Dear Editor,

A date for the diary, for anyone that attended the old school.

The last reunion was held in 2017 and The Winterfield Suite, at Paulton Rovers Social Club, has been booked for the next reunion on January 31.

The school closed in the early 1970s and anyone who attended the school are welcome to come along and share photographs, of pupils, teachers or events, undertaken at the school. There is no need to book, just turn up on the night.

There will be a nominal entrance fee of £3 per person, to cover the cost of hiring the Winterfield Suite.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Margaret Matthews, address supplied

Dear Editor,

After reading your letter regarding the fencing at the Midsomer Norton Railway Station, I felt I must write a reply.

I am a member of the Mendip Brass Band, we were invited to play carols and Christmas music at the station on Saturday, December 20, at an event for families to meet Father Christmas.

The first thing I noticed as we drove into the station was mum's and dad's with their children having a wonderful time.

The band was set up beside the buffet carriage next to the refreshments and as each group came through the band played Christmas music.

All through the afternoon the organisation and friendliness of all the staff made it a privilege and joy to be part of the event.

It will live long in my memory.

Yours sincerely,

Alan Gould ,

Chilcompton

Dear Editor,

Tuesday, January 27, commemorates International Holocaust Memorial Day. This year marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, the largest Nazi death camp, by Allied forces in January 1945 towards the end of the Second World War.

The Holocaust, one of the deadliest and most vicious acts in modern history perpetrated on the human race, saw the mass killing of six-million Jewish children, women and men by the genocidal Nazi regime.

As well as Jews, other groups were also targeted, such as gypsies, homosexuals, liberals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Poles, Freemasons, Soviets, those with mental and physical disabilities, and Afro-Germans.

Every January, people across the world come together to mark the anniversary of the end of the Holocaust, as we do here in Bath and North East Somerset.

We’re grateful to all the groups and organisations across the district who are organising events from Bath & North East Somerset Council to the B&NES Faith Foundation and from the Bath Interfaith Group to the Royal United Hospital.

This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Generations’, is a call to action for everyone to actively learn from the past, carry lessons forward, and build connections between survivors' stories and future generations to create hope and prevent future atrocities, focusing on preserving legacies and passing on testimonies as the world marks anniversaries like the liberation of Auschwitz.

To find out about events happening locally visit the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website: www.hmd.org.uk

If you’re unable to attend any local events, we’d encourage readers to light a candle at home on January 27.

It’s only by remembering the past that we can learn for the future.

Cllr Karen Walker and Cllr Gavin Heathcote

Independent Councillors, Peasedown St John, Bath and North East Somerset Council

Dear Editor,

For many people in Bath and North East Somerset, getting out the house for a simple journey isn’t simple at all. Attending a doctor’s appointment, visiting a friend, or even going to the shops is impossible without support. That’s where SWAN Transport’s volunteer drivers make a life-changing difference.

SWAN Transport, part of the SWAN Advice Network (a registered charity based in Radstock), is looking for kind, community-minded people to join its team of volunteers. By using your own car, you can help people who are on low incomes, living with disabilities, or unable to use public transport to get where they need to go; safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

Being a volunteer driver is about so much more than driving. It’s about offering reassurance, a friendly conversation, and the confidence someone needs to leave their home. You may be the only person they see that day.

Volunteer drivers choose when they’re available, with all journeys pre-booked to fit around your life. Mileage and related expenses are reimbursed, and SWAN supports you every step of the way. Volunteers provide door-to-door assistance and a welcoming presence for people who may feel vulnerable or isolated.

If you have a full driving licence, your own vehicle, SWAN would love to hear from you. DBS and reference checks are arranged by SWAN, and no previous experience is needed.

To find out more or apply to become a volunteer driver, contact [email protected] or visit swan-transport.com

Sofia Perkins

Community transport scheme manager, Radstock Food Club Coordinator

Dear Editor,

Please can I use your letters page to say “Thanks to the people of BA3” who have supported the Friends of Somer Valley Medical Group in 2025.

That may have been by donating bric-a-brac, volunteering to sell raffle Christmas tickets, attending our Health Talks, subscribing to our 200 Club, or donating raffle prizes (both local businesses and patients) and, of course, buying tickets. Raffle prizes were distributed by Boxing Day.

The role of the Friends is not just to raise money to buy extra equipment for our medics; we also meet to discuss how the Practice is operating and give feedback on where we think improvements might be made. Our meetings are open to all patients. The next one will be on Thursday, January 29, at 5pm at St Chads.

Also at that meeting, we will be seeing two major changes. Our long time secretary and our treasurer have both given notice of their wish to retire and hand over to a younger generation. Ethne Dando and Ann Dawson have contributed over 20 years to the Friends between them. I want to pay a huge tribute to them, and I am hoping that they will stay on the committee and let us draw on their expertise for a good while yet. Their individual contributions have been invaluable.

I am also planning to stand down as chair myself, after five to six years of coordinating the group, and I am hoping a much younger person will step into the hot seat. Watch this space!

Thank you again patients and SVMG staff. Do not hesitate to get in touch. Leave a message in any of our surgeries.

Jenny Evans,

Chair of Friends of Somer Valley Medical Group