Antarctic walk record for Watchet-raised woman

WATCHET-raised Hannah McKeand (pictured) has become the fastest person to walk alone and unsupported to the geographic South Pole.
She made the 690-mile trek in 39 days, nine hours, and 33 minutes – almost two days faster than the previous record, also held by a British woman.
Hannah, aged 33, who now lives in Newbury, hauled a 100kg sledge from Hercules Inlet, on the edge of Antarctica, to the Amundsen-Scott Research Station, which marks the Pole.
She said: “I have been here before and loved the place - I wanted to visit and spend more time here.
“The record was never my primary goal for the expedition, but to have set it is incredible - the icing on the cake.”
During the expedition, Hannah lost three stone in weight on a diet of chocolate, dried fruit and nuts, salami, Kendal mint cake, and pork scratchings – and fudge cake as her only luxury.
Hannah became a full-time adventurer two years ago after working as a theatre marketing manager, and she dedicated her South Pole expedition to a close friend, Jill Fraser, who died of breast cancer earlier in 2006.
Donations to her expedition charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer can be made by logging onto the website www.justgiving.com/southpole.
She hoped her exploits would also help to encourage and inspire other people to achieve their own dreams.
Hannah has previously explored deserts in North Africa, visited villages in the remote Hindu Kush mountain range of Afghanistan, and competed in the 2005 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Within the next month she will embark on a sailing challenge from Tasmania to the South Magnetic Pole, accompanied by her partner David Pryce, a master mariner.
Photo submitted.

Government promises £24.5 million for new West Somerset hospital

THE Health Minister, Lord Warner, has today (Thursday, December 21) announced a £750 million fund for new community hospitals and NHS services which includes a new hospital for West Somerset.
The £24.5 million hospital in Minehead is being planned on a site off Seaward Way in a partnership with West Somerset Council and other agencies.
The partnership, called New Horizons, recently submitted a planning application for the development which also includes a new swimming pool, leisure facilities, business support services, and housing for local people.
The new Minehead hospital will have 20 beds and include a new diagnostic centre and day theatre, as well as new dental facilities and urgent care unit.
It is set to be fully operational from late 2009.
Lord Warner said the Minehead hospital would be one of the first to be provided by the new funding package.
The fund was intended to allow NHS patients to have minor operations closer to their homes and to receive medical tests and follow-up care outside of large hospitals.
The money will be made available to the newly-created Somerset Primary Care Trust, which has recently been reviewing the business cases for several new community hospitals planned in the county.
They had been under threat due to lack of PCT funds and a Government formula which said Somerset should only have five community hospitals against the present 13.
However, Lord Warner said: “A modern health service needs a significant amount of care provided in state-of-the-art community hospitals.
“This model of care suits peoples’ daily lives and will help many patients maintain their independence.
“Today’s funding underlines our commitment to the future of community hospitals and shows our desire to replace outdated and unsuitable buildings with modern facilities fit for the future.
"These new NHS facilities will turn our “White Paper proposals for more care closer to home into reality for thousands of patients.
“This is just the first group of new hospitals and there will be more throughout 2007 as we invest £750 million in similar schemes over the next five years.”
Community Hospitals Association chief executive Barbara Moore said: “We are delighted to hear news of the first communities to benefit from funding to modernise and extend the services available from upgraded or new community hospitals.
“Many people will be very relieved that the future of their community facilities is now secured. We look forward to seeing this repeated in many other areas.”
Lord Warner also announced today that the Department of Health has completed a deal to become sole owner of Partnerships for Health (PfH), the public private partnership set up to encourage investment in GP premises and health centres.
The deal will assist the implementation of the community hospital programme.
NHS patients should benefit from a more focused delivery of the community hospital programme, as the Department will be able to use the skills within PfH to support community ventures.
Lord Warner said: “Gaining sole ownership of Partnerships for Health is good news for patients and the NHS in the long-term.
“This deal gives us access to the skilled and experienced people needed to take forward our plans for a new generation of NHS community hospitals.
“Patients will benefit from the continued delivery of these community hospitals, while the deal will also help ensure that the new PCTs can hit the ground running as they take forward the ongoing NHS LIFT programme.”

• Our photograph shows Health Minister Lord Warner. Photo submitted.

Red beret Christmas present for veteran Paratrooper

CHRISTMAS has come early for valiant Second World War veteran Peter Clements, who now lives in Dunster.
Mr Clements served as a Paratrooper and took part in the ill-fated Operation Market Garden - since made famous by the film A Bridge Too Far.
After being wounded and taken prisoner at Arnhem in 1944, Mr Clements had his regimental red beret and badge taken by trophy-hunting German soldiers.
Now, more than 60 years later, he has received a brand new red beret and badge thanks to West Somerset Council’s SCHIP home improvement officer Judy Ernest.
Mr Clements, a retired BT engineer, said: “I lost a lot of mates at Arnhem, but getting my beret back is like bringing a member of the family home.
“It is the best Christmas present I could ever wish for.”
The happy ending came about as Judy was overseeing home improvement work at the bungalow home of Mr Clements and his wife Shirley and he told her how he had mourned the loss of his beret for more than 60 years.
Judy said: “I was so touched by Peter’s plight that I contacted the Soldiers Sailors and Air Forces Association to see if they could help.”
SSAFA contacted the Parachute Regiment which was happy to send Mr Clements a new beret.
SSAFA case worker Richard Barron said: “SSAFA Forces Help has been delighted to help Mr Clements.
“It is really heart-warming to see the pleasure his new Para beret is giving him.
“At this time of modern conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, we would do well to remember the sacrifices that earlier generations of soldiers, sailors, and airmen like Mr Clements made for this country and to acknowledge the debt we owe, and continue to owe, to all of our Servicemen and women.
“We are always looking for volunteer caseworkers. People wishing to make a difference to somebody’s life can view the SSAFA Forces Help website at www.ssafa.org.uk or email Pauline Homeshaw at homeshaw@btopenworld.com.”
Mr Clements recounted how he lost his beret: “I parachuted from a Dakota into Arnhem in the second wave.
“I got a German bullet in the leg and, two days later, was taken prisoner of war.
“I was taken to Stalag 11B, somewhere in Holland, I think. I would like to be more accurate but I was so annoyed, I did not much care at the time.
“One German wanted my beret and another my badge, so they just took them.
“Otherwise, they did not treat me badly. I was 19 and only just over 5 ft tall, so they thought I was a boy soldier.”
Weeks later Mr Clements was marched with other prisoners to another camp further from the advancing Allies.
He said: “I stepped off the road to answer a call of nature, and that was the last the guards saw of me.”
Mr Clements walked for weeks, evading capture and depending on the kindness of local people to direct him away from German patrols, before meeting up with the American 101st Airborne Division, in Austria.
After rest and recuperation, he was repatriated but joined another regiment and so was never issued with a new Para beret and badge.
SCHIP is the Somerset Coast Home Improvement Partnership, a partnership between West Somerset Council and Sedgemoor District Council to provide assistance, principally to people aged 60 years and older, and also to disabled people, who live in private accommodation.
It organises works of maintenance, repair, and adaptation through help with funding, designing, and arranging for work to be carried out.
Judy’s post is part-funded by West Somerset Council to deliver the service in West Somerset.

• Our photograph shows Mr Clements donning his new beret in front of a Christmas tree at home in Dunster. Photo by Steve Guscott.

Community is creating stained glass window

WORKS of stained glass by people living on Exmoor have been on public display in the Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross.
The mini exhibition was part of a Creative Communities project for some of the rural villages of Exmoor which is being run by West Somerset arts consortium ARTlife.
ARTlife has received funding from the Arts Council England South West to run Creative Communities and the stained glass project is the first to be held.
For several months, 27 local people have been joining stained glass worker Avril Silk in the Moorland Hall to learn how to make their own small pieces.
They have also started to plan a final, larger piece which will be a stained glass window for the recently refurbished village hall.
The exhibition gave people an opportunity to view and comment on the proposed design for the hall window. Coffee and mince pies were also on offer.
Project co-ordinator Jan Ross said: “We have been delighted with the response from so many members of the community.
“Young people have been involved, as well as some of the more senior members of the village.
“They have had to work hard on their designs and, during the making, getting to grips with the art of cutting glass and soldering.
“It is an art form that has appealed to so many, and some of the participants will be helping Avril in making the final piece, too.”
ARTlife has worked in partnership with West Somerset Council during the past six years to develop an arts service run for and by the people of the district, working in many different ways.
The Creative Communities project is a new and exciting stage of its development, by offering a community arts development service for the area.
Further information about Creative Communities is available from Jan Ross by telephoning 01398 323818 or emailing janaross2003@yahoo.co.uk.

• Our photographs show stained glass pieces made by (left) Sean Kendall and Matthew Fowler and (right) Dan Matravers and Alex Sparks. Photos by Mark the Photographer, ref M1218008 and M1218010. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Planning application for Seaward Way hospital, housing, and leisure development

AN outline planning application is being submitted for a £26 million range of health and well-being facilities off Seaward Way, Minehead.
The project, known as New Horizons, is intended to replace Minehead Hospital and the Aquasplash leisure pool, plus provide additional health and learning facilities.
It is a partnership between West Somerset Council, Somerset County Council, Somerset Primary Care Trust, and the West Somerset Community College.
Outline planning permission is now needed to allow the New Horizons steering group to apply to a range of authorities for funding streams which will be vital to the success of the project.
The plans allow for:

• A new Minehead Community Hospital to be built above the flood plain
• A sports and leisure complex to be shared by residents and West Somerset Community College
• A Skills and Enterprise Centre
• Housing for local people
• Commercial facilities for health and well-being related businesses

The planning application is expected to be considered by district council planning committee members early in the New Year.
The project concept plans will be made available for public inspection and comment.
West Somerset Council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence, said: “I am delighted that our long-term support and hard work to get this project off the ground is finally coming to fruition.
“We will continue to work hard to secure first-class, modern health, welfare, and educational facilities for residents in West Somerset.
“With local support, these plans will underpin the development of healthy, sustainable communities and encourage economic growth in the area.”
Jan Hull, interim chief executive of Somerset Primary Care Trust, said: “This outline planning application is the next step forward in this exciting project.
“It is particularly pleasing to see the way that all organisations involved are working together to seek ways of progressing the New Horizons facilities.”
County council portfolio holder for economic development, Councillor Paul Buchanan, said: “This is a complex project where the partners will face big challenges to deliver favourable outcomes for the health and well-being of local residents.
“The county council is committed to engaging with local residents, interest groups, and other stakeholders throughout this project so we can develop the best package for the people of West Somerset.”

Signalling award for WSR main line link

THE West Somerset Railway has been awarded joint-first prize in the competition for the Westinghouse Signalling Award for the Best Restored Operational Signal Box or Signalling Installation.
The steam railway gained the award for its installation of signalling at Bishops Lydeard Station, which was carried out by WSR staff and volunteers from the West Somerset Railway Association.
The project was commissioned to meet the demands of increasing numbers of trains and passengers on the WSR and also as part of the work to upgrade the link with the national rail network at Norton Fitzwarren.
WSR general manager Paul Conibeare and deputy operating superintendent Pat Langan accepted the award at a ceremony in the Merchant Taylors Hall, Threadneedle Street, London.
Mr Conibeare said: “It is always pleasing to receive awards on behalf of the ‘family’ of volunteers and staff who make up the West Somerset Railway, especially as the competition for the Westinghouse Award is truly national and includes Network Rail plus other heritage railways.
“When the Bishops Lydeard project began, we had a Great Western Railway signal box structure and some signal posts without any of the actual signalling arms.
“Now, after many years of hard work, the whole site is fully and correctly signalled with traditional semaphore equipment, and as well as our own trains, the Bishops Lydeard signalmen are controlling an increasing number of excursion trains travelling to and from the mainline network.
“Over the years, many people have worked on the Bishops Lydeard project and all contributions have been invaluable to its success.”
The other joint-winner of the Westinghouse Award was Network Rail for its restoration of the Bury St. Edmunds yard signal box.

CLOWNS auctions London International Horse Show tickets

TWO pairs of London International Horse Show tickets are being auctioned on eBay to raise money for West Somerset children’s charity CLOWNS.
The seats are within the Members’ Enclosure at Olympia and are for the 1 pm afternoon performance on Saturday, December 16.
The tickets have been donated by Tim Pilcher, chief operation officer of Clarion Events Ltd, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, via The Crier’s photographer Mark Stothard and his wife Sarah.
Money raised from the auction will go toward a fund to replace the CLOWNS blue play bus, which tours West Somerset to take play opportunities and health education opportunities to isolated communities.
The two eBay auctions can be found using the following links: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330061439653 and http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330061437077.
This year’s London International Horse Show features the Dressage Quadrille of the Hanoverian State Stud, a display by some of the most stunning Hanoverian stallions in the world.
The immaculate horses perform with amazing accuracy half-passes, flying changes, and other dressage staples, all set to beautiful music.
There is also the Metropolitan Police Activity Ride, which is a fast-moving display demonstrating high levels of skill and agility from both horses and officers.
Inch perfect timing, total commitment, professionalism, and complete trust is required for this ride, which demonstrates the abilities of a working police horse.
Visitors to the London International Horse Show can spend a whole day at Olympia, as the doors open at 9.30 am for afternoon performance and people can spend the morning browsing the shops or watching some of the morning events in the main arena before the performance starts at 1 pm.

Healing hands for troublesome horse

AN ‘aggressive and severely troubled’ ex-National Hunt horse which vets advised should be put down is now a well-balanced, happy animal, thanks to the healing hands of a Minehead woman.
Rhonda Sexton, who moved to the town about seven years ago, transformed 13-year-old Commander Cully into a quiet, calm, and affectionate horse after his owner experienced months of violent and dangerous behaviour with him.
Rhonda, who is better known for practising the Bowen technique on humans, used a special version on Cully which she calls Equine Touch.
It consists of a series of simple vibrational moves performed in patterns over the body to overcome the horse’s problems.
The technique allows the horse to re-balance itself not only physically but also emotionally.
Cully’s owner, Sharon Pope, of Carhampton, spent many weeks seeking professional help to overcome his behaviour following a nightmare first ride after buying him in May of this year.
She said: “Cully launched himself across a main road from a junction landing on the opposite side of the road, a passing minibus narrowly missed us and I only just managed to stay on.
“From then onwards, the problems just kept coming. He would rear up and lash out at you, he was aggressive, he would not be caught, riding him became more dangerous, he would leap and spin, and he grunted continuously.
“A reputable jockey came to ride him, they got 150 yards down the road when Cully reared and threw himself over backwards on the jockey, causing serious harm.”
A dentist also had to throw in the towel after trying to treat the aggressive Cully, and he continued to put up a fight after being heavily sedated to find the root of the problem.
After having Cully’s tail analysed, the report revealed the horse had a number of problems on his atlas, axis, neck, saddle area, knee, and vertebrae, which were causing him severe pain, and he was experiencing severe headaches.
He was also found to have stomach ulcers, toxins in his stomach, and could not tolerate any sugar, however treatment was available to combat those particular problems.
Sharon then contacted Rhonda after spotting a leaflet which explained about Equine Touch.
The first session went fine, but it was a few days later when the benefits showed and Sharon was amazed to find her eight-year-old son in the field with Cully, who was being so gentle and was following him around and accepting cuddles and kisses.
Cully continued to become brighter and happier with further sessions, and following the fourth treatment he had become well and truly ‘soppy’.
“He greeted me every day and his true character was emerging, a very soft, genuine horse,” Sharon said.
“Since his last session, the improvements have been remarkable. He is now very relaxed, quiet and calm, and enjoys showers of attention.
“We go out for rides regularly now, we jump with scope and all together he is a different horse, improving every day.”
Cully’s tail has again been analysed by a different person unaware of his previous problems and the feedback was positive - a well-balanced happy horse with no significant problems.
“I am so grateful,” said Sharon. “Rhonda has worked wonders with my new horse. The relationship now between Cully and I could not be better.”
Rhonda also performs other healing treatments such as the non-invasive Bowen technique, which is used to treat many problems in humans, including back, neck, and knee issues, stress, and even colic in babies, and she also practices Canine Touch which can be used on both dogs and cats.
More information is available from Rhonda on 01643 704417 or by visiting her website at www.bowenwithrhonda.co.uk.

• Our photograph shows Sharon Pope (left) with Cully and Rhonda Sexton. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M1130018. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk

Drink-drive Christmas campaign

A HARD-hitting Christmas campaign is being used by Somerset County Council to remind drivers in West Somerset of the tragic consequences of drink-driving.
The Somerset Road Safety Partnership is sending graphic posters to pubs, clubs, and off-licences throughout the county in the run-up to the festive season.
One shows an overturned car with the caption ‘There are never any winners in the drink drive lottery – it’s a Christmas rollover’.
In another poster, paramedics are dealing with a casualty beside their ambulance, with its flashing blue and red lights, and the words ‘Not the sort of lights you’d like to see this Christmas. Just a small amount of alcohol can lead to tragedy on rural roads’.
The posters will also appear on roadside hoardings and the rear of buses– and will be backed up by a radio advertising campaign.
County Councillor Hazel Prior-Sankey, who is chairman of the road safety partnership, said: “This is a time of year when many people will be attending parties and functions.
“We do not want to spoil their fun, but would ask them to be sensible and to avoid drinking and driving.
“Alcohol impairs a driver’s reactions and judgement and can lead to a crash in which they, and other innocent road users, could be seriously injured or even lose their lives.”
Councillor Prior-Sankey advised party-goers to use public transport or taxis, or to nominate a designated driver who stayed on non-alcoholic drinks all evening, to make sure they arrived home safely.
The partnership was launched two months ago by the county council, in conjunction with the police, the fire and rescue service, and health authorities, to reduce road casualties in Somerset.
In the three weeks immediately before Christmas last year, there were 184 drink-drive arrests in Avon and Somerset - 24 more than in the same period of 2004 - and 103 of those arrested were under the age of 30.

Seafront industrial development for Minehead

INDUSTRIAL development of a key Minehead seafront site which civic protestors fought to preserve for tourism uses is to go ahead after all.
Somerset County Council is to carry out a £6.4 million scheme which it originally developed as a partnership with West Somerset Council before reneging on the agreement.
The county has now finalised detailed plans for the development of the Station Road market site and is submitting two funding applications to the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and European Regional Development Fund (EDRF) in order to secure cash to help finance the scheme.
It wants to build 12 environmentally sustainable industrial units on land alongside the West Somerset Railway, which protestors previously claimed would ruin the railway’s ability to expand its important role in the tourism economy.
The funding applications total £3.5 million, which would be added to £2.6 million provided by the county and £276,800 from the railway.
Provision will also be made in the scheme for a long-awaited Minehead Eye Youth Centre and for a turntable for the railway.
Space will be included for an open market and craft units, and 110 car parking spaces will be schemed in.
West Somerset Railway general manager Paul Conibeare said: “We are delighted to join with our partners in this exciting project which will bring more visitors to Somerset, by rail, and uniquely will give our visitors a ringside seat in watching a 120 tonne locomotive being turned by hand.”
Minehead’s county Councillor Ian Galloway - who previously was one of the more vociferous opponents of the scheme when the district council was involved - said: “This is a great example of what can be achieved by a community working in tandem with its county council.
“I would like to say thank you and well done to the officers and residents who have had the commitment and confidence to contribute so much and to work so hard for this development.”
County council economic development portfolio holder, Councillor Paul Buchanan, said: “Somerset County Council have made this investment with the consent of the people of West Somerset, with local public engagement and consultation at the heart of every decision that we have made.
“We are confident of securing the funding for the market site which will allow our plans to become a reality and huge benefit for the people of Minehead.”

• Our images show the site plan of the area alongside the railway and how the turntable area could look. Images submitted.

Local producers help launch Food Town

PRODUCERS and retailers from Exmoor and the Quantock Hills are taking part in the official launch of a Food Town project in Somerset.
Their produce will be showcased at the event in Wellington on Saturday, December 2, from 10 am to 4 pm, where visitors can enjoy free samples of foods and drinks.
Among those involved is West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger's wife Jill, who makes natural preserves at her home near Williton.

West Somerset food producers' co-operative Source will also be there, as will Tower Farms, of Lydeard St Lawrence, which makes award-winning cheeses.

Shelley Clift will be showing off her home made pies, and Brendon Hill Crafts will have jams and chutneys on display.

Mignon Johnson, of Saffron Kitchen, Lydeard St Lawrence, will be one of a number of chefs giving demonstrations at the event, and will be preparing an Indian breakfast.
The launch will kick-start a five-year initiative to brand Wellington as the ‘Food Town’ of Somerset, in the same way as Ludlow is recognised as the ‘Food Town’ of the Midlands.
The catchment area takes in much of Somerset and a large chunk of Devon, an area which boasts no fewer than eight Rick Stein Food Heroes as well as dozens of other award-winning producers.
Visitors to Wellington on December 2 will be able to enjoy free tastings of some of the best foods and drinks produced in the area and can also take the opportunity to stock up for Christmas. Parking in the town’s car parks will also be free on the day.
The free event will be held in a town centre marquee with around 40 stalls for food producers and a seated area for more than 100 people where expert demonstrations and workshops will be held by several local chefs, including sessions on how to make healthy lunchboxes for schoolchildren and interesting ideas for party food.
Wellington Food Town steering group chairman John Cottrell said: “We hope as many residents as possible from West Somerset will come along on December 2 and enjoy what promises to be a wonderful celebration of some of the finest produce the Westcountry has to offer.
“By supporting the Food Town concept, visitors will be encouraging a healthier retail and service economy for the area, which will mean more local jobs, more tourists and regular visitors, and a thriving local agricultural economy.”
Wellington Food Town is being organised by Wellington Economic Partnership and Somerset Food Links in conjunction with Taunton Deane Borough Council and Wellington Town Council, and is supported by Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Trade and the Wellington Farmers’ Market.
More information is available from Nicky Saunter at Somerset Food Links on 01458 241401 or email nickys@foodlinks.org.uk or by logging on to http://www.wellingtonfoodtown.blogspot.com/.

Witness appeal after violent store robbery

POLICE are hunting a balaclava-wearing gang of three people after a violent robbery in a West Somerset convenience store.
The robbers are believed to have escaped with cash and cigarettes in the raid on the McColl’s store, in Park Street, Minehead.
It happened at about 8.30 pm on Saturday evening (November 25).
Two men wearing balaclavas entered the store and assaulted one of the staff with a piece of wood or possibly a baseball bat, who suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.
They then fled in a blue colour Vauxhall Astra car, registration G79 NYC, driven by the third member of the gang.
The car, which earlier had been reported as stolen, was found some time later, abandoned and burned out, in nearby Parks Lane, Minehead.
The robbers may have used a second vehicle, a beige colour 4x4, to leave the Parks Lane area after torching the Astra.
The two men who entered the shop were sketchily described as ‘young’ and between 5 ft 6 in and 5 ft 8 in tall.
McColl’s was recently rebranded after having traded in the town as Forbouys for many years.
It is part of the Martin McColl Ltd group, which includes the country’s largest chain of newsagents with more than 900 stores.
Police are appealing for help from anybody who may have seen the men entering the store or in one of the vehicles involved.
If anybody has any information, they are asked to contact Bridgwater CID on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they can leave information without giving their name. A reward may be available.

Steam train footplate pass eBay auction for charity

A RARE opportunity to ride on the footplate of a West Somerset Railway steam train is being offered in an internet auction for charity.
The eBay auction, which will start on December 1 and run for 10 days, could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for somebody not already connected with the railway.
Photographer Mark Stothard, of Timberscombe, is auctioning the WSR footplate pass to try to raise at least £1,000 for West Somerset charity CLOWNS.
Mr Stothard said: “My family are indebted to CLOWNS for the help they gave my daughter Kyla when she was little and I want to do all I can to support them.
“I am a steam train enthusiast and when I heard how CLOWNS was losing a lot of grant money from local councils and would struggle to continue delivering their services, I came up with this fund-raising idea.
“As I understand it, these passes hardly ever go outside the confines of the WSR and their staff and volunteer members, so this really could be somebody’s chance of a lifetime to experience riding on a steam engine footplate.”
Mr Stothard approached WSR general manager Paul Conibeare, who agreed to donate the footplate pass for the auction.
Mr Conibeare said: “I was very pleased to be able to support CLOWNS like this when Mark came up with the auction suggestion.
“We all know what terrific and valuable work CLOWNS does with needy young families in communities right across West Somerset.”
CLOWNS co-ordinator Kathy Morton said: “We are facing a real funding gap due to Government cut backs and we need all the help we can get
“Mark’s offer to organise the auction was very welcome and we will put the money it brings in towards continuing our services, which we know are welcomed and valued by the people we help.”
The eBay auction item can be found by following this link: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330057216930

• Our photograph taken on a WSR steam engine shows Kyla Stothard with Kathy Morton and Paul Conibeare. Photograph by Mark the Photographer, ref M1117008. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Letter to Editor from actress Zoe Lucker

Dear Editor - Please support VSO this World AIDS Day, December 1.
Earlier this year I was lucky enough to travel to Zambia with the international development charity VSO.
For Tanya Turner, the character I played in Footballers’ Wives, accepting an invitation from VSO to witness its work with people living with HIV and AIDS would not have been top of her ‘to do’ list.
But my parents volunteered with VSO back in the 1970s, so when the charity gave me the chance to see for myself the work they do, I could not say no.
In Zambia, I visited VK Home-Based Care, one of the projects VSO supports.
Based in one of Zambia’s poorest districts, the project serves over 100,000 people, one-in-five of whom are infected with HIV and AIDS.
For many people, going to hospital or visiting a doctor is not an option, as they simply cannot afford it. Increasingly, those who fall ill rely on women in the community to care for them.
One of these carers is Lomanzi Phiri, a 44-year-old woman who has lost both her son and husband to HIV and AIDS.
I met Lomanzi, who is now a volunteer carer with VK Home-Based Care, and accompanied her on her daily round visiting patients in their homes.
Lomanzi provides basic medical care and offers emotional support to people in their darkest hour.
The work she does, along with thousands of other women in Zambia, is inspiring and without doubt vital in helping the country cope with the devastating impact of HIV and AIDS.
Carers like Lomanzi are on the frontline of the response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic but without the support of VSO, who provide skilled volunteers and financial support, Lomanzi and her colleagues would not be able to continue their work.
This World AIDS Day, please spare a thought for Lomanzi and her community.
By volunteering your skills with VSO or making a small donation to support their work you could be playing your part in the response to the global catastrophe that is HIV and AIDS.
Please visit http://www.vso.org.uk/ to find out more.
Zoe Lucker
Actress

• Photo shows Zoe Lucker meeting Lomanzi Phiri and her grandchildren in Zambia. Photo submitted.

MP launches Salvation Army Christmas appeal

LOCAL MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has officially launched a charity appeal to bring Christmas cheer to children in West Somerset.
Mr Liddell-Grainger announced the start of the Salvation Army’s annual Pass the Parcel collection appeal when he attended the launch in the Superdrug store, in The Avenue, Minehead.
Superdrug is partnering the Salvation Army for the 2006 appeal in West Somerset, which is running from November 18 to December 18.
Earlier, some of the WWE Wrestling stars appearing at Butlins, together with the holiday centre’s Redcoats, presented gifts to representatives of the Salvation Army to kick-start the appeal.
People are asked to take toys and gifts for children and young people to Superdrug, from where they will be collected by the Salvation Army for distribution to families in need.
Capt Steven Watson, Salvation Army minister in Watchet, said: “The generosity of people living in West Somerset is second to none and has allowed us to bring a little bit of happiness to many children’s lives over the last seven years.”

• Our photograph shows (left to right) Salvation Army minister Capt Steven Watson, MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, and Superdrug Minehead manager Mark Granger. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M1117023. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Town centre market opens in Minehead

THE first of the weekly produce markets in Minehead town centre was held on Friday, November 17, when members of the West Somerset Farmers Market set up stalls along the southern side of the Parade.
Despite the persistent rain which fell during the morning, there was a steady flow of people keen to try out the variety of stalls and the produce they were offering.
The market has been backed by West Somerset Council as part of its work to help support and regenerate the town centre economy.
Council economic development and business liaison portfolio holder Councillor Nick Messarra was instrumental in implementing the market initiative.
The council is also helping a similar weekly market to start in Watchet, where a site on The Esplanade has been reserved for it.
Councillor Messarra said: “There is a strong demand for fresh, local produce countrywide and we are delighted to be able to help move the market into the heart of Minehead to give local people the opportunity to make the most of our own fantastic local produce.
“We are hoping the market will bring people into town from the surrounding villages as well as providing a focal point for tourists and, with sales profits going straight to local producers, we are sure it will help boost West Somerset’s economy.”
The council is advising residents and road users that the topmost section of the southern side of The Parade - from Bancks Street to Friday Street - will be closed from 6.30 am – 4 pm on market days to allow traders time to set up and dismantle the market, which will be open from 8.30 am - 2.30 pm.
Council market towns regeneration officer Pete Vallance said: “We have been working with the police, highways agency, and public transport providers to ensure effective diversions are in place to minimise disruption.
“We will continually review these arrangements and the whole market trial will be reviewed next Easter.
“This market, combined with the market planned for Watchet Esplanade, will provide a great service to local people and also help ensure that our town centre regeneration projects contribute to local agricultural and rural economic sustainability targets.
“We hope people in West Somerset give the markets their full support.”

• Our photograph of the market shows (left to right) Councillor Nick Messarra, Pete Vallance, and Roger Webber, of Hindon Organic Farm, who is one of the market stallholders. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M1117005. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk

Westlife show goes on despite storm damage

STORMY winds destroyed the Butlins Arena concert venue in Minehead, just two days before pop stars Westlife were due to perform live.
Tens of thousands of pounds of damage was caused with the canvass canopy torn away in the high winds and the metal structure of the Arena twisted and wrecked.
But as a Health and Safety Executive investigation into the incident began, Butlins pledged ‘the show will go on’ for the 7,000 people who bought tickets to see the boy band.
Butlins centre director Darren Hollis praised Westlife for their support and dedication to their fans after the band agreed to perform their first-ever back-to-back gigs.
Mr Hollis said the shows would now take place in the Butlins Centre Stage venue, which could seat about 3,500 people, to ensure everybody was able to see them.
However, the concerts were being cut to just 45 minutes each and would take place at the earlier times of 1 pm and 2.30 pm.
Because of the timing changes and the reduced length of the concerts, Butlins has offered all guests a £25 retail voucher, per person, to spend within resort.
It has also offered a full refund in advance for anybody who felt so disappointed that they wanted to cancel their visit.
Anybody with any queries about the concert was being encouraged to telephone Butlins on a special hotline number, 0870 242 2002.
For Butlins, it was the second disruption in less than a week to the Westlife concert arrangements.
The band had earlier unexpectedly announced they would be singing live on ITV television’s X Factor programme on Saturday night, which clashed with when they were supposed to be performing in Minehead.
Butlins then had the task of trying to contact all 7,000 ticket holders to tell them the concert had been brought forward to the afternoon.

• Our photographs show Westlife (left) and the wreckage of the Butlins Arena (right) visible through trees which line the perimeter of the holiday centre. Westlife photo submitted. Wreckage photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M11160029. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

SLINKY bus comes to West Somerset

WEST Somerset residents can now make use of the SLINKY bus on demand door-to-door transport service.
The distinctive silver buses operate without a fixed route for people who do not have access to a regular bus service or a private car.
Passengers book in advance and are picked up from their homes.
Somerset County Council portfolio holder for transport, Councillor Tony Shire, said: “We are delighted to be able to extend the SLINKY bus’s coverage.
“The service is already a hit with people in Taunton and Wellington and has really helped people spread their wings and be more independent.
“It is amazing the number of rural people who say the service has changed their lives.
“They do not have to rely on their children or neighbours to get out and about any more.
“There is also the comfort factor. Elderly people get to know a regular driver who will help them on and off. Passengers get that little bit more than with a regular bus service.”
SLINKY is available to anybody who does not have access to transport for a journey - but if there is a public bus running that can be used by the passenger, or if they have access to their own transport, then the SLINKY is not suitable.
Buses operate Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays, and provide wheelchair access, space for shopping, mobility equipment, and prams, and there are concessionary fares to travel pass holders on the same basis as public transport.
The new bus service is part-funded through the Local Transport Plan, the county council's five-year transport and road improvement plan.
The booking line is 01643 707090 and is open 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday, and on Saturday from 9 am to 12 noon.

• Photo shows one of the distinctive SLINKY Bus fleet. Photo submitted.

Active living in Alcombe

THE second of West Somerset’s Active Living Centres has been opened in Alcombe Methodist Church Hall by the Mayor of Minehead, Councillor Ann Foxhuntley. Another centre – the first in the whole of the county – has been running in Washford for the past few weeks. The programme locally has been led by Somerset County Council and West Somerset Council and developed through Age Concern Somerset. In Alcombe, the opening session featured a healthy cooking demonstration and free lunch for the area’s over-50s, marking the start of a journey towards developing a greater range of opportunities for active living in West Somerset. There was also an opportunity to experience a holistic massage taster session and a Tai Chi demonstration. Information about Somerset Active Living was available and attendees were able to suggest other activities they would like to see provided in the future. Fifty Active Living Centres will be established across Somerset by 2008, operating locally from suitable venues on a drop-in basis. Local communities will lead the development of the centres, with the support of Partnerships for Older People (POPP), which also includes Somerset Primary Care Trust, support services, and a range of voluntary and community organisations. The Active Living Centres aim to regularly provide activities, advice, learning opportunities, and events which will promote active living and improve well-being of members of the community aged 50 and older. Minehead’s county Councillor Ian Galloway said: “I am very supportive of this project, which will offer Alcombe’s older people a chance to really enjoy themselves and maintain an active level of fitness and relaxation.” West Somerset Council’s portfolio holder for housing, health and welfare, Councillor Mary Crowley, said: “We welcome these new centres because as well as giving older local people support and advice on health and welfare matters, they also provide an excellent social environment for local people to meet and discuss issues that affect them.” Volunteers from the local community are needed to help make the centres successful by supporting activities and events. Anybody who wants to help or would like to see a similar initiative in their community or who wants more information should contact Alison Tanton, POPP officer for West Somerset, at Age Concern, on 01398 323826 or at alison.tanton@ageconcernsomerset.org.uk.

Open day for CLOWNS

AN open day was held by CLOWNS to encourage local families to visit the charity and learn about the community services it provides, while having some fun at the same time.
CLOWNS, which stands for Creating Learning Opportunities in WesterN Somerset, provides a service for parents and/or carers and also children in rural isolation and areas of need within West Somerset.
A double deck bus has been converted for play and is used to offer recreational and educational facilities as it travels around the district.
There is also a smaller vehicle which takes equipment for Tumbling Toddler sessions to village halls and is used during the school summer holidays to run play schemes in villages and to take toys from the charity’s toy library to isolated communities.
It also collects clean, safe, salvaged materials from businesses for use in the CLOWNS Scrapstore.
The Playbus also carries information on a range of related services, and helps to maximise the impact of visits by working with other agencies which require rural community access.
CLOWNS relies on raising its own funds and is based at the West Somerset Sports and Leisure Centre, Minehead. Anybody who wants to know more about it can contact co-ordinator Kathy Morton on 01643 707190.

• TOP PHOTO - Enjoying the CLOWNS open day fun are (left to right) Kezia and John Elton, Holly Jones Batley, and Ewan Jones Batley. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M1023013. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.
• BOTTOM PHOTO - CLOWNS co-ordinator Kathy Morton is pictured with (left to right) Vena Merchant, Jamie Savage, Taylor Campbell, and Xia Furze. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M1023006. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Young musician's historic China tour

YOUNG West Somerset musician Abi Owen has returned from the ‘trip of a lifetime’ to China with the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain.
Abi, who is 13, plays the viola and became an orchestra member four years ago while a pupil of Minehead Middle School.
She now has a music scholarship to Queens College, Taunton, and has just been accepted for the Somerset County Youth Orchestra.
Her audition for the county orchestra was made all the more nerve wracking because it was after her viola had gone to China and she had to borrow another for the occasion.
Since coming home, Abi has also had to use her father’s viola because the Chinese authorities had not allowed the NCO’s instruments to be sent back.
She is the daughter of Jeanette and Steve Owen, of Glenmore Road, Minehead.
Mrs Owen, a freelance music teacher who gives woodwind lessons in local schools, said: “She had a wonderful time, it was absolutely amazing.
“They did four concerts and a little tour in between for their education. It was all very mind-expanding.
“It was the first time Abi had gone on an aeroplane, and now she wants to go to France with the county youth orchestra next summer.”
During the 10-day visit to the Orient, Abi also saw the famous Terracotta Warriors exhibition and the Great Wall of China.

• Our photograph shows Abi with some of the souvenirs she brought back from China. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M1108099. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Widow, 86, left without pension for six months

AN 86-year-old West Somerset woman was forced to survive without her State pension entitlement for nearly six months because of an address mix-up.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) finally handed over the money only after the intervention of the West Somerset Advice Bureau.
Vera Glendall, formerly of Holloway Street, Minehead, only managed to make ends meet with the help of her daughter, who sent money from South Africa.
Mrs Glendall, a retired teacher, returned from South Africa to England earlier this year, after the death of her South African husband.
She notified the DWP of her intentions in May of this year – but because correspondence from the Ministry failed to reach her as she moved address, her pension payments were not made.
It was only thanks to a stroke of luck and the intervention of advice workers in the West Somerset Advice Bureau, that the DWP finally paid out the money to Mrs Glendall.
Now, Mrs Glendall is calling for an apology over the matter and also an explanation as to why the DWP did not even reply to her letters on the subject.
Mrs Glendall told The Crier: “When I came back I went to the bank to get some money our and buy some furniture and look for a place to live because I only had a holiday place to stay in.
“When I looked at the statement and realised what had happened it was terrible because what I thought I had in the bank was not there.
“If my daughter had not sent me some money it would have been very difficult. All I have to date is just a bed and a couple of chairs and I have been in need of some things.
“I do not know why they stopped it. They kept saying I had not filled in some life document but I had never received it. I had a letter back saying it was my fault.
“Then, it transpired they had sent it to a holiday accommodation address in Porlock where I stayed for a fortnight when I came back and they sent it the day that I moved out so it never reached me.
“This is the first time in my life I have ever experienced anything like this and I would still like an apology or an explanation from them.
“It is shocking. If it had not been for the advice bureau I would never have got it, I think.”
Mrs Glendall said it was only by good fortune that she met an adviser in the bureau who had experienced a similar problem when he returned from South Africa, and he therefore knew whom to contact to sort out the situation.
She said: “The outcome is that they have paid it now, but only under pressure and with reluctance.”
DWP spokesperson Jamie Pike said he could not discuss the details of any individual case because of confidentiality issues.
However, Mr Pike told The Crier: “Customers are required to keep the Pensions Service, overseas branch, informed of any changes in their circumstances that will affect payment of benefit.
“It is therefore vitally important that when a customer changes address they let us know of their new details as quickly as possible.
If this is not done, any correspondence sent to the customer may not reach them and subsequently payments may be delayed, and on occasion this could be for a considerable time.
“This is especially relevant to customers who have returned from a lengthy period of living abroad.”
Advice bureau manager Liz Moore said volunteers were needed to help keep the centre’s service operating and she wanted to hear from anybody who would like to offer their services, whether as an adviser, or receptionist, or administrator, or any other role.
The centre can be contacted on 01643 704624.

• Our photograph shows one of the West Somerset Advice Bureau advisers, Stuart Durrant, outside the agency’s Minehead premises. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M1108002. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Uncovering Roman history of Quantock Hills

EXCITING results from the largest archaeological surveys yet carried out in Somerset have provided a new picture of how the Quantock Hills have been used and managed over the past 5,000 years.
The surveys, carried out by English Heritage and the University of Winchester, in conjunction with Somerset County Council’s heritage team and the Quantock Hills AONB service, took more than six years to complete, with more than 300 students and local volunteers taking part in archaeological digs on six separate sites around the Quantocks.
The results from these extensive studies culminated in a presentation to 100-plus interested people in Crowcombe Village Hall, organised by the Quantock Hills AONB service.
The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Lady Elizabeth Gass, who lives on the Quantocks, introduced the presentation, where speakers from the three key organisations explained how the landscape of the hills had changed and described some of the results from the surveys.
County council archaeologist Bob Croft said: “The oldest finds were flint arrowheads dated from the Neolithic period found in the Cothelstone area and also at Yarford and Volis.
“The oldest feature discovered is a Beaker period pit in Volis dating from the Bronze Age, approximately 4,000 years ago, so-called after the distinctive pottery vessels buried on these sites.”
An English Heritage spokesman told of its completed archaeological field survey which mapped all the visible earthworks and heritage features in the Quantock Hills AONB.
In addition, its survey examined some of the main historic estates and medieval sites, such as Kilve Chantry and Lilstock Harbour.
Hazel Riley, from English Heritage, said: “We have mapped and recorded the visible heritage throughout the AONB area and discovered a wide range of new archaeological sites from prehistoric cairns through to defensive remains from the Second World War.
“Our work at Kilve Chantry has helped with the interpretation of this important medieval manor house and its surrounding landscape.
“The Quantock AONB survey has shown the value of field survey along with aerial photographic work to map the changing landscape.”
The findings will be published in a new book titled ‘The Historic Landscape of the Quantock Hills’, which is being launched during November.
These new sites, along with all the information from the English Heritage survey, will also be mapped on to the Somerset Historic Environment Record.
The finds at Yarford are of the most interest to the archaeologists.
A large prehistoric site dating from Iron Age times, c500BC, was later occupied by a substantial Roman villa, which dated from the mid 4th century AD with a fine mosaic floor in the main room.
This is one of the most westerly villas with mosaic floors yet found in Roman Britain.
The villa was subjected to three seasons of excavation but is now safely re-buried to protect it for the future.
Dr Keith Wilkinson, from the University of Winchester, said: “This was an unexpected and exciting discovery and was an important and significant site on this part of the Quantock Hills.
“If there is one villa, then the chances are that others will be found in due course.”
Chris Edwards, Quantock Hills AONB manager said: “The long-term management and care of the Quantock Hills AONB will require a greater understanding of what we have inherited and what we are to pass on to subsequent generations.
“Greater understanding and appreciation of the landscape is one of the key elements of the AONB management plan.”
County council portfolio holder for adult and community services, Councillor Justin Robinson, said: “These projects have shown the value of partnership working and the need for detailed surveys, linked with archaeological digs.
“We are now starting to understand a little more about what has happened on the Quantocks in the past and how these events have shaped the landscape we use and cherish today.”
The University of Winchester’s project focused on the spread of archaeological crop marks along the southern edge of the Quantock Hills from Bishops Lydeard in the west to North Petherton in the east.
Local co-operation with the project has been strong and several local landowners including the Cothelstone and Tetton estates have been very supportive.
In conjunction with English Heritage’s field survey, Helen Winton, of English Heritage, has co-ordinated analysis and detailed mapping of aerial photographs within the AONB.
As part of this survey, more than 100 new sites have been added to the county records.
A leaflet about the surveys, called ‘Recording and Understanding the Historic Landscape of the Quantock Hills’, is available from the Quantock Hills AONB Service. The telephone number for the service is 01278 732845.

• Our photograph shows part of the mosaic found at the Yarford Villa, which has since been reburied to protect it.

Public consultation on district council office plans

West Somerset Council is inviting local people to comment on designs for its new offices in Killick Way, Williton.
Plans are being displayed in the reception areas of the council’s offices in Williton and Minehead during office hours on November 2, 3, 6, and 7, with a special weekend viewing between 9.30 – 1 pm on Saturday, November 4.
Council corporate director Bruce Lang said: “Questionnaires will be available so that the public can make their views known to us.
“We welcome people’s opinions on the external appearance of the building and their feelings on the visual impact it will have on Killick Way’s urban environment.”
The council has considered in detail what it needs from its new offices and commissioned project managers, architects, and mechanical and electrical engineers to draw its requirements into a technical document called the ‘employer’s requirements’.
“The internal layout is tailored to the council’s requirements and will not be subject to public comment.”
Three companies - Dean and Dyball, Mansell, and Cowlin - have tendered for this work using the ‘employer’s requirements’ to develop their proposals.
The tender submissions will be considered by the council and their appointed project managers, Cyril Sweett, before reporting to a special cabinet meeting, followed by a full council meeting on November 8.
Williton ward member Councillor Eddie May said: “We are pleased this project is moving forward.
“The plans will be designated X, Y, and Z, so that opinion is not swayed in favour of a particular contractor.
“The questionnaires will be analysed as they are returned so that we can use the information to indicate the public’s preferences to cabinet and council.
“These results, together with the project manager’s evaluation report, which will consider cost, compliance with the council’s requirements, programme innovation, and added value, will enable West Somerset Council to make an informed choice.”