Somerton is a vibrant town with art and community at heart, as Rachel Mead discovers when she chats to some of the locals.
Name: Cliff (Fred) Bassett
Job Title: Chairman Somerstock Festival
Age: 59
How long have you lived in Somerton and why did you choose to live here? I have lived in Somerton since 1990, choosing to live here because I was a serving member of the Royal Navy based at RNAS Yeovilton. I moved to Somerton because although it is a reasonable size place it still has the feel of a village. Somerton, like all towns, has had to adapt to the changes required by the community.
What changes do you hope to happen in Somerton? I hope that the infrastructure will be increased to support the additional homes being built in Somerton.
Where is your favourite place in Somerton and why? My favourite place near here has to be the Somerset Levels for peace and tranquillity. It’s also an ideal place for walking the dogs. Also, the Market Cross is symbolic of Somerton.
Can you tell our readers about Somerstock and what makes Somerton the ideal place in which to host it. Somerstock is a 12-hour music festival which forms part of the Somerton Music and Arts Festival (SMAF) itinerary for our summer events. The year 2023 sees the return of the Art and Photography Exhibition to Somerton, with a large array of exhibitions and workshops which last year attracted more than 1,000 visitors. Our nine-day Music and Arts Festival will start on June 30, with music, talks and workshops to be held in various venues across the town which then culminates with Somerstock, Somerton’s family-friendly music festival to be held at the Recreation Ground which is the ideal place to hold the event as it allows the residents of Somerton to walk to the festival.
Name: Nina Gronw-Lewis Job
Title: Gallery manager, ACEarts
Age: 44
Can you tell our readers about your place of work in Somerton. I am the gallery manager for a brilliant Arts Charity called Art Care Education, I programme and curate the exhibitions held at ACEarts, the most wonderful heritage building that houses our stunning gallery space right in the heart of the town.
If you had to describe Somerton in 3 key words what would they be, and why? Beautiful, creative, community. The town itself is stunning, the architecture here is unspoilt and in the summer months the market square has a street scene which reminds me of France. Since ACEarts opened six years ago we have enjoyed increasing creative activity, supported by our programme of exhibitions, workshops and events. We have a great community here, people are friendly and are only too happy to help. Active groups include WI, U3A and the Somerton group of artists. There are creative clubs and arts projects which you can get involved in and meet likeminded people too.
Somerton, like all towns, has had to adapt to the changes required by the community. What changes do you foresee happening in Somerton? Somerton has grown in the last five years with more independent traders on the high street, and new homes. It will only get better and better. It’s a real little gem, come and see for yourself.
Where is your favourite place in Somerton and why? Craft House Chocolate - I visit it far too regularly! For lunch, I always go to The Courtyard Café, and I can definitely recommend the chai latte and sticky ginger cake in The Market Bakery.
Name: Ian Laker
Job Title: Managing Director, London Cigarette Card Company
Age: 70
Can you tell our readers about your business. Established in 1927, we supply cards to picture card collectors all over the world. We also produce the original price guide for the hobby which has been published since 1929 and a monthly magazine published since 1933. Our website illustrates thousands of cards, accessories and books. Everything in Somerton is in walking distance, although there are plenty of free car parking spaces if you need them. It also has a strong Business & Trade Association with over 120 members.
What changes do you foresee happening in Somerton? Like all towns, Somerton has had to adapt to change with most businesses now maintaining an online presence as well as a shop. The town also has electronic noticeboards and electric car charging points. I hesitate to make any predictions for the future, but obviously shops will have to put in even more effort to attract business so perhaps that will lead to more events being held to bring more footfall. As regards what I would like to see I think I can speak for everyone here – we would like a Post Office as ours closed earlier this year.
Where is your favourite place in Somerton, and why? My favourite place in Somerton has to be the Market Square. It is full of beautiful buildings including the ancient Buttercross and the church which is over 800 years old. If the weather is warm there is a real overseas vibe as people enjoy a coffee outside and if it is cold then you can pop across the road to one of the hostelries and enjoy a cosy pint.
Name: Neil Taylor
Job Title: Director of Overt Locke Ltd
Age: Old! 62.
Can you tell our readers about your business and what makes Somerton the ideal place in which to work. Overt Locke was started in 1925 by my grandfather. Obviously, the business has had to evolve over time. It went through a period of expansion, with a branch in Langport and another in Castle Cary, and a gift shop on the corner of Pesters Lane, plus a fuel oil distribution business, which included a branch in Chippenham. Some of your readers might recall the oil storage tanks in Sutton Road (now The Bakeries) and the fuel forecourt in West Street, plus the branded tankers. The business significantly contracted until in the 1980s, there was just the shop and yard in West Street, and the fuel forecourt. Now just the West Street shop and yard remain. Somerton is a lovely small Somerset town, with really good facilities, plus everything is within walking distance. It’s not an ideal place to have a business like Overt Locke Ltd, but making money isn’t the motivation.
If you had to describe Somerton in 3 key words what would they be, and why? Vibrant –lots of things going on for a small town, very largely upheld by large numbers of volunteers. Somerset – Somerton is still quintessential Somerset, even though it has massively changed. Community – a sense of belonging and caring.
Where is your favourite place in Somerton and why? Well, it changes, but on a balmy summer evening, I do like to sit in my garden with my wife, with a cold glass of something, reading a book and listening to the swifts and swallows.
NEWS
Somerton Town Council, with the support of Smart Communities, is in the process of developing a new five year plan which will provide a foundation from which the town can develop opportunities and facilities in Somerton. Between November 2022 and June 2023, this community-wide consultation will seek to draw inspiration from residents, the community and business leaders alike, in order to direct future decision making in the town.
All members of the community were invited to have their say on 10 key themes that they would like to see the council, local groups and businesses focus on in driving positive change and opportunities for the town. This will directly inform the type of events, facilities and programmes developed in the near future.
Councillot Robert Reid, member of the steering committee working on the project said, ‘We are extremely privileged to be in a position where we can consult with the residents of our community alongside business leaders. Working in conjunction with Smart Communities we wish to implement significant positive change, within our community, directed by the community, and we look forward to reshaping the town in a way that has been substantially influenced by those that live and work here.’
Going for a stroll?
A short walk over Castley Hill will take you to the Somerset Wildlife Trust’s, Great Breach Wood. Wonderfully diverse with wildlife rich scrub and many glades, you can follow the way-marked footpath whilst looking out for carved sculptures as you go. There are information posts along the route which detail the key features and habitats which you are likely to spot whilst you are out and about.
Watering hole
You won’t be short of options when it comes to sampling local ales in Somerton. With five public houses and two breweries in the town, you will be spoilt for choice. The Fine Tuned Brewery and Parkway Brewing Company can both be found on Somerton Business Park as well as being stocked in local eateries.
