Could you become a foster carer this year? - North Somerset ...

 
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Could you become a foster carer this year? - North Somerset ...
ISSUE 141 – JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

                                    Could you
                                    become a
                                    foster carer
                                    this year?
Could you become a foster carer this year? - North Somerset ...
ADVERTIS E ME N TS

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1st to 9th January only!

Visit website for full terms and conditions
placesleisure.org/north-somerset

Parish Wharf Leisure Centre
01275 848 494

Strode Leisure Centre
01275 879 242

                    Operated by Places for People Leisure Ltd.
                        on behalf of North Somerset Council.

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                                                                 of thousands of residents, tourists and
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                                                                 01934 426 474 • 07584 607 239
                                                                 will.jenkins@n-somerset.gov.uk
                              Image credit: Paul Blakemore       www.n-somerset.gov.uk/advertising
Could you become a foster carer this year? - North Somerset ...
Leader’s column
                                                   However difficult it has been across the            growing confidence. There may be
                                                   country since 2010 when cuts were                   difficulties ahead but there are still 65million
                                                   imposed, the next 12 months hold real               people living and working in this country.
I hope you had a really good Christmas             hope for local prospects.
                                                                                                       I really hope that this coming year will
and New Year’s Eve and wish you a
                                                   We have almost made all the savings asked           eventually see a more settled and happier
happy, healthy and successful 2019.
                                                   of us and now look forward to a period of           time than last year, even though there
I would also like to congratulate the staff        building and investing in services again.           is still so much uncertainty. Politics at
at North Somerset for the wonderful job                                                                all levels, fuelled by years of financial
                                                   We really do have some excellent
they have done despite fewer resources                                                                 restrictions, has created an atmosphere of
                                                   businesses in North Somerset and they
and more demands.                                                                                      worry and anger. Our democratic society
                                                   lead the way in the economy of our
                                                                                                       seems to be in constant turmoil.
They cannot possibly do everything that            communities and also give much welcome
we all ask of them, or indeed they would           advice on opportunities and needs for               In a diverse and ageing population,
wish to do, but when I look across the             continued growth.                                   different economic and environmental
region it puts it in perspective and shows                                                             circumstances, differing views, values and
                                                   I have mentioned Bristol Airport (Lulsgate)
how well they have done.                                                                               ambitions of new generations, change is
                                                   before but they have just won an award
                                                                                                       inevitable and much-needed but it should
In return, I need to thank North Somerset          as the best Airport in Europe, in the
                                                                                                       be seen as positive and not threatening,
residents for the way they have coped              five million to 10 million passengers
                                                                                                       certainly not hateful.
with the effects of reduced resources. It          category. That is excellent and a good
is not easy and often irritating not to get        advertisement for the area, well done to            Given that we have just honoured and
what seems obvious and routine, so thank           everyone who works there.                           remembered those in the First World War,
you on behalf of the council.                                                                          let’s get our problems in perspective.
                                                   Other investment in North Somerset
                                                   continues, which is a positive sign of              Councillor Nigel Ashton
                                                                                                       Leader of North Somerset Council

Contacts                                                                      Contents
Call us                              Direct numbers for
                                     other popular services:
For all council services, call
01934 888 888                        For waste and recycling,
(Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)                   road issues, planning and
                                     building control:
At the prompt, say who you           01934 888 802
want to talk to if you know          (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
their name, or say what                                                        4   News update                          Creative
                                                                                                                    30 	         hub to
                                     For council tax and benefits:
you want to talk about in a                                                       Could
                                                                              10 	       fostering be                   double in size
                                     01934 888 144
word or two.                                                                       your New Year’s                      Building
                                                                                                                    33 	        work starts
                                     (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
                                     For social services:                          resolution?                           on innovative food
                                     01275 888 801                                Night
                                                                              12 	      Assessment                      centre
                                     (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm)                            Centre for homeless                  Climate
                                                                                                                    36 	            change crisis
                                                                                   people opens                         Preserving
                                                                                                                    40 	                our
Do it online – report it, request it or pay for it at:                            Get
                                                                              14 	      fit for New Year                heritage
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect                                                     Making
                                                                              20 	        Weston safe                  Shared
                                                                                                                    43 	       Lives scheme
Or go straight to these popular web pages by adding these                          and enjoyable at night                needs new carers
shortcuts: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/myaccount /planning
/schooladmissions /wastecollections /termdates                                    Walk
                                                                              24 	       around                        Contact
                                                                                                                    47 	            details
                                                                                   Portishead
North Somerset Council does not endorse or recommend any commercial products or services advertising in Life magazine.

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.

                                                                www.n-somerset.gov.uk       l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil                 3
Could you become a foster carer this year? - North Somerset ...
News
Portishead hall’s future
is secured
The future of a popular community hall in
Portishead has been secured.
North Somerset Council has transferred the lease for
Avon Way Hall to Vintage Church, which will continue
to operate it as a community facility.
                                                             Avon Way Hall is on the first floor of a building above
It is well used by many groups, including dance, baby        retail units in Avon Way. It has off-street parking and
groups, exercise classes and martial arts.                   disabled access.

Chris James, the leader of the Vintage Church, said:         Vintage Church was chosen to take over the building
“We are delighted to have taken over the running             following a public consultation and formal expressions
of Avon Way Hall and our desire is that it remains a         of interest from local organisations.
community space for Portishead.
                                                              Community groups or individuals wanting
“We are working hard on retaining all of our                  to book the hall can email
existing bookings and look forward to new users               halls@vintagechurch.co.uk or call
being welcomed to use the hall.”                              Aaron Rath on 07413 456 464

                                                  ADVE RTIS E ME N T

                                                               Respite &
                                                               Long Term
                                                              Care Options

    Sycamore Lodge
        Nursing Home
       Lodge Lane, Nailsea,
         North Somerset
            BS48 1LX
                                    NOW OPEN
            Home Manager:
            Caroline Carter                         We offer a complete pathway of dementia
                 Call:                              care, and now also have a new 18 bedded
             01275 858 000                          general nursing service on site. All with a
                   Email:                           dedicated caring staff team, creating a homely
 SycamoreLodge.Manager@Shaw.co.uk
                                                    atmosphere for everyone.
               shawhealthcare
               @shawhealthcare                       • Nursing Dementia Care • General Nursing Care
               www.shaw.co.uk                            • Day Care • Residential Dementia Care

4   North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February
Could you become a foster carer this year? - North Somerset ...
For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news

Planning for North Somerset’s future transport
A series of major consultations         shape how transport schemes are         It sets out where to focus
on plans for housing,                   prioritised in the coming years.        resources and what infrastructure
                                                                                improvements are needed to meet
employment, and                                         The JLTP addresses
                                                                                ambitions.
transport growth in                                     existing and
North Somerset over                                    expected challenges,     Options to support sustainable and
                                                       including planned        greener travel are also included,
the next two decades is
                                                       housing and              such as cycling, walking, bus,
now looking at how you                                 employment               rail, and electric and autonomous
want to move around                                    growth, and looks        vehicles.
the region.                                           at improving
                                                                                Suggestions include:
The draft Joint Local                                 connections
                                                      for people and            � reopening a nationally
Transport Plan (JLTP)
                                                     businesses across all        significant railway line between
proposes the West of
                                                     transport types.             Portishead and Bristol to
England’s transport priorities and
                                                                                  improve transport links in the
policies to 2036.                       This is the fourth plan developed by      region
As well as looking for feedback         North Somerset, Bristol, Bath and
                                                                                � continuing to build sections of
and comments the consultation,          North East Somerset, and South
                                                                                  the North Somerset Coastal
which is open until Sunday 17           Gloucestershire councils, and the
                                                                                  Towns Cycle Route to link
February, wants to know the areas       latest version also includes the West
                                                                                  Brean, Weston, Clevedon,
where you would invest to make          of England Combined Authority.
                                                                                  Portishead and Bristol
changes. The results will help
                                                                                � improving public transport
                                                                                  within Weston-super-Mare
 Ever wondered what your neighbourhood                                            town centre with public realm

 looked like 200 years ago?                                                       alterations, a new transport
                                                                                  hub and a reduction in the
                                                                                  dominance of traffic, to enhance
 An online map system is now             with Historic England, the Great
                                                                                  links for other road users
 available for residents to              Weston Heritage Action Zone and
                                         local community groups.                � improved infrastructure for
 discover the changes to their                                                    areas in North Somerset
 neighbourhood over the last             The council is asking for local          earmarked as possible sites for
 few hundred years.                      history enthusiasts to help build a      future development, such as a
                                         bigger online picture. If you have       link to bypass Banwell
 Know Your Place is a free historical    pictures, or stories of different
 online map system that allows users                                            � an on-going commitment to
                                         areas in North Somerset, visit the
 to compare periods of history.                                                   highway maintenance, with
                                         website to load up your gems and
                                                                                  North Somerset already in the
 North Somerset Council has              help develop a fuller picture of the
                                                                                  top ten per cent of all local
 digitised and transcribed hundreds      area’s past.
                                                                                  authorities in the country for
 of maps and documents, working                                                   A roads and in the top five
                                                                                  authorities for unclassified
 Visit www.kypwest.org.uk and click on the
                                                                                  roads (2017 data).
 North Somerset link

Consultation on the draft Joint Local Transport Plan runs until Sunday 17 February.
For more information and to comment visit www.travelwest.info/projects/joint-local-transport-plan

                                                www.n-somerset.gov.uk   l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil     5
Could you become a foster carer this year? - North Somerset ...
News
New mobile library launches in Long Ashton
A twice-weekly mobile library is driving into Long
Ashton this month.
The mobile library will visit the car park at Long
Ashton Community Centre in Keedwell Hill every
Tuesday afternoon from 2.30-4.30pm and every
Friday morning from 9.30-11.30am, from Tuesday
8 January.
Pop up events, such as children’s story times and
rhyme times, will then start in the spring at venues        However, library members can borrow and return
around the village.                                         items to any library in the LibrariesWest area.
The mobile library is being introduced following the        Reservations ordered online or on-board the mobile
closure of the current library building in Lovelinch        library can be collected for free from any North
Gardens.                                                    Somerset library.
North Somerset Council has closed the library as part        Housebound residents in Long Ashton who
of £260,000 savings to the library service over the          cannot use the mobile library or travel
next two years.                                              to another one can sign up for the home
                                                             library service. Call 01934 426 657

                                                  ADVE RTIS E ME N T

                                                                       The Russets
                                                                       Care Home

                                                                       “It’s a privilege to work with the older
                                                                       generation. They give me back more
                                                                       than I could ever give them.”
                                                                       Sally O’Doherty, Activities Coordinator

                                                                       Getting to know you
                                                                       At The Russets you’ll find there’s something
                                                                       going on here 365 days a year. From family
                                                                       events, group activities and even visits from
                                                                       the local primary school. And whatever inspires
                                                                       your loved one, expert staff like Sally make
                                                                       sure they’re living life to the full.
                                                                       Call to book a tour or simply find out more.
                                                                       01934 825 764
                                                                       carehomes@stmonicatrust.org.uk

                                                                       The Russets, specialist dementia care home
                                                                                                                      Registered Charity 202151

                                                                       in Sandford, North Somerset.

                                                                       www.stmonicatrust.org.uk

6   North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February
Could you become a foster carer this year? - North Somerset ...
For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news

                                   Don’t miss the primary school deadline
                                   If your child is due to start              Parents of any child now in their last
                                                                              year of infant school who are due to
                                   reception year in September                transfer to a junior school will also
                                   then there are just a few weeks            need to apply by this date.
                                   left to apply for primary                  Parents can name up to three
                                   school places.                             preferences, for schools both within
                                                                              and outside North Somerset.
                                   The closing date to apply is
                                   Tuesday 15 January for children            To ensure you are offered one of
                                   born between 1 September 2014              your preferred schools, don’t miss
                                   and 31 August 2015.                        the application deadline.

Apply for a school place online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/admissions by Tuesday 15 January

South Parade                         Memorial day to mark
set for a facelift
South Parade and Knightstone
                                     horrific impact of genocide
Road in Weston-super-Mare are        The horrific impact of the many          a safe place to call ‘home’ is part
to receive a facelift with work      genocides around the world will          of the trauma faced by anyone
starting this month.                 be remembered this month.                experiencing persecution and
                                                                              genocide.
A new crossing point will be         Holocaust Memorial Day takes
installed near Weston College’s      place on Sunday 27 January so            Local events and activities are being
Knightstone campus, pavements        people can come together to pledge       planned for North Somerset. These
will be widened and roads            to put an end to such oppression         will be publicised nearer the time in
realigned.                           and suffering.                           the local press, the council’s social
                                                                              media feeds, and in local libraries.
This is to make the area             This year’s theme is Torn from
safer and more attractive for        Home, encouraging people to              Books relating to Holocaust
pedestrians and motorists and        reflect on how the enforced loss of      Memorial Day will also be available
encourage more footfall to the                                                in local libraries.
town centre.

There may be lane closures,
narrow lanes, traffic lights and
diversions in place, but most of
the resurfacing will take place
during twilight and night time.

Work is expected to last until
April.

Updates and news about road          Are you a member of a community group and would you like to
closures will be published           organise some activities to mark Holocaust Memorial Day?
on the council’s social media        If so, contact Anthony Rylands on 01934 634 989 or
feeds, or visit                      equality@n-somerset.gov.uk
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roads          www.hmd.org.uk

                                             www.n-somerset.gov.uk   l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil       7
Could you become a foster carer this year? - North Somerset ...
News
Help bring the joy of gardening to care homes
Green-fingered people with                 helps reduce social isolation and         Volunteers who can spare two hours
a passion for horticulture are             loneliness.                               a fortnight will work alongside
                                                                                     trained facilitators to help care home
needed to help work with older             They are organised by Bristol-based
                                                                                     residents access all the benefits of
people in North Somerset.                  charity Alive, which works to enrich
                                                                                     taking part in fun activities, whenever
                                           the lives of older people in care.
Growing Support social and                                                           possible, outside in the garden.
therapeutic horticulture workshops         The charity has just received
                                                                                     A Winter Alive – Growing Support
connect participants to their              funding to run these sessions in
                                                                                     induction is taking place at
gardens and get them involved              North Somerset and is now looking
                                                                                     The Create Centre in Bristol, from
in a social group, which in turn           for volunteers to get involved.
                                                                                     10am-12.30pm on Tuesday 5
                                                                                     February, and 5.15-7.45pm on
                                                                                     Wednesday 6 February.

                                                                                        To book a place or for
                                                                                        more information visit
                                                                                        www.aliveactivities.org,
                                                                                        email
                                                                                        sarahm@aliveactivities.org or
                                                                                        call 0117 377 4756

                                                  ADVE RTIS E ME N T

                Burns Night
                              Saturday 19th January 2019
                  4 Course Meal with 10 Piece Shirley Pipe Band and Dancing to Resident DJ & Disco

                                                 £35 per person
                                                             •
                          Add an overnight stay with breakfast for £165 per two people sharing

                               DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House, Congresbury, BS49 5AD
                      01934 834 343 (Option 1) | info@cadburyhouse.com | www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk

8   North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February
Could you become a foster carer this year? - North Somerset ...
For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news

                                                                                    Demolition of police
                                                                                    station begins
                                                                                    The demolition of the former
 R&B king brings slick sounds to Tropicana                                          police station in Weston-super-
                                                                                    Mare has begun.
 Slick and smooth sounds will be       Next month, electronic and dub band
 grooving through Weston-super-        Dreadzone are also appearing.                North Somerset Council is
 Mare soon when R&B king Trevor                                                     demolishing the station as part of
                                       Dreadzone are described as one
 Nelson hits the decks.                                                             its plans for Walliscote Place.
                                       of the most energetic and powerful
 Trevor Nelson is bringing classic     live bands to emerge from the post-          In its place will be a
 soul and R&B to the Tropicana,        rave scene.                                  contemporary building, including
 in Marine Parade, on Friday 25                                                     modern homes.
                                       See them at the Tropicana on
 January.                                                                           The demolition is expected to be
                                       Friday 15 February.
 The multi-award winning DJ is the                                                  finished by February.
 pioneer of the UK urban scene and                                                  For more information visit
 has a career spanning decades.                                                     www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roads
  Buy tickets online and see what else is on at the Tropicana at                    or follow the council’s social
  www.tropicanaweston.co.uk                                                         media feeds.

Proud to Care bonus scheme starts
The vital work care workers do is      The bonus will be worth one week
being celebrated through a new         of their average weekly pay, as
bonus scheme announced by              calculated during the six months.
North Somerset Council.                Over 300 direct care staff are set
                                       to benefit from the scheme which
Staff who work for one of the
                                       recognises the important role care
council’s strategic care providers
                                       workers play in helping some of
will receive a bonus payment after
every six months of working for        North Somerset’s most vulnerable
their employer.                        residents.

 Turn to page 42 to find out more about the scheme, including
 which care providers will be paying the Proud to Care bonus.
  www.n-somerset.gov.uk/proudtocare

                                                 www.n-somerset.gov.uk   l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil     9
Could you become a foster carer this year? - North Somerset ...
Could fostering be your
New Year’s resolution?
Could you take up a new                     “The hardest thing is being             “I’m so proud to say through hard
challenge and make fostering                disappointed when a child does          work, our relationship with him,
your New Year’s resolution?                 not share our ambition and desire       and his desire and determination to
                                            for their future.                       change he is now a non-smoking,
People from across North Somerset
                                                                                    healthy footballer, thriving in a
are needed to make a real                   “Not every child wants to be helped
                                                                                    team, with a brilliant routine.
difference in their community and           or supported and at times it feels
help look after local children.             like you end up having a long-term      “He attends secondary school
                                            tenant – but with you as the cleaner,   where he is over-achieving and is
Fostering can be demanding but
                                            the cook, the taxi and the carer.       an absolute pleasure to have as
is hugely rewarding and means so
                                                                                    part of our family.
much to children who are unable             “The feeling of being
to live with their own families for a       uncomfortable in your own home          “This child clearly needed the
variety of reasons.                         isn’t a nice one and at times,          opportunity to develop; by
                                            due to wanting different things, a      being placed in foster
Richard, a North Somerset foster
                                            placement doesn’t work. Social          care with us he was
carer, spoke to Life about what
                                            workers work with you well in           given the chance he
fostering is really like.
                                            these situations, though.               clearly needed.”
Richard was only 25 when he and
his partner Sam decided to become           “Every child is different, every
foster carers.                                placement is different and you
Since then they have had a number             need to be clear with yourself
of placements, several challenges             what you want to achieve and
and many more good memories                   can offer.”
and successes.
                                            Richard added that the rewards
Richard said: “I suppose ‘why               are also tremendous:
foster?’ is the most obvious question
                                            “The children we’ve
and one which is probably the
                                            cared for are some of
easiest to answer.
                                            the most amazing
“We had a spare bedroom,                    people I’ve ever
wanted to give something back               met.
and felt we had the skills to nurture
                                            “One came
a child to fulfil their potential.”
                                            to us at
Richard acknowledged that life as           12-years-old,
a foster carer has its challenges.          a smoker, not
He said: “Being a carer is hard             at mainstream
work. Having a child who isn’t              school, no
your own is a new challenge as              routine and was
you have to accept that there are           associating with
very different rules between a child        bad influences
in care and your own flesh and              where the use of
blood.                                      drugs was deemed
                                            okay.

10   North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February
And his final advice for anyone
considering becoming a foster carer?
“Be prepared for your life to change                                              Did you know?
and finally accept that yours and your
                                                                                  There are about 230
family’s life will never be the same
                                                                                  children needing foster
again – for the good and the bad.”
                                                                                  care in North Somerset.
Read Richard’s full story at
                                                                                  North Somerset Council doesn’t
www.n-somerset.gov.uk/fostering
                                                                                  have enough foster carers and
                                                                                  some children must be placed in
                                                                                  expensive, private placements
                                                                                  away from their home, schools
                                                                                  and family.
                                         What do I need
                                                                                  A variety of schemes are
                                         to foster?
                                                                                  available if a potential carer can’t
                                         Potential foster carers                  commit to full-time fostering.
                                         need a spare bedroom, some
                                                                                  These include Supported
                                         experience of caring or working
                                                                                  Lodgings, a bridge to
                                         with children and a willingness
                                                                                  independence for young people
                                         to develop parenting skills.
                                                                                  in care aged 16 and over.
                                         North Somerset Council
                                         provides on-going support,
                                         training and a generous
                                         allowance to cover costs.
                                                                                  Could you foster?
                                                                                  Call 01275 888 999
                                                                                  for more information.
                                                                                  The team is happy to chat to
                                                                                  anyone who is interested. If now
                                                                                  is not the right time, it might be
                                                                                  in the future.
                                                                                  Find out more and have an
                                                                                  informal chat with social workers
                                                                                  and foster carers at the next open
                                                                                  evening, from 6.30-8.30pm on
                                                                                  Wednesday 16 January at the
                                                                                  new Costa Coffee in Oxford
                                                                                  Street, Weston-super-Mare.
                                                                                  www.n-somerset.gov.uk/
                                                                                  fostering
                                                                                  f fostering northsomerset
                                                                                  l fosteringNS

                                               www.n-somerset.gov.uk   l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil     11
Hundreds of households
                                                      saved from homelessness
                                                      each year
                                                                                           Support workers
                                                                                           Lisa and Jamie

More than 500 households are                � mediation between landlords          Night Assessment Centre
saved from homelessness every                 and tenants
                                                                                   opens
year in North Somerset thanks               � working closely with other
to on-going and wide-ranging                  agencies and departments, such       A new night centre has opened
support.                                      as domestic abuse services,          in Weston-super-Mare to provide
                                              mental health teams, social care     a warm bed for up to 10 rough
People can face homelessness for a                                                 sleepers each night.
                                              teams and more.
variety of complex reasons so North
Somerset Council’s housing team             As a result of this work, a total of   Weston Night Assessment Centre
supports them in a number of ways.          551 households were successfully       opened in November at Somewhere
                                            prevented from becoming homeless       To Go, in the Boulevard.
This might include:
                                            during 2017/18.                        It is the result of 15 organisations
� resolving benefit problems                                                       working together, led by local
                                            As well as this, 316 households
� negotiating with family and                                                      churches and charities, and
                                            were provided with temporary
  friends                                                                          supported by Weston Town Council
                                            accommodation and 485 households
                                                                                   and North Somerset Council.
� providing tenancy support for             were helped into long-term housing,
  clients struggling with their tenancy     either as a way of preventing their    The space offers a safe place for
                                            homelessness or a move on from         homeless people to stay overnight,
                                            temporary accommodation.               have a shower, wash their clothes,
                                                                                   store belongings and have a basic
                                                                                   breakfast the following day.
                                                                                   In the morning, further assessments
                                                                                   and referrals are made to other
                                                                                   agencies, such as the council.
                                                                                   It is not a drop-in shelter – those
                                                                                   wanting to use the centre will need
                      Members of the steering group who helped set up              to be referred and assessed by
                                                                                   trained outreach support workers.
                      the Night Assessment Centre

12   North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February
What to do
                                                                                    if you spot a
                                                                                    rough sleeper
                                                                                     If you are concerned about a
                                                                                     rough sleeper, you can contact
                                             Barry Edwards and Garry                 the national rough sleeping
                                             Hoare, who helped set up                helpline StreetLink.
                                             the centre                              You will be asked for the
                                                                                     specific location, the time you
                                                                                     saw them and any information
                                                                                     to help identify them.

The centre has already made a            Rough sleepers                              Details are then passed onto
positive impact to people’s lives.                                                   the local council or outreach
                                         The council’s homeless prevention           service so they can find the
One young couple who had
                                         team works closely with a range             person and offer support.
previously lost their accommodation
                                         of partners to help rough sleepers
said: “This centre has literally                                                     Call StreetLink on
                                         access accommodation and
saved our lives.                                                                     0300 500 0914 or visit
                                         support.
“We didn’t know where to turn next                                                   www.streetlink.org.uk
and were getting ill on the street.      Homeless charity St Mungo’s is
This has made us look to the future      commissioned by the council to            Funding
with hope.”                              provide outreach support to rough
                                                                                   Officers from North Somerset’s
                                         sleepers, alongside the local
Another young man who lost                                                         housing team have asked central
                                         YMCA.
his accommodation through an                                                       government for funding to help
unfortunate series of events is also     This outreach team finds and              rough sleepers, through the Rapid
now receiving help.                      talks to rough sleepers to help           Rehousing Pathway and the Rough
                                         move them off the streets and             Sleeper Initiative schemes.
He said: “I didn’t know I could get      into suitable accommodation by
help. I thought I’d messed up and                                                  This includes ideas for initiatives
                                         referring to other services such as
that was that.”                                                                    which will help rough sleepers
                                         the homeless prevention team.
                                                                                   during cold weather.
Project lead Barry Edwards said:
                                         Trust is gradually built up to
“The Night Assessment Centre is                                                    It is hoped the council will find out
                                         enable people to find routes out of
more than just a bed for the night.                                                if it’s successful this
                                         homelessness and towards recovery.
It is a place where people can                                                     month.
access support and other services.”
The centre is run by trained staff and     Other ways to help
volunteers who can also signpost
                                          Landlords who would consider letting their property to
rough sleepers to other support
                                          one of the many households the council helps each year, can contact
available, such as housing, addiction
                                          01934 426 483 or lettingsteam@n-somerset.gov.uk to discuss
or mental health services.
                                          incentives and support.
It is also working jointly with North
Somerset Council to provide the           To make a donation to Somewhere to Go or find out more about their
emergency cold weather provision          work visit www.somewheretogo.org.uk
during times of particularly extreme      The Night Assessment Centre relies on volunteers. If you’re interested in
weather.                                  helping, email westonnightassessmentcentre@gmail.com

                                           f WestonNightAssessmentCentre
                                                 www.n-somerset.gov.uk   l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil        13
Have a healthy
New year is the perfect                     How much physical activity do we need?
time for you to make a                      Adults need two types of physical activity each week to stay healthy –
new start and prioritise                    aerobic and strength exercises.
your health and wellbeing.                  How much you need depends on your age. For adults aged 19-64:

                                            � At least 150 minutes of                � As well as this, try to do strength
There are plenty of opportunities
                                              moderate activity a week, such           exercises that work all major
in North Somerset to get active,              as cycling, brisk walking or             muscle groups on two or more
lose weight, learn a new skill or             water aerobics.                          days a week.
join a new club.
                                            � If your activity is vigorous, when     Dr Andrew Burnett, North Somerset
Exercise can be beneficial for both           you are breathing fast and have        Council’s Interim Director of Public
                                              difficulty talking, this can be        Health, said:
the body and mind but you don’t
                                              reduced to 75 minutes.
need to don the Lycra in a gym –                                                     “Being more physically active in
                                            � Mix it up – try for 30 minutes a         everyday life reduces the risk of
just a swift 10 minute walk around
                                              day over five days to reach the          disability and many long-term
the block at lunchtime can clear
                                              recommended 150 minutes. Bouts           conditions no matter how old you
your head for the rest of the day.            of 10 minutes at a time provide          are or your state of health. Walking
                                              benefits, and means you avoid            more, using the stairs and simple
                                              sitting for long periods of time.        balance exercises will all help. Start
                                                                                       small and build up gradually.”

                                              For more hints and tips, and advice for other age groups, visit
                                              www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise

                                              This girl can
                                              Women are getting inspired to take part in exercise by
                                              Sport England’s new This Girl Can video.
                                              #ThisGirlCan celebrates women doing their thing no
                                              matter how they do it, how they look or even how sweaty they get.
                                              Feel motivated to #fitgotreal whether cycling, running, playing football,
                                              rugby, netball or more.
                                              Search the hashtags on social media or visit www.thisgirlcan.co.uk

                                              Discover the wide variety of activities available locally in the
                                              North Somerset Active Directory.
                                               The directory is for everyone, including beginners, older
                                               people, those returning to exercise or anyone who wants to try
                                               something different.
                                               Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/activedirectory

14   North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February
2019
Health Trainers changes lives
Anyone who needs a little one-to-one    “She supported me all the
encouragement to lead a healthier       way through my journey,
lifestyle can find a host of support    with regular appointments
through the Health Trainer service.
                                        and talking through different
Health Trainers give free and           resources I could use, such as
confidential advice to adults in
                                        the eat well guide and traffic
Weston-super-Mare who want to
                                        light labelling.”
make healthy lifestyle changes,
whether increasing physical activity,   Five months on, Tina still attends
losing weight, giving up smoking or     Weight Watchers and has gone
reducing their alcohol intake.          from size 24 to size 16 to18.
Tina Roberts met health trainer         Tina added: “This has made an
Debbie Stone for support and            impact on my diabetes and I am
encouragement with losing weight        now on a lower insulin, which is
and has lost three stone as a result.   good for me. I also have more
                                        confidence.                                   Tina Roberts
Tina said: “Debbie referred me
to Weight Watchers and saw me           “I still want to meet my target
every other week, teaching me           weight so I’m still going to Weight
about eating all the right food.        Watchers every week.”

  Support from the Health Trainers is completely free.
  To book an appointment or discuss what’s available call
  01934 427 661 or email health.trainers@n-somerset.gov.uk

                                        Free activities available
                                        Free and half-price activities are available to some residents in North
                                        Somerset so they can make use of their local leisure centre to get active.

                                        The Get Active Pass is available to people who meet certain criteria and
                                        are referred by their doctor, practice nurse or health trainer.

                                        The pass provides limited free and half price entry to specified activities at these
                                        leisure centres: Scotch Horn in Nailsea, Hutton Moor in Weston-super-Mare,
                                        Strode in Clevedon, Backwell, Churchill, and Parish Wharf in Portishead.

                                        Contact your local GP or health trainer to find out what the eligibility
                                        criteria is and if you can apply.

                                                 www.n-somerset.gov.uk   l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil         15
Improving your
health in older age
Gentle exercise in older age can            Portishead resident Val Guest,
help you stay healthy, energetic            aged 79, had suffering back             Put your best foot
and independent.                            problems for 15 years, with a slight
                                            curvature of the spine and some disc
                                                                                    forward
Improving your fitness and mobility is a    degeneration.
positive thing no matter what your age                                               Getting a more active lifestyle
and it doesn’t matter how mobile              She was struggling to attend her       could be as simple as putting
you are – whether you are                            regular Pilates class as the    one foot in front of the other.
already fairly active or                                 floor work increased
                                                                                     Walking is free, easy and can
mostly chair-bound.                                         her pain and instead
                                                                                     be done at any fitness level.
                                                             found a gentle
The social and                                                 Ageing Well class.    If you need a little extra support
emotional benefits
                                                              Val said:              to get started, walking groups
of attending a
                                                                                     could be the answer.
class can also be
                                                               “I am amazed
as important as the                                                                  North Somerset Council’s
increased energy                                              at the difference
                                                                                     health walks programme offers
levels.                                                     it made.                 free, short, friendly, guided
Here in North Somerset,                                 “I was seeing my             walks in the area’s four main
an Ageing Well programme                           osteopath monthly but haven’t     towns and some villages.
of classes is managed by Age UK             been in the past six months.
                                                                                     The majority of walks are on
Somerset.                                   “The stiffness and tightness has         pavements so just come with
Choose from gentle classes such as          completely gone, and I’ve even           comfortable and practical
seated yoga or Flexercise, to more          noticed an improvement in my             footwear.
active ones like Mature Movers or           strength and balance.”
Zumba.
                                                                                    To view the latest health
 For more information about Ageing Well classes contact Nikki                        walks programme visit
 Smith: 07530 777 895 or nikki.smith@ageuksomerset.org.uk                            www.walkingforhealth.org.uk
 For a full list of classes visit www.ageuksomerset.org.uk

16   North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February
Pupils from Yeo Moor Primary School

 Walking to school
 improves wellbeing
 Walking to school could be the          Schools run different schemes to
 perfect way for families to squeeze     encourage their pupils to be more
 some exercise into their busy lives.    active.
                                                                                   Top tips for walking to school:
 Current NHS guidelines say that         Yeo Moor Primary School, in
                                         Clevedon, took part in Modeshift          � wear bright/reflective colours,
 young people who are active for
                                         STARS National School Travel                especially in winter
 at least an hour a day have better
 general health, stronger bones and      Awards.                                   � plan a safe route away from
 higher levels of self-esteem.                                                       main roads
                                         Assistant head teacher Tor Zakaria
 Walking to and from school could        said:                                     � if you live too far to walk all
 be an easy way to fit this into your                                                the way, try getting off the bus
                                         “We would definitely                       one stop early or parking five
 daily routine.
                                           recommend it.                             minutes away
 It also means parents avoid parking
                                         “It had an impact on the                 � talk about what you see on your
 stress and save money on bus fares
                                                                                     journey
 or fuel costs.                            number of children walking
                                           to school and they really               � why not arrange to walk with
 Children can also familiarise
                                           enjoyed collecting badges                 friends one day a week, to help
 themselves with the local area and
                                                                                     you all stick to it?
 practise life skills, such as finding     and celebrating their
 safe places to cross the road.            achievements in assembly.”

   Schemes for schools
   Schemes and resources are available to encourage pupils to walk to school:

   Living Streets’ WOW                   Modeshift STARS
   North Somerset Council has            Support is available to help
   partnered with national walking       schools complete the National
   charity Living Streets to run this    School Travel Awards scheme.
   year-long walk to school challenge    joe.mansfield@n-somerset.gov.uk
   in 15 schools. Pupils who travel
   actively at least once a week for a   Child pedestrian training
   month are rewarded with a badge.      Volunteers teach young children
   rachel.stark@n-somerset.gov.uk        knowledge and skills to cross
                                         roads safely.
                                         roadsafety@n-somerset.gov.uk

                                                 www.n-somerset.gov.uk   l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil    17
Weston Vision
Independent shop                                                                     Game-changing
among Britain’s best                                                                 conservation area
                                                                                     for Weston
                                                                                     A new, extended conservation
                                                                                     area for Weston-super-Mare
                                                                                     has been described as a game
                                                                                     changer.

                                                                                     The new Great Weston
                                                                                     Conservation area stretches from
                                                                                     Birnbeck Pier to Royal Sands
Paul Batts (centre) with his                                                         and includes the town centre of
wife Julie Batts and shop                                                            Weston.
manager Peter Hughes.                                                                It was adopted by North
                                                                                     Somerset Council in December.
An independent shop in
                                                                                     Cara MacMahon, Heritage
Weston-super-Mare is                                                                 Action Zone officer, said:
celebrating after being                                                              “This is a game changer for
named one of the best                                                                Weston-super-Mare.

small shops in the country.                                                          “By including the town centre in
                                                                                     the conservation area, we gain
Outdoors and Active, in Meadow              “It is also important for Weston’s       access to the partnership grants
Street, reached the final 25                regeneration to develop its lively       scheme from Historic England.
of the UK’s Best Small Shop                 independent areas, not only for the
2018 competition, run by the                                                         “This scheme will generate at
                                            locals but also for visitors, as high
Independent Retailers Consortium.                                                    least £500,000 of grant from
                                            streets are going through such big
                                                                                     Historic England over the next
The competition celebrates the              changes.”
                                                                                     four years to enhance shop
commitment and creativity of                Paul, who has run the shop for 12        fronts. It will also help us engage
independent retailers and the               years, also does a lot to highlight      with shop owners and residents
central role they play in their local       the independent areas of the town.       as partners and stakeholders
community.                                                                           in shaping Weston as a quality
                                            He is chairman of Weston Business
Outdoors and Active is a footwear,          Improvement District, which              place to live, work and enjoy.”
clothing and rucksack fitting               represents more than 400 businesses      For more information, visit
specialist store.                           in the town centre, and helped get a     www.n-somerset.gov.uk/regeneration
Owner Paul Batts said: “It’s so nice to     large metal arch fitted to promote the
get recognition at a national level for     Orchard Meadows area.
all the small things we do locally.         Paul was also involved in helping
“People are now realising how               Weston gain its plastic-free Cleaner
important it is for the local economy       Coastline status, as the shop has
to use your local shops and services.       never used a plastic bag.

“Not only do you get better service,        He also runs a plug-in hybrid car
but it means more social engagement         and tries to use ethical suppliers.
which creates a stronger community.

18   North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February
Weston Vision

New book delves
into Weston’s past
Discover more about                         The book launch
                                            takes place at 6pm on
Weston-super-Mare’s                         Wednesday 13 March,
history and heritage in                     at the Blakehay Theatre, in
a new book about the                        Wadham Street.

beautiful town.                             In addition, and to coincide with           Tickets for the book
                                            the publication, images from the            launch are free but
Weston-super-Mare –                         book will be on display in Tiffany’s        booking is essential.
The Town and its Seaside Heritage           restaurant on the Grand Pier.
has been commissioned by Historic
                                                                                        Contact the Blakehay Theatre
                                            The exhibition runs from January            box office on 01934 645 493
England as part of the Great Weston         until late June, every day from
Heritage Action Zone work.
                                                                                        or visit
                                            10am-4pm.                                   www.blakehaytheatre.co.uk

 Climbing centre proves a hit
 People of all ages are facing their
 fears and climbing great heights at an
 exhilarating new attraction in
 Weston-super-Mare.
 Clip n Climb is the town’s first climbing centre and it
 opened in Dolphin Square in November.
 It offers the ‘ultimate climbing experience’ to customers
 aged four and up, on a variety of colourful equipment.
 You could try the face-to-face climbing wall, an 18-foot leap
 of faith platform, or the Astroball and Twister challenges.
 Children’s parties, pre-school sessions and fitness classes
 are also offered.
 The centre has opened inside the Dolphin Square
 leisure hub, which is also home to Nandos, Anytime
 Fitness, Pizza Express, Luda Bingo, 7Bone Burger,
 Prezzo, Loco Mexicano, Costa Coffee and an eight-
 screen Cineworld cinema.
 It forms an important site within the Weston town centre
 regeneration programme, to encourage inward investment
 in the town.                                                     The team at Clip n Climb

                                                     www.n-somerset.gov.uk   l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil   19
Growth

Co-working space to double in

A hot-desking and co-working space in Weston-super-Mare                             How did the company
is more than doubling in size this year to provide more                             begin?
opportunities for local freelancers and small businesses.                           My dad brought me back a ZX
                                                                                    Spectrum in 1982, which he’d
The Stable, in Wadham Street, is            In the business world, they are used
                                                                                    borrowed from a friend at work, and
increasing its shared and private office    by banks, telephone companies,
                                                                                    I wrote some code and created a
space from 3,000 to 7,000 square            insurance companies, charities,
                                                                                    conversation.
feet to create extra room for meetings,     transport, education and many others.
events, freelancers and small digital,                                              Many years later I studied
                                            Life spoke to Phil to find out more…
tech and creative businesses.                                                       anthropology and decided to run an
                                                                                    ethnography (a study of a cultural
The centre offers free hot-desking          What is the business?                   environment) in a virtual world. I
trials, rooms available to hire by
                                                                                    found a computer system I could talk
non-members, and rolling time-based         Elzware is a conversational user
                                                                                    to in a virtual world and was hooked.
memberships for those in the creative,      interface company – human to
digital and technology industries.          computer conversations.                 After some time working on the
                                                                                    automation of a customer service
The latest digital innovator choosing       For nearly 20 years we have
                                                                                    system, I decided to go
Weston-super-Mare and The Stable as         created interactive systems for many
                                                                                    all-in on conversational
his business base is Phil Hall.             businesses, including healthcare,
                                                                                    systems and
                                            education, local government, and
Phil founded Elzware nearly 20                                                      launched Elzware
                                            corporations of all shapes and sizes.
years ago, a company which                                                          in 2002.
utilises Chatbot technology –               Elzware is the base company and we
talking to computers.                       have launched two other companies
                                            from this – Artelli42 and Echoborg.
Consumer-based virtual assistants,
such as Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s            Artelli42 creates photo-realistic
Alexa, can tell you where the nearest       web-based avatars, and Echoborg
restaurant is, what the weather will be     is a funny and thought-provoking
like later or play your favourite tune.     performance show where the
                                            audience has a conversation with an                            Phil Hall
                                            artificial intelligence.                                       of Elzware

20   North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February
Growth

n size

                                                                                The Stable manager Kerry O’Neill and
                                                                                hub co-ordinator Sam Brannigan

 Why did you move to                        What made you
 Weston-super-Mare?                         move into the Stable?                      into leading companies and show
                                                                                       how realistic and reactive artificial
 Elzware and the companies it works         At The Stable, the quality of space
                                                                                       intelligence can be within information
 with are all remote so it really doesn’t   feels as good as the shared spaces
                                                                                       and education systems.
 matter where people are physically.        in central Bristol but the mix of
                                            people is truly refreshing. I’ve taken
 We were based in Bristol but my wife
                                            a permanent desk and have some             What are your plans for the
 and I decided to move to Weston
 for the good network speed, good
                                            remote computers to access when I          future?
                                            need to.
 transport links and lots of fresh air.                                                We hope to bring the Echoborg
                                            The Stable was probably the key            to The Stable early this year. In
 The cleanliness and beauty of the
                                            point that brought us here. I can see      2019 we will also be rolling out
 hillside area just drew us in - to
                                            it becoming a very busy hub for            conversational systems that are nearly
 have a beautiful ancient wood, the
                                            creativity of all sorts in the Weston      indistinguishable from human beings.
 wonderous sea, a mainline train
                                            area, working also with the forward-       We will be doing this ethically and
 station and an exciting, emerging
                                            thinking Weston College.                   honestly, though, not using people’s
         and developing town centre is
                 just brilliant.                                                       personal data to advertise to them or
                                            How has your business                      for any other purposes.
                                            been boosted since moving
                                            into The Stable?                             Find out more at
                                                                                         www.thestableweston.
                                            Elzware was kept very busy last year         com or contact hello@
                                            as conversational user interfaces            thestableweston.com or
                                            became more widely available.                01934 315 305. Visit the
                                            A highlight was the Echoborg project         website to find out more about
                                            becoming a finalist in the Future            the deals available, such as hot
                                            of Story Telling, an international           desking time vouchers.
                                            competition in New York.                     www.elzware.com
                                                                                         www.artelli42.com
                                            With Artelli42, we’ve taken a
                                                                                         www.echoborg.com
                                            photo-realistic avatar-fronted system

                                                     www.n-somerset.gov.uk
                                                      www.n-somerset.gov.ukl @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 21
                                                                           l@NorthSomersetC
Keeping you safe
                         this New Year
Homes are often stacked with new gadgets and                Register items to increase your
gizmos following the festive period so now could              chances of getting them back
be the perfect time to ensure your property is safe           Items can be registered online to
and secure.                                                   increase your chances of having
                                                              them returned if you are unfortunate enough
Avon and Somerset Police tackle many different types          to have them taken. Register serial numbers through
of crime, from major fraud and modern slavery to              Immobilise at
burglary and domestic abuse.                                  www.immobilise.com
But did you know the simple steps you could take to
                                                            Register your bike to deter thieves
protect you and your community against crime?
                                                              Join the Bike Register for free and
Here are the top five New Year’s resolutions from the         have your bike marked. Marking
police…                                                       can act as a deterrent to thieves.
 Look out for your neighbours and community                 Visit www.bikeregister.com
                                                              Also buy a secure lock for
     Get to know the people living on your street and
                                                              your bike.
     check-in on those who could be most vulnerable
     to criminals such as rogue traders or burglars.        Volunteer and give back to your community
     Fraudsters often prey on older people.
                                                              Many volunteer opportunities are available with
 Rural residents can join Farm Watch                        Avon and Somerset Police if your new year’s
                                                              resolution is to give back to your community.
     Farm Watch is a free service where residents share
                                                              Visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/
     information and provide police with intelligence.
                                                              jobs-and-volunteering
     Local policing teams also visit members, offering
     advice on how to make equipment or vehicles              If you can’t commit to something regular, joining your
     secure and ways to deter criminals from gaining          local Neighbourhood Watch could be another option.
     access to valuables.

                                                             www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

22    North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February
Take
                                                                  Take time outtime out
                                                                                 – Walk

                                                                               Photo by Virginie Naudillon
             Claire Barker                        Dr Helen Parkhurst                                                     Amanda Prowse

Literary festival returns
Would-be writers can get top tips         Highlights include a talk by Dr Helen                                talk about her stories which feature
from best-selling authors during a        Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of                                    ordinary women overtaken by
literary festival in Weston-super-        Emmeline Pankhurst, which reveals                                    extraordinary circumstances.
Mare next month.                          how far women have come since the
                                                                                                               There will also be writing and poetry
                                          suffragettes, how far we still have to
Weston Literary Festival, organised                                                                            workshops, information about self-
                                          go and how we might get there.
by Weston Town Council, takes                                                                                  publishing and getting publicity for
place between Friday 22 February          Also appearing is Knitbone Pepper                                    your book.
and Friday 1 March at Weston              author, Claire Barker, whose children’s
                                                                                                               A short story
Museum and the Blakehay Theatre.          stories were shortlisted for the
                                                                                                               competition is also
                                          Sainsbury’s Children’s Fiction award.
This week-long festival features                                                                               running. Entries,
talks, workshops, panel discussions,      Amanda Prowse, who writes                                            no longer than
book signings and free children’s         powerful and compelling gritty                                       800 words, must
storytelling and hopes to build on the    contemporary fiction, including the                                  be received by
success of last year’s inaugural event.   bestselling ‘My Husband’s Wife’, will                                Friday 1 February.

  Tickets are needed for most events. Visit www.wsm-tc.gov.uk for details or the Facebook page
 f Westonlitfest

                                          Vegan food to tickle your taste buds
                                          Vegan food and drink will be on the                                Thatchers Cider Tasting Room and
                                          menu this month during a fantastic                                 a pop-up wine and gin festival in
                                          free food and drink festival.                                      association with The Wine Shop at
                                                                                                             Winscombe.
                                          eat:Vegan takes place from
                                          10am to 4pm on Saturday 26                                         You could also screen print your own
                                          January at the Winter Gardens in                                   bag with Zara Emily Print Works and
                                          Weston-super-Mare.                                                 learn new skills at the cookery school
                                                                                                             and demo stage demos.
                                          More than 70 food and drink
                                          producers will be showcasing                                       www.eatfestivals.org
                                          their vegan products, as well as a

                                                  www.n-somerset.gov.uk   l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil                                    23
Take time
         Take  time out
                    out––Walk
                         Walk

Blow away the cobwebs
at Battery Point

     Walk information
     Distance: about 2.3 miles
                                             Battery Point is the blustery     Start the walk at Portishead’s Lake
     Difficulty: medium – some                                                 Grounds, a popular park and lake
                                             headland in Portishead at the
     rocky, uneven, uphill paths in                                            situated right next to the Esplanade.
     Eastwood. A couple of sets              northern end of the Esplanade.
                                                                               The beach and surrounding
     of steps, going both up and
                                             Last year, the historic site      shoreline is an important area
     down. Wear suitable footwear
                                             was one of 100 areas across       of geographical and biological
     Duration: about 1.5 hours at                                              interest, with its inter-tidal mudflats
                                             the country to be named a         and saltmarsh habitats.
     a leisurely pace
                                             Centenary Field, giving it
     Map:    OS 154 Explorer                                                   The limestone rocks of Battery
                                             protection in perpetuity as a     Point and Woodhill Bay near the
                                             site of remembrance.              pool are part of the Portishead
                                                                               Pier to Black Nore Site of Special
     How to get there                        The Centenary Fields              Scientific Interest.
                                             programme, run by the Fields      Head north on the Esplanade
     Start at map ref: ST 463770             in Trust charity, protects        towards Battery Point and the open
     By car: Free parking is                 valuable green space as a         air pool, and go up the steps next
     available at the Lake Grounds           living remembrance to those       to the café.

     Refreshments: The Lake                  who fought and lost their lives   Once you’ve reached the top of
     Grounds café is open daily              in World War 1.                   the headland, there are plenty of
     10am-4pm, except in very                                                  benches to sit on and enjoy the
                                                                               spectacular panoramic views.
     bad weather. Toilets available
     next door (20p charge)                                                    The area has a long history as a
                                                                               ‘look out’ and area of defence.
     Café Lido at Portishead Open
     Air Pool is run by volunteers.                                            There are remains of an Iron Age
     Opening times for 2019 were                                               hillfort in Eastwood and beacons
     still to be confirmed at the                                              were erected during Elizabethan
                                                                               times to warn of invasion from the
     time of Life going to print
                                                                               Spanish Armada.

24    North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February
Take
                                                                  Taketime
                                                                        timeout
                                                                             out –– Walk
                                                                                    Walk
The first fortifications were built in
the 17th century, during the Civil
War. Army barracks were then
built during the Edwardian period,
which were manned by Devon and
Cornwall Fire Command during the
First World War.
The original lighthouse was built
in 1931 and after it came to the
end of its life, this near-replica was
installed in 1999. The bell from
the original lighthouse can now be
seen on Wyndham Way.
                                          This map is for guidance only and walkers should carry and use the OS 1:25000 map when out. ©
Searchlights and guns were put            Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100023397. You are not permitted
in place during the Second World          to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell this data to third parties in any form.
War and these were manned by
                                         Take the steps downhill in front of                the town and controlled shipping
the Home Guard.
                                         you, signposted to the RNLI shop.                  movements around the world.
The site was acquired by the local       These steps lead to the northern tip
                                                                                            Exit the park in the far left corner,
council in 1949 and people have          of Port Marine, with views across
                                                                                            going up the steps. Turn left at the
been able to enjoy unrestricted          the Severn estuary.
                                                                                            top, exiting onto Burlington Road.
access since then.
                                         Walk south along the marina’s                      Go to the end and cross straight
                                         edge, once the site of power                       over onto South Road.
                                         stations but now terraces of
                                                                                            At the roundabout, cross straight
                                         attractive, individual homes and
                                                                                            over then take the first right, Beach
                                         luxury apartments.
                                                                                            Road East. Continue straight on at the
                                         Continue down the lock side until                  crossroads to join Beach Road West.
                                         you reach the sculpture of the
                                                                                            Turn left into Rodmoor Road, and
                                         woman, part of the public art trail.
                                                                                            this will lead you back to the Lake
                                         Turn right here and head towards                   Grounds. Take time to pop into the
                                         Jubilee Park and the Arc of                        Britain in Bloom award-winning
Walk back across the headland            Angels. These five female figures                  Rodmoor Gardens first, though,
and join the path that runs behind       commemorate the masts of                           maintained by Portishead in Bloom.
the pool to the woods.                   Portishead Radio which stood above
Enter the woods, a local nature
reserve, and take the steps up on
the right-hand side.
Cross the road and continue up
the steps opposite. This is a gentle
uphill climb but watch out for rocks.
Keep going forwards, keeping to
the main path. You’ll have views out
across the marina through the trees.
At the end of the path, follow the
steps downhill onto Pier Road. Turn
left, then continue downhill past the
Royal Inn.

                                                    www.n-somerset.gov.uk      l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil                   25
Take time out

LOCAL EVENTS                  February                       Mixed Company                   Lyrical Ladies Choir(E)        Rock Choir Clevedon              Somerset Singers(E)
                                                             Community Choir (E)            7.20-8.20pm, Nailsea            (E - term time only) 7.45pm,      7.30pm, Meeting House,
                              Friday 15                      7.30-9.30pm, Golden             School. £4 per session.         Christchurch Clevedon,            Sidcot School, Sidcot.
                                                             Valley Primary School,          07722 298 550,                  Chapel Hill, Clevedon.            01934 743 965
January                       DreadzoneThe Tropicana,
                                                             Nailsea. £6 per session         gillatkinson15@blueyonder.      www.rockchoir.com
                              Maine Parade, Weston-                                                                                                            Yatton Ladies Choir(E)
Now until Sunday 13           super-Mare. Electronic and     with free taster                co.uk                           xander-jaymes.lepetit@            7.30-8.30pm, Yatton
                              dub with reggae roots.         Clevedon Choral Society        Waves of Harmony(E)            rockchoir.com                     Infants School. £4 per
Alfred Leete: the man
behind the iconWeston        www.tropicanaweston.co.uk      (E) 7.15 pm, Methodist          7.30pm, Weston Rugby            Portishead Town Band(E)          session. 07722 298 550,
Museum, Burlington Street,                                   Church Hall, Kenn               Football Club, Sunnyside        7.45pm, Methodist Church          gillatkinson15@blueyonder.
                              Saturday 16                    Road, Clevedon. www.            Road, Weston-super-Mare.        Hall, High Street.                co.uk
Weston. Telling the story
of the Weston man who         St Paul’s Church Bridal        clevedonchoralsociety.          Women’s 4-part acapella         New players welcome.              Harmony Plus Choir(E)
created the famous Your       Fair 201910am-5pm, St         org.uk                          group. New members              07816 544 474,                    7.45-9pm, Emmanuel
Country Needs You poster.     Paul’s Church, Walliscote      Rock Choir Weston-              very welcome.                   01275 818 575                     Church, Weston.
www.westonmuseum.org          Road, Weston-super-Mare.       super-Mare(E, term time        01934 642 806 or                Pill Community Choir             01934 629 112
                              Displays of wedding            only) 7.45pm, Vintage           www.wavesofharmony.co.uk        (E) 7.45-9.15pm, Pill
Sunday 13                     dresses, cakes, jewellery,                                                                                                       Footlights Community Choir
                                                             Church, Hughenden               Cheddar Male Choir(E)          Community Centre. £5 per          7.45-9.15pm, Community
Keith Price’s 15th charity    hair and beauty, floristry,    Road. www.rockchoir.com         7.30pm, Draycott Village        session or £4 if paying for
                              photography and much                                                                                                             Entrance, Nailsea School,
model train show                                            xander-jaymes.lepetit@          Hall. New members               a term. Free taster session.      Mizzymead Road. No
10am-4.30pm, The              more. Visitors can enjoy       rockchoir.com                   welcome.                        www.wendysergeant.
                              refreshments, an afternoon                                                                                                       experience necessary.
Campus, Highlands Lane,                                      Clevedon Light Opera            www.cheddarmvchoir.co.uk        vpweb.co.uk,                      07818 065 015
Locking Castle, Weston.       fashion show and live                                                                          01275 814 220
                              music throughout.              Club(E) 7.30pm (Juniors        Winscombe Community                                               footlightsperformance@
Working layouts and                                          Thu 7pm) Princes Hall,          Singers(E) 7.30pm,             Congresbury Singers(E)           gmail.com
trade stalls. Adults £7,      Free entry.
                              office@stpauls-weston.uk.org   Clevedon Community              Winscombe Community             7.50pm, Old School                Portishead Community Choir
OAPs £6.50, children £2,                                     Centre. 01275 791 556           Centre, Sandford Road.          Rooms, Congresbury.
family ticket £16. www.                                                                                                                                        (E) 8-9.30pm, Avon Way
                                                             Vocalise Choir(E)              www.facebook.com/               01934 876 104                     Hall, Portishead. £5 per
westonsupermaretrainshow.                                                                    winscombecommunity
com                           MUSIC                          7.30-9.30pm, United                                             Samba Drumming(E)                session or £4 if paying for
                                                             Reform Church, Waterloo         singers                         8-10pm, All Saint’s Church        a term. Free taster session.
The Snow Baby by Soap                                        Street, Weston. £5 inc          Campus Choir(E)                Hall, All Saint’s Lane,
                              Mondays                                                                                                                          www.wendysergeant.
Soup Theatre11am and                                        refreshments.                   7.30-9pm, The Campus,           Clevedon. Beginners               vpweb.co.uk,
2pm, Weston Museum,           Portishead in Harmony
                              (E)(women only)                01934 627 709.                  Locking Castle, Weston-         welcome, £6 with free taster      01275 814 220
Burlington Street, Weston.                                   www.vocaliseann.co.uk           super-Mare.                     session. 01275 545 714
A theatre show with           10.30am-12pm, The Folk                                                                                                           Thursdays
                              Hall, Portishead High          Clevedon Players(and           01934 832 283.                  Weston Brass Band(E)(and
puppetry and storytelling                                                                    www.singoutlouduk.com                                             Music Is Fun(E)(babies,
for children aged 3 and up    Street. £5 per session.        Wed, Fri)(leading up to                                         Thu) 8pm, Church Road
                              www.wendysergeant.             a play) 7.30-10pm, the          Weston Choral Society(E)       Methodist Church, Upper           toddlers and pre-schoolers)
and their families. Tickets                                                                                                                                    Methodist Church, Nailsea.
£8.50 each, free              vpweb.co.uk,                   Stables, behind Princes Hall,   (term time only) 7.30pm,        Church Road, Weston-super-
                              01275 814 220                  Princes Road, Clevedon.         Milton Methodist Church         Mare. 01934 824 461               30 min session £3, 40 min
for under-2s.                                                                                                                                                  session £3.40. 07722
Call 01934 621 028 or         Clevedon A Cappella(E)        01275 853 975                   Hall, Milton Hill, Weston-      Nailsea Folk Club(2) 8pm,
                                                                                             super-Mare.                                                       298 550, gillatkinson15@
call into the museum.         (women only) 2-3.30pm,         Costanzi Consort(E)                                            Grove Sports Centre,
                                                                                             01934 813 255                                                     blueyonder.co.uk
                              Kenn Road Methodist            7.45pm, All Saints Church,                                      Nailsea. All performers and
Friday 25                     Church. £5 per session.        Weston-super-Mare.              Clevedon Music Club(3)         audience welcome. £1.             Singing Mums Choir(E)
Trevor NelsonThe             www.wendysergeant.             Auditioned chamber choir        7.30pm, Community               www.nailseafolkclub.co.uk         7.10-8.10pm, Nailsea
Tropicana, Maine Parade,      vpweb.co.uk                    directed by Peter Leech.        Centre, Princes                                                   School. £4 per session.
Weston-super-Mare. Slick      01275 814 220                  www.costanziconsort.            Road. Classical concerts        Wednesdays                        07722 298 550,
and smooth stylings from                                     org.uk                          by professional musicians.      Clevedon Ladies Choir            gillatkinson15@blueyonder.
                              Afternoon singing group                                                                                                         co.uk
the R&B king.                 (fortnightly) 2-4pm,           RAFA Concert Band(E)           £8 per concert on the door.     (E)(September-June)
www.tropicanaweston.co.uk     St Jude’s Hall, St Peter’s     8pm, Victoria Methodist         01275 879 099                   2.15-3.30pm, St Peter’s           The Baytree Singers(E)
                              Church, Baytree Road,          Church Hall, Station Road,      Nailsea Choral Society(E)      Church Hall, Alexandra            7.30-9.30pm, St Jude’s
                              Worle. 01934 413 571           Weston-super-Mare. www.         7.30pm, Vestry Hall,            Road. £25 per year.               Hall, St Peter’s Church,
                                                             rafaconcertband.org.uk          Christ Church, Nailsea.         01275 874 109                     Baytree Road, Worle.
                                                             01934 820 205                   01275 875 533                   clevedonladieschoir@              No experience necessary.
                                                                                             www.nailseachoral.org.uk        gmail.com                         Portishead Choral Society
                                                             Footlights Community Choir
                                                             8-9:30pm, Community             Trinity Singers(E) 7.30pm,     Highly Strung Community           (E) 7.45pm, The Folk Hall,
                                                             Hall, Trinity School,           Churchill Primary School,       Band(E) 6.30-9.30pm.             High Street, Portishead.
                                                             Portishead. No experience       Pudding Pie Lane, Langford.     Folk/country music. www.          01275 855 059
                                                             necessary.                      www.trinitysingers.co.uk        highlystrungcommunity             Cantiamo Ladies Choir
                                                                                             01934 415 301                   band.co.uk                        (A)(grade 8+ musicians
                                                             Tuesdays                                                        01275 847 909                     only) 8.15-9.30pm,
                                                                                             Tra La Community Choir
                                                             Cadbury Wind Band              (A) 7.30pm, Club Room,          Weston Music Appreciation         Nailsea School. £5 per
                                                             (E)(term time only)             Community Centre, Long          Society(A) 7.30pm,               session. 07722 298 550,
                                                             7.15-9.15pm, Yatton             Ashton. 07932 623 672           St Jude’s Hall, Baytree           gillatkinson15@blueyonder.
                                                             Rugby Football Club.                                            Road. 01934 814 752               co.uk
                                                             01275 792 300

26     North Somerset Life • Issue 141 – January/February                                           KEY: (E) Every • (A) Alternate • (1) First • (2) Second • (3) Third • (4) Fourth • (L) Last
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