THE speaker for the upcoming meeting of Harptrees History Society was Laura Beckwith, the ‘Finds Liaison Officer (Somerset)’ for the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

She is based at the Somerset Heritage Centre and is the first port of call for members of the public who find archaeological objects in the local area, aiming to identify and record these finds.

If anyone would like to find out more, on Wednesday, November 26, Laura will be at the regular meeting of the Harptrees History Society, giving a brief introduction into the Portable Antiquities Scheme, followed by an illustrated talk giving details of the highlights of finds made in 2023 from around the county.

The venue is West Harptree Memorial Hall BS40 6EG . Doors open at 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Visitors are very welcome for a donation of £3.

Advance booking is essential, as the society’s meetings are often over subscribed. Visitor booking opens on November 12 and closes at 6pm on Tuesday, November 25.

You can book by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “November 2025”.

THE Avon Federation of Women’s Institutes (AFWI) had its annual meeting on Tuesday, September 23, at which we celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The Federation is the middle tier of the three tier Women’s Institute organisation for England, Wales, and The Islands (Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man). Beneath Federations are the individual WIs, and above is National. Readers may recall that between the years 1974 and 1996 there was Avon county, which comprised of Bristol and local surrounding areas. So, when in 1975 the WI at National level decided to form a new Federation in our area, Avon Federation would have been an obvious name. However, we are unique within the WI, as the names of all the other Federations indicate their location, e.g. Somerset, Buckinghamshire. AFWI covers Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

The Federation gives guidance and support to the WIs in our area, and also organises a wide variety of events that are open to all WI members (some to friends also). Recent and forthcoming include coach trips (to Blenheim Palace and to Bletchley Park), talks (The life of WWII Spitfire pilot Jackie Mogridge, The Newport Medieval Ship, The Women Who Built Bristol – Vol 3), holidays (as I write this, members are in Malta, and a holiday in April to The isle of Man is fully booked), an annual quiz, a skittles tournament, a summer lunch, a carol concert, and the Annual Meeting mentioned above.

This year’s Annual Meeting took place at BAWA Conference Centre, Southmead, Bristol. After the official business, we welcomed two guest speakers for the morning session. The first was Becky Barnes – a Sustainable Stylist, and Activist on reducing the supply and purchase of new clothing (protecting the planet), and buying second hand and re-using clothing (protecting the pocket). So much new clothing uses man-made fabrics, containing plastics and synthetics, which do not decompose, and releases plastic into the waterways when washed. A very thought-provoking message.

The second guest was Ann Widdecombe, who knew (from experience) that whilst she could touch on her political career, what we really wanted to hear about was her time on Strictly Come Dancing. There was a great deal of laughter, hearing about her partnership with Anton du Beke, and his plan to “keep her feet off the floor as much as possible”. Following the TV programme, Ann was part of the Strictly live tour, where she was partnered with Craig Revel Horwood – again much hilarity. As Ann is also an author, she talked about that, and brought copies of her books for sale at a signing session during the lunch break.

For the afternoon session, we heard from two guest dignitaries – Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority, and Henry Michallat, the Lord Mayor of Bristol. Both gave a short talk on their duties and responsibilities, thanking the Chair for their invitations, and advising that the WI was now very much on their radar. The final guest speaker for the day was Jeryl Stone, Chair of National Federation of Women’s Institutes. Jeryl spoke of the future of WI, retaining its relevance to members, and interest to women considering joining the organisation. There are now virtual WIs - technology gives women the chance to be a WI member, whatever their personal circumstances.

If you want further information on WIs in your area, or joining AFWI’s virtual WI (Skylarks), then call our office on 0117 9864782.

THE Chew Valley Gadget Busters are here to help.

Having difficulty using the Green Buses, WESTLink App or website to book a ride? Or do you have problems using your laptop, iPad, tablet, phone or digital camera? Or maybe you want to make video calls, send photos or use WhatsApp to contact your friends and family, but don't know how.

Chew Valley Gadget Busters are holding face to face sessions, thanks to The Queens pub in Chew Magna and the Stoke Inn, Chew Stoke. So do visit Gadget Busters who are here to help.

Either book an appointment by emailing [email protected], or turn up on the day.

We hold one, two-hour sessions each month, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on a Wednesday, alternating between Chew Magna and Chew Stoke. It costs £3 per appointment, all of which will go to charity.

THE soulful songstress who grew up in Dundry is coming home for a special gig at Bishop Sutton Village Hall on Friday, November 15.

With nominations for Artist of the Year at the AMAUK Awards in 2023 and a Song of the Year win at the UK Americana Awards in 2022, Lady Nade stands as one of the UK’s most distinctive voices. Recognized as one of Bristol’s Most Influential Women in 2022 by Bristol.Live, she’s an award-winning songstress of extraordinary caliber.

Lady Nade’s music defies easy categorisation, blending Folk, Americana, Soul, Jazz, Blues, and Roots, into a captivating tapestry. Her compositions explore themes of love, friendship, loss, and hope, resonating with a global audience. Each song is a work of art, accompanied by a recipe crafted to mirror each of her song’s essence.

A spokesperson from Valley Arts - Chew Valley Performing Arts said: “Celebrated as one of the UK’s most distinctive voices, Lady Nade blends folk, soul, jazz, blues, and everything in between - music that heals and uplifts. Fresh from sharing stages with Grammy-nominated artists and winning UK Song of the Year, she’s bringing her soulful sound back to the Chew Valley for one unforgettable night”.

For more information visit www.valley-arts.co.uk/Events/lady-nade-15-nov

THE team at Timsbury Athletic U12s are on the lookout for a goalkeeper to join their ranks.

A spokesperson said: “We’re on the lookout for a dedicated goalkeeper to join our competitive Mixed U12s squad for the 2025/26 season.

“We play in the MSN League’s top division and were proud League Cup Finalists in 2025. Our matches are on Sunday afternoons (2.30pm KO), with weekly training near Bath.

“This is a great opportunity for an experienced keeper looking for a second team to get more match time.”

For more information visit www.tafc.org.uk/u12s-mixed for more information

THINGS are getting festive already in the Chew Valley.

Why not go along to one of the wreath making classes be hosted by Summerhouse Flowers, in the heart of the Chew Valley, in Bishop Sutton.

“Create your very own festive door wreath, all whilst sipping a glass of of fizz and tucking into a mince pie (or two!)”

As the Gazette went to print there were spaces still available for Saturday, November 29, at 11am or Sunday, November 30, at 11am and 3pm.

Follow the link to book: eventbrite.com/e/1762102809939?aff=oddtdtcreator

A PLANNING application has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council planning department by Chew Valley Comprehensive School at Chew Magna for a new 14 bay modular building.

The space would include new toilets, an assembly hall, two classrooms and a storeroom.

The proposed site would be on grassland situated between the car park and the existing school building.

In order to make way for the new building, three trees would be lost. However, the school proposed to plant 129 small trees in an area of the school that will not be impacted by the building works to counterbalance this.

Commenting on the proposal, ward councillor for Chew Valley David Harding said: “The application proposes to reuse a modular building from another site, provide cladding consistent with the other nearby school buildings.

“The proposed building is smaller than a previous application that lapsed due to lack of funding for construction, and was supported by Chew Stoke and Chew Magna PCs and granted planning permission.”

Deadline for comments is November 6. The planning documents can be found online using reference 25/02972/FUL.