Timberscombe may be a small village but when it comes to community spirit we have a big heart!

At the Annual Community Buildings Conference, Timberscombe Village Hall was, once again, awarded a Hallmark 3, the highest possible level, in recognition of good management and practices. The hall has maintained this level since 2010 which is unique for a hall in West Somerset. The assessors noted the very well-maintained and scrupulously clean building. The hall already has good facilities such as free Wi-Fi, cycle racks and a hearing loop.  The assessors were impressed, however, by the committee’s determination to improve the hall further following recent access and energy audits.

Better than the level 3 award, however, was that Timberscombe was one of just three halls in Somerset to receive a special certificate of excellence! What was noted as unique was the level of community collaboration and communication within the village, with so many village organisations working together to offer a variety of events alongside social and emotional support. Credit for this must go to the whole village with the church, Orchards Social Club, the school, the mill, the pub and Timberscombe Good Neighbours supported by so many of you!

The village website and email system were highlighted as real positives. Thanks for help in setting this up must go to Bill Hodgson, but it is the work of the 6 village editors who regularly post notices and update pages which keep the site vibrant. To ensure that those without internet access are not forgotten, the Dunkery Tidings and regular leaflet drops all help to keep the village connected. The assessors also noted that the Parish Council were using the website for their village survey about speeding and that they were now working on the most popular item, a speed indicator device near Duddings. The PC and the Village Hall Committee would like to use this survey method to develop other areas in the future.

Of course, all of this work relies on volunteers in the village, so if you are now feeling inspired why not volunteer for one of the many village organisations and help us to keep Timberscombe the very special place that we all know it is. The Village Hall Committee currently has vacancies, so reply to this email if you are interested!