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Gallery 2018

send your photos to nailseapeople@gmail.com

Backwell on camera

This is the programme for Backwell Camera Club into the new year:

is well into its autumn programme and here is details of its next meetings:

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  • Thursday, November 29 Thornbury Camera Club presents its best images; DONE

  • Thursday, December 6 and its Working With Wildlife a presentation by Tesni Ward. A self-taught professional photographer, Tesni will share her experiences of the world of wildlife photography, the challenges that can be faced and how to overcome them; DONE

  • Thursday, December 13 it Is the Christmas Show And Tell - an opportunity for club members to show small selections of work that they have produced during the year followed by festive drinks and nibbles;

  • Thursday, January 3 an internal knock-out print competition for The Darwen Trophy. It is a fun knockout in which members' prints are pitched each other and the audience votes for the winner;

  • Thursday, January 10 has Wildlife And Streetlife presentation by Clive Dodd. A club photographer who will share some of the wildlife, landscape, travel, and street photographs that he has taken over the past couple of years;

  • Thursday, January 17 a presetation by John Chamberlin FRPS Near |And Far, a selection of recent images from the UK and around the world;

  • Thursday, January 24 Reconsidering The Banal - an approach to photographing the overlooked and poetry of the everyday; and

  • Thursday, January 31 Subverting The Everyday Through Photography a presentation by Tony Worobiec FRPS. He positively encourages to positively view all weather conditions as an opportunity to taking exciting landscape photographs.

The camera club has small exhibitions of its work displayed in the waiting rooms of Tyntesfield Medical Group at its Backwell and Brockway Nailsea surgeries, the New Chestnuts Dental Surgery at Long Ashton and the committee room of Backwell Parish Hall.

All are welcome at meetings at the WI Hall, Backwell at 7.30pm.

New members can learn about club activities with a display of prints, projected images and descriptions of its events and activities of the travel, photo-shoot and practical groups. 

Member Mike West said: "Visitors are very welcome to our meetings." 

Further details of the work of BCC click HERE.

The photo top was taken by Mike on a photoshoot at Clevedon swimathon.

Many members photographs feature on the archived Nailsea Community Christmas Fair 2017 page and on the this and other gallery pages on Nailsea People.

Nailsea Town Council

the good and the great say 'au revoir' to clerk Ian Morrell at retirement party

December 2018

Ian Morrell took several minutes to say thank you to the great and good of Nailsea who attended his retirement party on Friday, December 7.

Chairman Daivd Packham had said earlier: "Ian has been an exceptional town clerk and this has been endorsed by councillors.

"During the 13 years that Ian has been in post he has worked with a number of chairmen and councillors to deliver major projects that have benefited the town.

"These include the restoration of the Tithe Barn, the replacement of the skate park in Millennium Park, the preservation of the Nailsea’s glassworks and most recently the introduction of No. 65 in the High Street.

"This latter project will in particular be Ian’s legacy to the town and it reflects his desire to improve the quality of the lives of the residents of Nailsea.

"Ian has also supported many organisations within the town and fought in their corner when faced with the many difficulties that bureaucracy can generate!
"Ian has also undertaken sterling work behind the scenes within the offices of the town council and is responsible for Nailsea Town Council being awarded Quality Status.

"This award, along with updated procedures, puts us in a strong position and prepared for the future.
"Personally I have enjoyed working with Ian in my period as chairman. He has brought professionalism, with humour, into his role as clerk.

"No matter how challenging the task has been he has always acted in the town council’s best interests."

Ian credited his success as clerk to 'teamwork' and thanked everyone who supported him.

He now intends to work on an ad hoc basis helping at 65 High Street.

Nailsea Christmas tree lights

the story of the switch-on and festive street fair two slideshows more than 100 photos from Nailsea People (top) and Grete Howard (below)

November 2018

Tithe Barn craft fair

November 2018

Children in Need Tapathon

November 2018

ON TAP: The UK's annual tap dancing event Tapathon 2018 is on Sunday, November 18, and 48 super troupers from Nailsea took part. The event at 2nd Nailsea Scout HQ was one of hundreds nationwide in aid of Children in Need. It acted as a great opportunity to tap alongside fellow tap dancing enthusiasts, of all ages and fitness levels in an attempt to smash a current world record and help raise funds for charity. As well as taking part and raising money The Jazz On Tap dance company was attempting to break the Guinness World Record. Jazz on Tap is part of the Nailsea School of Music and Performing Arts and runs classes in Nailsea and Portishead with the emphasis on fun and fitness. The CiN Tapathon choreographed routine is set to the Aston Merrygold - Get Stupid song. Dance teacher Michelle Bedford said: “Our aim for 2018 is for all our dancers whose ages range from seven years to nearly 80 to get their dancing shoes on for Pudsey Bear and help break the largest tap dancing group world record. This currently stands at more than 7,500 participants.” Each participant purchased an official T-shirt which is their donation to CiN from the proceeds and will receive a certificate after the event. Unfortunately the attempt fell short by just 102 dancers - Jazz On Tap will be trying again in 2019...

Children in Need around the town

November 2018

Remembrance at Nailsea

November 2018

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ROLL CALL: The annual parade of Remembrance had even more poignancy this year as it was commemorating 100 years since the end of World War 1. Uniformed officers and cadets joined representatives from the Scouts, Guides, Nailsea Town Council, Nailsea and Backwell Lions and Rotary and just four veterans of conflict to march from Church Lane to Holy Trinity church. Backwell School student Thomas Brown stood to attention at the war memorial despite having to rest on crutches after suffering a rugby injury days earlier. For a full preview of what was happening in our area go to the special Remembrance page on Nailsea People by clicking HERE. The slideshow below is of what has been happening in the wider community including our schools and churches

Fundraising Friday at Nailsea

November 9, 2018

It was a horried evening weatherwise with driving rain and a high wind.

A test by the firework company at Golden Valley Primary School sent a rocket heading for Newport and this sealed the fate of the FoGS fundraiser was cancelled.

However, two other brilliant events did go ahead successfully.

The Nailsea School PTA fundraising quiz game played like musical bingo was a sell-out and made a whooping £760 profit..

Thanks go to Andrew Read for compering the evening and Karen Smith for the photos.

Among the winners were Cristina Napier, Elizabeth Jones and Sarah Pope.

Sam Flower won the best dancer!

The next event Pour My Bluff is on Friday, March 8, next year.

It was a full house too at Grove Sports & Social Club for the annual quiz for Nailsea Disability Initiative.

NDI is a registered charity run entirely by a group of friendly and hard-working volunteers.

It has with an office and drop-in centre at Crown Glass Shopping Centre which acts as an information point.

Chairman Sean Kelly thanked everyone for coming and those who had sponsored some marvellous raffle prizes.

A team called Just Friends won the brains of Nailsea accolade with 43 points after answering questions as diverse as ecology, Queen Victoria and Africa.

Another section which taxed everyone’s grey cells was naming counties on a Great Britain map.

Quizmaster John Hunter gave out the awards which also included a consolation prize for Young & Old who came bottom with 33 points.

Both first and last place went to tie-breaks.

Nailsea poet George Dobson, of Whitesfield Road, entertained in the break with snippets from his latest book Yet More Observational Odes, a mix of Alan Bennet and Pam Ayres humour.

He said: “While its content is considerably varied, it does tend to reflect that I am now significantly older and need to feature, hopefully in a light-hearted way, some of the issues which now need to be addressed although the final piece is a children’s poem, created in response to a challenge issued to me by an 11 year old.”

Mr Dobson has donated the profits of nearly £20,000 from his publications to good causes and is currently helping Nailsea Festival of Music fund its eisteddfod which is on Saturday, November 17, at Nailsea School.

The festival enables musicians, choirs and writers to show off their skills and helps young performers to develop their confidence, but it costs £6,000 each year to stage.

To order Yet More Observational Odes at £7.50 online click HERE or to avoid postage costs call in at 41 Whitesfield Road and collect a copy.

Click on images to see slideshow.

Nailsea & Backwell Rugby Club Bonfire night

November 2018
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Nailsea & Backwell Rugby Club Pink Ladies Day

October 2018
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Thank you to all the Pink Ladies who contributed photographs to this gallery taken at the sell-out annual fundraising charity event on Saturday, October 20.

2018 celebrates The Year Of The Woman marking 100 years since women gained the vote.

The theme was the Land Girls from the 1940s with its iconic artwork and battlecry 'we can do it'.

The dress code also incorporated the colour pink.

The fun started a noon and ended with late night disco at Nailsea & Backwell rugby clubhouse at West End.

There was a prize for the best homemade bra and each guest was welcomed with a drink, gift and buffet food.

One of the guests of honour was retired Golden Valley Primary School deputy head Joanna Hopkinson.

N&BRFC chairman Richard Billows said: "Great day at Pink Ladies - well done both teams.

"A Nailsea bonus point win for the 2nds and hopefully a shed load of dosh made for Cancer Research.

"No balloon lauch this year due to environmenal concerns."

Nailsea market day

October 2018
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Nailsea monthly farmers’ market on Saturday, October 20, 9am-1pm, at Crown Glass Shopping Centre.
Fresh produce, craft and community stalls. 
Everything needed to fill your larder and fridge as well as the opportunity to buy early Christmas gifts for all the family was on sale.
Shopping list: bacon, bread, cakes, cheese, cider, eggs, fish, fruit juices, ham, meat, nuts, pâté, pies, sausages, vegetables. 
Present list: bean bags, glassware, handbags, jewellery, beauty care produces, plants, pictures, pots and more.

Next date Saturday, November 17.

For full details of other markets go to the food & drink page by clicking HERE.

Apple Day at Ring O'Bells

October 2018

Environmental group Transition Town Nailsea hosted Apple Day at the Ring O'Bells on Saturday, October 13.

TTN organiser Carole Pritchard said: "This isour eighth annual Apple Day and it is at the St Mary's Grove pub and not the usual venue of the Tithe Barn this year."

Everyone bought along their surplus apples for pressing by the Nailsea Cider chaps and their press.

Entertainment during the afternoon included The Mendip Morris Men dancers and folk group Twice Dailies.

Entry was free and homemade apple cakes, juice, tea and coffee were on sale as well as drinks at the pub bar.

The apples were ‘scratted’ or chopped and then pressed to make litres of delicious juice which can be drunk as it is or turned into wine or cider.

TTN, in common with many other towns and villages in Britain is reviving long lost traditions associated with apple growing and the apple harvest.

The group hopes that more and more people will want to use and celebrate local fruit, and is keen to make links back to Nailsea’s history as a major cider-producing town.

This is all part of the Transition ideals for communities to grow and use more local food, as part of a long- term strategy to reduce air miles and the use of fossil fuel in the production of our food.

For anyone interested in finding out more about the Transition movement go to the website by clicking HERE or email transitionnailsea@gmail.com.

Nailsea’s history is steeped in coal, glassmaking and cider-making.

The famous Coate’s Cider was made in Nailsea, and before this nearly all the local farms made cider because they could pay their staff a proportion of their wages with the stuff.

Nailsea Cider is a small scale production company with an orchard near West End.

They also use apples from trees in gardens around Nailsea especially from windfalls, to find out more go to its website by clicking HERE.

Smoke gets in your eyes

October 2018
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Trainspotters were out in force when The Flying Scotsman made a whistlestop tour of the West Country on Monday, October 8.

People at Nailsea & Backwell railway station lined the platform and bridge to get a good view of the iconic steam train.

Ralph Mann told social media fans: "It was worth the wait - I've still got soot in my hair."

Many thanks to Jenny Baker, Steve Tilley and Jo Thyer for the photographs.

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Nailsea International Bike Show

September 2018

BIKE SHOW: The ninth Nailsea International Bike Show revved up on Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16. The amazing photographs in the slideshow are taken by globetrotter Greta Howard who is a member of Backwell Camera Club. Back on home territory the two day event at the Royal Oak pub at High Street attracts bikers from near and far and raises thousands of pounds for Children's Hospice South West. It was a wonderful weekend with motorcycles of all types both vintage and just off the production line along with many trade stands, great live music and other fun family activities. Admission is free and it is run by volunteers for CHSW. As well as the motorbikes it features trade stands, great live music and many other fun activities for the whole family. Organiser John Colley said: "This event has a great atmosphere and every year gets bigger and better. Last year’s show raised more than £4,000 for the CHSW and we hope to do even better this year." During the event school boy Peter Colley had a sponsored haircut. Peter said: "I am nine years old and live in North Somerset. I have been growing my hair for more than two years now and I have decided to get it cut to make a wig for someone who needs one, and to raise money for the Children's Hospice South West. This is a very good local cause that my family have supported for several years through various events, and by cutting my hair in a certain way we can send it off to the Little Princess Trust to be made into a wig to help someone who has lost their hair through illness. I hope you can help me raise as much as we can to help support the hospice." Peter raised £1,138.71. His JustGiving page is still open so to add to this amount click HERE. Peter's haircut photos are in the gallery see below.

Fire and police station open day

September 2018

The fire brigade were first to arrive at the scene of the road traffic collision followed soon afterwards by the ambulance service and the police.

Looking on at the staged 'RTC' was North Somerset MP Liam Fox.

As the medics practised their skills the former GP and hospital doctor turned politician said: "Just think I used to do this for a living."

And Dr Fox recalled as he watch the crews taking part at Nailsea fire and police station open day on Sunday, September 9, a particularly challenging incident when he was on duty involving an articulated lorry on the outskirts of High Wycombe where he used to live.

Hundreds turned up for the free family weekend event organised by Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) at its Pound Lane base.

Police dogs and horses were booked for a midday appearance, the football cage was the place for officers and youngsters to show off their skills while cadets took the fingerprints of anyone who would let them.

Free bike marking was also on offer and the special constabulary was on hand to talk about volunteering.
A demonstration of a rescue from a tall building along with showcasing the High Volume Pump was part of the itinerary. 
Officers were on hand to show off some of the fire engines and rescue equipment, along with answering any questions concerning fire safety. 
Avon and Somerset Police Nailsea acting sergeant Phil Rudden said: “Engaging with the community is a really important role for our local police teams, we aim to speak to residents at every opportunity.”
AF&RS watch manager Tony Smith said: “This is a great way for the community to discover more about their local fire station and learn about some of the work that we undertake. 
"On-call firefighters provide a lifesaving service to the community and cam work flexibly around other work and family commitments.
"It’s a great role and we would love to share that.“

Also there on the day with games information and demonstrations was South Western Ambulance Service, the Community Resilience Team and RNLI with its rescue boat.

Additional photos John Colley, Hayley Gough and Annabel Tall - many thanks.

Tour of Britain

September 2018
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Nailsea Race Night

August 2018

Nailsea has been in mourning ever since the untimely death of mum Claire Tavener.

But her friends have turned their grief into something positive for her two small boys and set up a fund to help the youngsters in the future.

The 27-year-old mum who worked at the Old Farmhouse died from multiple stab wounds at her Brendon Gardens home on January 8 this year.

Her husband Andrew Tavener, aged 45, a tree surgeon, pleaded guilty to murder and received a life sentence.

The loyal friendship group organised a Virtual Race Night as their final event and sponsored by eight local businesses held the function on Saturday, August 18, at Nailsea Masonic Hall.

The event raised a marvellous £2,500 and big thanks go to sponsors:

Dubbed The Dreamcatchers the friends are Laura Hunt, Beki Dugdale, Laura Tyler, Emma Fletcher, Tracy Perry, Kerry Simpkins, Cath Ridge, Lucy Webb, Clare Mansfield and Louise Abbey,

A Go Fund Me page set up with the original goal of raising £1,000 for Claire’s small sons exceeded that amount in hours and now stands at nearly £20,000.

To contribute click HERE.

Nailsea summer flower show

August 2018

SUMMER SHOW: Full report and results on the Flower Peeps page by clicking HERE

Balloons over Nailsea

July 2018

UP AND DOWN: Pilots on a practise run used the skies over Nailsea at the weekend for reconnaissance missions ready for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta which runs from Thursday to Sunday, August 9-12. This is Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, attracting more than 130 hot air balloons from across the globe taking off from Ashton Court Estate. The free festival boasts great trade stands, fairground rides and entertainment in the park. Meanwhile back in Nailsea the balloonists shouted 'good morning' to a person hanging out washing before skimming the top of Holy Trinity church and landing on a field off Engine Lane. Thank you to Chris Perry, Pat Pratt and Lynette Wanjau for the photos.

Ring O'Bells summerset festival

Bands and barbecue Saturday, open mic Sunday
July 2018

Nailsea & Backwell

Beer + Cider Festival

With gin and Prosecco tents too!
July 2018
Bits and bobs from the final day...
From the album of Michael Steadman, MD of Skylark Aerial Services Ltd
Saturday, July 14
Getting ready for three days of fun in the sun...

​BEER AND BANDS: Nailsea and Backwell Rugby Football Club annual beer and cider festival 2018 at its West End ground was the best of times in the balmy summer heat when sunblock factor 50 was needed by all. North Somerset MP Liam Fox and his wife Jesme put in their statutory appearance on Saturday afternoon and by Sunday 4pm the beers were beginning to run out (helped no doubt by Trendlewood new curate Michelle Taylor who took a turn serving behind the bar). The pizza stall also sold out and shut up shop but it was late afternoon. The event on Friday to Sunday, July 13-15 included Prosecco and a new gin tent and a marvellous kids zone. Popular Nailsea rockers Corvus had everyone dancing late on Saturday evening and the finale had the festival goers doing a Reggae-style conga, whooping and clapping as they snaked they way around the field. The rugby players sported outlandish shirts and sparkly or scary painted faces for the duration which raises thousands of pounds for charity. Rumour was the premier event was going to take a break this year but with extension plans in the pipeline the need to raise more funds and support its charity overcame doubts. Thanks go to those businesses which sponsored a barrel and those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this a premier event for the town. The 'bar' in the 200ft marquee served more than 160 different brews for 2018! The festival which began in 2004 has raised more than £100,000 for charity and this year monies raised will benefit Children's Hospice South West.

World Cup

From Russia with love
July 2018

GOOD SHOW: Maybe deliberate but photographer Julie Redman wondered if ‘good listening skills' were needed at a local pub sporting the banner 'watch the World Cup hear'. When we asked on the Nailsea People Facebook page the pundits had a field day. Hayley Gould was in the High Street bar to capture the nail-biting moments on Wednesday, July 11, with family and friends watching at the Grove Sports & Social Club and the Royal Oak. Until the Croatia clash betting outlets said England had a 59 per cent chance of making the World Cup final. 

Nailsea School

Prom night
July 2018

POSH PUPILS: On a balmy July Friday evening many Nailsea School students donned shades for the annual prom. This followed a fancy-dressed leavers brunch in the morning. Year 11 students dressed in their finery for the social at Cadbury House which was a chance for some to say goodbye to classmates and hello to the next chapter in the lives. Very many however will be back for further studies in what used to be called sixth form. Throughout the year students had earned house points so that they were able to get prom tickets. They had all worked incredibly hard throughout the exam period and the prom was an ideal time to dress-up, relax and have a fantastic evening with their friends. Results day is A-levels Thursday, August 16, and GCSE Thursday, August 23

Nailsea Carnival 2018

Organised by 1st Nailsea Scouts
July 2018

Procession at High Street - next stop Millennium Park

Procession starts along Stockway North for circular route

Procession getting ready at Clevedon Road car park

Costume wise it was one of the most colourful and best ever carnival which consisted of walkers and no floats this year. 1st Nailsea Scouts said a big thank you to everyone who took part. There were an amazing 17 (mostly group) entries in the procession and they all looked fantastic. And the winners were:

  • Junior Schools & Youth Organisations – St Francis RC Primary School with Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory;

  • Mixed Age - Tillie’s School of Performing Arts with Wizard of Oz;

  • Group (over 18 yrs) – WI with 100 Years of Votes for Women; and

  • Preschool – St Francis Preschool with Medieval.

The best overall went to St Francis RC Primary School.

Nailsea Carnival 2018

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Nailsea Carnival is on Saturday, July 7 is THE top town event for all the family.

There will be a fun fair, inflatables, side-shows, live music military vehicles, stationary engines and motorbike displays,

Revving up will be Nailsea Bikers and the Freewheelers blood bikes and on the field there will be an assault course challenge.

More than 10 groups have signed up for the big parade and others are urged to get their booking forms back including those for charity and commercial stalls.

The Nailsea Carnival & Fayre is organised by the Friends of First Nailsea Scout Group (FOFN ) on behalf of Nailsea Town Council.

This year as usual the parade will begin from the Clevedon Road car park at 1pm and finishing at Millennium Park Scotch Horn, for the afternoon fair.

Entertainment includes music and dance, children’s rides and the massive car boot sale with spaces for 150 vehicles.

Lined up to play are the Twice Dailies, Barley Rye Choir, Nailsea Musicals and Robin Schaefer.

Last year the weather was wonderful with many people coming along and joining in the fun.

If you would like to enter the carnival parade with a float or a walking entry then please click HERE to go to scout website.

Souts are going door-to-door selling programmes at £1

Nailsea Carnival organised by Friends of 1st Nailsea Scout Group ( FOFN ). It is the scouts major fundraising event. To see past photos go to
Gallery 2017

From Nailsea towards Tickenham

 

Ben Daniels took this  photograph which with its moorland reflection and Tickenham church in the background really does remind us we are living on the edge of the Somerset Levels

June 2018

Nailsea + Backwell Rotary Club

Annual sponsored charity walks (and runs) from Millennium Park

June 2018

Nailsea Skatepark Festival

Millennium Park

June 2018

Presentation photos by Gary Loveridge

Sun shone at skate festival

 

The 16th annual skate festival on Saturday afternoon, June 9, at Millennium Park, Nailsea, was a magnificent success.

The slightly earlier date was chosen in the hope of getting good weather after a few rainy days caused postponement and disappointment in previous years.

The organisers say everyone was thrilled with not only the weather but the turnout and the community spirit throughout the afternoon.

The skill standard at the redeveloped skate park was amazing. 
With DJ Tom Hayes banging out the tunes followed by some great dancing during the half-time break from TLF, it proved to be one of the best ever competitions.

First aiders from Bristol Ambulance were stood as happily it was an incident free afternoon.

As with any competition there has to be winners but everyone performed at the very highest standard, said contest director Phil Williams who praised the god sent weather and welcomed new rector of Holy Trinity church James Packman to witness the communty occasion.

Nailsea Town Council clerk Ian Morrell who retires in December presented the trophies and was in turn was thanked for his 13-year commitment to the major rebuilding project.

Phil said: "After last year's disappointment with the weather the team were so pleased that we have such a fantastic time this year and it turned into a great showcase for our community.

"Our huge thanks go to those already involved particularly those from Holy Trinity and Trendlewood churches, Nailsea Town Council, Christians Together in Nailsea, community police and all the individual volunteers giving up their time."

Next year's festival will be on Saturday, June 15, 2019.

Nailsea Skatepark Project is holding a skate/scooter school from Monday to Friday, August 20-24 during the 2018 school summer holidays.

And the winners are:             
                        
Skate 16+

1  Sonny Kitchen, of Nailsea

2 Joe Davis, of Nailsea

3 Gus McMillan, of Portishead

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Skate 12-15

1 Rob Waghorn, of Nailsea

2 Freddie Roe, of Nailsea

3 Ben Gripton, of Backwell

Skate 11 and under

1 Archie Davis, of Nailsea

2 Jimi Wall, of Cornwall

 

Scooter 12 and under

1 Bodi Archer, of Nailsea

2 Jack Clark, of Nailsea3 Reggie Searle, of Nailsea

Scooter 13 and over

1 Colston Rafferty, of Nailsea
2 Josh Singleton, of Nailsea

3 Max Loveridge, of Nailsea

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BMX  15 and over        
1 Luke Jarvis, of Weston-super-Mare
2 James Phillips, of Nailsea

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Roller Blader

Larry Oates, of Nailsea

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Youngest competitor

Ryan Horsfield, aged three, of Nailsea

Big bank holiday weekend

Nailsea & Tickenham FC stage Frythtival on Saturday and Nailsea United FC host its annual fundraising Heroes' Day at Grove ground on Sunday

May 2018

The fun family weekend with the football clubs kicked-off at Nailsea & Tickenham FC ground at Fryth Way on Saturday.

That is after the Fryth Way club had pacified the neighbours and the local farmer had moved his sheep because of concerns about volume control.

But it was more than 'alright on the night' - and afternoon - with a fabulous musical line-up, it was fantastic. 

Among the stars performing on the temporary stage were honky tonk Mark Feven - Mr Piano Man, local rock band Corvus and West End stars The Other Guys.

And not forgetting the Amplify Show Choir who put on an energetic set.

The action began at midday and ended late evening with no complaints - certainly not from the appreciative audience who sang and danced along until the very end.

On Sunday Nailsea United hosted its annual Heroes' Day.

Spencer Lee said; "As many of you will know, over the past couple of seasons our club has experienced some devastating personal losses.

"The extremely sad deaths of James Colman, John Hobbs and Derek Hucker, all hit the club incredibly hard and it is perhaps true to say, we will never really come to terms with what has happened.

"We will once again be collectively celebrating the lives and memories of all of them and dedicate this day to their memory where while also raising funds both for our club and selected relevant charities."

They put on special commemorative matches, with the four teams competing for a trophy under each of our heroes names:

  • Team James;

  • Team Derek;

  • Team John; and

  • Former club chairman Dave Williams – Team Dave.

Spencer said: "We’ve assembled an exciting mix of current and past NUFC players as well as close friends to our heroes.

"During the matches, we’ll be running our own licensed bar and serving delicious hot barbecue food with thanks to ‘Barry’s Burgers’. 

"We’ll then be rounding the day off with our very own live band, made up of members from the club!"

And afterwards he added: "Thank you to everyone who supported, played and starred in organising our heroes day.

"Safe to say it went down an absolute dream.

"Without you all we wouldn’t be the fantastic club we are.

"We will always remember together those no longer with us.

"A superb effort of raising £570 for our charity CRY...".

Since its formation in 1995, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD).

CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD.

Nailsea School leavers

May 2018

HAWAIIAN GOODBYE WAVE: Despite the wet weather the last day of sixth form for Year 13 students at Nailsea School was worth celebrating. After a humorous award ceremony and leavers' speech given by head of sixth form Jon Reddiford students headed into the gardens to take on the Wipeout challenge and enjoy the bouncy castle followed by a barbecue.The students chose a tropical holiday theme for their fancy dress while staff opted for the great British seaside as their topic. Mr Reddiford said "The year group have been a fantastic cohort, and all of the staff at Nailsea School know that they will be successful in whatever they aim to achieve - we all wish them well in the future"

Backwell Lake by Caroline Walker

May, 2018

2nd Nailsea Scouts May Fair

bank holiday Monday, May 7, 2018

It has been a glorious May bank holiday in Nailsea.

The sun shone and God was in his heaven minus a few hiccups.

The fair arrived early at the Millennium Park making the girls football team transfer their match to Greenfield Crescent.

Then there was lots of controversy about the charging/fencing because people argued they shouldn't be charged to enter a public open space.

Mostly, the young people were just pleased to have something to do.

The field did suffer some deep track marks from heavy goods vehicles but hopefully it will bounce back quickly.

The age range of the people going to the fair(s) on Monday was amazing from baby Maisie just a few weeks old to the young-at-heart scooting about on their mobitlity scooters.

The other 'model' babies were used by St John Ambulance cadets to demonstrate first aid techniques.

The group now meet in Backwell since their HQ off Brockway has been put on the market.

One of the best moments was the youth shelter being commandered by people of all ages for the afternoon!

On the field there was the biggest car boot sale I have ever seen plus static engine, military vehicles displays and archery.

I declined posing on the motorbikes but everyone was having fun pretending to be Midnight Riders - the big event for Nailsea bikers is in September.

Musical entertainment came from The Twice Dailies, Barley Rye Choir, Nailsea Musicals and Robin Schaefer.  

Sadly I didn't find the barbecued burgers and hot dogs stall and oh I could have done with a Pimms bar too but overall it was great.

The May Fair is organised by 2nd Nailsea Scouts and as well as being the first major community event in the year is the top fundraising effort for the scout group. 

The occasion also provided fundraising opportunities for other local charities who take part like Help Bristol's Homeless charity shop at the Link Road, Nailsea.

They put up a 'des res' shipping container to show supporters how money raised at the Link Road shop goes towards giving people without a home of their own in these refurbished storage units currently parked in Bedminster. 

Along with the emergency services, Cat Protection League and other worthwhile charities also lined the space next to Scotch Horn leisure centre and it was a great afternoon.

2nd Nailsea Scouts Group leader Richard Simmons said: "Plenty of people took on the challenge of the assault course and there was the chance to win some great days out thanks to donations of prizes for which we are very grateful

"Early figures indicate that we have raised somewhere in the region of £4,500 for the group which wil be used to help maintain the Hannah More Road HQ and replace some worn out equipment.

"The event also provided fundraising opportunities for other local charities who took part and also had a very successful day.

"We would like to thank everyone who helped set up and those who turned up on the day; North Somerset Council, Scotch Horn Leisure Centre and NailseaTown Council for their support and James Rogers Fun Park without whose generosity we could not run the May Fair."

 

Carol Deacon

Claire's Little Family fundraiser 2

football match Saturday, May 5, 2018

Football fans Marcus Ridge and Ross Calderwood organised the fundraising match for the small sons of murdered Nailsea mum Claire Taverner on Saturday, May 6.

The benefit match saw the Nailsea Vets take on the Long Ashton Codgers with a score of 2-2 at the final whistle.

Despite the 2-2 final score, the Nailsea Vets reigned victorious after winning on penalties.
The family charity afternoon at the ground of Nailsea United at the Grove sports field for Claire’s Little Family was supported by former Bristol City players Scott Murray, pictured, and Jamie Mcallister and many local businesses.

Bakers Butchers of Nailsea provided all food for the barbecue, Warburtons donated the bread rolls while Thatchers cider donated cider and the Sawyers pub in Nailsea donated food.

The day raised £2,500 which will go towards the fund to support Claire’s young sons who acted as mascots on the day.

Afterwards in friendly Twitter banter Marcus said: "Top man Scott Murray, thanks to you and Jamie Mac for playing yesterday.

"You need to practice on your crosses, throughout the summer though."
As well as the action out on the pitch there was a barbecue and bar, face painting, bouncy castle, grand raffle and cake sale.
Claire, aged 27, was stabbed to death by her husband Andrew, of Brendon Gardens.
He is currently serving a life sentence after pleading guilty to murder at Bristol Crown Court trial last month.
Friends have raised more than £33,000 to support her young boys Rory and Blake.
Claire’s parents Sarah and Steve Willmott are now bringing up her two boys and her friends are doing as much as they can to support them.
The friendship group called The Dreamcatchers started by setting up a fundraising page and organised two sell-out events, children’s disco at Hannah More Infant School and live music memorial evening at Grove Sports & Social Centre.
The Dreamcatchers comprises of Laura Hunt, Beki Dugdale, Laura Tyler, Emma Fletcher, Tracy Perry, Kerry Simpkins, Cath Ridge, Lucy Webb, Clare Mansfield, Beth Williams, Michelle Wiley and Louise Abbey.
Sarah, Steve and her brother Sam said: “We would just like to say a huge thank you to Claire’s wonderful friends and the whole community for the support, love and generosity they have shown for Claire and her little boys. We can’t thank you all enough.”
Future events include a virtual horse race night at the Nailsea Masonic Hall on Saturday, August 18.
To donate to the GoFundMe appeal click HERE.

Claire's Little Family fundraiser 1

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Nailsea spring flower show

slide show, report and results on Flower Peeps page April 2018

Nailsea is chillin'

end of February beginning of March 2018

SNOW PATROL: On Friday, March 2, all schools are closed, no buses running and limited trains from Nailsea & Backwell railway station. Meals on tractor wheels shopping or any other urgent journeys is being offered by lovely Lorraine Spiller via her Facebook page and parents and children are gingerly making their way to the slope at The Perrings for some sledging. We are on 'amber alert' and it's cold with a whipping wind. Some shops and cafes are open and offering a warm resting place for people passing and supermarket shelves are running short of bread, potatoes and milk ...the community is displaying a wartime camaraderie offering help to those less able to fend for themselves - lovely Nailsea people thank you

UPDATE: On Saturday, March 3, limited shops open (no bread or vegetables), buses running on main roads and marvellous Chapel Barton and Orchard Road residents rescue ambulance on shoutout which was stuck in deep drift

And on Sunday, March 4, down came the rain and washed away the remains of the snow...

First flurry on Tuesday and then Wednesday and Thursday added

 

Tuesday saw the first wave of wintry which acted as a prelude to the Beast From The East arriving in Nailsea later this week.

There was a short blizzard around tea-time but earlier a light dusting of icing covered the town and countryside with a coat of white.

Three optomistic children carrying sledges were spotted off The Perrings but it was mostly the chilll factor which people were talking about.

The roads across the moors proved more hazardous with the emergency services attending an accident which blocked the lane at Kenn.

‎Earlier motorist Sarah Urch‎ who supplied the dash cam images had warned Nailsea People: "Just to be aware the Nailsea road through West End is very bad.

"The roads are closed but people are driving passing cars in the ditch.

"Don’t use them."

Meanwhile the brave or foolhardy members of Nailsea Running Club ventured out on a training session at the rugby club and were lovin' it.

And as residents reported gas central heating problems the lights went out during a pilates class at Scotch Horn Centre and everyone was evacuated for health and safety reasons.

Roads off Ash Hayes lost street lights, Friendship Grove, Hillcrest Road, High Street, Trendlewood and rugby club all experienced flickering but Western Power Distribution said 441 customers were affected in our area but had fixed all the problems by 9pm.

With an amber warning of snow and ice in place from the Met Office for our region Golden Valley Primary took the decision to close from noon on Thursday, Backwell School from 1.30pm and Nailsea School is monitoring the situation...and many are postponing World Book Day fancy dress fundraising for a week.

While GWR is running to timetable at the moment it asks passengers to take extra care and mind potentially slippery platforms and footbridges.

 Bristol Airport is advising people to arrive early and to contact their airlines for latest news.

The National Trust property at Tyntesfield will be closed Thursday and possibly Friday - watch this space.

UPDATE: Nailsea School is closing at 11am on Thursday

UPDATE: Nailsea and Backwell comprehensive closed on Friday aS are all primary schools.

UPDATE: Police say disruptive snow is now affecting our region and they are beginning to get reports of stranded vehicles. The advice is not to travel on the roads unless your journey is absolutely necessary, as conditions are becoming dangerous. There are Met Office RED and AMBER weather warnings in place. Officers are also asking people to only call 999 in a genuine emergency and do not call 101 for routine or lower-level matters while the weather issues are ongoing. Other issues can be reported by going onlilne by clicking HERE.

UPDATE: Friday - many more problems on trains and buses forecast

Nailsea's night of the dead

 February 2018

Nailsea's changing streetscape

 February 2018

SIXTY FIVE: New signage at 65 High Street makes for a smart streetscape. The old butcher's shop onced owned by Somerset and then Avon Country Council was inherited by North Somerset Council and has been in community use since the 1960s. Nailsea Town Council continues this with the new upstairs 6t5 youth club and downstairs a health hub for people of all ages. To combat people feeling isolated it is currently pioneering supporting the older generation getting IT literate using computers, iPads and mobile phones. It is open for business weekday mornings

Circling Backwell lake

 January 2018

BACKWELL LAKE: More than 600 people joined hands around Backwell lake to protest at the proposal to build a four-lane motorway with metro bus links on the beautiful rural space between Nailsea and Backwell. On a bitterly cold but sunny Sunday afternoon, January 7, they linked hands and long scarfs on the footpath surrounding the lake which separates the two communities. It was quenchy mud underfoot and winter coats and ear muffs were the preferred order of the day which took on a friendly outdoor party atmosphere. However, there was also an underlining mood of seriousness and urgency with a three day left deadline to get comments to planners but mostly it was a show of solidary by country lovers of all ages and their pets against the new road and massive housing plans for the area. Those who stood together cheered, did the Mexican wave and some even did the hokey cokey although the real threat to the flora and fauna including rare birds, otters and bats of the lakelands were not far from their minds - thanks go to Backwell Resistance for organising the event 

Nailsea new year party people

January 2018

NEW YEAR: Nailsea people partied to welcome in the new year. The ceilidh at the Tithe Barn was a sell-out and in true Nailsea tradition many revellers went out in fancy dress but the pub crawl of yesteryear is no longer an option. Some pubs were ticket only and old favourites like Queens Head, The Friendship, Old Barn and Courtyard Wine Bar are just a distance memory. Both the Ringers and Royal Oak hosted pub parties while Coates House served champagne and tapas to its guests. The Trendlewood Festival family gig was among the favourite haunts. And we go first footing with the first photos

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