22 Aug

Step back in time in Blake Gardens

On Saturday 23 August, history will leap from the past into the present as visitors are invited to enjoy a spectacular day of living history in Blake Gardens.

The Ermine Street Guard, one of the UK’s leading Roman re-enactment groups, will bring the world of Roman Britain to life. Through authentic displays and vivid demonstrations, audiences can discover the discipline, armour, and daily routines of the Roman soldier.

The excitement continues with the Somerset Barons, who will deliver adrenaline-fuelled, full-contact combat displays. The clang of steel and clash of shields will ring out as medieval knights battle before your eyes in a breathtaking showcase of martial skill. Continue reading “Step back in time in Blake Gardens”

9 Jun

Bridgwater Town Council Transport Forum Key Updates

If only Bridgwater still looked like this…

Bridgwater Town Council Transport Forum is a platform for discussing and addressing various transport-related issues in the Bridgwater area. The forum typically covers topics such as traffic congestion, public transport and sustainable transport solutions. The forum provides an opportunity for residents to ask questions, raise concerns, and contribute to discussions on how to improve transport in the town A meeting of the Transport Forum was held on Tuesday 3 June where there was some positive news regarding the action being taken to ensure that buses could access the train station and passengers make use of the bus shelter provided when the station surrounds were subject to a £ 1 million makeover nearly 10 years ago.

The Somerset Council representative was optimistic that outstanding issues should be resolved within the next 3 to 4 months and preliminary discussions with the bus operators had already commenced.

The cycle and footpath link from Bridgwater Railway Station to Bridgwater and Taunton Campus site is another project that Somerset Council are working to deliver.

New Bus Timetables

A representative from the Somerset Bus Partnership outlined the improvements to the Bridgwater Bus Services (B1, 21 and 21A Routes ) and the ongoing work to promote their use.

New bus timetables were distributed at the recent Bridgwater Food Festival whilst copies of the timetable are now available at the Library and Town Hall reception.

Discussion were held about re-launching a Bridgwater Bus Users Group, which should be independent from both the bus companies and Council.

Bridgwater Area Cycling Campaign gave an update on the positive moves to promote active travel. Work is ongoing with the Local Community Networks to develop a county wide active travel plan which will highlight the cross county active travel routes.

Cllr Tim Mander asks Celebration Mile workers to widen pavement space for shoppers

Safe Corridors

Somerset Activities and Sports Partnership (SASP) are working with local primary schools and On Your Bike to develop safe corridors and make bikes available for years 5 and 6.

Cllr Tim Mander who chaired the meeting commented: “This was an excellent meeting with some positive news coming out of it. It really demonstrates what can be achieved when you get the right interested parties in one room or in this case online!”

The next meeting of the Transport Forum is 6.00pm on Tuesday 2 September. Anyone wishing to attend should register their interest at least a week in advance by e-mailing enquiries@bridgwater-tc.gov.uk

Continue reading “Bridgwater Town Council Transport Forum Key Updates”

9 Jun

Brewery Field Residents Agree to keep Fence Path

Scott Mason and Dave Moreno from BTC on Brewery field today

Following a site meeting and household consultation with residents, councillors and Town Council officers, residents voted 12.4 to keep the 4 feet mown strip alongside Anson Way fences allowing them easier access. Other residents had made the case for a wilding area right up to the fences but it was agreed that an area of wilding away from the fences whilst retaining the strip was acceptable. Cllr Brian Smedley (Westover) said “32 properties were leafletted and we had 16 responses but these gave a clear indication of what the majority of residents wanted.At a site visit all ward councillors attended along with Director of Bridgwater Town Councils Amenities Department which has now taken over the responsibilities for parks and gardens. At the meeting Scott Mason confirmed that he would ensure a 4 weekly cut of the area and reassured some residents that he didn’t believe there was a fire risk. An option was considered to keep some areas wilded and others clear but it was felt more practical to treat the whole area the same.”

Continue reading “Brewery Field Residents Agree to keep Fence Path”

23 May

Twinning Weekend 2025 set for 6-7th June

Every year Bridgwater’s international twinning enthusiasts hold a series of events to showcase the towns friendship activities with other countries. Bridgwater is twinned with 6 towns across Europe – La Ciotat in France, Homberg in Germany, Uherske Hradiste in the Czech Republic, Marsa in Malta, Priverno in Italy and Camacha in Portugal. That’s not to mention the 13 Bridg(e)waters in the USA! On 6th June from 1130 to 3pm the Twinning groups will be holding a Petanque tournament on Victoria park (Petanque was invented in our French twin town la Ciotat) and  then on the evening of Saturday 7th June there will be a gala evening of all the twinning groups and anyone who would like to join them at the Purplespoon cafe, on the canal banks at the YMCA, where each of the groups will show films and talk about their activities during the past year, promote their twin towns and there’ll be a special guest singer from Portugal,  Nuno Custodio. The Purplespoon event starts at 7pm, theres a bar and a restaurant open and everyone is welcome to attend.

Continue reading “Twinning Weekend 2025 set for 6-7th June”

16 May

‘Marching On Together’ says Bridgwater Town Council Leader

Cllr Brian Smedley, re-elected leader of Bridgwater Town Council

At the Annual meeting of Bridgwater Town Council, re-elected Leader Cllr Brian Smedley (Labour, Westover) said the Town Council was now through the difficult unitary transition period and laid out his councils plans for moving forward together from a position of strength. Cllr Smedley, speaking at Bridgwater Town Hall, said “We have gone through a major transition these last 2 years. We expected just one turbulent year while we tried to get used to the new reality in local government but it took 2. At the end of this we’ve come through stronger, fully staffed and with increased powers. Our aim was always to get back the powers that we had during the Borough days before they were ended in 1974 by the introduction of Sedgemoor District Council and now we’re as close as we’ve ever been. We’re financially sound, we have a corporate structure fit for purpose and we have a community outreach system through our Forums that means we can communicate, engage and deliver for the people of Bridgwater”

Continue reading “‘Marching On Together’ says Bridgwater Town Council Leader”