Midsomer Norton's Cricket Club hosted a team meeting for local based charity Sound Vision, which was launched in 2017 as the Somer Valley Education Trust, working with local schools and colleges providing special educational needs and skills-based learning opportunities. Trustees gathered at the club to meet the team who are now delivering Arts Award qualifications through Alternative Provision to Writhlington, Norton Hill and Somervale Schools. They heard how the charity is expanding to other schools across the region.

Sound Vision was founded by radio professional Dom Chambers who advocates nationally for the educational benefits of local radio and inclusive media training. It was while managing local radio station Somer Valley FM that he saw the impact on young people's confidence and wellbeing of developing skills and creativity in audio and radio.

Dom said: "We have had a great day at this wonderful setting of the cricket club. As a growing charity our trustees live in various parts of the country, so it was important to bring them to Midsomer Norton, where we are based, and meet the people who make the magic happen.

"This is a busy time as we are well placed to help with the challenges of isolation, educational disruption and lack of opportunities young people face coming out of the pandemic. "

New trustee Maxine Stride, who went to Somervale School and now lives in London, said: "Having benefited myself from training at Somer Valley FM It is wonderful to come home and see first hand all the exciting opportunities there are. I visited Sound Vision's new training facilities in Somervale School and, just as it worked for me, it is exciting to think of all the careers that will launch from here."

Other guests included Sound Vision's lead trainer Maggie Harding and trustees charity entrepreneur Lucy Nelson and B&NES councilor Chris Watt who is the Advocate for Looked after Children. The chair of trustees is Somervale's former headteacher Michael Gorman. Also present were key supporters Sue Roberts, Pete Helmore, Yvonne Bignall and Bev Iles.

Founding trustee Annie Maw, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, said, "Having watched this from the beginning I cannot tell how rewarding it is to see Sound Vision grow and blossom. I have really enjoyed meeting the team Dom works with and seeing firsthand their dedication as this work has never been so needed."