The Radstock Mayor writes:

'Flaming June,' they called this month and I can remember the reliability of the sunshine that warmed us considerably in the '50s and '60s. Since then we seem to have taken pot luck, meteorologically speaking and Betjeman's tennis playing Joan Hunter Dunn was no longer 'furnished and burnish'd by Aldershot sun.' So it was with some relief that Radstock greeted the heatwave of recent days.

It has also made the prospect of a staycation a lot more attractive than it was last month and I sincerely hope that all the local tourist destinations are able to make up for lost revenue.

Radstock should benefit as well. So much has been done in recent years to make the town attractive and accommodating. It really does have a lot to offer the holidaying family. There is the museum (now open) for a start, and the multifarious paths and trails are an adventure for walkers and cyclists alike. I should dearly like to see the GWR extension reopened; it would put Radstock well and truly on the map. With its connections to Bath, Wells and the Mendips, Radstock would be the starting point for many more varieties of leisure activity.

Of course the first concern is for the local residents and it is important that they have a say in the future of the town. Perhaps suggestions should be invited as to what improvements could be made to improve the self-sufficiency of Radstock, together with ideas as to how they might be achieved.

Let's hope the weather holds out long enough for us all to benefit.