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page sponsored by Arthur E Davey & Sons
Arthur E Davey & Sons Ltd
82 Silver Street
Nailsea BS48 2DS
Telephone: 01275 852307
Website: www.aedavey.co.uk
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.
DRIVER DAN: Thanks to James Parsons (no relation) for finding this interesting headstone at All Saint's Church, Wraxall, of local born man who passed his driving test aged 92 and lived until he was 105
In the office entrance to Arthur E Davey & Sons Ltd, 82 Silver Street, Nailsea, stands this memorial Christmas tree with name tags remembering loved ones who have passed this year.
Donations for 2021 are going to Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.
This is a British charity that helps all serving and ex-Service men and women who have lost limbs, or lost the use of limbs or eyes, to rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support.
It operates throughout the United Kingdom and is a registered charity.
The QR Code for Christmas Tree memorial 2021 donations is below.
AE Davey & Sons is the foremost choice for people in Nailsea and the surrounding areas, from Bristol to Clevedon and Portishead to Yatton, seeking a highly professional level of compassionate support and service from a funeral director.
Find out more about AE Davey and Sons Funeral Directors, feel free to browse its website here https://aedavey.co.uk/ or go to the contact page to get in touch.
There is also a section about the memorial Christmas tree.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE: All involved with Nailsea and Backwell RFC community based at the West End ground are invited to join veterans and serving members from our armed and uniformed services in an Act of Remembrance at West End Lane BS48 4BY. Gathering from 10.45am on Sunday, November 14, they will be joining the National Service of Remembrance, and with all similar acts across the UK and beyond, in observing the two minutes silence at 11am. Spokesman Will Hellier said: "We would be honoured if any veterans or serving personnel attending were to be present on the club balcony. Please wear any respective medals, headwear or acccoutrements as per your own wishes and/or dress Regulations."
Nailsea poppies for remembering
Nailsea In Bloom, the voluntary gardeners responsible for the beautiful flower beds and planters throughout the town, is setting up a Poppy Appeal to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.
It is asking residents to sponsor a large poppy to be placed in one of four beds which Nailsea in Bloom look after.
Pictured are the beds from previous years.
Residents sponsoring a poppy will be able to have up to four names written on each wooden stalk and there is a minimum £5 donation per poppy.
The forms can be left in boxes – attached - at the Tithe Barn with donation in envelope.
Forms are also available at 65 High Street or you can download HERE and print out.
The poppies will be placed in beds from Monday, October 25, until after Remembrance Day, which is Thursday, November 11.
Remembrance Sunday is on November 14 in 2021 and is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those that have lost their lives because of conflict or terrorism.
Closer to home we remember in our poppies those dear to us be it family or friends who are no longer with us.
This year the volunteer gardeners planted 1,930 colourful begonias, petunias, geraniums, osteospermum, nemsia and coleus.
It is still looking for individuals and businesses to sponsor the big flower tubs from as little as £37 - watch this space...
Any questions email Wendy Mobbs on Wendy.mobbs@outlook.com.
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We are told that on Thursday, November 11, at 11am RBL veterans will be assembling in Somerset Square for Remembrance Day. Here is anupdate about the arrangements at Holy Trinity on Sunday, November 14 at 10.30am. This is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those that have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism. We will be starting our remembrance outside by the war memorial, where there will be laying of wreaths and the roll call, then we will go into church for our Remembrance Sunday service. However, there is limited seating so you will need to book if you would like to come in person and you can do that HERE. We will also be live streaming on YouTube and you can watch that from 10.30am HERE. Please note you will need to wear masks in church and we will be ventilating the building, so please dress appropriately.
Hope and help group
A peer support group called STAR is starting in Nailsea.
It wants to ’provides free support for people grieving from a bereavement or difficult transition in their life’.
The aim of the support group is to create a safe space for people to receive support, listen to and share stories and experiences with others who have experienced loss in their life.
The group is facilitated by peer supporters; volunteers who have themselves been through a loss.
Groups are held 65 High Street on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 4-6pm, and the second and fourth Saturday of every month, 10am-noon.
For more information or to find out how to join the group, please phone, text or email:
Pam Lambert on 0797 790 5604 or pamlambert187@gmail.com
Gill Atkinson on 0772 2 9 8550 or gilly493@hotmail.com.
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LIGHT MY WAY: A Candles Of Remembrance service is at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street, on Sunday afternoon, October 31, at 4pm. This quiet time of worship invites people who have been bereaved to reflect on the person who has died; to give thanks and to light a candle in their memory
Cyril Sutor
December 1940-October 2021
When Nailsea People shared the news that one of Nailsea’s biggest characters had died on Facebook we didn't expect it to reach more than 5,000 people and attract 66 messages of condolence.
The last time we spoke at length to Cyril Sutor, then aged 80, was in December 2020.
He was taking part in a vox pop about Covid-19 for the Bristol Post.
He told reporter Heather Pickstock: “We should go down to tier one now the numbers of cases are so low.
“Tier three hasn’t affected me much as I stay in a lot of the time.
“But these restrictions aren’t helping businesses and there are already a number of shops which have closed down.
“To have such a high tier level is crazy.”
It was more usual to see Cyril at the bus stop, on the bus or at the Royal Oak when he would always exchange in lively conversation.
He died on Friday, October 8, and our condolences go to his family, football fraternity and many friends.
UPDATE: Jean Gillman has told us that Cyril tragically fell over a wall and broke his back. His funeral is at 3.45pm on Friday, November 12, at Bristol cemetery on A38. This is the South Bristol Cemetery & Crematorium on Bridgwater Road, Bedminster Down, Bristol BS13 7AS. No flowers but donations in memory to St Peter's Hospice who were wonderful carers for his wife Marie in her final days Mourners are requested to wear red - Bristol City FC colours - or black..
Here we reprint some of the messages from the Nailsea People Facebook page chosen at random.
Sarfaraz Khan said:"So sad was really lovely man, God bless him."
Publican Craig Mamo said: "RIP Cyril, such a character! The Royal Oak will miss you."
Sharon Ladwa said: "So sorry to hear this.
"Cyril was a wonderful character and always stopped for a chat .
"I first met Cyril and his late wife Marie many many years ago as customers where I work.
"Both were lovely people that we enjoyed having in the shop.
"Now reunited."
Stu-Bert Groves said: "Best wishes to all his family and friends.
"Was always such a lovely jovial bloke, enjoyed many a good laugh with him when he would pop into the Co op while I was working there."
Kate Francomb said: "So sad to read this he was such a lovely friendly man."
Cherry Grimsted said: "Rest in Peace Cyril, I remember him from when we both lived in Long Ashton, he was a lovely man."
Lauren Higgins said: "RIP Cyril. You will be missed by so many! Probably one of the most well known people in Nailsea."
J
ulie Louise Harwood said: "RIP/ Cyril Sutor rejoined with beloved wife Marie. A true gent. Condolences to the family."
Helen Sainsbury said: "Rest in peace Cyril, we used to work together at Farleigh Hospital . Such a lovely friendly man."
Charlie Amos said: "RIP Cyril lovely man ! Thoughts are with your family at this sad time."
Amanda Daphs Ward said: "So sad Cyril has gone I remember being very drunk after a night in the friendship and waiting for a bus to Hannah More Road and him insisting on waiting with me until I was safely on the bus and him telling a very bemused bus driver to make sure I got off.""
Richard Hendricks said: "RIP Cyril one of life’s great characters and a great bloke to boot! Absolutely gutted loads of love from the Hendricks family.
Pamela Burt said: "What a local character Cyril was.
"Rest in peace Cyril, I’ll always remember you commentating on my husband and his friend’s snooker games at the Grove Sports Centre years ago."
Laura Woodey said: "Oh no, I used to see him at the top of my road in Shaftesbury. RIP Cyril have a drink with John up there."
Russell Filby said: "Certainly one of Nailsea’s characters!
"A work colleague of my father’s from his time at Farleigh Hospital and always took time to ask after dad in the years since when ever we met, sad to read of his passing.
"Nice one Cyril , you’ll be missed by many."
Michael John Kelly said: "Farewell, my friend.
"Always close at hand with help or advice, when I managed Backwell, and we later shared many a half-time cigarette at the memorial ground.
"Loved you buddy."
Justine Desmond said: "RIP Cyril.
"You were part of our little family for a while going to miss you loads.
"Such a lovely man.
"We all will,fly high Cyril, we love you."
Michaela Fowler said: "Rest in peace Cyril , I will miss you and are chats at Wetherspoons and picking you up at the bus stop!
"There will be a pint in a mug waiting for you up there!"
Shaun Fitzpatrick said: "Always good for a yarn and a pint.
"Many a bus trip chatting about football as he went off to meet relatives and me to visit dad in hospital.
"His voice will live long in my memory!"
Yvette Trevelyan-Regan said: "RIP Cyril. Great man always grateful for a lift. Thoughts with his family."
Ian Parkinson
June 19, 1944-April 20, 2021
MYCON youth leader, Ian Parkinson, passed away in April this year.
At the time the family could not give him the funeral they would have liked and have now arranged a service of celebration for Ian’s life.
This is at Nailsea Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 13, at 11am.
Ian was youth leader/manager of MYCON from 1982-1998.
Whilst there he worked hard to improve the image of the club and its reputation in the community of Nailsea and beyond.
One of his main achievements was to start a gymnastics group for pre-school aged children which proved so successful that it quickly grew and over the years provided classes for children of all ages.
The group is still going today under the name of Gemini Gymnastics and is just as popular, if not more so.
Ian was born in Manchester and grew up in Chadderton [Oldham] where he attended school and worked for British Railways based at their Newton Heath depot for many years before the introduction of diesel engines.
In 1966 he went to theological college in Derbyshire, where he met his future wife Jeanne a year later.
The couple were married in September 1968 and moved to Carlisle for Ian to take up a position with the Methodist church.
In 1970 they moved to Glasgow for Ian to attend Jordanhill College studying Youth and Community work.
After he graduated in 1972 they moved to Airdrie, near Glasgow and Ian took up the position as manager of the newly built Airdrie YMCA/YWCA.
This was a very challenging position as the area around the ‘Y’ was well known for its’ gangs – there were five – but he relished working with them and the gangs disbanded.
In 1997 they moved down to a village near Salisbury to work in his father-in-law’s haulage business, where he remained for five years.
The couple had two sons.
Gordon was born in Airdrie and now lives in Glasgow with his wife and four young children.
Sinclair was born in Salisbury and is now working in Spain.
In 1982 they moved to Nailsea for Ian to become youth leader at MYCON.
IN MEMORIAM: Donations in Ian’s memory for the RSPCA, Brent Knoll, via Nailsea Baptist Church, 79 Silver Street, Nailsea, BS48 2DS
It's okay, ask for help
People across North Somerset are being encouraged to complete free suicide prevention training to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on Friday, September 10.
Earlier this year North Somerset Council joined the Zero Suicide Alliance, a collaboration of National Health Service trusts, charities, businesses and individuals who are all committed to suicide prevention.
The Zero Suicide Alliance offers free online training, which only takes around 20 minutes to complete and can be done at any time on a phone, tablet or computer.
The training aims to help people have conversations with friends and family about suicide and supports them to help others who may be having suicidal thoughts, directing them to sources of support.
North Somerset Council along with partners across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire region are calling for 10,000 people to complete this free suicide prevention training.
North Somerset Council deputy leader and executive member with responsibility for health Mike Bell is the Lib Dem ward councillor for Weston Centre.
He said: “We need to break the stigma attached to talking about suicide so we can have open and honest conversation with our loved ones.
“Suicide is a tragedy. It’s also preventable. And we can all do something to potentially help save a life.
"This free training from the Zero Suicide Alliance will help you identify when someone’s presenting with suicidal thoughts or behaviour, be able to speak to them in a supportive way and signpost them to the correct services or support.
“The training is free and only takes about 20 minutes to do.
"That’s 20 minutes which could help you save someone’s life in the future. I’d really encourage everyone to do it.”
To do the training go to www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training.
For more information about free mental health training courses in North Somerset go to http://ns-pmhtraining.eventbrite.com/
Goodbye to Tobes
They lined the roads and filled the car park talking among themselves about the best and worst of times as they remembered teenager Toby Riley.
Then; a hush fell over all the people waiting as the hearse slowly inched its way up the long narrow drive to the Grove Sports Centre & Social Club in Nailsea.
You could hear a pin drop.
Then; the ripple of clapping in the distance got louder as the silver limousine approached the front of the building.
A floral red wreath and another floral blue wreath in the shape of a No18 football shirt were visible in the back of the vehicle, either side of the coffin.
With the hatch open mourners were invited to come and say a final farewell to Toby, a much-loved family member, friend or both.
Then; after several minutes the cortege made its way back towards Whiteoak Way and into the town centre.
Seeing tearful young men and women was a moving experience, many as requested by the family wearing their sport kits and sobbing openly.
Nailsea United first team were yet again called upon to form a guard of honour and they stood straight and silent to remember a fallen player as the hearse passed.
This sadly is a duty they have had to perform many, many times in past years.
Out on the road a lorry respectively pulled in and the bus stopped to let the cortege pass.
This afternoon, Tuesday, August 31, we said goodbye.
This evening from 5pm a wake, with shared memories and the comfort of company, everyone will meet again at The Ringers.
Toby, aged 18 died on July 4, 2021.
The sports mad youngster who was a keen skate park supporter, player, coach had in his short life been a member of Nailsea Junior Football Club, Nailsea United FC, Priority Football and the Senshinryu Karate Association.
A Go Funding page launched by friend Kieran Gray has raised £19,029.
Mum Suzy Riley said: “As we celebrate Toby’s life today I would like to thank each and every one of you for your generosity.
“You have donated so much money to honour Toby and he would be blown away.
“The money left after the funeral costs will b