NAILSEA
PEOPLE
Nailsea street auction
There was dancing and singing in the street when a BBC film crew arrived at Strawberry Close on Sunday afternoon to surprise one deserving Nailsea couple.
In a bunting festooned cul-de-sac colourful stalls were set out and with Flog It star Paul Martin weilding the gavel a street auction was held – luckily moments before the rain came down.
BBC Street Auction raised more than £1,500 to send Nailsea couple LIn and Chris Baker on a surprise luxury break to the Eden Project as a reward for all they have done for the community,
This includes founding Nailsea Disability Initiative in 2003.
Chris is a former fireman who suffered a stroke aged 45 from complications after an arm operation and brigade colleagues were among those who turned up to support the fun tribute.
In 2012 Chris and Lin received an award for long and exceptional service from Nailsea Town Council for the good work they had been doing and Lin won 'volunteer of the year' in Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) awards ceremony in 2014.
Now retired the couple who were once stalwarts of Nailsea Junior Football Club and their family were able to witness scores of people raising money for the ‘special thank you treat’ at the Street Auction.
Dance teacher Michelle Bedford introduced her Jazz On Tap troupe who performed a routine to the Marvin Gaye song Dancing In The Street and the Barry Walsh Band added Nailsea to the lyrics when they played Polock Hill.
The dancers and firemen also took part in an energetic workout.
Co-presenter Irina Aggrey collected the cash in a big yellow bucket and on sale were trays of cream-filled home-made cupcakes, delicious pancakes, pre-loved children’s toys, bric-a-brac and much more all donated by caring Nailsea people.
Lots for the auction ranged from fly-fishing lessons from Dave Green, landlord of the Ring O’Bells to a pair of Staffordshire china dogs and from a brand new laptop to a graphic novel framed mirror.
The programme which will be broadcast in September sees Lynn and Chris in tears at the end when they realise they are the recipients of the reward.
Paul told the crowd Street Auction is all about being good neighbours and rewarding a worthy member of the community.
This has made up for Clevedon getting Broadchurch and Tyntesfield getting Sherlock!
The BBC has already visited Beaminster, Dorset, and Calne, Wiltshire, as part of the daytime series of 15 episodes.
Nailsea skatepark official opening
Nailsea’s new skatepark is closed for five days for essential work ahead of its official opening at the annual skatepark festival on Saturday, July 9.
The state-of-the-art concrete skatepark unofficially opened in mid-May as the new home for skateboarders, scooter riders and BMX’ers of all ages.
Nailsea Skatepark Project spokesman Phil Williams said: “The NSP team were keen to get the park open as soon as possible but also aware that at some stage it needed to be closed again temporarily to complete the contract and ensure everything was in tip top condition for its grand opening.”
For five days contractors Wheelscape has temporarily closing the skatepark from Monday to Friday, June 20-25 to finish outstanding work.
This includes new fencing, larger rubbish bins and benches as well as some paint touch ups and concrete repairs.
Phil said: “We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to users but it will ensure the skatepark is at its best for the festival and throughout the summer holidays.
“To ensure that the park is closed for as short a time as possible it is imperative that all park users adhere to the signage and keep outside of the fences during this period as otherwise it could jeopardise the length of time it is closed.”
The park has specially designated areas for beginners and wheelchair access.
More than £115,000 has been raised in a short time to build the new skatepark but another £2,000 would help finish bits and bobs, added Phil.
Tote Budgens the Wraxall garage supermarket is still collecting pink shopper tokens until Friday, July 1, and the non-uniform day at Nailsea School added more than £600.
To make a donation contact Phil by emailing Phil@Christiansurfers.co.uk, drop a donation into Nailsea Town Council office at the Tithe Barn or go online to Golden Giving by clicking HERE.
The official skatepark opening will coincide with the 14th Nailsea Community Skatepark Festival.
To volunteer to help, have a stall or sponsor the event email Georgina Batt at GBatt@nailseaschool.com.
The NSP team would like to thank everyone who has contributed including Nailsea Town Council; Wraxall & Failand and Backwell parish councils; Holy Trinity and Trendlewood church; Nailsea Community Trust; Trendlewood Community Festival; Alliance Homes; Nailsea Lions; Nailsea police; Carpe Diem; Rotary; Nailsea Community Christmas Fair; Arthur Davey & Sons; Portishead Skatepark Project; Elmgrant Trust; Tithe Barn Trust; Tesco and Waitrose supermarkets plus many other local businesses and individuals too numerous to list here.
To see photos from the unoffical opening click HERE.
Shopping wishlist
What would Nailsea Town Council do if it received a multi-million pound windfall by selling land at Engine Lane for housing?
Well its shopping wishlist could see money spent on:
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An all-weather pitch at Nailsea & Backwell Rugby Club and multi-use games area
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Re-building the 1960s Grove Sports & Leisure Club building which didn’t come out too well in a recent health & safety risk assessment
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Hidden history project – including conservation at Middle Engine Pit an ‘at risk’ ancient monument
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Buy a ‘Nailsea Place’ to use as a town centre hub at Youth House
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Scotch Horn redevelopment – police station, swimming pool, library
But the development proposals by Barratt Homes has ruffled a lot of feathers not least the residents who live opposite the green fields who were once promised a community park.
Nailsea has to have some new homes to comply with government quotas and with falling pupil numbers to stop closure of some of its schools.
With council issues in ‘purdah’ because of the EU referendum there are certain to be lots of planning applications revealed once the country has gone to the polls.
Engine Lane resident Anthony Evans has questioned the good intentions of town councillors who changed their minds at another controversial council meeting.
He said: “The potential net loss to the council of several million pounds by selling before 2023 on account of the ‘overage conditions’… and the view that the sale of this land would solve falling school rolls and revive the shopping precinct was challenged.”
To read more go to the town council website by clicking HERE.
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Togs
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Schoolwear: uniforms, shoes, nametapes
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Sportswear: PE kits and more
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Footwear: football boots, Wellington boots, trainers, shoes, velcro daps
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Dancewear: RAD approved ballet, tap, modern, jazz
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Uniforms and accessories: Beavers, Rainbows, Cubs, Brownies, Guides and Scouts
Colliers Walk, Nailsea
Tel: 01275 857491
Twitter: #schooltogsnailsea