A bench to commemorate much-loved local teacher and historian, Norman Voake, will be unveiled by his widow, Betty Voake, and town Mayor, Cllr Paul Myers, this coming Sunday, 24th June at 2 p.m.

(Midsummer’s Day) in the St Chad’s Well memorial garden at the top of the Island in Midsomer Norton.

The bench has been paid for by a public subscription organised by the Midsomer Norton Society. Launched in August 2017, the subscription raised the £800 necessary and thanks to a number of generous donations and the ‘Dickens of a Christmas Concert’ fundraiser, the bench was installed a few weeks ago.

Norman’s long service to the town as a teacher makes it appropriate that the seat in his memory should be located in a garden right next to Somervale School. At the same time, his interest in history – particularly the history of education in the town – also links well with plans to restore and develop St Chad’s Well as a memorial garden in general by the Town Council.

“I’m sure Norman would have been delighted with the idea of having a bench in the St Chad’s Well Garden”, said Betty Voake, Norman’s wife.

Local residents are invited to attend the short ceremony on Sunday and partake of refreshments provided by the Midsomer Norton Society.