News in Midsomer Norton and Radstock

If you are a grassroots community group, grants are available up to the value of £1,500 from The Somerset Fund.

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) manages the fund and is encouraging applications from smaller groups that run on less than £50,000 per year. The grants will be 'unrestricted', which means they can be used to pay for ongoing running costs. Applications can be made from Monday 6 January, with the deadline for applications, Friday 14 February.

The rivers authorities have warned of flooding around Midsomer Norton as levels are forecast to rise at the Midford river gauge as a result of heavy and persistent rainfall.

On their site, officials warn: "We expect river levels to remain high until the weekend. Our incident response staff are checking defences and clearing weed screens. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. "

With Christmas falling midweek, it is going to be a difficult time for those who have medical conditions, with for some a trip to the pharmacy an absolute necessity.

The NHS has published the list of the local chemists which will be open, for reduced hours over the bank holidays, and Radstock residents are relieved to know that theirs will be open on Christmas Day itself.

RADSTOCK BRIEFING: Thursday December 19 2019

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TODAY'S RADSTOCK WEATHER:

MIDSOMER NORTON BRIEFING: Thursday December 19 2019

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TODAY'S MIDSOMER NORTON WEATHER:A wet and unsettled day with showery outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, along with brisk southerly winds. A much milder day.

The annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party took place on Friday 13th December 2019. This year the event was held at Welton Rovers Football Club between 2pm and 6pm. The times were changed this year from the evening to the afternoon to enable more locals to attend the event.  All the tickets were snapped up and it was packed.

The residents made their way into a very festively decorated hall. The tables were laid with crackers and a Christmassy favour each and the afternoon got underway with a free drink for everyone. There was live music provided by the popular local band The Sneakers who soon had people up on the dance floor enjoying themselves.

Kind-hearted residents of Midsomer Norton are being urged to donate blood TODAY at the Somer Centre.

In making their appeal they said: " It is always a challenge to collect the right amount of blood to meet patient needs over the festive period, so with Christmas falling on a weekend this year, creating an extended bank holiday, we need to plan carefully.

MIDSOMER NORTON BRIEFING: Wednesday December 18 2019

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TODAY'S MIDSOMER NORTON WEATHER:

RADSTOCK BRIEFING: Wednesday December 18 2019

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TODAY'S RADSTOCK WEATHER:

Your chance to have your say about your town.