The combined population of Paulton, Midsomer Norton and Radstock is approximately 26,000, representing a substantial community with a remarkable variety of organisations, activities and opportunities for people to meet one another.

By way of introduction, I am a resident of Midsomer Norton and have many years of experience in networking, working with volunteers and publishing community books. My two most recent publications, Chard – A Town in Conversation and Secrets of Village Life in Somerset, are both available on Amazon.

As I travel around the area, I am constantly struck by the sheer number of notices and leaflets displayed on community noticeboards, in shops, libraries and other public places. These are excellent ways of spreading information, but the variety can sometimes be bewildering. It occurred to me that something was missing: one central place where anyone could discover what was happening locally on any particular day.

Suppose you wanted to know what was happening next Thursday. Instead of searching through numerous websites, Facebook pages and noticeboards, you could visit a single website and find the answer. You could then plan your week around the activities that interested you.

This is the thinking behind the to be registered  SomerValleyDiary.co.uk.

Reaching the people we don’t see

I am particularly concerned about what I call the invisible people in our communities. These may be people who have recently moved into the area and know nobody, those who have experienced divorce or separation, or those who have lost a husband, wife or partner.

For such people, becoming involved in community life is not always easy. They may have the desire to meet others but simply not know where to begin.

A readily accessible directory of local activities could provide that vital first step. A coffee morning, a walking group, a church event, a talk or a voluntary organisation might be just the opportunity someone needs to make a new connection.

Sometimes the greatest obstacle to participation is simply not knowing what is available.

One website for everyone

The proposal is to establish a comprehensive website covering the Somer Valley and surrounding villages, bringing together information about churches, clubs, societies, voluntary organisations, support services and community events.

The principle is straightforward: One entry does it. Tell us, and you tell everyone.

Organisers would have a central place to publicise their activities, while residents could browse forthcoming events by date or type of interest.

I would also like the website to include a section where people can share their experiences of events they have attended, offer constructive comments, ask questions and express views about local services. In this way, the diary could become more than a list of activities. It could develop into a genuine forum for community conversation.

Alongside the website, I envisage producing a printed directory bringing together local organisations, facilities and services in one convenient volume. Not everyone is comfortable using the internet, and I believe a printed reference book would still have considerable value.

A more connected community

I have always believed strongly in inclusivity. A healthy community is one in which people feel welcome, informed and able to participate, whatever their age, background or circumstances.

We already have a wealth of dedicated individuals and organisations doing valuable work throughout the Somer Valley. My intention is not to replace anything they are doing, but to help make their activities more visible and accessible.

If the project succeeds, it could help organisers attract new participants, encourage volunteering, reduce isolation and bring people together who might otherwise never meet.

One website. All your local activities. No charge.

The project is still in its early stages, but I believe it has considerable potential.

Watch this space for further developments.

Meanwhile, if you run a club, church, organisation or community group and would like to be included, or if you would simply like to take an active part in helping the project develop, I would be delighted to hear from you.

Further information: briansnellgrove.net/SomerValleyDiary
Email: brian@pobox.com
Telephone: 07809 245311

Local people. Local places. A stronger community.