NAILSEA
PEOPLE
Marketplace
more news on the food + drink page including listings & monthly market dates
Sponsored by Crown Glass Shopping Centre
What's new on the High Street?
2021
Greens the sandwich bar and deli at Colliers Walk is up for sale.
It opened in October 2019 and sells the best vegan rolls in Nailsea.
Hopefully it will find a buyer soon and not add to the row of empty shops at Crown Glass Shopping Centre.
Owner Dean Sandy has tried - he changed the hours, toyed with changing the name, swapped the menu around, struggled finding Saturday staff and then there was Covid and lockdown 1, 2 and 3.
He said: "It’s time for me to concentrate on other things, and I would love to hand this over to someone that can really unleash its potential.
"The price is very fair for what the business is.
"I’ve been toying with a few ideas but I just don’t have the time to follow them through sadly.
"Serious enquiries, drop a message on Facebook for more information on price and lease details."
His other business at Café 119 in Station Road is going great and is becoming more and more popular.
Going, going
LOST AND FOUND: Nailsea Home Additions house clearance crew led by Alan Goddard and his son Geraint found an expensive Rolex watch while out on a job and handed it back to the owner. The watch is valued at many thousands of pounds and is coming under the auctioneer's hammer at Clevedon Salerooms on Thursday, November 25. Can't help but wonder if it was found down the back of a sofa? We will watch online with interest how much the bidding reaches. To follow go to https://www.clevedonsalerooms.com/upcoming-auctions/.
Nailsea High Street November market
Nailsea Farmers Market this Saturday, November 20, 9am-1pm in the High Street
Organiser Louise Hall said: "We are so excited to be back in town this weekend, transforming the High Street into one of the biggest farmers markets around with food, drink and makers,
"This weekend we welcome Modern Industrial Design, this is bespoke pieces from the showroom of John and Karen Osborne based in Portishead.
"Also The Drinks Kitchen who create non-alcoholic drinks -for the designated drivers!
"It not too early to start sourcing Christmas gifts such as festive packs of preserves, cheeses or beers always a useful and popular gift to receive.
"Also, when in Nailsea do make a point of popping in to the wonderful Simply Green zero waste shop http://www.simplygreenzerowaste.co.uk/ for a huge range of essential items with no added plastic packaging,
"We are also welcoming several community groups on Saturday, look out for stalls with information about Home-Start UK which supports families with young children experiencing challenging times, Nailsea Lions Club with its Christmas draw and learn about the work going on at Nailsea Tithe Barn."
FOOD, DRINK AND FORAGING
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Bath Soft Cheese - award-winning range including Bath Blue and Wyfe of Bath
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Barleywood Organic Vegetables - a bountiful range from the Walled Garden at Wrington
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Bristol Fungarium - cultivated gourmet and medicinal mushrooms
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Cesar Coffee- roasted by Cesar from his native Columbia, bags of coffee or hot on the day
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Chew Valley Gin - best new distillery of 2021
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Demilles Botanicals - plant based soaps
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Glastonbury Ferment - gut-friendly ferment foods
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Go Wild Preserves - exciting range of preserves with amazing flavour combinations
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Hall & Lench - free range eggs & veg plants
- Incredible Brewing Company - Bristol based micro brewery
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Janes Flower Pots - seasonal pots and plants and hanging baskets
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Leafy Greens Micro Farm - highly nutricious micro salads, vegetables & herbs
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Nailsea Cider - cider makers creating traditional craft cider with fruit from local apple orchards
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Nailsea Country Markets - locally produced baked goods and preserves
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Nut Tree Farm - Goat farm selling milk & meat handmade soaps, quiches & lamb meat
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Nutts Scotch Eggs & Pies - award winning savoury range
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Oven to You - exquisite, sweet tarts in a huge range of flavours
- Real Pork - outdoor reared pigs producing flavoursome pork, bacon, sausages and hams
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Robert Hawker Venison - best venison around from carefully managed local estates
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Rooms the Confectioner - handmade fudges, cinder toffee, marshmallow and more
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Somerset Charcuterie - full range of locally produced charcuterie
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Somerset Cheese Company - award winning cheeses from buffalo, sheep, goat and cows milk
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The Great Cake Company - gluten free cakes and tray bakes plus dairy free options
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The Sausage Shed - huge range of sausages using local high welfare pork
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Timmy's Chilli - jellies and marmalades with a chilli kick
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Times Past Cheese Dairy - a huge range of flavoured Cheddars
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Wesley Cottage Bees - master beekeeper Lyn Ingram with her honey & honey related items
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Whitegate - apple juice plus cider, pear juice and apple cider vinegar
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Whites of Wick - Aberdeen Angus beef
ARTS AND CRAFTS
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Bristol Woodturning
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Clevedon Bag Company
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Dragonfly Jewellery
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Grandma Knitting
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Granny Bear Crafts
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Jennys Crafts
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Little Craft Company
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Modern Industrial Furniture
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Tracey's Ceramics
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Yeti cards and gifts
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COMMUNITY STALLS
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Home-Start UK which supports families with young children experiencing challenging times
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Nailsea Lions Club with its Christmas draw
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Nailsea Tithe Barn
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Nailsea Musical
For more information visit www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk.
A slideshow of photographs from the October market is in the Gallery HERE.
Nailsea's new store manager
Tesco Nailsea has a new store manager.
Paul Holloway - not to be confused with celebrity master baker Paul Hollywood - took over from Jon Weed.
After five years in charge of Tesco Nailsea Jon moved to a bigger store at Golden Hill, Bristol at the end of October.
Paul who went to school in the Rhondda, south Wales, comes to Nailsea from a Gloucestershire Tesco.
He has been with the supermarket chain for 30 years.
He has a very low profile on social media so apart from customer services saying 'he is a very nice man' that's all we can tell you for now!
Since it opened in 2007 Tesco Nailsea has had five maybe six store managers – can you name them?
Wendy Derrick believes the store opened in 2002 and has had 11 store managers.
She said: "I started when it opened but thinking about it two of the 11 where only covering in the short term, while another store manager was found."
Wow that's a turn around...the 2007 date was suppied by Tesco!
Email your answers to nailseapeople@gmail.com.
Eat your greens and help business
The owners of a long-standing North Somerset grocers have put out an impassioned plea to the community - use us or lose us.
Bosses at S&R Burchills say post-pandemic they have seen a 50 per cent drop in the number of customers coming into the shop at Colliers Walk.
Although some customers continue to use the online ordering and delivery service set up during lockdown, it is not making up the numbers seen pre-covid.
The shop opened in Nailsea in 1991 in a High Street lockup and is one of only two grocers left in the town.
The other Ashley Olsen, at Silver Street, which was up for sale.
The drop in the number of people coming into Nailsea is thought to be mainly due to the pandemic as people choose to shop online rather than venturing out and mixing with others.
This has been especially noticably during the recent surge in Covid cases.
Shop manager Debbie Reeves said: “Since the start of the pandemic, and over the past couple of years, we have noticed the way people shop has changed dramatically.
“More and more people are choosing to shop online, for safety and convenience.
“Even within our line of business, when we started here in Nailsea in 1991 there were five different greengrocers, all family-run, with their own customer base.
“Now there are two of us left.
“We have noticed around a 50 per cent drop in customers physically entering our shop, and while our online business has grown to some degree, not to the extent of the other 50 per cent.”
Burchills ran a successful online ordering and delivery service during the pandemic to ensure customers could get their supplies.
Mrs Reeves added: “We have been here throughout the pandemic and provided fruit and veg deliveries when it was needed the most
“We are still offering our online delivery service five days a week, with free next day delivery on a spend over £15.”
The store also supports local suppliers, stocking a variety of locally produced goods from chocolate made in Nailsea, apple juice from Tickenham, eggs from West Harptree, milk and cream from the Chew Valley and cheese from Lye Cross Farm in Redhill.
It also sources vegetables from local growers and goes to the market every day to pick supplies.
Mrs Reeves said the store wanted to continue to trade in Nailsea but needed the support of the local community.
“Our hope is to remain in Nailsea for another 30 plus years but we need peoples’ support to achieve this goal," she said.
“ The high street in general is in a ‘use us or lose us’ stage right now but we can turn things around together.”
Nailsea has already seen a number of closures in recent years, including of all its banks apart from Lloyds.
The former New Look store also remains vacant in the town centre and there are a number of empty shops in Colliers Walk.
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The Crown Glass Shopping Centre retailer recently took part in the month-long Fiver Fest in an attempt to boost sales - this was deemed a great success by the businesses that took part.
Helping businesses to bounce back
Local businesses in North Somerset are being urged to take advantage of a free business support package.
One hundred and fifty businesses will have access to a mix of one-to-one support sessions with expert advisers, group support sessions with other local business leaders, and be signposted to a range of online resources and information hubs.
Key business challenges to be addressed include:
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staff recruitment and retention
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attracting new and repeat business via marketing and digitalisation
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business planning for resilience and long-term benefit
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attracting new markets via enhanced sustainability and accessibility credentials.
The Welcome Back North Somerset initiative is designed to help independent businesses in high street/town centre and seafront locations across the area bounce back from the challenges of the pandemic and national lockdowns.
The project is supported by the Welcome Back Fund financed by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.
With Welcome Back funding North Somerset Council has commissioned Tomorrow’s Tourism to deliver the business support package and is urging local business owners to sign up.
North Somerset Council executive member for placemaking and economy
Mark Canniford is the Liberal Democrat ward councillor for Weston-super-Mare Hillside.
He said: "We are delighted to support this project and urge local businesses to register their interest and benefit from solutions to raise sales revenue, attract new customers and markets and drive your business further.
"As a business owner myself I see this as incredibly helpful support at such a challenging time.
"There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking advantage of this free offer today.”
Businesses can register their interest and find out more about how to get involved at https://survey.zohopublic.eu/zs/ErB8MQ.
STAR LEGAL: Once the home of Hunters estate agents this office had been empty for a while. Now it is managed by solicitors Peter Murray and Dean Roach. Moving across the road from their former premises they have practiced in Nailsea for many years Peter in the context of commercial property work and Dean as a specialist in family law. They are able to provide a range of legal services for individuals which includes, probate and wills, lasting power of attorney, divorce, family and litigation. And they have experts who can assist with all aspects of residential property including sale, purchase and transfer of equity. More online HERE
A 'gert' goodbye to Tesco Nailsea manager Jon Weed
After five years in charge of Tesco Nailsea manager Jon Weed is moving to a bigger store at Golden Hill, Bristol on Saturday, October 23.
Father-of-two Jon who was 50 in March and is married to Sarah said he is ‘definitely emotional to go’.
He said he is sorry to leave behind his Nailsea colleages and community friends.
Jon has worked for the supermarket giant for nearly 35 years including time at the Weston store.
The name of his replacement is expected to be announced next week and Jon will be back for one day on Tuesday, November 2, for a handover.
Jon is well known for his charitable stunts including sponsored marathon walks and even a leg wax
Jon said: “I have loved my time in Nailsea, my colleagues are brilliant, customers great, but obviously there comes a time when I need to move on having been in the store the amount of time, I have but I will definitely miss the people here.”
During his tenure at Tesco Nailsea Jon and his team have given lots of help to deserving individuals and groups, from supporting coffee mornings to donating to community Christmas dinner.
The supermarket is currently recruiting a community champion to ensure this continues.
From the emergency services personal to fundraising groups like the Lions have all be good friends, he said.
He said: “I have built long-standing relations with some key characters in Nailsea and I am sure the store will continue to do that."
But sometimes especially during the lockdown it wasn't easy, Jon admitted.
He said: “The best bits for me have been how everyone has come together during the whole run of Covid, the colleagues have done an amazing job from if you go back 18-months when you had the panic buying, then after the panic buying, we went into queueing all-round the car park, all that sort of stuff.
“We have had very few problems, customers queued from early morning, then followed the one-way system – it could have been really difficult – it has been hard there is no doubt about it, working has been very strange and stressful at Tesco Nailsea but it has been made easier by everyone doing what they were supposed to be doing.”
He is also pleased that late night issues in the car park were resolved to the satisfaction of neighbours.
There is a planned leaving ‘do’ organised by the Tesco Nailsea social committee and checkout staff were among the many to present him with goodbye gifts this week.
Nailsea and Golden Hill are considered upmarket areas for Tesco stores.
The Hengrove father of Ella 12 and Sophie 10, is brother to well-known childminder Vikki Jones who lives in Nailsea with her family.
PHOTOS: All in a days work at Tesco Nailsea from fun stunts to digging up the car park and supporting charities in many different ways.
High Street closed
Nailsea High Street is closed without warning to traffic due to a burst water main.
Eirik Bird, of Samuel Bird the High Street electrical shop, said: “The High Street is closed for traffic and dead.
“I think it’s Bristol Water but nobody has told us what's going on or for how long,
“Not seen anybody working on it other than one lorry arrived this morning for about half an hour!”
Nailsea Town Council posted on its Facebook page at midday: ‘We have been advised that Bristol Water have closed the High Street outside property 126 (St Peter’s Hospice charity shop) to the Link Road to repair a further leak. It is anticipated work will take a further three days.’
The road had been closed earlier for water pipe ‘ferrule’ repairs but was due to reopen on Tuesday, September 29.
Later in the day the leak was fixed and the road reopened although shoppers were callling for the dips in the road to be fixed too.
There will be two more closures in October - one for the Eat:Nailsea festival on Saturday, October 9 and the farmers' marker on Saturday, October 16.
People can get more information about highway repairs and a contact telephone number on the North Somerset interactive roadworks map here https://one.network/uk/northsomerset.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Kebab Kitchen which has been closed for a major refit since August is finally ready to reopen with an exciting new online menu and specail food deals. A spokesman said: "We are very excited to announce that we will be re-opening on:Monday, October 4.We are Looking forward to seeing you all soon! Click HERE to order online
Nailsea £5 fest
To show the importance of supporting our high streets, Nailsea is joining with other Independent High Streets across the UK, to put on very special £5 offers across two weeks in October, in the Totally Locally Fiver Fest.
Bethan Walker, of Simply Green, said “Fiver Fest is now a big part of our promotions of local products.
"The independent shops and businesses are what makes our town special and unique.
"The community support for local businesses has been amazing during lockdown, so these offers are to say thank you to customers, and to highlight the great value and economic impact of shopping locally.”
Fiver Fest is a free to join campaign, devised and run by Totally Locally, a grassroots High Street organisation which has been helping businesses and High Streets to help themselves since 2010 with incredible results.
For Fiver Fest, Totally Locally is partnering with Visa, and together, they are calling on shoppers to divert £5 of their weekly spend to support the small businesses in their communities.
Fiver Fest is based around the now famous Totally Locally £5 message:
“If every adult in Nailsea spent just £5 per week in their local independent shops and businesses, it would mean £3 million per year going directly into our local economy. Which can lead to more jobs, a better high street, a stronger economy & a nicer place to live. Makes you think doesn’t it?!”
Spending just £5 a week in Nailsea can make a big difference to our High Street, the Fiver Fest promotes this message.
Fiver Fest has been running successfully in individual towns in the UK and abroad during the past 7 years, and in June more than 100 towns joined in together to make one huge Fiver Fest across the UK - from the North of Scotland to the very South of England.
Fiver Fest Offers have been imaginative and varied; from £5 massages, to a £5 locally sourced meat packs, £5 best-selling book offers to £5 lunch deals, £5 walking tours and even £5 vintage bus seats and ticket machines!
And where the community really got behind the campaign, many businesses found it to be their busiest time outside of Christmas.
Totally Locally spokesman Chris Sands said: "We know Fiver Fest isn’t going to change the world but small changes in spending habits can really make a difference to our high streets.
"Just by diverting £5 of our weekly spend to local independents we give them a fighting chance to thrive.
"The pandemic has shown just what an amazing contribution they make to our local communities.
"It’s a conversation worth having!"
It is for this reason, that the sixth National Fiver Fest is taking place.
This time it’s even more important than ever, after how our world has changed during 2021.
YouGov research has shown that 59 per cent of shoppers have used more local shops to support them during lockdown.
And they want to keep on supporting them. Fiver Fest makes that even easier.
Nailsea retailers already signed up are:
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Simply Green
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Coates
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Cafe 119
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Greens
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Flower Bee Florist
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Chic Blooms
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Nailsea International Store
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Home Additions
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Birds TV
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John Brown hardware
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Ring O'Bells
For any independent business wishing to join in the Nailsea Fiver Fest call Bethan at Simply Green Zero Waste on 01275 560266.
CLOSED FOR
RENOVATIONS
REFURBISHMENT UPDATE 2: The opening date for Kebab Kitchen which was supposed to have been Monday, September 6 was pushed back to Thursday, September 16. At the time the owners apologised for any inconvenience. But here we are on Thursday, September 16 and the notice outside has been altered to say 'opening...2021' and none of its ordering websites work either. Workmen can be heard inside!
REFURBISHMENT UPDATE 1: The opening date for Kebab Kitchen which was suppose to have been Monday, September 6 has been pushed back to Thursday, September 16. The owners apologised for any inconvenience. Although Nailsea Town Council planning committee recommended approval for the extension at 8, 9 and 10 Crown Glass Place councillors wanted North Somerset Council planning officer to be aware of litter and late night disturbances from the existing shop to neighbours living nearby
EMPTY SHOPS: Crown Glass Shopping Centre not looking its best with a run of several empty untits this summer along Colliers Walk. Gone are the chemist and vape shop, HSBC Nailsea branch with no news of what may come next, very sad and pictured with no one about and a litter bin in front makes it even more sad. However, despite the showers the High Street was bustling with lots of people as it was August market day. See Gallery for slideshow of pictures HERE
KISCHE CATCH-UP: We told you the Kebab Kitchen was expanding into a next door unit at Crown Glass Shopping Centre but didn't see this coming - closed for school summer holidays, oh dear. Nailsea's favourite Turkish takeaway will be closed for renovation from Sunday to Sunday, July 31-September 5. They apologise for any inconvenience caused and look forward to serving you food soon! UPDATE: Told renovations all on schedule by new owners. There will be not seating inside but everything else will remain the same...
ONLINE AUCTION: It was once Nailsea Members' Club then Decades nightclub and now it is an empty shell. Hollis Morgan had hoped to sell the upstairs of the High Street property by online auction in June but postponed the auction to Wednesday, July 28, when it sold 'prior to auction' for its guide price of £375,000. It has lapsed planning permission to convert into six one-bed and three two-bed flats which would give the development an estimated value of £1.4M. To view a YouTube video of the inside of The Arcade building go here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx_zkL9uWHQ&t=21s
WITHDRAWAL: Barclays bank closed for good on Friday a fortnight after HSBC closed at Colliers Walk. On Wednesday morning, July 22, workmen arrived to start gutting the inside of the High Street branch a job they told Nailsea People they had been doing nationwide especially in small communities and rural villages.The safe had already been taken away.
FOOD FEAST: The good news is the Kebab Kitchen the Turkish takeaway at Crown Glass Place, in Nailsea, is hoping to expand into the neighbouring empty retail units. The bad news is it is closed for the school summer holidays August 2021. Famed for is food incuding garlic pizzas or king burgers only one town councillor objected on the grounds of late night noise and litter...watch this space to learn about reopening...
Nailsea weekend walkabout
Street signs
New Look staff bid a fond farewell to Nailsea after the Somerset Square store closed on Friday, May 14.
Jo Rex-Scandrett posted a selfie on Nailsea People Facebook page community section.
She said: “Thank you all for the love during the past weeks, we have been blown away by the kindness from the community around the unfortunate closure of our store.
"It’s been a pleasure serving you all.
"Goodbye Nailsea, it’s been fun.”
We are all devastated that store which has been part of our street fabric for so long has closed as it was such a favourite with the young fashionistas.
In happier news soon you will see a banner on the newly painted railings at Link Road, Nailsea, announcing the opening date of Paradiso.
Workmen headed by owner Oliver Shvaline are trying hard to get everything spick 'n' span to open the Italian restaurant in the next week.
Oliver has taken delivery of some plush grey velvet chairs and everyone is rolling up their sleeves preparing the premises for the end of lockdown 3.
The white venetian plaster is on the ceiling, imaginative lighting wired, and new wooden panelling has all been installed.
Its online booking system will also be 'live' soon.
And not forgetting new signage has been put up and they are hoping North Somerset Council will approve a change-of-ownership licensing application soon.
Talking about new signage nothing has happened at Nailsea International Stores, but it does have a flashing neon sign saying ‘open’ in the window at Colliers Walk.
However, the signage-to-end-all-signage is at Crown Glass Place on the glass facing the post office.
In a sort of upstairs/downstairs situation Simpson Solicitors have just moved across from 15 Crown Glass Place to the ground floor unit formerly occupied by The Blue Room at The Sion.
Every window is an advertising board and is directly below Wards Solicitors who have offices on the first floor.
Meanwhile Matt Hanley is installing 'everything' from flooring to outside steps, loos to lighting plus state-of-the-art security system at the old tattoo shop ready for the graphic and website design agency he runs with wife Joy to move in next month.
And another online media business further along the high street has signage saying Squarebird at 83 High Street.
Nailsea town centre is going to be spoilt for choice with lots of places to eat out this summer.
Work is progressing at Ivy Kitchen, formerly Gilly’s café; Coates House online booking system is ready to take your order; the new double fronted Café 119 has its licensing application for live music and alcohol sales currently being decided by the town hall.
Finally, Mark Ashman's decision to extend his opening hours on market day appears to be a smart move as all outside tables were occupied by early afternoon.
Mark said he is looking forward to 2pm on Monday when lockdown restrictions start to relax, and he can serve alcohol inside at Nailsea MicroPub which is just off the High Street at Kings Court.
SCREEN STARS: Escape To The Country presenter Sonali Shah went shopping in Nailsea while filming a Somerset-based property search last November. Kent couple were looking for a rural home with a budget of £425k. Although the programme didn’t house-hunt in Nailsea the film crew popped into Simply Green, our amazing plastic free High Street shop, to feature the business. Owner Bethan Walker talked on camera about how the store challenges customers to think about their shopping habits in a bid to reduce packaging and food waste. If you missed the programme which went out on Monday afternoon, May 10, it can be viewed here on BBC iPlayer HERE
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Below we have republiish our article from February 2019 when Beth opened her frist shop. There is now a branch at Portishead too.
SHOCK CLOSURE: Seven members of staff learned on Thursday, May 6, that the fashion shop at Somerset Square, Nailsea is to close on Friday, May 14. This announcement came just days after the store pasted We Love Nailsea signs on its blacked out windows which face the High Street. Nailsea People Facebook page news about this closure reached more than 7,000 in the first 24hrs with more than 100 comments most expressing regret and fears of the fashion store being replaced with another charity shop. Giving just one week's notice to its customers which they hope will go to online buying shutting up shop is scheduled for next week. No one was available from Crown Glass Shopping Centre to comment
What’s new on the street
Nailsea International Stores at Colliers Walk is open – owner Najdet 'Nash' Mosher decided not to wait for the front signage to arrive and is welcoming customers 8am-8pm in time for the May bank holiday.
Simply Green has a smart new frontage sign, Sui Generis Tattoo Design has approval to open at the former beauty shop Refresh, at Clevedon Walk and both Paridiso and The Ivy Kitchen are both on schedule to open mid-May.
Dave Ramsay, of Courtyard Barbers is singlehandedly keeping the place spick and span and hopes to introduce some outside colour with the help of David Price, of Oak Leaf Nurseries & Plant Centre, who runs the plant stall on the Tuesday market at Somerset Square.
And Nailsea Physio has opened at Kings Court...we wish Emma Klijn much success in her new premises..
Tofs charity support
New cafe, deli and cake shop in Failand
A village shop in Failand is selling low calorie cakes for people watching their waistlines.
Honey and Ginger village store and farm shop is fast becoming the ‘go to’ place for treats such as cakes and doughnuts for the health conscious.
Husband and wife team Ryan, aged 34, and Lisa Anthoney, 33, and their family took over the store and former Post Office last summer.
The family has spent the last year, during the various lockdowns, transforming the business and along with selling everyday essentials, have a strong focus on locally produced products.
Not only does it stock gluten and low carb cakes and keto friendly keto-nuts - doughnuts without the dough - it also offers a range of goodies by Nourish, a keto friendly snack range set up by a Bristol mum whose daughter had food allergies.
Other ranges include Pip & Nut, a nut butter and dairy free snack range and Nutcessity, using nut butters without peanuts for those with allergies.
Alongside fresh produce and decadent cakes, the shop also sell healthier alternatives such as low carb doughnuts and gluten free cakes.
Read full Bristol Post story HERE.
The Original Factory Shop in Nailsea High Street is looking for a local charity to support.
Manager Kerry Morrison Macgregor said: "We need your help.
"Pop over and follow and like our Facebook page then suggest a local charity that we can support ... thanks."
How it will work is every time someone swipes their loyalty card or buys a carrier bag the money will go to our chosen charity .
Kerry added: "This is your chance to help us chose who we will chose to support .
"Please feel free to comment suggestions and let as many people know to come on to this page and vote."
The shop at 61-63 High Street which is part of the retail chain selling discounted homewares, furniture and electrical goods, plus toys and clothing also has a super party section with big blow-up balloons and more.
The store is open Monday to Saturday 9am-5:30pm + Sunday 10am-4pm.
Nailsea Physio is moving from The Old Vicarage at Somerset Square to a brand new clinic at Kings Court. The plan to open the new premises on Monday, April 26. Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease. For more information and to book an appointment call 0788 957 3600
PLANT PLACE: The Tuesday plant markets run by David Price, of Oak Leaf Nurseries & Plant Centre, is back in Somerset Square, Nailsea. Dave supplies and sponsors all the plants seen at Crown Glass Shopping Centre
Barclays withdraw from Nailsea
Barclays is closing its Nailsea branch
Following NatWest and HSBC another Nailsea bank is to close.
The High Street branch is to close on Friday, July 16 this year, three weeks after the Colliers Walk branch of HSBC.
One of the reasons given is it currently has less than 50 exclusive customers.
This leaves just Lloyds at Crown Glass Place as the only bank in the town.
A Barclay statement says: ‘The number of counter transactions has gone down in the previous 24 months, and additionally 86 per cent of our branch customers also use other ways to do their banking such as online and by telephone.
• Customers using other ways to do their banking has increased by 13% since 2015
• In the past 12 months, 14% of this branch's customers have been using nearby branches
• We’ve identified that only 49 customers use this branch exclusively for their banking.’
Barclays is also closing its Portishead branch a week earlier than Nailsea on Friday, July 9.
Read more on Breaking New HERE.
Burchills business boom after three decades trading in heart of Nailsea
S&R Burchills is marking its 30th anniversary with a free fruit and veg giveaway.
Sixty online and in-store customers chosen at random will receive a refund on their purchase in April.
That is one online and one in-store daily – that is 60 full refunds throughout the month to mark their 30 years in business.
Established in 1991, the family-run town centre business has been supplying fruit and vegetables to the residents of North Somerset for three decades.
Sean and Ruth Burchill established S&R Burchills in April 1991, following Sean’s career as a salesman with the Bristol Wholesale Fruit Company.
Based in the heart of Nailsea town centre, the business has grown exponentially since its original launch, adding new product lines, services and two new websites – now offering next day delivery in the surrounding area.
Despite the growth, several things have remained the same including the core team and Sean’s working day!
Thirty years later and Sean still wakes up at 1am every day to select the best produce from the Wholesale Fruit Centre, as well as local growers and suppliers to supply customers in North Somerset.
Sean said: “We pride ourselves on our customer service, and the ability to adapt with the times – no more so than this past 12 months.
“During the years we have worked with the very best growers and suppliers in the area and have established a fantastic team to help take the business to the next level.”
Following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, S&R Burchills launched a new online ordering website which has grown 32,000 per cent in this time. The business has since taken on more staff and vehicles to accommodate the rise in demand for online shopping and customisable delivery options.
Thanks to the new e-commerce website, customers can purchase from the full range of more than 300 products across the fruit, vegetable, salad, dairy, herbs, grocery, confectionary, and jams and sauces categories, as well as its traditional vegetable boxes.
The business has also collaborated with a local chef to create a selection of easy to follow and inspiring recipes using its produce.
Sean added: “On behalf of myself, Ruth and the whole team at Burchills, I would like to say a big thank you to all our customers, past, present and future and we look forward to the next big anniversary.”
Visit the website at burchills.co.uk.
Summer closure date is revealed by HSBC
Nailsea People has been told official closing date for HSBC in Nailsea is Friday, June 25, when all accounts will be moved to the Portishead branch.
It was in January this year the bombshell bank announcement was made when HSBC said it is to close 82 branches in the UK between April and September this year including the branch at Crown Glass Shopping Centre, Nailsea.
It said the move is because more customers are turning to digital banking.
The company will have 511 branches across the country following the closure programme.
Managers said they did not expect to make any redundancies, with staff moved to nearby branches instead.
The Colliers Walk bank is to shut in June 2021.
A further shock is that the Portishead branch is only open from 10am-2pm Monday to Friday.
Word on High Street
While rumours abound on what's happening on the street, High Street that is, we know as soon as possible Paradiso and Cafe 119 will both re-open fully refurbished.
Nailsea People were told a bistro is also to open in what was Gilly's Cafe but that could be just Chinese whispers.
Earlier a little bird said it was going to be a cake shop and plans for the International Stores at Collier's Walk seem to have stalled?
Two graphic, website and digital marketing agencies are setting up shop at either end of the town centre and Tesco supermarket is recycling 'soft' plastic - see bin outside.
And we love the new logo for High Street florist The Flower Bee.
Still no news on what is to become of the stump of the village green oak tree...
UPDATE: The planning application for change of use from cafe (former A3) to restaurant (Class E b) for 61A High Street is HERE.
Nailsea farmers' market is back in April
Somerset Farmers Market returns for the second time this year to Nailsea High Street on Saturday, April 17, 9am-1pm.
While Covid-19 restrictions are in place the professionally managed market has sanitizer stations, clear queuing arrangements to maintain social distancing and the Nailsea & Backwell Rotary Club is providing extra stewards.
To find out more about the Market and the food producers visit www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk and sign up for a Nailsea Farmers Market e-newsletter for up-to-date news before each event.
Photos from the March market on the Gallery 2021 page HERE.
Stalls in March included:
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Bath Soft Cheese - farmhouse cheeses including the award-winning Bath Blue
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Barley Wood Organic Vegetables - grown in the Walled Garden at Wrington
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Chew Valley Gin - a locally based distillary being launched this year!
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Fussels Fine Foods - award winning culinary rapeseed oils ,dressings & sauces
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Gardens of Japan - Cheddar-based nursery specialising in Acers and other shrubs and trees
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Go Wild Preserves - family business creating seasonal preserves
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Hall & Lench - a brand new free range egg farm
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Incredible Brewing Company - Bristol based micro brewery
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Janes Flower Pots - each month Jane has a vibrant selection of flowering plants
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Leafy Greens Micro Farm - bringing highly nutricous micro versions of salads, vegetables and herbs a flavoursome boost to your immune system!
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Nailsea Cider - locally created cider using apples from orchards in and around the town
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Nailsea Country Markets - locally produced sweet & savoury baked goods & preserves
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Nutts Scotch Eggs & Pies - award-winning flavours of scotch eggs and now with a growing range of pies
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Nut Tree Farm - goat meat, milk and quiches plus lamb
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Oven To You - pastry chef specialising in sweet tarts of all flavours
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Real Pork - very local free range pork all cuts available plus cooked ham
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Rooms The Confectioner - traditionally made fudges, cinder toffee, marshmallow, chocolates and truffles.
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Robert Hawker Game - the highest quality venison from well managed estates
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Somerset Cheese Company - Anita brings award-winning cheeses she has made with local milk from cows, sheep, goats & buffalo
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Somerset Charcuterie - award winning range of cured and air dried meats
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Seafoods - Burnham-on-Sea family fishmonger bringing a huge range of seafood
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The Sausage Shed - an award winning range of handmade sausages made with high welfare local pork from Ivan
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The Great Cake Company - specialising in gluten free ingedients a delicious selection of cakes and tray bakes including dairy free options
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Times Past Cheese Dairy - a huge range of locally made flavoured cheddars
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The Wicked Chilli - family chilli farm creating a wide range of sauces and chilli-themed produce
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Winnies Bakery - bringing along a huge range of baked goods including their lovingly created sourdough (using Winnie the starter!)
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Wesley Cottage Bees - honey and honey themed products from master beekeeper Lynn Ingrams
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White Gate Apple Juice - bring apple & pear juice plus their own cider
April stalls listed on the What's On page
Food for thought
The Sunday Times published at the end of February a ‘well-being’ poll which saw Wokingham in Berkshire named the healthiest place in England and Blackpool the worst.
But in the list of 149 areas said to be ‘healthy’ North Somerset with a score of 100.4 comes 62nd wedged between the south west overall and Derbyshire so the news isn’t too bad for us.
North Somerset’s top ranking was 6th place for ‘healthy eating’ although it doesn’t make an appearance in the top ten best or top ten worst rankings for ‘happiness’, ‘air pollution’, ‘obesity’ or ‘physical activity’.
The findings come from the Office for National Statistics and financial services company Lane, Clark & Peacock.
Read more HERE but be warned the newspaper has a paywall.
Where's the birdie
Who has used a High Street window display to send an ‘eggstra-ordinary’ set of ‘tweets’ to passing Nailsea people?
Obviously not a bird brain to think up those cryptic clues on the frontage of a High Street shop?
Once an open-all-hours store and newsagents; it has traded as Alldays, Circle K and McColls with some saying it was a hairdresser call Aldo of Rome many, many egg-shaped moons ago.
McColl's closed in the summer of 2019 with many blaming Tesco for its demise, Maynews picked up its newspaper deliveries and we were left to waiting and wondering what next while the For Sale sign remained on the front of the building.
It then became an ‘interesting’ pop-up antique shop while the owner struggled to find a new tenant.
Well, we are going quackers trying to lay the mystery to rest and think the next business to open at number 88 is having a bit of a yolk!
So Nailsea People can you help us egg-plore what’s next?
Easter Sunday 2021 is on April 4 – perhaps we will know then if you can fit a square into a rectangle shop or maybe it is an April Fool’s joke?
Burston Cook the Bristol-based chartered surveyors and commercial property agents have the retail unit ‘under offer’ on its website.
PARADISO REFIT UNDERWAY: Workmen are busy fitting out the Link Road restaurant in the centre of Nailsea which will be reopened soon as 'Paradiso' dropping the Il prefix. New fixtures and fittings are going in including super comfy Italian chairs and swish tables. Owner Oli Shvalina said all the old friendly staff will be back and everything will be the same only better. The menu and prices will be unchanged, he said. New signage and updated website for online bookings and orders are also coming. The refit should take four weeks and if Covid-19 rules haven’t been totally relaxed by then Oli hopes to operate a takeaway service only for his customers.
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PARADISO RETURN: It has had many name changes but this popular town centre restaurant which has been closed for more than a year is to re-open as soon as Covid-19 conditions allow. One of the original owners Olly, told James Steel, of the Nailsea Community Group, he has managed to save the business and will be reopening as soon as possible this year. Olly said: "It was an incredibly tough decision to originally close the restaurant as we have always felt privileged to be a part of the Nailsea community, but the effects of COVID-19 hit us like so many others very hard. We were truly blown away after seeing so many messages of support when we first closed. Hearing about the stories and the memories people made at our restaurant really inspired us to do everything possible in order to make sure we could re-open. It has not been an easy year, but we are thrilled to be able to announce we will be reopening after giving the restaurant a new fresh look and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back very soon to enjoy their favourites meals and to create new memories with us”.
ANOTHER DAY: Cohen’s at Colliers Walk closed on Friday, January 29, and from Monday, February 1, the chemist adjoining Towerhouse surgery became Day Lewis Pharmacy and reduced its opening hours. The High Street branch is also trading under that banner. Day Lewis closes at 6pm Monday-Friday and no longer opens at weekends.The Day Lewis Group is an award winning family business, consisting of one of the largest independent pharmacy chains in the UK and Europe. Founded by the late Kirit Patel MBE and his brother JC Patel in 1975 the business is now run by siblings Jay, Rupa and Sam. Some of the much-loved staff have taken redeployment the Cohens at West Town Road, Backwell.
Customers call for opening hours rethink
Nailsea resident Pat Gilbert is horrified a reduction in opening hours saying it has led to the old and the sick queueing in the cold outside a health centre surgery.
And she is not alone on the Nailsea People Facebook page nearly 100 comments about the new hours have been posted.
Mrs Gilbert said: "I understand from the beginning of February 2021 the two Cohen's chemists at Colliers Walk and High Street merged with the pharmacy at Towerhouse Medical Centre run by Day Lewis.
"Unfortunately, this has happened in the winter months, when there is inevitably a greater number of people needing medications.
"I had to order a repeat prescription last week, and on Monday went to collect the meds from Towerhouse.
"I looked at the website in advance and was dismayed to find that the extended opening hours previously offered (open until 10 pm weeknights and Saturday) are no longer operating.
"This service was of particular use to those needing emergency medications, and workers, who could call out of office house.
"I expected to see a sign advising the new reduced hours, but all I could see was a very small sign on the window of the pharmacy .
"It seems that many people in Nailsea, myself included, have not been made aware of the reduction in service.
"People were arriving to be served right up to 6pm and the staff were under great pressure and a long queue developed as only two can be inside at any time.
"Monday evening was very cold and customers had to queue uncomfortably for some time to be served.
"I noticed a pregnant woman and a disabled person, both of whom must have become very cold.
"Earlier in the day, I had spoken to the Pharmacy Hub at Towerhouse Medical Centre.
"They could not explain why the newly merged pharmacies were offering a reduced service to a larger number of patients.
"It seems the communication with health centre may have been lacking.
"I am disappointed that the merger and the change to oprning hours has been and remains poorly advertised.
"It must have resulted in greater demand on the two remaining pharmacies just when they are most needed."
Many have forwarded their complaints by email to the head office of Day Lewis at customercare@daylewisplc.co.uk.
Day Lewis Somerset regional support manager Hannah Tearall said: "On Monday, February 1, Day Lewis Plc acquired Cohen’s High Street.
"This will remain as it is, the same colleagues.
"We have given the team a permanent pharmacist manager and will look at their staffing to see if we need to increase to ensure customers are given a safe and efficient service.
"On the same day, Towerhouse Pharmacy contract ended and Cohen’s Colliers Walk has relocated into this premises.
"Due to it being a relocation it has brought with it the opening hours.
"During February we will be taking all feedback from customers and communicating regularly with Towerhouse surgery to establish what opening hours would be best for all.
"As of Monday we are trialling opening at 8am and closing at 6pm Monday to Friday and will monitor throughout to see how we can change the opening hours to suit the workload and the patients expectations.
"We are also looking at the possibility of having one of these open on a Saturday morning.
"I am also in the process of recruiting more colleagues for our pharmacy at Towerhouse to ensure we work through the queues as quickly as we can.
"We are offering a free delivery service across both Towerhouse pharmacy and High Street.
"We also have a support team in the area, to help manage the patients, queues and services provided.
"I am sorry for any inconvenience caused, but I can assure you I will be working closely with both pharmacies and the surgery to ensure we do everything possible to give our patients the service they need in a safe and efficient way."
On the High Street, Nailsea
Nailsea People did a quick tour of the town centre on Tuesday, January 26, to see what is new.
Home Additions boss Alan Goddard has reopened his High Street shop after consultation with North Somerset Council.
Alan said: "Like most small business in Nailsea we are at the moment just about covering our overheads.
"Following further conversations with the district council we have been given the okay to open.
"As many people are aware, we sell mobility aids, new white goods and new beds among may other household items.
"While we don't want to encourage people to come out you know we are here if there is something you need or call 0796 759 6589."
Alan was also given further advice by the council officer about applying for grants - further details are on our Business Peeps page.
The planned meeting with North Somerset Council executive member for economy Mark Canniford who is the Liberal Democrat Weston-super-Mare Hillside ward councillor and Weston mayor is yet to happen.
Mark said he was very happy to meet the traders to look at the long term opportunities and ambitions.
He said: "It would be great to meet with you and other retailers in the area , also the North Somerset councillors in Nailsea."
This meeting has been put on hold due to Covid-19 restrictions but a conversation between traders and counciilors still needs to be had about weight and access rescrictions in the High Street.
Alan said: "I am very worried that the council could still pedestrianise the High Street.
"Most days the High Street is very quiet making social distancing generally not a problem anyway and closing the street will take away passing through trade.
"If we had had a open air meeting with social distancing in a place, maybe like the car park, I am sure we could all come up with a plan to make something work and be safe.
"I hope we all want what is best for the town and closing the High Street without contacting all the businesses and shops last year was not the best plan.
"There is still time the involve everyone.
"I would agree a weight limit should be imposed to stop large vehicles using the High Street."
While talking to Alan we took these photos of a cement mixer trundling along towards the Link Road.
In other news:
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The Original Factory Shop re-opens on Thursday, January 28;
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Cohen’s at Colliers Walk will be closing on Friday, January 29, and from Monday, February 1, Towerhouse Pharmacy will be reducing its opening hours. They will now close at 6pm Monday to Friday and will no longer be open over the weekend; and
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Hunters estate agents has a 'to let' board in its old High Street window. Hunters estate agents (not to be confused with Hunter Leahy further along the road at 71) has closed its Nailsea branch in January 2020 and took its business online.
Nailsea bank to close
HSBC is to close 82 branches in the UK between April and September this year including the branch at Crown Glass Shopping Centre, Nailsea.
It said the move is because more customers are turning to digital banking.
The company will have 511 branches across the country following the closure programme.
Managers said they did not expect to make any redundancies, with staff moved to nearby branches instead.
The Nailsea branch moved from its old premises now a café called Greens in November 2012 to larger premises on Colliers Walk.
The Colliers Walk bank is to shut at 2pm on Friday, June 25, and a notice on the door informs customers its nearest branch will be in Portishead as the Clevedon branch is also closing this summer.
This leaves just Lloyds at Crown Glass Place and Barclays in the High Street in Nailsea although the Post Office and Tesco offer some banking services.
NatWest in Nailsea was the last bank to close in Nailsea.
The Somerset Square branch went in the summer of 2018 although several building societies shut up shop in Nailsea in the past decade.
Tofs opening soon
UPDATE: The date Tofs is opening has been announced on its FaceBook page. It is Thursday, January 28. The store will be open on reduced hours through this lockdown Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm and on Sunday 10am-4pm. Once deemed safe to do it plans a grand reopening.
The Original Factory Shop in Nailsea will sell food as well as other necessities when it opens soon.
The store at 61-63 High Street which is due to reopen this month will stock 1,000s of branded and high-street products all at bargain prices.
And we are told to comply with lockdown rules it will sell groceries and essential household items to ensure it can trade although other stores do stock a large selection of food and drink.
From snacks and soups to tea, coffee, cordials and pop, they have it plus cupboard and everyday essentials for when you need to stock up.
Brands include Lindt, Walkers Crisps, Cadbury, Nestle, Nescafe, Coca-Cola, Haribo, McVitie's, Fox's and many more.
The store posted on its Facebook page on Monday, January 4 it was opening in two weeks time from Monday to Saturday, 9am-5.30pm and on Sundays 1-4pm.
problems in car park
Shoppers who fear they have been unfairly fined for parking in Nailsea Tesco car park have been advised to contact the store after a debate broke out on social media.
Regular shopper and Facebook fan Tomasz Comasz said: “My first fine raised on 10th December has been cancelled after my appeal.
“Recently I appealed about the second fine raised on 29th December and waiting for reply."
Tomasz said both fines came when he was inside the supermarket buying groceries and stayed less than half an hour.
He added: “I believe they will accept my claim.
“I will contact management if not.
“Just it is unnecessary wasting of my time.”
Manager Jon Weed said: “I’m not aware of an issue as our car parks systems are run and managed by Horizon.
“However, if the person concerned brings the paperwork into the customer service desk and explain it’s easy for us to cancel if we need too.
“We will cancel when we can see there has been an issue.”
UPDATE: All is resolved and Tomasz has been refunded for second parking fine.
MARKET DAYS 2021
Here are the next dates for Nailsea farmers' and craft markets which are held on the third Saturday of the month from March till December.
Dates for 2021 are Saturdays:
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March 20th;
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April 17th;
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May 15th;
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June 19th;
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July 17th;
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August 21st;
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September 25th;
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October 16th;
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November 20th and
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December 18th.
The fabulous Eat:Festival returns on Saturday, October 9 with a very special Christmas festival is on Saturday, December 4 – all in the High Street and Somerset Square.
Slideshows of markets past are in the Gallery HERE.
The Nailsea stalls are now run by Somerset Farmers Market and for more information click HERE.
Shopping during lockdown
With hospitality mostly closed including Cadbury House many pubs and cafes are operating a takeaway/delivery service.
Nailsea Community Group on its Facebook page has prepared a list of businesses open HERE. It is a pdf document.
Tout's at Wraxall sell local produce and is open 24/7.
The farm shops at Noah's Ark (7 days a week 9am to 4.30pm), Jacklands Fishing Lake (Wednesday-Sunday 9am-5pm) and Brockely Stores (8am-5pm daily except Sunday 9am-5pm with deliveries on orders £30 plus) are open.
Nailsea MicroPub is doing deliveries but orders need to be in by 2pm phone or text 0749 642 8350, email: nailseamicropub@yahoo.com or message via its Facebook page.
2020
THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS EVE: Well that was a lovely four or was it five days in Tier 2 and now from Boxing Day, Saturday, December 26, we are back in Tier 3. Meanwhile with its extended 24hr opening until Christmas we think Tesco Nailsea has struggled to recruit - but employing The Grinch is asking for trouble! Thanks to Samantha Adams for the photos in the slideshow above - lots of lovely comments on the Nailsea People Facebook page
December market
Nailsea Christmas Farmers’ Market will be in the High Street on Saturday, December 19.
After Novembers ‘essentials only’ lockdown market the organisers said: "We will be back to full strength for our Christmas event with the return of our craft stalls alongside the amazing array of food, drink and seasonal plants so there will be plenty of gift buying opportunities.
"There will also be the opportunity to take home the new farmers' market leaflets with the dates on from March to December 2021 when the market kicks off next year.
"Despite the excitement of a new Covid vaccine available soon, the market itself will still be following strict guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety.
"We offer sanitiser and instructions on arrival, we create safe queuing areas in front of each stall and our stewards and stallholders will politely remind everyone to social distance.
"Similarly the stall holders will be following strict safety guidelines and most will offer contactless payment.
"The market is from 9am-1pm so bring along lots of shopping bags you will need them."
Sign up for a Nailsea Farmers Market e-newsletter here www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk and find out more about the producers who attend monthly event.
UPDATE: Photos in Gallery 2020
SHOP FRONT: The Original Factory Shop is back in town - shopfitters are at the High Street store and the signs are up outside all ready for opening in January...so from Woolworths to Tofs to Bargain Buys and back again
Order online with Burchills
Greengrocers S&R Burchills has launched a new interactive website enabling customers to order their full range of fruit and veg and arrange delivery online.
The new website is here burchills.co.uk.
The new website was built following the huge increase in demand for online shopping during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw their online orders rocket by an unbelievably 32,000 per cent.
Thanks to the new e-commerce website customers can now purchase from the full range of more than 300 products across the fruit, vegetable, salad, dairy, herbs, grocery, confectionary, jams and sauces categories, as well as the traditional vegetable boxes that Burchills has become so well known for.
S&R Burchills boss Sean Burchill said: “The pandemic impacted people in ways we never would have imagined and thankfully we were able to adapt quickly in order to supply products to people in need.
“The demand for online shopping went through the roof and has continued to grow throughout the pandemic, and we realised that a more sufficient website was required to respond to orders.
“The new website now enables customers to explore the full range of products from the safety and comfort of their own homes and arrange delivery for a date that suits them.”
S&R Burchills has been supplying fruit and vegetables to the residents of North Somerset for more than 25 years, supporting local businesses and farmers by sourcing all of their produce from the local fruit market.
Sean added: “We pride ourselves on our customer service and ability to adapt to change, increasing or product ranges and shopping experience when required, so we are delighted to launch the new website and continue to provide the community with quality produce.”
Free delivery is offered on all orders above £15 within the North Somerset area.
Nailsea International Store
Nailsea International Store is applying to sell alcohol before it opens at Crown Glass Shopping Centre.
When we posted the news with photos on Nailsea People Facebook page there was a lot of conjecture to what the shop would stock ranging from Polish food to an off-licence.
A Companies House research revealed it was most likely to be a non-specialised store with food, beverages or tobacco predominating.
Formerly the old wool shop and before that a travel agent, would-be customers where just grateful another business was opening in the town centre.
Bill Carpenter asked: “Is it a Bargain Booze?
“I'll be able to look around the charity shops, get my eyes tested and pick up some beer on the way home and purchase my fruit and veg on the way back.”
Deb Bear said: “To be honest, anything would be better than it being empty, or another charity shop - however worthy the cause.
“People have tried opening so many different and interesting shops in Nailsea but none of them have ever worked.
“Either the people of Nailsea won't send money anywhere apart from cheap shops or the rents are too high.
“I heard one of the shops on the main street was £1,000 per month rent.
“Not surprising nothing works for that price!”
High rents
Vicky Spence said: “I think you’re right, the rents are too high, especially in the current climate.
“I also think that we have a cyclical problem, where we don’t have the variety here, so people go elsewhere, forcing the few to close, in turn reducing what is available.
“We really need an influx of a variety of new businesses, at the same time, and also lose the threat of having to pay for parking - that will completely end any hope of the high street surviving.
“When you only get one or two days off a week, and are also juggling children, your shopping needs to be economical time wise which is why supermarkets are so popular.”
Andrew Kelly said: “We definitely need more variety in Nailsea.”
Laura Thorogood said: “My parents had the mobility shop in Nailsea AMS but the landlord upped the rent and wanted a longer lease on it and that’s why the shops don’t last, the rents are over the top high.”
Wendy Musson said: “We have Burchills, Parsons, John Browns, Aaron’s Pets, Cohens pharmacy, Maynews, Sole and Scroll (shoe repairs), School Togs, Sam Birds...to name but a few.
“These are all local shops that have been there a while and are busy and really good.
“Positivity is best in these troubled times.”
Carolyn Cooper said: “They’re selling everything like a corner shop which could be open 24/7.”
This Cohens to close but Tofs return
One door opens and another closes
The Cohens branch at 9 Colliers Walk is closing after Christmas but the High Street branch will remain open.
The move comes after an amalgamation of the two Cohens shops and Tower House Pharmacy at Nailsea.
The chemists will all come under the Day Lewis franchise.
The Day Lewis Group is an award winning family business, consisting of one of the largest independent pharmacy chains in the UK and Europe.
Founded by the late Kirit Patel MBE and his brother JC Patel in 1975 yhe business is now run by siblings Jay, Rupa and Sam.
Tower House and Cohens in the High Street will remain unchanged although there may be a name change?
No staff at Colliers Walk is losing their job as one member is retiring and others will be redeployment to Cohens at West Town Road, Backwell, we are told.
A customer said: “I am extremely disappointed to be told that Tower House has bought Cohens Chemist at Crown Glass Shopping Centre and it will be closing down.
“I have had nothing but friendly and efficient service by all the staff at Cohens.”
Meanwhile news that The Original Factory Shop may reopen in Nailsea has had this response from its customer care department.
The email to Nailsea People said: “Thank you for contacting customer care.
“We have not announced anything, and we hope to return to Nailsea.
“We will keep our Tofs members and Facebook followers updated with any news of new stores opening.”
The Original Factory Shop which opened in 2009 after the old Woolworth store ceased trading at 61-63 High Street closed in Nailsea in late December 2019 to be replaced by Bargain Buys two months later.
Bargain Buys officially closed on Saturday, November 14, making five out of its seven staff redundant just weeks from Christmas.
TWO BECOME ONE: Cafe 119 at Station Road, Nailsea is expanding into the old PS Travel shop. Owner Dean Sandy intends to knock the adjoining wall down soon and hopes to run an evening bar service too
Nailsea newcomer in good beer guide 2021
Nailsea MicroPub which has just celebrated its first anniversary is the only Nailsea pub to feature in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2021.
The High Street tap room which is operating a ‘delivery only’ service during Lockdown 2 only recently 'starred' in a Bristol Post feature with video about surviving the pandemic during Lockdown 1.
It joins 14 pubs in the Greater Bristol area commended for their well-kept real ale included in the 2021 edition described as the ‘only properly and independently researched guide to the best pubs for real ale and cider across the UK’.
The book features 4,500 pubs across the UK and costs £14.95.
With 63 of its entries chosen by the Bristol & District CAMRA branch who in June named Snuffy Jack’s in Fishponds as their pub of the year.
These are the eight Bristol pubs featuring as new entries in the 2021 guide:
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The Canteen, Stokes Croft
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The Good Measure, Redland
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The Hare On The Hill, Kingsdown
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Left Handed Giant Brewpub, Finzels Reach
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The Orchard, Spike Island
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The Shakespeare Tavern, Prince Street
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The Swan With Two Necks, St Jude’s
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The Westbury Park, Henleaze
Seven pubs in Greater Bristol have also been included in the 2021 for the first time:
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The Anchor in Thornbury
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The Fork ‘n’ Ale in Weston-super-Mare
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The Lyons Den in Kinsgwood,
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Nailsea MicroPub
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The Old Inn, Hutton
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The Ring O’ Bells, Hinton Blewett
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The Windmill, Portishead.
To order call or text 0749 642 8350, email nailseamicropub@yahoo.com or send a message via Nailsea MicroPub Facebook page. You need to include your name, address, telephone number and order. You will be call back for payment. Deliveries are after 4pm daily with separate arrangements for special occasions.
Going to market or staying at home
Going to market in Nailsea for the rest of 2020 has divided opinion - see poll on Breaking News page.
The Country Market for Friday morning, November 6, was cancelled because of problems with social distancing at Christ Church Vestry Hall.
And the poll by Nailsea People developed a glinch but before it went went completely kaput 20+ readers managed to vote ‘no’ and two voted ‘yes’ to a market in the High Street on Saturday, November 21.
Here is an update on the second lockdown situation from Nailsea Town Council chairman Jan Barber.
She said: “The farmers’ market will be scaling down and only selling essential food stuff
“There will be no craft or community stalls.
“They will also be using additional barriers to improve the layout.”
Shops selling essential items like our supermarkets, Simply Green and John Brow’s hardware also remain open - see front page for a summary.
So it is decided Nailsea Farmers Market will back on Saturday, November 21, 9am-1pm.
Stalls selling bread and baked goods; dairy and eggs; drinks; fish; fruit; vegetables, plants and flowers, meat, preserves and honey plus speciality products will line the High Street which will be closed to traffic for the day.
Now run by Somerset Farmers’ Markets is reappearance in October 2020 was welcomed.
Nailsea People has a slideshow from this market in our Gallery 2020.
The market had previously been a council run monthly event in Crown Glass Square but has now re-located to the High Street with a road closure in place making it traffic-free and safer for browsing the many food, drink and craft stalls.raft beers
About the regular stallholders:
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Bath Soft Cheese Park Farm in Kelston is home to an array of award-winning organic cheeses, including the famous Bath Soft Cheese and Wyfe of Bath Cheese.
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Fussels Fine Foods Farm based single cold pressed extra virgin rapeseed oil and a range of rapeseed-based products.
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Leafy Greens Micro Farm Nutritious micro veg
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Nutts Scotch Eggs Scotch eggs as you’ve never tasted them before!
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Oven to You A pastry chef making a range of sweet tarts.
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Pistrina Sourdough Bakery Organic sourdough bakery
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Real Pork Saddleback/Large White cross pigs; home reared and produced pork
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Rooms The Confectioners Handmade Victorian themed confectionaryRoot Connections Community Garden Vegetables, fruit, flowers, and chutneys
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Seafoods Award winning family run fishmongers
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Somerset Charcuterie Salami, chorizo, and cured meats. Made using traditional artisan methods, Somerset ingredients and West Country flavours.
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Somerset Cheese Company Award winning specialist cheese makers
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The Great Cake Company A delicious range of gluten free cakes and chocolates.
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The Humble Pie Co Award winning pie maker from the heart of Somerset
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The Incredible Brewing Co. Creators of fine craft beers
And the Saturday dates for 2021 are:
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March 20
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April 17
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May 15
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June 19
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July 17
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August 21
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September 25
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October 16
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November 20
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December 18
rebranding
Tout's Nailsea launches with lots of special offers, new website and revamped store on Monday, October 26.
New branding, no Budgen's for the supermarket at Wraxall garage on the Bristol Road.
An email was sent to its loyal customers this week saying: "We are almost ready to welcome you into your new Tout's food stores, our external signs have now changed above our doors, so we are just working on the finishing touches.
"Although introducing new and local products will always be on our weekly to do list!
"Usually we would have a launch event of sorts, however unfortunately it's not appropriate to do that at the moment. "When you do pop in and see us over the next week or so, keep an eye out for our team members who will be on hand to tell you more about our great new products.
"We've got some great offers on some of your favourite local products next week, why not treat yourself to one of each.
"Remember though, these offers go live on Monday!
"We've got lots of new suppliers to tell you about too, you may be surprised just how many local products we have in store!"
Nailsea People has been reassured Subway,C ook freezer food and its extensive alcohol range will stay.
Fashion store closing down sale at Somerset Square
M&Co the fashion giant which went into administration earlier this holding a closing down sale at its Nailsea shop.
Sharon Chappell posted on Nailsea People Facebook page on behalf of M&Co Nailsea team: "...just a note to say we are not already closed at M&Co! We have just launched our love local campaign - have huge sale on, lots of promotions and have just started receiving new season stock in all departments.'
Not among the original 47 stores listed to close in the UK as part of a company restructuring there are fears the Crown Glass Shopping Centre branch will shut this October.
The retailer appointed administrators in April saying its business had been severely affected by the coronavirus crisis.
The Glasgow-based company, which had nearly 300 stores across the world, said it would retain 218 branches.
It was only back in August that M&Co said that stores in Midsomer Norton, Wells, Crewkerne, Minehead, and Nailsea would be remaining open.
M&Co opened its doors for the first time at Crown Glass Shopping Centre in October 2017.
The Somerset Square store created 10 new jobs and promised to sell the latest ranges in Womenswear, Menswear and Kidswear, including teen, baby and accessories.
Executive chairman Steve Knott said at the time: “Everyone at M&Co is delighted to be opening our fabulous new store in Nailsea.
“We are also really grateful to all at the Crown Glass Shopping Centre for their fantastic help and support.
“We look forward to welcoming all our new customers to this exciting store full of amazing fashion supported by M&Co’s famous friendly and knowledgeable service.”
However, customers complained that they still have to journey to the Portishead shop as the Nailsea store didn’t have an up-to-date range.
M&Co was established as Mackays in 1834 and has traded as fashion retailer M&Co for more than 50 years and prides itself in selling quality products at the right price.
The retail unit was previously run for seven years by the Store21 chain that went into liquidation nationwide in July 2017 and some of its staff were redeployed by M&Co.
Before then the shop was owned by Ethel Austin who went into receivership early in 2012.
BARGAIN GOODBYES: Unfortunately Bargain Buys is closing down on Saturday, October 24, in its last few days of trading it is offering 20 per cent off everything. The store took over in 2016 from The Original Factory Shop which opened in 2009 after the old Woolworth store ceased trading at 61-63 High Street.
New letting agent for Crown Glass
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Carter Jonas is the new letting agent for Crown Glass Shopping Centre, Nailsea.
The company was founded in 1855 by a Cambridge auctioneer and now has employs nearly 800 people in 33 offices nationwide with a corporate HQ off Oxford Street, London.
It will be the Bristol office at St Catherines Court in Berkeley Place which will be dealing with retail units and office space at Somerset Square, Clevedon Walk, Colliers Walk and Crown Glass Place.
The company already has several High Street, Nailsea, properties on its books.
Following the major refurbishment of Colliers Walk the centre attracted many new businesses and then the coronavirus struck with several national chains forecasting doom and gloom without government help.
It is currently offering half a dozen retail units for sale/lease/rent at Crown Glass Shopping Centre.
One example is 26B Somerset Square which is a third of the size of a tennis court and is offered at ‘flexible/attractive' terms.
This prominent centrally located property is next door to WH Smith and Poundland and is opposite Specsavers, Superdrug and Costa Coffee.
It is currently used by the Nailsea Community Group as its base.
The group took over the former ping pong parlour during the £130,000 summer refurbishment of the Nailsea Town Council health hub at 65 High Street.
With a rent of £20,000 per annum the 885 sq ft at Somerset Square is suitable for numerous uses including office, retail or restaurant space, says its marketing blurb.
To contact the commercial agent go to https://www.carterjonas.co.uk/estate-agents/bristol.
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MANAGEMENT PEOPLE: A Nailsea estate agent has been sold to its managers. Westcoast Properties which is at 67 High Street, Nailsea, also has offices in Weston, Burnham, Portishead and Patchway in North Bristol, has been bought by its management team with the aim of expanding the family-run business. Director Nicholas Webber and associate finance director Lindsay Pickles have taken over the estate agency, although previous owners Martin and Kay Crees will remain a core part of the business. Martin has taken on the role of non-executive director. Lindsay, who joined the firm in 2010, said: “Having both worked with Martin and Kay for the past 10 and 15 years respectively we were delighted to be offered this amazing opportunity to continue growing such a highly-regarded company. We’re both immensely looking forward to the future at Westcoast Properties.”
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Director Nicholas Webber and associate finance director Lindsay Pickles new Westcoast bosses
TAKE A BREAK: One of Nailsea's longest established charity shops is re-opening this month after being in lockdown since March. Break Charity Shop at 57 High Street sells a variety second-hand items including clothes, kitchenware and furniture for a good cause. The innovative national charity provides hope and support for vulnerable children and young people. Spokesperson Katherine Lambert said: "I work for Break Charity Shop on the High Street and we are really excited about reopening on Monday, October 12. A warm welcome awaits all our customes - we look forward to seeing you very soon."
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Tout's the supermarket at Wraxall garage is undergoing a transformation this month.
Firstly, it is getting a new floor and secondly it is going it alone and will no longer trader as a Budgens store.
The Budgens chain of grocery stores is a retail subsidiary of the Booker Group, which since January 2017 has been part of Tesco plc.
Tout's has decided to expand its range of fresh farm produce and concentrate on its community customers.
An email to customers said: "This will be one of the last Tout's Budgen's green emails you receive from us, as we have some exciting news to share.
"From mid-October our stores will be moving away from Budgens (and the green branding!) and becoming our own brand, read on to find out what exciting changes this brings!
“Being our own brand means that we can provide you with exciting new product ranges, we will be proud to stock Co-op.
“It also means that we can stock more delicious products from our local suppliers, we are passionate about supporting local suppliers and we know you love their products too!
“Some things won't change though, our friendly teams that serve you now will continue to do so, and we are still led by the same local family.
“Our Signature card will also be staying, continuing to offer you exclusive offers, rewards and recipes!
“Along with becoming our own brand we will also have a new community initiative, Making A Difference Locally (MADL).
“We are committed to supporting our community which is why we have pledged to provide a million meals to local families in need and to reach zero food waste.
“So, pop in when you can, we can't wait to serve you!
“In the meantime, keep up to date with our emails and by liking our Facebook page.”
And asking us to ‘save the date’ Monday, October 26, this looks like when it will all be happening.
It will still be a supermarket but resemble more of a farm shop, we are told.
Tout Ltd was founded by husband and wife Philip and Lesley Tout in 2001.
Son Jonathan became managing director in 2012 of the Nailsea and Langford stores and since Jon’s arrive Subway opened at Nailsea.
We Are Nailsea – not to be confused with Weare in Somerset – it the newest online shopping centre for Nailsea.
Backed by Nailsea Town Council the virtual high street has been created by software company Employtec who are behind a similar website for Bedminster called We Are BS3.
Several shops are already displaying their goods and services on the site where it will soon be possible to not only make an online purchase but book a door-to-door delivery service too from grocery stores, cafes, florists and many more.
At its launch on Thursday morning, September 10, four Nailsea businesses are already displayed with promises of many more to be added in the coming weeks.
Those already displayed are:
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Simply Green;
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Chic Blooms;
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Jacklands Fishing Lakes; and
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Samuel Bird TV.
Nailsea Town Council funded the set up and has budgeted more than £1,000 over two years towards the costs.
Nailsea Community Group leader and former town councillor James Steel said: "The cost of the site is roughly £600 in year one and £1,200 in year two both of which Nailsea Town Council is funding.
"There is no upfront cost to businesses but there is roughly a three per cent fee on all sales to cover the transaction fee and commission to the website owner.
"Sites like Just Eat and Uber Eats charge 15-20 per cent."
North Somerset Council offered to fund half for the first year.
The council issued this supportive statement about the new initiative.
It said: “As a town council we understand this is a very difficult period for our local businesses but we have seen a great return to shopping locally in Nailsea during the crisis and we want to support this shop local mentality as much as possible by making it as easy as possible for shoppers to shop online at our local stores. We were made aware of the We Are Local initiative through our partnership with the Nailsea Community Group and we are proud to be able to launch this for Nailsea. We hope the virtual high street will inspire residents to explore their community shops and ultimately spend more locally where possible."
Simply Green owner Bethan Walker was one of the first to sign-up.
She said: ““Throughout lockdown many of our customers were unable to visit us in store and have relied on our delivery and collection service to allow them to continue their plastic free shopping. We are so excited that we are able to continue this through the new We Are Nailsea website alongside other amazing local businesses. We are also hoping to be able to reach new customers that may not have known we are here and allow them to start making changes towards a low waste lifestyle. We believe shopping habits are changing and people want to shop locally and sustainably. Having all of these independent retailers in one place will make this so much more accessible and is a huge asset to the town.”
Employtec boss Christian Shanahan said: “Following on from the success of We Are BS’ it’s great to see Nailsea Town Council action this initiative and continue to push the message of ‘Shop Local, Support Local’.
“In this ever changing and uncertain economic climate it’s important to give our high streets and local businesses an online platform to strengthen their engagement with their local community and beyond”.
We are here - virtual shopping online for Nailsea
CHECK OUT: To shop online in Nailsea go to www.wearenailsea.co.uk. Any Nailsea retailers interested in joining the platform can do so by filling in the WeAreNailsea Registration form.
Shop on virtual High Street
North Somerset is to open a virtual High Street.
Just weeks after the abortive attempt to close Nailsea High Street in real-time an online version is being launched.
Local producers and independent retailers across the directly are being invited to showcase their products on a new virtual high street that is being created to help boost economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic.
North Somerset Council is helping to develop district wide platform called Made In North Somerset which will launch Saturday, August 22.
The online marketplace will:
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offer a range and number of high-quality products made in North Somerset
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increase businesses exposure to new and varied customers
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make it easy for customers to find and support their local independent busine
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provide a delivery or click and collect service
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offer added value to those that already have retail premises, creating an additional place for people to buy their products
North Somerset Council executive member for business, economy and employment Mark Canniford is the Liberal Democrat councillor for Weston Hillside ward.
He said: “The new virtual marketplaces will showcase independently made, produced and sourced products in North Somerset.
“It will encourage a regular ‘shop local’ online space by bringing a range of producers together including drinks, bread, cheese, chocolate, fresh produce, eggs, beer, cider, arts and crafts.
“It will also raise the profile of producers that customers may not already be aware of.
“We want as many businesses involved as possible – the more choice
there is for customers, the more successful it will be, so I would encourage any interested businesses to get in touch with the council and get their products onto the online platform”
The council is also working with Business Improvement Districts and town councils to open town centre virtual high streets and these will open in the coming months.
To sign up for the virtual marketplace, contact business@n-somerset.gov.uk.
New Look new worries
New Look UK is at risk of collapse with loss of 12,000 jobs if landlords do not agree to deal on rent, reports The Guardian this week.
It says New Look has put itself up for sale and is planning its second rescue restructure in less than 18 months as it tries to trim rents and cut debt after a slump in sales.
Fashion chains have been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus crisis as they were forced into months of closure during the lockdown.
The cancellation of events and closures of bars and clubs has also reduced the need for new outfits, and shoppers have focused on buying essentials such as food and healthcare products.
Sales at New Look’s 469 stores since they reopened are down 38 per cent compared with last year, and Nigel Oddy, the chief executive, said that despite strong trading online the group’s financial position had been ‘significantly impacted’ by the pandemic. Thirty stores remain temporarily closed.
As part of the latest rescue restructure, New Look s to launch an insolvency procedure called a company voluntary arrangement, under which it will ask landlords to accept rental payments based on sales in each store. Rents based on sales in the current tough climate usually amount to a considerable cut in payments.
If landlords agree to the deal, New Look’s debt holders have agreed to lend it £40m in new funds and to swap about £450m of debt for shares in the company, reducing its total debts to £100m.
If landlords do not agree, New Look is at risk of collapsing, with the potential loss of 12,000 jobs.
A sale process has been launched as part of efforts to seek new funds but a buyer is unlikely to come forward in the current climate.
Oddy told The Guardian: “I am pleased that we have now safely reopened 459 stores. However, current trading remains impacted by the decline in footfall seen right across the retail market, and with the pandemic ongoing and social distancing measures in place for the foreseeable future, it remains difficult to accurately forecast the sales recovery rate.”
He said that given the difficult trading environment and the shift to shopping online, as well as the group’s debt obligations and future expected costs, New Look needed additional cash so it could be “as well positioned as we can be going forward in the post-Covid-19 retail operating environment”.
Less than 18 months ago New Look handed bondholders up to 92 per cent of the company in return for reducing its then £1.35bn debt pile to about £500m. As part of that deal, bondholders also put in £80m of cash.
In March 2018 the company closed 85 stores including Clevedon through a CVA after an annual loss of nearly £235m, which its chairman blamed on its product range becoming too young and edgy and on an ill-starred international venture.
On Friday, April 3, the BBC reported: ‘All New Look stores have been closed since March 21. The firm said it was still trading online, but its distribution centre was full and it could receive no more goods.’
According to Wikipedia: ‘New Look is a British global fashion retailer with a chain of high street shops. It was founded in 1969 and has been owned since May 2015 by investment company Brait SA, controlled by Christo Wiese. The chain sells womenswear, menswear, and clothing for teens.’
New Look was founded by Tom Singh in Taunton, Somerset in 1969.
Since then the company has expanded and now operates across a chain of more than 900 stores internationally.
The first Belgium store opened 2006 followed by France, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Malta, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Idonesia, United Arab Emirates, China, Germany, Russia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and Poland.
Worldwide it has a staff of 18,000 plus.
In 2008 the group had a turnover of £1,147 million in 2008 with profits of £180 million.
New Look was owned by private equity groups Apax Partners and Permira and founder Tom Singh, until May 2015 when it was acquired by Brait SA for £780 million.
Brait also owns the health club chain Virgin Active and has a minority stake in Iceland Foods.
Fashion retailer New Look warned UK landlords in June that it may launch a pre-pack administration if its attempts to move to turnover-based rents continue to be blocked.
The business has hired CBRE as it looks to move its 500 stores to turnover-based rents, but it is reportedly increasingly worried that landlords will continue to block its attempts.
NEW OWNER: Jenn Pera has taken over the Nailsea High Street florist now called Flower Bee although former owner Joy (one half of Ann & Joys) is helping out part-time. It will take a few weeks to change the shopfront sign. Jenn said: "I’m so excited to be taking the shop on the next part of its journey within the village. I’ve lived in Nailsea my whole life and I hope through the business I can put back into the community. As part of my journey of taking over the shop, I will be trading under Flower Bee Florist, but will still be bringing a high standard of service and quality. I look forward to bringing you along on mWe produce floral arrangements inspired by the seasons for weddings and events. Cut flowers and plants available for collection or delivery and we also offer Interflora orders." Nailsea People wish Jenn good luck with her new enterprise.
SUITS YOU SIR: Turkish-owned hairdressers Zaman Barbers re-opened on Super Saturday at 8am. The hairy ones first in queue at 7.30am at Crown Glass Place, Nailsea, were James, aged 20, who wanted his style put right after trim by girlfriend, for Richard, 50, it was his first haircut since March and a chap from the Italian mafia Rob, 65, said he was fed-up with curls not seen since the 1970s. Zaman had three barbers on duty and there were queues all morning. In normal times it offers walk-in appointments and men's cut from £9 seven days a week since it opened back in August 2019. What was lovely was there was no hike in prices for the hirsute gentlemen
Super Saturday in Nailsea
Slowly but surely businesses are beginning to open but Nailsea People urge everyone to be cautious.
The long-awaited opening of Greggs at Crown Glass Shopping Centre was at 7am on Thursday, July 2.
Some never closed like Maynews, pharmacies and food stores whose courageous staff did the equivalent of 'keeping the home fires burning'.
Already open is Aaron’s Pets, Baker’s the Butchers (who have a milk machine and sell fish now), Butterfly Travel, Café 119, Chic Blooms, Greens, Home Additions, John Browns, Nailsea Bowls Club at Mizzymead Recreation Centre, Nailsea library (by appointment see poster), New Look, M&Co, Occasions, Orchards, Parsons, St Peter's Hospice charity shop, WH Smith, The Card Factory and The Works.
Any missed please add to comment boxes below.
The health and safety regulations post lockdown run to 43-pages and at some hairdressing salons clients will have their temperature taken on entry.
Many more places are re-opening on Saturday not necessarily offering a full service and with social distancing maintained at all times.
For Nailsea they include:
• Bennett’s barbers - Saturday nearly fully booked
• Bristol & Wales Cat Rescue charity shop
• Broad Street Hair
• Cadbury House (limited, members only outdoor classes)
• Coates House with prior booking (not compulsory) and queueing system
• Courtyard Barbers
• Grove Sports & Social Centre
• Nailsea Barbers
• Nailsea MicroPub
• Reflections (with new coat of paint outside)
• Sawyers Arms
• The Finishing Touch
• Wetherspoons
• Zaman
SP Hair Designs had 120 voicemails when it set up a booking phoneline prior to its appointment-only opening on Monday, July 6.
The Royal Oak is also reopening on Monday, July 6 and will be operating a booking service for food and re-opening too is Boots the Opticians at Colliers Walk.
And as from Monday, July 6, Noggins Old Fish Bar is reverting back to is normal opening hours of Monday to Thursday noon-2pm and 5-9pm; Friday and Saturday noon-2pm and 5-9.30pm.
The Blue Flame, Costa at Somerset Square and the Ring O’Bells are waiting until Thursday, July 9 to open.
Open-and-shut case
Nailsea Town Council planning committee is hosting a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, June 24, at 7.30pm.
Item seven on the agenda is 'to discuss the recently implemented measures along High Street, Nailsea by North Somerset Council to support social distancing measures for public safety, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic'.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic the council is unable to hold public meetings at the Tithe Barn.
To join the meeting you will need to click HERE and use the meeting ID: 884 5915 1040 and password: 671684.
Other modes of access can be found on the town council website.
You will be prompted to provide the meeting ID and password.
On joining the meeting, you will be held in the 'waiting room' until the host invites you into the meeting.
You will be asked to mute yourself when not speaking, as this will keep background noise to a minimum.
Further background on the High Street closure is on the Breaking News page.
New role for shopping guru
The High Streets Task Force has confirmed Mark Robinson, co-founder of Ellandi and leading investor in regional town centres, has been appointed as the chairman of the Task Force Board.
The High Streets Task Force is an alliance of place making experts that provides encouragement, tools and skills to help communities and local government transform their high streets.
Ellandi led by Mark acted as the property management company for Nailsea’s Crown Glass Shopping Centre for nearly eight years and led the fight for Lidl to build a supermarket in its car park plus the major refurbishment of Colliers Walk and conversion of office space into apartments.
Mark will work with the new board will guide the work of the Task Force and act as a national voice for high streets, supporting them to transform town and city centres.
In welcoming the appointment, High Streets Minister Simon Clarke MP said "I know that Mark will be a strong voice for ensuring that local businesses and communities get the support they need to reopen safely in the coming weeks."
Leading the creation of inclusive and sustainable communities
Mark is an award-winning entrepreneur and investor in town centres, having co-founded the developer Ellandi in 2008.
At Ellandi, Mark has helped lead its mission to create the UK’s most inclusive and sustainable communities, raising more than £1.5bn pounds to invest in more than 30 communities across the UK and Northern Ireland, from Enniskillen to Folkestone.
In a career spanning 25 years Mark has worked for both owners and occupiers of town centre properties and in 2019 was president of Revo; a leading membership body that represents the interests of owners, occupiers and local authorities in promoting thriving retail places.
During this time, he successfully led an initiative to broaden the membership base to embrace the public sector and the launch of the Diploma in Retail and Leisure Place Management in partnership with Solent University.
Mark said: “I am delighted and honoured to be asked to lead this initiative.
“No-one underestimates the challenges to our town centres, but this long-term initiative, running until 2024, shows the government’s commitment to our towns and the transformation required.
“I look forward to making change happen.
“The Task Force has already provided invaluable advice to town centre stakeholders in the current crisis and we will continue to build capacity, promoting best practice, led by research and evidenced by data.
“The Task Force will provide a rallying point for all of the people who care about our High Streets and advocate the change that is needed.”
Mark was previously a judge of the Great British High Street in 2019; with several Ellandi projects shortlisted.
Ellandi projects have also been recognised with numerous awards for diversity, design, customer service, marketing, community impact and sustainability on a national and international basis.
He worked with Ian Thompson, of Thompson Commercial, on the marketing of the precinct and letting of its retail units.
Ian said: “Nailsea was fortunate in having a person with such talent and respect in his market helping Nailsea forward for seven or eight years.
“I don't know what he would think of the new pedestrianisation of the High Street.
“Personally, I question its validity to protect the public either, one size doesn’t fit all, like many other small market towns.
“Nailsea really isn’t busy enough to have to manage a ‘crowd’ to this scale.
“Nailsea is a convenience-based shopping experience for its local catchment.
“If it's not convenient to shop there, custom will go elsewhere or online, hastening the demise of the High Street and Britain will no longer be a nation of shopkeepers.”
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Property investor Praxis bought Crown Glass Shopping Centre for a reputed £11.5 million in January this year and appointed manager Mark Berry
Market news
The Works, Colliers Walk reopens on Friday, June 19
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The Card Factory is open from 9am on Tuesday, June 23
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Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm re-opens on Tuesday, June 23 – tickets must be bought online beforehand
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Hairdressers (if government restrictions relaxed) Broad Street, MiMi’s, Reflections and Mane opening from Saturday, July 4 (with the Backwell salon taking bookings from Wednesday, July 1)
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SP Hair Company is opening on Monday, July 6. The phone lines of the High Street salon will be manned from 10am-2pm from Monday, June 29 for people to book appointments. It will operate with less staff and longer hours to ensure the health and safety of everyone.
For others re-opening is not so certain.
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Big question mark on some of the charity shops which rely on elderly volunteers although St Peter's Hospice in the High Street is oopen
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Friday country market at Christchurch vestry hall and monthly Farmers' Market which is currently without a manager which is hopefully for July but nothing confirmed...
DOCTOR BEIJING: A few weeks later than expected by Dr Lilu has finally moved along the High Street to her brand new Nailsea clinIc. The ground floor clinic is at the end of the Glassworks Mews development. Doctor Beijing Ltd opened in Nailsea in July 2006 and uses traditional Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture to treat all sorts of illness. Dr Lilu received her professional medical training in the university in Beijing China and now with a state-of-the-art premises her business is likely to prove even more popular with her devotee
中药
SHOP LOCALLY: Nailsea shopkeepers are being invited to display 'Proud To Be A Nailsea Independent Business' posters with the date they stated trading. Parsons bakery, John Browns hardware shop, S&R Burchills greengrocers, Greens and 119 cafés, Chic Blooms. SP Hair Company and Nailsea Music Shop rank among as our best independent businesses. Bethan Walker, of Simply Green Zero Waste, in the High Street has spare posters sponsored by the Eat Festival people who organised free one day food and drink festivals throughout the West Country. Call in to collect. Some like Coate's cider factory which opened in 1788 have long gone but like others nationwide the town has an abundance of charity shops and supermarket chains. Nailsea People shop listings page for contact details HERE, the next eat:festival for Nailsea is on Saturday, October 10
Tesco to cut bakery jobs
Tesco Nailsea is among stores national where changes are being made to its bakery.
A Tesco spokesman said: “Our bakeries are an important part of our offer for customers and will remain so.
“However, over recent years, we have seen a big shift in customer tastes and preferences.
“Customers are buying fewer traditional loaves of bread and are increasingly looking for a wider range of options, with sales of wraps, bagels and flatbreads growing.
“In light of this, we have undertaken a review to make sure our bakery operation is relevant for the way the market and our customers have evolved.
“From May, we are making the following changes in our large in-store bakeries:
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Altering its space and range to cater to changing customer demand, including the increase in alternatives to traditional loaves;
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While it will continue to offer scratch baking in 257 stores there will be changes to other bakeries;
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In 201 stores the most popular products will continue to be baked from scratch with other products moving to part-baked; and
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In 58 stores Tesco is converting the bakery to full bake-off where all products are delivered pre-prepared, then baked and finished in store.
Improving the customer experience by investing and continuing to roll out new, up-to-date fixtures as well as growing our regional bakery ranges in partnership with small local suppliers.
Due to some stores doing less scratch baking, as well as the simplified routines these changes will bring, we will unfortunately need fewer colleagues to work in these areas.
As a result, there are 1,816 bakery colleagues being put at risk of redundancy.
At this difficult time, our priority will be to support those colleagues impacted, including finding an alternative role from the many thousands of vacancies we will have available across our store networks between now and May, for those who wish to stay with us.
Jason Tarry, UK & ROI CEO, said: “We need to adapt to changing customer demand and tastes for bakery products so that we continue to offer customers a market-leading bakery range in store.
“We know this will be very difficult for colleagues who are impacted, and our priority is to support them through this process. We hope that many will choose to stay with us in alternative roles.”
Tesco Nailsea manager Jon Weed said: “Due to the process we are currently in I am unable to comment on what effect this will have on the colleagues at Nailsea store however we will still be selling freshly baked bread daily from the store.
“The amount of lines however will reduce slightly.”
What's in store for Nailsea
FARMERS' MARKET
Nailsea is to have an indoor farmers’ market this Saturday, February 15, as weather predictions are ‘stormy’.
The market is to move lock, stock but no beer barrels to the atrium at Nailsea School.
In the past bad weather has cancelled the market or stalls were moved into empty shops at Crown Glass Shopping Centre.
However, this hasn’t been possible this month.
Market manager Jo Liddiatt said: “Because of the high winds this weekend we will be indoors at Nailsea School from 9am-1pm.
“We have many regular traders like Sausage Shed, GM Country Sports, Real Pork, Winnies Bakery, Lower Failand Farm, Times Past Cheese Dairy, Somerset Cheese Company, Nutts Scotch Eggs as well as some crafts stalls.”
Currently there is a ‘yellow warning’ from the Met Office for North Somerset at the weekend as Storm Dennis is forecast to disrupt travel plans and wreak havoc with more rain and high winds.
WAITROSE NAILSEA
Earlier this week tree surgeons were called to Waitrose Nailsea car park to remove a big branch snapped off in the adverse conditions.
The Monterey Cypress features in Terry Smith’s book Trees Of Nailsea.
And Phil Williams, of Nailsea Skatefest, is asking customers to support the youth event fundraising with their green tokens in the February Community Matters.
Nailsea District Leg Club and Marie Curie are the other two worthy causes.
CARPET SHOP
In other shopping news it is confirmed that not only has the town centre carpet shop moved across Somerset Square it has also tweaked its name.
The Complete Flooring Company is now called Bristol Carpet & Flooring Group which is a family owned business with branches at Emerson Green and Redland.
The shop at 10 Clevedon Walk (the former Changing Places charity shop) has Tristan Chalmers in charge – see Nailsea People shop listings page for contact details HERE,
THE WORKS
You have until the weekend to buy a ticket in The Works charity raffle with all proceeds going to Cancer Research.
Manager Kate Kisby said: We’ll be selling tickets from now up until end of day Friday to raise money for Cancer Research.”
Be lucky and call in the shop at 14-15 Colliers Walk and get your ticket.
Prizes are for stationary items to keep little fingers busy during the school half term holiday – other ideas for the break are on the Young Peeps page HERE.
BAKERS THE BUTCHERS
Bakers the Butchers is selling milk but not as we know it.
It has installed a milk machine (not a ‘live’ cow) and customers need to buy a £1 reusable bottle.
Please note the bottle to buy is 'reusable'.
Full or semi-skimmed milk supplied by Chew Valley Dairy costs £1.20 per litre.
INDIAN COTTAGE
Indian Cottage boss Abdul Jabir is relieved to say his High Street premises have been re-inspected by food and hygiene officers and has been awarded a 'good' four rating.
Once one of the top Indian takeaways nationwide its ratings went from five to nil this year when fault was found in food storage and paperwork.
The environment inspectors ruled in December ‘major improvements’ were needed but this week reversed its finding to give the popular takeaway a clean bill of health.
Abdul said: “It has been a nightmare, but we are told the new four rating will be posted on the Food Standards Agency website on Monday.
However, he has been able to display new rating for loyal customers to see.
Read more on the Food and Drink page HERE.
EXCLUSIVE: Full exclusive story about shopping centre sold on Nailsea People front page for February 2020
ANY OLD IRONS: Nailsea has a new High Street antique shop. The shop opened in the old McColls newsagents a week before Christmas. The new owner said: “I am hoping the people of Nailsea will come up with an idea for a name.” Stock at the shop is constantly being renewed and prices vary from £5 for a vintage flat iron – a similar one being offered on eBay for five times that price – to an Eames-style designer chair at £395. A 17th century bookcase recently sold for £180.
High Street is tight squeeze
A weight limit is to be introduced along Nailsea High Street –in a bid to stop HGVs from using it as a cut through.
Nailsea Town Council is to apply to North Somerset Council for a 7.5-tonne weight limit for the busy thoroughfare which runs through the town centre.
The move comes after increasing concern about the number of HGVs using the High Street.
The single lane High Street has limited parking bays for the community bus, taxis and short stay spaces for shoppers, but its traffic calming measures make it a tricky route for larger vehicles to negotiate.
A designated route for HGVs has already been put in place for the town.
Lorry drivers are asked to use Stockway North and South, Queens Road and Station Road rather than the High Street.
It is thought that some of the drivers may mistakenly use the High Street after being directed to it as a route by their sat navs.
It is hoped that the new weight limit will come into force this spring.
Nailsea Town Council clerk Jo Duffy said: “We do get a number of HGVs continuing to use the High Street despite a designated route for them being in place around the town.
“A weight limit will hopefully prevent this from continuing from happening and make the area safer for shoppers and pedestrians.”
The move comes at the same time as the town council is investigating the possibility of pedestrianising the High Street.
One proposal being looked at would see the High Street between the roundabout by Iceland to the junction with the Link Road become traffic free.
The top end of the High Street, which is a bus route, would remain unaffected.
The idea came out of previous proposals to close the High Street once a month and relocate the popular community markets.
The High Street was also recently closed for the Nailsea Eat Festival which proved to be a huge
But under current North Somerset Council policy, an application – costing in excess of £1,000 each time – would have to be applied for, making the cost prohibitive.
The town council is currently discussing the idea with businesses and residents.
Mrs Duffy added: “We are investigating the options available and getting feedback from local businesses and residents.
“Any ideas are still very much in the early stages.”
If the plan was approved, access to the High Street for emergency vehicles and the community bus would be retained.
Special bollards which could be dropped to allow access – similar to what is in place in Station Road, Clevedon – could also be installed.
24hr fuel
Nailsea People reader Chris Fortune asked: “I was wondering whether anyone has information as to why Tesco Nailsea fuel pumps are closed in the evening despite saying they are open 24 hours?”
The opening hours for the petrol station adjacent to the supermarket say online it is open 24 hours and publishes these opening hours at Brockway:
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Saturday open 24 hours
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Sunday open 24 hours
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Monday open 24 hours
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Tuesday open 24 hours
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Wednesday open 24 hours
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Thursday open 24 hours
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Friday open 24 hours
But a call to the Tesco help centre and we are told different opening hours:
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Monday to Saturday 6am-8pm
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Sundays 7am-8pm
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Unmanned overnight pay-at-pump facilities.
Hopefully that solves the mystery.
On the carpet?
The Complete Flooring Company which began life in the High Street before moving to Somerset Square has closed.
The previous owner Nick Allen sold the business more than one year ago and it was bought by the Chambers family.
In December it posted a notice in the window saying ‘closed for the Christmas holidays’ but never re-opened and cleared out its stock.
Letting agent Ian Thompson, of Thompson Commercial, said: “I'm led to believe the shop has relocated to the old charity shop in Clevedon Walk.
“But the new owner still has a lease on Somerset Square, Crown Glass Centre, so I'm expecting some issues to arise as I have no client instructions thus far because it's still let as far as we are concerned – he left and didn’t say anything the centre management.”
New home for Doctor Beijing
Doctor Beijing the High Street acupuncture clinic is hoping to move into the end unit at Glassworks News next to the Royal Oak pub in February.
Work is not yet completed on the new premises, said Li Fengrong who owns the business.
A change of use application for the doctors current premises at 49 High Street has been submitted by a financial adviser.
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New Garden the Chinese takeaway will be closed from Monday to Tuesday, January 20-28, to allow the owners to celebrate Chinese New Year. However, with a break in tradition for the Year of the Rat the Golden Horse is staying open;
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Meanwhile Indian Cottage at 53 High Street must sort out its zero rating from North Somerset Council food and hygiene inspectors;
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Bakers the Butchers are still at the end of Queens Road despite persistent reports the shop was moving to the High Street and/or Crown Glass Shopping centre;
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Coates House is closing from 3pm on Friday, January 24, to allow staff to enjoy their annual Christmas party it will be open as usual at 8.30am on Saturday, January 25; and
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While going walkabouts in the High Street we spied building works in Heath Road next to Beauty @ 22. There is planning permission for an extension to the cottage.
Lidl by Lidl
And in other news the rumour is Lidl is still looking to move to Nailsea, according to Somerset Live.
The budget supermarket chain recently revealed the seven towns it is hoping to open new stores in.
This included two stores in Bath, another store and a relocation in Taunton, and stores in Keynsham, Nailsea, Shepton Mallet, Wellington and Weston-super-Mare.
While some towns welcomed Lidl’s intentions in hundreds of comments on social media, others were less keen.
Nailsea people said ‘only in the right location’.
Lidl has been planning to expand into Nailsea for years.
An application lodged by Lidl in September 2014, attracted scores of objections as people were desperate to keep free parking spaces in the town centre.
But many residents said they were keen to have a Lidl at a different site.
A dedicated Facebook page called ‘Nailsea Lidl - yes to store, no to location’ explained: “We are not against Lidl, or any other discounter, setting up in Nailsea, we are only against the proposed location and its impact on the usability and accessibility of the town centre.”
Don't hold your breadth for more news!
Estate agent on the move
Hunters estate agents (not to be confused with Hunter Leahy further along the road at 71) has closed its Nailsea branch.
Nailsea People has been told it will still sell Nailsea homes from a central hub in Portishead.
It was in the summer of 2018 that director Richard Van De Velde took the Heritage businesses at Nailsea, Portishead and Yatton into a franchise and re-branded his offices.
Hunters, which opened its first office in York in 1992 and its first franchising branch in 2006, now has a network of more than 200 branches nationwide.
Richard said at the time: "The rebranding will allow us to offer numerous additional benefits to our existing Heritage Estate Agents customers as well as prospective new ones, and that’s something we’re delighted about.
"Particularly when it comes to technology, marketing and training, operating under the new blue brand of the group is a move that will add a whole new dynamic to our service offering.
"Hunters has a strong nationwide presence and excellent reputation, so we’re delighted to come on board."
But no-one foresaw the closure of the re-storey Nailsea office which was re-modelled back in 2011 after a major fire which cost more than £250,000 to repair.
All sales and rental valuation should now be directed to Hunters Estate Agents and Letting Agents at 46 High Street, Portishead, or call 01275 840600.
Rumours are that a planning application for flats for 104 High Street is likely to be submitted.
BURNS BEER: Nailsea MicroPub is celebrating Scottish poet Robbie Burns with a week-long toast of special ales from across the border. Burns Week is from Wednesday to Sunday, January 22-26, at the Ivy Court tap room off the High Street. The micropub has recently introduced new opening hours – see poster. Owner Mark Ashman said: “We will be opening noon-6pm on Sundays from this month.We look forward to seeing customers pre and post their Sunday roasts.”
Simply Green Zero Waste
This stunning image first appeared on the Twitter feed of Simply Green Zero Waste.
It shows the range of refillable containers for household use supplied by SESI.
Many shops and other established retailers are changing to become unpackaged shops and SESI has a key role as a provider of ethical detergents which help everyone to become part of a circular economy.
This is valued alternative to those seeking to reduce food waste and cut their plastic footprint. Its focus is not profit, it’s to do good.
SESI, stockists and customers like those in Nailsea, are refilling approximately one million bottles a year with its detergents and products that are:
✅ Vegan
✅ Cruelty Free
✅ Biodegradable
Simply Green first started in November 2018 in the form of a market stall in Nailsea and some of the surrounding towns.
The positive response was very exciting and gave owner Bethan Walker the push she needed to take the leap into signing a lease on a shop in Nailsea.
There was a lot of work to do and along with some amazing volunteers, the walls were painted, a new floor was laid and even a sign was made, before the shop opene in March 2019.
The first couple of weeks went by in a flash, and since then Bethan has been expanding the range of product in store.
For more information on what Simply Green sells click HERE.
Zero rating for takeaway
An Indian takeaway in Nailsea has been given a zero food hygiene rating by North Somerset Council environmental inspectors.
The food and hygiene inspectors visited India Cottage takeaway in the High Street in December and ruled ‘major improvements’ were needed.
Inspectors said changes were needed in its hygienic food handling procedures, including the handling of food including preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling and storage.
The cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building and the management of food safety to ensure food was safe to eat also required major improvement, according to inspectors.
The inspectors also said they wanted evidence that staff know about food safety and wanted details of how standards would be maintained in the future.
The takeaway is due to be re-inspected in the coming weeks.
The takeaway offers the standard range of Indian fayre as well as set meals and 'chef exclusive dishes.'
North Somerset Council spokesman Zoe Briffitt said: “We will be working with the business to help them raise standards."
The report appeared on Bristol Live who said it has contacted India Cottage for a comment.
2019
Details of festive events at Crown Glass Shopping Centre including the fair and light switch-on on Friday, November 29, 2019 are on the What's On Christmas page and the Remembrance Day photos including the Armistice service at Somerset Square are HERE
Crown Glass Christmas fair collection for Nailsea School
Crown Glass Shopping Centre light switch-on and fair night raises thousands of pounds for Nailsea School.
On Friday, November 29, families enjoying the major Christmas festivities at the Crown Glass Shopping Centre, Nailsea donated more than £1,200.00 to the Nailsea School 60@Sixty campaign.
This year, Nailsea School celebrates its 60th anniversary and to mark the occasion, the school launched its 60 @ Sixty campaign to raise £60,000 to support the school.
Head teacher Dee Elliot said: “Nailsea School has been at the heart of the community for many generations and because of its close ties to the community, we felt that although ambitious our target is achievable.
“We also invited our students to submit their suggestions to the Student Council who are working with the senior leadership team to finalise a list of items that our school would benefit from.”
Since its launch in September the students, parents and friends have been working hard to raise money with activities including musical bingo, quiz movie nights, calendar sales and the development of an annivers-a-tree.
Crown Glass Shopping Centre manager Martin Nelmes said: “With so many local families coming to the centre for the Christmas lights switch-on, it was decided that this was an ideal opportunity to raise even more money for the school.
“Parents, students, teachers and friends of the school stood the entrances with their collecting buckets.
“As we suspected, even though Christmas is an expensive time for families, everyone delved deeply in their pockets and donated a staggering £1,268.66 to the campaign.”
On Monday, December 16, Martin presents Mrs Elliott with a cheque for the money collected.
Mrs Elliott added: “Since the beginning of the academic year, we have enjoyed many fundraising events and with the donations collected at the Crown Glass Shopping Centre Christmas light switch-on, we have raised £7,000.
“We are thrilled to have been a part of the event and be supported by our community in this way.”
PHOTOS: Top Nailsea School headteacher Dee Elliot collects cheque from Crown Glass Shopping Centre manager Martin Nelmes and with the bucket on the night is Mrs Elliot and Fiona Davies, school publications & development officer
PDSA charity shop opens in Nailsea
A small white West Highland terrier was the star guest at the opening of Nailsea’s newest charity shop.
Molly, aged four, was accompanied to the ‘grand’ opening by her owner, student vet Sophie Osborne, who is training at the Bristol PDSA Pet Hospital.
Molly is suffering from a ‘poorly leg’ and is currently being treated at the Bath Road hospital, said Sophie.
The PDSA store in the High Street was ready for business at 10am this morning, Saturday, November 22, making it the ninth shop recycling donations for good causes in the town.
PDSA is the leading veterinary charity providing free and reduced cost treatment to pets.
The store at 138 High Street will sell pre-loved and new items, plus pet products, all at bargain prices, with profits helping to fund the charity’s nationwide service – there is another store at Portishead.
Nailsea shop manager Anna Hutson along with PDSA head of retail Lloyd Hughes, project manager Martin Wright, and area manager Paul Gibbs were all at the opening.
Anna said: “We are happy to accept all types of donations, clothing, homeware, DVDs, furniture and electrical items.
“And every penny we raise will help local sick and injured pets.”
PDSA has been saving pets and changing lives since 1917.
In that time, it has helped more than 20 million pets, providing 100 million treatments.
For more information about PDSA, please visit www.pdsa.org.uk.
The High Street store was previously home the British Heart Foundation but has been empty since the summer of 2015.
Previously the unit had been a short-lived ‘tanning’ salon and before that Nailsea Electrical which despite the misleading name moved to Bedminster and continues to trade with this moniker.
A st re on the High Street
Are you wishing for new 'white goods' this Christmas?
Well a Nailsea store now has a brand new stock.
Home Additions is the welcome addition to Nailsea High Street.
It is a town centre emporium which sells big and small items for the home.
And now it is wishing everyone a ‘white’ Christmas by sellling large electrical goods.
Open Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm on the corner of High Street and Link Road it has an impressive range of household items on show.
From novelty Harry Potter wall plaques to a quality Ercol dresser, from comfy sofas to branded sunglasses, from memory foam mattresses to mobility aids - this is somewhere you just want to browse again and again.
Offered at competitive prices the white goods include ovens, hobs, washing machines, refrigerators and chest freezers.
Nailsea hasn’t had a shop selling new white goods since goodness knows when so this is a bonus for customers not wanting to track to Cribbs Causeway or the city centre.
Alan Goddard opened his store six months ago and is building a reputation for good service and great prices.
He said: “Here at Home Additions we offer free local delivery if people spend £125 or more for Nailsea, Clevedon and Backwell customers.
“Pay us a visit and we can supply most makes and models of white goods with full manufacturer’s warranty with many in stock or just a few days to order.
“We are a small, family business that also does house clearance.”
Using a smiley emoji as its logo this is a business which conveys positive, happy and friendly sentiments at all times but especially in the festive season.
For further help call 0796 759 6589 or 0781 458 3723 or pop in – staff are happy to help.
Home Additions wishes its customers a 'white' goods happy Christmas
COMMUNITY MATTERS: In October it was Parkinsons UK North West Somerset branch which topped the green token leader board and netted £579 towards its supportive work. Springbnoard Opportunity Group benefitted by £266 and Court de Wyck Church School at Claverham was awarded £155. For November customers have the choice of Long Ashton Memory Cafe a helpful hub for people with memory loss, the early symptoms of Alzheimer's and dementia and their carers; Nailsea Goldies a singing charity is putting smiles on faces of people in Nailsea and Nailsea Shedders who repair and recycle at their weekly meetings at 2nd Nailsea Scout HQ
Smoke gets in my eyes
Ecigwizard Nailsea finally opened on Wednesday, October 30, at Crown Glass Shopping Centre, Nailsea, and it is going to trade seven days at week!
Founded in 2011, Ecigwizard has grown to become the largest online and offline retailer in the UK.
Its head office is in Peterborough where they manufacture and stock 'the very best vape juice available'.
The company is one of the largest stockists of electronic cigarettes and e-liquids in the UK and Europe, currently suppling more than 600 independently owned ecig stores as well as over 80 private white label e-liquid clients. Added to this they have more than 45 company owned and franchise stores across the UK.
The opening hours of the shop next to Greens at 10 Colliers Walk are:
· Friday 9am–5pm
· Saturday 9am–5pm
· Sunday 10am–4pm
· Monday 9am–5pm
· Tuesday 9am–5pm
· Wednesday 9am–5pm
· Thursday 9am–5pm
While the products are made from natural ingredients because of the controversy about vaping every customer is given a mandatory government health pamphlet.
For more information call 0345 305 2585
NEW TO TOWN: Nailsea's ninth charity shop opens on Friday, November 22 in the shop once run by BHF. Across the road the premises used by the RSPCA is up for sale and it appears there is office space to rent at Kings Court
New charity shop...
The British Heart Foundation closed its charity shop at 138 High Street in the summer of 2015 citing ‘commercial reasons’ is about to re-open.
It has stood empty for four years and more recently its 'to rent' board offering preferential rates for anyone wanting to move in.
But this week shopfitters did move in and a notice went up saying 'new charity shop' coming soon.
And on its Facebook page Pdsa Nailsea, the UK’s leading veterinary charity, announced 'this is not just any charity shop. This is a PDSA boutique charity shop!'.
When BHF first opened in August 2010 it was the seventh charity shop in the town centre - and shortly we will have nine.
Previousy the unit had been a short lived ‘tanning’ salon and before that Nailsea Electrical which despite the misleading name moved to Bedminster and continues to trade with this moniker.
Nine years ago the then Nailsea Town Council vice-chairman Clare Hunt cut the red ribbon at the official ceremony and praised BHF for ‘transforming this shop which many in Nailsea considered an eyesore for so long’.
Pdsa will be opening on Friday, November 22, just in time for Christmas shopping.
EAT:NAILSEA photos and report from the successful October 2019 street fair are on the next page
Gift wrapped gifts
The Works which opened at Colliers Walk, Nailsea, this summer is offering a seasonal gift wrapping service to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The discount retailer sells an extensive range of books, art and craft materials, gifts, toys, games and stationery at Crown Glass Shopping Centre in the heart of Nailsea..
It already has a donation table for customers to give arts and craft materials for use at Your Cancer Café which opens on the third Thursday afternoon of the month at 65 High Street - next date on the Healthy Peeps page..
Now with Christmas approaching shop manager Kate Kisby said: "For £1 per item on products bought from The Works we will gift wrap your purchase and donate the monies to the cancer charity."
Pictured is Kate among the amazing range of stock at the store
PETROL HEADS: Need to refill across the road at the service station these parking spaces at Tesco Nailsea are for drivers of electric cars to recharge. And in an interesting move the site of the old petrol filling station at Stockway South 'is having the ground checked for petrochemicals'. Crown Glass Shopping Centre manager Martin Nelmes said: "Nothing to get excited about yet but is progressing in the right direction."
COMMUNITY MATTERS: In September it was Nailsea Environment and Wildlife Trust (NEWT) which topped the green token leader board and netted £455 towards the upkeep of Moorend Spout nature reserve off Pound Lane. This is a rural oasis the group has managaged since 2009 and is well known for its natural beauty, provided by the Alder Carr and flowing waterfall. As October draws to a close it is the Parkinsons UK North West Somerset branch being favoured by Nailsea Waitrose customers
BUSINESS CLASS: Butterfly Travel is hosting a free holiday showcase on Friday, October 11, 4-7pm at Nailsea Tithe Barn.
The travel teams based at Crown Glass Place will be on hand to serve you a glass of bubbly and nibbles while you take the opportunity to talk to selected suppliers and discuss your next holiday arrangements with the experts.Tickets from Butterfly Travel at 01275 277966.
HIGH CAFE: Buy your environmentally-friendly glass cup at Simply Green, Nailsea, and then walk across the High Street and claim 20 per cent discount on your coffee at Coates House...simple
CHIN CHIN: Perhaps you ought leave the car behind when you pop into Wraxall garage on Wednesday, September 18, 4-6pm as the onsite Tout's Budgen supermarket is hosting a wine and gin tasting. The Wine Shop, Bristol Distrilling Co and Thatcher's Cider will be providing the samples and Signature loyalty card customers can get extra points on their drink purchases. To learn more click HERE.
BAG LADIES: Handbags at the ready for the next Nailsea and Backwell Rotary Club stall on market day Saturday, October 19. If you have good-condition, quality handbags that you no longer love and would like to donate call Roger on 01275 854076 or email roger.jan@blueyonder.co.uk. The sale will be at Crown Glass Shopping Centre
IN-STORE CHOICE: Choices for September 2019 with the green token Communty Matters scheme at Waitrose Nailsea are:
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Home -Start North Somerset
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Nailsea Environment & Wildlife Trust; and
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Something To Do, Clevedon..
The August results are below:
Nailsea's newest shop
The next new shop to open at Crown Glass Shopping Centre is called Ecigwizard.
It is a vape shop, not the one featured about which is for illustrative purposes only, is going to sell electronic cigarettes and e-liquid and is going nextdoor to Greens, a sandwich bar and delicatessen.
Both are due to open this month.
Greens is the brainchild of Dean Sandy who runs 119 café, at Station Road – see Nailsea People September front page for more information by clicking HERE.
The sandwich bar and vape store will share what was the old HSBC bank at 10 Colliers Walk, on the corner of Somerset Square and opposite Costa coffee shop.
It has been vacant for more than a decade since the bank moved further along the row into a much bigger unit.
These latest new shops mark a proliferation of new and refurbished businesses opening in the town centre with two other businesses set to open soon.
One will be in the former arts and craft premises of The Blue Room and the other where travel company Baker Dolphin once traded.
The vape shop completed its legal paperwork this week and the shopfitters should move in any day now.
Ian Thompson, of Thompson Commercial, who negotiated the leases, said: “There are more than 50 vape shops around the UK, love them or hate them there is a market for them, and I'm sure they are healthier than smoking although lifelong non-smokers are sure to disagree.
“I've got two more deals in lawyers but as they haven't signed, I can't confirm or deny anything, but one is a long anticipated and rumoured tenant.
“Assuming both sign that will be eight new shops opening in the space of approximately 12 weeks including the barbers Zaman which with its Sunday opening is increasing the weekend footfall in the shopping centre.
“I don't know of anywhere which has achieved that across the whole of the UK.
“Add that to the new Card Factory and Go Mobile which opened at the beginning of the year in new units to make space for the extensions in Colliers Walk this involved a significant investment from the shopping centre landlord Ellandi.
“Nailsea is seeing the benefits after looking very tired especially while this was being done.
“One can really feel the difference in the atmosphere and vibrancy in the centre.
“In the past 12 months of the 40 plus shops in the centre a quarter are either new occupiers or enhanced, enlarged and refitted branches.
“This leaves only two left available making a vacancy rate of just five per cent - well below national average.
“It shows there is real demand despite difficult trading conditions in the retail sector nationwide.
Despite rumours to the contrary a food outlet is not going into The Blue Room.
Mr Thompson added: “A letting is in solicitor’s hands for the former The Blue Room but it's likely to be several weeks before it's signed, and I can't confirm what or who it will be until it is.
“There is good demand for shops and offices in Nailsea generally, and from a range of uses, some are from the food sector, but nothing currently ongoing other than Greens.
Battleaxes
public house
The Battleaxes at Wraxall has new owners.
Somerset based The Country Pub Group owned by young hospitality entrepreneur Matthew Lowe has purchased from Flatcappers its only two pubs:
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The Battleaxes at Wraxall; and
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The Castle Inn, Bradford-on-Avon.
Flatcappers bought the North Somerset Grade II-I listed building which was once part of the Tyntesfield estate in September 2010 and have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on its purchase, designer gothic interior and letting bedrooms.
It was built as a Temperance house by the benevolent Matilda Blanche Gibbs, widow of wealthy merchant William Gibbs, in 1881.
She wanted the Victorian building as somewhere for estate workers to meet without drinking alcohol.
But at the outbreak of World War I the Temperance House was leased to Georges Brewery, later Courage Brewery, and then we presume the beer and cider flowed.
When Courage’s gave back the lease to the late Lord Wraxall (Richard Gibbs) in the 1960s he promptly sold the building.
It isn’t on public record of how much Matilda’s great grandson got from Courage tenant Mr A Bird for the freehold in 1962 but the average UK house price at the time was £2,950 and a new Ford Cortina cost £591.
Changes in ownership and name followed with reports of a fire in the 1970s. Success varied but a brief spell as an Indian restaurant didn’t suit the locals.
The Country Pub Group own The Mendip Inn, Shepton Mallet, and this acquisition boosts its portfolio to three.
According to online reporting by Caterlyst the pub company will be focusing on providing a consistently high quality of food, drink and accommodation.
Nailsea People is told a new menu will be introduced in the next week or so providing seasonal, locally-source food ensuring where possible they support British farmers and artisan producers.
However, the management want to assure those who have already booked catering for weddings, parties and meetings that their chosen buffet menus will not change.
Previous Flatcappers operations manager Tony De Brito is remaining in situ at Wraxall and will in future act for the group.
You can read more by clicking HERE.
BUCKET LIST: A TSB corporate team supporting Children's Hospice South West took a collection bucket to businesses in Nailsea High Steet on Thursday, September 5, and among the shops they visited was Home Additions. Owner Geraint Goddard said: "We are very keen to support this amazing charity. Great bunch of lads with loads of enthusiasm."
Discount voucher in bagging area
Bag up your unwanted wardrobe bits and bobs and swap them at a Nailsea charity shop for a 20 per cent discount voucher with a famous fashion retailer.
Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) has teamed up with New Look to offer town shoppers an extra big thank you for helping the charity.
New Look has launched a new customer discount initiative to support hospice care by encouraging more people to donate goods to local hospice shops, and CHSW is one the shops chosen to pilot the scheme which runs until Saturday, September 14.
The high street store will be offering a 20 per cent discount voucher to anyone who drops in a full bag of donations at the CHSW shop at Colliers Walk, Nailsea.
Under the scheme, running in partnership with national charity Hospice UK, donors will receive a voucher which they will be able to spend at New Look’s store in Nailsea, which is only a short walk from the hospice shop.
New Look retail director Mark Axon said, “New Look is very excited about this new partnership with Hospice UK to encourage our customers to donate their once loved clothes to their local hospice shop.
"As a company, we’re really keen to develop stronger links on our local high streets.
"We have a three-year commitment to fundraise for the amazing work of hospices around the UK and this new initiative helps us to take this to the next level, building stronger relationships in local communities and doing what we can to reduce the amount of clothing waste that ends up in landfill.“
Every item bought in one of CHSW's shops across the South West helps the charity to provide care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
The CHSW Nailsea shop moved this summer into a newly refurbished store sells clothing, accessories and jewellery, household items, small electrical goods and bric-a-brac, books, CDs and DVDs, toys and games.
For more information about CHSW and the care it provides, click HERE.
Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) fact file:
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Children’s Hospice South West was first registered with the charity commission in 1991 and celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2016;
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It is dedicated to making the most of short and precious lives, providing the best possible hospice care for life-limited children and their families;
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There are three hospices in the South West: Little Bridge House at Barnstaple opened 1995, Charlton Farm at Wraxall opened 2007 and Little Harbour in St Austell opened 2011;
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CHSW is the only children’s hospice in the South West. It costs around £10million to run the three hospice sites each year and the charity relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions;
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CHSW delivers a range of services including short breaks, specialist play, music therapy, activities for siblings, palliative and emergency care, end of life care, bereavement support and specialist medical care - all available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year;
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The services are free for families.
OPEN NOW: Manager Jan Abrook cut the ribbon aided by the charity shop volunteers who handed out cake and goody bags to the first customers at the refurbished Colliers Walk store...lots more photos in Gallery 2019 of the opening on Friday, August 9
Children’s Hospice South West is re-opening its charity flagship shop in Nailsea at this week.
The Crown Glass Shopping Centre store at Colliers Walk, has undergone a major refurbishment and customers are being invited to see the bigger and better shop for the first time when the doors open at 10.30am on Friday, August 9.
The shop closed in January this year and temporarily moved to the old Blue Room downstairs at The Sion buildihng.
It is the closest CHSW shop to the Charlton Farm children’s hospice at Wraxall and has been a huge success since first opening in 2007.
Shop manager Jane Abrook said: “We’re delighted to be moving back into our bigger and better Nailsea store.
"It has been such a big part of the community in Nailsea for more than 10 years and we’re looking forward to showing people the new-look shop.
“We will be offering a super range of goods, including women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories, as well as children’s toys and games and homewares – giving fantastic pre-loved items the chance to be loved again, all while raising money to support Charlton Farm, as well as our children’s hospices in North Devon and Cornwall.
“However you are able to support us in the store, whether that’s shopping with us or by volunteering or dropping off donations, please stop by and say hello, you’ll be assured a very warm welcome.”
Every item sold in the shop will help the charity to offer vital care and respite to more than 500 children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the South West.
CHSW relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions and the ‘whole family’ care provided includes short breaks and respite; specialist palliative care; a sibling service; emergency support, end-of-life care; and bereavement support for as long as is needed.
Stock donations to the new shop are welcome and items can be dropped off at the shop anytime between 9am and 5pm, or alternatively call 01275 866600 to arrange collections of large items.
CHSW shop reopens
WACKY WEDNESDAY: First event of school summer holidays was the big bubble machine. More photos at Gallery 2019. Next week it is Isabella's Story Cycle on Wednesday, August 14 at 11.30am, 1pm and 3pm at Crown Glass Shopping Centre.
IN-STORE CHOICE: Spoilt for choice during August 2019 with the green token Communty Matters scheme at Waitrose Nailsea.
Three worthy causes:
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Nailsea School PTA
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Your Cancer Cafe
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Age UK, Somerset
Many shoppers at the High Street store and taking it in turns to support the school, cafe and elderly.
TOP CUT: Turkish-owned hairdressers called Zaman Barbers, at Crown Glass Place, offering walk-in appointments and men's cut at £9 is opening on Friday, August 2. It will be open seven days a week at Crown Glass Shopping Centre, Nailsea. There is also a branch in Clevedon.
New beauty room on Nailsea High Street
Skincare specialist Sophie Jones opens her beauty room at 73 High Street in the same building that houses Broad Street Hair and JW Barbers on Friday, August 2..
Sophie specialises in medical grade, advanced skin care - treating conditions such as acne, acne scaring, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, stretch marks, enlarged pores and more.
Sophie has been working as a non-surgical facialist at Clifton Village for two years and she says helped many people to achieve skin confidence.
She said: “I am opening my beauty room on Friday, August 2, and will be offering 10 per cent off all treatments throughout this month to celebrate my new beauty room.”
For more information click HERE or call 0779 133 3746 for an appointment.
Greggs reopens
After being closed for eight months Greggs the largest bakery chain in the United Kingdom re-opened its refurbished Nailsea shop on Tuesday morning, July 30.
Part of a national chain whose headquarters is in Newcastles upon Tyne it specialises in savoury food like sausage rolls and sandwiches and sweet items including iced doughnuts and vanilla slices.
The first Greggs was opened in the north east in1951.
By the 1990s, it was the largest bakery chain in the country after acquiring its major rival, Bakers Oven, in May 1994.
Nationwide it has nearly 2,000 stores.
The new look Colliers Walk shop has seating for 16 plus highchairs and a customer's toilet.
It will be open 7.30am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm at Crown Glass Shopping Centre although it was a few minutes late on the first day due to wet and windy conditions which almost blew away the decorative balloons outside.
In other developments the old HSBC has been split into two light and airy units, all the huge To Let signs have been replaced by more discrete window signs, CHSW has started moving back from its temporary home at Crown Glass Place along with The Works - see below - and the most exciting is a new Turkish-owned hairdressers called Zohan Barbers offering walk-in appointments and men's cut at £9 is poised to open any day now.
PHOTO: Top waiting to welcome you from left is manager Sharon Hodge,
Alex Stevens, Amber Parrish and Theresa Clifford
Dancing in aisles
Tesco Nailsea joined in a nationwide fundraiser by the supermarket group called Dance Beats.
With cancer, heart and circulatory diseases and diabetes accounting for more than half of all deaths in the UK, Tesco decided to support the life-changing work of its three national health charity partners - Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK
Throughout June and July, Dance Beats brought the nation together to have fun, show off their moves and raise millions of pounds to tackle the UK’s biggest health challenges.
The Dance Beats Super Group, fronted by professional dancers Oti Mabuse and Kimberly Wyatt, pop star Aston Merrygold; and former The Saturdays singer Una Healy, helped kick off the campaign with a spectacular flash mob performance.
The Nailsea team did an equally fantastic job in an even more fabulous array of dance costumes and their customers joined in too.
Community champion Hayley Watson said: "We themed our dressing up around the three charity colours on Thursday, with Carribbean on Friday and on Saturday it was rainbow colours.
"We raised an amazing £1,224.98.
"A huge thank you to everyone who helped and donated and a special big thanks to Adele Stitch School of Dance and TLF Dance Centre for their wonderful in-store performances."
Dance Beats culminated in an epic 30-hour world record attempt where more than 6,000 Tesco colleagues and customers came together to break the Guiness World Record for the world’s longest dance marathon relay at Wembley stadium.
Manager Jon Weed and five staff from Nailsea joined the London dance marathon and a Nailsea summer raffle of Tesco goodies added to the amount made for the charities.
PHOTOS: Top Tesco Nailsea staff with the Adele Stitch School of Dance and TLF Dance Centre for their wonderful in-store
WORK COMPLETED: Shop manager Kate Kisby said: "The Works is happy to announce we have arrived in Nailsea. To celebrate this we have a ‘guess the name’ for the chance to win this cuddly bear. We will be doing henna tattoos on Saturday - all donations to Cancer Research UK. Also visit us tomorrow, Friday, July 19, at Crown Glass Shopping Centre for lots of exciting promotions and amazing price cuts ready for when the children break up." Neighbouring bakery Greggs re-opens on Tuesday, July 30.
Pictured from left is Kate outside the Colliers Walk store with shop staff Chloe MacGregor, Maisie White and Anne Miller
BAKERS DOZENS: Tesco Nailsea bakers have been busy making extra buns for community projects. There supplied 1st Nailsea Scouts with the rolls for their hotdogs and this week Grove Junior School collected some cakes and party food for the end-of-term leavers final celebration.
WORD ON THE (NAILSEA) STREET
Did a walkabout this morning Thursday, July 11, and confirmed charity shop Changing Lives is closed again but the vandalised Ping Pong Parlour has reopened and we have the new bijou place Party People at Colliers Walk - a riot of colour and balloons.
Crown Glass Shopping Centre is getting ready to welcome new and not-so-new faces as the multi-million pound refurbishment nears completion.
We heard (twice) it is Dr Beijing the Chinese doctor who will be moving along the High Street into the unit at the end of Glassworks Mews.
In other news a high class butchers and deli has shown interest in Nailsea; a new company is operating the Go Mobile phone shop and is keen to restore its good name after the franchise went bust; director Richard Van de Velde, of Hunters estate agents, is continuing his series of ‘shop locally’ videos to promote Nailsea retailers and the Kebab Kitchen also has good news as it has negotiated a 30 minute concession for customers parking in the bay nearest its takeaway. Last but not least Nailsea Town Council has started preliminary discussions to buy the Weston College and library site...remember you read it here first...
Comments from the Nailsea People Facebook page including:
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Lydia Rose said: "Thanks for the mention here’s our page The Party People 🌈🎉🎈 nice to meet you thanks for popping in."
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Ruth Lucas said: "I love this page. So much great news and encouragement for local shops in Nailsea!
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Gill Followell said: "Excellent news. I hope the sale of the old college/surgery goes through quickly it has been an eyesore for much too long. A butcher/deli sounds good too. Come on Nailsea, things are looking up!"
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Shellie Derrick said: "There's a The Works and I'm excited."
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Pamela Burt said:"Pleased to hear about empty shops being occupied in Nailsea town centre, anything’s better than empty shops. However I do wish we had a wider variety of retail options in the town. For example, a men’s outfitters is something Nailsea has never had."
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Carol-Anne Auburn Torrance said: "All the units have increased in size so it’s a tad more than refurbished guys and gals! You’ll see when Greggs opens, ask the manager Sharon Hodge."
A spanner was nearly put in The Works when the company quoted the wrong Nailsea address on a planning application for new illuminated signs at Colliers Walk.
The Works which is one of the UK’s leading multi-channel specialist retailers of value gifts, arts, crafts, toys, books and stationery mistakenly put a red line around greengrocers Birchells and travel agents Tui on a map showing store location.
Luckily the error was spotted and is being rectified with North Somerset Council planners.
The Works has been busy recruiting staff for is Nailsea shop and many of the positions are now filled.
The ‘new’ enlarged shops on the east side of Colliers Walk will be – The Works (adjacent to Go Mobile), Greggs bakery and Children’s Hospice South West who will be returning to their old location but to a larger shop.
CHSW will then vacate the former Blue Room which they used on a temporary basis while the construction was ongoing.
Ian Thompson, of Thompson commercial letting agents, said: “We will still only have two charity shops at Crown Glass shopping centre, CHSW and CLIC.”
Shopfitters moved in this week and the orange barriers outside the shops are to protect the work to re-lay the paving outside.
He said: “At the same time – but a separate project - the former HSBC, on the top corner between the library and Cohens Chemist, has been split into two smaller shops, refurbished including a new side window and with the removal of the cash point brick wall.
“This project should be finished in a week or two when the hoarding should come down.”
Potential tenants are lined up for these units and the former Moonrise shop and all will be announced once the legal paperwork is complete.
Mr Thompson added: “In all five new shop lettings, three of them being new traders to Nailsea, the other two returning to new larger and improved shop.
“All our team are very excited, more than two years work and planning has gone into achieving this, and a further significant investment by Nailsea Unit Trust.
“Behind the scenes the remaining office space has also been let to Hews Recruitment Ltd and Pelican Business Services so we have now regained 100 per cent occupancy in that sector.”
Sunday showers
Shopper Sue Smith sent this photo to Nailsea People on Sunday, June 16, of a flooded car park at the High Street supermarket.
She said: "It is when Tesco car park reminds you of Venice!"
With British temperatures recently rivalling the Mediterranean, it may have seemed that summer had firmly arrived.
But June is now odds on to be the wettest on record, with yellow weather warnings issued for the coming week and the country set to be deluged by heavy rain.
England is expected to see four days of rain, as forecasters at the Met Office warn of potential floods across the south east.
Simon Partridge, of the Met Office, said: "There's potential for floods anywhere east from Oxfordshire, extending down to the coast."
The outlook for North Somerset isn't quite as bleak but more showers are forecast and the damp ground is playing havoc with the underground cables causing breaks in service.
High Street store closes
McColl's in Nailsea 'permanently closed' in June, 2019.
Part of a chain of convenience stores selling food, drinks, confectionery, magazines, toiletries and other household goods the retail unit at 88 High Street has a huge 'to let' sign on the property.
The retailer recorded annual revenue of more than £1bn for the first time in November 2017 and bought 298 Co-Op stores.
But one year later and McColl's chief executive Jonathan Miller said: "2018 has been a very difficult year for the business, marked by unprecedented supply chain disruption and ongoing challenges."
And the decision was made to close some of its stores including Nailsea.
Out of McColl's 1,556 managed convenience stores and newsagents it axed 66 unperforming branches.
The company operate McColl's branded convenience stores as well as newsagents branded Martin's across the UK, except in Scotland where we operate under our heritage brand, RS McColl
The ground floor Nailsea permises is offered for rent of £17,000 per year by agents Burston Cook the commercial property agents who say the A1 general retail unit may suit other uses.
SHOP WATCH: Nailsea People were told when the black boarding came down at Colliers Walk and the shopfitters moved in it would be 6-8 weeks before the shops at Crown Glass Shopping Centre reopened after the major refurbishment. This photo was taken mid-June 2019. August is the predicted date for re-opening...let the exciting countdown begin...scroll down the page to read the article published here in January who will be setting out their wares...
SHOP TALK: It is half term at Crown Glass Shopping Centre and mascot Honeysuckle is on a meet and greet mission saying hi to schoolchildren out in the town centre. Colliers Walk is undergoing a massive refurbishment and everyone is asking when will its new retail units be open for business. We are told this August, fingers crossed. Can't wait to see behind the black boarding. Greggs is coming back, bigger and better than before, The Works bookshop has also been mooted. CHSW charity shop will be back although Crown Glass Shopping Centre manager Martin Nelmes has been a little tight-lipped about what is going on. He said: "No news to report yet I’m afraid. As soon as we have some confirmed dates I will let you know." Shopper Debbie Routley wants to know about the new retail unit going in opposite John Browns hardware on the end of the Royal Oak Mews terrace. Rumours that is was going to be the new home of Bakers the Butchers when they have to move from the end of Queens Road were soon quashed as Chinese whispers. Planning consent for the Glassworks development says B1 use for the commercial element which means office use, not retail. Perhaps they will take a unit at Colliers Walk? Lisa Gregory who moved to Crown Glass Place said business is booming for Chic Blooms and Nailsea People say welcome to Lydia Rose who has taken over her old shop at Colliers Walk. Lydia introduced herself as the owner of The Party People, a little party and toy cave which supplies weddings, baby shower, children's birthday and hen nights as well as being an emporium for toys, gifts and helium balloons. Opening days are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-2.30pm and Saturday 9.30am-4pm. Pop in to say hello. And finally Ian Thompson, of Thompson Commercial, confirmed there are more exciting developments in the pipeline. He said he had several would-be new and several old tenants keen to move into Colliers Walk once building work is finished. Ian said: "The tenants are keen to get in, but we seem to be a couple of weeks late – building contracts are very rarely early, and then they will go in to fit out. Probably between three and six weeks before they actually open from the point we hand over to their shopfitters. I agreed terms on the old Moonrise shop yesterday, although we have had several offers since it became vacant but nothing we could recommend, and the HSBC is due to be refurbished and split starting in the next week or two, with one of the two shops being created also in solicitors hands. In a nutshell it's not all doom and gloom in our High Street – and before you ask, no I can't tell you who the latest tenants might be - until they are signed."
Nailsea's new Curiousity Shop
A shop full of new, secondhand and vintage items opened on the corner of the Link Road and High Street, in Nailsea, in April.
Home Additions Ltd is a family company which buys at auction as well as liquidation and bankrupt stock that is sourced from all over the country including new beds straight from manufacture.
Boss Alan Goddard said: "We are very pleased we came to Nailsea and have had a fantastic start and have been very encouraged by the positive feedback and support from the local businesses, residents and customers.
"We do our best to source a variety of products to meet all financial needs.
"We have a warehouse in Clevedon where we keep extra stock.
"We are open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 7pm on Thursday."
Big buzz at shops
There was a bit of a buzz in the flower beds at Crown Glass Shopping Centre on Monday, May 13, when a swarm of bees moved in.
The bees settled at Colliers Walk and North Somerset Beekeepers were contacted to come and capture the honey makers.
Crown Glass admin Kerry Lester said: "The bees will not intentionally cause harm and only usually sting by accident."
North Somerset beekeeper Fran Frappell with the help of Crown Glass Shopping Centre manager Martin Nelmes, pictured both wearing protective white suits in the slideshow, supervised by Honeysuckle the centre’s bumble bee mascot caught the swarm of bees.
The flying insects where then unceremoniously crated in a sealed cardboard box for dispatch to a new home.
The bees are being re-hived near Backwell at the North Somerset Beekeeping Association new apiary.
They are in the safe hands of Apiary manager Eric Sortwell
Shopper Patricia Adams said: “Great job - I stood and watched them for a while early this evening, fascinating.
Tesco Nailsea counter service cut on 3 days
Tesco Nailsea is closing its deli, fish and meat counters on three days of the week with the loss of two jobs.
The change means the counters will be open Wednesday to Saturday, 9am-7pm.
Manager Jon Weed said: “Our hot deli counter will continue to open seven days a week from 9am- 9pm Monday to Saturday and on Sunday 10am-4pm.
"We regretfully had to make two people redundant from our counters department."
The High Street supermarket employs nearly 200 staff.
Some 90 Tesco stores nationwide is closing its food counters completely.
The supermarket chain made the announced in January this year.
Nailsea is one of 700 other stores where is was decided to have full or flexible counter service.
The changes were predicted to see thousands of job losses both in-store and at Tesco head office at Welwyn Garden City.
Tesco said the move was due to customers using the food counters ‘less frequently’.
It was reported at the time of the food counter closure announcement that bakeries in Tesco stores would also be overhauled.
But Tesco later said there would not be any ‘significant changes’ to them this year.
The Big Four supermarkets have been making significant changes in recent months, with one being forced to close stores.
Last year, Tesco announced plans to ‘simplify’ the structure of its store teams, putting 1,700 jobs at risk in the process.
Tesco aim to make £1.5billion in cost savings by 2020.
Sainsbury's and Morrisons has also announced plans to streamline store teams, while Asda started consulting with staff more than 2,500 potential jobs cuts in October last year.
And recently Marks & Spencer announced it was planning to close 17 stores, putting more than 1,000 jobs at risk.
Shopping info for green customers
Simply Green Zero Waste opened nearly two months ago and owner Bethan Walker said: "Since we opened, and we couldn't be happier with the response so far."
"If you haven't had a chance to pop in yet, we just wanted to share this graphic and take a minute to explain how it works!
"Hopefully this will help make your first trip run smoothly.
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Bring in any container/ bag/ any receptacle you can find, paper bags are also available if you don't have anything with you.
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Either weigh your container yourself using the scales on the shop floor or bring it up to the till and we can weigh it for you.
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Fill your container with as much or as little as you need. We are always happy to help if you need a hand!
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Bring your container up to the till and we will reweigh it and take the weight of the container off of the price.
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Poster designed by Jess Warrington: jessica@jesswdesign.co.uk
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Tesco Nailsea shoppers help veteran charity
An award-winning charity has been given £4,000 to help more veterans with health conditions back into work thanks to support from shoppers in Nailsea.
Customers gave their backing to The Poppy Factory by voting for the charity in the Bags of Help scheme at the Tesco supermarket at High Street using blue tokens given at the checkouts throughout January and February.
Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch the community funding project, with grants raised from carrier bag sales.
The funding will enable The Poppy Factory, which received the Healthcare and Rehabilitation Award at the Soldiering On Awards earier this month to reach more veterans in North Somerset.
Each year the charity supports around 300 ex-Forces men and women with physical or mental health conditions back into meaningful and sustained employment in their communities.
The Poppy Factory chief executive Deirdre Mills said: “We are so grateful to everyone in Nailsea who showed their support for our wounded, injured and sick veterans by using their tokens to vote for The Poppy Factory in the Bags of Help scheme.
“This important funding will go directly to our employability programme, helping us support many more ex-Forces men and women who want to flourish in new jobs and careers, no matter what health conditions and other barriers they may face.”
Tesco Bags of Help project has already delivered more than £63 million to more than 20,000 projects across Britain.
Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop.
Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions are awarded funding.
Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities.
Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online.
To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp.
Long-term supporters scoop charity Lottery win with Nailsea shop ticket
Paul and Renate O’Donnell bought their £1,000 winnng ticket from the Nailsea charity shop in the Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) weekly lottery.
The Cleeve couple who run Wood ‘n’ Things have been supporting CHSW for 16 years and in that time have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity.
The husband and wife first began fundraising for CHSW during the Babe Appeal - the campaign to raise funds to build its Charlton Farm hospice in Wraxall.
Renate said, “It was our late neighbour who originally suggested we support CHSW.
"We looked into it and felt it was a hugely deserving cause.”
Paul and Renate have tirelessly supported CHSW ever since.
Renate said, “We popped in to the CHSW shop in Nailsea as we know Jane Jane Abrook the shop manager.
"Jane was telling us that she didn’t have a changing room in the temporary shop at Crown Glass Shopping Centre so we offered her our display screens.
"We use them to display our woodwork but they can be fitted together and can be used as a changing room! "Whilr there, I found a nice top, paid for it and Jane asked if I’d like to buy a lottery ticket.
"We already play the lottery by standing order every month, but I thought ‘yes, why not!’
"We thought nothing of it and went home.
"The following week we had a call from Jane who asked if we’d checked our lottery ticket. She said a winning ticket had been bought from the shop but remained unclaimed.”
Paul said, “I looked everywhere for the ticket - I even looked through the bins, but couldn’t find it.
"I resigned myself to the fact that it probably wasn’t our ticket that won anyway.
"Then I walked into the lounge and there, on the top of Renate’s knitting basket, was the ticket.
"I called the shop and checked the number and it was the winning ticket!
"We’ve only ever won £10 before, but this time it was £1,000. We couldn’t believe it!”
CHSW community fundraiser, Kylie Gallagher, said “We were over the moon when we heard Paul & Renate were the £1,000 winners.
"They’ve given so much to the charity for so many years, it was lovely to see them getting something back.
"They will be using the money to upgrade their television and microwave, but are very generously donating £200 of it back to CHSW.”
Despite having fundraised for the charity since 2003, the couple only had their first look inside Charlton Farm in December.
The hospice opens its doors each month and visitors can book a tour of the facilities.
Paul said, “It was great to come and visit. It was nothing like we expected. It was far less clinical; we expected it to be more like a hospital.”
Renate added: “We didn’t expect it to be uplifting, but it was.”
Paul and Renate hold two Open House events annualy where visitors are able to buy exclusive products made by themselves and other craftsmen.
They also have a range of freshly homemade cakes available to their guests as well as offering refreshments. Their last Open House raised more than £1,500 for CHSW.
For more information about Paul and Renate’s next Open House from Thursday to Sunday, June 27-30, HERE.
DAFFODIL DAY: We know the daffodils are out at Tyntesfield but we weren't expecting to see them at Somerset Square on Saturday. The Great Daffodil Appeal is cancer support charity Marie Curie's biggest annual fundraising campaign. Every March, millions of people across the UK support this fundraising by giving a small donation to wear a daffodil pin. This makes it one of the UK’s most recognisable charity appeals.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Nailsea town councillor Ann Tonkin is one of the first customers to try out the self-service grains at Simply Green Zero Waste shop which officially opened at Nailsea High Street on Saturday, March 2. Scroll down to read about owner Bethan Walker and her aspirations for a environmentally-friendly store where customers bring their own packaging. Go to Gallery 2019 to view all the photos of the first customers by cllcking HERE.
Cut in biz rates
These pollarded trees at Crown Glass Shopping Centre, Nailsea, aren't the only things to get a drastic cut.
Small businesses in North Somerset are to receive a discount of one third off their business rates thanks to a new Government scheme to be introduced by North Somerset Council.
Following the Government’s annual budget announcement in November 2018, central Government has set out a £1.5bn boost for the UK high street through business rates cuts for almost half a million small high street shops.
Retail properties that have a rateable value of below £51,000 will receive a discount in their business rates from April 2019.
Business rates are set by central government on a yearly basis, collected by local authorities and sent back to the Government.
Local authorities can keep a proportion of the business rates paid locally.
This money is used to help pay for the services North Somerset Council provides.
North Somerset Council deputy leader Elfan Ap Rees said: “The additional support for high street and town development announced in November’s budget is timely.
"The new small business support reflects our continued work to support our town centre shops and invest in the future of the high street.”
Weston-super-Mare Business Improvement District (BID) chairman Paul Batts said: “It is good news that North Somerset is adopting the reduction in business rates for small businesses.
"This will help many small retailers in the area.
"However, government needs to do more to tackle the online retailers if we are to preserve our town centres and specialist independent trading areas.”
PHOTO: Ben Daniels
BARGAIN BUYS: Its staff worked like Trojans through the night to get Bargain Buys ready for Friday, February 15 and at 10am with a fanfare of excitement, balloons and promises of lots of giveways Nailsea Town Council chairman David Packman cut the ribbon and the household and garden shop at 61-63 High Street was officially declared open. The unit which was once Kwik Save, then Woolworths, then the Original Factory Shop has employed many former staff. To see all the photographers from the opening go to Gallery 2019 by clicking HERE.
Nailsea 'green'grocer
The great 'green'grocer at Crown Glass Shopping Centre is stocking Turtle Bags.
S&R Burchills is at 3-4 Colliers Walk.
The bags are reusable and are made from organic cotton and produced under ethical conditions.
In stock is:
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long-handled string bag £6
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10"x12" drawstring bag £1.95
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12"x15" drawstring bag £2.25
To celebrate the arrival of these products on its Facebook the greengrocers is giving one lucky person the chance to win one of each of these bags.
The prize worth £10!
To be in with a chance 'LIKE & SHARE' the post to enter. Winner will be chosen at random on Monday, March 4.
Beautifully green
An environmentally-friendly young entrepreneur is opening a new shop this month in Nailsea High Street called Simply Green Zero Waste.
Bethan Walker, aged 25, is using a small inheritance from her Nailsea grandparents Billy and Betty Walker to launch the store selling natural products with no plastic packaging.
It is one of the first in North Somerset aimed at changing shopping habits.
If all goes to plan the shop will be ready to serve customers by the end of February and will sell items sourced from a food co-operative in Bristol like grains, pulses, herbs, spices, tea, coffee and sweets.
She will also stock soap, shampoos and non-polluting household cleaning product.
Ideally, Bethan would like a ‘grand’ opening in early March but says it depends on how thing go – she still needs to get a till, scales and dispensers but the new floor is laid and the walls are freshly painted – in green and white, naturally.
Saving the planet
Customers will be encouraged to bring their own bottles and cartons although Bethan will have free brown paper bags and recycled glass jars to buy.
Bethan said: “In an ideal world people will bring their own containers, fill them up, take them away and use and bring them back again to refill.”
Bethan who was brought up in Nailsea went to Backwell School before taking a biology degree at Leeds University is passionate about saving the planet.
Bethan said: “Initially I think my opening hours will be Tuesday to Sunday with one late night, but this isn’t finalised yet.
“I am sure people are going to love it, when I did the market stalls everyone was really curious.
“And while I have been setting up the shop would-be customers have been popping in offering support and advice and to wish me luck.
“Everyone has been saying they were really excited about it opening.
“I am hoping my prices with be competitive with the supermarkets but obviously they have the advantage of bulk buying in such large quantities but if you know what you are buying is Fairtrade or organic or you know the farmers have been treated well then people will hopefully pay a little extra.”
The shop at 132 High Street used to be the home of Beautiful a chic designer and pre-loved bric-a-brac store.
It closed before Christmas when owner Sandi MacDonald decided after 15 years in business it was time for a well-earned break.
To learn more about Bethan and her enterprise go to www.simplygreen zerowaste.co.uk.
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Opening and closing times
While Nailsea gets ready to welcomes two new shops this month several others are in the process of changing status.
Bargain Buys opens in Nailsea High Street on Friday, February 15, at 10am with some great giveaways for its first customers.
It replaces The Original Factory Shop which took over from the old Woolworths store in 2015.
Businesses for sale in Nailsea include the Italian restaurant Il Paradiso at the Link Road and the White Lion pub in Silver Street although they could just be looking for change of ownership rather than closing down.
There are various office spaces and shops at Crown Glass Shopping Centre and The Arcade to let or buy including the cards and gifts store Occasions at Colliers Walk and the old BHF shop on High Street.
Best news is work has begun at Crown Glass to update and enlarge the units along Colliers Walk.
Help Bristol's Homeless Shop charity shop on the corner of High Street and Link Road closed despite having much publicity saying how successful it has been and seemed stocked to the gills with secondhand donations.
This still leave Nailsea with seven (or eight?) charity shops.
All this follows quickly on the heels of the Modern Art Tattoo shop at 128A High Street (facing Waitrose car park) which closed so abruptly we hardly noticed it had gone.
The piercing and body art salon had been open in Nailsea since 2010 but in 2016 it had competition when Mark'd With Ink Ltd set up a similar business at The Arcade in the former firework store.
The latter is still going strong.
Some light industrial units at Southfield Road and Blackfriars Trading Estate are vacant and advertised but intriguingly the prime location site which was once the old health centre/Weston College on the edge of Crown Glass Shopping Centre but not owned by its landlord is listed as 'not quoting' whatever that means by commercial estate agents.
I have been writing about the Weston College abandoned site for nine years now!
However, like the phoenix, the arts and crafts movement in Nailsea which nearly died when The Blue Room closed has taken on a new lease of life by opening classes at 65 High Street.
Read more on the Healthy Peeps page by clicking HERE.
Coronation Street star shopping at Waitrose Nailsea
Guess who we talked to while shopping in Waitrose Nailsea on Wednesday evening?
Looking very glamorous despite her advancing years it was Thelma Barlow, aged 89, the English television actor and writer, most famous for her roles as Mavis Wilton in the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street and as Dolly Bellfield in the sitcom Dinnerladies.
Thelma who hails from Middlesbrough in Yorkshire was in North Somerset to help her long-standing friend and Nailsea town councillor Phil Barclay move house.
Phil will be one of the first residents in the newly completed McCarthy and Stone retirement complex called Bucklands built on the old police station.
Oh and Thelma chose the supermarket ironing board despite Phil’s protests that it wasn’t the one he wanted!
£1,000 Nailsea charity lottery winner search
A search is on for the mystery winner of a £1,000 lottery ticket bought in Nailsea.
The lucky Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) lottery ticket was bought in the charity’s temporary shop at the old The Blue Room, at Crown Glass Shopping Centre between Friday and Thursday, January 25-31.
The shop has also been sharing the news on social media in a bid to track down the winner, but sadly to no avail.
CHSW lottery officer Stephanie Charles said the owner of the winning £1,000 ticket – number 500597– should call the Lottery Helpline on 08456 888 911 to claim their prize.
She said: “We’d love to be able to find our winner and let them know – it will make a great start to 2019 for someone!”
“Any prize money not claimed within three months of the draw date is donated directly back to the charity.”
The CHSW weekly lottery draw offers the chance to win one of 14 weekly prizes, including a top prize of £1,000. There is also the chance to win a bonus rollover, which can reach up to £10,000 and currently stands at £2,600.
Tickets can be bought in any of the charity’s 32 shops around the South West and people can also play weekly by standing order.
Lottery gift subscriptions are also available, with 70p from every £1 ticket going directly to support the charity’s three children’s hospices in North Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
To find out more about how to play the Children’s Hospice South West lottery and to check the weekly results click HERE
Trading places
The Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) shop, which has been trading since 2007 in Nailsea High Street, has temporarily closed due to re-fit to make it bigger and better.
However, during closure you’ll still be able to support the charity as it’s opening a pop-up shop during this period.
The temporary shop opened on Friday, January 11, at the old ‘The Blue Room’ having moved across Crown Glass Shopping Centre from Colliers Walk.
Shoppers can continue to donate items at the temporary shop or at the ‘drop off and donate’ point at the back of the main shop, which has easy access to the Waitrose car park.
Due to the continued success of the shop, the charity is making improvements which will ultimately benefit the children and families supported by CHSW’s Wraxall hospice at Charlton Farm.
Since its opening, the shop has helped generate more than £260,000 thanks to the support of the community.
As well as pleasing shoppers, the refurbishment will provide a better working space for the charity’s wonderful volunteers.
The temporary shop can be found on the ground floor of The Sion.
CHSW was first registered with the charity commission in 1991 and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016.
It is dedicated to making the most of short and precious lives, providing the best possible hospice care for life-limited children and their families
There are three hospices in the South West: Little Bridge House in Barnstaple (opened 1995), Charlton Farm in Bristol (opened 2007) and Little Harbour in St Austell (opened 2011)
CHSW is the only children’s hospice in the South West. It costs around £9million to run the three hospice sites each year and the charity relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions
CHSW delivers a range of services including short breaks, specialist play, music therapy, activities for siblings, palliative and emergency care, end of life care, bereavement support and specialist medical care - all available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
The services are free for families.
To find out more about our work, visit www.chsw.org.uk
ON A ROLL: Nailsea people won't get a sausage at Greggs for a few weeks - not even one of the vegan variety so disliked by televison presenter Piers Morgan.The most hotly debated sausage roll since ...the sausage roll... its new vegan friendly roll comes in layers of puff pastry with a bespoke Quorn filling. The launch follows strong consumer demand including a petition by PETA last year which was signed by more than 20,000 people. It's only available in 900 of the more than 1,700 Greggs in the UK. However, it won't be the Colliers Walk branch which is closed for a massive refurbishment. Read all about the Crown Glass Shopping Centre and High Street changes on the January front of Nailsea People by clicking HERE. Meanwhile a Parsons spokesman for its bakery shop and cafe just around the corner at Crown Glass Shopping Centre said they have stocked up with extra supplies during the closure.
New year, new Nailsea
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Nationwide it appears we are no longer in the words of Napoleon Bonaparte ‘a nation of shopkeepers’ as more and more of us shop online.
Before councillor Liz Frappell pointed out the error of their ways even Nailsea Town Council was buying items via Amazon.
According to economic long-term forecasts it is all ‘doom and gloom’ for retail therapy although trading figures currently being released for pre-Christmas 2018 aren’t nearly bad as first predicted.
The face of the High Street is constantly changing and a quick flick through an old Nailsea official town guide published at the start of the new millennium reveals the names of many businesses no longer in our town.
The Courtyard Wine Bar, Inside Art, Friendship pub, Nat West bank, Britannia building society,
Johnson’s Cleaners, Ethel Austin, Peacocks, Ronto, Let’s Walk, Trevor Ward, Rosebys, Gifted…I could go on as Colliers Walk has certainly seen some shop-hopping – Chic Blooms has expanded moved to 15b Crown Glass Place in the shopping centre - may have coined a new word there!
It was a blow when award-winning High Street bridal shop Abigail Westrup moved to Portishead but Coates House continues to attract patrons thanks to its energetic staff.
Surprisingly there is only one charity shop listed – CLIC in the 2005 guide.
We now have seven and a plethora of For Sale and To Let signs in the town centre.
But it is the latest names to add to this list have made people very unhappy.
The Original Factory Shop which opened in 2009 after the old Woolworth store ceased trading at 61-63 High Street.
This was a year before Waitrose supermarket arrived in the town and next door was Gilly's cafe and the toy shop.
Sadly, The Blue Room arts and crafts centre closed three days before Christmas after five years trading at Crown Glass Shopping Centre.
As well as exhibiting and selling work by North Somerset artists, jewellery makers and potters it also hosted a variety of workshops.
Owner Sharon Brown had invested time and money in anticipation of Lidl opening in the Stockway South car park by installing a niche cafe but when the bargain basement supermarket failed to find approval with the residents or planners that was the end of that.
The treasure trove which was Beautiful, at 132 High Street, an emporium of vintage and designer ware closed after 14 years in business.
But there is lots of horizon for Nailsea to be happy about.
Ian Thompson, of Thompson Commercial, said: “There are a lot of changes going on in Nailsea and a lot of social media comment which is utter rubbish from the doom mongers.
Retail gets some therapy
“At Crown Glass Shopping Centre, Colliers Walk is being redeveloped.
“The phone shop is moving to the old Italian deli, the next shop to that will be a new much enlarged shop for The Works, then again a much larger unit which will be a new Greggs, and next to that a new enlarged CHSW shop.”
The Works is a discount retailer selling an extensive range of books, art and craft materials, gifts, toys, games and stationery.
Ian said: “We have one large unit then left running down to the old wool corner shop.
“All these should be up and running by Easter, we avoided affecting Christmas trade by not doing it earlier, but the site works and services diversions at the rear have been ongoing for some weeks already.
“With the Blue Room has closed - CHSW are moving into that on a temporary basis next week, while their shop is expanded.
“I then have a permanent tenant lined up to take over Blue Room in around April or May.
“Another shop I will have coming available in around late Jan/early Feb is Moonrise, next to Lisa Gregory's - the silk flower lady’s - new shop on the corner by Dominos, and of course Lisa’s old shop the kiosk on Colliers Walk, and I'm already getting keen interest in that.
"I can add that we had four offers for the old Silversmith shop – there is no lack of interest in shops in Nailsea.”
Ian blamed venture capitalists for the demise of the Factory Store which is going to rise from the ashes as Bargain Buys owned by the Poundstretcher Group.
Beautiful is re-let and new tenants move in soon once the ‘legals’ are sorted.
Ian said a nationally run nursery group and gym franchise want to move into the old filling station site opposite Tower House medical centre if the proposed development gets planning permission.
He added: All the negative comment about my town is really depressing, as the prophesies then stand a real chance of becoming self-fulfilling.
“Nailsea’s townsfolk will get the shopping they deserve, a dead town - they need to change and vote with their feet and use their town not walk away, not use the internet, actually shop Nailsea.
“It is no good saying there is nothing there they want to buy, there was, and they weren’t buying so the shops have gone.
“And to say they were forced out by high rents is also utter rubbish, rents are less than half what they were under the shopping centre previous owners 10 years ago.
“Yes, High Streets up and down the country are struggling but Nailsea has good prospects and is faring better than most, it just needs some stronger support through this transition, not constant berating.”
And 2019 will see lots of initiatives with a shop locally campaign, foodies promotion, all the school holiday fun building to another fantastic Christmas fair at Crown Glass Shopping Centre.
It's goodbye from her...
...and hello to them
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HIGH STREET: It is a strange concept for a town council to open a shop on the High Street but this is just what has happened. The former butcher's shop is now a health and well-being centre with rooms of its own at 65 High Street. To read all about the hopes and aspirations of Nailsea Town Council for 65 High Street go to our Healthy Peeps page and watch a motivational video which includes community support groups at the Tithe Barn also home to the council offices