The Radstock Mayor writes:

During my anteprandial perambulations I occasionally meet a couple with a dog or two who have recently arrived in Radstock. Such chance encounters give me an opportunity to welcome them to the town and express my hope that they will be happy and find their new surroundings will give them happiness and enduring friendships.

Generally, this encourages a positive response and people pronounce that the move was worthwhile and that there were few regrets apart from leaving loved ones.

The next question is, how can we build on this positivity? Most would say that people want to be involved in activities and meet others with similar interests. Mindful of this, the town council is looking at drawing up a directory of activities available in the Radstock.

These would not just focus on sports, important as they are, but other possibilities like amateur dramatics, choirs, bridge clubs and gardening. A list of local businesses is another suggestion. The Hub will become an important reference point since it will hold the necessary information to answer inquiries.

Whilst it must be conceded that many group activities are in abeyance during these Covid days, when the temporary restrictions are finally relaxed, we should be able to move seamlessly back to the hive of activity that existed a year ago. Moreover, there will be new opportunities connected with the leasing or transfer of land and buildings from the unitary authority.

Time perhaps for a resurgence of civic pride, possibly the most important ingredient for Radstock's identity as a place worth living in.