6 Apr

Republican Robert Blake Crowned ‘King of the Bridgwater Radicals’ at Shapwick.

The polls are closed the votes are in the results are out.

Bridgwater, that radical town of revolution and rebellion. But who was the most radical son or daughter of that little Labour limboland? Who better to lead a discussion on the subject than Town Council Leader and Labour Historian Brian Smedley. And where better than..er..Shapwick Village Hall.  But we did it. 10 contenders were rolled out and debated and the Shapwick History Group took a vote. All 30 of them. And crowned the winner that ardent republican Robert Blake. Maybe no surprise there (although the theme of the talk was meant to be about anti-Slave Trade campaigner John Chubb, who came second) But let’s see who else was in the running…

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3 Apr

Bridgwater’s Top Ten Radicals Unveiled at Shapwick

Bridgwater Labour Councillor and local Historian Brian Smedley will be doing a talk at Shapwick Village Hall for the Shapwick History Group on Thursday 4th April at 7pm. The theme of the evening will be ‘Bridgwater Radicals’ including a special section devoted to John Chubb, artist, councillor, merchant and the man behind Bridgwater’s famous anti-slave trade petition in 1785. Everyone is welcome to attend, it’s open to non members and is totally free, plus, you can find if YOU are on the list of Bridgwater radicals or if you;ve been ‘overlooked again’. No prizes will be awarded.

2 Apr

Police Action on Town Centre ASB

Police & Town Council promise action to clean up town centre

Following an increase in homeless persons sleeping in the town centre and the persistence of Anti Social Behaviour by street drinkers, Town Council Leader raised the issues directly with the Police, the homeless department and the Town Wardens. Cllr Brian Smedley (Westover) called for a multi-agency approach to tackling the issue, asked for an immediate meeting with the new chief of police and asked for the matter to be brought up at the next Police Forum meeting where the Town Council agreed priorities with the Police. The response has been swift and detailed and includes arrests, increased patrols, a more visible presence and use of ASB legislation. There is also the assurance of co-operation with social services, housing and other community teams.

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30 Mar

Bridgwater Food & Drink Festival 2024

Mayor & Mayoress officially open the new shop

Mayor Mick Lerry and Mayoress Liz Marsh took some time out from the well attended Bridgwater Food & Drink Festival today to officially open up a new High Street Shop.  Flowers International is a family florist in Bridgwater that was founded over 40 years ago.  Now, the business has expanded so that it in addition to its traditional florist work and the service provided to Interflora customers, it also offers a fantastic range of novelty gift items, including the pets with pesonalities and little paws range, plus home and garden accessories. If you need some inspiration or help to create that perfect indoor or outdoor space then look no further than their seasonal plant selection as they have something to suit every budget. Or if you are just looking for display options then you can’t go far wrong with their fabulous collection of ceramic or glass vases.

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4 Feb

‘Any Questions’ Comes to Bridgwater

Town Council Culture spokesperson Irena Hubble

Any Questions? Came to Bridgwater on Friday 2nd February and landed at the Arts Centre . Bridgwater Town Councillor Irena Hubble (Fairfax West) the Town’s Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture and Heritage, was there to report back for us.

I was alittle intrigued  to find that during my ‘lite bite’ at the Green Olive restaurant before the show I was treated to pre-show banter between panelists Robert Buckland Tory  MP for Swindon, Christine Jardine Scottish Liberal Democrat, Ann Widdecombe, spokesperson on Immigration for the Reform Party, and Thangam Debbonaire  for Labour.  They were very complimentary about the food. It was good to wish Thangam Debbonaire luck while she enjoined local activists to get involved with the Kingswood by-election on 15 th February.

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