MORE than 70 people got together on Thursday, May 22, at the Hive Café in Peasedown St John for the SWALLOW AGM.

Guests including supporters, SWALLOW Charity members, staff and Trustees enjoyed breakfast rolls before the AGM where they heard about one of SWALLOW’s current projects, meeting with people with a learning disability and / or autism across Bath and North East Somerset to help shape future commissioning plans. There was also the presentation of staff awards “Stars of SWALLOW” awards to thank them for their hard work and commitment to the charity.

Bev Craney SWALLOW chief executive said “SWALLOW is a user-led charity; it listens to its members and supports them to achieve their life goals. Key to this is having the money to be able to respond and we are very grateful for all our supporters including Bath and North East Somerset Council, individuals and trusts and our Corporate Friends.”

The charity relies on voluntary income to be able to respond to all those who need support, currently the charity helps 170 people, with more asking for support every day. If you would like to know more about SWALLOW’s work and how to get involved go to www.swallowcharity.org.

ON Tuesday, May 26, from 10.15am to 11.15am we were able to hear a 'band' of university bell ringers on the six bells of Holy Trinity church, Paulton. As a newcomer to this extraordinary field of people, I was amazed at what I heard.

They were attempting 5040 changes using 41 methods called 'York surprise minor'. That's ‘bell talk’ for a peal that would last about two and a half hours. Even if it still sounds like a foreign language the idea of these six young people attempting a rarely achieved feat in our village was wonderful to hear. They have a high ethics code and if the method is not rung successfully they can not record it as a peal. It's enough for us all to understand that when they stopped after an hour, this attempt had not succeeded and it wouldn't be long before they headed off to another church tower; Ston Easton, for a second attempt. Obviously most of us will never attempt such a feat and are happy to ring for 15 minutes at different church services. It’s so much fun to learn that we would encourage anyone and any age to have a go. Please ring Jenny on 07713 158472 for more information on bell ringing.

When the bell ringers had finished at Holy Trinity Church they were invited to the recently reopened Book & Cooks cafe in Paulton where Hayley and Elle were happy to serve them some refreshing drinks, and Annie (from Bristol University) explained to the customers in the cafe what they had been attempting to do. Today was a rare treat and I know anyone who heard them would have been impressed. Good luck with your next attempt and thank you Hayley for your hospitality.

SING Your Heart Out Community Choir in Chilcompton held an evening of music on May 15. The choir sung a selection of songs from their recently recorded album, along with some new pieces, and with some musical solos from choir members.

The concert was held in St Johns Church, Chilcompton and warmed up a delighted audience raising over £500 to go towards the new church heating fund.

Choir leader Vivi Moon said: “We are so pleased to be able to support the local community and help the Church a step closer to having heating!”

The choir rehearses each week in the church hall at St Johns Chilcompton, and are available for concerts and performances, contact Viv Moon on 07780 861868.

WE are delighted to report that Phases 1 and 2 of the Trinity Hub projects have been successfully completed on time and within budget.

An Expression of Interest process for Phase 3, known as Project EVE (Extreme Value Engineering), attracted ten submissions. Following evaluation, five organisations will be invited to tender for the next stage of this exciting development.

Project EVE will deliver a partial internal refurbishment of the Trinity Hub, enabling both the existing Library and Radstock Town Council offices to relocate into the newly developed building. Planned improvements include; a new interim public entrance from The Street, a new fully accessible ramped entrance to the north of the building, refurbishment of the Community Street Hall kitchen, new office accommodation for Radstock Town Council, additional toilet facilities, a modern, energy-efficient heating system and lighting and internal redecoration throughout. These improvements will create a warm, welcoming and accessible community space for residents to enjoy, while significantly improving the building’s energy efficiency and sustainability.

At the Town Council’s Annual Meeting in May, Cllr Chris Dando was unanimously elected as chair of the Council and Mayor of Radstock. Chris has previously served four terms as chair and mayor and has been a dedicated member of the Council since its inauguration 15 years ago. We congratulate Chris on his appointment and look forward to his continued leadership.

In April, the town council was pleased to welcome two new members to the team, Tracey, our new administrative assistant, and Phil, who joins us as Grounds Ranger.

Both have settled quickly into their roles and have already brought a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and fresh ideas to the organisation.

Many residents may already recognise Phil from his voluntary work with Somer Valley Rediscovered, where he has contributed for the past three years and continues to do so supporting projects at Haydon Batch, the Waterside Valley and other local green spaces.

Tracey has quickly become a valued member of the team. Her excellent organisational skills, friendly approach and enjoyment of working with people have made a positive impact from day one. With Tracey’s new role we are pleased to announce that the library is now open every Saturday morning from 10am to 12pm. Residents are invited to drop in, browse books and enjoy the facilities. If you are not already a library member, joining is quick, easy and free.

The popular Radstock Knitters group also meets in the Library every Saturday from 10am to 12pm. Whether you are an experienced knitter or a complete beginner, you will be made very welcome.

JONNY Spencer, a Yorkshire Freemason recently completed a charity ride on a small 125cc Honda Monkey Bike from John O’Groats to Land’s End as a fundraiser for the Masonic Charitable Foundation. The MCF is the Freemason’s National Charity into they make regular monthly subscriptions, and the MCF in turn makes donations to charities and other worthy causes, as well as Freemasons and/or their families in times of need.

Jonny was given significant financial support by the MCF for life-changing spinal surgery without which it was probable he would have been confined to a wheelchair. He undertook this challenge to payback the MCF for their kindness and understanding in supporting his surgery.

He set out from John O’Groats on Saturday, May 23, calling at Masonic Centres en-route to receive donations for his efforts. He arrived at the Midsomer Norton Masonic Hall, midday on Wednesday, May 27 where he was greeted by members of Connaught Lodge and the Provincial Grand Master Raymond Guthrie. Jonny, and Mathew his support van driver, were hosted to a buffet lunch during which Jonny shared his story. It was immediately agreed that we too would make a donation. Suitably refreshed, they departed for Glastonbury, and from there onto their final overnight in mid Cornwall.

And so, at 11.30am on Thursday, May 28, accompanied by riders from a Masonic Bikers Club, Jonny rolled across the finishing line at Land’s End, six days after departing from John O’Groats, having covered 1,054 miles end to end.

CRANDON Springs Care Home in Wells was filled with music, laughter and dancing as residents, staff, relatives and community guests came together for the much-anticipated Disco Down Memory Lane event, held during national Dementia Action Week in May.

The afternoon was a wonderful celebration of community spirit, with everyone throwing themselves into the fun. The dance floor was busy throughout, with guests showing off their moves, and for those who needed to stay seated, chair dancing proved just as popular.

There was party food, glow sticks and disco lights, and a surprising highlight for some was the appearance of hula hoops, which drew cheers and plenty of laughter as residents, staff and visitors gave it their best go. The energy in the room was infectious, and the atmosphere truly special.

Resident Gillian summed up the mood perfectly: "I haven't had such a great time dancing like this in years", and fellow resident Wendy agreed: "We all had such a good time, so much fun, I really enjoyed it."

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