Author: Lesley Webb

FORTHCOMING EVENTS – for all details see www.regaltheatre.co.uk   Friday 26th August – 7.30pm, BEACH BOYZ tribute band Sat. 27th August,  7.30pm & Sun. 28th , 5.00pm ANDRÉ RIEU – Summer Concert screening Friday  2nd  September 2022 – 7:30pm SWINGING BLUE JEANS Friday 9th September – 7.30pm- PHIL COLLINS concert …And Finally Saturday 10th September 11a.m. – 3p.m. OPEN DAY – SPOTLIGHT ON THE REGAL THEATRE: pop in & discover what goes on behind the scenes!  Saturday, 10th September 2022 – 7:30pm. CHARITY VARIETY NIGHT in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity  Friday 16th September –  7.30pm EUROPEAN UNION CHAMBER ORCHESTRA  Friday 23rd & Sat. 24th September – 7.30pm WIND IN THE WILLOWS, by New Oasis & Manda School of Dancing Tuesday, 27th September  – 7:15pm MADAM BUTTERFLY Opera – live screening from ROH  Wednesday, 28th September 2022 – 7:30pm THE LESSON – Icarus Theatre Collective Friday 30th September – 7.30pm NEW JERSEY BOYS Wednesday, 5th October – 7:15pm and  Thursday 6th October – 7pm JUBILEE QUARTET – in Methodist Church  For  details including ticket prices see www.regaltheatre.co.uk  or call 01643  706430

Somerset Health and Wellbeing Updates

Benefice Newsletter 19th August 2022

SWT Council Business Bulletins

Our communities are facing a cost-of-living crisis. As everyday costs rapidly outpace wage and benefit growth, many of our neighbours are struggling to cope and are facing extremely tough times ahead. There are over 43,000 people in Somerset who receive Universal Credit, many of whom are living in working poverty, defined as when a working person’s income, after housing costs, is less than 60% of the national average. A recent survey from The Trussell Trust of 1,500 Universal Credit recipients in February 2022 found that: half are either already behind on their bills or are facing a constant struggle to keep up with them one in three had been unable to afford adequate food, meaning they had more than one day in the last month where they didn’t eat at all, or only had one meal. Our local charities are already doing life-saving work for people living in poverty.  Many are also facing the huge challenges of increased costs to carry out their work, soaring demand and fewer donations from the public. We are launching the Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal to raise vital funds so that local people living in poverty can get the support they need, when they need it most. Donations will fund crucial local work such as debt advice, food banks, mental health support, help for people with disabilities or older people, and homelessness organisations. No one should have to choose between feeding themselves or their children. No one should have to choose between heating and eating. No one should be plunged into insurmountable debt to pay for basic living costs. If you can afford to, please donate to our Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal today to help us provide funding to vital local charities supporting local people in poverty.

1. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue (DSFRS)

Reducing the risk of wildfires during dry and hot weather

In recent weeks we have seen dramatic scenes as firefighters from across the country have battled wildfires and worked to protect homes and businesses nearby. DSFRS have also had a busy time (although not to the same levels as elsewhere in the country). DSFRS attended a high number of ‘fires in the open’ in July attending 195 (compared to an average of 148 for the same period over the past four years).

Most wildfires are started by human behaviour – a BBQ, campfire, discarded cigarette, or glass lying on dry ground magnifying the sun’s rays. They can also sometimes start due to a bonfire (which was intended to be controlled) getting out of control.

Please click here to read the full press release.

2. SWT launches Covid Additional Relief Fund

SWT has been allocated Government funding to help businesses which did not benefit from any form of Covid relief in the last financial year. The Council has identified businesses across the district that could meet the criteria and is writing to them.

Anyone who thinks they are eligible should visit the website where details of the scheme and how to apply are available.  Please click here to read the full press release.

3. Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 13 – 30 October

Exmoor’s dark skies are some of the best in the UK. They have minimal light pollution and on a cloudless night you can see literally thousands of stars and astronomical sights such as the Milky Way with the naked eye. In 2011 Exmoor was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark Sky Association.

Booking for all events of the popular Exmoor Dark Skies Festival is now open. Returning for its sixth year, the late October festival, sponsored by SBA (Somerset Business Agency) CIC, is set to be the biggest ever with over fifty events taking place all over the National Park.

The programme of events has been released online at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/stargazing.

4. HM Coastguard Watchet – Beware of the Mud!

On the morning of Monday 8 August, HM Coastguard Watchet’s mud rescue team were tasked to attend Blue Anchor Beach following a 999 call reporting a female stranded in the mud in a specialist mobility wheelchair.

The Coastguard would like to remind anyone visiting our local beaches along the Bristol Channel that the soft sand and mud can be treacherous and not to attempt to cross it, to take notice of the warning signs and where anyone becomes stuck to spread their weight and not struggle.

A 999 call to the coastguard will then allow a rescue response to be initiated.

Don’t encourage anyone to go into the mud as they may also become entrapped.

5. Minehead Bay Festival – Saturday 3 September

The Trust is looking for friendly volunteer marshals to help with their brand-new arts and culture festival on Minehead Seafront.

Minehead Bay Festival will be celebrating Minehead’s local art, culture and wellness scene, featuring activities for all the family from circus performances and entertainment, live music, dance performances, street artists, pro skaters, art and craft activities, sand sculpting workshops and much more.

You can expect a fun day out engaging with the local community and enjoying a great day packed with art and culture! If you would like to volunteer please click here for more information.

6. Volunteers Needed

Could you help and support people in your local community towards work? If the answer is yes, you will need the desire to help others, have general life experiences, as well as the enthusiasm to motivate people and raise their confidence and self-esteem.

The Employment Hubs focus on offering one to one practical support such as CV writing, searching and applying for work, how to deal with online application forms, help with interviews and signposting to other agencies for further help and support.

Please click here to find out more information.

7. Spreading hope on World Suicide Prevention Day

In preparation for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, SCC’s Public Health team are asking members of the public to share quotes, lyrics or poems that have helped them to get through difficult times in their lives.

Please click here to read the full press release.

Benefice Newsletter 12th August 2022

Somerset Waste Information 08 AUG

Somerset Carers Service Information

Somerset Health and Wellbeing Newsletter

Temporary Road Closure: ttro848325WS- WW- Drapers Way, Cutcombe

Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=129117441 and the link for the Notice 2:  https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_129117441_3472128_c7f5e318b1.pdf   

The works are expected to commence on 5th September 2022 and last for 2 days (09:30 – 15:30hrs) to enable Wessex Water require to do a CCTV sewer survey and jetting to remove debris within the sewer..

The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is permitted on this occasion.

For any further information about this closure please contact Wessex Water on telephone number 0345 600 4600 quoting reference number ttro848325WS

Reminder entries for the Timberscombe Show should be in by 15th August. Entries to Wendy Cook at Blackball House, Holes Square, Timberscombe or entries can be left at Timberscombe Post Office. Spare entry forms are available from the Post Office.

Police Message We have been advised by a Minehead Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, that a flyer has been received offering to carry out works on their property. Remember do not feel under any obligation to agree to works and it is your decision and your right to say no. If a caller visits and you are not interested, do not answer the door. There are a few things that you should be wary of before allowing anyone into your home or garden. 1. Did they put a leaflet through your door claiming to offer discounts for OAPs? 2. Do they offer 20 / 30 / 40 % off for calling within a particular time scale of receiving your leaflet? 3. Do they offer work and then claim to offer a host of other services seemingly unrelated? 4. Does it look like a professionally printed leaflet? 5. If you speak to an operator, do not be bullied into committing to their services or an appointment. 6. If they are in your home, phone a friend and ask them to come round. 7. You can ask them to leave at any point during their sales pitch. These are just a few points to look out for, but the best rule to go by is that if you require any work, you should find the person yourself or go by the recommendation of others that you trust. There are plenty of websites that can steer you in the right direction to find the right company. And of course, there are some genuine, honest companies so make an informed decision, but remember: “If you’re not sure, don’t open the door” Attachments: rogue-traders-not-sure%-dont-open-the-door.pdf