Bumper guide to summer fun

Transcription

1 North Somerset July 2013 ISSUE 105 Bumper guide to summer fun Free internet access at your library

2 New business opportunity for long-term let North Somerset Council is offering an exciting opportunity to redevelop a former toilet block on the promenade in Weston-super-Mare on a 25 year lease. The building, located approximately 50 metres south of the Grand Pier, will provide an ideal location for a café/restaurant or beach retail opportunity (subject to planning). For more details visit: Or call: Your guidance, patience and support could help turn a young person s life around. Be a local hero... foster a teenager

3 Welcome Dear reader, Summer is with us again and there are already signs that this will be a great season for North Somerset. Contents Room for businesses to grow 8 The hot weather in May brought an estimated 170,000 people to Weston during the first Bank Holiday weekend, and crowds flocked again when the sun shone during the first week of June. Hopefully this will continue and we have good weather for the rest of the summer. 11 What s On Summer Special Rising visitor numbers at tourist attractions is excellent news for the local economy and will help keep shops and local businesses going. Find your way with Care Navigators 25 Council officers work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring major events to the area. Last month we hosted national sport kite championships, national water-ski racing championships, as well as the successful Weston Air Day, and we launched the North Somerset Armed Forces Community Covenant as part of this year s Armed Forces Day event. The popular Sand Sculpture festival also continues to draw in the crowds. Elsewhere, there is music and theatre in Clevedon and Portishead and there are many village fetes and open days taking place, which are really excellent community events. If you are going on holiday, I hope you have a great time. If you are unable to take a break away, turn to the What s On pages in this issue to see what s happening in your area. I hope you all have a great summer and enjoy opportunities to relax and spend time with friends and family. Councillor Nigel Ashton, Leader of North Somerset Council 28 Regulars 4 News update 16 Breathtaking views around Bleadon 18 The Playhouse 31 Contact details This publication is available in large print, Braille or audio formats on request. Help is also available for people who require council information in languages other than English. Contact Getting energy from food scraps NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 3

4 News For the latest updates on North Somerset s news visit RECYCLING New fund to boost local economy Businesses across the West of England have until the end of the month to apply for a piece of a 25m fund to stimulate jobs and growth. The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has 25m from the Government s Regional Growth Fund to distribute to businesses across the area. Grants of between 10,000 and 1m are available in four areas research and development, training, capital investment and recruitment of disabled or disadvantaged workers. The Growth Fund will be used to support distinct projects or activities which would either not have happened or will be bigger or delivered more quickly as a result of the extra help. LEP chairman Colin Skellett said: One of our original aims was to encourage economic growth by removing obstacles. Refurbished Winscombe Library reopens this month Winscombe Library has been transformed and visitors will find a bright, airy space when the building reopens this month. The library has been extended and the entrance door moved so more light comes into the building, while double-glazed windows and doors mean running costs will be reduced. There are now three public computers, wi-fi access and new seating areas. A self-service kiosk will allow customers to borrow, return and renew items, with staff available to support. Before the library closed in March, customers were asked to vote on whether they wanted a modern or traditional colour scheme. Visitors will be able to see which was chosen when it reopens on Tuesday 2 July. Residents are being encouraged to get involved with their local library, to ensure it remains a community hub. Often, the problem of accessing finance stops businesses developing and creating new jobs. This Growth Fund will go some way to dealing with that issue and I hope many businesses come forward to make use of it. The closing date for full applications is Wednesday 31 July. For more details visit or [email protected] Winscombe Library: North Somerset Life Month July 2013 Year

5 10 RECYCLING Safer roads in North Somerset Make a difference to local public services People who would like to make a positive contribution to local public services are invited to step forward as a volunteer audit committee member. North Somerset Council is recruiting for an independent member to serve on its audit committee, who will sit alongside five elected members and one other independent. The committee is responsible for assessing and providing guidance on the effectiveness of the council s overall governance regime for risk management, internal control, financial strategy, policy and processes. The role is for four years and will require attending six meetings or workshops each year. It is a voluntary position but reasonable expenses will be paid. For more information about the post call or For an application form call Weston Package lane closure Alane closure at Junction 21 of the M5 motorway will come into force this month. From Monday 8 July, one lane will be closed on the northbound slip road from the motorway to the roundabout, for 24-hours a day, seven days a week, until Thursday 22 August. The restriction is to create enough space for contractors who are carrying out the multi-million pound improvements to the busy junction. The work is taking place this month as figures show this is the quietest time for traffic using that direction. Commuters are being urged to consider leaving the motorway at junction 22 if possible. The work is part of the Weston Package 15m transport improvements. For more information visit Communities get on-board Communities across North Somerset are getting prepared for an emergency after signing up to the innovative community resilience scheme. Twenty communities are now taking part in the programme which aims to develop risk awareness by training and resourcing volunteers to be able to cope during an emergency. As part of the publicity campaign, giant red what if? question marks and posters appeared across the area to make people think about what they would do if the worst happened. Community resilience volunteers give as much or as little time as they can and no special skills are needed because full training is provided. Anyone with a management or leadership background could also make a significant contribution to the development of safer communities in North Somerset by becoming part of the community resilience management group. To find out more call or visit Helicopter competition winner More than 100 entries were received for the Weston Air Day competition in May s Life. The lucky winner picked at random was Karin Dyet, of Uphill, who won a helicopter flight for four, courtesy of Polo Aviation. NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 5

6 News Take wheels to work 24 Don t get caught out the morning after Drivers and motorbike riders are being urged to think about how much alcohol could still be in their system the morning after a big summer party. Road safety officers at North Somerset Council have launched a summer Morning After drink-drive campaign to remind drinkers that they could still be over the limit the day after a long drinking session. Drinkers often do the right thing and arrange alternative transport for the night but it s easy to forget how many glasses of wine or beer have been topped up during long summer evenings with BBQs, garden parties, weddings or family gatherings. One unit of alcohol takes the body an hour to break down so a person who drinks three large glasses of wine shouldn t drive for 13 hours after they have stopped drinking. Telephone access to the register office People trying to get through to North Somerset s register office are being reminded that the telephone number has changed. Anyone wanting to make an appointment to register a birth, death or give notice of marriage should now call The number was changed as part of a modernisation of the telephone network but the BT reminder message has now run out. Appointments to attend either the Weston-super-Mare or Clevedon register office should be made through this number. People who need to register a death should contact the registration service as soon as possible and not wait for paperwork to be issued from the doctor or hospital. The offices previous number may still be listed on information leaflets at GP surgeries or community centres, so ignore this and use Save time, do it online new online account system means residents A can do business with North Somerset Council electronically at a time that suits them. The online system launches next month and means residents can manage their council tax account, receive e-bills, make payments, tell the council about any changes, apply for benefits, or set up a direct debit from the comfort of their own home. Whether you use a desktop, laptop or tablet, the online system provides a quicker, easier, safer and more environmentally-friendly way to contact the council. There is now no need to call the council or queue in person when making an enquiry about council tax, housing benefit or council tax support. Register online at to set up a safe and secure account. 6 North Somerset Life Month July 2013 Year

7 27 Activities in Clevedon News Free training for personal assistants and their employers Free training is available for adult care personal assistants in North Somerset to improve their skills and develop their learning. Skills for Care funding is now available through North Somerset Council so people can claim for the cost of the qualification as well as transport or mileage. Funding and training is also available for people who employ a personal assistant through the personal budget system. Training is important for personal assistants because they need to have the appropriate skills and knowledge to support their employer. Sessions include food hygiene, infection control and safeguarding. This could eventually lead to a level 2 or 3 diploma in health and social care. Have your say on patient care Patients in North Somerset who receive medical care through North Somerset Community Partnership are being invited to feedback on their experiences. The partnership provides care in people s homes, supported living accommodation, nursing and residential homes so any feedback received will help improve the service it provides. To do this, health care professionals are now carrying mobile devices with them so that patients, carers and their families can fill in a survey and say what they think at the time of the visit. For employers of a personal assistant, it is important they have a clear knowledge and understanding of their role and responsibilities. Sessions include being a good boss, risk assessment and employment law. People who employ a personal assistant to care for their children are not able to apply, but get in contact to see if any other training would be suitable. Funding must be approved and training started by Monday 30 September. For more information call There is no pressure to complete the survey but views submitted will help the partnership develop and improve the services it offers. Previous paper surveys provided a great deal of information but there was a delay in identifying any problems. It is hoped this will be resolved by using real-time data. All responses are anonymous. To make a comment, compliment or raise a concern you can also contact Clare Foster: [email protected] NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 7

8 Jobs and business growth Giving small and medium-sized businesses room to grow Businesses have the chance to flourish in North Somerset thanks to a number of managed work spaces offering flexible offices, studios and workshops. Small and growing businesses can take advantage of shortterm leases, expandable space and even on-site support at a number of sites across the area. Promoting jobs and business growth is a key priority for North Somerset Council and Simon Gregory, from the economic development service, said: For new and small businesses, taking the step of having their own workspace can be daunting trying to find suitable premises, negotiating leases and assessing likely costs. However, there is increasing support for small businesses and organisations at a number of managed workspaces across North Somerset. These offer support with 12 8 North Somerset Life Life July Month 2013 Year easy-in, easy-out options aimed at helping businesses make that move. Life takes a look at what s on offer and what makes North Somerset the perfect place to do business The Hive, Weston Business Quarter, Weston Airfield Construction of a landmark 20,000sq ft business centre began at the end of May in Weston-super-Mare. The Hive is based at the 17-hectare Weston Business Quarter, one of the sites making up Junction 21 Enterprise Area. The building is due to open in spring next year and will be dedicated to The ground-breaking ceremony in May to mark the start of construction of The Hive supporting the launch, development and success of up to 60 local businesses by providing them with an array of on-site business support, resources and services. Inside, the professional, flexible and affordable space will include fullyequipped offices with high speed broadband, a managed reception, virtual offices, meeting rooms, onsite support, a business club and networking opportunities. The centre will be owned and managed by North Somerset Enterprise Agency, who will also be based there to provide support, advice and training. Clevedon Hall, Clevedon The stunning historic surroundings of Clevedon Hall provide a unique location for small businesses to grow. Clevedon s Enterprise Development Centre is providing enhanced managed serviced offices with low overheads within the listed Victorian mansion. Low-cost, flexible contracts are available which are inclusive of normal overheads, with the option of accessing shared services such as software applications without needing IT management. Infrastructures for IT and communications are also in place, with extensive back-up systems, and business mentoring is also offered.

9 Safety Jobs and business Travel growth better Clevedon Hall Meeting and conference rooms have unique character thanks to the original Victorian features, with views across the estate. Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh Just three miles from the M5 and close to Bristol city centre, Leigh Court is a Grade II* listed mansion offering serviced office space. The site, in a parkland setting, has offices of various sizes which would be suitable for between two and 12 people. There is a 12 month minimum rental lease which includes a full range of office services, from franking to photocopying, that can be tailored to individual needs. In addition, tenants have access to business services such as on-site catering and preferential rates for corporate hire. Pure Offices is home to more than 70 businesses thanks to its fully-serviced accommodation which combines studio, workshop and office space. High-speed fibre optic broadband is included in the price and the centre is in an excellent location just off junction 19 of the M5. Now Pure Offices is expanding into Weston-super-Mare with a development of high-specification serviced offices. The new centre, in Pastures Avenue, St Georges, is due to open next month and will provide 66 office units of various sizes for businesses in any sector and stage of development. A showroom opens this month and viewings of the new building are now available. Reservations are also being taken and early bird deals are on offer, including a 15 per cent discount for the first 12 months. To find out more about managed workspaces in North Somerset visit managedworkspace or contact the economic development service on or Pure Offices, Portishead and Weston A thriving business community is blossoming in Portishead at a centre which provides the perfect place for business to grow. Pure Office reception and (inset) exterior NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 9

10 Investment in roads Safer roads in North Somerset Drivers travelling around North Somerset are benefitting from big improvements to the network this year. North Somerset Council is investing 6.6m in the road and drainage network this financial year - 1.9m more than last year. The money is being spent on physical improvements including road resurfacing, drainage work and pothole repairs but a lot of work is also going into road safety initiatives and schemes to make our roads as safe as possible. According to the Department for Transport, North Somerset roads are in the top 15 per cent of the safest in the country. The district is ranked 19th out of all 151 local highways authorities in the country for road safety, with just 0.4 casualties per 100 million vehicle miles. While any casualty figures are terrible, the numbers are on a downward trend and show a 40 per cent drop in the number of people killed or seriously injured over a fiveyear period. In 2011 there were 46 people killed or seriously injured, in 2006 it was 77, and back in 1996 it was 101. Being tough on poor road works Utility companies were charged almost 16,000 by North Somerset Council last year for not completing road works satisfactorily. The council serves notices and charges utility companies such as water, gas and electricity if the road is not returned to a correct and safe standard after they carry out any work. Last year, 416 works were classified as unsatisfactory so the council ensured these were rectified by the utility companies, at their cost. In some cases the council also prosecuted some companies. Saving money on road repairs A fast, efficient and economic road repair process is being trialled by North Somerset Council which could see savings of up to 150,000 a year. Velocity patching is a process which repairs road defects in one go, instead of the traditional system of clearing an existing road surface and dealing with the costly disposal of tar-based materials. A successful trial of velocity patching took place in Ebdon Lane, Wick St Lawrence, and it is hoped it will now be used more widely to maintain the road network across North Somerset North Somerset Life July Month 2013 Year

11 Take time out Get set for a summer of fun Summer 2013 will bring a vast array of events and activities to North Somerset and, with so much planned, there s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. Grab your buckets and spades and head to the sands of Weston-super-Mare or explore the local countryside during a summer season packed with things to see and do. Over the next 12 pages you ll find details of events and attractions, or visit for the latest listings. If you use social networking sites, you can also get local tourism news via Facebook and Twitter. TimeOutInNorthSomerset TimeoutNS For details of events, call the number listed or Weston-super-Mare Tourist Information Centre: [email protected] Opening times: The TIC, located on the seafront in the Winter Gardens, is open throughout the year and daily from 9.30am 5pm from Easter until 30 September. Inside General events 12 Activities for children 14 Walk around Bleadon 16 The Playhouse Theatre 18 Markets and guided walks 19 Music 20 Dance 21 Clubs and societies Disclaimer: All information correct at time of going to print (June 2013). While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, North Somerset Council cannot accept responsibility or liability for any errors which have occurred. North Somerset Council cannot recommend or endorse any of the providers listed. It is recommended that you always check with the relevant organisation first to ensure their service meets your requirements. NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 11

12 JULY Take time out Now until end of September Sand Sculpture Festival 11am-5pm, Weston-super-Mare Beach, next to SeaQuarium. Hollywood theme. 3.50, concessions 2 and 1. Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays until end October Sandford Station Railway Heritage Centre 11am-4pm. Access from the Strawberry Line path at Sandford Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 Volleyball England Beach Tour Play starts 9am both days, Weston-super-Mare Beach. Mens, womens, U17 boys, U17 girls pairs. No charge for spectators. Woodspring Wings Show Woodspring Wings Airfield, Claverham Drove, Yatton. Model air show. 8 adults, 6 conc North Somerset Life July Month 2013 Year Monday 8 July Friday 2 August The Iconic Image exhibition Lloyd Gill Gallery, Lee House, Beaconsfield Road, Weston-super- Mare. Mon-Sat, 10am-4.30pm Saturday 13 Sea Cadet Summer Fayre 10.30am-3pm, Sea Cadet Headquarters, off Sunnyside Road, Weston-super-Mare Sunday 14 Traditional Garden Fete 2.30pm, Gatcombe Court Garden, Long Ashton. Games, coconut shy, duck racing, cream teas, music. 2 adults, children free. Proceeds to church and youth club. Friday 26 to Sunday 28 Weston Lions Club Real Ale Festival Beach Lawns, Weston-super-Mare. Real ales, locally-brewed ciders, wine and soft drinks available. www. westonlionsrealalefestival.org.uk Saturday 27 Love Clevedon Festival Noon-late, Sunhill Park and Princes Hall. Afternoon summer fair, evening music concert. Money raised for All Saints Church and local charities General events Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 Weston RNLI fundraising activities Raft race on Marine Lake: 1pm, Saturday. The Big Swim and open day at Anchor Head shop: noon, Sunday. Demonstrations by the coastguard, sea cadets, lifeboats, RAF rescue helicopter. Sunday 28 Animals Asia presents Charity Fun Day 10am-6pm, Kewstoke Village Hall. Live music, stage entertainment, stalls. No dogs. 2 per adult, children go free AUGUST Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 Nailsea Horticultural Society Summer Show 12.30pm, Golden Valley playing field. Flowers, fruit, veg, dog show, displays, crafts, charity stalls and more. Sunday 4 Strawberry Jam cycle ride Choose a 10, 25, 50, 75 or 100- mile route along the Strawberry Line. In aid of Weston Hospicecare. From 5. To enter call or visit Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 35th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton. Entertainment and activities throughout the day, as well as 6am dawn flights, 6pm mass flights and nightglows on Thurs and Sat. Saturday 10 Cricket on the Beach Beach Lawns, Weston-super-Mare. Organised by Somerset County Cricket.

13 Take time out Yatton and District Horticulture Society Summer Show pm, Yatton Village Hall, with stalls on the green or Saturday 10 to Friday 16 Lifeboat Week Weston-super-Mare RNLI fundraising events in the High Street, Italian Gardens and Grand Pier. Including a quiz, bands, pig roast, face painting. Sunday 18 RSPCA dog show and fete Beach Lawns, Weston-super-Mare. Fundraising for North Somerset branch of RNLI. Friday 23 to Sunday 25 Yatton Rugby Football Club beer festival The Park, North End, Yatton 5-11pm Fri, noon-11pm Sat, noon-11pm Sun (stock permitting). 20 ales and ciders, entertainment. Satuday 24 (1-6.30pm) and Sunday 25 (10am-5pm) Clevedon Festival and Flower Show Salthouse Fields, Clevedon. Competitive display of flowers, fruit, handicrafts, photography and children s entries. Refreshments, stands, displays and music Sunday 25 Ford Sports SW Regional Day Beach Lawns, Weston-super-Mare. Local RS Owners Club Car Show. Saturday 31 Mendip Society walk Rowberrow and Burrington. Meet 10am at Swan Inn, Rowberrow. Choice of two walks - hard 10-miles (bring a packed lunch) or moderate five miles or Find a sport to suit you Try your hand at a new sport or learn how to get creative in the kitchen during a fun open day this month. SportsJam runs from noon to 4pm at Bournville Primary School, in Weston-super-Mare, on Sunday 28 July. The day is open to everyone and taster sessions will run in multi Cool down with a swim at Portishead Open Air Pool Cool down this summer with a splash in Portishead s popular outdoor heated swimming pool. The open air pool, run by a community trust and staffed largely by volunteers, is open until September and could be the perfect place to spend a day with the family. The water is heated to 28 C and there is also a heated paddling pool for toddlers, complete with toys and shade. Snacks and drinks can be bought from the tuck shop and more substantial food is available in the Lido Kitchen restaurant. sports, yoga, street games, as well as cooking classes, health checks, keep fit, art and craft and much more. Some activities will need pre-booking. Call , [email protected], or pick up a registration form from a local library. The pool is open every day from 8.30am to 7pm during the school holidays, with additional early morning slots on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Swimming lessons are also available during the summer with an ASA-qualified teacher. Portishead Open Air Pool: Swimming pools can also be found at Backwell Leisure Centre, Churchill Sports Centre, Hutton Moor Leisure Centre in Westonsuper-Mare, Parish Wharf Leisure Centre in Portishead, and Strode Leisure Centre in Clevedon. NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 13

14 JULY Take time out Fun for younger family members AUGUST Sunday 14 July (and Saturday 31 August) Climbing wall 11am, Tyntesfield, Wraxall. A range of grades to challenge everyone, with great views at the top. Open to all aged two upwards. 4 (payable at wall) or [email protected] Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 Alicat Children and Theatre present Through the Looking Glass 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Backwell Playhouse, Mariner s Drive, Backwell adults, 5.50 children. Call (between 10am and 11am) or [email protected] Tuesday 23 July Friday 30 August Big Dig 11am-4pm, Weston-super-Mare Museum, Burlington Street. Learn the fun side of archaeology. Free entry Saturday 3 Elephant Awareness Day 10.30am- 5pm, Noah s Ark Zoo, Wraxall Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 Soldier school Tyntesfield, Wraxall. Adventure and glamour await all those brave enough to take the king s shilling and join His Majesty s troops. Child 5 (must be accompanied by a paying adult) [email protected] Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 August TYNTE: Art Week Tyntesfield, Wraxall. Art workshops for 13 to 25-year-olds. Free event (normal admission charges apply). Booking essential: Children s Centres For families and carers with children from birth to five. Stay and play sessions, outings and special events. For more details call the Family Information Service: Leisure and sports centres Activities and clubs take place throughout the summer holidays to keep children entertained and active. Contact your local centre to find out more. Holiday club Primary-aged children from all schools are invited to join a holiday club in Clevedon this summer which is open every day throughout the holidays. St. Nicholas Chantry Primary School, in Highdale Avenue, will be open from 8am to 6pm with activities including street dance, multi sports and trips. Call for details. 14 North Somerset Life July Month 2013 Year Try lawn bowling Ashcombe Park Bowling Club runs sessions for young people every Saturday morning from 10am. A recent trophy for nine to 14-yearolds was won by Luke Yeates, who has now gone on to become a junior member. Barbara Macgregor, from the club, said: Our congratulations go to all the participants, to us they were all winners. We would also like to thank the leaders of 1st North Worle Scouts for their interest in the coaching sessions. Anyone young person interested in joining can call

15 Take time out Join the reading challenge thrilling adventure through A books awaits children taking part in this year s summer reading challenge at local libraries. Creepy House, with artwork by award-winning illustrator Chris Riddell, gives children the chance to discover the hair-raising residents of the Awful Upstairs, Gruesome Ground Floor and Spine-tingling Cellar, as they progress through the challenge. The popular scheme runs from 13 July to 14 September and is open to all children aged from four to 11. It is organised nationally by the Reading Agency and last year more than 4,000 children in North Somerset took part. Parents or carers can take their children to the library to sign up. As children read six books over three further library visits, they will receive a bookmark, poster and stickers to collect while stocks last. Every child who reads six books before the closing date will receive a certificate, medal and be entered into a prize draw to be in with the chance of winning a Kobo ereader or their age in books. Terms and conditions apply. One parent last year said: It s a great way to get children reading and enjoying books. Fantastic. Events in libraries this summer include: workshop with illustrator Chris Fisher: Saturday 13 July, Weston Library storytelling by Michael Loader: Wednesday, 7 August at Clevedon and Worle Libraries, and Monday 12 August at Nailsea and Portishead Libraries. Limited spaces so book in advance. Contact your local library or visit events libraries Discounts at venues along bus route Young people who want the freedom to hop on a bus and enjoy different activities can take advantage of some discounts this summer. Retail, leisure attractions and activities based along the 121 bus route in North Somerset are offering discounts for 11 to 19-year-olds between 14 July and 14 September. The initiative aims to encourage greater use of the bus network by younger people by offering discounts at various destinations. It also helps address an issue from this year s residents survey, which revealed only 30 per cent of parents surveyed were satisfied with the amount of leisure activities outside school for teenagers. Organisations involved include retailers in Weston-super-Mare, Mendip Snowsport Centre and Churchill Sports Centre. For more details and a route map visit uk/121discounts or call You said... We did... Discounts and offers Discounts and special offers are available at venues across North Somerset thanks to a popular scheme for five to 19-year-olds. The Young Person s Key (YPK) is free to join and holders receive a variety of offers, including discounts on entry fees or lessons for sporting events. Application forms are available at libraries and leisure centres. Call or [email protected] NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 15

16 Take time out Walk Breathtaking views around Bleadon This month, Life takes a circular walk on part of the West Mendip Way, including the village of Bleadon. How to get there Start at map ref: ST (OS 153) Car: Reach Bleadon along Bleadon Road, off the A370 south of Weston-super-Mare. Park considerately on the roadside or at the Village Hall Bus: Service 83 to centre of Bleadon (112 and 75 stop on A370) Begin in the centre of Bleadon. There is a public phone, public toilets and a pub in the village. From the post box walk through the churchyard and turn left up Old School Lane. Turn right onto the main road, and after a couple of minutes turn left at the West Mendip Way marker onto a footpath. Go through the metal gate and straight up through the middle of the field, following the path. Follow the West Mendip Way marker and bear right. The path splits after a few steps take the left hand one up the hill. Enjoy the views towards Brent Knoll as you climb. Go over the metal stile, leaving Hellenge Hill, and enter open pasture. Go straight ahead, and after a few steps take the left hand fork in the path. At the far side of the meadow cross the stone stile and go straight across the field heading towards a cream building. Join the gravel track and follow it to the stile. Turn right onto Roman Road. After about eight minutes you will reach a viewpoint with far reaching views up the Bristol Channel towards Clevedon and the Welsh mountains beyond. This is a good point to pause for a drink or a picnic. Continue along the road and at the corner follow the bridleway straight ahead, descending between high hedgerows. At the T-junction in the path, turn right up a steep rocky track. 16 North Somerset Life July Month 2013 Year

17 Walk Take time out At the top of the climb turn right along another rocky track. After about 100m go straight uphill, following the blue public bridleway marker. At the end of the path go through a wooden gate and continue along the bridleway diagonally across the open field. Take in the view along the spine of Brean Down towards Steepholm and head for the wooded area on the far side. Go through the wooden gate and walk downhill keeping both the woods and the wire fence on your right. Enjoy the views over the levels towards Brent Knoll and look out for the River Axe snaking through the fields. Pass through two more gates and join the road continuing downhill. After about 13 minutes you will reach a road. Cross it and climb the stile tucked behind the hedgerow. Walk along the lefthand edge of the field. Cross the wooden bridge with a wooden pallet as a gate and follow the line of telegraph poles ahead of you through a number of fields. Go through a metal gate into the farmyard passing a barn on your right. Turn right and head straight uphill. Go through the kissing gate and wooden gate, bear left and continue up. Traverse the left hand (southern) edge of the hill. At the fork in the path bear right, gently uphill and along the ridge towards Bleadon. You ll glimpse the quarry on the left. Go through the wooden gate and drop down the steps towards the church. Pass through the pretty wrought iron gate and along the path between the houses. The churchyard is ahead of you. Walk information Distance: about 3.5 miles Difficulty: medium (some steep hills and a number of stiles) Duration: allow up to 2.5 hours which includes time for plenty of stops along the way Map: OS Explorer 153 This walk previously featured in the August 2008 issue of Life. See this, and all other walks from the magazine, at Start/finish Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell this data to third parties in any form. NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 17

18 The Playhouse, High Street Weston-super-Mare BS23 1HP Box Office: Please mention Life when /ThePlayhousewsm JULY Working in partnership WIN tickets! Win two tickets to see Last Night at The Proms at The Playhouse on Sunday 25 August Just fill in the blank: Bring along the whole family and join in with Land of Hope and Glory, Rule, The Sailor s Hornpipe and many more! Send your answers to [email protected], or July Life Competition, The Playhouse, High Street, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1HP by Wednesday 31 July. Friday 19 July, 7.30pm The Upbeat Beatles In 1963 a new band was taking the country by storm, playing a heady mixture of blues, Motown and rock n roll Coinciding almost to the day with the 50th anniversary of The Beatles performance in Weston-super-Mare, this show will have you tapping your feet from the opening bars and screaming like you did in , concessions 16 Friday 26 July, 7.30pm An Evening of Dirty Dancing Back for a second year, An Evening of Dirty Dancing is the original box office smash hit tribute to the greatest movie soundtracks of all time. This feel good concert is the ultimate party and has something for both girls and guys, including the hits Do You Love Me, Hey Baby, Wipeout, Be My Baby, Hungry Eyes and the timeless, Oscarwinning (I ve had) The Time of My Life. 16, concessions 15 Wednesday 10 July, 7.30pm Richard Digance A BAFTA nominated performer, a world acclaimed poet, an author and an artist, Richard s 2013 UK tour brings more hysterical nostalgia and a wealth of new songs and anecdotes. Thursday 11 July, 7.30pm The Bon Jovi Experience An outstanding tribute The Bon Jovi Experience perform all the great hits: Livin On A Prayer, Keep The Faith, You Give Love A Bad Name and many more! Sunday 14 July, 7.30pm Rock n Roll Paradise Relive the golden era of Rock n Roll you ll be blown away by superb portrayals of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, the Big Bopper and Eddie Cochran. Saturday 20 July, 7.30pm The Proclaimers Twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have enjoyed huge success across the globe during the 26 years since The Proclaimers released their first album, This Is The Story. Now on their ninth album, expect to hear the classics such as Sunshine on Leith, (I m Gonna Be) 500 Miles, Letter from America and many more. Sunday 21 July, 7.30pm Des O Connor Don t miss this rare opportunity to see a true showbusiness legend live on stage for a wonderful evening of comedy, laughter and music. Thursday 25 July, 7.30pm Johnny Cash Roadshow With musical backing of The Spirit Band, The Johnny Cash Roadshow recaptures with astounding accuracy the essence of a real Johnny Cash show. 18

19 Markets and guided walks Take time out WEEKLY MARKETS Every Tuesday and first Sunday of each month until 3 September Beach Lawns, Weston-super-Mare. Various stalls. Free admission to event. Normal car parking charges apply Every Thursday Winscombe Country Market 8am-noon, Community Centre, Sandford Road Every Friday Portishead Country Market am, Folk Hall, Portishead Nailsea Country Market am, Vestry Hall of Christ Church, Christchurch Close, Nailsea Clevedon Country Market pm, The Barn, Great Western Road MONTHLY MARKETS First Saturday Long Ashton 9.30am-1pm, Community Centre Kingston Seymour 10am-noon, Village Hall Hutton (not in Aug) 9.30am-noon, Hutton Village Hall Second Saturday Kenn 10am-noon, Village Hall Yatton (not in Aug)10am-noon, Village Hall Weston-super-Mare 10am-2pm, Town Square. Third Saturday Bleadon 9am-12.30pm, Coronation Hall Claverham 10am-noon, Village Hall Fourth Saturday Pill Community Market 10am-noon, Pill Community Centre. Farmers and craft market Backwell 10.30am-1pm, WI Hall. All proceeds go towards rebuilding Backwell Judo Club. FARMERS MARKETS Buy fresh local, seasonal produce direct from growers and producers, including lamb, beef, poultry, preserves, cakes, juices, eggs, bread and plants. Second Saturday Portishead 9am-12.30pm, Waitrose Piazza Weston-super-Mare 9am-12.30pm, High Street Worle 9am-12.30pm, The Lamb pub car park Third Saturday Nailsea 9am-1pm, Crown Glass Place Fourth Saturday Clevedon 9am-12.30pm, Queen s Square GUIDED WALKS Enjoy the beautiful scenery around North Somerset and hear fascinating facts about the area with a series of walks from North Somerset Council s ranger service. Sunday 21 July A Walk in Weston Woods (Westonsuper-Mare). Meet at the Water Tower, at the west end of Worlebury Hill Road. Rough ground and steep gradients. Sunday 18 August Flax Bourton and Barrow Hill. Meet at the junction between the main road through Flax Bourton village (A370) and Station Road. Walks start at 2pm and last about 2½ hours per person. No dogs allowed. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing. No need to book, just turn up. For more information call or seafront.rangers@n-somerset. gov.uk NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 19

20 Take time out Music MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT JULY Tuesday 9 Pill Community Orchard Wednesday 10 Ring O Bells, Compton Martin Thursday 11 Uphill Quarry, Weston-super-Mare In Cider Story: A ballad of two brothers. Re-run of a show which ran in rural pubs earlier this year. Suitable for families, minimum age Sunday 21 A Touch of Acoustic, featuring the Barry Walsh Band 7.30pm, Walton Park Hotel, Clevedon. Tickets 8 from Walton Park Hotel, Clevedon music shop, or [email protected] Sunday 28 Bedazzled Magic and musical theatre with Daniel Dean. 3pm and 7.30pm. Playhouse Theatre, Weston-super-Mare AUGUST In Cider Story. Picture: Mike Kleinsteuber REGULARS Every Monday Weston-super-Singers 2-4pm, Victoria Methodist Church, Weston-super-Mare. No auditions. [email protected] Mixed Company Community Choir pm, Golden Valley Primary School, Nailsea. 6 per session with free taster Most Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (leading up to a play) Clevedon Players pm, the Stables, behind Princes Hall, Princes Road, Clevedon. New members welcome, acting/ backstage Every Tuesday Cadbury Wind Band (term time only) pm, Yatton Rugby Football Club Waves of Harmony 7.30pm, Victoria Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, Weston-super-Mare. Women s 4-part acapella group. Cheddar Male Choir 7.30pm, Draycott Village Hall. New members welcome. Winscombe Community Choir pm, Winscombe Primary School, Moorham Road. choir.org.uk Congresbury Singers 7.50pm, Old School Rooms, Congresbury Weston Brass Band 8pm, Church Road Methodist Church, Upper Church Road, Weston-super-Mare (also rehearse every Thursday) First Tuesday of month Traditional jazz night 8.30pm, Salthouse pub, Clevedon. With resident band, the Dixieland Rascals. Free entry. Second Tuesday of month Nailsea Folk Club Grove Sports Centre, Nailsea. All musicians and singers welcome (also fourth Tuesday at Prince of Orange Inn, Yatton) Every Wednesday Somerset Singers 7.30pm, Meeting House, Sidcot School, Sidcot First Thursday of month Weston Organ and Keyboard Club 7.30pm, Somerset Suite, Weston Football Club. 5 members, 6 non-members Muskrats Jazz Band 8.30pm, Clarence House, High Street, Portishead. 3. Bar and dancing, all welcome Third Thursday of month Jazz at the Railway Martin Bennett s Old Green River (July) Kevin Grenfell s Jazz Giants (Aug), 7-10pm, Railway Inn, Yatton. 9 advance, 10 on door Every Friday Lions Brass 4 Youth. County brass band. 5.30pm/ pm. 1st Clevedon Scout Hall Weston Youth Orchestra 6-7pm (8-12 yrs), 7-9pm (12-20 yrs). Boulevard United Reformed Church, Weston-super-Mare or North Somerset Community Brass Band pm, Puxton and Hewish Village Hall Congresbury Brass Band pm, Methodist Church Hall, Congresbury / Nailsea Concert Orchestra (term time only), pm, Christ Church, Nailsea. chestra.org.uk Clevedon Gilbert and Sullivan Society pm, Crypt Hall, under St Peter s Church, Alexandra Road, BS21 7QH. New members welcome West Mendip Orchestra (term time only) pm, Lynch Chapel, Winscombe Nailsea Concert Orchestra (term time only) Nailsea Methodist Church. New players welcome, especially string and brass players or Nailsea Theatre Club 8pm, Nailsea Little Theatre, Union Street Every Sunday Barley Rye choir pm (winter) 7-9pm (summer), Ring o Bells, Nailsea. New members welcome Friday 2 and Saturday 3 As you Like It 7pm, Tyntesfield, Wraxall. Outdoor Shakespeare by The Lord Chamberlain s Men. An all-male production of Shakespeare s summer comedy, with warring brothers, clowns and comic peasants. Bring rugs or low-back chairs and dress appropriately. Adult 17.50, child 10, family ticket 48 or Booking essential: North Somerset Life July Month 2013 Year

21 Dance Take time out DB s Dance Club line dancing 11am-1pm, Folk Hall, Portishead Egyptian Bellydance (term time only) pm, Mead Vale Community Centre, Redwing Drive, Worle Social dancing pm, Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Milton Nailsea Le Roc pm, Scotch Horn Leisure Centre, Nailsea. Beginnners / intermediates First Friday of month Social dance pm, Somerset Hall, Portishead. 5 inc refreshments Second and fourth Fridays Streetdance pm, Claverham Village Hall. For 8-15-year-olds Every Friday T&A Burlesque, 6-7pm, Victory Hall, Uphill, Weston-super-Mare or Nailsea InterCultural Dancing Association pm, Nailsea United Reformed Church. Free admission Clevedon Sequence Dance Club pm, Walton St Mary s Church Hall Last Friday of month Social dance pm, St. James Hall, Winscombe Every Saturday Chelis Theatre Company 2-5pm St. Saviours Church Hall, Weston-super-Mare. Drama, dance and singing for 6-18-year-olds Every Sunday DANCE Every Monday DB s Dance Club - line dancing 10-11am, Clevedon Community Centre Easy Strollers line dancing 7-9pm, Clevedon Triangle Club, Old Church Road Social dancing pm, Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Milton Every Tuesday DB s Dance Club social tea dance pm, Clevedon Community Centre Avon Dance Club (ballroom and Latin practise night) pm, Somerset Hall, Portishead Egyptian Bellydance (term time only) 7-8pm beginners, pm improvers, Dance Studio, Nailsea School, Nailsea Weston Folk Dance Club 8-10pm, Corpus Christi Church Hall, Weston-super-Mare Portishead LeRoc (modern jive) pm, Portishead Primary School, Station Road Ballroom and sequence 8-11pm, Town and Country Lodge, Bridgwater Road Ceroc 8-11pm, Grand Atlantic Hotel, Weston-super-Mare Second Tuesday of month Shake-a-leg Old Folks Social and Tea Dance 2-4pm, Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Milton, Weston-super-Mare inc cake/tea / Every Wednesday Easy Strollers line dancing am and pm, 1st Clevedon Scout Hall, Great Western Road DB s Dance Club - line dancing am, Clevedon Community Centre Sequence tea dance 2-4pm, Avonway Hall, Portishead Latin and jive for absolute beginners pm, St Peter s Church Hall, Clevedon T&A Burlesque 7-8pm, Clevedon Community Centre, Princes Road, Clevedon or s and 60s rock n roll 8pm-late, Tavern Inn the Town, Regent Street, Weston-super-Mare First Thursday of month Portishead Ceilidh Club pm, Gordano School Hall, Portishead Every Thursday Easy Strollers line dancing am, 1st Clevedon Scout Hall Egyptian Bellydance (term time only) am, Backwell WI Hall, Station Road, Backwell Social dancing pm, Hutton Moor Leisure Centre, Weston-super-Mare NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 21

22 Take time out Clubs and societies CLUBS AND SOCIETIEs Every Monday Weston Monday Art Group 10am-12.30pm, St Saviour s Church Hall, Locking Road West Hill Senior Citizens Club pm, Avon Way Hall, Portishead Duplicate bridge (and every Thurs, Fri and Sat) 1.30pm- 4.30pm, 21 Montpelier, Weston-super-Mare Kewstoke Arts and Crafts Group 2-4pm, Village Hall. 1 inc refreshments Georgian Club for over 60s 2-4pm, St Georges Community Centre, Willow Close, St Georges, Weston-super-Mare Yatton Art Group pm, Village Hall Whist drive in Portishead Call or First Monday (second if first is bank holiday) Weston Quilters United Reform Church, Waterloo Street First and third Monday Clevedon Mixed Leisure Club (except Aug) 2.30pm, St John Ambulance Hall Second Monday Arthritis Care Weston Branch 2pm, St Saviours Hall, Locking Road or Fibromyalgia Group 2pm, Purple Sheep Centre, Hugenden Rd, Weston-super- Mare NHS Retirement Fellowship 2pm, Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Worle Worle Lions The Windsor Castle pub, Worle Lions Club of Portishead 8pm, Clarence House, Portishead Third Monday Clevedon Lions Club 7.15pm, Walton Hotel, Clevedon Fourth Monday Weston-super-Mare Flower Arrangement Society 2.30pm, St Georges Hall, St Georges Every Tuesday Weston Twins and More Group (term-time only) am, Kewstoke Village Hall. 3 per parent Weston U3A am, Friends Meeting House, High Street, Weston-super-Mare. Opportunities for retired people. Somerset Cancer Care Support Group 10am-noon, Summer Lane Care Home, Diamond Batch, Worle Western Active Stroke Group 10am-noon, Worlebury Golf Club Coffee Stop drop-in coffee morning 10.30am-noon, Milton Baptist Church, Baytree Road, Weston-super- Mare North Somerset Botanical Painting Society 10am-3pm, Brackenwood Garden Centre conservatory, Abbots Leigh Stroke Group noon-1pm, Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, Portishead Multicultural Friendship Association noon-2pm, Badger Centre, Wadham Street, Weston-super-Mare Weston-super-Mare Scrabble Club 7pm, St Saviour s Church Hall, Locking Road Rotary Club of Portishead 7.30pm, Clarence House, High Street, Portishead A1 Camera Club 7.45pm, St Georges Community Centre, Willow Close, St Georges, Weston-super-Mare Nailsea Miners Rotary Club 7.45pm, George pub, Backwell Every Tuesday (7.30pm) and Wednesday (2pm) Nailsea Scrabble Club Mizzymead Recreation Centre First Tuesday Hutton Ladies Group 7.30pm, Village Hall North Somerset Vintage Tractor Club Redhill Village Club North Somerset Modellers Society 8.30pm, The Woodspring, Worle High Street Second and fourth Tuesday Clevedon Probus2008 Club 10:30am at Clevedon Community Centre, Princes Road Third Tuesday Weston and Mendip Advanced Motorists Group 8pm, Village Hall, Crookes Lane, Kewstoke. Free. Fourth Tuesday Portishead Townswomen s Guild 7.30pm, Folk Hall, Portishead Clevedon and District Flower Club (except Aug) 7.30pm, Clevedon Community Centre, Princes Road, Clevedon. Visitors Alternate Tuesdays Somerset Cancer Care Support Group (Weston- Super-Mare) Summer Lane Care Home, Diamond Batch, Worle Every Wednesday Failand Art Group pm, Village Hall, Oxhouse Lane. [email protected] Banwell Bridge Club pm, Village Hall each meeting (+ 5 yearly membership) Woodspring Scrabble Club 2-4pm, United Reformed Church, Weston-super-Mare Worle Friendship Club 2-4pm, Worle Community Centre, Lawrence Road Good Companions Senior Citizens Club pm, The Residents Lounge, Fenswood Court, Fenswood Road, Long Ashton NHS Stop Smoking Café pm, Tesco café, Weston-super-Mare Weston and Worle Bridge Club 7pm, St Joseph s Church Hall, Camp Road, Weston-super-Mare (also Fri and Sat, 2pm) First and third Tuesdays Clevedon Probus Club am, Community Centre, Princes Road Portishead Rotary Club Memory Café pm, Jubilee Hall, Slade Road, Portishead Portishead Quilters pm, Redcliffe Hall Second Tuesday Bipolar UK pm, FRIEND, Oxford Street, Weston-super-Mare Weston-super-Mare Archaeological and Natural History Society 7.30pm, Victoria Methodist Church Hall, Station Road North Somerset Life Life Month July 2013 Year

23 Clubs and societies Take time out Alternate Thursdays Last Thursday Third Friday Copse Coffee drop-in coffee morning 10.30am-noon, Copse Road Chapel, Seavale Road, Clevedon Vegetarian Cookery Club 6.45pm, Church Hall, 500 Locking Road, Worle Weston Twins and More Group 10am-noon, The Kids Hut, Winter Gardens. 3 per parent Portishead Macular Help Group pm, Folk Hall North Somerset Quilters pm, WI Hall, Station Road, Backwell First Saturday Portbury Community Café 10am-noon, Village Hall Weston Sea Cadets (and Friday). 7pm. Cadet HQ, Sunnyside Rd North, Weston-super-Mare. 11 to 18-year-olds. Social/activity group for ages 40+ Venues in Westonsuper-Mare or First Wednesday Portbury Over Sixties Club 2-4pm, Portbury Village Hall First and third Wednesday Yeo Valley Probus Club 10.30am, Backwell Bowls Club Second Wednesday Alternate Wednesdays Weston Ladies Cards Night Jar pub, Mead Vale Weston Society of Arts Victoria Methodist Church Hall Every Thursday You Tree Cancer Support Group 10am-noon, Lauriston Hotel, Knightstone Road, Weston-super-Mare FUCHSIA Cancer Support Group 10am-noon, Worlebury Golf Club, Weston-super-Mare Second Thursday Weston-super-Mare Macular Society (alternate months) 2-4pm, St. Saviour s Church Hall, Locking Road Second and fourth Thursday Probus Club of Nailsea 10am, Mizzymead Social Club Probus Milton 10am, Weston Hornets Rugby Football Club, Hutton Moor Road Third Thursday Weston Woodturning Circle 7pm, Weston Football Club, Winterstoke Road Avon Wildlife Trust Long Ashton Group 7.30pm, Jubilee Pavilion, Keedwell Hill, Long Ashton Every Friday Good Companions Senior Citizens Club am, Somerset Hall, Portishead Partially Sighted and Blind Club 10am-2pm, Pembroke Court, Elton Road, Clevedon Mead Vale Friendship Club (over 50s) 2-4pm, Community Hall, Worle Byte Home Computer Club 7-10pm, Youth House, 65 High Street, Nailsea First Friday Portishead Stroke Drop-In Centre 10.30am-12.30pm, Clarence House, High Street Second Saturday Parkinson s UK North West Somerset meeting 10.30am, St Francis Church Hall, Little Meadow End, Nailsea Hutton Lace and Craft Group 9.30am-3.30pm, Village Hall Sunday 21 July and 18 August Coffee and Crafts Papercrafting Group 10am- 5pm, Banwell Village Hall, Westfield Road, Banwell or Gordano Probus Club 12.30pm, Clarence House, High Street, Portishead. July topic: Severn Princess the end of the Aust Ferries Nailsea and Backwell Townswomen s Guild 7.30pm, Methodist Hall Nailsea and Backwell Diabetes Support Group 7.30pm, Tower House Medical Centre. Nailsea and District Horticultural Society 7.30pm, United Reformed Church Hall, Stockway North, Nailsea. Third Wednesday Probus 73 Club (except July/ Aug) 1pm, Somerset Hall, Hight Street, Portishead Portishead Senior Citizens Forum pm, Folk Hall Hillside Friendship Circle pm, St Peter s Church Hall, Milton Notable Club Uphill Scouts Hall Weston-super-Mare Chess Club 7.30pm Victoria Bowling Club, Albert Quadrant First and third Thursdays Civil Service Retirement Fellowship (Weston-super- Mare) 10am, Friends Meeting House, High Street Probus Club WSM 10am, Weston-super-Mare Football Club, Winterstoke Road Weston Social 8.30pm, The Old Colonial, Westonsuper-Mare. westonsocial@ virginmedia.com Worle WI 7.30pm, Castle Batch Community Centre, Bishop s Avenue, Worle NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 23

24 Wheels to work Warmer weather and lighter evenings could be the incentive you need to take the opportunity to start cycling to and from work. Summer could be the perfect time to start cycling and it doesn t need to be a solo activity. Cycling with colleagues means you have some company on the journey and it can be a great way to boost your confidence if it s been a while since you were last on two wheels. Life spoke to some of the team at Mendip Outdoor Pursuits who have been cycling to their new base in Churchill from various starting points in Weston and meeting along the way. Managing director David Eddins said: The snowsport centre car park can get really busy, so we ve been encouraging our staff to get to work in other ways to free up some of the spaces for customers. Cycling has been a great way for new members of the team to get to know each another, as well as improving fitness. Most of our staff live in Weston and Worle and track their journeys using various apps on their smartphones. It takes most of the team about 40 minutes to get here, though some healthy competition has developed around travel time and average speeds! There are cycle paths all over Weston and Worle, including links with the train stations. For those who do cycle by road, it s much quicker getting through Banwell on two wheels than four! Cycle paths North Somerset benefits from many cycle paths and quieter cycle-friendly roads, as well as mainly offroad routes. These include Strawberry Line Yatton to Winscombe Festival Way Nailsea to Bristol Pill to Portishead Worle and Locking to Weston town centre River Avon Trail Portishead to Bristol Cycle maps are available at all local libraries or can be downloaded from 24 North Somerset Life July 2013

25 Navigate your way through care options People who need extra help to live independently can still get support and advice from North Somerset Council even if they pay for the care themselves. The council s Care Navigator service points people in the right direction when they are above the financial threshold for receiving social services help. This means that people can still get free and impartial advice to ensure the care they chose is the right sort and the best value. Care Navigator Anne Morley said: People who are financially responsible for their own care receive an equal level of support to those who have their care arranged through social services. Most people have to pay something towards their care but anyone who has more then 23,250 in savings, or 46,500 joint savings as a couple, may not meet the council s funding criteria and will be responsible for paying for it themselves. Eighty-four-year-old Mary contacted the service when she was beginning to struggle at home. She said: I d had some falls and was finding it harder to look after myself and do some jobs around the house. The Care Navigator talked to me about what I needed and I agreed that a care worker could visit me regularly to help me have a shower, as well as some domestic and shopping help. The Care Navigator also contacted local agencies to get quotes on costs and availability of care, which enabled Mary to chose the service which would best meet her needs. As a result, she also chose a Carelink pendant and telecare devices so she could call for emergency help if needed, and community meals was also arranged. The Care Navigator was so helpful and had made contact within three hours of the hospitalisation of my father s main carer. She provided a sympathetic, zero-pressure point of contact for advice and support. Mrs P The empathy and care shown towards my mother was first class. The information provided was very helpful and enabled us to proceed towards satisfactory care arrangements. Mr B If you, or a friend or family member, could benefit from the Care Navigator service, call Care Connect: NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 25

26 Health matters Local pharmacies offer confidential sexual health advice Young people under the age of 25 now have the option of getting confidential support from local pharmacies in the daytime, evening and weekends. Sexually active young people need to feel comfortable and confident to access support and information which will help keep them in control of their sexual health, and pharmacies offer a convenient place to go. Young people in North Somerset already have a range of options open to them, including the WISH Clinic at Weston Hospital, the No Worries! Teenage Health Service for Under 21s, and their GP practice. Now more than 30 pharmacies across the area are providing confidential consultations, access to free condoms, emergency contraception, chlamydia test kits, simple chlamydia treatment and support in accessing other services they may need. Young people have said they like using the pharmacy for sexual health services because: s exual health services are often a bus ride away or not open when they need them, so are difficult to access pharmacies are open longer hours than GP practices and clinics, as well as at the weekend concerns about confidentiality mean young people sometimes worry about using some health services, such as their GP they can choose pharmacies that are close to where they live, work or socialise. To find all participating pharmacies and other sexual health services in North Somerset visit Under 25 in North Somerset? Are you a sexually active 15 to 24-year-old who s not had a chlamydia test recently? You probably won t know you have chlamydia unless you are admitted to A&E with severe abdominal pain or find you are infertile. The test is easy post it off and no-one but you needs to know. For a free chlamydia test kit visit or pick up a postal test kit at your local pharmacy North Somerset Life July Month 2013 Year

27 Activities come together in Clevedon Thousands of young people in Clevedon are enjoying wide-ranging activities outside the classroom thanks to a network of local volunteers. Clevedon Commissioning Network was established last year to act as an umbrella partnership after receiving funding from North Somerset Council. The network is made up of representatives from across the town who then commission and fund activities for young people to enjoy. At the Barn, a youth and community centre in Great Western Road, nearly 3,000 young people have taken part in activities as a result. Paul Tompkins, secretary and treasurer of the network, said: So much has happened in a short time. Representatives making up the network include Clevedon YMCA, the Barn Youth and Community Centre, Curzon cinema, various church groups, the town council, schools and children s centre. What s happened so far? The Include Me In project, led by Clevedon YMCA, helped develop social inclusion for young people aged between 11 and 23 who are on the fringes of society Wellbeing and physical activities were set up by Clevedon YMCA for people with learning, mental or physical difficulties Youth workers from across a number of organisations carried out detached working to help develop social inclusion in young people who often hang out in streets or seafront parks The Safe and Sound project established a safe environment for local children and young people to take part in a range of activities in the safe setting of the Barn Children from local schools could take part in watery fun at the Marine Lake Festival, organised by MARLENS, the Marine Lake Conservation Society. What next? Ideas for fun in the future include activities at the Curzon cinema, a parent education project, a new youth group being set up from Christchurch, and a children s poetry project run by Clevedon Community Bookshop. For more information about activities taking place, or if anyone could help or donate funding, contact Paul Tompkins: info@ clevedoncommissioningnet work.co.uk We learn new skills, like cooking. We have fun and it s something to do. I have made new friends. Sam, 13 I know I can talk to the youth workers about any problems and just chill with my friends. Holly, 14 I find just being able to chat and socialising is nice. Louisa, 13 NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 27

28 Don t waste it Tackling food waste Residents generate a staggering 14,500 tonnes of food waste a year in North Somerset the weight of a two mile-long freight train. This costs almost 1.2m to treat and dispose of so, while many residents are doing a fantastic job of reducing this amount, more could still be done. Research has shown that more than half of food waste generated is thrown away in black sacks or wheelie bins. If this was recycled instead, more than 150,000 a year could be saved. North Somerset Council is currently running a food waste challenge to encourage residents to think about what they throw away. Visit lovefoodhatewaste to sign up. From food scraps to renewable energy Food waste will soon be treated more effectively thanks to a new Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant. The plant, run by Cory Environmental, is currently being commissioned and it will be able to process up to 15,000 tonnes of food waste every year from households and schools in North Somerset. The plant, next to the recycling centre in Aisecombe Way, Weston-super-Mare, produces energy from waste through naturally-occurring micro-organisms which digest the waste and produce renewable heat and energy. This process treats the biodegradable waste, reduces costs, carbon emissions and the amount of waste being sent to landfill. In addition, the AD plant will generate 500kW of electricity which will be exported to the National Grid, and is enough to power nearly 1,000 homes. AD is the Government s preferred method for disposing of food waste and plays a central role in meeting targets under the Climate Change Act. Britain is committed to an 80 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (relative to 1990 levels) and achieving 15 per cent renewable energy by Anaerobic Digestion Process Food Waste Biogas Green electricity to National Grid Organic Waste Anaerobic digester Digestate or Biofertiliser To Farms North Somerset Life July Month 2013 Year

29 Don t waste it Improving recycling at recycling centres Have you recycled everything you can? About 65 per cent of waste is currently being recycled across the three recycling centres in North Somerset. While this is great, black bags thrown away at the centres also contain materials that could have been recycled or composted. If this was sorted and householders used recycling skips at the centres, almost 500,000 could be saved by not sending it to landfill. This money could be used for other vital council services. To help people recycle more of the contents of their black bag, checks will be made at the centres with staff on hand to offer advice about recycling and asking if visitors have recycled everything they can. Further changes are also coming in at recycling centres to bring North Somerset Council in line with neighbouring councils and to reduce the amount of non-household waste taken to the sites. These include a van permit scheme and changes to quantities of some types of waste Van permit scheme Household waste recycling centres are provided for North Somerset householders to recycle and dispose of their waste. However, some commercial waste from businesses is also being brought to the sites, which costs the council 95 per tonne to dispose of. This waste should be paid by commercial traders, not council tax payers, so a new van permit scheme is being introduced in a bid to crack down on this illegal activity. A free permit will be available for residents with a van or a large trailer who are bringing household waste to the centres. The permit will need to be obtained at least a month before visiting a site and will be valid for 12 visits per year. Van time restrictions at recycling centres To allow adequate time for the permit and other documents to be checked, vans will be restricted to the following days/ times: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10am-4pm only To apply for a permit, visit uk/vanpermits or call Council Connect: Changes to quantities of waste There are already restrictions to the quantities of certain types of waste that can be brought into recycling centres. These are now being updated to include: Asbestos and plasterboard two sheets per vehicle (double-wrap asbestos in plastic) Tyres five tyres per year Hardcore, rubble, DIY and construction waste six bags, not weighing more than 25kg per bag. Waste from small DIY projects will be accepted but not from building renovation projects, as this is not classed as household waste. NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil 29

30 Your views Letters, photos, tweets, posts Send your items to Editor, North Somerset Life North Somerset Council Floor 1, Town Hall Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ or NorthSomersetCouncil NorthSomersetC YOUR VIEWS Items submitted without a valid name and address will not be considered for publication. Please tell us if you do not want your details published. Due to space restrictions letters may be edited. Dear Editor, I really am incensed with your letters regarding the bin men. No amount is good enough to pay for this filthy job. Have your moaners ever thought about talking to these people one-toone? They will find they are extremely nice people just like you and I, but if you treat them and speak to them like dirt, that s what you will get. My bin men are wonderful, very kind and very helpful. Try a word of praise now and again. Anyone would think their council tax only pays for the bin men. Sylvia Rees, Weston-super-Mare Dear Editor, The new recycling and waste systems are excellent but what about the thousands of householders redundant old steel and rubber dustbins still remaining unused? What can householders, many without cars to transport old bins, do about these often rusting and unsightly items? Can the council start an initiative to collect them and recycle them, and possibly even get scrap value for them and boost council funds? Name supplie Editor s reply: When the recycling revolution began in 2010 we collected hundreds of old bins. We now encourage people to re-use them - maybe donating them to local allotments, or using them for storing winter firewood, summer BBQ coals, potatoes or shredded hedge cuttings. Or maybe making a bird bath with the upturned lid or using it as a water butt. Can any readers think of any more uses? We can t show all of your photos in Life but you can see them at pinterest.com/northsomersetc Roxy by Klaudia Pedzimaz Patrick Norris Amy Reid Many topics are covered on Twitter and Facebook and last month the issue of horses on the beach was raised. So, dogs are not allowed on the beach because of what they leave behind and what the irresponsible owners not clean up... but horses are allowed? Who cleans their stuff up? Why is it OK for their droppings to be on the beach? North Somerset Council: As horses are vegetarian animals, their poo is not harmful and biodegrades very quickly. It also does not smell as bad as dog poo. Horses are not allowed on the beach between 10.30am and 6pm in July and August. Visibility along Ashton Rd at end of #Festivalway limited by foliage. Can this be cut back? North Somerset Council: You can report overgrown hedges online at under hedge maintenance. I need to get rid of bricks + a mattress. I couldn t see s website if they take these? North Somerset Council: You can take the mattress to a recycling centre, and up to five bags of bricks per week as long as it is not commercial waste. 30 North Somerset Life July Month 2013 Year

31 North Somerset Life Contact us North Somerset Life is the award winning monthly magazine for the people of North Somerset. Your copy should be delivered with your post unless you use the mail preference service to block unsolicited mail. You can download this issue and back issues from or pick copies up from council buildings. Tide facts Approximate high water times at: Clevedon: 10 min Portishead: 18 min later than Weston-super-Mare. Weather conditions which differ from the average will have an effect on the differences between predicted and actual tide times. Strong winds can hold the tide in or push the tide out. Air pressure can also cause fluctuations in predicted levels. Tidal predictions for Weston-super-Mare have been computed by the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory. Copyright reserved. Coming in next month s issue MM MM MM Access council services - Four-page pull-out guide Promoting jobs and business growth Transport for older people Your next issue of Life will be delivered from 5 August 2013 Tide timetables for Weston-super-Mare July 2013 AM PM Date High water Low water High water Low water Time Height (M) Time Height (M) Time Height (M) Time Height (M) 1 Mon 01: : : : Tue 02: : : : Wed 03: : : : Thur 04: : : : Fri 05: : : : Sat 06: : : Sun 07: : : : Mon 07: : : : Tue 08: : : : Wed 08: : : : Thur 09: : : : Fri 10: : : : Sat 10: : : : Sun 11: : : : Mon 11: : : Tue 00: : : : Wed 01: : : : Thur 02: : : : Fri 03: : : : Sat 04: : : : Sun 06: : : Mon 07: : : : Tue 07: : : : Wed 08: : : : Thur 09: : : : Fri 10: : : : Sat 10: : : : Sun 11: : : : Mon 05: : : Tue 00: : : : Wed 01: : : : August 1 Thur 02: : : : Fri 03: : : : Life Editor [email protected] Life Editor North Somerset Council Floor 1, Town Hall Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ North Somerset Council Online Report it. Request it. Pay for it. Connect services 8am 6pm Mon Fri Council Connect for all streets and open spaces enquiries: Care Connect for all adult social services enquiries: [email protected] Phone Main switchboard: Emergency (out of hours): Fax: Mail North Somerset Council Town Hall Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ Tourist Information Centre NorthSomersetC NorthSomersetCouncil /13

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