A public subscription has been opened by the Midsomer Norton Society to raise money to purchase a bench in St Chad’s Well Garden in memory of local teacher and historian, Norman Voake.
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 with plans to restore and develop St Chad’s Well as a memorial garden for the town.
“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. “It’s such a lovely little garden now to go and sit.”
The Society is particularly appealing to past pupils and friends to not only send in donations but also to write a few words of any recollection of Norman which can be put in a memorial book in the new Midsomer Norton Town Archive in the Town Hall.
The Society made a formal approach to the Town Council and it was discussed at the June meeting. Councillors, who as Trustees of the Town Trust hold the St Chad’s Well Garden for the town, supported the proposal unanimously. Once the Midsomer Norton Society has raised the estimated £800 cost of the bench, this will be handed to the Town Council who will arrange installation. Cheques made payable to The Midsomer Norton Society can be sent c/o 41 Park Way, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HE. The aim is to raise enough to install the new bench by January 2017’s Wassail event.