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page sponsored by Arthur E Davey & Sons
archived BMDs pre-2022 are HERE
Happy 100th birthday George
An old soldier who celebrated his 100th birthday with close family and friends in Nailsea received a special greetings card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
George Durkal was one of six brothers and sisters. He was born in Poland on May 3, 1924,
His war years were traumatic when after his home burned down the Gestapo ordered the teenaged college student to go and work in Germany on a farm.
The hazardous journey was made in a cattle truck and conditions were harsh in the internment camp he was housed.
At the end of the war, he signed up for the Polish army and was posted for two years to Italy where he gained a lifelong love of pasta dishes.
After that and unable to return to his homeland now under Russian occupation George came to live in this country.
Great niece Cheryl Field said: “Initially he had numerous jobs here working in a jam factory and driving a fruit truck until he saved enough money to buy woodworking tools.”
it was while working as a carpenter at British Cellophane in Bridgwater he met and fell in love with office girl Joyce.
The devoted couple who married at St Martins church, Worle, travelled the world together dancing and won many competitions.
Sadly, their only son Neil died young.
After more than 60 years at British Cellophane he left with a long service silver cup.
He continued making wooden toys and garden benches in his home workshop, playing chess -he even made a chessboard, and watching cricket.
Many years passed before he was about to meet with some of his Polish family again.
The joyous reunion took place at Paddington railway station and came about when a friend spotted a newspaper advertisement.
When Joyce died in January 2023, aged 97, George was alone and happy to move to Argentum Lodge in Silver Street to be near to his Nailsea niece Diane Oliver and her family.
Cheryl added: "Uncle George is always happy no matter what, even when poorly.
"He has a big heart and such a contagious smile which everyone comments on and loves."
OH HAPPY DAY: Tyler Silvester married Chalisa Ano at Bristol Register Office on Monday, March 11. The couple met six years ago at Swansea University where they were both engineering students. The graduates shared their day with family and friends. Tyler is from Nailsea and Chalisa is from Sattahip in Thailand
Hair & Makeup: House of Bendy
Flowers: And So Our Adventure Begins
Videographer: Break Every Chain Productions
Photographer: Christ Andrews Photography
Venue: The Radnor Rooms
Honeymoon Suite: The Bristol Harbour Hotel
Sadly, we have to report that Jeremy Hobbs, aged 81, has died.
A much-loved local businessman and village character born in Nailsea in February 1943 he recently moved briefly from Backwell House to Audley Redwood village.
Jeremy supported many local organisations and will be greatly missed.
We will reminisce more later when we have funeral (which is likely to be family only) and/or memorial arrangements.
PHOTO: Nailsea People flower show 2017
Jeremy Hobbs
Feb 1943-May 2024
Arthur E Davey & Sons Ltd
82 Silver Street
Nailsea BS48 2DS
Telephone: 01275 852307
Website: www.aedavey.co.uk
The Hobbs and Toogood families are in mourning for two much-loved family members who died within days of one another and they would like to thank everyone for all the kind words and thoughts they have received.
A family spokesperson said: “Judy Toogood died on Wednesday, May 1, and her younger brother Jeremy Hobbs died the following day, Thursday, May 2.
"As you can imagine the Hobbs family have been devastated by this sudden loss.”
Judy’s funeral will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, May 29, at All Saints Church, Kingston Seymour.
People wishing to donate to her tribute may use this link https://judytoogood.muchloved.com/.
Following a family-only private cremation for Jeremy there will be a memorial/celebration of life, open to all who knew him and would like to share memories of him and raise a glass.
This will be from 3.30pm on Wednesday, June 5, in a covered outdoor space at Keepers Cottage, Walton Bay, Clevedon BS21 7BA. Parking is available in the paddock – please follow the signs.
Jeremy’s family have requested that as this is a celebration of his life, please wear something bright and colourful - not black - and in lieu of flowers donations should be made to British Heart Foundation and/or RSPCA .
For catering purposes Jeremy’s family would appreciate a rough idea of numbers.
Please email to sj@hobbsproperties.co.uk by the end of Thursday, May 30 with details if you are planning on attending.
Memorial/celebration of life
Michael Spencer RIP
Tributes from Nailsea United and Grove Sports Centre & Social Club
‘How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard’
We will be saying goodbye to our most beloved dad on Friday, June 21, at 2.30pm at South Bristol Crematorium.
This will be followed by a get together to celebrate his life at the Grove Sports Centre & Social Club, Nailsea.
Anyone that knew dad is more than welcome to join us.
As a fitting tribute to ‘Mycal’ we will be stopping at the Grove at 1.30pm for the last time before travelling onto the Crematorium.
Please join us there if you wish.
We kindly ask that instead of flowers a donation be made in dad’s name to the air ambulance for their incredible service.
Dress code smart/casual.
However, if you are associated with Nailsea United FC, please can we ask you to wear your red club polo shirt or any other club attire you may have.
Donations in lieu of flowers to: https://michael-allen-spencer.muchloved.com/
Penny, Wendy and Steven Spencer
On Wednesday, June 6, a memorial/celebration of life for Jeremy Hobbs was held at the Walton Bay shooting lodge.
Hobbs Properties company secretary Sadhana Jain has shared a thank you to all those you attended which included family, friends, colleagues, former staff, contractors, shooting, golfing and sailing club members as well as representatives from 1st Nailsea Scouts and Nailsea & Backwell RFC.
Many travelled long distance to attend.
Sadhana said: "On behalf of his wife of 55 years Anne and all of Jeremy’s family, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who made it to Jeremy’s celebration of life.
"The turn-out was fabulous, having anticipated approximately 100 people it was lovely and heart-warming to count around 170 there.
"I think that shows what a big character Jeremy was, much liked and known far and wide.
"I didn’t get a chance to speak to a lot of people I was hoping to but it was lovely to see so many familiar faces.
"A few people thanked me for organising it and I have to admit I cannot take any of the credit – I just tried to keep you all in the loop with the details.
"Anne organised the event with lot of help from many including the Walton shoot guys.
"A special thanks to Andrew Waygood for playing host, parking attendant, organiser and very generous bar man.
"Thank you also for coming so brightly dressed – I think colourful is a great word to describe Jeremy.
"It was the perfect send-off for him and he would have loved it - although no doubt he was looking down and grumbling about all of the little tweaks he would have made.
"I think many of you did not know about or get a chance to sign Jeremy’s tribute book, see image top.
"I am hoping to add as many comments as possible for Anne to treasure, so if you would like something added please feel free to send me what you would like to write and I will print out messages and stick them in."
There have been many generous donations on both Jeremy and his sister Judy’s online tribute pages, but if you have not had a chance to do so yet and would like to, please use the following links to donate:
A very fond goodbye to Jeremy
What do you buy Nailsea Bikers chairman John Colley for his 60th birthday - a 4-stroke trail bike of course!
Initially registered in The Netherlands this endurance model like John comes with an ‘interesting history’ travelling to Nailsea via Mumbai in India!
It was stored for months in a neighbour’s garage when fellow enthusiasts got to work making the two-wheeler 100 per cent roadworthy.
Guests invited to the big bash in Hillcrest Road on Saturday, June 8, also contributed photos taken over the years of shared friendship and fun.
From schooldays to his teens and beyond with mad antics, George Michael posing, holidays near and far, marvellous marriage to Sharon and fab sons John Junior and Peter, the images temporarily obscured a family heirloom.
This is a huge display cabinet of knickknacks collected over several decades by Sharon, the chief cook and bottlewasher for the occasion (that is the brains).
The party theme was glam rock 70s although a few 60s and 80s costumes slipped in.
Known for his prowess on the dance floor, John displayed some slick moves in the marquee partnered by some movers and shakers armed with air guitars.
The wind played havoc with the outdoor marquee but it all held together for a fantastic evening accompanied by the wonderful and talented rock band 3 Day Week.
John is known for his dedication to raising money for the Children’s Hospice South West and his next public appearance with friends will be on Saturday, September 7, for the 14th International Bike Show in Nailsea this autumn.
Let's go party people
Graham Weeks RIP
1954 - 2024
Thank you for all the kind comments and messages we have received on the sad passing of a much loved husband and father Graham Weeks.
He was a truly special man and we have taken great comfort from how much he was loved and well thought of
I have been asked to share his funeral details for anyone who wishes to join us in celebrating the wonderful man he was.
The funeral service is on Wednesday, July 17 at noon at South Bristol Crematorium then at the Grove Sports Centre, Nailsea.
We would like to invite people to please write down a memory of a time spent with Graham and bring it to the funeral, or you can send it via Messenger, these will all be put together to form a book of memories for our children to look at and enjoy stories of their dad
Family flowers only please, we will be sharing a link for donations to Weston Hospice who helped support us through Graham’s illness and in being able to have him at home with us, where he wanted to be until he passed away.
Further details from funeral directors Arthur E Davey & Sons who have set up a tribute page here https://grahamweeks.muchloved.com/
Stephanie Weeks
The region’s leading health club held its annual charity golf day which raised money for the Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity and in particular the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI).
Organised by theclub at Cadbury House, the event on 28 June at the Mendip Springs Golf Club where 14 teams of four players pitted their golfing skills against each other to claim what has become one of the most sought-after golf titles in the area!
With the majority of teams coming from businesses located in North Somerset, Jason Eaton and Craig Young, who organised the event, were delighted with the number of entrants some of whom were returning from previous tournaments.
The day was also very poignant for the health club team as it was in memory of one of their colleagues, Mark Wilmott, who sadly passed away earlier in the year and who was cared for at the BRI.
Jason said: “It’s a great way for local businesses to get together in an informal setting while enjoying a great day’s golf.
“It also helps raise some money for a great local charity and we’re delighted to help out the BRI this year which is particularly appropriate for us this year.
"It’s also a great way for us to remember Mark who was a much-loved member of the team at Cadbury House.
“We managed to raise more than £2,000 this year with more donations still coming in and is a great amount which we will now go towards the wonderful work all those at the BRI are involved in.”
For further information or to make a donation please visitwww.bwhospitalscharity.org.uk
Remembering Mark golf memorial day
WINNING TEAM: Pictured top from left to right Jason Eaton, of Cadbury House; Andy Ashford, Giulio Ellis. Cam Mum, Nick Evans and Craig Young, also of Cadbury House
Many people will have known Sue Tomlinson including her many sewing customers as 'Sewing Susan' who was much loved in the community.
Sadly, Sue died peacefully in St Peter's Hospice in early July after a long and brave battle with cancer.
In her younger days Sue enjoyed a successful career in the Midland Bank, now HSBC, but later her life was focused on her family and friends and on her sewing customers, from whom she received much praise,
She leaves behind her husband Phil, children Joe and Kate and four grandsons.
If anyone would like funeral details email husband Phil at phil3cheddar@aol.com or contact Arthur E Davey funeral directors.
RIP Sewing Sue
It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the untimely passing of councillor Anita Smith, chair of Nailsea Town Council, wrote clerk Jo Duffy on the council Facebook page.
Mrs Duffy said: "Anita passed away on the morning of Friday 9th August, after a brief battle with cancer.
"Anita was a kind and generous person, with a wicked sense of humour.
"She will be greatly missed by the councillors and council staff, who have had the pleasure in working with her.
"On behalf of the Town Council we would like to extend our thoughts and deepest condolences to Anita’s family and friends."
It was only in May this year Nailsea Town Council chairman Anita Smith announced the community award was going posthumously to another much-loved councillor Jo Hopkinson who had died earlier that year.
It was at the annual town meeting Anita presented Geof Delmege, the husband of late councillor Jo Hopkinson, with a Bristol Blue glass plate.
Anita was born on September 26, 1961, at Moseley in the West Midlands to Sheila and Brian Millward - Brian was also fa Nailsea town councillor, she has a younger brother Neale and a son Adam.
When Anita returned to the UK from Canada, she worked at Avon and Somerset Police as personal assistant to the chief constable, starting with David Shattock and finishing with Andy Marsh and all in between.
After leaving the police she carried out administrative work for Bristol University and then became a registrar within the Somerset Wedding Registration service, officiating at many weddings, some in the Nailsea Tithe Barn which is also the main Nailsea Town Council office.
Anita first stood for election at North Somerset Council in 2019 and joined Nailsea Town Council that same year, becoming its chair in 2023.
She was a keen fan of Bristol City Football Club, where she and Adam were season ticket holders.
Nailsea Town Council vice chair James Tonkin said: “Anita was an inspirational lady who will be hugely missed by her family, friends and colleagues.”
A book of condolences for Anita has been opened to sign at the Tithe Barn.
Nailsea People reproduced the election address Anita wrote prior to May elections.
Artist and wedding official Anita Smith has lived in Nailsea since the late 60s and went to the Pound Lane junior school and Nailsea School before going on to Weston College.
She moved away for work in London and the Canada before returning ‘home’ 28 years ago.
Anita said: “I’ve lived in Nailsea ever since. My family live here too.”
With a background in banking Anita worked at the Police HQ in Portishead for 20 years before retiring 2017 but she still finds time to act as a ceremonies officer officiating at weddings for the Somerset Registration Service.
Anita is a commissioned artist working with mosaic and willow and a member of the North Somerset Arts Society.
She said: “I was co-opted onto Nailsea Town Council in 2019; my first experience of local government and how it works.
“I am currently sitting on the planning & environment and leisure committees, the allotments and Christmas lights working groups.
“I also represent the town council on the Forces Covenant - the multi-agency group supporting ex-forces personnel and I have sat as a town council adviser on the North Somerset Standards Committee when it meets to discuss specific standards’ issues.
“When I joined the town council in 2019 I had relatively little idea of what the council had decision-making control over.
“I honestly thought it was more - especially regarding planning, potholes and town centre rejuvenation!
“I now understand what our power limitations are, but that does not mean we don’t have a voice.
“I think we need to look at how we can better collaborate with North Somerset Council (and other interested parties) in getting the best deal for
Anita Smith RIP
Nailsea, but also holding them to account for their responsibilities.
“I also think our four district councillors can assist better with that and act as a conduit between the two councils to ensure that Nailsea is not left out.
“I think we need better communication with Nailsea residents so they can
see what we are trying to achieve on their behalf.
“I know that various circumstances in recruiting a communications officer see what we are trying to achieve on their behalf.
“I know that various circumstances in recruiting a communications officer have prevented that from happening so far, but it needs to be a priority going forward.
“As a town council we are responsible for how we spend the money we get via the council tax and we need to explain better how we spend that money and we need to show that we are doing that efficiently and effectively.
“We have a large amount of money to spend on Nailsea from the sale of land at Engine Lane and other monies - I want to see that spent wisely.
“I know that there has been consultation with residents, but we now need to progress this at pace.
“Every town councillor has life and work experiences they bring to the table.
“For example, among my personal experiences, is policing and children and young adults with special needs.
“We are not experts, just a group of individuals who feel they want to volunteer their time to work for the benefit of Nailsea and its residents to make sure that Nailsea can be the best it can be.
“There are 20 councillors around the table who vote on decisions.
“Some of those votes will go against you and what you believe in … but that is democracy.
“That is why having a representative group of individuals as town councillors is so important, representing all viewpoints of residents, but also bringing with them new and different ideas.”
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A meeting of Nailsea Town Council on Wednesday, August 21, 7.30pm at the Tithe Barn with start with a moment of quiet contemplation and celebration following the sad passing of chair Anita Smith earlier in the month. Councillors, staff and the public are invited this reflection.
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The funeral service is at 2.15pm on Friday, September 6, at South Bristol Crematorium.
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Further details from funeral directors Arthur E Davey & Sons - contact details at top of page.
COUNCIL OFFICE: The Tithe Barn is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am-1pm on Fridays
Family and friends of a ‘happy and always smiling’ little girl are organising a special fun day – to raise money for the children’s hospice that supported her.
Seven-year-old Phoebe Pring was first referred to Children’s Hospice South West’s Charlton Farm hospice in Wraxall when she was just three years old.
She was cared for by the team until she died in April this year aged seven.
When Phoebe was born, mum Jessica and dad Josh took their baby home thinking she was a healthy and happy child.
But the couple, who met when they were at school, started to become concerned something was wrong when Phoebe started to choke on her milk when being fed.
Jess, 29, took Phoebe to the doctors for a check-up and was told it was likely to be reflux or viral.
Dad Josh, 29, said: “We were both convinced there was something more to it, so we took her to Bristol Children’s Hospital for more checks.”
Phoebe spent the next six weeks in hospital undergoing a raft of tests which revealed she had an unsafe swallow.
Instead of being able to swallow her milk, it was going into her lungs, causing her to choke and affecting her breathing.
Phoebe was also diagnosed with hypotonia, a disease which affects the muscles, and it was decided, to keep her safe, that she should be tube fed.
At the age of three years, after suffering regular bouts of being unwell, Phoebe was rushed back into the children’s hospital suffering with pneumonia and apnoea episodes.
During another six week stay in Bristol Children’s Hospital, the family were dealt the devastating blow that Phoebe had Rett Syndrome – a rare, genetic disease that affects brain development and causes severe disability.
“To be told that just rocked us as a family,” said Josh.
The family then began to research Rett Syndrome, reaching out to other families with children with the condition.
Phoebe was then referred to Charlton Farm.
“We were struggling to cope,” said Josh.
“We had our son Harvey, I had a full time job and Jess was Phoebe’s full time carer.
“Looking after Phoebe was a full time, 24 hour a day job.
“Phoebe needed a mask at night to help her sleep sometimes with oxygen and Jess and I took it in turns monitoring her levels most the night.
"We never really slept properly.”
The referral to Charlton Farm proved game-changing for the family.
“The first time we came it was just amazing,” said Josh
“We had our own room with Harvey and Phoebe was looked after by the care team.
“It was the first time we could properly relax, knowing that we could go down at any time to see Phoebe or call the team in the middle of the night to check in on her.”
Josh and Jess say the resilience stays at Charlton Farm allowed them to spend time with Harvey and their other daughter Tilleigh who was born in the summer of 2023.
“It gave us time to do things with Harvey and Tilleigh as a family,” said Josh.
“We always, always tried our best to include Phoebe in everything we did. But there were some things that practically we just could not do and wanted to keep her well from certain weathers.”
Phoebe, who was unable to walk, started at Baytree School in Weston-super-Mare when she was five years-old.
“Baytree School was amazing and Phoebe loved it there,” said Josh.
“She always had a smile on her face and the staff said they could hear her laugh all the way down the corridor.”
Harvey also shared a special bond with his little sister
“He has always been so protective of her,” said Josh.
“He would spend hours playing with her and taking care of her, making sure she didn’t do things like pulling her feeding tube out.
“He wanted to keep her safe.”
Over the years the family were supported at Charlton Farm, spending their resilience stays together and making special memories.
“Phoebe was a very chilled child,” said Josh.
“And although she couldn’t walk or sit up on her own, she loved her time at Charlton Farm.”
The family went on holiday to Paignton in April this year.
“Phoebe hadn’t been well while we were away,” said Josh.
“She had been chesty and bunged up and when we returned home on Monday, we were concerned something was wrong.”
The couple checked Phoebe’s SATS and then called an ambulance. Her heart rate continued to drop and she was then rushed into intensive care at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
“Even in ICU she was still managing to laugh and smile,” said Josh.
“We were initially convinced that she would be fine and thought to ourselves we must have got it wrong.
”Sadly, doctors said Phoebe’s heart and brain was failing and there was nothing else they could do for her.
The family returned to Charlton Farm to spend their final days together.
Family fun day in memory of Phoebe
Phoebe, who loved going out in the car and enjoyed drum and bass music, died at Charlton Farm with her loving family around her, with Jess and Josh lying cradling her in her bed.
“Being at Charlton Farm allowed us to spend time together as a family in Phoebe’s final days,” said Josh.
“We did things like make cast of her hands, prints, took lots of photos and enjoyed simple things like watching Alvin and the Chipmunks together.
“We were also able to spend that time with her after she died and the family were able to say their goodbyes.
“Everything was done at our pace.”
The family also praised the hospice’s sibling team in supporting their other 2 children.
“The siblings team was also incredible in supporting Harvey,” said Josh.
“That support continues for us now as a family which is so invaluable. It is such a comfort to us all knowing the Charlton Farm team is always there for us.”
The fun day, organised by Josh’s best friend Dan Ryan who met Josh when they were teenagers, is on Saturday, August 17 at Failand Village Hall from 2.30-7pm.
Entry is free and there will be live music, stalls, face painting a barbecue, ice cream, a bar, hair braiding and a raffle.
All money raised will go to Children’s Hospice South West.
“As a family we have experienced first-hand the amazing work of Children’s Hospice South West and the difference it makes to people like us,” said Josh, who works as a landscaper.
“We are fundraising to ensure this incredible support remains in place for other families.”
Anyone who wants to make a donation can visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/phoebepring7?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fphoebepring7&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share
Children’s Hospice South West was first registered with the charity commission in 1991 and celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2021.
It is dedicated to making the most of short and precious lives, providing the best possible hospice care for children and young people living with life-limiting conditions and their families.
CHSW is the only children’s hospice in the South West. It costs around £11 million to run the three hospice sites each year and the charity relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions.
CHSW delivers a range of services including short breaks, specialist play, Music Therapy, activities for siblings, palliative and emergency care, end of life care, bereavement support and specialist medical care - all available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The services are free for families. To find out more visit www.chsw.org.uk
Anita a celebration of life
Despite being called a celebration of life there some were very sad moments at a packed South Bristol Crematorium where family, friends, work colleagues and councillors gathered to say goodbye to Anita Smith, the late chair of Nailsea Town Council.
In her final days at Weston Hospice this beautiful and
brave woman had helped to put together the service with son Adam and brother Neale sharing their memories of
this loving and caring mother and sister.
The music was particularly fitting from the entrance sounds of Babylon, by British singer-songwriter David Gray, to the WI anthem of Jerusalem mixed with I Think It's Going To Rain by Bette Midler (it poured) and accompanying a slideshow of her life I Am Woman by Helen Reddy.
Moving tributes were read which reflected on a talented, funny, amazing person taken too soon and with much more still to give.
Fittingly the service which including poems and a blessing ended with Give Me One Reason by Tracey Chapman.
Donations in Anita's memory are to be shared between Weston Hospice and Cancer Research UK online at www.aedavey.co.uk
Following on from the success of the first wellbeing workshop, Falls Prevention, Nailsea Town Council is hosting a Good Grief event on Friday, October 11.
This is at Nailsea Baptist Church, at 79 Silver Street, 1.30-3.30pm.
This event coincides with The Good Grief Festival week which begins on Monday, October 7.
Grief is personal and so on the Friday afternoon in Nailsea a variety of stall holders from different organisations will try to meet the individuals needs of everyone who comes along.
Attendees include solicitors, funeral directors, bereavement support groups, counselling/talking therapy services, St Peters Hospice and a mindfulness/hypnotherapy organisation who will be providing a free taster session voucher to those who attend.
There will also be a ‘coffee corner’ for those who want to come along simply for a coffee, biscuit and a chat.
This event is wider than just grief, it also encompasses end of life and bereavement, so you can expect practical advice on how to prepare for death and what to do when someone dies.
October is National Free Will Writing Month https://freewillsmonth.org.uk/, so what better time to come and get some advice on how to make a free will.
Nailsea Town Council community wellbeing officer Hayley Orchard said: “The Good Grief event is an opportunity for those who want to prepare for end of life, or for those experiencing grief to come along for free advice or simply for a coffee, biscuit and a chat.
" Although this event is at the Nailsea Baptist church it is secular event organised by Nailsea Town Council.
"Everybody is welcome.”
Support comes from a range of organisations including, Good Grief Trust, Tyntesfield Medical Group Patient Participation Group and Wellbeing Team, Wellspring Counselling, Simpson Solicitors, Arthur E Davey, Your Cancer Café, Vita Minds health group, Sole Survivor Bereavement, STAR, Your Best Mind, St Peters Hospice, Community Connect and Super Culture.
Life & Death matters
Good Grief events are now being organised annually on a nationwide basis, with a dedicated week in October to hold physical events.
Bristol University is heavily involved on a local basis and have been working with North Somerset Council.
Tyntesfield Medical Group Patient Participation Group chair Richard Rogers said: "As a PPG, we held an event last year for local residents at Scotch Horn.
"This year we have been working with Nailsea Town Council wellbeing officer Hayley Orchard who is taking on the lead role to set up the event on October 11."
More information about Good Grief can be found here https://www.goodgrieffest.com/
Chris Serle has died aged 81.
The British television presenter, reporter, and actor suffered a stroke and died on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Dame Esther Rantzen remembered Serle as ‘irresistibly funny... authentic and versatile, caring deeply about our serious investigations’, reports The Telegraph.
He was born in Henleaze, Bristol, on 13 July 1943, and educated at Clifton College and Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied modern languages.
Retired Nailsea GP Robin Lambert said: “He was the tall chap alongside Esther Rantzen on That's Life in the 70s and 80s.
“As an actor and presenter, he appeared alongside such notables as John Cleese and Dave Allen.
“He lived in Bristol and in later life did a lot of charitable work.
“His connection with Nailsea is that he became a trustee of Wellspring Counselling, and eventually chairman of the trustees.
“A lovely man, and we in the Nailsea and Backwell area have much to thank him for in his work for Wellspring.”
Wellspring is a Nailsea based counselling charity.
It was started in 1994 by a group of local doctors and churches to provide professional low cost referral counselling service.
It has a Christian ethos although the counselling and mental wellbeing courses provided today are by counsellors who are from many different types of backgrounds.
Goodbye to Chris Serle
LET'S REMEMBER: All are most welcome at the annual Candles of Remembrance Service for those who have been bereaved, being held at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street, on Sunday, November 3, at 4pm. In reflective worship we remember loved ones and draw strength from the prayerful support of others. Refreshments are served afterwards. Come along and be among friends.
Singers Dean and Claire Champness have made a loving charity single in memory of Phoebe Pring who died aged seven earlier this year.
The little Nailsea girl spent some happy times at Children’s Hospice South West’s Charlton Farm hospice at Wraxall from when she was aged just three years old.
She was cared for by her parents and a loving CHSW team until she died in April this year.
Ever since heartbroken mum and dad Jessica and Josh, their family and friends have been saying thank you for the support by raising money for the hospice.
It was during Phoebe admission to Bristol Children’s Hospital the life limiting diagnosis of Rett Syndrome – a rare, genetic disease that affects brain development and causes severe disability – was made.
Vocal duo Claire and Dean of EncorE were asked to help with fundraising by cousin Dan Ryan, Josh's best pal and business partner.
To listen to the track and donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/claire-champness-1727106839226.
This story is also on our Arthur E Davey sponsored BMD page here https://www.nailseapeople.com/peeps-bmd
Raising smile
for small angel
Nailsea in Bloom volunteers are asking for help from the public in sponsoring a poppy.
For just £5 you can sponsor a poppy with all donations going to the Royal British Legion, and remember up to four loved ones for each poppy.
This is not just for military remembrance.
The Nailsea in Bloom volunteers will be running stalls at the Nailsea Farmers' Market on Saturday, October 19, and by the Nailsea Village Green on Saturday, October 26.
At the stalls you can make payments by cash or cheque, with cheques made out to ‘Royal British Legion’.
If you can’t make these dates you can also make payments and sponsor a poppy, at Nailsea Town Council offices, Tithe Barn, Church Lane, Nailsea, BS48 4NG or at 65 High Street.
You can also email Wendy Mobbs on wenmick@icloud.com.
Plant a Remembrance poppy with Nailsea in Bloom
GEOFFREY HERMAN
April 17,1948 to November 8, 2024
Consulting engineer Geoffrey Herman died in Silver Trees nursing home, Brockway, Nailsea.
Geoffrey was a resident in Nailsea in the 1970s and moved to Backwell 1986 where he lived with his partner Elizabeth Hobbs for 40 years.
Elizabeth passed away in 2023 and Geoffrey enjoy a good relationship with family and friends.
A lovely man whose forced retirement was nothing like he deserved.
He was always cheerful, sharply dressed, witty and professional and respectful.
RIP Geoffrey we will miss you.
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Geoffrey Herman’s funeral will be a cremation at South Bristol Crematorium on Wednesday, December 11, at 10am. No flowers but donations to St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol in Geoffrey’s name would be appreciated.
Further details from Arthur Davey and Sons, Nailsea
Notice of death
Please sign Mr Eggins 90th birthday e-card
NAILSEA UNITED WOMEN: Sunday, November 17, at the Grove, Nailsea, the team observed a one minute silence to pay their respects after the passing of club legend and original founder of the women's team, Steve Kavanagh. They thanked their opposition Frome Town Women for being part of this tribute. UPDATE: Monday, December 9, 1pm funeral service is at 1pm at Holy Trinity church followed by refreshments at Ring O'Bells from 2pm
Hopes are high the long awaiting extension to Nailsea's garden of rest will get the go-ahead soon.
With church graveyards and the current garden of rest full people in Nailsea have nowhere to mourn the loss of a recently departed loved one.
Nailsea resident Linda Shipway said: "Sadly my mum passed away in August 2022 and I have been endeavouring to find out when the garden of rest will be extended, so that we can intern mum's ashes locally and have a permanent place for us to visit her."
In October 2010, Dignity began to manage Weston-super-Mare Crematorium as part of a new 30-year partnership with North Somerset Council which also included the current garden of rest at Nailsea.
Two years ago neighbouring land at Stockway North was cleared ready for the extension but then nothing happened.
Dignity Plc corporate communications manager Stuart Cox said: “The takeover of Dignity Plc by Sir Peter Wood, the founder of Direct Line and Esure and Gary Channon, Dignity’s former CEO, has now completed.
"As previously stated, this move into private ownership should see us better placed to provide the best value and highest standards for the bereaved in the long-term.
"During the takeover process all large capital projects had to be paused, including the development of the Nailsea garden of remembrance.
"Our local business leader and head of region are preparing a comprehensive business case for the Nailsea extension project.
Fight to get Garden of Rest extended
"We are taking the necessary time to ensure that all aspects of the proposal are meticulously organised and well-presented.
"Once the business case is complete, we will present it to the board of directors for their consideration and we are optimistic they will recognise the value and potential of extending the Nailsea Garden of Remembrance.”
For some December was filled with sadness like Sarah Mapstone whose dear father died 10 days before Christmas.
She said: "My dad Jeff Edmunds, pictured, lived in Nailsea for more than 30 years.
"He passed away on Friday, December 15, aged 89.
"Many will now him as he played bowls, skittles and crib in the town and he had a great friendship with the owner of Nailsea Cycle Shop.
"His funeral service is at Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh, Bristol BS37 8QP on Wednesday, January 17, at 10.45am and all who knew him is welcome to attend."
There are many others we know who have been grieving at this time and send heartfelt love.
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We remember with fondness every December actor musician Ross Baker who went to school in Nailsea. Ross lost his life in the Tsunami on Boxing Day 2005 - RIP.
Funeral service new year date for Jeff Edmunds
Angela Mary Fido RIP
A celebration of life for Marilyn Waghorn is on Thursday, March 7, at 1.30pm at South Bristol Crematorium.
Marilyn who was born on December 4, 1946, died at Sycamore Lodge on February 2, 2024.
Daughter Hannah credits her parents who campaigned to stop building in the quarry at the bottom of their Westway garden for the setting up of the Stockway North nature reserve and memorial gardens.
Donations in lieu of flowers for the Azheimer's Society via this website https://marilynwaghorn.muchloved.com/ which says 'she is much loved and will always be remembered/.
Marilyn Waghorn RIP
Sadly, today, I attended another funeral this week of somebody that was taken from us far too early, writes Phil Williams.
But it reminded me so so strongly of the incredible commitment of the volunteers that give their time freely to help our kids with sport, not just in surfing but all the sports.
Phil Malone gave his time to the junior football league in Nailsea (for Nailsea United) for so many years, and I was very lucky for my son Joseph Williams to be part of that.
Many hours spent on freezing cold touch lines, in the wind and the rain and the occasional sunshine, watching our kids playing a sport that united the community.
Phil was my age when he passed, and I just remember so much about his smile, his willingness to encourage, engage, and to embrace all of the footballers that came under his coaching.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Lisa Malone and Jordan Malone as well as the girls today and in the coming few weeks.
Phil you left an incredible legacy and just to catch up with everybody afterwards brought so many memories flooding back.
Thank you for all you did.
We so appreciate the passion, the care and the sacrifices you made, and I know all of those boys so so much appreciated what you did.
God bless my friend Phil.
The closing tune by The Wurzels, One for the Bristol City really did bring a few tears.
Farewell to Nailsea junior football coach
The leader of Nailsea’s first purpose build pre-school Debbie Davie is retiring.
After more than 30 years of being an amazing staff member at Greenslade Preschool Debbie is retiring but knowing Debbie she won’t be putting her feet up, say well-wishers.
On Saturday, June 29, 10am-noon everyone who knows Debbie is invited to the Pound Lane preschool to come and share their memories and maybe photos if you have them?
A spokesperson said: “All welcome - we would love to see previous children, parents and members of staff.
“Come along and help us give Debbie a much-deserved morning to remember.
“We look forward to seeing you there.”
Greenslade Pre-School was formed in 1972 and is proud to have been providing high quality childcare since then.
Its staff turnover is very low which is fantastic for forming bonds with children and their families.
They are a team of eight plus an administrator.
Debbie began her childcare career as a childminder in Nailsea, joined the Greenslade PTA and progressed to being chairperson before taking on the role of leader/Senco in 1997.
Greenslade Pre-School is a registered charity run by the community for the community.
Debs heads for happy retirement
Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal organiser for the Nailsea area Stephen Rowan, has been working very hard over the past two years as a one-man band raising money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
His efforts have resulted in raising more than £40,000 during the past two years, a truly impressive amount.
To continue this mammoth task Stephen needs a secure room or facility to make up and store the poppy boxes from late October to the end of November 2024.
This secure room needs to be about the size of a typical family living room of around 17 metres square or about 12ft by 14ft with a lockable door.
Can anyone help and provide this secure storage facility for his sole use during this time?
Without a secure storage room Stephen may be unable to organise the Poppy Appeal in 2024. This would be a great shame. If you can help please contact Stephen by mobile 07534 166575 or by email steverowan999@yahoo.co.uk
Stephen also needs volunteers to help.
This could be making up the boxes, collecting full boxes, selling the poppies and staffing the collection of donations from people at Tesco, Waitrose and other venues across Nailsea.
He needs volunteers from Saturday to Monday, October 26-November 11, this year.
Stephen said: “As a Royal Air Force veteran I really understand the great work of the Royal British Legion.
“It’s important for me to support them and I really need your help to do this.
“Please call me if you can volunteer or help by providing a secure facility, I can use to organise the Poppy appeal in 2024.“
Royal British Legion in Somerset Poppy Appeal manager Paul Bunce said: “Stephen is desperate for volunteers to assist with Nailsea this year during the Poppy Appeal.
“Steve has been a one-man band for the last two years and has grown the appeal to such an extent he can no longer cope with organising it on his own.
!Income has increased five-fold due to the huge generosity of Nailsea residents and Steve's perseverance and hard work.”
The Royal British Legion supports service personnel, starting after just one day of service and continuing through life, long after their service is over.Not only do they support current and former Service personnel, but they support their families too.
There are an estimated 6.5 to 6.7 million members of the Armed Forces community living in the UK.
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Appeal for help by Poppy Appeal organiser
Each of these people are eligible to receive the support of The Royal British Legion , whether they need financial guidance, expert guidance, help transitioning into civilian life or assistance with their physical or mental well-being.
These are just a few of the ways people can seek help from the Royal British Legion. For more information on The Royal British Legion see www.britishlegion.org.uk
FRIDGE FLYTIPPING: A small fridge has been dumped next door to the sheltered housing complex at Pegasus Court. This is the land at Stockway North that Dignity was suppose to use as an extension to the garden of rest. However, since a management buyout nothing has happened for years. Fridges can be taken to Backwell recycling centre. Fridges can be very harmful to the environment as they contain Chlorofluorocarbons, which is an ozone-depleting substance. In mid-April they told us: Our project team are actively exploring alternative approaches that we believe will strengthen our case for sign-off from the board. We expect to finalise the next steps very shortly. This adjustment reflects our commitment to finding the most effective long-term solution for the community. We will ensure you are kept updated on the progress and remain optimistic that our efforts will be recognised and supported by the board. We will address the concerns you raised around fly-tipping promptly and a member of our team will be onsite to remove the item(s). We understand your continued anticipation and sincerely appreciate your patience during this period.
POPPY COLLECTION: Stephen Rowan will be collecting on Wednesday, November 1, and Friday, November 3, at Tesco supermarket. On Thursday, November 2 and Saturday, November 4, he will be at the High Street Waitrose store. There is also collection box at Scotch Horn Leisure Centre
Nailsea in Bloom gardeners are putting sponsored poppies in their flower beds again this year to remember those who are no longer with us.
For a minimum £5 donation you can have the names of up to four people you want to remember put on the poppies
Forms available from the Tithe Barn and 65 High Street.
And the gardeners will be manning a stall at at the farmers market and the Eat:Nailsea street food and drink festival with more forms.
Poppies will be placed in flower beds from week beginning Monday, October 30, until week beginning Monday, November 20.
The flower beds used are by the fire station at Pound Lane, the flower bed opposite Iceland supermarket on Station Road, in the bed at the Garden of Remembrance off Stockway North and opposite Tesco supermarket on the corner of High Street where the Tommy silhouette stands to attention.
All monies raised go to Royal British Legion.
Nailsea in Bloom volunteers take great pride preparing new seasonal planters and winter garden beds around the town.
This friendly sociable group of people enjoy making Nailsea look lovely all year around.
The group would welcome new volunteers.
Chairman Wendy Mobbs said: “When we are not making up the flower beds and planters we often meet for coffee and to socialise.
“It’s a great opportunity to make new friends.”
For more information call Wendy on 0785 503 7555 or email wendy.mobbs@outlook.com
National Poppy Appeal 2023
official appeal starts on Saturday, October 28
Armistice Day is Saturday, November 11
Remembrance Sunday is Sunday, November 12
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WAR MEMORIAL: The annual Remembrance Day service and laying of wreaths at the war memorial at Holy Trinity church is on Sunday, November 12. Scouts, Guides, Army and Air Cadets will be marching led by Scout band at 10.15am from 2nd Nailsea Scout HQ at Hannah More Road making their way to Holy Trinity church for the roll call and service at 10.30am. See poster for more details. community and youth minister Adam Griffin said: "We are keen that as many people as possible are able to share in commemorating the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war so intend to hold the last bugle call and two minute silence outside of the church this year (weather permitting) to facilitate this for the whole community." Roads on route will be closed during march.
In memoriam poppies
All are most welcome at the annual Candles of Remembrance Service for those who have been bereaved, being held at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street, on Sunday, November 5, at 4pm.
In reflective worship we remember loved ones and draw strength from the prayerful support of others.
Refreshments are served afterwards.
Come along and be among friends.
Candles of Remembrance
It was a full house at the Friends of Nailsea Tithe Barn coffee morning on Tuesday, February 7, to watch a film about the growth of our town from humble beginnings as an island on the Somerset levels to modern day suburbia.
Made by Yate filmmakers two decades ago and fronted by the late, great Trevor Bowen, of Nailsea & District Local History Society, it serves as a fitting memorial to the marvellous narrator who died in November 2022.
Amazingly it is still available on DVD and it certainly provokes some nostalgia even if it does describe our shopping area in glowing terms.
The blurb says: ‘Whether you are a newcomer to Nailsea, or your childhood memories include playing in the ruins of the Glassworks, this historical exploration of the town, illustrated by archive photographs and film, will prove a delightful experience’.
The film covers 400 years of coalmining and glassmaking, talks about our churches and schools tells why the Romans came to Nailsea and its unexpected Anglo-Saxon origin of the town’s name.
For the eagle-eye you may recognise people wandering about Somerset Square – we saw Mary and Geoff Ponsonby, and Dr Christopher Lee gives you a tour of his Chelvey home.Of course, there is Hannah and Patty More who were horrified when they first visited the glassworkers to recruit children for their Sunday School in the late 18th century.
Of course, there is Hannah and Patty More who were horrified when they first visited the glassworkers to recruit children for their Sunday School in the late 18th century.
And it includes all the old photos feature on the Nailsea History Group on Facebook and some remarkable archive film of the production line of what was Britain’s second largest cider factory Coates Cider.
It is available as a DVD on Amazon or here https://www.1st-take.com/shop/ priced £12.95.
Watch an excerpt here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjH-iLjeKq4
Mary Parkyn
June 1942-January 2023
The funeral service of former Nailsea resident Mary Parkyn is at 10.30am on Friday, February 10, at Weston-super-Mare Crematorium.
Mary, aged 81, who was adored by her family and friends spent her later years in Weston but lived in Nailsea while her boys Brian and John were growing up.
A keen observer of life, Mary loved country walking and heavy metal music, not necessarily in that order.
She belonged to the Nailsea branch of National Women's Register for many years where she forged lifelong friendships.
A war baby Mary was born on Sunday, June 14, 1942, at a Clevedon nursing home.
She died at Weston General Hospital on January 9, 2023.
For more information contract Groves Family Funeral Directors on 01934 525042.
Nailsea Holocaust Memorial Service 2023
Councillors and residents came together on Friday morning, January 27, to mark National Holocaust Memorial Day.
A small crowd gathered at Lion’s Green to remember more than six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust in World War II and the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution, in hope the world can learn from the past atrocities.
Nailsea Town Council organised the short commemorative service where former North Somerset ward councillor for Congresbury and Holocaust survivor Tom Leimdorfer read the Kaddish Jewish prayer.
Tom fled to the UK in 1956 from Hungary.
Also during the ceremony Nailsea School pupil Tom Edwards, aged 16,
read the poem First They Came, written by Pastor Martin Niemöller.The Year 12 student said afterwards: “I think it’s really important to
remember so that we can make sure things like this don’t happen again.”
The service, which was open to all, has become an annual event since the
council organised the planting of an oak tree on the green as part of its Holocaust Memorial Service in 2021.
Nailsea resident Roger Smallshaw went along.
He said: “It was very moving.”
PHOTO: Supplied by Nailsea Town Council
REMEMBERING: At Nailsea School there was an assembly which focussed on Holocaust (Shoah) Memorial Day with this years theme being Ordinary People. Staff and students looked at ordinary people as Bystanders, Perpetrators, Rescuers and Survivors. Then they tweeted to encourage everyone to watch a Youtube video by Sir Nicholas Winton which is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMrJ_TRtq2E
SOBER SIGNING: North Somerset MP Liam Fox signed the Holocaust Book of Commitment in the House of Commons. He said: "Let us never forget the millions persecuted by the Nazis and in all subsequent genocides. We must remain vigilant to stop any of these atrocities happening again.:
Abdool Hameed Moolla RIP
June 23, 1937-December 24, 2022
Abdool Hameed Moolla – Hameed to all who knew and loved him – has been a familiar and cheerful face in Nailsea for almost fifty years.
He gained cult status in his hometown not only for his warmth and inimitable sense of humour, but also for being a caring and nurturing single parent to his son, Adam, and two daughters, Sarah and Zeena, while working full-time as a civil servant.
It was a role he continued when retired providing day-care for a new generation. Well into his 70s he was often seen with a grandchild or two in tow, pushing a pram and making his way towards Tesco Nailsea.
To say Hameed was loved is an understatement, he was revered by all lucky enough to know him.
One of 15 children born to an Indian family living in South Africa, Hameed came to London from Natal in 1958 as a law student before relocating to Swansea in 1973 to work at the DVLC.
The family moved to Nailsea in 1979 when Hameed took up a post with the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol.
A member of Nailsea & District Labour Party, avid cricket fan, part-time film extra and follower of political debates on the radio he was often in the audience of Any Questions on Radio 4.
Hameed was also a prolific letter writer, using various pseudonyms, with several appearing in The Guardian, where he passionately supported the challenges of the Palestinian people.
A teetotaller, pescatarian with a passion for ginger beer and Indian cooking, his hospitality was well known and there were few who could leave his house without first filling up on platefuls of his amazing food.
His children said: "Our father died at Southmead Hospital on Christmas Eve, it was without pain, and it was peaceful. The family got to say their personal goodbyes to him, and for all this we are very blessed."
As in keeping with the Islamic tradition, he was buried three days later in the Muslim plot called Meadows of Peace at Woodlands Memorial, north of Bristol.
All are welcome at the memorial service on Friday, January 20, at 2pm at the chapel in the same grounds at Earthcott Green, near Thornbury, BS35 3TA.
For those who’d like to attend but can’t, a live stream of the service will be available, too.
Guests can wear what they like, and in lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to either of the following charities:
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https://www.ifcharity.org.uk/donate/ specifically for aid in the occupied Palestinian territory
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A South African museum set up in memory of Nobel Peace Prize winner Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli and former freedom fighters at http://luthulimuseum.org.za/donations/
His family added: “We’re heartbroken in a way there are insufficient words for, but the legacy of his love will live on and that is honestly a real comfort to us.”
Mr and Mrs for 60 years
Teenage sweethearts Jeffrey and Mary Ponsonby celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary this December.
Jeffrey, aged 80, and Mary, 79, met in 1961 at Buckingham Baptist Church, in Bristol, and were baptised there the following year.
Jeff and Mary got married in the same Clifton church three days before Christmas on December 22,1962.
The couple who had four children made their family home in Nailsea.
Sons Simon and Oliver are ordained ministers.
Daughters Jane ia former Nailsea town councillor and Esther a clinical psychologist.
Jeffrey has been a well-known local preacher and lay minister for 60 years.
Mary held various offices in the Conservative Party and for three years was chairman of Nailsea Town Council.
The couple have 10 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
They plan to celebrate their anniversary quietly at home due to health issues.
And just days before the big diary event their postman heralded the arrived from Buckingham Palace an official congratulation card signed by His Majesty King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the Queen consort.
Christmas In Heaven
Santa, do you know where heaven is?
Maybe your reindeer know the way.
For I have a special present
I need delivered on Christmas day.
For Christmas is a time for sharing
With those we hold so dear.
Please take this gift, with all my love
For an angel who's no longer here.
It's wrapped up in all our memories
We once shared from the past.
The ribbons and bows are all our dreams.
Inside there's a broken heart.
It's such a special parcel.
Please Santa, don't delay.
I would love it to be in heaven
In time for Christmas day.
© John P. Read
Arthur E Davey, at Silver Street, has its memorial tree for 2022 up and all donations are for the Children's Hospice South West. Donations can be made on line at christmastree2022.muchloved.com
Seán Patrick O'Keeffe RIP
19th October 1977- 22nd September 2022
The funeral service in loving memory for Seán was at St Francis Church, Ash Hayes Road, Nailsea, midday on Wednesday, October 19, followed by committal South Bristol Crematorium.
Conducted by Father Richard Elson his young niece and nephews read beautiful tributes at the service put together lovingly by his sister Teresa Giles.
The church was filled with family, friends, caring medical staff and fellow parishioners.
Many joined together afterwards to exchange memories of Seán at The Grove Sports Centre & Social Club.
His sense of humour and mischievousness made people smile.
Donations in memory of Sean for the British Heart Foundation may be sent c/o Arthur E Davey & Sons Ltd, 82 Silver Street, Nailsea BS48 2DS or made online here www.aedavey.co.uk
Angela Broderick RIP
It was with great sadness Nailsea Dental Practice announced the passing of their dear friend and colleague, Angela Broderick.
With the permission of her husband Matt, Nailsea People shared the news on its Facebook page.
With hours it reached more than 6,000 with many kind and heartbroken sympathy comments for the family.
The dental practice post says: "Angela was at Nailsea dental practice for more than 12 years as the practice manager, recently leaving the role to retire and concentrate on her small side business/hobby.
"Those that had the pleasure to know and work with Angela will know what a wonderful, kind, funny and caring person she was.
"It has shocked us here at the practice and we send our greatest condolences to Angela’s family and friends at this difficult time.
"Angela’s family have set up a donation page where people can donate in Angela’s honour to the Bristol Heart institute, please feel free to donate if you so wish."
The funeral service is at Holy Trinity Church on Friday, October 28, at 10am.
Donations may be made here https://angelabroderick.muchloved.com.
Plans for extension to Nailsea Garden of Rest
The Garden of Rest at Nailsea will be extended once planning permission is granted.
A planning application by Dignity Funerals for 24 new remembrance plots on land adjacent to the existing Stockway North garden has been submitted.
There will be no burials on this land.
With churchyards in Nailsea full and only a handful of spaces left in the garden of rest finding a final resting place for loved ones had become critical.
The graveyards at Holy Trinity and Christ Church have been full for decades and finding a new burial ground in the town has proved impossible.
Nailsea Town Council has been searching for a site for a new cemetery site in the town for nearly 30 years but has been unable to find anywhere suitable.
Unless people have already purchased a plot, they cannot be buried anywhere in the town.
And Nailsea People reported this summer with the Garden of Rest at Stockway North fast reaching capacity Nailsea Town Council has urgently been looking for a solution.
The town council is responsible for the upkeep of the gardens which is managed by the Crematorium and Memorial Group, part of Dignity Plc, under its contract with North Somerset Council.
In the summer 2022 CMG corporate communications manager Stuart Cox said: “There are five plots left in the current Garden of Rest.
“We have started the planning process on Thursday, July 22, but are waiting to hear from North Somerset Council if it requires a fee for it to
proceed or if this can be forwarded during the process.”
And CMG director Steve Gant confirmed.
He said: “A small number of plots remain at the existing Gardens of Rest and these can be provided without impacting the current layout.
“Additional land has already been earmarked as an extension to the Garden of Rest.
“After consulting North Somerset Council planning department and our advisors, we are required to submit a planning application and this process has now begun.”
Plots of various sizes with starting prices from £1,499 in the extension to the Garden of Rest will be sold in perpetuity rather than being leased, added Mr Cox.
FOREVER NEAR: Arthur E Davey & Sons, of Silver Street, Nailsea, has introduced a range of relocatable urns for the garden or home. Your loved ones ashes are put into a secure section on this urn and you can have your loved ones at home in the garden. With no worries of leaving them behind if you move. Prices start at £130
No more poppies or parades?
The Royal British Legion at Backwell and Flax Bourton is in danger of folding after chairman Peter Hoare announced he is moving away from the village. The news comes just months after Nailsea RBL branch closed due to a lack of members
With dwindling numbers - and after chairman Peter Hoare announced he is moving away from the village - the Backwell and Flax Bourton branch of the Royal British Legion is to close by the end of the year.
The news has thrown the future of the annual poppy appeal, which raises thousands of pounds each year, into doubt. Although this year’s appeal will go ahead, a question mark is hanging over whether it will continue in the future.
Backwell and Flax Bourton Royal British Legion branch chairman Peter Hoare said: “It is very sad that our branch of the legion is to close. The fact that those attending have become so few and elderly means it is not possible to continue.”
Mr Hoare and wife Christine, helped by volunteers, have run the appeal for years, but are leaving the village in the New Year to move to the Midlands to be nearer family.
“Just because the branch is closing, it does not mean the poppy appeal can’t continue,” said Mr Hoare.
“It can be run on its own without the branch in operation. The poppy appeal is well respected and has a huge amount of support from the village.
"It is so important to keep it going. The legion nationally still needs the money but with branches closing across the UK, its income is dwindling.”
Mr Hoare has already put an appeal for help in the parish magazine and at Backwell Village Club.
As well as running the poppy appeal, Mr Hoare and his wife, who moved to Backwell in 2001, also care for the village’s War Memorial Garden.
The garden, at Church Lane, features the names of local servicemen who lost their lives in both the first and second World Wars and the conflicts in Afghanistan.
The garden is a focus of the annual remembrance service events and is where wreaths are laid.
“It’s a pleasurable job,” said Mr Hoare, who has been branch chairman for eight years. “There are two beds which are planted twice a year and some planters and the grass will need cutting.
“It’s such an important part of the village and we are hoping to attract someone to take over its maintenance.
“It’s a real wrench that the branch is having to close but we have just not been able to recruit new people to keep it going.”
The remembrance services will be going ahead as normal this year, with one on Firday, November 11 and another on Sunday, November 13.
Anyone who can help with the appeal or who wants to look after the War Memorial Garden can call branch secretary Graham Hackett on 01275 462606.
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Nailsea in Bloom is promoting sponsored poppies in the town centre flower beds. For a minimum £5 donation you can have the names of up to four loved ones written on the poppy. The poppies will be placed in the in beds from Monday, October 24 for four weeks. All monies raised goes directly to the Royal British Legion. At the farmers' market on Saturday, October 15, the horticulturists will be selling metal poppy pins and paper poppies. Chairman Wendy Mobbs said: "We will be attaching large poppies to the poles in the High Street." For more details email Wendy.mobbs@outlook.com or call 0785 503 755.
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Stephen Rowan is the new coordinator for Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal for Nailsea. Steve is an RAF veteran who served for two decades with Avon Fire & Rescue Service. He is looking for people to help him collect and shops and businesses to take a collecting tin. Email steverowan999@yahoo.co.uk for more details.
"Old soldiers never die,
they simply fade away"
LEST WE FORGET: On Sunday, November 6, Nailsea people are most welcome at the annual Candles of Remembrance Service for those who have been bereaved, being held at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street, at 4pm. In reflective worship we remember loved ones and draw strength from the prayerful support of others. Refreshments are served afterwards.'
HM Queen Elizabeth
1926-2022
Nailsea and the nation has an air of sadness as people wait to hear what happens next.
The funeral is mooted to be on Monday, September 19, which will be a public day of mourning.
On Thursday evening, September 8, North Somerset Council sent out a statement paying tribute to Her Majesty the Queen after the sad news of her death was announced this evening, Thursday 8 September.
In a joint statement council leader and deputy leader Steve Bridger and Mike Bell said: “It’s with great sadness we receive the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“We give thanks for, and pay tribute to, the remarkable and devoted service she gave to the country and also to the whole Commonwealth.
“She was a much-loved figure both here in North Somerset and across the world. We were fortunate to be visited by her on two occasions.
"Firstly, in her silver jubilee year in 1977 and then again in 2007, and we recognise the special and valuable relationship she had with so many charities and organisations in our area.
“Above all our thoughts are with her family who, as well as losing their Queen, have lost a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.”
As a mark of respect all flags on council buildings, and at council parks and open spaces, will be lowered to fly at half-mast with immediate effect.
And the council will open Books of Condolence at the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare and at Castlewood, Clevedon on Friday, September 9.
People will be able to visit those offices to record their tributes in the books between 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday.
In addition to these, town and parish councils in our area are also providing their own Books of Condolences and have designated areas where people can lay floral tributes if they wish.
Nailsea Town Council has already cancelled its meeting on Wednesday, September 14.
Chairman Mike Bird said on its Facebook page: "Nailsea Town Council joins with the nation and the Commonwealth to mourn the great loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll.
"The Queen was an extraordinary monarch who dedicated her life to serve her people.
"The council, staff and I offer our deepest condolences to the King and the Royal Family. God save the King."
A book of condolence has been opened at The Tithe Barn.
The book will be available Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-1pm.
Floral tributes may be laid in front of the Tithe Barn during the period of mourning.
Backwell Parish Council chairman Sarah Ould, Chairman expressed the deep sadness of Backwell Parish Council and the residents of Backwell at the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its Facebook page.
A Backwell book of condolence will be available for people to sign at the Parish Hall from Saturday morning, September 10.
The Union flag on the Parish Hall will fly at half-mast during the period of mourning, except for on Proclamation Day.
And the planning committee scheduled for Thursday, September 15, has been cancelled.
There is also an electronic Book of Condolence available via the Royal Family website.
Social media is swamped with tributes mingled with heartfelt sorrow led by North Somerset MP Liam Fox.
But the messages of sympathy for the Royal family stretch across the political and social divide, from world leaders to London taxi drivers, celebrities and charities, and locally from our police, pubs, businesses and individuals.
Tributes from Nailsea School, Backwell School, Grove Sports & Social Club, Nailsea Bowls Club, S&R Burchills, Nailsea MicroPub, Nailsea & Backwell RFC and Cadbury House are among those we have seen.
We know that some sporting fixtures have been cancelled along with the proms but Nailsea International Bike Show at the Ring O'Bells this weekend will go ahead.
A Ringers statement on Facebook said: "As it is a charity event, it has been decided that the bike show will go ahead on Saturday and Sunday.
"We will be toasting HM the Queen on both days, to celebrate her life and her incredible achievements for our country.
"An amazing £10,413 was raised last year for Children’s Hospice South West so let’s try and better that this year."
Nailsea People has updated its What's On page accordingly.
Commercial property man Ian Thompson bought this artwork by Nailsea man Andy James which was a competition winner back in 2012 hosted by The Blue Room.
Ian said: "I was one of the judges and liked it so much I bought it.
"It's not a Banksy it is a 'Queenie' and I felt it poignant at this sad time to give it a wider airing.
"It always makes me smile, and maybe others might like it too."
This was Olympics year and the other last image is that of Paddington Bear and HM the Queen.
In the town centre Waitrose has posted a poignant picture and at Holy Trinity the Union flag is at half-mast.
Bernard Petteford
January 1931- August 2022
Well-known Nailsea man Bernard Petteford passed away on Thursday, August 25, aged 91.
Bernard was born in Bedminster on January 28, 1931.
He moved with his parents Bill and Edith to Nailsea in 1946 and made many local friends including Wurzel founder Adge Cutler.
In 1954 Bernard joined the Royal Marines and was often posted to far away countries.
He was serving in the military during the 1956 Suez Crisis.
His parents bought him out of the RM when his father became sick and he was needed at home to run their coal business.
Based at Flax Bourton railway station Bernard had to employ a driver prior to him getting a driving licence.
Shovelling coals into huge hessian sacks and lifting onto delivery lorries were all part of the back-breaking job in those days.
British Railways closed the siding at Flax Bourton in 1965 and Bernard managed to purchase an acre of land from farmer Jack Brake and ran his coal business from Station Close until 1998.
Nailsea Patio Centre now trades on the site still called ’the old coal yard’.
It was in the 1990s Bernard became the biggest independent coal merchant in the southwest with a fleet of lorries and an office on Nailsea High Street.
Ruth and Bernard met at the John Wayne School of Dancing in Whiteladies Road, Bristol.
Romance blossomed and they married on August 28, 1964.
hey would have been married 58 years this year.
Son Mike said: "Sadly dad passed away just before their 58th anniversary,
“It was mum Ruth who bought dad his first hot air balloon flight back in 1978 and he then bought a balloon of his own to advertise the business.”
The balloon with its bold red and yellow flames and black and yellow signage became synonymous with Petteford Fuels.
Once he got his pilot’s licence Bernard bought a second bigger balloon and journeyed to fiestas all over the world including India, Israel, Chile, Zimbabwe and most of Europe.
Mike added: “My parents also ran a balloon rides business of their own.
“West Country Balloons operated from the office at 96 High Street alongside the coal business.
“Dad sold the coal business and stopped ballooning when he retired, initially to Cornwall for a few years but missing Nailsea and family they returned in 2007 and have lived here ever since.”
Everyone who know Bernard is welcome at the funeral at 11.30am on Friday, September 16, at All Saints church, Wraxall and afterwards at the Ring O’Bells.
Flowers are welcome and memorial donations can be made for Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary via funeral directors Arthur E Davey & Sons, at Silver Street.
Bernard is survived by his loving wife Ruth, children Mike, Tim and Heather plus seven grandchildren.
'Freddie' Pharoah 1927-2022
It was in the 1960s that Alfred 'Freddie' Pharoah brought his family to Nailsea - my mother, Maureen; my brothers Geoff and Clint; my sister Della.
Originally from Southampton, work brought Dad to the south west, and we moved houses quite a few times until buying a new house right on the edge of what was still just about a village.
It was in a spanking new cut-de-sac called Fosse Way (quite why the planners named a semi-circular street after the straightest road in England remains a puzzle).
Here the Pharoah family put down roots and here we grew and flourished. Nailsea was a strange old place in those days, with one foot in the post-industrial, still-rural village it had once been and one in the the busy, popular New Town it was to become.
Adge Cutler still played at the Royal Oak; the precinct was being built (with its strange rusty gift of a fountain from a Spanish town!); the Blue Flame was called The New Inn; Stan The Barber shaved our heads; Mervyn Kitchen bowled leg spin to us star-struck boys in the car park of The Friendship Inn.
Eventually Dad started his own business - a Cash & Carry in Bridgwater - and was doing well enough to buy another brand new house (Dad didn’t go in for old houses much), this time one of the Scandinavian ones on the other side of Nailsea, on Rickford Road. This is the house we were teenagers in and from where we left for University and work and travel...but we always came back.
Perhaps this was the happiest of all our homes, certainly it was Mum’s favourite. When she died in her 50s we were all devastated, none more than Dad.
The Rickford Road house was now big and empty and full of ghosts so Dad found himself buying another place on the other side of Station Road, in Fowey Close.
I still call this Dad’s 'new house' but the truth is he was there for over quarter of a century, proudly independent, until he spent the last months of his life in Sycamore Lodge, his little room having a view out over the rooftops to the parish Church of St Quiricus and St Julietta in Tickenham.
There is an uplifting coda to that last house in Fowey Close as we had the opportunity to house a Ukrainian family and it is now filled with children and laughter and family.
Nailsea was where Freddie spent the richest years of his life, where he raised a family and loved a wife. Home, that’s the word. He was a very fine man and he will be much missed by his family and friends.
Ashley Pharoah
Alfred 'Freddie' Pharoah died on on July 2, aged 95. The funeral service is at Christ Church, Nailsea BS48 1RT at 12.30pm on Tuesday, August 2. For further details contact AE Davey & Sons, Silver Street, on 01275 852307
Retirement pub party for Terry and Sharon
A couple who has been running a Nailsea pub steeped in local history are going to retire to the seaside later this summer.
Terry and Sharon Beardshaw who have been in charge at the Grade II listed Moorend Spout for the past 17 years will be moving back to Weston-super-Mare where they first met.
Terry and Sharon will be pulling their last pint on Sunday lunchtime, July 3, and afterwards throwing a party for family, friends and patrons.
The couple said: “Our last day of trading will be on Sunday, July 3, with our Sunday menu available from noon- 2.30pm. “
“We will continue to trade as normal until this time with the pub, takeaways and deliveries.
“We want to express our thanks to everyone in Nailsea for making us so welcome and cannot believe we have been at the Moorend for 17 years.
“Your support over this time has meant so much to us and we will really miss everyone.
“We will be hosting a garden party - inside if weather is not with us - on our last Sunday from 3pm for all our team and customers - past and present, family and friends, we really hope to see you all for a farewell afternoon/evening.
“We will be putting on a complimentary buffet and are hoping to have a DJ too.
“The pub will then be closed for a few weeks while it is having a refurb and we would like to take this opportunity to wish the new owners all the very best.
“Lastly a huge thank you to all our team past and present it has been a blast and we will miss you all.”
Sharon and Terry Beardshaw first met 30 years ago while both working for B&Q in Weston.
In 2000 they took on their first business, a small village pub in Blagdon.
After a few years they decided to take on a larger challenge and immediately saw the potential the Moorend Spout had to offer.
Set in a fantastic community and with a lovely beer garden, Sharon and Terry set to work turning it into a family pub.
Self-taught head-chef Terry set to work creating delicious meals such as the infamous Mighty Moorend and chicken supreme while Sharon has been front-of-house and business manager.
It has certainly been a family-affair as their daughter Arienne and Sharon’s two sons Dan and Adam have also worked at the pub.
Their three children are enormously proud of them and their incredible achievements.
Arienne said: “Throughout the terrible lockdown times Terry and Sharon worked tirelessly to provide takeaway meals and home deliveries for the community.
“They will be moving to Weston-super-Mare by the end of the year and although sad to leave Nailsea, they are looking forward to the next chapter which will include lots of gardening and walks in the countryside with their two dogs, Freddie and Oscar.”
Punch Pubs is currently advertising for someone to ‘take the reins of the oldest running pub in Nailsea, offering high-quality food and drink at affordable prices...with closure for a refurbishment planned’.
The Butchers Arms, c.1735 according to Nailsea & District Local History Society, became The Moorend Spout in the 21st century being re-named after a nearby waterfall at the nature reserve of that name.
On arrival in Nailsea one of our first pints we enjoyed at The Butchers Arms was when Babs and Stan Amos where the publicans back in 1978 and our daughter now 40-something held her 21st in the upstairs room.
More recently we had a lovely family meal in an outside 'pod' as lockdown rules began to be relaxed.
Becky Charrison was among many who posted farewell messages on the pub Facebook page.
Becky said: "Congratulations Terry and Sharon but it's going to be so weird not seeing you both.
"Thanks for everything you've done for our Kingshill Gardens Christmas lunches over the years and the residents monthly lunches plus on a personal level thank you for the absolutely delicious bacon, mushroom and stilton ciabattas.
"Best of luck and love for the future and see you on the third if not before."
Nailsea People wish Terry and Sharon a very happy retirement and writing this reminded them of the first pub retirement article they wrote for the Clevedon Mercury.
This was for Tom and Kathleen Webb at The Blue Flame back in 1988.
Two similarities stuck us - the same introduction and both pubs had a change of name!
As there has been lots of conversations on social media about The Blue Flame we reproduce the original article here which like Terry and Sharon's retirement we hope you enjoy reading...
UPDATE: It was a lovely sunny date for the retirement garden party and Terry and Sharon say thank you to all who came along - see photo below.
Remembering Neil Palmer
The death has been announced of well-known Nailsea man and rugby club stalwart Neil Palmer.
An experienced consultant in the wholesale industry he ran his own catering and packaging company in the West Country for many years.
Neil and his wife Lynne began married life at The Maples where they led a successful campaign to sue the builders when faulty electric ceiling heating was discovered in the early 1980s.
The family with sons Richard and Andrew then moved to Leighwood Drive.
Neil's parents Bert and Paddy ran The White Lion in Silver Street.
A founder chairman of Nailsea Round Table he also belonged to Clevedon Yeo Rotary Club. and was active in fundraising for various charities and good causes.
But he is best known locally as an active supporter, volunteer and committee member for the rugby club.
Nailsea & Backwell RFC said in a statement: "The club is very grateful for the considerable contribution Neil has provided over the years. He will be sadly missed by us all. We would like to offer our heart-felt sympathies to Neil’s family and friends, most notably Neil’s son and our current chair of playing, Richard Palmer and his family."
Neil’s funeral service is on Monday, May 23, at 12.30pm at Weston Crematorium.
The wake is at Nailsea & Backwell RFC following the serivce.
No flowers by family request but donations in lieu to The Sepsis Trust https://sepsistrust.org/.
Covid cases soar on NDR
National Day of Reflection was on Wednesday, March 23, when North Somerset Council revealed plans to plant 500 trees in memory of the residents who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Latest data shows 461 North Somerset residents have died from Covid-19.
To mark the second anniversary of the start of the first lockdown, North Somerset Council has announced that native trees will be planted this autumn in locations across the area to create spaces for reflection.
North Somerset Council executive member for health Mike Bell is the Lib Dem leader and ward councillor for Weston central.
He said: “The pandemic has affected all of us in different ways.
"Being able to take time to reflect on the changes we’ve been through over the last couple of years is important for our own mental health.
“By planting these memorial trees across the area, we hope to give people local places to visit where they can pause and contemplate their experiences.
"The trees will also provide a physical space for people to remember the loved ones that we’ve lost for many years to come.
“Due to the tree planting season, the work will be carried out this autumn with more information being released about the precise locations over the summer.”
The Covid-19 memorial trees will all be native varieties and will include birch, oak, hornbeam, field maple, rowan, hazel, dogwood and crab apple.
Details of the Covid-19 memorial tree planting locations will be published on the council’s website when available www.n-somerset.gov.uk/trees.
The National Day of Reflection is run by charity Marie Curie. Detail of ways to get involved are on its website www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection.
Latest Covid-19 data is available on North Somerset Council’s website here www.n-somerset.gov.uk/localoutbreakmanagementplan.
There were 3,241 cases of Covid reported in North Somerset last week.
Of the local authorities in England with the highest rates of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people North Somerset at 1,430 is the worse.
Between March 17-23 this year there have been five deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test in our area.
This shows an increase of 150 per cent compared to the previous seven days.
Former police officer Nick Matthews, died on Friday, March 14, 2020.
Nick, aged 59, had underlying health conditions and died in the Bristol Royal Infirmary.
He was the first person in the Nailsea area to die with Covid and is much mourned.
POSTHUMOUS AWARD: A Nailsea hero of the Covid-19 pandemic has had a train named after them in recognition of their hard work. The Great Western Railway (GWR) train has been named after Nailsea man Iain Bugler. He was named as one of the BBC local radio Make A Difference Superstars, a campaign to honour people who went above and beyond during lockdown. Mr Bugler's award was posthumous as he died with cancer in 2020. He helped to deliver more than 2,500 meals in the early days of lockdown as part of the Nailsea Community Group and was nominated by group founder James Steel, a Nailsea town councillor. Iain had just completed chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment when coronavirus restrictions were introduced in March 2020. He required further treatment that summer and sadly developed pneumonia, passing away on 1st July, aged 51. His widow Kate attended the naming ceremony accompanied by their children James, Edward and Grace, plus other family and friends. PHOTOS: GWR
In an interview with the Bristol Post Michael revealed his past history in the hairdressing business.
He said he was born in Bristol and moved to Nailsea when he was seven years-old going to village primary schools and then Backwell Secondary Modern.
After working at a market garden in Tickenham as a teenager, Michael started his hairdressing career aged 16 as an apprentice with Aldo Orme at his High Street salon.
After five years of honing his coiffuring skills, he then went to work with Alan Hooper at Simon and Michelle in Backwell before moving back to Nailsea to work at Carlos Hairdressing.
He then moved to work with Attilio Michael Hair Design at the current salon, a 200 year-old former miners’ cottage, in the High Street.
It is believed the cottage was once lived in by a seamstress as lots of bobbins were found when the floors were taken up during work.
Michael took over the salon when Attlilio retired to the New Forest 10 years ago and Michael’s Hair Design was born.
Over the years Michael, who turns 70 this year, has built up an enviable client list, many who he says have become friends.
“I have seen Nailsea change and grow a lot over the years,” said Michael.
And there has been some spooky goings on at the salon, which is rumoured to have a resident ghost.
Michael said: “There were some strange things going on like items being moved around the salon and items going missing which people couldn’t explain.
“So a medium was brought in who said she could see a little boy who was very sad.
“I never saw him myself but often in the top room of the building there was a chill in there.”
Michael was also a trailblazer in introducing blow drys to the salon.
“When I started out as a hairdresser, people didn’t have blow drys,” he said.
“They were put in rollers and popped under the driers and many of them ending up falling asleep or gossiping to the person sat next to them.
“When I worked with Attilio I went out and bought a hairdryer and started doing blow drys.
“Attilio said it would never catch on.”
Michael plans to spend his retirement enjoying a number of activities including gardening, walking and golf with wife Sandra.
Michael says he will be sad to be leaving the salon after working their for 38 years.
“I am sad to go but it’s time to do other things,” said Michael.
“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but it had to happen at some point.”
One door opens as another closes
On Saturday, February 26, the doors of Michael's Hair Design closed.
Just a few days early at No85 High Street 20-year-old Charlie Cowan opened his new barbershop and friends and readers of Nailsea People called in to wish him well in his new venture.
You can read all about Charlie HERE in our VIP features section.
But as one High Street door opens as another one closes.
Hair stylist Carey Berchall takes up the story.
She said: "It was so lovely to get all the staff from over the years back together again to shut the door for the final time, unfortunately some were unable to make it but we did raise a glass on your behalf.
"We were not just an amazing team we were like a family a happy place to have worked for so many years also with such amazing clients who were not just clients but friends who we thank for your loyal custom.
"We wish the boss man Michael all the best with his retirement and look forward to seeing the progress with the salon being turned back into a residential cottage.
"For us girls we will be starting our new adventures of all of us doing mobile hairdressing and salon based so I look forward seeing some of your lovely faces down at Hair @ Houlahans in Backwell from next week.
"Good luck to my bestie Nicki who also starts next week at Cutting Edge, Lizzie who is going mobile but taking a few weeks out first, Tina who is also mobile and salon based at Finishing Touch and Sharon enjoy your retirement and look forward to hearing about your adventures, love you all."
Good news and bad news shared
Nailsea Barbers shared on its Facebook page: "Some good and bad news.
"We’d like to wish Michael Pearce from Mike’s hair salon, our neighbour from across the road for the past 18 years, good friend and Nailsea legend second only to John Brown, a very happy and well deserved retirement.
"Can’t believe he looks about 14.
"Good luck and best wishes to all the girls too with their new adventures.
"Gonna miss you all.
"The bad news: We’d like to pass on our condolences to Pino’s family from Backwell Barbers who sadly left us this week.
"yPino was a master barber, a good friend and barber colleague, and an absolute character.
"Can’t believe you’ve gone Pino.
"RIP mate, you’ll never be forgotten."
And Will Hellier said: "Extremely sad to hear the heartbreaking news yesterday that the huge character, cheeky chappie and all round good bloke 'Pino' has passed away
"Barber, entertainer, allotment Kkeeper, friend, son, brother and proud uncle.
"Taken too soon my old mate
"Who am I going to get the cheesiest jokes in the world from now? Camembert (if you know, you know).
"RIP Giuseppe 'Joe' 'Pino' Pellegrinno."
Pino's funeral service is midday on Thursday, March 24 at the Church of St Andrew, Backwell.
A church service of thanksgiving
The family of a man who died in a collision on the Clevedon to Tickenham road last month have issued a tribute.
Emergency services were called to the collision on Tickenham Road, which involved three vehicles, at 4.35pm on Tuesday, November 30.
The story of the accident is on Nailsea People December front page.
Paul Fowler, aged 78, of Nailsea sadly died at the scene.
His family said: "Paul was a husband to Irene for 52 years, brother to Tony, Jan and Jus, father of Matt and grandfather to four children.
"He was a man that exemplified and defined kindness.
“A peacemaker whose compassion touched all he met, and whose legacy lives on through the many people he encouraged, influenced and supported.
"Paul and Irene moved to Nailsea from Burley-in-Wharfedale in May 2021 to be nearer to us.
“We are terribly sorry we've lost him too early, and the plans we had made will no longer come to pass.
"He will be greatly missed by all those that were fortunate enough to have known him."
They are being supported by specially-trained officers and our thoughts are with them in their loss, said a police spokesman.
A thanksgiving service for Mr Fowler will be at midday on Friday, January 21, at Holy Trinity Church, Nailsea.
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Police investigations into the collision continue. Anyone who witnessed what happened, or who may have dashcam footage which could help the investigation is asked to call 101 and give the reference 5221281893.
We going to the Tithe Barn, we going to get married!
Pop along to a wedding fair on Sunday afternoon, February 26, to see Nailsea Tithe Barn for yourselves.
From noon-4pm come along and imagine how the ancient stone barn could look on your special day.
Nailsea Town Council wedding planner Natalie Stadon has put together the event.
The Tithe Barn has capacity for up to 150 people and couples have exclusive hire of the Barn from noon on a Friday until noon on a Sunday.
There are no ties to suppliers so couples have full creative freedom to design their wedding how they wish.
Nailsea Tithe Barn is believed to date back to 1480 and is a Grade II* listed building.
Learn more here https://nailseatithebarn.co.uk/weddings-1.
Photos @gem_hicks_photography
Cakes @rowan_tree_bakery
Flowers @thefloralpotager
Tribute to Trevor film
Tying knot at Tithe Barn
Tyntesfield Medical Group patient participation group has organised: a Good Grief, End of Life Matters event at the Scotch Horn Centre, Nailsea, for Tuesday, May 2, 2-4pm.
There will be an expert panel of speakers, all involved in some way with dealing with end of life issues including:
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academic researcher into bereavement from Bristol University;
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representative the from Sirona community care team;
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representatives from St Peters Hospice;
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funeral arranger;
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expert in estate planning and probate from a local law firm; and
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Wellspring counsellor.
There will also be information stands from those taking part and other organisations with time to look around.
A PPG spokesperson said: "While we recognise that this is a difficult subject for people to talk about, death is an inevitability for us all; so the focus of this event is to support people to think about and to realise their end of life wishes and to also support loved ones in both helping that to happen and to manage the grief process.
"Our experts will be giving their perspective, talking about the services they offer and providing an Any Questions forum to finish."
This event is part of the wider week long Good Grief Weston initiative at the beginning of May which is a celebration of love and loss.
Download further information about the Weston and North Somerset programme is HERE with highlights are HERE.
Giving both practical and comforting advice
Nailsea’s new garden of rest has been put on hold due to a company takeover bid.
The boss of Direct Line is hoping to privately own with current CEO Nailsea’s garden of remembrance and Weston crematorium.
In February this year Dignity Funerals Limited were given permission, due to expire in three years, to extend the garden of rest at Stockway North.
This is currently managed by the crematorium and memorial group, part of Dignity Plc, under its public/private contract with North Somerset Council.
The next-door garden of rest has reached capacity
Dignity corporate communications manager Stuart Cox said: “The consortium aiming to takeover Dignity Plc is led by its former CEO, Gary Channon and Sir Peter Wood, the founder of Direct Line, with the intention that the business will soon be delisted from the Stock Exchange.
“The move into private ownership should see us better placed to fulfil our ambitious strategy to be the leading end-of-life business providing the best value and highest standards for the bereaved.
“The takeover is close to conclusion, however, analysts employed by the consortium are currently scrutinising any large capital projects that were in the pipeline, including the development of Nailsea Garden of Remembrance.
“An announcement about the project will be made once this has been concluded.”
It was announced that pots in the extension would be sold in perpetuity instead of the current approach leasing plots for 20 or 30 years at time of death and then asking surviving family members to pay a further substantial fee.
The cost of a plot currently starts from £1,499.
The churchyards at Christ Church and Holy Trinity are full and extensive searches by Nailsea Town Council to find an alternative burial place have proved fruitless.
Direct Line boss in bid to buy private plot to heaven
NO RESTING PLACE: Our previous story in July 2021 - the next-door land has been cleared of shrubs
Much loved academic and lover of nature Terry Smith who was born on September 6, 1935, died on the May 21, 2023.
Terry was born 6th September 1935 in Rugby, Warwickshire.
He obtained a doctorate from Birmingham University, before working at Wye Agricultural College in Kent for a few years.
He moved to the West Country where he worked for Bristol University for 24 years as a biochemist at Long Ashton Research Station.
During this time, he did further academic studies, and in 1989, was awarded a DSc in Enzymology from Bristol University,
Terry published about 100 scientific papers, mainly on polyamines, and co-authored a book, Plant Mineral Nutrition.
Terry was executive editor of the journal Phytochemistry published by Pergamon Press.
When the research station closed, Terry worked at Barrow Psychiatric Hospital in clinical audit and information technology for 12 years.
Terry had a lifelong passion for wildlife and the natural environment, and after he lost his wife in 1992 to cancer he put his energies into nature conservation in Nailsea.
In 1996, Terry established Stockway North Nature Reserve in an abandoned quarry in the centre of Nailsea, and set up a volunteer group to care for it.
He took part in negotiations to obtain a licence from North Somerset Council to manage the site as a Nature Reserve.
This site continues to provide a peaceful and wildlife rich haven for visitors, where generations of children have enjoyed pond dipping and learning about wildlife.
When land at Moorend Spout on the Nailsea and Tickenham Levels became available to purchase in 2008, he applied for grant funding to buy the six acre site and in 2009 set up a group of trustees called Nailsea Environment and Wildlife Trust to manage the site as a nature reserve. www.newtnailsea.org.uk
A bench has been installed on the site to pay tribute to Terry’s memory and contribution.
Terry had a special interest in trees and in bat monitoring.
He served on Nailsea Town Council, was a North Somerset Tree Warden, and was on the steering group of the North Somerset Wildlife Wardens.
He was a life member of the Avon Wildlife Trust, and supported headquarters staff with computer and IT problems.
He also helped to run the Nailsea Local Group of AWT. Terry was an enthusiastic and valued volunteer for the Woodland Trust and set up Friends of Towerhouse Wood to promote and protect the ancient woodland.
Celebrating the life of
Terry Smith 1935-2023
Terry was tireless in his efforts to protect sites of wildlife interest around the town.
Terry was an active member of many groups in Nailsea, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and inquiring mind.
He was involved with Nailsea Environment and Archaeology Team, Nailsea and District Local History Society and wrote articles for the publications Pennant and History and Heritage Matters.
Terry wrote several papers on local topics including The History of Nailsea and The Hydrology of Nailsea both of which are available on the NEWT website under the history section.
Independently, Terry wrote and published two full colour booklets: The Natural History of Nailsea and Trees in and around Nailsea which are available to borrow from the library.
He set up his own website www.nailseanature.org.uk to record his activities and interests.
Terry was a well-known figure in Nailsea, and was respected for his wide-ranging knowledge and enthusiasm for the town and it’s natural history.
He was determined to remain living independently for as long as possible, but ill-health eventually forced him to move to West Wickham to live with his son and family.
Terry was a familiar figure to many as he enjoyed socializing in the Waitrose café with his many friends and acquaintances
Terry passed away on Sunday, May 21.
He leaves a son and daughter-in -law and two grandchildren of whom he was very proud.
Terry has left a huge legacy in Nailsea and will be remembered as a both as an academic and a practical champion for wildlife and conservation .
Terry's son, Christopher, said: "Terry's funeral and cremation will be at 3pm on Friday, July 7, at Bluebell Cemetery and Crematorium, Halstead, Kent."
Nailsea people are not expected tp make this long journey but it is hoped to hold an event in Nailsea sometime during the summer holidays.
It wasTerry's wish was to have his ashes placed with his wife's at Christ Church, Nailsea, so if this is possible, there will be an interment ceremony there.
Born at Ashton Gate and for many years a Nailsea man and international football legend Christ Garland has died.
This obituary is written by Christian Butler. pf the Lost Football Grounds and Terraces of the United Kingdom group.
'Garland was a key figure as Bristol City reached the League Cup semi-finals in 1970/71.
He signed professional from apprentice in May 1966 and partnered John Galley in attack prior to joining Chelsea for a record £100,000 in September 1971.
The well-built fair-haired Chris Garland cut a striking figure, and as a striker he figured often.
He had three spells with City, during which time he appeared in all four divisions of the League.
Garland was first signed as an apprentice in May 1966 and Alan Dicks introduced him to the first team.
Garland stuck up an understanding with John Galley and was soon attracting the attention of First Division scouts.
In 1970, he was capped for the England Under-23 side, coming on a substitute early in the game against Bulgaria. In September 1971, Garland moved to Chelsea for a fee of £100,000 and in the same month Chelsea paid £170,000 for Steve Kember, suggesting Garland would be destined for good service and a few medals.
Six months later he was playing at Wembley in the League Cup Final which Chelsea lost 2-1 to Stoke. In 1975, Garland moved to Leicester City and regained his scoring touch - eight goals in ten games. Leicester stayed up. Chelsea went down.
In December 1976, the prodigal son returned to Bristol. City were in the First Division and they needed a striker of First Division class.
A fee of £110,000 was paid to Leicester.
Again he helped keep a team in the First Division.
Five goals in his last seven games of the season made it an inspired signing.
Rest in Peace Chris Garland
They included the winner against Leeds and two against Liverpool.
A knee injury restricted his appearances the next season, but he stayed with the club during the financial crises of the early 1980s, until his contract was cancelled as he became one of the ‘Ashton Gate Eight’ in February 1982.
However, Garland spent a third spell with City, on a match-by-match basis, helping them in the difficult Fourth Division days of 1982-3.
He scored 42 goals in 207 League games before spells at Yeovil Town and Minehead.
Garland sadly passed away on Thursday, July 13th 2023 aged 74.'
A fuller picture of his life and times is recorded here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Garland.
Goodbye to our 'Jo'
It will be conducted by Nailsea funeral celebrant Alistair Henderson
Joanna Hopkinson
April 15, 1959-August 18, 2023
Former Golden Valley Primary School deputy headteacher Joanna 'Jo' Hopkinson died in hospital this summer after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Lincolnshire, she attended Wall Hall Teacher Training College in Watford which is now part of the University of Hertfordshire prior to beginning a successful career in education.
Happy memories of her directing a multitude of young people in the Christmas performances or on sports day linger. Her smile, her kindly glances.
It was only after we got to know her well that the full extent of her talents, which included art and craft, were unveiled – the lights in wine bottle and glass bathroom fish! Nearly forgot our calligraphy class, I was rubbish, she was marvellous.
On a personal level it was Jo the wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, best friends to many, mentor to even more who gave learned counsel long before she took up formal roles as a town councillor, chair of Nailsea School governors and founder of Your Cancer Cafe at 65 High Street.
Talking about the high street, husband Geof and I remember trying to walk more than a few yards in the town centre with Jo? Mission impossible. You had to stop every other step while Jo exchanged pleasantries with past pupils or new/old friends, everyone knew her, and she knew everyone.
Despite or maybe because of it she filled her precious time with community projects - the first to volunteer, the first to get things done. The red telephone box glasswork photographers was one of her final achievements.
From our shared social evenings, days at the beer fest and the wonderful post wedding party at The Barn, a mix of memories and sadness, she is no longer here. We all loved her to bits…and all in the dinner party gang all loved her too and send their heartfelt condolences.
She lived long enough to welcome a second grandson and enjoy six brief but action filled years of retirement but not long enough to enjoy a planned holiday in the Isle of Wight and to join the dinner party gang at White Truffle in September.
We send heartfelt sympathies to her husband of 13 years Geof, son Sam and his wife Katherine and all that this sad news will affect.
Carol Ann Deacon
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Terry Smith's son Christopher said there is to be a Memorial Service for Terry at 2pm on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Christ Church, Nailsea. All who knew him are welcome to attend
Howard Stephen Coggins
August 2, 1971 - November 1, 2023
Actor and co-founder of theatre company Living Spit, Howard Coggins, has died at the age of 52 after a short illness.
Actor, husband, father, brother and brother-In-Law, co-founder of Living Spit and co-writer, producer and performer of 18 Living Spit shows, has died after a short illness.
Mr Coggins was well-known in the area for playing comedy characters alongside acting partner and co-writer Stu Mcloughlin.
He could also be seen on television, including featuring in an advert for the National Lottery.
Mr Mcloughlin said Mr Coggins 'generously shared so much with me'.
Mr Mcloughlin said: "Howard's life has positively affected the lives of thousands of others. Through his work he has brought immeasurable amounts of laughter, warmth and joy.
Their first performance after forming Living Spit in 2012 was The Six Wives of Henry VIII.
Mr Coggins was said to look a bit like the Tudor king, but it meant Mr Mcloughlin had to play all six wives.
Other well-known characters Mr Coggins played included Winston Churchill, Victor Frankenstein and Albert Einstein.
In tribute to him posted on the Living Spit website, Mr Mcloughlin explained Mr Coggins, who was born in Backwell, had time for everyone.
He said: "Walking down the street with him in Clevedon, even just for a short distance, would take an age.
"He would stop for, or be stopped by, almost every person he would pass, and a five to 10 minute catch-up would ensue
Living Spit founder dies
."He knew everyone and would always make the time to talk to them.
"Aside from Living Spit, he had roles in plays all over the country and his television credits include Jam and Jerusalem, The Bill, Black Books and Law and Order.
Mr Mcloughlin added: "He poured his heart into everything he did onstage.
"Watching him work, it was difficult not to feel your pain soothed, to feel your cares and worries melt away."
He said Living Spit will continue in honour of Mr Coggins.
Howard leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Kirstyn, and daughter, Betty, aged15.
A full obituary is on the Living Spit website here https://www.livingspit.co.uk/
