Midsummer's Day, 24th June, was chosen for the launch of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust, a new charity for the town which will encourage and support community groups, oversee and manage the running of both the Town Hall and the Orchard Hall, Midsomer Norton, and organise events and activities within them, making the most of these assets.
Residents and community groups were invited along to the launch event, which took place at the Town Hall on Monday evening. There were performances from the Paradis Palm Court String Trio, a tai chi lesson and demonstration and a specially-made Community Trust celebration cake, enjoyed with bubbly!
The Midsomer Norton Community Trust Trustees – Sara Box, Alastair Slade, John Dando, Nikki Errington, Patricia Flagg and Cllrs Paul Myers, Michael Evans, Steve Plumley and Lynda Robertson, overseen by Community Development Manager, Alex Davis, will support the 100 community groups in the town, removing liabilities from volunteers and creating a sustainable organisation which will develop new revenue streams and business plans. This includes using the Town Hall as a wedding venue, cinema and running a full programme of arts and cultural events, with the ultimate aim of getting the 10,500 people in Midsomer Norton using these venues frequently. It is also hoped that more can be made of The Hollies space as a performance or event area and included in the Town Park Plan, there is an amphitheatre and 'celebration meadow' for public performances and events. There are also aspirations to redesign the grand floor of the Town Hall, with the aim of bringing back the thriving market that once took place there.
The Trust is calling on local people to become a member – it costs £1 per year and each person who joins receives a membership card, details of events and activities and a quarterly newsletter. Visit: http://www.midsomernorton">www.midsomernorton communitytrust.co.uk