Dear Editor,

Welton Primary School is thrilled to announce significant developments in its community engagement and a brand-new initiative to integrate Forest School into its curriculum. These efforts follow a transformative summer during which the school's outdoor spaces underwent a major renovation, setting the stage for a new era of hands-on, outdoor learning.

The school’s recent outdoor makeover was a true community effort, made possible by generous support from local partners. Wickes donated the wood for the new welly racks, while Protek supplied the paint to bring them to life. The expertise of The Men's Shed was instrumental, with their members volunteering to build and install the new welly racks, creating a functional foundation for outdoor activities. This collaboration has laid the groundwork for a dynamic outdoor learning environment to flourish at Welton.

Outdoor learning is fundamental to a child's development. It’s where they learn to assess and take risks, where they develop resilience by facing challenges and problem-solving in a new context, and where they build a genuine sense of community spirit by working together. We are incredibly grateful to Wickes, Protek, and The Men's Shed for their invaluable support in helping us create these essential foundations.

The entire school community is buzzing with excitement about the upcoming unveiling of our outdoor classroom, a space that will further support the Forest School curriculum and provide a dedicated area for students to connect with nature and learn through exploration. This initiative underscores Welton's commitment to providing a holistic and enriching education that extends beyond the traditional classroom.

Mr Phil Lyle

Head of School at Welton

Dear Editor,

The Tech Amnesty to collect unwanted IT and other electronic devices at Peasedown last month was an amazing success with over 100 items brought in the morning along with 39 kg of cables. The whole lot weighed in at 214kg.

Simon Barfoot from DonateIT an organsiation based in the West Country was there to These items will either be refurbished and made available to people in need of them or the componet materials – often vital metals – will be recovered for reuse.

The Tech Amnesty was held alongside the Peasedown Repair Café and there will be a future Tech Amnesty in High Littleton on Saturday, February 7.

But if people can’t wait that long to clear out all those unwanted phones, laptops etc that are cluttering up their homes there is now a permanent drop-off point at The Hive Community Centre in Peasedown St John. The Hive is open between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to noon on Saturdays.

Not every bit of tech can be accepted. DonateIT can’t handle keyboards, printers, mice and monitors, but games consoles, smart phones, laptops, tablets, PCs etc can all be given a new life. These collections can help save the environment and can also change lives for people and organisations who receive refurbished equipment.

So thank you to all those who brought equipment along and thank you to the Journal for letting our community know.

Ian Souter

Peasedown St John

Dear Editor,

Thanks so much for publishing my letter in which I mentioned my missing cat, Hazel. I would like to thank all my neighbours in the Meadow View area who reported sightings.

However it was Pam and Sue in Haydon who spotted an elderly Siamese in their back gardens and captured her. She swore as only a Siamese can when confined to the house again after five weeks freedom, and is rather poorly.

Obviously the Grovewood Road field does not provide enough field mice even now, never mind if houses are built.

I can’t thank Pam and Sue enough. Having Hazel to talk to when I get in from council meetings is good for my mental health especially at a stressful time for planning.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Eleanor Jackson

Meadow View, Radstock

Dear Editor,

Thank everyone who came to our Paulton pensioners get together up Paulton Scouts Hall on October 3.

We had an amazing turn out supporting such a worthwhile charity and one very close to my heart.

Also big thanks you to all local businesses and friends and family who donated to the large raffle. There was also lots of lovely homemade cakes donated by everyone who made them.

It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying getting together, having a cuppa and cakes while making the wonderful amount of £1,300.

So thanks again to everyone who supported me and also big thank you to all my lovely helpers - could not do any of my events without you.

Our next bingo and play your cards right is on October 24 at 2pm. Everyone welcome.

Shandy Udell and friends

Paulton

Dear Editor,

Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council is putting together a plan to build new homes in our area. Some of these homes are planned for Paulton and the surrounding area. Residents are being consulted as part of the local plan options consultation.

Paulton Parish Council is organising a meeting on Thursday, October 16, at 6pm in Paulton Village Hall. This is to give local people an opportunity to view these plans and to give their views on which sites could be chosen

Doors will open at 5.30pm. All welcome.

Yours faithfully,

Liz Hardman

Chair planning committee Paulton Parish Council