THE online community newspaper for Nailsea people, their family and their friends

June 2026

Our town is a very, very nice town

Property people

Nailsea Action Group annual meeting clashed with the town council meeting when the future of the Fryth Way football was under discussion - more HERE. North Somerset Council submitted in May its Local Plan 2041 to the Planning Inspectorate more HERE includes provision to move railway station!

£1m+ house for sale

What's On 2026

June is blooming and comes with summer fairs, annual Rotary Club of Nailsea & Backwell charity walks/runs, launch of Trendlewood tree trail, yoga in park, Father's Day and summer solstice. sAll club quiz and bingo nights are also featured on our What's On page HERE

Gallery 2026

We have 13+ slideshows now in our 2026 gallery including farmers' markets, and lots of flora and fauna from our area. Andy Barnard, of AB Wildlife Photography, took this amazing photo of freshly fledged treecreepers at Watercress Farm on the Belmont Estate. See more HERE and please email your photos to nailseapeople@gmail.com

Restoration work started last year as the woodwork at the front of the High Street building was rotten and Viking Restoration moved in on Monday, September 8, to renew the old frame.

The property owned by Nailsea Town Council is a health and well-being centre especially for those seeking advice and support managed by Trudy Hollow.

Originally a butchers shop the contractors revealed very faint lettering which says F. Griffiths.

This is a traditional, family business based in Glastonbury with a shop in Wells also of that name but nothing is revealed by Google for Nailsea.

When Avon County Council was our administrative centre 65 High Street was the area youth office and known at Youth House.

There is still a youth club running upstairs called T65.

But for a while now it has been the town centre community and social hub run by the town council.

The work was expected to take a week but the finishing touches were not complete until end of May.

And we can now report No65 is looking great.

Super duper paint job with artistic graphics.

Creative window designer Tom Rowles came up with the concept and as part of Gould Autoplates and Signs Ltd the team from Blackfriars Road did the window graphics installation.

Tom, of Just Creative, said: "If you’ve walked past 65 High Street recently, you might have noticed a fresh new look on the windows.

"Gould Signs was recently asked to create a vinyl graphic for the building, but because 65 High Street hosts so many different community services, listing them all would have been a bit of a jigsaw puzzle.

"Instead of a long list of text, we suggested a visual approach that celebrates the town itself, featuring some of Nailsea's most recognizable landmarks.

"Standing out on a busy High Street is always a bit of a challenge for any shop or local organization.

"We always try to bring a fresh, creative perspective to our work, so we thought a visual tribute to Nailsea would be a nice way to catch people's eyes while keeping the community at the heart of it.

"The new window display is now up, giving the building a bright, welcoming update that celebrates the local area.

"With this project completed, we would love to team up with other nearby businesses and groups on future projects."

Great job by graphic artist at 65 High Street

GOING BATTY

Nailsea residents are being encouraged to take part in an important conservation project that plays a vital role in protecting local bat populations. Now in its fourth year, the North Somerset Bat Survey continues to build a detailed picture of bat activity across the region, helping to inform biodiversity conservation efforts and development planning decisions year on year. Led by North Somerset Council, the survey is a collaborative initiative coordinated by the University of Bath’s Bat Conservation Research Lab. The project which runs until October is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players. The survey aims to improve understanding of how bats use the landscape, the habitats they depend on, and use this data to support sustainable development across North Somerset. To find out more or sign up as a volunteer click HERE,

And they are off in a convey of 20+ vehicles on a mercy mission to Ukraine setting off from Nailsea.

Remember the story we told you about two blokes who decided while sitting in a Nailsea pub it was a good idea driving to an Eastern European warzone to deliver life-saving equipment.

North Somerset councillor Mike Bird and Dave Manton, of Nailsea Community Transport, agreed to drive to Ukraine in May to deliver an urgently needed evacuation vehicle.

Well they set off at the end of May.

The pair took on the gruelling three-day journey over 1,318 miles.

The evacuation vehicle - view in slideshow - will be used to collect and safely transport badly wounded soldiers and civilians from places of danger and provide emergency medical care during transportation.

In his day job Mike who also serves on Nailsea Town Council is an audio engineer working in television broadcasting both at home and abroad.

Motor bike enthusiast Dave works in the construction industry and is has lots of experience travelling throughout Europe usually in his campervan.

Mike and his wife Sarah also hosted a Ukrainian family who they still support for nearly three years.

With a peace deal still not brokered the need is urgent and Mike and Dave set a target of £7,000 to buy the vehicle and finance the trip.

Additional funds over the goal were used to equip the evacuation vehicle with a Chuyka/Чуйка 3.0 drone signal detector, giving crews precious seconds to stop, disperse, and take cover.

The need for international support in Ukraine is undeniable.

The toll of the conflict is staggering.

Since 24 February 2022, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed by aerial attacks.

We can report Mike and Dave arrived safely in Ukraine and the final slideshow photos show them at a Polish railway station on route home.

Donations can be made here https://donorbox.org/mikedaveukraine

Mercy mission from Nailsea to Ukraine

Sunday, June 21

During the past 12 months, volunteers have given more than 5,000 hours to keep Nailsea and District Community Transport running.

Their commitment has ensured people can stay independent, connected and able to access essential services.

Several volunteers have supported for over eight years, showing remarkable long‑term dedication.

A year of essential journeys:

More than 100 day trips giving residents social contact, friendship and a sense of belonging.
777 Dial‑a‑Ride journeys enabling people to attend medical appointments, visit loved ones, attend support groups and activities and manage their health.
606 journeys for local groups and to make sure people can attend community activities and events.

Strengthening independence and wellbeing

Every journey represents a moment of support, reassurance and dignity. Volunteers make it possible to protect health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and promote independence for those who would otherwise struggle to get out.

Their contribution over the past year shows how a community can care for its most vulnerable members.

A member and regular user of the service said ‘This service has been a lifeline to me. The drivers are so kind and considerate, nothing is too much trouble. Nailsea and District Community Transport is special.’

Gerald, a trustee at NDCT said: ‘Our volunteers are the heartbeat of this service. Their dedication ensures people who might otherwise be isolated can stay connected and live independently. They are all amazing people who we really can’t thank enough.’

About Nailsea and District Community Transport

Nailsea and District Community Transport is a Community Benefit Society (28008R). We provide friendly and accessible door-to-door transport for people who need us to access essential appointments, shopping, and social activities. Helping them stay independent and connected with their community. Our services are vital to combat isolation and loneliness, protecting the health and wellbeing of 100s of people who rely on us.

Our services include:

Shopping: We run 12 weekly trips, helping members access essentials without relying on others. For those in rural areas, this may be their only way to shop. It reduces financial pressure and supports independence.

Dial a Rides: Our flexible service helps members attend medical appointments, visit loved ones, meet friends and maintain personal care. It’s crucial for those with limited mobility or who no longer drive.

Day Trips: We run over 100 outings annually providing vital social interaction, reducing loneliness and improving wellbeing.

Community group bookings: We offer regular pickups for local group activities which can be hugely beneficial for mental and physical health. Helping people stay active and build friendships.

Hires: Local groups and organisations can benefit from affordable minibus hire.

We operate 10 buses (3 electric) and 2 cars in the northeast half of North Somerset, covering Nailsea, Clevedon, Portishead, Long Ashton, Gordano, Felton, Yatton, Wrington and all of the intervening villages and rural areas

Why are we needed?

Transport options are very limited for the people we support, and many avoid them altogether.

The National Centre for Accessible Transport reports that 92% of disabled people face barriers on at least one mode of transport.

The State of Ageing report from North Somerset highlights that transport is a significant problem in our community, affecting healthcare access, independence, and wellbeing.

‘Access to transportation influences nearly every aspect of later life, including healthcare access, independence, and participation in health-promoting activities like exercise and social interaction.’ (The State of Ageing in North Somerset Report, 2024)

Tackling social isolation and loneliness are recognised public health priorities.

The WHO notes the significant impact on physical and mental health, quality of life, and lifespan. Our passengers consistently describe our service as a lifeline.

As one said: “My mental health would go down to minus ten…I wouldn’t want to think about not having this service.”

Without transport more people would be at risk of isolation.

Demand for our services is growing rapidly, especially from people with mobility challenges and those in rural areas.

Funding will help us ensure everyone has access to accessible, safe, reliable, and affordable transport and secure our long-term sustainability.

We’re well-placed to help disabled and elderly people travel safely, confidently, and independently. With funding, we’ll invest in our community, improve accessibility, and secure our future while continuing to grow to support more people.

Our members’ ambassadors group, made up of eight individuals with lived experience from across the areas we serve, help us shape our future plans and evaluate impact.

They have made it very clear how essential NDCT is for them and their communities.

The Nailsea People feature written a while ago about NDCT is HERE under the transport dropdown menu at the top of this page.

Feedback forms, which ask about alternative options to our service, consistently demonstrate that we provide a fundamental service and have impacts beyond transporting people from A to B.

To contact NDCT:

website: www.ndct.co.uk

telephone: 01275 855552

email: office@ndct.co.uk