May

2nd Midsomer Norton Farmers Market, at the Hollies Gardens, 9:00am until 1:00pm2nd Craft Fayre at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Hall 10am to 1pm, free admission3rd Midsomer Norton Jubilee celebrations at Welton Rovers Recreation Ground, The BIG lunch at 1pm and the Jubilee Family Party at 7pm3rd Passenger train operating day at the Somerset and Dorset Railway, Silver Street, contact 01761 411221 for more information10th Passenger train operating day at the Somerset and Dorset Railway, Silver Street, contact 01761 411221 for more information11th Town Council meeting, in the Beauchamp Room at the Town Hall 7.00pm15th Hearing Aid Repair Clinic at Methodist Church Centre, 10:30am until 12:00pm16th Midsomer Norton Children’s Olympics at the Welton Rovers Recreation Ground23rd Midsomer Norton Fayre Day in the High Street

June

3rd Midsomer Norton Arts Taster Day, contact msnarts@hotmail.co.ukAll workshops are only £5.00 each and you can take part in up to 3 plus one Hula Workshop3rd Holy Week Meditation led by Revd Roly Sims at Norton Down Methodist Church, contact 01761 2359704th Help & Inspiration for short story writers 10.00 – 12.00, £10.00 at Midsomer Norton Library6th Good Friday March of Witness, from the Greenway Footbridge at Station Road in Welton at 9.45am.For more information contact Welton Baptisit Church on 01761 4102746th Good Friday Celebration at the Methodist Church in the High Street at 7.30pm7th Midsomer Norton Farmer’s Market, at the Hollies Gardens, 9:00am until 1:00pm 8th Easter Sunday Joint Churches Service, at the Methodist Church in the High Street at 10.30am14th Coff ee Morning at the Methodist Church centre, 10:00am until 12:00pm, contact 01761 23597016th Midsomer Norton Town Council Planning committee meeting, 7 pm at the Town Hall17th Poetry Workshop from 6.30 – 8.30 £10.00, at Midsomer Norton Library20th ImMENse Skittles Night at the Fox and Badger in Wellow, with Welton Baptist Church, contact Matt for more details on 07588 71538120th Hearing Aid Repair Clinic at Methodist Church Centre, 10:30am until 12:00pm 21st ‘Palladium at the Town Hall’, Matinee showing Alvin and the Chipmunks; Chip Wrecked at 4pm, evening showing The Help at 7:30pm 21st Craft Fayre at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Hall 10am to 1pm, free admission23rd Somer Valley FM heritage night with Midsomer Norton Society at the Town Hall25th Baby bounce and Rhyme at Midsomer Norton Library from 10.30am to 11.00am28th Open Day at Norton Radstock College, from 10am to 1pm contact 01761 433161

27th WHIT-FUN-DAY FREE fun, games, activities and tea, Somervale School Playing Field (School if wet) from 3:00pm until 6:30pm. Tel: 01761 410450/41411828th Visit to Frome Civic Society with the Midsomer Norton Society, meet at the Town Hall 30th The Royal Bath & West Show, a fun day out for the whole family this June featuring some of the country’s fi nest livestock, farming demonstrations, local produce and more. The Showground, Shepton Mallet, tel: 01749 822200

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THING TO DOTHING TO DOTHING TO DOTHING TO DOMONDAY Veterans Football League at Norton Hill Sports centre at 7.30pm to 9.30pm.Storytime: Stories for 0-5 year olds for Free. 11.00am - 11.30 am at Midsomer Norton Library.Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.30am to 11am, 11.30am to 1.30pm, 2.30pm to 8.00pm and 9.00pm to 10.00pm.Little Puma’s Tae Kwon Do group at Norton Hill Sports Centre ages 4 to 6 from 5.15pm to 6pm, juniors and adults 6pm to 7pm.Music with Mummy at the Methodist Church every Monday from 10am to 2.30pm for more information call Justine on 0171 413039.FISH Trampoline Club at Norton Hill Sports Centre Juniors 5pm to 6pm, Adults 7pm to 8pm.Tummy Gym Sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 5.45pm to 6.15pm.Passport to Health sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 11am to 2pm.Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 8pm to 8.45pm.Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust is open every Monday from 1pm to 4pm, for viewing only contact 01761 411221.Wesley Guild at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church from 4.00pm fortnightly, a Christian service, devotional, cultural, social and musical interests with invited speakers.Monday youth club (term time only) at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church, 6.15pm for children aged 3 to 7 and 7.45pm for children aged 7 and above.

The Early Shift Café at Longvernal School. “Coff ee and cake” in conjunction with the Longvernal Tweenies group for parents or carers of pre-school and school age children. 8.45 - 10.45am.Café 3:16. Youth café open to teenagers to hang out for a couple of hours after school, Old Town Hall 3.30 - 5.30pm.Five-a-side football in the Gym. Norton Hill School 9 - 10pm.Longvernal Play Session Orchard Vale Hall. Every Monday @ 3.30pm. After school fun & activities with the Play Rangers – Wansdyke Play Association 01761 420660.Playzone (parent & toddler group). Longvernal Primary School 1.15 – 3.00 pm. Term time only 01761 418226.Job Centre Plus. Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre 9.30am - 3.00pm, appointments or drop in.Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 8pm to 8.45pm with Jackie.20.20.20 classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 11am, every Monday.Healthy Back, stretch and tone classes at South Wansdyke Sports Centre at 12 noon.Kettle Ball classes to strengthen and tone at South Wansdyke Sports centre from 6.00pm.Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 6.30pm.

TUESDAY Somer Athletic Club at Norton Hill Sports Centre for adults 7pm to 9pm.

Dance class with the Desert Divas at St John’s Church Hall from 7pm to 8.30pm. For more information call 01761 416671.Short mat bowls every Tuesday at The Somer Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and 7.00pm to 9.00pm contact 01761 418400.Football with a qualifi ed coach can be played at South Wansdyke Sports Centre every Tuesday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on the outdoor pitch.Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.30am to 10.00am, 12.00pm to 1.30pm, 2.30pm to 4.00pm.50+ swimming at South Wansdyke Leisure Centre 11am to 12pm.Mass is celebrated at St John the Baptist from 12 noon every Tuesday.Tummy Gym Sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.00pm to 6.30pm.Methodist Church Women’s Fellowship meet fortnightly at the Methodist Church Centre at 3pm, for more information contact 01761 235970.Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 10am to 10.45am.Senior Rugby training at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club at 7.30pm, contact 07773567887 or 01761 419750.Stop off at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church for morning coff ee and lunches from 11am to 1pm.Women’s fellowship at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church at 3pm fortnightly from September to June, varied programme.Playtots. For pre-school children,babies and their carers, Old Town Hall 10 - 11.30amDrop in Baby Clinic. Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre, 10.00 – 11.30.Family First (for carers of children with additional needs), 12.30 -2.30. First Tuesday of the month Barnardos Children Centre.Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 10am to 10.45am with Karen.Short mat bowls every Tuesday at the Somer Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and 7.00pm to 9.00pm contact 01761 418400.Mass is celebrated at St John the Baptist Church from 12pm every Tuesday.Methodist Church Women’s Fellowship meet fortnightly at the Methodist Church Centre at 3pm. For more information contact 01761 235970.Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 6.45pm.Gentle exercise classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 10.45am.Box circuits classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 7.30pm.

WEDNESDAYSummer hockey league at Norton Hill Sports Centre from 7.30pm to 9pm, seasonal only.FISH Trampoline club for Juniors at Norton Hill Sports Centre from 5pm to 7pm.Ballroom and Latin American dancing for beginners at the Town Hall from 8.00pm to 9.00pm, contact 01225 461834.Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.30am to 10.30am, 11.30am to 1.30pm, 3.00pm to 6.00pm.Under 8’s junior football training for Midsomer Norton Football Club at Norton Hill astro pitch from 6.30pm to 7.30 pm, contact 01761 434758.Junior badminton coaching every Wednesday at Norton Hill Sports Centre from 5pm to 6pm for 11 to 14 years, 6pm to 7pm for 14 years and over.High Street Wives Group meet on alternative Wednesday’s at 2.00pm at the Methodist Church and welcome ladies of all ages, speakers on various topics, for more information contact 01761 436770Under 10’s junior football training for Midsomer Norton Football Club at Norton Hill astro pitch from 6.30pm to 7.30 pm, contact 01761 434758.Passport to Health sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 10am to 2pm.Music with Mummy at the Methodist Church every Wednesday from 10am to 12 pm, for more information call Justine on 01761 413039.Adult Dance classes every Wednesday evening at the Old Town Hall, contact Paula on 07860 839560 for more details.Toddlers group at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church at 12.30pm term time only.Superchargers at St John’s Ambulance Hall at 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Children from school years 5 and 6, contact Welton Baptist Church on 01761 410274.Café 3:16. Youth café open to teenagers to hang out for a couple of hours after school. Old Town Hall 3.30 - 5.30pm.Dynamos. Childrens’ group for age 6 to school year 4, Welton Baptist Chapel 6.30 - 7.45pm.Superchargers. Childrens’ group for school years 5 & 6, St. John’s Ambulance Hall 6.45 - 8.00pm.Voltage. Teens group for school year 7 to age 14, the Town Hall 8.00 - 9.00pm.Zumba classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 10.00am.Pilates classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 12.30pm.

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THURSDAYSummer hockey league for adults at Norton Hill Sports Centre from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Dance class with the Desert Divas at The Old Town Hall from 12.15pm to 1.15pm. For more information contact 01761 416671.Welton Vale over 50’s club meet in the Community Room from 2pm to 4pm, for more information call 01761 417960.Somer Valley Gardening group meet at the Town Hall on the 2nd Thursday of every month, for more information call 01761 417252.Somer Athletic Club at Norton Hill Sports Centre for adults and juniors at 7pm to 9pm.Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.30am to 11.00am, 11.30am to 2.00pm, 3.00pm to 10.00pm.Chilcompton Ladies Choir every Thursday at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Centre from 7.30pm to 9.00pm contact 01761 416127.Music with Mummy at the Methodist Church every Thursday from 10am to 12pm, for more information contact Justine on 01761 413039.Passport to Health sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 8pm to 10pm.Health and Beauty Group at St John’s Church Hall at 7.30pm to 8.30pm all ages welcome from 30’s to 80’s. Contact Annette on 01761 414163.The Old Bakery artists meet on the last Thursday of every month except December at The Fromeway in Radstock, for more information call 01761 418956.Early support stay and play group at Midsomer Norton Children’s Centre every Thursday from 1.30pm to 3.00pm, for more information contact 01225 396660.Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 12.45pm to 1.30pm. and 8pm to 8.45pm.Senior Rugby training at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club at 7.30pm, contact 07773567887 or 01761 419750.St Johns Ambulance adults and cadets : cadets can be aged 11 to 16 and meet at 6.30pm to 7.45pm and the adults meet at 7.45pm onwards: St Johns Ambulance Hall, Radstock Road.Playtots. For pre-school children,babies and their carers, Old Town Hall 10.30 - 11.00am.Housegroups. A chance to meet in smaller groups for prayer, bible study and general “this and that”! 7.45pmFirst Thursday of every month. Over 60’s group with a varied programme or activities. Church Court Community Lounge 2.15pm.Welton Wanderers “Walk Miles and Styles”. Open to anyone of reasonable fitness who likes walking. 13 Parkway 9.30am.

Citizens Advice Bureau. 3rd Thurdsay of the month at The Childrens Centre Midsomer Norton. 01225 396858 for appointments.Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 12.45pm to 1.30pm with Nora.Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 8pm to 8.45pm with Karen.Gentle Exercise classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 9.15am.Body conditioning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 10.30am.Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 7.45pm.

FRIDAY Norton Radstock Folk Dance club meet at St Peter’s Church Hall in Westfield from 8.00pm to 10.00pm, for more information call 01761 411292.Short mat bowls every Friday at The Somer Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Contact 01761 418400.Under 7’s and under 9’s junior football training for Midsomer Norton Football Club at Writhlington Sports Centre from 6.00pm to 7.00 pm, contact 01761 434758.Inflatable session in the swimming pool at South Wansdyke Sports Centre every Friday from 6pm to 7pm. Children 8 to 15 years old.Under 11’s and under 13’s junior football training for Midsomer Norton Football Club at Writhlington Sports Centre from 7.00pm to 8.00pm, contact 01761 434758.Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.30am to 1.30pm, 2.00pm to 8.30pm.Junior and adults Tae Kwon Do at Norton Hill Sports Centre from 7pm to 8pm.Tummy Gym Sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6.00pm to 6.30pm.Adult social badminton club, every Friday at Norton Hill Sports Centre from 6pm to 9pm.Meet for prayer at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church at 9.45 am.Pop In for coffee at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church at 10am.Craft Tea at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church from 2.00pm to 3.00pm.Whist Club at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.Choir practice at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church from 7.30pmThe Early Shift. For parents or carers (after doing the school run) to have an early coffee and a cake and a bit of a chin wag! Old Town Hall 8.30 - 10.30am.Café 3:16. Youth café open to teenagers to hang out for a couple of hours in the evening, Old Town Hall 7.00 - 9.00pm.Bosom Babes, Pows Orchard Midsomer Norton 12 - 1pm. Supporting Breast Feeding Mums, 01761 408388.

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Stay & Play. 9.30 – 11.00am @ The Children’s Centre.Short mat bowls every Friday at The Somer Centre from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Contact 01761 418400.Yoga fitness at 11am at South Wansdyke Sports centre.Zumba at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 1pm.Spinning classes at 6.30pm at South Wansdyke Sports centre.

SATURDAY Tricknology testing at Midsomer Norton Skate park, contact MOJO for more details on 07840 904 083.Inflatable session in the swimming pool at South Wansdyke Sports Centre every Saturday from 4pm to 5pm. Children 8 to 15 years old.Active 8 Saturday Kids Club at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm for 8 to 12 year olds.Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 11.30am to 5.00pm and 6.00pm to 7.00pm.Midsomer Norton Methodist Cricket Club, meet every Saturday for training and games, for more information contact John on 01761 412328.Mass is celebrated at St John the Baptist from 9am every Saturday.Children’s Dance classes every Saturday afternoon at the Old Town Hall, contact Paula on 07860 839560 for more details.Passport to Health sessions are held at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 9am to 2pm.Men’s Breakfast Group at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church at 8.30am, monthly breakfast from 8.00am.Praise and worship at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church at 7.30pm, monthly every third Saturday.Saturday Club @ The Somer Centre Midsomer Norton. A range of activites for disabled & non disabled children 10am – 2pm Wansdyke Play Association 01761 420660.Spinning classes at South Wansdyke Sports centre at 10.00am.

SUNDAY Open swimming at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 10.00am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 8.00pmSaid Mass at 8.00am at St John the Baptist Church.Family Sung Mass and Sunday School at St John the Baptist Church.Junior badminton coaching every Sunday at Norton Hill Sports Centre. 10am to 11am for 7 to 11 years, 11am to 12pm for 11 to 14 years and 12pm to 1pm for 14years and over.

Come on down to the woods and experience Forest School activities

Easter Holiday Forest School Club

Monday 2nd April - Th ursday 5th April9 - 3pm, 5-10 year olds

£20 per day and £15 for a second day booking

For more information and to reserve your place please call 07925 417 261

Welton Manor Farm, Millards HillMidsomer Norton, BA3 2BWwww.freerangers.org.ukedfreerangers@gmail.com

Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre 6pm to 7pm.Junior rugby games and training at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club at 10.30am, contact 07773567887 or 01761 419750.Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust is open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm contact 01761 411221.Gener8 at Midsomer Norton Methodists takes place on the 1st Sunday in the month in November and December and the 2nd Sunday in the month for the rest of the year from 9.30am, includes activities, lively bible stories etc.Morning worship Youth church and crèche from 10.30am at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church.Aqua Aerobics at South Wansdyke Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm with Jackie.Evening Worship from 6.00pm at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church. Morning worship service for all ages, Somervale School 10.30am.eNeRGy groups. Groups for all ages from 3-11 during the main morning service, Somervale School 10.30am. Evening service - “café style”, Somervale School, 6.00pm.Ignite (14-18’s) at 8:00pm-9:30pm at Welton Baptist Chapel for Young People’s group for ages 14 – 18.

TELEPHONE FOR YOUR NEAREST LOCAL DROP-IN

SMOKERS WANTED

01225 831 852

SMOKERS WANTED

Merriman Theatre Group was founded in 1988, with the intention of encouraging social development and education through drama, music and dance workshops, as well as putting on musical theatre productions.

Founder Graeme Savage had returned to the area from University and while away he had worked with a youth theatre group in Northampton and realised that the Midsomer Norton area needed a similar group, where anyone can come along and join in to build their confi dence and self-worth.

In the last 14 years, more than 350 young people aged 9 to 18 have worked with the company, with some going on to secure jobs in the professional theatre world as performers, costume designers and technicians.

The group has been so successful that in January 2011 a new junior company for 6 to 9 year olds – The Minimen – was set up to work alongside the existing company, and to appear in the group’s Summer production of Oliver.

Both groups welcome new members and currently have a waiting list to cope with the high demand which the group’s reputation has generated.

MERRIMAN THEATRE GROUP

The next performance will be Jesus Christ Superstar which will be held at

Writhlington School on the 7th and 8th July 2012

If you would like to be involved with the group or for perfomance details, please contact us on 01761 414957 or visit the website www.merrimantheatre.co.uk

BATH

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Any treatment with this voucher on your first visit when booked with Alex N, Sarah J, Annie C or Ann H

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The year was 1969 and at 39, High Street Midsomer Norton, Neil Armstrong was seen taking his fi rst tentative steps on the moon, via a fl ickering TV set in our Front Room. For anyone of that generation, it was an epic event and any thirteen year old boy was enthralled by the space race. We had Space Man comics, top twenty hits about satellites and Saturday morning serials featuring aliens at the now defunct Palladium.

The Wellington family had gathered to watch the TV and sitting quietly with us was our grandfather, Arthur Speed. Arthur Speed was one of the Speed family. He owned and lived in the large Bath stone house situated in the High Street, where Lidls now sits. In those days it was Speeds Builders operated from the yard and he was one of the fi rst in Midsomer Norton to own a motor car. Not many people had seen a car and so by-standers had gathered to see if this new fangled machine could transport a man and his daughters up such a steep hill. My Mum laughs when she says it couldn’t quite make it and along with her two sisters she had to hop out and help push it to the brow.

On that day in 1969, Arthur Speed witnessed man’s moon landing. In his lifetime he had seen such fantastic developments in technology that would have been incredible at the time of his birth. His lifetime spanned the 19th and twentieth centuries. The wonders of fl ight, jet engines, motor cars, X rays, medicines and fi nally Space travel had been mankind’s marvellous achievements. Like many of his generation, he had witnessed the downside as well. As a Sergeant Major of the First World War he had witnessed modern weapons wipe out a whole generation.As with many areas of Britain, young men of that era were decimated.

He returned from the trenches a sombre man, who would not talk about the war or the sights he witnessed. He and his brother Percy returned to carry

on the business started by my great grandfather, Frederick as: F. Speed and Sons. A new dynamism swept the nation. Out of the ruins of the Great War came new initiatives in Arts and Crafts. Both Percy and Arthur became excellent tradesmen following the newly formed Guilds Certifi cates. Arthur was a fi ne sign writer and artist and could work wonders with paint and gold leaf.

His legacy is the craftsmen he took on as apprentices. Bazil Axford, Terry Bridgeman and David Fisher were all encouraged to go on and fi nd their own destinies. They are still involved in local arts and crafts.

What a journey that was, from Midsomer Norton to the Moon!

by Simon Wellington

SPEED TO ...the moon

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01761 437377Info@ignyte-uk.co.uk

Ignyte Limited 46 Frome Road

Radstock BA3 3LF

PUBLISHERS OF...HEY! family magazinesfor Midsomer Norton& Radstock, Frome,Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury & Street andKeynsham & Chew Valley

Programmes & publications

Call us today to discuss how we can help you promote your business or event

Ingredients:150g (5 1/2 oz) grated cheese (you can use a strong cheddar, or a mixture of your left over cheeses)100g (3 1/2 oz) plain fl our2 level teaspoons baking powderPinch cayenne pepper100g (3 1/2 oz) butter2 egg yolks

Instructions:Heat oven to 350°F (180°C, Gas Mark 4)Line or lightly grease 2 baking sheets Put fl our, baking powder and butter into the food processor and process until like breadcrumbs. Add the cheese and give a quick whiz, then add the egg and process into a dough.Turn out. Flour the table and pat or roll the dough out. Cut into straws or use a small cookie cutter. Place on baking sheets and bake for 8-12 minutes until lightly browned. Allow to cool for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.

CHEESE STRAWS

Ingredients:250g dried chick peas 3 tbs tahiniJuice of 2 lemons2 cloves of garlic, crushed or chopped fi nely½ tsp ground cumin Pinch baking sodaOlive oilSalt and pepper

HOME-MADE HUMOUS

Instructions:Soak the chick peas overnight in water. Drain, put into a saucepan, cover with water and boil for 10 minutes. Then simmer for around 1 ½ hours until the chick peas are soft.Place in the food processor with the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and baking soda. Add about 4 tbsp (1/4 cup) of olive oil to start. Switch on the food processor. At this stage you will probably need to add more olive oil until you get the desired texture. You can also add water, if you feel you have added enough olive oil – a lower fat option!Add plenty of salt and pepper and serve with strips of pitta bread and crudités.

Ingredients:2 cups unbleached all-purpose fl our½ teaspoon salt1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon baking soda1 orange (rind and juice)2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine 1 cup sugar 1 egg, slightly beaten1 teaspoon vanilla essence½ cup chopped walnuts

ORANGE AND WALNUT BREAD Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C, Gas Mark 4). Lightly grease a medium sized loaf tin. Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. Wash the orange and grate the zest into a large bowl. Squeeze the orange juice over the zest. Add 1 cup of boiling water and mix. Add the melted butter or margarine, sugar, beaten egg and vanilla to the bowl and mix together. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients and lightly mix (take care not to over mix). Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and transfer to the loaf tin. Bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour or until baked through.

Do you have a favourite recipe that your community might enjoy? If so please send it to us at info@midsomernortonlife.co.uk or call us on 01761 437377

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Ingredients:Blackberries - fresh or frozenBananaMilkYoghurt - natural or fruit fl avouredHoney (optional)

Instructions:Put all the ingredients together in a blender and whiz until smooth. Garnish with a few extra berries and a sprig of mint if you wish. The perfect quick breakfast or snack!

BLACKBERRY SMOOTHIE

RECIPE

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Norton Radstock Swimming Club has over 200 members, accepting children from 5 years upwards and serves the Midsomer Norton and the surrounding area. A swimming club has existed within the area for over 50 years.Norton Radstock Swimming Club is located at South Wansdyke Sports Centre, but is run independently of the Centre. The Club holds training evenings two nights a week, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 6pm to 10pm. There is also training on Sunday afternoons for the committed swimmer. The Club aims to provide an opportunity for children who have an interest in taking swimming further. As well as developing correct stroke technique, swimmers practice racing starts and turns. The range of swimming abilities catered for runs from beginners (not non-swimmers) through to competent swimmers. It does not operate a waiting list for new members but will assess all applicants. All teachers, committee members and helpers at the Club are volunteers. All swimmers are encouraged to develop competitively as individuals in the Club’s own galas and as team members in inter-club galas. The Club participates in the Cotswold League and the Winter Series, which it created in 2007 in order to provide an appropriate level

of competition year round. The Committee believes in creating opportunities for all to compete, so the Club holds its own Sprint Gala in March and Annual Gala in November, at which swimmers of all abilities are encouraged to participate. The Club ended 2011 with a clean sweep of victories in the Winter Series and the Team Captains collected the winner’s trophy for the fifth successive year. The start of the 2012 Cotswold League season saw the Club carry on where they left off last season, with a victory at Clevedon. There will be three further rounds in the League before the finals in May.In January the Club held its Annual Family Disco where swimmers were presented with their cups and medals from the 2011 Annual Gala. This year the cups were presented by guest of honour Andrew Clayton, who swam for Great Britain in the Olympic Games in Atlanta and Sydney, and the 1997 European Championships. Life Memberships were presented to Steve Britton, Alison Britton, Kay Harvey and Charlene Green, for their outstanding commitment to the club over the years.The club welcomes new swimmers aged five and upwards. For more details, telephone 01761 416821 or email the Enrolment Secretary at nr-swimming@sky.com.

NORTON RADSTOCK

Swimming ClubSwimming Club

WELTON RESIDENTS MEETOver 70 local residents attended a public meeting recently to discuss issues facing Welton, both now and in the future. The evening kicked off with a celebration of the history of Welton illustrated with old photos and there was general agreement Welton has much to be proud of. The meeting then worked in small groups to discuss what residents most liked about Welton and ways as a community they could work to improve things. “Frankly we were bowled over at the fantastic turnout. Residents not only had loads of ideas for ways to improve Welton but were also keen to roll up their sleeves and get involved. We also had support from local businesses and groups. Centurion Coaches laid on a bus to help residents get here and Welton Rovers Football Club provided the venue. It was a real community evening”, said Ruth Smith from the organising team. The meeting agreed that the next step was to summarise all the ideas put forward and then call a follow up meeting to agree a plan of action and create a Residents group. In the meantime, for further details please call Tony, the ‘Duck Man’ on 01761 413074.

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RECYCLE AN EX-LIBRARY BOOK Library members are being encouraged by Bath & North East Somerset Council to get creative and turn old books into works of art.Every year, the Council’s library service has books that have reached the end of their life; either through the amount of times they have been issued or due to an updated version becoming available.Most find new homes in the annual book sale; with the proceeds invested back into the service. But the small number of books that are left are being used in a competition designed to bring out people’s creative sides for a chance to win an e-book reader.Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The idea is for members to pick up one of the old books from their local library and ‘recycle’ it as a piece of art. We’ve already had some members of staff attempt some quick pieces of their own to inspire people. “We hope it will encourage more people to pop back into Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries to discover what else we have available for them to enjoy – including an amazing range of books, CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray discs.” The idea for the competition came from Katie Whelan-Jones, a Stock Assistant in Bath Central Library. Katie, who has a degree in Illustration, added: “Art and reading are two of my biggest passions, so it seemed a wonderful opportunity to combine them both and get the whole community involved as well!The competition will run until Saturday 1 September 2012, the only rules that apply are that you must pick up your book and application form from one of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries between Saturday 10 March and Saturday 28 April 2012. You must be a member of the Council’s Library Service to enter and be in one of the three age groups: 11 and under; 12-17 and 18 and over.A full exhibition will run at Bath Central Library and on its Facebook page in September; featuring all the entries and offering the public the chance to vote for their favourite, with the overall winner receiving an e-book reader. Spoken word supplier AudioGo is also supporting the initiative with some prizes for the winners of the different age group categories.Visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/recycleabookcompetition for more information

A little over a year ago, Mike Bell along with his wife Sonja and their friend Kath Lanning, volunteered to set up a walking group in Midsomer Norton, sponsored by Age UK, under the banner of ‘Walking for Health’. This friendly walking group meets, come rain or shine, every fi rst and third Thursday of each month outside Midsomer Norton’s Town Hall at 10:00am.Each walk is planned by the team, prior to the day, and typically aims to cover around three miles usually ending with a tea/coff ee stop. These walks are organised for both health and social purposes. The majority of the walkers are over sixty years old but there is no real age restriction and are therefore open to anyone who feels like they may benefi t from it. The few restrictions that do apply are that the walks are non-smoking, not for dog walking and are unsuitable for pushchairs due to some of the ground covered.It doesn’t matter whether it’s raining, windy, muddy or snowy. This group will always endeavour to meet for this healthy walk. In adverse weather conditions then a sociable tea/coff ee stop is still bound to be on the cards.

For further information about this group please contact Paula Smith at Age UK on 01225 466135.

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The Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust are a charitable trust of over 850 members based at Midsomer Norton, located part-way up the gradient from Radstock to the highest point of the the old Somerset & Dorset railway. Our headquarters is the old station building which also houses our gift shop, second-hand bookshop and ticket offi ce. We have almost a quarter of a mile of railway, which is being extended towards Chilcompton, following lease agreements with the landowners for use of the land that extends southwards beyond the immediate station area.At Midsomer Norton you will fi nd the restored station buildings, signalbox, goods shed and also the original stable block - now our museum, and wartime pillbox. We have a diesel locomotive, an under-restoration Sentinel 0-4-0 vertical-boilered steam locomotive, plus freight and passenger rolling stock and static buff et coach open for refreshments. Visit the station gift shop and the second-hand bookshop while you are there and enjoy the atmosphere and exhibits on this once-proud and much-loved holiday route. We can now off er brakevan rides on the line on most summer Sundays.

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On 10th March, along with 76 other Bands from the South West, the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band travelled to Torquay to play in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, West of England Regional Championships. This is only the second time the Band have entered this competition since 2006 when they came 24th in a fi eld of 26 and last year after a break of 4 years and with a new Musical Director, they came a very pleasing 14th out of 22 bands. However this year after what was described by the adjudicators as ”a very coherent musical performance” the Band came away as winners in a fi eld of 25 bands and now hold the title of Fourth Section West of England Regional Champions. This is an amazing result for the Band and is something that many players never achieve in a life time of playing. As a result of this win the Band have been invited to the National Finals at Cheltenham on 22nd September, when they will compete against the other Regional winners in an attempt to become the Fourth Section Champions of Great Britain.The band are also current holders of the Newcome Cup won at the 65th Annual South West Brass Band Association Championships held in Torquay on the 5th November 2011.The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Bands was formed in July 1980 by Angela Lowe, using instruments

MIDSOMER NORTON & RADSTOCK ... silver band

from the old Radstock Silver Band held by the trustees, £400 from the Midsomer Norton Band held in trust and a further £600 grant from the Local Council. The money was used to overhaul the instruments. Since 2003 the Band has had 4 conductors all of whom have helped to develop the band in their own individual ways. In June 2010 Jo Sykes took over the position of MD and the band continues to go from strength to strengthThere is no rest for the Band and they are now working hard for their next event which is a Spring Concert which is being held in the Midsomer Norton Methodist Church on Saturday 28th April. The Band would love to fi ll the Church and if anyone would like a ticket or more information please contact the Band Secretary on the number below.The band rehearse in the Radstock Methodist Church, every Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 to 9:30 pm and they currently have vacancies on Bb bass, trombone and cornet, but as they are also looking to strengthen the band, anyone interested would be welcome to join. For more information please contact the Band Secretary, Heather Allard on 01761 435115 or hallard@tesco.net

FOSSEWAY BOWLS CLUBWhether it is league bowling or just friendly games against other clubs and touring teams, The Fosseway Bowls Club is a competitive but very friendly club. The club has been successful in the County, in both individual and team competitions. It is a mixed club with ages ranging from fourteen to ninety six years old. However, the bowling isn’t all the club has to off er, they enjoy the social side of the club just as much having many themed nights throughout the year. The club pride themselves on the quality and variety of the meals they produce, which are available most evening, and their drinks are reasonably priced.But don’t just take their word for it! Come along on a Monday evening from 6th April and try the game for yourself. And what’s more, it won’t cost you a penny. The club are off ering a free limited membership for the fi rst year and will supply all the necessary equipment and give you some coaching.

For more information please telephone the club secretary Ray Soby on 01761 453218 or email celiasoby@gmail.com.

HIGH STREET WIVES GROUPThe High Street Wives Group is a friendly group who meet alternate Wednesday afternoons in the Methodist Church. Speakers and demonstrators often attend the meetings to talk about their charity or their personal passion. They often bring a series of slides to support their talk.The group is for ladies of all ages and it is not a criteria to be a ‘wife’, the group has evolved over time, but the name has been kept aff ectionately. For further information please contact Mrs Helen Chivers on 01761 436770.

GIRL GUIDESGirl Guiding UK aims to provide a safe feminine space which helps to promote diversity and equality. It aims to give young women a voice!The Rainbows, Brownies and Guides meet at Rock Hall on various nights of the week. Please telephone 01761 418146 for further information on the Girl Guides.

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Midsomer Norton Schools

SUPER LEAGUE NETBALL TRIP

Students at Somervale School were in for a treat in January by watching one of their own teachers, Mrs Francis, play a Super League Netball match at the University of Bath. The match, televised on Sky Sports, provided the students with the opportunity to experience netball at the highest level and certainly proved to inspire the students to continue with the sport and reap the benefi ts of what sport can bring.Mrs Francis, who is Captain of Team Bath, is an excellent role model to the students. She demonstrated great skill and physical prowess throughout the match but more importantly demonstrated the encouragement and leadership to her team throughout the entire match. This has had an enormous impact on the students who have not only observed the techniques required at the highest level of the sport but also have learnt valuable approaches to team work and leadership that can be applied to many situations in their learning. This unique opportunity of learning about a skill or subject is one of the many examples of how Somervale School engages students in learning outside the classroom. The students had a fantastic time and also enjoyed the opportunity to have a picture with the team and collect autographs.“We went to Bath University to watch Team Bath play Northern Thunder. Although the fi nal score was not as we had hoped, as Bath lost, it was still a great experience and Team Bath played amazingly well despite the fi erce opposition.” Somervale Student

LONGVERNAL KNITTINGChildren from Longvernal Primary School have been visiting the elderly at Church Court to learn the skills of knitting. The children very much enjoyed the opportunity to create their own knitting and learnt a lot from the older people, who enjoyed the experience too.

RNLI VISITOn Tuesday 23rd February, the RNLI visited years 3,4,5 and 6 of Midsomer Norton Primary School to teach the children about staying safe at the sea-side. They presented a really lively and interactive session, getting a lot of the children up on their feet to act out diff erent possible scenarios. They brought lots of exciting equipment with them too, such as surf boards, life-jackets, fl ags and the sort of crash helmets worn by life-boat men. For year 3 and 4, this fi tted in beautifully with their work on Grace Darling and her heroic sea rescue many years ago.Statistically, people from inland parts of the country are more likely to get into diffi culties at the beach so this event should help to reduce the number relying on the amazing work the RNLI do.

SS GREAT BRITAINChildren from Year Two at St John’s Primary School visited the SS Great Britain in Bristol. We all had a great day exploring the ship, looking in all the decks at the way of life for the people who sailed on her. During the day we were lucky enough to venture out onto the water on The Matthew for a sail around the waterfront. This was fantastic fun for everyone, dispite the drizzle.

ST JOHNS BOOK DAYAt St Johns Primary School MSN, we celebrated reading by dressing up as our favourite book characters for World Book Day. All the staff dressed up too which was great fun.

COOKING UP A SUCCESSThe children and parents of St John’s Primary School have worked hard and raised money to enable a brand new kitchen to be built at the school. The facility enables the children to learn much more about healthy eating and also preparing and cooking healthy meals. The cookery room was offi cially opened by Richard Bertinet and is a fantastic addition to the facilities at the school.

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RUN TO LONDONThe Action Team at St. John’s have been helping the school to increase the physical activity that takes place each day, as part of the Healthy Schools targets. They helped to get the “Run to London” initiative started, encouraging all children in the school to run a set number of miles each day. The Guardian Angel Team also introduced “Game of the Week” on the playground. The Play Leaders have been helping with the new lunchtime zones, to set up equipment and encourage the younger children to take part in a wide variety of activities. The school has been split up into 5 zones: zone 1 allows the children to use musical instruments and dressing up clothes; zone 2 is on the field and the children can play football and other running games; zone 3 has the Huff and Puff equipment for the children to play with; on zone 4 the children can play with giant board games and on the obstacle equipment; and zone 5 has remote controlled cars, water play and a playhouse. The Action Team spent time taking photos and helping to put together a report on how the daily physical activity has been increased in the school for the Chairman’s Education Award. They received a certificate and were commended for their efforts. Here are some members of the Action Team with the certificate they received.

NEW HEIGHTS OF SUCCESSRoss Clarke has done himself and Somervale School proud by qualifying for the National Schools Trampoline Championships. Ross will compete in the final stage of this year’s National Schools Trampoline Championships at the City Academy, Bristol on 11th March.In order to get to this stage, Ross has competed in two previous rounds, coming first in the under 15 novice class in the South West Regional Schools’ Trampoline Championships in December and coming first in the Southern Zonal Championship in Uckfield, East Sussex in January.It is an extremely impressive accomplishment, considering that Ross only began trampolining in 2010. During that year, he entered the South West School Championship for the first time and showed his natural flair and ability by coming first. Ross came 6th in the second round but for his first competitive experience, this was an amazing achievement.We wish Ross the very best for the National Schools’ Trampoline Championships Finals on the 11th March.

SCHOOL HISTORY DAYOn Friday 10th February, the whole of Midsomer Norton Primary school took part in a spectacular event! Every child and member of staff dressed up as either a famous historical figure or someone from a particular era in fashion.Each class researched a specific time period and presented their findings in a lively assembly at the end of the day.

ST JOHN’S HISTORY DAYYear one at St John’s had a great time visiting Radstock museum as part of their topic ‘Down the Mine’ in which they are learning about the history of the local area and its mining past. They explored what it would have been like to live in a small mining cottage with an outside toilet, no running water and certainly no TV and computer games! Everyone enjoyed visiting the mine and some took turns to be the dust-sheet holders, dressing up as a miner and even pulling a lump of coal (in the form of a classmate!) wearing the guss and crook. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the visit really brought the topic to life!

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

The children of Longvernal Primary School were delighted to receive a “Highly Commended” in the Chairman’s Award for 2011/2012.Cllr Peter Edwards Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council came to the children’s celebration assembly to present the commendation.The School received the award for its work on encouraging physical activity in an innovative way. Part of the School’s grounds have been set aside and replanted to be used following Forest School principles. Learning through interacting with the environment is an important part of the school and really enjoyed by the children. Headteacher Jane Richardson, said “it was wonderful to have all the work we have put into improving the children’s education recognised by Cllr Peter Edwards on behalf of the Council.

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Members of DES TKD/PUMA who are based at Norton Hill school in Midsomer Norton recently returned from two major Martial Art tournaments with a huge medal haul. The club’s Junior section returned from the British Children’s Tae Kwon-DO champs with one of their biggest medal tallies. The tournament which took place in Bath proved to be one of the biggest children’s tournament ever seen in the UK with just over 500 competitors. The team consisting of 18 members from as young as 4 years of age brought back between them 25 medals, a fantastic achievement as this tournament is renowned for being of an exceptional standard. Senior Instructor Derek Skidmore commented “these guys were amazing and all performed brilliantly against some very tough competition.” Not to be outdone a team of Adults travelled to the Open Puma TKD World championships where they competed against Martial Artists from over thirty countries, the team of 8 fi ghters personally selected and trained by Mr Skidmore returned with 12 medals, an incredible result as for many it was their 1st International tournament. A particular mention to Karen Dowse (assistant Instructor at Midsomer Norton Tae Kwon-Do) who achieved Silver in 3rd Degree Black Belt Adult patterns. Also in the men’s patterns we performed a hat trick by Gold, Silver and Bronze all going to Midsomer Norton Black Belts!

PUMA MARTIAL ARTS ...success

If you would like more information on our classes then please visit www.des-tkd.co.uk or call Derek Skidmore on 07812 575 060. Classes take place at Norton Hill School Mondays and Fridays, please call for further details.

Midsomer Norton Cricket Club has been around for nearly 135 years at Withies Lane and run 4 Saturday teams and 2 on Sunday. They also coach three youth teams from age 8 upwards. The Saturday and Sunday fi rst teams both won their leagues last year, the Saturday 1sts winning all of their games. The side have always been one of the best in the area and many of the players have been with them for a number of years. Cricket seems to be one of those sports where one plays for a team from leaving school and then stick with them for as long as tired limbs will let them.Henry Thomas is one of those players and despite living away from the area for two spells, he managed to play for MSNCC from 1953-1997. It is typical of the man that when I spoke to him recently he did not want to be described as one of the stalwarts of the club and he fl atly refused to have his photograph taken. After that rebuff I did not want to push his hospitality by asking his age but he looks remarkably fi t considering I am 55 and he started playing for the club three years before I was born; so you can do an approximate calculation! In addition to this, he is still a keen player at Mendip Golf Club and is considering making an appearance in a friendly cricket match this year! Henry was one of the team that won the Somerset knock out cup at the County ground in 1964 therefore proving they were the best side in Somerset.When I asked Henry who he felt were the names of note during the times he played he said there were so many that he felt it was unfair to pick out just a few. He did however mention Derek Frost who has just returned to the area for family reasons. He was one of the fi nest players he played with. Due to Derek’s love of golf he left the area many years ago to live in Portugal.Rather than go through them by name Henry passed a photograph across to me and said the team of 1977 was one of the best that he played in. I can name a number of the side as several of them were talented all round sportsmen. I would imagine if you were local to the area in this era, then you would recognise at least one face.

MSN

I immediately spotted Henry Thomas in the line up seated and one from the far right of the photograph; as even now, the hair may have greyed a little but the physique and the cheeky smile is still there. The chairman of the club, Paul Justin asked me to mention that they are always looking for players of all ages and abilities. They welcome social members to the bar and supporters are welcome. Season starts in late April and nets at the ground in Mid April. Everyone is welcome.

By Simon Wellington

cricket club

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RECYCLING

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Bath & North East Somerset Council is changing the weekend opening times at all three recycling centres.

Mondays to Fridays won’t be affected and all centres at Midsomer Norton, Keynsham and Bath, will be open as usual from 8am – 4.15pm. At weekends however, the centres will, from March 31 2012, open at 9am instead of 8am.

The changes have been made following a careful study of when the centres are most used by residents. The Recycling Centres are very popular with local people and because of the Council’s responsible financial management they do not have to significantly reduce opening hours to balance their budgets. From 31 March the opening hours will be:Monday - Friday 8am – 4.15pmSaturday and Sunday 9am – 3.45pmBank holidays 8am – 3.45pm

From November the winter opening hours will change to Sunday 1pm closing.All other hours will remain the same.

You can recycle over 35 types of materials at the Recycling Centres and they are currently recycling an average of 74% of the items from these centres. Please separate your materials into the right container when you visit to help them recycle even more.

START RECYCLING AT HOME IN 4 EASY STEPS1

2

3

MetalsPaper and CardboardPlasticsTextilesWaste Electronics

4

Recycle on your doorstep.We all have kerbside collections, so if you don’t already have a recycling box or bag contact Council Connect who will arrange for you to receive one.

Find out what you can recycle and how.BatteriesCompostingConstruction and DemolitionGlassLiquids and Chemicals

Sort your rubbish.Now you know what items you can recycle, find a handy place to store them. Make sure you encourage everyone in your house to think whether items can be reused or recycled before they get thrown away.

Check the date and put out your recycling.Find out from Council Connect what day your recycling is collected, and make sure you leave your green bins out.

For a full list of what you can recycle please visit our website or contact Council Connect. www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices | 01225 39 40 41 | councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk

Changes to weekend opening times at recycling centres

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SWAN Volunteer Transport scheme has a new pilot project Access to Health part funded by Big Lottery to help elderly / disabled people on low income (by this we mean savings of under £16,000) to help access outpatient appointments at the Bath Royal United Hospital and local Doctor’s appointments.

Our team of volunteer drivers are using their own cars to transport people to the RUH and appointments. We aim to cover the whole county.

Members of the public can make direct telephone enquiries and register with the scheme at no cost. Telephone: 01761 439548. We also welcome calls from professionals in the care services and voluntary organisations, friends and relatives.

We ask for a suggested donation when we provide this service for each individual journey, the transport is not free and not commissioned by the NHS or Patient Transport. Please ring for current suggested donations as this may vary depending on the residential destination from the hospital.

We can also help people get to Paulton Hospital, shopping trips, day care, visiting friends and loved ones, clubs and any other community activity.

Contact SWAN Transport on T: 01761 439548F: 01761 432445E: swan_voltrans@dial.pipex.com

ACCESS TO HEALTH SCHEME

New... MIDSOMER NORTON METHODIST CHURCH...Come along and join us

WHIT-FUN-DAY

This is an afternoon of free fun, games, activities and tea on Sunday 27th May at Somervale School Playing Field (in School if wet), from 3pm to 6.30pm. The first one was 7 years ago, organised by the Area Churches Together to celebrate Pentecost also known as Whit Sunday (hence its title). Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Roman Catholic and Salvation Army have got together to give something to the community, without any charge, and to demonstrate the Christian faith.

POP-IN ON FRIDAYS

Between 10am and 12noon you can ‘pop-in’ to the Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Centre for coffee or tea and a biscuit. It was started in the 1980s to provide somewhere in the Town Centre for shoppers to come for a coffee & chat. Even with an explosion of other High Street coffee places, it is still well attended.

WHIST CLUB

If you enjoy a quiet game of cards and a cuppa, in a friendly atmosphere, why not join the Whist Club at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Centre in the High Street. Come along at 2o’clock on a Friday afternoon, you will be most welcome. We start again, after Easter on April 13th.

STOP-OFF

These lunches are available every Tuesday at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Centre from 12 noon. Coffee and tea are available earlier.

GENER8

All sorts of fun, themed activities, interactive bible stories and prayers, songs, puppets - these are some of the things we have to offer you at Gener8, once a month, at the Methodist Church Centre Hall, in the High Street. Usually on the second Sunday of the month, we meet at 9.30am and get stuck into activities first (e.g. pottery angels, experiments with siphons, enormous junk models, delicious cakes to cook and eat!) then we tidy up and enjoy a short time of worship with plenty of opportunity to dress up and join in the acted-out stories and action songs.

SATURDAY PRAISE

If normal church services seem a bit formal/old fashioned/boring, then you might be interested in this event which happens once a month on a Saturday at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church in the High Street. We have an invited speaker, worship songs led by The Band, and plenty of coffee and cake! Throw in the odd bit of drama and prayer and maybe a short film to make you think, and you’ve got Saturday Night Praise. Next dates are 21st April, 19th May and 16th June – come along and give it a try, you’ll be among friends…

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In May we have two important Council meetings. On Monday 14th May is the Annual Town Meeting. This is a meeting of electors called by the Chairman of the Town Council at which there is a report on what has done over the past year and it is also an opportunity to debate current issues.

Then on the 21st May is what is somewhat confusingly called the Annual Meeting of the Council. Better to think of it as the Council’s AGM where the mayor and deputy are elected by the Council, committee members are appointed and representatives to other bodies selected.

A MESSAGE FROM

2012/13 is the first financial year that Midsomer Norton Town Council will be setting its own budget. This has a number of implications for the Council. The first is bringing to a close the accounts for the preceding year. For the Council this not just a question of balancing the books, but encompasses an internal audit by an independent body, public scrutiny. The second it the submission of the annual return to the government appointed external auditor.

The annual return has several purposes: to report the annual statement of account; to certify that the council has discharged its statutory duties; and to inform the public and what their council has been doing (more of that later) in the last financial year.

The focus then swings to the coming year. Budgeting that began in November has been completed and council tax payers receive their bill and a range of leaflets explaining the various charges that together make up the total you have to pay. The bulk goes to Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES), but B&NES also collects the tax required by the Police, Fire Authorities and Parishes, although it has no control over the amount set by these bodies. The authority of Town and Parish Councils to raise money through taxation – the ‘Precept’ – was granted by Parliament.

In 2012/3 £86.16 of a Midsomer Norton Band D council tax payer’s bill will go to the Midsomer Norton Town Council. This is actually a slight reduction (2.6%) because of a correction of a previous error by B&NES who had left houses out of our precept area. The budget had been set in December for a plan based on a zero increase.

Every English Parish must by law have such a parish or town meeting and it has to take between the 1st March and the 1st June.

Council Office Opening Hours: The Town Council office is open five days a week and Michael Curry and Carole Sims will be happy to take your calls and discuss any issues with you.

You can drop in between 9.30am and 3.30pm but it is probably best to ring the main Midsomer Norton Town Council number 01761 418701 first.

Want to talk to the council?

To book a Councillor Surgery AppointmentRing the Town Clerk on 01761 418701

Councillor’s Surgery Appointments: From the 1st April 2012, by popular request, you will be able to request an appointment through the Town Clerk to meet with a Councillor. These appointments will replace the monthly surgeries as so many electors prefer to arrange a time to meet which suits their availability.We will be piloting appointments for the next three months and will review the situation at the end of June.

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Town and Parish Councils have the power to raise money through taxation – the ‘Precept’. The precept is collected by the ‘Principal Authority’ – in our case Bath and North East Somerset – with the Council tax. Town and Parish Councils can also have income from sources other than the precept such as rents, but in Midsomer Norton this amounts to less than 2% of its total income.

2012/13 will be the first year when the full amount of the precept will be available to the Council. In 2011/12 £69,829 was re-allocated to Radstock Town Council and Westfield Parish Council to help them in the transition after the re-organisation of local government.

Access to the full amount due has enabled the Council to set a total budget without increasing the precept. It set its budget in three parts or tiers. Tier 1 is central services and democratic processes covering the operation of the council, its office and officers where the ambition is a well-run council operating with a lean core.

Tier 2 looks at fulfilling the Council’s duties and responsibilities such as allotments and ground services. Here there is a central theme of discharging these responsibilities in a manner that is not just cost effective but also in a way that engenders civic pride.

Finally Tier 3 covers those areas where the Council has more discretion. The priority the Council has set for these funds is community development.

Expenditure Budget 2012/13

Central Services Council Office, Staff and Equipment, Professional Fees

£105,300

Democratic Process Newsletter, Website, Training, etc

£15,700

Parks and Play Areas Equipment Maintenance

£1,350

Allotments Water and grounds maintenance £450

Public Conveniences Automated Toilets £7,850

Ground Services Maintaining the town environment

£40,000

Memorials Maintenance £1,100

West Clewes Rec. Ground Maintenance £2,000

Devolved Services Projects £50,000

Community Support Community development and grants

£66,000

Capital and Projects Loans and capital provision

£34,096

Total Budget Expenditure £323,846

Income

Precept Received £330,994

Interest Received £200

Allotments Rent Receivable £1,300

West Clewes Rec. Ground Rent £3,000

Total Budget Income £335,494

Transfer to Reserves £11,648

THE 2012 Precept

The Council has already started several schemes:

• Working in partnership with community groups to organise and fund events including celebrations to mark the Diamond Jubilee, Olympics and Midsomer Norton Fayre Day.

• With partners and other organisations the Council is working to secure the future of key community buildings such as the Town Hall and maximise the community benefit from them. This will be a key part of its work in 2012/13.

• Making grants that help the provision of support in the difficult economic climate and bring together people to promote understanding, tolerance and responsibility.

The proposed budget gives a surplus of income over expenditure of £11,648 that will be added to reserves. This is an explicit decision to increase the level of reserves towards the level of three months expenditure recommended by the National Association of Local Councils. This will bring the level of reserves up to £53,804 – the target is £73,000.

the clerk

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Lynda Robertson Community groups &

activitiesArea: Welton centre

Richard Robertson Allotments and

Transport Area: Welton centre

Simon Wellington Culture and Sport

Area: North Road Area

Steve Plumley Sport and Culture

Area: Radstock Road Area

Michael EvansLaw & order

Area:Town Centre South

Pete Mocock Planning

Area: Hayes Park

Jane LewisPlanning

Area: Welton North

Linda DunfordCommunity groups &

activitiesArea: Charlton Park

Paul MyersMayor; Civic

Area: Redfi eld

John Slade IT and planning

Area: Welton Centre

Brian Lawrence Finance

Area: Redfi eld

Michael Curry Town Clerk

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Across1. A dance of Cuban origin, combining complex foot-work with a pronounced movement of the hips. (5)4. ‘Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the ----- of hell shall not prevail against it.’ Matthew (5)7. Extinguished a fi re. (8)8. Gospel writer. (4)9. She wrote the words of ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’. (8)11. Emblem of Wales. (4)12. Parliamentary republic in the Middle East. (6)14. A small elongated insect with a pair of terminal appendages that resemble pincers. (6)16. ‘And he said, ----, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me.’ Mark (4)18. Jewish festival commemorating the freeing of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. (8)20. Palestinian city. (4)21. A censer used in certain ecclesiastical ceremonies. (8)23. ‘Change and ----- in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.’ Hymn (5)24. ‘The tall trees in the greenwood, the meadows for our play, the rushes by the water, to gather ----- day.’ Hymn (5)Down1. Harsh; strident; grating. (7)2. Mathematical symbol of subtraction. (5)3. ‘--- Wednesday’; fi rst day of Lent. (3)4. Next to cleanliness, apparently. (9)5. Knight of a religious military order established in 1118 to protect pilgrims and the Holy Sepulchre (7)6. ‘O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: ----- the Lord with gladness.’ Jubilate Deo (5)10. Communication between minds by some means other than sensory perception. (9)13. Primary language of Jesus. (7)15. In a perfect manner. (7)17. Facial attribute of most pictures of Jesus. (5)19. ‘----- branch’; universal symbol of peace. (5)22. ‘Who going through the vale of misery --- it for a well; and the pools are fi lled with water.’ Psalms (3)

Every Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically. Enter numbers into the blank spaces so each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

CROSSWORD

SUDUKO

PUZZLE PAGE

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9 6

7 8 1 4

4 5 9

5 8 7

9 4 3 7 1

7 4 9

1 9 5

2 1 7 8

6 1

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