For those of us shielding at home, we can at least appreciate the late spring weather. It has given me at least an opportunity to explore some very interesting attractive parts of Radstock, all part of the Grand Excuse of walking my dog and losing weight!

This week sees the reconvening of the Town Council, albeit remotely since Covid-19 rules still apply. At least we have a council and it is this I want to discuss today.

Our unwritten constitution allows an element of democracy at every layer of government. Unnecessary, I hear some say: all important decisions are taken either by Parliament or the Unitary Authority. Yes, B&NES does have an overarching control in Radstock and many matters are dealt with by B&NES without much reference to the Town Council.

There are other areas where the opinion of the Town Council is critical: planning, local amenities, allotments, children's services to name but a few. The eleven councillors act like an advisory board to the Town Clerk who runs things on a day-to-day basis with her team on behalf of the residents. The councillors are unpaid and impartial. Long gone are the days of the Mayor of Casterbridge or T Dan Smith! Most of them possess specialist knowledge of one sort or another which make individual opinion valuable and addresses local issues with accuracy.

I mention all this because it is something you might like to consider for yourself. It takes up little time and is generally enjoyable and worthwhile. The prospect of making a tiny improvement to the needs of the local townsfolk - installing a new bench, ensuring the continuance of the library or whatever represents effort that you can put into the community that nurtured you. Importantly it maintains locally functioning democracy.

Rupert Bevan