Author: Lesley Webb

Message from Oliver re sheep field:

Just been down to check the sheep in Heber Vale, I have come across the 10′ gate left open and the “keep dogs on leads” sign ripped off the hunting gate.

MAY I REMIND THE VILLAGE THAT THIS IS AGRICULTURAL LAND AND THAT NEEDS TO BE RESPECTED.

I know it’s hot and your struggling to get about but if the gate was closed, shut it behind you. If the sheep get out they’ll stress even more in this heat which could be fatal. Also these signs are fitted to remind you that dogs no matter how well trained cause a threat to livestock and again in this weather any livestock worrying will be fatal even if the dog doesn’t get hold of a sheep. If so, I will find out the perpetrator and you will end up with a hefty fine.

Also if people are going to use the pool please be quite and try not to disturb the sheep, they need the water and shade more than yourselves.  If there is anymore major trouble we shall fence the footpath off. Please note that Heber Vale Lane is also private and a padlock could be fitted to the top gate.

Oliver Hill

If anybody sees the selfish person who is doing this please inform the Police immediately on 101, or contact the local PCSO, Linda Brooks on:  Linda.Brooks@avonandsomerset.police.uk.

One stupid person will ruin this amenity for all of us.

Lesley

Somerset Health and Wellbeing Updates including advice on keeping cool in the heatwave and vaccination centres in the region.

Rural Affairs Newsletter from Avon and Somerset Police highlighting theft prevention measures

Dunster Benefice Newsletter 15th July 2022

Somerset Waste Partnership Services (SWP)

Put your waste out the night before due to heatwave!

Residents are asked to put their rubbish and recycling out the night before collection as waste crews across Somerset gear up for next week’s extreme heat. Crews could be starting collections as early as 5.30am to avoid the worst of the sweltering heat forecast for Monday and Tuesday (18 and 19 July). Having boxes, bags and bins out the night before is the best way to make sure they are ready to go when the crews arrive.

SWP and SUEZ are also urging people to be extra patient and take extra care to sort recycling into the right containers to help hard-pressed crews. Temperatures are forecast to hit more than 30 degrees Celsius at the start of the week, and crews will be ready with hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles. With more than 70,000 collections to make each day, they are also being encouraged to take short breaks in the shade if needed.

On average, a recycling loader can walk up to ten miles on a round, collecting from hundreds of homes picking up nearly 1,000 boxes and bags. Extreme heat makes that tough job even harder and that could mean some delayed collections. SWP and its collections contractor SUEZ are asking for the public’s patience and a little bit of help in the extreme conditions.

Please click here to read the full press release.

Teams on standby to protect road surfaces in extreme heat

SCC’s gritters will be mobilised to treat ‘melting’ road surfaces as the county prepares for extreme temperatures in the next few days. With an Amber Weather Warning in place and temperatures set to hit 29C this weekend and climbing to 35C early next week, road temperatures could become high enough for the asphalt to soften and melt. This makes the road surface unstable and potentially hazardous. SCC will be monitoring the situation carefully but if you spot a problem please call the contact centre immediately, or if it’s at the weekend call 101 for Avon and Somerset Police and they will relay the location to the Highways teams.

You can reach the contact centre on 0300 1232224.

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Exmoor National Park Authority (ENP) 

Barlynch Priory – Open Afternoon Wednesday 20 July 2pm-4pm

Explore the ruins and discover the history of Barlynch Priory, in a beautiful, wooded valley setting beside the River Exe near Dulverton. Founded 1174-89 and dissolved 1536, the remains of one building are still clearly visible, surrounded by a network of earthworks and historic buildings that help reveal the story of Barlynch Priory. There are self-guided and guided walks options available with leaflets and interpretation panels. Access by kind permission of the owners. No booking required.

Directions: Beside the A396, one mile north of Helebridge near Dulverton TA22 9NG. SS92922890. What three words ///minimums.cheered.screening

Parking is available in the field adjacent to the Priory. The grounds are rough pasture, with mainly level walking. No dogs. Donations to Caremoor for Exmoor.

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Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue (DSFRS) – Warning about high-risk wildfires

With the hot and dry weather continuing, the risk of wildfires is high. Please take care in the countryside with flames and cigarettes. Avoid BBQs and always take your litter home. If you spot a fire, call 999 and, if you can, use what3words to help the fire service locate the incident.

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Climate e-Newsletter Issue 3 is now available

The Climate Change Team has published its latest ‘Climate News’ which gets sent to SWT residents and businesses who sign up to receive a copy. The newsletter aims to showcase all the great work that is happening across SWT to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2030.

The July issue of the Climate e-Newsletter is available to view online here.

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Crime / Safeguarding – How to spot a text message scam

Messaging scams can be very convincing, so it’s important to know what to watch out for to stay ahead of the fraudsters. Scammers are increasingly taking advantage of smartphones and are getting very clever with how they try to take your hard-earned money.

They can even make it look like a legitimate organisation is contacting you via text or a messaging app by using identity masking technology to change the name displayed as the sender. This is known as ‘number spoofing’.

If you get sent a scam message, it’s important you report it so others don’t fall victim. Reporting a scam message is free and it will help stop the spread of these messages

Fraudsters can use many different types of messaging systems and apps, like SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, Skype, Google Hangouts, Snapchat and many other platforms to try scam you out of your money.

Please click here to find out how to report scams and warn others.

 Spot a scam bank message

If you get a message purporting to be from your bank, always treat this with caution. And know the eight things your bank will never ask you. Your bank should never:

• Ask for your Pin or internet banking password
• Send someone to your home to collect cards or banking information
• Ask you to email or text personal or banking information
• Email a link where you have to then input your internet banking details
• Ask you to authorise a funds transfer which you haven’t requested
• Tell you to invest in diamonds, land or other commodities
• Ask you to carry out a test transaction
• Send you to a mobile app other than their own official app

How to avoid message scams

Here are a few tips to help you avoid message scams.

• Don’t follow any links

This is the most effective way to avoid text scams. Links can take you to cloned websites designed to steal your money or personal data. Because links are often shortened to help them fit into the message, it’s not always easy to tell the real ones from the fakes. Clicking on links could also lead you to download malware – malicious software that can take over your phone and access your data.

• Don’t share personal information

Treat all messages requesting sensitive information – or that link you to websites asking for personal details – with suspicion. Legitimate organisations will never text you to ask for your personal or banking details upfront.

• Contact the organisation directly if you’re unsure

If you’re not sure if a text is real, contact the company that claims to have sent it to check. Use the official contact details listed on the company’s website or documents you might have been sent, if it’s your bank then you can usually find its official number on the back of your credit or debit card.

• Don’t reply

Replying to a fake text, calling the number it’s been sent from or clicking through on suspicious links only lets the scammers know your number is being used. You might be bombarded with even more scam messages and calls. The number has likely been spoofed anyway, which means you’ll probably only be messaging an innocent member of the public who has had their number stolen.

• Report it

You report the fake text by forwarding it to 7726 – a free reporting service provided by phone operators. This information is then shared with the police and intelligence agencies working to stop text scams. If you’ve fallen victim to a text scam, you can report it to Action Fraud.

 Avon and Somerset Police (ASP) – How to avoid getting hooked by phishing scams

ASP are urging people to remain vigilant when it comes to suspicious messages to protect themselves from scammers.

Known as phishing, text messages and emails impersonating well-known organisations remains a common tactic used by criminals. Whether it’s a fake email asking for an individual to ‘verify’ bank details or a text message claiming they have been in contact with someone that has Covid-19, the goal is usually the same – to trick an individual into revealing personal and financial information.

Nationally, the most impersonated organisations in phishing emails reported last year were the NHS, HMRC and Gov.uk.

As of 31 May 2022, the public has made more than 12 million reports to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS), with the removal of approximately 83,000 scams and 153,000 malicious websites.

Please click here to read the full press release.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS – for all details see www.regaltheatre.co.uk   Saturday 9th July  – 7.30pm Film – THE QUIET GIRL (Cert 12A) Friday, 15th July 2022 – 7.30pm ROCKNEY – a Chas and Dave tribute Mon. 25th, Wed. 27; Sat. 30th July – 7.30pm MINEHEAD & EXMOOR MUSICAL FESTIVAL Saturday 13th August – Saturday 20th – 7.30pm  GREASE – MATA Summer Show,  7 performances 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 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 MAYERLING Royal Ballet, live screening from ROH   for more  details including ticket prices see www.regaltheatre.co.uk  or call 01643  706430

NEW PUBLIC TRANSPORT SITE FOR SOMERSET

SCC have launched a new online travel planner which is particularly useful for those using public transport and/or residents without easy access to a car. The website also carries information on demand responsive and community transport and has a community board for car sharing.

SCC are currently running a campaign to raise awareness – you can read more about it here:

Planning a journey in Somerset? Think Travel can help | Somerset County Council Newsroom (somersetnewsroom.com)

And you can visit the site here Think Travel : Homepage.

12 July 2022 Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-to-high twenties across much of Somerset this week and over the weekend, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Level 3 Heat Health Warning for the South West.   Whilst weather like this is something that many people look forward to, and go out and enjoy, it is worth remembering that sunny spells can pose health risks for some people. Those at risk may not recognise their own vulnerability to high temperatures.   We’ve put together this special edition of our Public Health newsletter to share some top tips for staying safe in the hot sunshine, and urge you to look out for those in our communities who may be more vulnerable to health risks in hot weather. Cllr Adam Dance, Somerset County Council’s Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity, shares some practical tips for looking after yourself and others during hot weather. The main risks during hot weather are: Not drinking enough water (dehydration) Overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing Heat exhaustion and heatstroke.   Please look out for those most at risk Professor Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health at Somerset County Council, is urging residents to look out for the most vulnerable in our communities as temperatures look set to soar this week. “Somerset is a great place to be whatever the weather, and when the sun shines everyone is more likely to be enjoying the great outdoors.”     “However, for some people, especially older people and those with existing health conditions, the summer heat can bring real health risks. That is why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer. If you are able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support.”   “It’s vital we all follow the advice and adapt what we do when needed, so we don’t put our local NHS services under any more pressure. Check weather forecasts, including UV forecasts, and if spending time outdoors remember to travel with bottled water and protect yourself from the sun during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 11am – 3pm.” Who is Vulnerable? While everybody is at risk from the health consequences of heat, there are certain factors that increase an individual’s risk during a heatwave. These include: older age: especially those over 75 years old, or those living on their own and who are socially isolated, or those living in a care home chronic and severe illness: including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, renal insufficiency, Parkinson’s disease or severe mental illness inability to adapt behaviour to keep cool: babies and the very young, having a disability, being bed bound, having Alzheimer’s disease environmental factors and overexposure: living in a top floor flat, being homeless, activities or jobs that are in hot places or outdoors and include high levels of physical exertion Practical advice for keeping children cool Children cannot control their body temperature as efficiently as adults during hot weather because they do not sweat as much and can therefore be at risk of ill-health from heat.     During periods of high temperature, the following steps should be taken: children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days, such as when temperatures are in excess of 30°C encourage children playing outdoors to stay in the shade as much as possible, consider the shade available for your sports days and outdoor play children should wear loose, light-coloured clothing to help keep cool and sunhats with wide brims to avoid sunburn regularly apply sunscreen (at least factor 15 with UVA protection) to protect skin if children are playing or taking lessons outdoors for more than 20 minutes provide children with plenty of water (such as water from a cold tap) and encourage them to drink more than usual, particularly if they are taking part in sports day events or outdoor play   Tips for beating the heat Stay hydrated Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol If you need to travel, ensure you take water with you Keep drinks within easy reach Stay safe in the sun Try to stay in the shade if you can and try to avoid direct sunlight between 11am-3pm Clothing can help, loose-fitting lightweight clothing like a T shirt can help reduce the sun’s harmful rays, a hat and sunglasses are also a good choice If you have to be out on the sun, use a good quality sunscreen (at least SPF30) and apply it regularly. Physical activity Avoid extreme physical exertion. Try to do any strenuous outdoor activity, such as sport, DIY or gardening, in the cooler parts of the day – in the early morning or evening. Keeping the home cool Keeping your living space cool is especially important for those who need to stay at home because they are unwell or vulnerable Shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight and keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day. If possible and safe, open windows at night if it feels cooler outside. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat and cost money. During the hottest periods, try to find the coolest part of your home or garden/outside or local green space to sit in. If you’re heading outdoors, please use cool spaces considerately.   Sunburn Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV radiation is strongest. If you have to go outside in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat. If travelling by car Ensure that babies, children, or older people are not left alone in parked cars, which can quickly overheat. Remember to take water with you. Check on others Check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during hot weather to see if they need any help or support. Enjoy the water safely During warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief. Take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down. If you get into trouble in the water, the RNLI urge you to remember ‘Float to Live’– resist the urge to thrash about, instead lean back, extend your arms and legs and gently move them around to stay afloat, once you can control your breathing, call for help or swim to safety. Look out for the signs of heat-related harm If you feel dizzy, weak or have intense thirst and a headache, move to a cool place as soon as possible. Drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate. Avoid excess alcohol. If you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms, or abdomen), rest immediately in a cool place and drink electrolyte drinks. Most people should start to recover within 30 mins and if not, you should seek medical help. Call 111 if you feel unusual symptoms, or if symptoms persist. Call 999 if a person develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency. Further information on heatstroke and heat-related illness are available here. A good first stop when looking for support for yourself, the people you know or your community is our website www.somerset.gov.uk   It’s never too late to take control of your health and well-being through changing behaviours and seeking help and we’re with you every step of the way.   Follow our Director of Public Health, Professor Trudi Grant, on Twitter and stay in the know.      Somerset County Council County Hall Taunton Somerset TA1 4DY

Police Notice

A White, 11 Plate, Mitsubishi L200 Pick-up was stolen from Horner, Minehead around 1:30pm on the 5th. Any information please contact the Police on 101 quoting reference number: 5222160246 stating NHW release. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your support.

Somerset Health and Wellbeing Updates

Benefice newsletter 8th July 2022

Timberscombe Friday News 08.07.2022

Platinum Jubilee in Somerset
An official film has been produced to give a flavour of how Somerset celebrated The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The film was commissioned by the county’s Lord Lieutenant, Annie Maw CVO – and a copy will be sent to Her Majesty.

Members of the public who want to see it now can log on to the Somerset Lieutenancy website here: https://somersetlieutenancy.com/platinum-jubilee/on-film-the-platinum-jubilee-in-somerset/.

Support for Somerset households with food and energy bills
Somerset residents who are struggling to pay the bills could be eligible for support with the cost of food, energy, water, and other essentials over the coming months.

SCC has been allocated £3.8m to distribute before September 30 as part of the second round of funding provided through the Government’s Household Support Fund.

Just over £1.2m will be used during the school holidays to provide food vouchers worth £10 a week to children eligible for Free School Meals and a further £1.3m will be used for one-off payments of £100 to residents on Pension Credit.

Another £1m will be made available for a range of urgent essentials including fuel, food, and white goods. A total of £200,000 is put aside to help support people who can’t access the internet or online vouchers. Applications are means-tested and can be made by anyone in urgent need of financial support.

Please click here to read the full press release.

Minehead Lifeboat Day – 23 July
Minehead’s Lifeboat Day is coming and will feature lifesaving demonstrations, stalls and events for the whole family around the harbour. 

Health and Welfare – Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Face masks must be worn in NHS buildings
Last month, the Trust made the decision that mask wearing across most of the NHS hospitals and units would be optional in line with national guidance.
However, once again there is a rise in the number of patients being cared for with COVID-19 across NHS services, along with an increase in colleague sickness.
The safety of patients and colleagues is of the utmost importance, and to minimise the spread of the virus, the Trust took the difficult decision that with effect from Tuesday 5 July everyone (patients, visitors and colleagues) is required to wear a face mask inside all NHS trust buildings, including clinical areas and non-clinical areas such as corridors.
The Trust know this will be disappointing, following the relaxation of the rules last month – but it’s very important that this immediate proactive step is taken to respond to the increase in positive COVID-19 cases within the NHS and to help protect patients and colleagues during this time.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is sorry that they have had to introduce this change once again and thank you for your continued understanding and support.

Need to seek help?
If you, or someone you know are feeling like things are too much, please know that you / they don’t have to be alone. Here are some numbers of organisations that can help:

⦁ Samaritans – 116 123
⦁ CALM – 0800 58 58 58
⦁ ChildLine – 0800 1111
⦁ Anxiety UK – 03444 775 774
⦁ Mind – 0300 123 3393
⦁ Somerset Domestic Abuse helpline – 0800 69 49 999