| The Police are urging people to do their bit to tackle drink and drug driving this Christmas as statistics show 2025 has been another tragic year on our roads.
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Traffic Signal Replacement Scheme at Dunster Steep
Somerset Council is replacing ageing traffic signals on the A39 junction with the A396 at Dunster.
The traffic lights at this junction need renewing as they are more than 30 years old and near the end of their working life. It is imperative the signals are replaced before they fail as this would cause major disruption.
The work is set to start on 5 January 2026 and finish in April.
We have been informed by the contractor that they do not anticipate closing the roads at any time, although diversions via the Ellicombe roundabout may be necessary. Residents should allow extra time for their journeys into Minehead.
A drop-in to find out more about the project will be held at The Tithe Barn, Dunster from 3.30pm – 7pm on Tuesday 10 December.
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Fully Funded Business Support Programme
We wanted to let you know about a Somerset Council fully funded business support programme now available across Somerset, and we’d really appreciate your help in spreading the word through your Parish if possible.
Somerset Start Up & Grow
Funded by Somerset Council through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, this programme offers up to six hours of free one-to-one support for SMEs in Somerset.
Whether someone is just starting out or looking to grow an existing business, this programme offers tailored guidance on:
- Business strategy & planning
- Finance & operations
- Marketing & HR
- Innovation & market diversification
Who is it for?
Anyone based in the Somerset Council area — SMEs with fewer than 250 employees. Participants must be paying taxes or business rates to Somerset Council (the Council Checker tool can help if they’re unsure).
This is a brilliant opportunity to access expert, local advice at no cost — ideal for those navigating early-stage growth or tackling day-to-day business challenges.
For more info or to register:
businessinfopoint.co.uk/somerset-start-and-grow/
01837 659 059
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Message from Rev’d Kenneth Cross – View from Grabbist for December and January
Say ‘Christmas’ and a fl ood of associati ons stream into our minds: presents, nati vity, Santa, turkey etc…. Also, anti cipati on or dread, joy or loneliness because of our unique personal experiences. These various associati ons
are so dominant that Christmas is incredibly diffi cult to speak to. Nonetheless, I invite you to suspend these associati ons, step back and consider it as if for the fi rst ti me.
Humans like us have been around for a mere 300,000 yrs. If earth began at 00.00hrs, life began around 5am and we arrive at 21seconds to midnight! The earliest cave painti ngs are 38,000 yrs old. Empires from China to Egypt
and elsewhere and religions/cultures such as Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and indigenous spiritual wisdom all emerged variously over the last 6000 years. Only 2000 years ago was Jesus born – a relati ve newcomer! Yet, in a fl ash, Jesus is now known by most of the 8 billion humans, and the religion that claims to follow him (massively diverse as it is) is the world’s biggest. Whatever your angle, it’s hard to ignore! The unimaginably vast universe began in one infi nitely small singularity 13.5billion years ago. Beyond comprehension but beyond serious scientifi c doubt! There is something utt erly inexplicable inherent in everything. The more we learn, the greater the enigma! Reality has Mystery woven in, connecti ve energy which envelopes the 13.5 billion year old cosmos and aeons of evoluti onary life on earth. Virtually all humans throughout our very brief history have had a sense of the Sacred (only in recent decades in the west have many rejected this – a ti ny minority of humans!). Even if Divinity has been routi nely codifi ed,
distorted and wielded by the powerful, this primal, inherent and ubiquitous intuiti on is hard to ignore. The ridiculously unlikely Christi an claim is that this Mystery is astonishingly revealed in the life of an ordinary human being who lived a life of searing compassion in ancient Palesti ne. This Jesus was born a refugee and grew up in chaoti c ti mes. He was murdered for his fi erce compassion, unsett ling teachings and love of those pilloried and judged by his society. But aft er this, unbelievably – fl eeti ngly, in enigmati c form, but unmistakably him – the story tells us Jesus appeared and conti nues to live on in the lives of human beings by his Spirit. That this Person reveals the great Mystery of Everything in an embodied human life is called incarnati on.
On the grand scale, it has only just happened – a mere 0.14 seconds ago on that cosmic day scale!! Like most new things, humans have so oft en misunderstood it, not least when Christi ans claim to be exclusive owners of this story, put themselves above other religions, use it to dominate others and act very unlike Jesus. But Christmas/Epiphany is perhaps saying to us: it’s far too soon to dismiss this story because of abuses or misunderstandings, because it’s only just happened!
Yes, it’s astonishing and incomprehensible. But, as we’ve seen, so is everything!
In our chaoti c ti mes, shall we give Jesus another chance? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
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ENPA seeks young people.
Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) is inviting young people aged 18–26 to join its new Youth Board, offering a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK’s most treasured landscapes.
ENPA is committed to ensuring that the voices of young people are heard in the decisions that will impact Exmoor for generations to come. The organisation is seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and a strong connection to Exmoor. Those with interests in areas such as nature, conservation, heritage, education, access, tourism and the rural economy are especially encouraged to apply.
The Youth Board will serve as a platform for young people to collaborate with and influence the direction of ENPA. By working together, members will help deliver the Exmoor National Park Management Plan and ensure that Exmoor remains accessible and relevant for future generations.
Sophie Tyler Learning and Engagement Officer with ENPA said: “Young people have a vital role to play in protecting and enhancing National Parks. ENPA wants to empower the next generation to step forward, share their ideas, and help overcome barriers to engagement. By joining the Youth Board, members will gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and contribute to meaningful change.”
If you are passionate about Exmoor and want to make a difference, download the application pack here, search ‘Exmoor Youth Board Member’ or contact ENPA at youthvoice@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk for more information.
This is your chance to become one of the first Youth Board Members for Exmoor and help shape the decisions that will define the Park’s future.
Key objectives of the Youth Board include:
Creating more opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to explore and connect with Exmoor, develop new skills, and play an active role in its future:
- Inspiring a broader community to care for Exmoor, enhancing health and well-being through a “Natural Health Service.”
- Increasing engagement and understanding of young people within ENPA’s work.
- Acting as a conduit for younger voices to be heard and considered in decision-making.
- Providing consultancy on youth perspectives as appropriate.
- Championing diversity of voice within the authority.
- Serving as ambassadors for Exmoor National Park, both locally and nationally.
- Shaping and influencing policy at local and national levels.
Timberscombe 