Author: Lesley Webb

I’m pleased to be sending you our 11^th Annual Report, for 2025-26. You can read the whole report online at SRA Annual Report 2025-26 – Somerset Rivers Authority.

In the report, you will find details of dozens of SRA-funded activities across Somerset between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, all done to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding.

At the SRA, we fund extra flood-related work so that our partners (and others) can do more for Somerset than they would otherwise be able to.

The last year has been perhaps the most significant year since the SRA was launched in 2015. Last September saw the completion of our major improvements along the River Sowy – King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD), where bank-raising means more water can now be discharged faster from the Somerset Levels and Moors. Since then, events have included near-disastrous floods in January, a ministerial visit in February, the May 2026 report of the government’s Climate Change Committee, and June’s announcement from the Government of £50million extra for Somerset flood resilience.

Some would judge that January was the peak of our endeavours, because the completed KSD work protected Moorland from flooding. Others would say that we are now launched on a period of significant improvement thanks to the £50m additional funding from government. I would say that we will never completely prevent flooding, but we will keep persevering with keeping it under control to the extent that climate change permits. Right now we’re awaiting storm deluges following the summer’s heatwaves; they’ll fall on dry ground so may cause flash flooding.

Local organisations – parishes and local flood groups – will play an increasing role.

Our own Community Flood Action Fund (CFAF) is already helping many communities reduce risk.

Please consider whether this Fund could help your area too.

Because a lot can be achieved through working together on local priorities, as I hope you will see throughout this annual report.

This is my last annual report as I am standing down from Somerset Council next May. I am deeply grateful for the efficient and good-humoured support of the whole SRA team over the past 4 years, and wish my successor well.

Please get in touch with us if you have any comments or questions.

Regards,

Mike

Cllr Mike Stanton, Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority

sra@somerset.gov.uk

Watchet Beach Clean & Litter Pick
Saturday 5 September, 10:00 – 11:30, meet West Street beach slipway
Meet at 10:00am on the slipway to West Street Beach. Wear suitable footwear and bring gardening gloves. We’ll provide litter pickers and sacks.

We’ll be picking up litter along the beach, coast path and around the town. 

After about an hour, all those taking part are invited back to The Sanctuary in Swain Street where all that’s collected will be sorted and refreshments served.

Come with friends or as a family group.
All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Do drop us a line to say you’re coming on Sat 5 Sept, if you can, and if you’ve got a little extra time on the day to help with setting up or sorting what’s collected we’d love to hear from you. 
pfwcommunitylead@gmail.com

Despite the vagaries of a heatwave season  reducing the production  for the veg and fruit section [as experienced by other local shows this year], Timberscombe managed to present  a delightful and credible show, with enthusiastic exhibitors displaying their talents in all areas. Contributions to the Art Section had increased. It welcomed newcomers plus a young member of the village pitting her talents against the adults. This section produced the Best in Show with Trish Wright’s Oil painting. Runner Up Best in Show went to Joyce Smith for her Knitted Blanket for SANDs charity.  In the Veg and fruit section the high standard previously presented was upheld by Andy Heard’s remarkable contributions.  Robert Lamacraft’s entries to other sections gained most points overall. Timberscombe School and pre-school provided a colourful selection of flower art, having studied American painter Georgia O’Keefe.

In the afternoon, the show welcomed many more visitors than last year, and the atmosphere was very convivial. The raffle was well supported – sponsored by Minehead Garden Centre and villagers for which thanks are extended. As usual the auction, conducted by Ken Powls, was lively and entertaining raising much needed funds for the Village Hall. Thanks go to our visitors, supporters, sponsors, organisers, willing hands,  auctioneer  and  importantly, our Judges, who give up their valuable time to ensure Village Shows continue to thrive.

Trophies/Awards were presented to Trish Wright, Joyce Smith,  Robert Lamacraft, Andy Heard, Martin Leggatt, Katy Attwater. 

Most points: Veg – Andy Heard; Flowers – Robert Lamacraft; Floral Arrangements – Joy Booth; Cookery – Robert Lamacraft; Handicraft – Joyce Smith; Art – Robert Lamacraft; Photography – Phil Witt; People’s Choice – Sandra Rae.