Author: Lesley Webb

There will be  Pilates at Timberscombe Village Hall this Friday, 19th December.

There will then be a gap of two weeks over Christmas and New Year.

Pilates resumes  Friday 9th January 2026 at 7pm. Everybody welcome.

No need to book. First session free.

Below is a list of emergency items to have in the house, if possible. We know many of the items listed are obvious but it is often the obvious we overlook.

Alternative Power Sources

Torches: If the power goes off, you will need a torch and batteries to navigate your home. It’s best to also have battery lanterns to keep your home lit. A headtorch is a useful handsfree option. Candles can be used but could be a danger, so use with caution.

Matches: Matches, make sure you keep them in a dry place.

Medical Supplies

First-aid kit: You should keep a first-aid kit that contains items like medicines, scissors, tweezers, needles, antiseptic, thermometers, petroleum jelly, antacid, and laxatives.

Winter cold and flu supplies When you are feeling under the weather the last thing you want to do is go out to get cold and flu supplies so make sure you stock up on cold and flu tablets, sore throat lozenges/syrup, nasal spray, tissues, ibuprofen or similar and a  mask (to protect others who may need to visit  you).

Prescription Drugs – Ensure you have a good supply of your own prescription drugs. Don’t leave ordering until the last minute!

Make sure that a list of your own drugs are readily available to any medical staff who may need to assist you.

Don’t Forget Spare Items

Spare home keys: Make sure a neighbour or friend knows how to access your home in an emergency. Keeping spare home keys in a set place helps in circumstances where you can’t find your usual keys in the dark.

Power bank: A power bank plays an important role when your mobile or torch runs out of charge. Keep the power bank charged up!

Batteries: When electric supplies are dead.

Notepad and pen: A notepad can help you keep track of your food stocks , what you may need and can also be used to make a note of symptoms and times they occur in case your doctor needs it.

Food And Water Supplies

Foods: Especially dry foods and tinned food that can be stored for a long time or non-perishable foods. Cans of soup provide a quick way of getting hot food without using a great deal of heat. High calorie snack bars will keep you going if food is difficult to prepare.

Pet food and supplies: If you have pets, it’s important to keep their food and supplies at home stocked up in case of emergencies.

Flasks to keep hot drinks  or soup in.

Water: Always store water to meet your family’s demands in emergencies.

Manual can opener: Manual/battery  can opener will enable you to open cans if the power is off

Bedding/Clothing Items

Hand/Foot warmers: Hand/Foot warmers/gloves provide heat in a cold environment. They can also provide soothing heat for muscular or joint aches.

Emergency blanket: Emergency blankets will keep your body warm and prevent your body from losing heat, which is a life-saving method, especially for people suffering from hypothermia.

Other items

Seasoned firewood: If you have a real fire ensure you have a good stock of firewood for the winter which can be easily reached.

Rock Salt for putting down on your paths, only if you are able to do so safely.

Fire Extinguisher -During the winter, the use of heaters, candles, and fireplaces increases the risk of fires, making a fire extinguisher a crucial safety item if you can afford one.

A list of emergency phone numbers, eg your doctor, your next of kin, a neighbour who might be able to help, the Good Neighbours number. Make sure these are in an obvious place.

Our Cyber Crime Team, will start issuing a monthly Cyber Newsletter. The first of which is attached for December 2025.

Attachments: dec-cyber-crime-phishing-smishing.pdf

Following an urgent contractor and suppliers meeting late on Friday 12th December we regret to inform you that due to the Christmas shutdown, the contractor delivering the works is unable to guarantee the required materials by the original start date of 5th January 2026.

For this reason, the difficult decision has been made to delay the start of the works until week commencing 9th February 2026, with an expected duration of approximately three weeks. This revised schedule will help ensure there are no delays through the supply chain and will also incorporate the half-term school holiday to minimise disruption.

The scope of the works remains unchanged: a stronger and more reliable solution using king pin concrete anchors with a concrete beam will be installed to ensure the long-term stability of the road.

During this period, A396 Cutcombe Hill will need to be fully closed 24 hours a day for approximately three weeks. Diversion routes will be in place for public service vehicles, and plans are being considered to shuttle pupils through the site for school transport.

We understand how important this route is to the community and appreciate your patience and cooperation while we complete these vital repairs. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Yours faithfully,

Kali Martin

Assistant Highway Service Manager

Somerset Council Area – Westhighways-west@somerset.gov.uk

0300 123 2224

Please find below a copy of our latest newsletter and wanted items list. Can I take this moment to thank you all for the wonderful support we have received this last month with all the Christmas donations. We are in a good place to fulfil all our orders this week and the further weeks running up and during the Christmas period.  It is so wonderful to see the community to come together to support others.

WSFC Newsletter Dec 2025

12-25 Food Request Dec 25

Can I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and I will be back in touch again in the New Year.

Thank you for everything you have done during 2025.

Sara Trigg ,Team Leader

07795 080637