A celebration event has been held to mark the diamond anniversary of lollipop men and women.

The school crossing patrol service is 60 years old and to mark the occasion a reception was held in Bath for 40 lollipop men and women.

At the event the current uniform was modelled, along with one worn 60 years ago.

Husband and wife team Kim and Mike Gooding have worked at Clutton School for seven years.

They share the job, and enjoy their work.

Mrs Gooding said: "We enjoy doing it, and know all the children in the school.

"Our job is making sure the children get to school and back safely, which is why it is so important.

"It is nice to see the old uniform, compared to the one we wear, ours is so much brighter.

"It can be quite hot wearing it though, and the sign is heavy, but you get used to it."

Terry Cross is the longest serving lollipop man in Bath and north east Somerset, having worked at Newbridge Primary School, in Bath, for 37 years.

He said he had seen a lot of changes over the years.

Mr Cross, 77, said: "I love the job, which is why I have done it for so long.

"There have been many changes, in particular the amount of traffic.

"The road outside the school is so much busier now than it used to be, and another thing I now have to watch out for is kids on skateboards, as they come out of nowhere.

"I have seen almost four decades of people pass through the school, and am well known in the area."

A predecessor of school crossing patrols as we now know them was in place in Bath from 1937.

Seven people were employed by the Bath City Corporation with a weekly wage equivalent to 50p today.

Their role became official when the School Crossing Patrol Act was passed in 1953.

Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association says entry forms are coming in thick and fast as preparations are made for the town's annual winter carnival.

Music, dancing, comical costumes and floats covered in thousands of light bulbs will herald the arrival of an evening of entertainment when the streets are illuminated on Thursday, November 14.

The carnival association works hard throughout the year to plan a night to remember and expects to welcome floats and walking entries from individuals, groups and carnival clubs from across Somerset. They will make their way along a one-and-a-half-mile route lined by crowds.

The procession currently goes along Wells Road and Fosseway in Westfield but there is a plan to bring floats back along Midsomer Norton's High Street for the first time in more than 20 years in the future.

Carnival association chairman Steve Collins admitted the steep hill climbs out of Radstock would make it impossible for the larger vehicles which make the world famous Somerset carnivals a sight to behold.

But long before the age of 100ft carnival floats, a procession did pass through Radstock. A cutting from 50 years ago shows 1963 Radstock Carnival queen Pauline Saviour and her attendants dressed up in their finery as they travel by horse and carriage.

Girls and boys will soon have the chance to become this year's Midsomer Norton carnival royalty at the selection dance held later next month. To find out more call secretary Hazel Franklin on 01761 415334.

Anyone with memories of carnival floats in Radstock or Midsomer Norton can share them with Somerset Guardian readers by calling us on 01761 417778 or email editor@somer setguardian.co.uk.

After taking a break for August Pensford's monthly morning market will begin again on Saturday, September 7, and will be raising funds for All Saints Church in Publow.

In addition to the popular home baking and preserves stalls, there will also be a stall selling Phoenix Cards by Vivien Lee, plus a stall selling secondhand books.

The market will be held from 10am until 11.30am at Pensford Church Rooms in Church Street.

Admission charge is 50p, which includes coffee and biscuits.

FROM the first week in October we will be launching our fantastic new loyalty card for our home delivered customers.

We have partnered up with a company called Lealta, to offer thousands of savings on everyday items to launch The Frome Standard Club.

Every direct home delivered customer will receive a unique credit card size loyalty card. This card will have your own account number on and will open the door to thousands of discounts.

You will be able to load money onto this card, and all money loaded onto the card is protected legally.

The money on the card will then be spent, as you would with a debit or credit card but saving you money every time.

For example the card offers 4 per cent off groceries from ASDA and Sainsbury's.

Other places that the card can be used are –

Apple – 8 per cent off

BHS – 7 per cent discount

Bella Italia – 12 per cent discount

Cineworld – 12 per cent discount

Boots – 7 per cent discount

House of Fraser – 8 per cent discount

Legoland – Up to 35 per cent saving

iTunes – 5 per cent discount

Alton Towers – up to 40 per cent discount

What's more, even if there is a sale on you STILL get your savings!

CONSTRUCTION training firm Mindset Training, Frome Town Council and Working Links, a national back to work agency, are working together on a new project to help local, unemployed young adults back to work.

The project called Future Works involves taking six young local unemployed adults and giving them practical experience whilst simultaneously training them to attain a number of essential construction qualifications.

The project will start on September 16 and last around four weeks and consists of installing a new gate and access road at Welshmill Park.

Mindset Training, based on the Marston Trading Estate, has already invested months of preparation on this project, even before having official permission for the project to go ahead.

The town council's economic development and regeneration manager Peter Wheelhouse said: "We are excited to be working on such an innovative project with Mindset Training and Working Links – the project ticks all the boxes as far as the council is concerned."

As well as the town council, the project will also be supported by local businesses Mack Civils Ltd, Sydenhams Hire Centre and Tipadel Ltd.

Subject to the outcome of this pilot project the town council, Mindset Training and Working Links would consider working together again on more projects in the future.

We have recently visited the Greek island of Zante and whilst over there we fell in love with a stray Gordon Setter that had been dumped with no food, water or shelter in a churchyard in Zakynthos Town. He was trying to follow tourists and tried to get on the coach with them. He was found eating wood because he was so hungry. He was thin and emaciated, but always seemed to crave human contact. It is thought that his original owner purchased him as a hunting dog and that he was no good so was disguarded like rubbish to fend for himself. Most stray dogs only live up to 12 months, as they are often beaten, abused, poisoned, some have their legs tied together and are dumped in the mountains to die a slow and painful death.

We were so moved by his plight to survive that we have paid for him to be kept in a secure kennel while we raise funds to fly him home to the UK. My daughter was 9 years old yesterday has written a moving story about her time with Bebis and Zante Strays.  Please read the following true story written by my daughter.

My name is Lily-Kate and I am 8 ¾ years old. This year I went on holiday to Zante.

In Greece people don't have much money to feed their animals. There are lots of stray cats and dogs that have to catch mice and beg in restuarants for food. Lots of Greek people own dogs and some tie them to trees or barrels all the time. This upset me because dogs shouldn't be tied up all the time and kept hungry, they should be taken indoors and cuddled, fed, loved and taken for a walk. Some dogs and puppies that nobody wants are dumped in the mountains or in another village and some are thrown in bins like they are rubbish being left to fend for themselves. Some are lucky and are rescued by kind people, others are left to die a long suffering death.

Mummy contacted a lady called Margarita who runs an organisation called Zante Strays and we went to see a stray dog called 'Bebis' who had been rescued of the streets of Zakynthos Town. Bebis had to stay at a Pension, this is what greek people call kennels because Bebis didn't like cats. Maybe he was trained to chase them, no-one will ever know for sure.

When Margarita drove us to where he was staying it looked like a prison. We eagerly got out the car and there was a girl waiting for us. She let us in to see Bebis, he looked so sad behind the bars of his cage. I called his name and his tail started to wag and Im sure he was smiling, but WOW his tongue was huge and pink!

Mummy wanted to take him out to see whether he liked us. We were allowed some special time with him and he was a big gentle boy. He loved cuddles and cleaned all my face and ears with that big pink tongue. It felt like velvet.

Mummy loved him straight away and I did too! What was there not to like about this gorgeous boy? Daddy didn't take much convincing either, with 3 sets of pleading eyes looking at him, he soon melted and enjoyed a blokey kind of bonding with Bebis.

We asked if we could take him for a walk, but we couldn't because the girl that had met us at the gate was busy and wanted to go. When we were leaving she grabbed Bebis and shoved him back in his cage making him cry out loud. I could tell by Mummy's face that she was angry and wanted to get cross with her, but we knew that we were guests and would hopefully be able to meet Bebis again and rescue him from this prison. We collected a stray called Thomas and I took one last look back at Bebis who was looking sad again. I wanted to cry.

It was funny when we we left because a phone started ringing in Margrita's car and nobody recognised the ring tone. It turned out that Margarita had accidently picked up the grumpy girls phone. Mummy said it was 'Karma' for hurting Bebis.

Thomas enjoyed being in the car with us and was also rescued by Zante Strays and was being moved out of the prison and to a foster home. After a short drive we arrived at a big house and I remember thinking, Thomas you are one lucky boy! Natasha was special and devoted to looking after animals that nobody loved or wanted. She showed us around her garden and we saw a white dog in a run, he moved to the back as we approached and Natasha explained that someone had deliberatly tied wire tight around his belly and then dumped him, alone to suffer. He was rescued about a year ago and was starting to trust humans again, but only one small step at a time. At least he has all the care and love he needs and is safe from bad people.

I sat on the steps and cuddled a rescued white puppy that had also been dumped to fend for itself and then other dogs started to come and investigate me. Mummy said that I looked like Dr Dolittle (he loved animals as well).

We then had to leave because Natasha had to go to work at her paid job. She is a volunteer for Zante Strays, which mummy says means you open your home and heart to help defenceless animals and receive their unconditional love in return. If love could be counted volunteers would be gazillionaires!

Next we had to drop by Margaritas house because someone was coming to mend something. This meant that we could play with the dogs at her house. Daddy loved Ody because he was so laid back, we played with the dogs and Mummy took some photos in between the licks and cuddles. It was soon time to leave and go back to our hotel.

Margarita asked us if we wanted to go on a sponsored dogwalk on Wednesday to raise money for a rescue dog called 'Calvin'. Calvin was born with a hip problem which means its painful for him to stand, sit and walk. He needed to go to the mainland to have his operation which was going to cost a lot of money.

Margarita sent Mummy a message to say that a lady called Bettina would pick us up at 7pm. I was so excited that we were all ready and waiting in reception by 6.30pm. We waited and waited, but still no sign of Bettina. Mummy messaged Margarita to say we had been forgotten, as it was 8pm and the walk was about to start, but in Kalamaki! 

It turned out that Bettina didn't know what we looked like, so sat in her car outside, so we never got to go. I was so sad and angry with Bettina. I even told Mummy I hated Bettina for not picking us up! I started to cry because I wanted to see all the kind people and dogs again, especially 'Calvin' the dog that needed the operation.

Margarita contacted Mummy and we were able to see Bebis again. When we arrived he was so excited to see us and his tail was wagging and that big pink tongue was hanging out again. We were going to take him to Tsilivi to meet another foster mum called Julie. Julie had a rescue boy already and Bebis growled at him. This meant that Bebis would have to go back to the prison after our walk.

We walked Bebis around Tsilivi to see if we bonded as a family. It was brilliant to finally hold his lead, but Mummy said we had to take turns to walk him. I felt proud because Bebis is the bestest Dog in the world. We found a bench and all had a drink, even my new furry brother had chance to chill. Soon it would be time to hand him back. Again.

We started the long drive back to the prison. Then we had to leave Bebis, again. I tried hard not to cry. Why did he have to stay there, his only crime was chasing cats!

Margarita offered to drive us back to our hotel as she needed to visit a lady called Anne. She asked if we would like to go along as well. Anne is a puppy foster Mum. Annes home was an animals dream, she greeted us at the gate with a big friendly smile. I was allowed to name a puppy. I decided on 'Bert' because he was big and fluffy. Anne was very special and full of love. I love puppies but they were everywhere, pulling, tugging and playing. Seeing the puppies cheered me up after having to leave Bebis in his prison.

It was soon time to leave and return to our hotel. The day went so fast, faster than when Im at school! Mummy said we have memories and photos to remind us of our exciting days with Margarita and all the foster families of Zante Strays.

Now we are back at home in the UK and we are all trying to raise funds to fly Bebis direct to Bristol which Mummy says is closer, but more expensive. When he is ours to keep we will call him 'Chance' because we gave him a chance.

Not long now Bebis and we can curl up together and never have to say goodbye again! Oh, Mummy says I will have to pack my toys up after we finished playing!

By Lily-Kate Difford

27 August 2013

Please add 'Bebis Difford' as a friend on facebook to follow his story as his happy ever after life unfolds. Any donations can be made through paypal using the link on his facebook page.

http://www.doglost.co.uk/dog-blog.php?dogId=56785

After the success of a scheme to open the village church at Publow each weekend over the summer, the policy is to continue until the end of October.

All Saints Church is normally kept locked but the Parochial Church Council (PCC) Development Group had been looking at ways to make the building more welcoming and to highlight its place in the community.

One of the features of the church is an art exhibition by Kingfisher Class (Years 5 and 6) at Pensford Primary School.

The children had reflected religious signs and symbols in jewellery designs, their paintings and creative collages.

PCC member Judith Hillman encouraged people to visit between 10am and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Mrs Hill man said: "It could be a chance for a few minutes of quiet or an opportunity to learn something more about the church in our community."

Three Methodist churches in Radstock, Westfield and Writhlington have decided to unite under a new name to serve the whole area.

By joining together to pool resources, the churches hope that they will be able to serve their community more effectively.

The three church buildings will continue to be used, and worship will continue in all three centres and many activities will remain as they are.

The Rev Ian Souter, the retiring superintendent minister, said: "The hope is that by pooling resources, particularly the most valuable resource, the people in the church, we will be able respond to the needs around us and to undertake some really exciting ventures in mission.

"The new church will have one church council and this will mean that our work will be better co-ordinated.

"By bringing people together, we hope to spark off new ideas of how to communicate the Christian faith in words and in action."

He added: "This is not about forgetting all that has happened in the three churches in the past, it's about seeing how we can take the work of the Church forward into the future with a strong community of Christians."

From time to time there will be shared worship sessions.

The first of these celebration services will be held on Sunday, (September 1) at 10.30am at Radstock Methodist Church.

The service will be followed by refreshments.

From that date the three churches will be known as Trinity Methodist Church.

Mr Souter added: "It will be a united church serving three different communities."

Chew Valley Local History Society will be hosting a summer social event and lecture on Thursday, September 5, in the Old Schoolroom, Chew Magna, which is open to all.

The talk will be an illustrated lecture by Hugh Norton entitled The Fight for Everest 1924, about his father Teddy's participation in expeditions in the 1920s.

The lecture will be followed by wine, soft drinks and nibbles, all of which will be included in the ticket price of £4.

Doors will open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Tickets are available from society members, or from 01275 332741 or 07976 266427.

WHAT do young people in Frome want? That is the burning question being asked by the town council and it hopes to attract a group of youngsters to help with its research.

In spring 2013, councillors applied for a grant to find out more about services for children and young people in Frome.

They were successful, and have commissioned an independent researcher, Tessa Hibbert, to undertake the research.

The aim of the research is to find out whether children and young people have enough to do in the town and whether they get enough support at the times they need it.

Miss Hibbert said: "To do this I am recruiting a group of young people to train as young researchers.

"They will be in charge of finding out about what other young people in Frome want.

"The young researchers will gain valuable research skills and work towards a level 2 accreditation."

Young people aged between 15 and 25 are being encouraged to get involved.

The next meeting is being held tomorrow from 11am until 2pm at Routes, 1a Palmer Street, Frome.