Weston-Super-Mare (a classic seaside resort)
Known for a wide sandy beach, this is ‘the best of the English seaside’, from a resort that lets you see all the way to Wales, on a clear day. It’s England’s second biggest seaside resort, after Blackpool. It’s named comes from Old English for ‘west settlement’ and ‘super mare’ is Latin for ‘on or above the sea’.
Weston Super Mare has the second-highest tidal range in the world, so follow signs to avoid high tides and quicksand. Also read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
Marine Lake is a manmade body of water that offers a safe swimming area, when the tide is out. Dogs are not allowed (the beaches have some seasonal restrictions but otherwise are dog-friendly, be sure to follow safety advice above, due to high tides and quicksand).
Sophie’s SUPER Litter-Picking Group!
Sophie’s SUPER Litter-Picking Group is a regional CleanUp UK campaign, with many willing volunteers helping to keep the town clean. Locking Womblers (remember the litter-picking Womblers?) and Cleaner Coastlines are two other community groups that are removing litter left by tourists.
Sophie’s volunteers have so far removed around 7500 bags of litter from the town. One volunteer said along with alcohol cans/bottles and takeaway rubbish, he picked a yellow medical bag (likely from a nursing home) full of adult nappies left in front of a gate.
The Good News Post (in memory of Jill)
Jill Dando was raised here, and there is a memorial garden in her name, after her tragic murder. ‘Jill’s Garden’ took 3 days of work by the BBC Ground Force team, and contains her favourite flowers (roses, lavender and trees) plus a foaming fountain, a disabled ramp and a sensory garden.
The Good News Post is an online digital newspaper, packed with good stories. It’s powered by an ‘expanding army’ of young journalists age 7 to 18.
All trained by professionals, inspired by the memory of BBC TV reporter Jill Dando, in her manner of kindness, empathy and positivity (her brother who is also a journalist helps out). Already some have interviewed MPs and the site has its own mental health and disabilities correspondents.
