Following an open recruitment process, John Wheatley has been appointed as Chair, alongside Deputy Chair Chloe Critchley. Together, they will play a key role in championing the local area and ensuring the community-led spirit remains at the heart of this significant investment. 

John has lived in Bournville for 16 years with his family. A dedicated volunteer youth and community worker, he currently chairs the local network of children’s and youth organisations. He is also a school governor and works part-time training youth and community workers, while studying community leadership. 

John said: “I’m excited to be leading our Pride in Place team. After 16 years of building community here, this is an opportunity to really bring people together, grow local leadership, and build things that will last. I’m looking forward to the whole community working side by side to make a long-term difference in our neighbourhood.” 

Chloe grew up in Bournville and, after spending some time living elsewhere, returned to raise her own family in the area she calls home. She has a strong track record of supporting the local community, from running baby groups with XTND and delivering youth sessions with the YMCA, to supporting older residents at the For All Healthy Living Centre. Alongside her practical experience, Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in Early Years. 

Chloe said: “Having grown up and raising my family here, I know just how much potential is within our neighbourhood. I want this project to be a space where everyone from our youngest residents to our elders feels heard and empowered to help build on their amazing community.” 

With £20 million set to be invested over the next ten years, Pride in Place represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver lasting change in Weston Bournville, with local residents at the centre of decision-making. 

Recruitment for additional board members will open soon. Look out for further information on how to get involved and help shape the future of Weston Bournville!

The long-term nature of the funding means plans can evolve in response to community needs, providing a stable foundation for sustainable investment.

The post Big step forward for Pride in Place funding in Weston-super-Mare appeared first on In North Somerset.

North Somerset Council has launched a consultation on the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) currently in place and is inviting local people to give their views. Find out more and take part in the consultation before 9.30am Monday 27 April 2026 online at https://n-somerset.inconsult.uk/PSPO26/consultationHome.

PSPOs are an important tool in tackling antisocial behaviour in public spaces such as parks, seafronts and shopping areas. The orders were first introduced by the council in 2017 to deter individuals or groups committing antisocial behaviour in specific places in North Somerset.

PSPOs must be reviewed every three years, and the last review took place in 2023. This consultation looks into whether the current PSPOs are fair and appropriate and if any updates are required to ensure they remain effective and targeted.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Community Services and Safety, said: “We want the communities in North Somerset to be caring, healthy and safe. Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in an area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life. 

“We want to know if the current PSPOs are still working or if any updates are needed to ensure our public spaces are welcoming and safe, so we can all continue to use and enjoy them. 

“I’d encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your feedback on the current PSPOs. We will take all views into consideration before making any final decisions.”

The current PSPOs were developed in response to concerns raised by residents, businesses and community groups about issues in their local area. PSPOs are enforced by designated North Somerset Council staff, police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), and other officers authorised by the council.

PSPOs enable all partner agencies to respond more effectively to a wide range of antisocial behaviour issues in public spaces. While a PSPO does not provide continuous monitoring or guarantee immediate enforcement, it creates a legal framework that allows officers to take action when a breach is observed. The presence of restrictions acts as a deterrent, helping to reduce the likelihood of recurring problems.

The post Have your say on public space rules in North Somerset appeared first on In North Somerset.

The organisation is looking for someone with a strong financial and people management skillset who shares their passion for North Somerset and the transformative potential of arts and culture in our communities.

The successful candidate will work closely with the General Manager and Creative Director, supporting a small team of eight in delivering an ambitious programme of creative events and projects. Super Culture is developing an organisational culture that is trauma-informed, care-fuelled and relational, and welcomes applicants from all sectors who feel they could support this ethos.

Role details

• Salary: £40,000 FTE (pro rata £24,000 for 3 days per week, 22.5 hours per week)
• Contract: Fixed-term 10 months (with the potential for extension up to 12 months)
• Planned start date: 7th April 2026
• Application deadline: 9 am, Tuesday 3rd February 2026
• Interview date: Friday 13th February 2026

For full details about the role, person specification and how to apply, download the job pack here. Applications should be sent to george@superculture.org.uk.

The post Head of Operations and Finance Vacancy at Super Culture appeared first on In North Somerset.

Rural organisations across North Somerset are benefitting from significant investment through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), with grants helping to boost local enterprise, improve community facilities, and strengthen the rural economy.

The REPF programme, which offered capital grants of £7,500–£25,000 in 2025, is designed to address some of the long-standing challenges faced by rural areas. This includes limited access to services, lower productivity, and poor connectivity. The funding supports lasting assets such as equipment, buildings, and infrastructure that will deliver long-term value for rural communities.

Local community groups have already begun to see the benefits of latest REPF investment:

Strawberry Line Cycles
The organisation received funding for a fleet of bikes. This investment enables expansion of its community cycling offerings and improves accessibility to sustainable travel along the popular route.

Winscombe Community Association
Funding has supported a kitchen fit-out for the new community centre, WinSpace, part of a wider development due to open around Christmas. This investment will help create a modern, fully equipped space for local events, activities, and community services.

Rural businesses have also secured funding to unlock growth, diversify services, and improve sustainability:

Aldwick Estate
Funding for a rainwater harvesting system, allowing the estate to capture rainwater re-use this across the farm, including sustainably watering the vineyard.

Brockley Stores
Funding for a stretch tent, and additional equipment that will allow the business to host events and expand into off-site catering.

Elamanamoo Ltd
Supported electrical, security, and CCTV works for a barn conversion that will provide valuable office space for local businesses.

Green Frog Connect
Funding was received for audio/visual conferencing equipment, helping the newly established business operate more efficiently and professionally while retaining local talent in North Somerset.

T-Spoke Camper Conversion
Funding towards a new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, replacing outdated equipment and enabling improved productivity and allow for larger parts for their campervan conversions along with allowing the machine to be hired out by other businesses in the region.

Princes Motto
Awarded 75% funding for solar PV, an EV charger, and a bike repair station as part of the pub’s renovation, helping to create a more sustainable and community-focused rural venue.

These investments highlight the positive impact of targeted rural funding across North Somerset.

Read more about previous funding rounds here: https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/north-somerset-together/rural-england-prosperity-fund-repf/about-rural-england-prosperity-fund

The post Rural grants drive new investment across North Somerset appeared first on In North Somerset.

Money Talks: Demystifying Changes to ACE Funding

With Phillipa Milne

This workshop offers a practical, step-by-step introduction to Arts Council England’s open access funding scheme, National Lottery Project Grants. Gain behind-the-scenes knowledge and take the mystery out of applying for Arts Council funding.

Date: Tuesday 3rd February, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Location: Online (link sent after RSVP)
Cost: Free
To book: Complete the Event Enquiry Form to RSVP

Creative Freelancing 101: An Artist’s Guide to Creative Freelancing

With Millie Wood-Downie

Need support finding your footing as a creative freelancer? Join award-winning artist and producer Millie Wood-Downie, co-founder of The Project People, as she shares her toolbox of tried and tested freelancing skills during this relaxed 90-minute workshop.

Date: Tuesday 10th February, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Location: Online (link sent after RSVP)
Cost: Free
To book: Complete the Event Enquiry Form to RSVP

Marketing Magic: A Creative’s Guide to Canva

With Jack Stringer

Unlock your creative potential in this online Canva workshop designed for artists and makers. Learn how to turn your ideas into polished visuals using Canva’s intuitive tools. No design experience is required, and you will leave with practical skills, fresh inspiration, and new Canva knowledge you can apply to your projects straight away.

Date: Tuesday 17th February, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Location: Online (link sent after RSVP)
Cost: Free
To book: Complete the Event Enquiry Form to RSVP

Project Power-Up: Producing Tools and Resources for Artists

With Emily Williams

Want to lead a creative project but find the organisation side of things a bit overwhelming? Join experienced creative producer Emily Williams (Rising Arts Agency, Theatre Bristol, Radical Ritual, Action Hero) for this practical workshop sharing a toolkit of creative project management skills, tips and resources.

Date: Tuesday 24th February, 6pm to 8pm
Location: Online (link sent after RSVP)
Cost: Free
To book: Complete the Event Enquiry Form to RSVP

Creative Confidence: A Shy Artist’s Guide to Putting Your Work Out There

With iAM13e

Feel a bit nervous about sharing your art? You are not alone. Creative Confidence is a workshop designed to support early-career creatives who want to build confidence and keep their creative spark alive, even when times are tough.

Date: Tuesday 10th March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Location: The Courts, Bridewell Street, Bristol, BS1 2QD
Cost: Free
To book: Complete the Event Enquiry Form to RSVP

Making Connections: A Shy Person’s Guide to Building Your Creative Network

With Eli Lewis

Find networking a bit awkward? Making Connections offers artists and musicians new ways of connecting with arts organisations that feel less forced and more authentic.

Date: Tuesday 17th March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Location: The Courts, Bridewell Street, Bristol, BS1 2QD
Cost: Free
To book: Complete the Event Enquiry Form to RSVP

Facilitate Like a Pro: How to Plan and Deliver a Creative Workshop

With Kathleen Fitzpatrick-Milton

Whether you are an artist, performer or musician, knowing how to plan and lead a creative workshop can be a great way to earn money using your creative practice. Learn all the skills you need to plan and lead a successful workshop with experienced workshop leader Kathleen Fitzpatrick-Milton.

Date: Tuesday 24th March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Location: The Courts, Bridewell Street, Bristol, BS1 2QD
Cost: Free
To book: Complete the Event Enquiry Form to RSVP

The post Free Workshops for Early-Career Artists and Musicians appeared first on In North Somerset.

Offering a diverse programme of talks, networking opportunities and access to a wide range of wellbeing resources, the council’s annual free event is dedicated to recognising, supporting, and inspiring employee health and wellbeing.

As well as a chance to learn and access valuable advice, the event also recognised and celebrated the efforts of local employers already making positive changes towards better workplace wellbeing, with 16 Healthy Workplace awards given out.

Comments from attendees included:

For more information about the Healthy Workplaces Programme go to www.betterhealthns.co.uk/practitioners/healthyworkplaces or email healthyworkplaces@n-somerset.gov.uk.

The post Successful Healthy Workplaces Celebratory Event appeared first on In North Somerset.

Join BFI funded organisation All Set West and Weston’s Super Culture  at the Front Room Theatre  in Weston-Super-Mare for an evening celebrating and highlighting opportunities for screen industry talent based in the West of England.

The event will start with a special screening of BBC Writers backed short film True Love and Wormholes which will be followed by a panel of experts discussing a range of topics from filming on location to careers in the industry.

You will also hear about Dirigo 12th International Student Film Festival + Photography Awards, an International Student Film Festival directed and produced by Film & Media Arts Production, BA (Hons) students from University Centre Weston.  Early bird entries open on 20th November.

• Doors: 6.30pm 
• Screening and panel discussion: 7pm
• Finish and networking: 8pm
• Close: 8.30pm

Location

Front Room Theatre, BS23 1FF

REGISTER HERE: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thebottleyardstudios/1942846

The post All Set West Screening and Discussion appeared first on In North Somerset.

This is part of North Somerset Council’s free job support service, Opportunity North Somerset. The drop-in sessions will take place every Tuesday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, offering free, friendly advice for anyone over 16 who is currently out of work and looking to enhance their job prospects.  

Businesses can also get in touch to advertise vacancies that will be shared with the wider Opportunity North Somerset job seekers network. 

No appointment is necessary; individuals can drop in for a chat with specialist advisors who are available to provide personalised support. 

Support includes help with CV writing, job applications, general employability guidance, and training recommendations. The Employability Day will also connect attendees with local businesses looking to fill vacant positions. 

Opportunity North Somerset is funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is available to anyone aged 16 and over living in North Somerset who is not in paid work. It can help tackle any individual barriers to employment and skills which residents may face and provide free and independent support and advice.     

For more information, email skillssupport@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 07385 146356 / 07385 146355. To learn more about Opportunity North Somerset, visit: Opportunity North Somerset | In North Somerset 

The post Employability Day launches in Weston-super-Mare   appeared first on In North Somerset.

Live‑events meet‑up to mark MUTI’s first birthday

MUTI Live, the skills programme for emerging technicians and event producers, will celebrate its first anniversary later this summer at Lost Horizon Arts Centre in St Jude’s. The evening will feature concise talks from touring production managers, a discussion on greener outdoor events, and DJ sets from programme alumni. Attendance is free, but booking is essential: register your interest via the online form or email admin@muti.live for details once the date is confirmed.

Citizens’ Assembly seeks two Community Mobilisers

Citizens for Culture is recruiting two freelance Community Mobilisers—one in South Gloucestershire and one in North East Somerset—to help prepare the region’s first Citizens’ Assembly for Culture, scheduled for September to November. Each role pays £1,056 and includes a £500 budget to stage a local “Culture Conversation” event. Applications—either a brief online form or a three‑minute video—are open now on the Citizens for Culture website.

Free Robot Lab sessions continue through the holidays

Little Lost Robot Studios’ Robot Lab continues to run every Tuesday during term time, offering 16–25‑year‑olds not in full‑time work or study a chance to develop sculpture, welding and Arduino‑based lighting skills. Sessions rotate between Bath, Bristol, Weston‑super‑Mare and Filton and are free, with materials and travel bursaries provided. Young people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and those without fixed addresses are particularly welcome. For venues and registration, visit Little Lost Robot opportunities or email opa@lostrobot.org.

Diverse Artists Network refreshes directory and launches poetry prize

The Diverse Artists Network (DAN) is updating its members‑only Consultant Directory ahead of an August relaunch and is inviting new coaches, producers, fundraisers and creative technologists to join. At the same time DAN is running the Words 4 Change poetry competition on the theme “Re‑imagining equality: our shared dream”. Poets of all ages have until 12 September 2025 to submit work for a chance to win £250 and perform at the Bristol Festival of Ideas. Full guidelines are available on the Words 4 Change competition page.

Final week to apply for Creative UK’s Reframe

Screen‑sector companies have until 12:00 on Friday 11 July to apply for Creative UK’s four‑month Reframe programme. Open to film, television, games, immersive and createch firms with at least two years’ trading, the part‑time course combines online masterclasses with two in‑person labs and offers interest‑free loans of up to £10,000 plus tailored mentoring. Further information and the online application form are on the Reframe programme page.

Keep up to date

Follow the “In North Somerset” news feed for weekly updates on culture and business support, or contact the council’s Arts & Culture service at culture@n‑somerset.gov.uk with any questions.

The post Summer opportunities still open for West of England creatives appeared first on In North Somerset.

The assembly is being organised by Culture West, a partnership of councils and cultural bodies from North Somerset, Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Its aim is simple: to place residents’ voices at the heart of a long-term Cultural Delivery Plan that will guide investment and activity from 2026 onwards.

How the process works

• 15,000 invitation letters are being posted this month to households across the West of England.
• Residents who receive an invite have until Sunday, 14 July 2025 to register their interest.
• In August 2025, a representative mix of citizens will be selected and onboarded.
• The assembly formally opens on Saturday, 14 September 2025, ahead of the International Day of Democracy on 15 September.
• The group’s recommendations will inform a Cultural Delivery Plan, due for publication in November 2025.
• Delivery of the plan will begin from 2026.

Become an Associate or Ally

Local cultural organisations and practitioners can lend their support by signing up as Associates of Citizens for Culture. Residents who simply care about culture can sign up as Allies – a quick way to show that arts and heritage matter to everyone.

Sign up now: Citizens for Culture – Get Involved form docs.google.com

Completing the form takes around 10 – 15 minutes and lets you choose how you’d like to be involved.

Reaching people who face barriers

We are keen to hear from groups and individuals who might find it harder to respond to the postal invitations – for example, people with limited internet access, disabilities, language barriers or caring responsibilities. If you work with or represent anyone who could benefit from extra support, please email culture@northsomerset.gov.uk and we can arrange printed registration forms or alternative formats.

Why your voice matters

Cultural activity enriches our communities, supports wellbeing and boosts the local economy. By taking part in Citizens for Culture, you can:

• Shape priorities such as funding, venues and programming.
• Highlight barriers to taking part in the arts.
• Champion inclusion so that culture reflects the diversity of our region.

Councillor [Name], Executive Member for Culture, said:

“This assembly is a unique chance for residents to say what culture means to them and how we can make it accessible to all. I encourage everyone who receives an invitation – and anyone working in the sector – to get involved.”

Key dates at a glance

Stay up to date by following @InNorthSomerset on social media and visiting the In North Somerset news pages.

The post Help shape culture in North Somerset appeared first on In North Somerset.