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Benefice Newsletter 20th January 2023

Urgent / emergency Road Closure: –  Brook Street,  Timberscombe

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent / emergency) road closure at Brook Street, Timberscombe  which commenced on 19th January 2023 – 25th January 2023 (09:30 – 23:59) for a total of 7 days.

This will enable Wessex Water to carry out works to repair a mains leak. For any further information about this closure please contact Wessex Water on 0345 600 4600, quoting reference: ttro967442WS.

—————————————————   Starting or transferring to a new school in 24/25? Last chance to have your say in the school admissions consultation

Somerset County Council have asked the people of Somerset to have their say on the proposed admissions criteria changes for Somerset schools, including some academies, for 2024/25 and now are the last few days for comments to be submitted. When changes are made to the admissions arrangements, schools have a statutory duty to make them public. This gives people a chance to comment on them. Important changes people should be aware of could include changes to catchment area boundaries, proposed admission numbers, and how places are allocated. Any parent or carer whose child is starting school or transferring in the academic year 24/25 is particularly encouraged to take part, as it could directly affect school choices for their children. The public is invited to visit the consultation website at bit.ly/SomersetSchools24  to examine their local school admissions arrangements and then fill in a simple questionnaire about any concerns or comments they may have. Their feedback will be taken into consideration. Anyone can comment – whether parents, schools, religious authorities or people in communities – and your comments can help make important changes and improvements to future admissions processes. The consultation closes 23rd January 2023 with results being published 15th March 2023

Climate Change Newsletter Issue 9

The Climate Change Team has published its latest ‘Climate News’ which gets sent to SWT residents and businesses who sign up to receive a copy. The newsletter aims to showcase all the great work that is happening across Somerset West and Taunton to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2030. Please click here to view the latest issue and subscribe to Climate News.

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New Soft seating skips at Somerset sites

Saying “so long” to an old sofa? Somerset’s recycling sites now have a separate skip for disposal of upholstered home furniture. New government regulations mean that recycling sites across the UK have to handle ‘upholstered household seating’ separately from other waste. This includes sofas, sofa beds, armchairs, kitchen and dining room chairs, stools and foot stools, home office chairs, futons, bean bags, floor and sofa cushions. It also includes any upholstery – filling and covers – that may have been removed from furniture.

The new skips are sign-posted ‘upholstered household seating’. They will be staffed, so if you are not sure, please ask.

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Prepare a winter kit for your car

It’s worth packing a few essential items in your car’s boot to make sure you’re ready in case of getting stuck in cold and wintry weather. Please click here as RAC experts give the lowdown on what to put in your car winter kit.

Police Newsletter Jan 23

You may find this booklet, produced by the Police, useful: The Little Book Of Big Scams

Winter Wellness and Cost of Living Flyer

Major incident declared over flood risk in Somerset – Emergency Press Release (summary)

The Environment Agency and the local authorities in Somerset have declared a major incident because of flood risk in the county. The agency is currently responding to flooding incidents in Somerset, flood risk in the Bristol Avon area and monitoring rising groundwater levels in Dorset.

Do not drive through floodwater. It is the number one cause of death during flooding and puts yourself and rescue agencies in jeopardy. Floodwater can contain hidden dangers such as uncovered manholes, obstacles or sewage – so never enter floodwater and be careful around riverbanks and spillways. During this cold snap there is also the risk that floodwater could freeze, so we also remind people to never walk or play on or near ice. 

We know that the declaration of a major incident may trigger feelings of anxiety, fear or worry, particularly for those who have been previously affected by flooding. Talk to somebody about how you are feeling, if you don’t feel able to talk to friends or family you can call Mindline – Somerset’s emotional support and mental health helpline which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 01823 276 892 (local) 0800 138 1692 (freephone).

There is further information to help you on what to do during a flood on the Somerset Prepared website.  The key point is to always stay safe, in an immediate flood emergency or where there is a risk to life, follow the advice of the emergency services.

Rural Suffering Article

Research commissioned by the RSN last year shows rural areas are suffering more acutely from the rise in the cost of living compared to urban areas. The purpose of the survey is to understand more about rural household budgets at, what is, a very difficult time for many. Results from the survey will help us to engage more effectively with Government Departments, MPs and other policy makers.

 The survey can be found at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Rural_Households_Cost-of-Living

Oklahoma! 11a.m. Saturday 11^th February ’23

On Saturday 11^th February the Regal Theatre will be screening Oklahoma!– the third of what has become a popular monthly morning matinee of favourite classic films; and our  film-goers also enjoy coffee and cake before the film,  at the Regal’s weekly Saturday Drop-in morning, 10 – 12noon each Saturday

Tickets for Oklahoma! are just £3.00 each and the Box Office is open 9.30am to 12.00pm Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – or call 01643 706430; on-line booking is also available for most shows at https://www.regalboxoffice.co.uk/

The screening of Oklahoma! Is brought to the Regal by Film Bank, and sponsored by an anonymous Friend of the Regal Theatre.

To find out more about your local community theatre, including how you might sponsor a future matinee film, why not drop in to the Coffee & Cake mornings at the Theatre each Saturday 10am – 12 noon email  admin.team@regaltheatre.co.uk or ask the Box Office for more information.

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Monica Hartwell

Vice Chair

The MATA Regal Theatre Co Ltd

Reg ch  no 1052714

www.regaltheatre.co.uk

01643 703921/07766573873