Month: July 2025

Please find below a statement from the parents of Oliver Price, who sadly died after the coach collision on the A396 on Exmoor earlier this month: Lucy and Matthew said: “As Oliver’s parents we have seen first-hand the incredible response from the community after the awful collision earlier this month. “We are so very grateful to all the many emergency service workers who responded initially and those who continue to provide support in the aftermath, through the police investigation and the hospital teams who continue to look after those who were injured. “We would also like to thank the team at the Rest and Be Thankful pub in Wheddon Cross for opening their doors to everyone that afternoon, without a moment’s hesitation, and for making sure everyone was well looked after and providing a meeting place for parents. “We send our best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery to the other children and staff on the bus, particularly those who are still in hospital. You are all in our thoughts. “The support we’ve received from our amazing community has been overwhelming. To those who left kind messages, or flowers outside the school, we want to say thank you. “We are also grateful beyond words for all the staff and parents at the wonderful Minehead Middle School and for the love we’ve been shown by all our family and friends. We truly do appreciate you all. “Finally, we would also like to pass on our thanks to the police investigation team for their support and ongoing hard work. We know this is a complex and emotive investigation but we appreciate their regular updates and continued efforts.”

I am writing to let you know that we will soon be starting timber harvesting work at Croydon Hill North. We expect to start working on the first week of September 2025 for approximately 6 Months.

We will be thinning the whole woodland including 2 clear -fell sites where we will be removing all the trees. We are happy to provide you with a map if you wish.

As part of our harvesting operations we are working closely with our ecologists to improve the conservation value of the area. The operation will also ensure that the woodland is safe to visit for all visitors. All public rights of way will remain open but we will ask visitors to follow any signs for their own safety.

There is more information about this work on our website at Forestry operations at Croydon Hill | Forestry England

We understand that residents may not be familiar with sustainable forest management and are keen to explain how this planned work supports the long-term health and resilience of the forest.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or refer queries from local residents to westengland@forestryengland.uk.

Kind regards
Tara Maxamed
Community Ranger,
Forestry England

tara.maxamed@forestryengland.uk

I am writing from Somerset Sight, a local charity that supports visually impaired people in Somerset. Our Mobile Advisory Service is a mobile shop that visits a different town or village in Somerset every day. It is stocked with various gadgets and resources that can assist the visually impaired. People are welcome to visit the MAS if they wish to buy anything or are simply seeking advice and guidance. No appointment needed

Please find HERE   the upcoming August and September dates for when the MAS is going to be in your area.

Kind regards, Alex Finlayson, Administrator, Somerset Sight

Tel: 01823 333818

The Village Show is on the horizon – 16^th August 2025 – held in the Village Hall – 2.30pm

Schedules and Entry Forms have been delivered around the village. There are spares in the P.O and the Lion.

We encourage and welcome everyone from Timberscombe to have a go, from the oldest, most experience to the youngest. We offer novice classes in Floral Arrangements and Handicrafts and 3 classes for ‘newcomers’ in the Veg Section. The Domestic Section set recipe is Chocolate Chip Cookies – for adults and children. There are five photo classes and the set knitting pattern is still available in the PO for you to try.

Dead line for Entry Forms is August 8^th. Some have already arrived!! 

The auction raises extra money for the Village Hall – don’t forget to tick the auction box on the entry form.

Donations of good raffle prizes would much appreciated.

We look forward to seeing exhibitors and visitors.

Thank you to everyone for your enthusiasm.

Support for the community following the A396 coach crash.

Please find below details of the enhanced community offer. All of these support opportunities are being offered free of charge for the whole community.
Further support is available via the existing community provision, further details on what is available can be found here: What’s on – Kite West Somerset & Community Hubs directory

Minehead Eye – Community Hub Drop In
Day: 7 days per week Timings: 10am – 6pm on a drop in basis
Venue: Minehead Eye, 1 Mart Road, Minehead TA24 5BJ
A space for anyone (families, residents and staff) to drop in for a hot/cold drink, company and if needed emotional support from Minehead Eye and Young Somerset trauma informed trained staff.
This offer will run for the duration of the school holidays.
Village Agent Service – Thrive (Community Council for Somerset)
The Village Agent service supports anyone living in West Somerset who needs some additional support during difficult and worrying times. This includes support for adults/staff.
You can access your local Village Agent through one of our Talking Cafes:
• Every Monday morning 10.00am – 12noon @ Minehead Methodist Church
• Every Tuesday afternoon 1.00pm – 3.00pm @ Williton Pavilion
• Every Thursday morning 10.30am – 12:30pm @ Fisher Mead Community Centre, Dulverton
Or directly by requesting a call back via completion of the online form Thrive Referral Inbox , or by calling 01823 331222
Healthy Happy Holidays
1. SASP in partnership with Number 1 South West
The following activities are being offered on a drop-in basis. Children will need to bring snacks and a water bottle. Booking is not essential but does help the planning, so where possible please confirm attendance via email at hhh@sasp.co.uk. For those that need it, transport can be arranged on request, please email hhh@sasp.co.uk to request this.
Activity: A range of activities including games, arts & crafts, mindfulness/Pilates, board games, quiet corner.
Dates Times Venue
Thursday 24th July 2.00pm – 4.30pm Tithe Barn & Dunster Village Gardens
Friday 25th July 9.30am – 12noon Tithe Barn & Dunster Village Gardens
***
Activity: Games, arts & crafts, mindfulness/Pilates, board games, quiet corner. Emotional
support will be available from the wider Young Somerset team.
Dates Times Venue
Monday 28th July 2.00pm – 5.00pm West Somerset College
Wednesday 30th July 2.00pm – 5.00pm West Somerset College
Friday 1st August 2.00pm – 5.00pm West Somerset College
***
Activity: Quiet activities and traditional games
Dates Times Venue
Wednesday 6 th August 2.00pm – 4.30pm West Somerset College
Thursday 7th August 2.00pm – 4:30pm West Somerset College
***
Activity: Games, arts & crafts, mindfulness/Pilates, board games, quiet corner. Emotional support will be available from the wider Young Somerset team.
Dates Times Venue
Monday 11th August 2.00pm – 5.00pm West Somerset College
Wednesday 13th August 2.00pm – 5.00pm West Somerset College
Friday 15th August 2.00pm – 5.00pm West Somerset College
2. SASP Coaches – Recreational Stay & Play
Recreational stay and play sessions, open to all affected children and their siblings. Traumainformed SASP staff will be leading and supporting the sessions.
No pre-booking needed as contact and medical info will be captured on arrival.
Children and young people will need to bring a packed lunch, snacks and water.
Dates Times Venue
Tuesday 5th August 9.00am–3.00pm West Somerset College
Tuesday 12th August 9.00am–3.00pm West Somerset College
Tuesday 19th August 9.00am–3.00pm West Somerset College
Tuesday 26th August 9.00am–3.00pm West Somerset College
3. Minehead Eye – Summer Well-being and activity sessions
Holiday Activity and Food provision has been expanded by 4 extra sessions on a Tuesday. The team at Minehead Eye will be offering multi activity sessions exclusively for year 5 students.
Dates Times Venue
Tuesday 29th July 9.30am – 1.30pm Minehead Eye
Tuesday 5th August 9.30am – 1.30pm Minehead Eye
Tuesday 19th August 9.30am – 1.30pm Minehead Eye
Tuesday 26th August 9.30am – 1.30pm Minehead Eye
Here’s a message from the Minehead Eye team
Please come and chill in the centre, or join us to scoot, skate, climb, music, team games as well as some food! Whatever you fancy having a go at!
We will also have a chill space and people you can have a chat with regarding anything you want! We’re very much here for you guys so come and join us if you can!
Book your space really easily through the Minehead Eye website via this link ttps://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/mineheadeye/items/654361/?full-items=yes, or give us a call on 01643 703155. Hope to see you guys soon, take care.
Further support is available via the core Healthy Happy Holiday programme. To enquire on what dates are available and to book please email hhh@sasp.co.uk
Pop-Up Tots – Young Somerset
Welcoming, fun, and interactive drop-in play sessions where families can access informal support, connect with others. These sessions will be open to tots, their siblings and parent/carers. Emotional support will be available from the wider Young Somerset team. No booking needed, just drop in.
Dates Times Venue
Tuesday 29th July 9.00am – 11.00am Sainsbury Hall, TA24 8UA
Tuesday 5th August 9.00am – 11.00am Sainsbury Hall, TA24 8UA
Tuesday 12th August 9.00am – 11.00am Sainsbury Hall, TA24 8UA
Tuesday 19th August 9.00am – 11.00am Sainsbury Hall, TA24 8UA
Tuesday 26th August 9.00am – 11.00am Sainsbury Hall, TA24 8UA
Where to Seek Further Help
If you need to talk to someone: Mindline – 0800 138 1692
Somerset’s 24-hour mental health helpline
https://www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/our-services/adult-one-to-one-support/mindline/