Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Free laptop computer to be given to home-based business

A BRAND new laptop computer is available to be won for free in a draw being held at 12 noon at the West Somerset Business Fair on Wednesday, February 28.
The fair is being organised in the Queens Hall, Minehead, by the West Somerset Business Network, from 11 am to 6 pm.
The business network has already sent out a questionnaire to all known businesses which operate from home, and anybody who completes and returns the form will be entered into the draw for the laptop.
The form needs to be returned by February 15, and for anybody who has not received a copy, it is available from the business network’s website at www.westsomersetbusinessnetwork.org.
The aim of the questionnaire is to determine the future needs of local businesses and to gauge whether there is demand for a high-speed broadband service in West Somerset.
The business network is working in partnership with the prize sponsor, Westlabb Ltd, and questionnaire sponsor, Connecting Somerset, which is also one of the business fair sponsors.
District council cabinet member, Councillor Roger Webber, who is a director of Westlabb, said: “Westlabb, via the Exmoor Community Computer Centre who deliver the IT training, has done a fantastic job in enabling residents in rural parishes to form worldwide links via the internet.
“If people want more training, they can contact Jo Hoare at the computer centre on 01643 851594.”
Westlabb Ltd has successfully achieved its main objectives since its formation in 2004 by facilitating internet and IT training for 14 parishes within West Somerset.
It also commissioned the West Somerset Internet Community Interest Company to provide a high-speed broadband service to Crowcombe, Brompton Regis, and Luxborough, and is now considering whether to extend this service.
Anybody who would like to learn more about broadband for their business is welcome to have an informal discussion with Connecting Somerset at the business fair on February 28.
  • Our photograph shows the laptop computer prize with (left to right) district council rural facilitator Angela Lamplough, Westlabb director Bob Druitt, Neil Saunders and Dave Cornish, both of Connecting Somerset, Councillor Roger Webber, and Westlabb directors Phil Brown, Iain Joyce, and Jon Summers. Photo submitted.

D-day for councillors tackling drink-fuelled crime

A DECISION is to be taken by West Somerset district councillors on Monday, February 5, on whether to introduce alcohol-free zones in Minehead and Williton.
The move has been pioneered by Councillor Nick Messarra, who is a member of the council’s cabinet and is the past Mayor of Minehead and Alcombe, with the support of The Crier.
Councillor Messarra has pressed for the measure to combat anti-social behaviour which residents and visitors alike have experienced in Minehead’s Blenheim Gardens.
However, some of his fellow town councillors stalled the process while he was the town mayor as they claimed the problems in the park had been overstated and banning drinking was unnecessary.
Now, the district cabinet is being recommended by officers to declare Blenheim Gardens as an Alcohol Designation Zone, which will allow police to take tougher action against drunks and hooligans.
The cabinet is also being asked to do the same for the Memorial Ground, in Williton, where parish councillors and local residents have faced ongoing vandalism and rowdyism over many months.
Other areas which will be considered for the designation orders include:

  • The recreation area adjacent to Irnham Road, Minehead (excluding the curtilages of the football club)
  • The sea front area of Minehead, including Warren Road and Quay Street and including the entire highway area and footpaths
  • The King George V Recreation Ground, Minehead
  • The area known as the Rose Garden, adjacent to Seaward Way, Minehead
  • The area known as Bellamy’s Corner, Williton
  • The area of land adjacent to Seaward Way and Bircham Road to the north west of the roundabout at Ellicombe, Minehead

District council community safety officer Pete Hughes said: “The consideration of implementing designated public place orders resulted from continuing issues of alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Following representations from the police during the public consultation, the council will also discuss whether similar designation should be made in respect of other locations.
“The police representation was made on the basis of probable displacement of the problems to other specified locations. Within the legislation, there is a requirement for councillors to consider displacement.”
If approved, designation orders will mean that people responsible for alcohol related anti-social behaviour can be arrested if they do not comply with a request from a police officer or community support officer to stop drinking or fail to surrender containers of alcohol.
Mr Hughes said: “The orders provide police with enhanced powers to address the continuing issue of anti-social behaviour fuelled by alcohol which has detracted, for a number of years, from the enjoyment of the areas proposed for designation.
“It will also provide police with powers to address similar issues in areas which may be subject to displacement.”

  • Our photograph shows Councillor Nick Messarra in Blenheim Gardens with an earlier copy of The Crier backing his campaign. Photo submitted.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

McFly play surprise gigs for West Somerset students

STUDENT Amy Prole was a ‘star pupil’ when she arrived for lessons at the West Somerset Community College, Minehead, on Friday, January 26.
And to prove it, Amy, aged 15, brought pop stars McFly to college with her to perform live for her classmates.
The boy band visited Minehead to play two gigs in the school hall - they played twice because the hall can only accommodate half of the 1,200 students at once.
It was all because Amy was one of five winners of BBC Radio 1’s ‘Star Pupil’ competition run through the station’s website, which attracted more than 5,000 entries.
Students who took part were able to request a visit to their school by their favourite band.
As part of the prize, Radio 1 presenter Edith Bowman also went to the college and walked on stage during house assembly to break the news to Amy and her fellow students.
After lessons had ended, Radio 1 DJ Chris Mills also hosted one of his retro-discos especially for the students from 4 pm to 7 pm.
College newsletter editor Sue Bulpin told The Crier just before the exclusive McFly concerts began: “Students did not know about it until today. They knew something was happening, but not what. They are getting pretty excited about it.”
  • Our photographs show: Top - Amy (rear, centre) with McFly and Radio 1 presenter Edith Bowman; Bottom - McFly meeting some of the pigs kept on the West Somerset Community College farm unit.

Lottery award helps home impovements for elderly and disabled

A NATIONAL Lottery award of almost £100,000 has been given to support the work of a West Somerset agency which helps elderly and disabled people to continue living in their own homes.
The SCHIP Home Improvement Agency is receiving £98,205 over three years from the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities programme.
The grant will fund the SCHIP Fix-it Team, which carries out basic repair and maintenance work around the homes of local disabled and elderly people.
A handyman will be employed to carry out jobs such as changing light bulbs, fitting garb rails, and moving furniture.
It all helps to ensure elderly and disabled people can remain in their own homes for longer, and increases independent living.
The agency was formed as a result of a partnership between West Somerset Council and Sedgemoor District Council.
SCHIP manager Mary Ewing said: “We are delighted with the news.
“The handyperson scheme will be of enormous benefit to vulnerable clients, helping, for example, with emergency repairs and hospital discharge.
“The scheme will also provide opportunities for volunteers and for additional joint working with SCHIP’s many partners.”
Big Lottery Fund head of region for the South West, Mark Cotton, said: “This excellent scheme will put many elderly and disabled people’s minds at ease with the knowledge that there is somebody there who can carry out basic, but much needed repairs around their homes.
“Our Reaching Communities programme is all about supporting local projects like this, which provide a helping hand to some of the most disadvantaged people living in the region.”

Burglars target Exmoor woman, 83

POLICE are seeking three intruders who stole cash from the Exmoor home of an 83-year-old woman.
The woman disturbed three men who were in the sitting room of her home in Haddon View, Brompton Regis.
She found them looking through her writing desk and after a brief conversation the woman starting screaming and waving her walking stick at them.
The intruders fled, and it was then found that they had taken a quantity of cash.
The incident happened at about 3 pm on Monday, January 22.
Two of the offenders are described as aged between 30 and 40 years, clean shaven, of average height, and stocky.
They were wearing matching navy blue overalls of smart appearance.
There was also a third man, but no description is available.
Anybody who might have any information about the incident is asked to contact the Avon and Somerset Constabulary burglary team at Taunton Police Station by telephoning the lo-call number 0845 4567000.
Or, anybody who might be able to help the police can contact them through their secure Crimestoppers contact form at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx.
Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Callers do not need to give their name, and they could receive a reward.
Photo submitted.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Extra winter steam trains by request for Dunster

EXTRA steam trains are being run by the West Somerset Railway on Saturday, February 10in response to a request from the local community.
The Dunster-based organisers of the production of Hadyn’s Creation asked if the railway could operate trains as an extra attraction for the weekend.
So, the award-winning heritage railway agreed to operate steam services between Minehead and Blue Anchor.
Railway general manager Paul Conibeare said: “The winter months are a balancing act for us between our wish to run trains and the need to give our various engineering departments an opportunity to do heavy maintenance work at what is traditionally a quiet time of the year.
“However with Dunster being ‘open’ and a minibus linking Dunster Station and the village’ we are interested in seeing how much response we get for the extras.”
Steam trains will leave Minehead at 12.15 pm, 1.40 pm, and 3.15 pm, and will depart Blue Anchor at 1 pm, 2.20 pm, and 3.55 pm.
Regular advertised services for the year start with steam trains between Minehead and Williton on February 17.
An amateur production of Hadyn’s Creation is being performed in St George’s Church, Dunster, on Sunday, February 11, as part of a music workshop weekend being hosted by the village’s Yarn Market Hotel.
Photo submitted.

Positive ideas to tackle Dulverton anti-social behaviour

POSITIVE options are being looked into as to how the community of Dulverton and local agencies can work together to tackle a wave of vandalism and other anti-social behaviour which has hit the town.
Ideas for resolving the crime and disorder challenge came out of a packed public meeting held in Dulverton Town Hall.
Residents attending the meeting said in the first instance they wanted better communication with the agencies through regular surgeries on a three or six-monthly basis.
It was agreed by the agencies attending the meeting that such surgeries could be arranged.
The meeting was attended by representatives of West Somerset Council, Dulverton Town Council, Magna West Somerset Housing Association, Somerset County Council’s Youth Service, and the Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
They put forward options and listened to the views of local people on how anti-social behaviour in the area should be tackled.
District council community support officer Pete Hughes said: “Comparatively speaking, Dulverton is a very safe place to live.
“Anti-social behaviour has dropped since a spate of incidents last September, but we will continue to work with the community in a way that suits them as a deterrent to those whose behaviour is not acceptable to the community as a whole.”
Town Councillor Ian Fleming, who has been liaising between the community and the agencies, said: “The town council is encouraged by the number of residents who attended the meeting.
“We are looking forward to working with the community to keep up the good work that has already been achieved by the different agencies.
“There is no doubt that an increased police presence has helped bring down the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour so, as a community, we must help the police by reporting any anti-social behaviour or crimes we might witness.”
Sgt Dave Butter, who is responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Dulverton, Exmoor, and Porlock area, said crime figures for Dulverton were low.
However, he encouraged people to let the police know about crime in the area in case it was being under-reported.
He said: “We plan to continue to work with the community to ensure the quality of life enjoyed within the Dulverton area continues.
“If anybody has any information or crimes they wish to report I would encourage them to do so as this enables us to target our patrols.”
Police telephone numbers to use are 999 for emergencies or 0845 456 7000 for all other matters.
Christine Boland, of Magna, said: “The behaviour of the overwhelming majority of our tenants gives us no cause for concern whatsoever.
“However, when a minority, however small, breach their tenancy agreements by behaving anti-socially and causing problems in the community, we will work with the community and the police to end the problems by whatever means are available to us.
“We are doing this in Dulverton at the moment and I would encourage local residents to keep reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour to the police and, where Magna tenants are involved, to us as well.”
Photo of Dulverton Lawns submitted.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Regeneration boost for Watchet, but Williton misses out

WATCHET is celebrating after having been formally accepted into the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative (MCTI).
However, there was disappointment in neighbouring Williton as the village missed out because similar work was already being carried out.
Watchet will now receive up to £20,000 in grants, dedicated support from a community facilitator, professional assistance from consultants, and templates and toolkits to aid its regeneration.
Watchet Regeneration Partnership vice-chairman Sally De-Renzy Martin said: “We are delighted to be welcomed in as one of the initiative’s new towns.
“The harbour, which is the focal point of Watchet, will be enhanced through the regeneration of the East Wharf, The Esplanade, and the West Somerset Mineral Line proposals for the West Quay.
“This gives the community an opportunity to look at other areas of the town for enhancement in terms of landscape and employment opportunities.”
Watchet was one of more than 30 towns which applied to join the initiative, and in the Westcountry a total of 13 were accepted.
The town underwent a comprehensive two-stage application process which took place between July and December of last year.
During the assessment process, local authorities and regional agencies were consulted to ensure resources were allocated to best effect.
West Somerset Council’s market towns regeneration officer Pete Vallance, who worked with the Watchet community to put the application together, said: “This gives Watchet an immense opportunity to build on the community regeneration already underway.
“The creation of a community action plan will enable decision-makers to hear and assist in tackling issues for the residents of Watchet and its surrounding area.”
Watchet and the other towns will be formally welcomed during the Market and Coastal Towns Association annual conference, which takes place on February 2 and 3, at the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay, which is also being attended by Dr. Stuart Burgess, chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities and Rural Advocate.
Association chief executive James Hassett said: “I am delighted to announce that we are able to help 13 new towns from across the region plan for their future.
“Throughout this process the support of the South West of England Regional Development Agency and the region’s local authorities has been vital in helping us to make what have been difficult decisions.
“I very much believe that this programme offers the unique opportunity for a community to come together around a shared purpose and vision and for a town to develop in a way that its community would wish to see, rather than having change imposed upon them.”
Although Williton also applied for MCTI status, the association felt community work already being undertaken as part of the Williton Parish Plan had direct parallels to its own.
The association will, however, be launching a service in the middle of this year to support communities such as Williton which will, for example, assist in auditing activity and plot steps towards full MCTI accreditation.
Photo submitted.

Residents benefiting from council's low cost loans scheme

LOW cost loans are on offer to West Somerset homeowners who are on a low income, thanks to a scheme run by the district council and Wessex Home Improvement Loans.
Homeowners who qualify can borrow up to £15,000 for essential repairs or home improvements at a fixed repayment rate of three per cent.
One resident who has taken advantage of the scheme is Stephanie Witherick, of Wootton Courtenay, who borrowed £5,000 to fit a downstairs shower room.
Mrs Witherick said: “I was really struggling to use the bath upstairs. It was getting beyond me and to the point where it was quite terrifying.
“High street lenders were not interested and I was also worried about rises in interest rates.
“West Somerset Council’s home improvement adviser said I was eligible for a loan, and Wessex Home Improvement Loans sorted out the financial side for me.
“It is an excellent service because the council monitored the contractor’s work every step of the way and made sure everything was done properly.”
Eligible work includes leaking roofs, rotten or draughty windows, central heating installation, and damp treatment.
However, the low cost loans are not available for non-essential improvements.
There is no charge for setting up the loan, although some homeowners may incur a small charge for taking security on their property and legal expenses.
Mrs Witherick said: “It has taken the worry out of having contractors in, and it is good that the interest rate will never go up.
“I was delighted that the shower was fitted in time for my daughter’s wedding and it has really improved our lives.”
The council’s housing, health, and welfare portfolio holder, Councillor Mary Crowley, said: “This is a fantastic scheme for people who cannot afford to get the work done or cannot afford high street borrowing rates.
“Borrowers can rest assured that there are no hidden charges and that the rate will remain fixed for the duration of the whole loan.
“We would encourage more people on low incomes to come forward to see if they are eligible.”
Three loan funds are available for borrowers, including a capital repayment scheme, an interest-only scheme, and an interest roll-up scheme.
Specialist advisers will help borrowers select the scheme that is most suited to their circumstances.
Wessex Home Improvement Loans adviser Melanie Allen said: “It has been a real privilege working with West Somerset Council and the clients here, especially when you see the difference the loan scheme makes to people like Mrs Witherick.
“We offer support and guidance throughout the process to ensure people get the right products.
“We value our partnership with West Somerset Council, which subsidises the scheme so that we can offer local people such low interest rates.
“There’s nothing like it on the high street and we are proud to be able to offer such a unique scheme which is entirely focussed on the needs of the client.”
West Somerset residents interested in the low cost loan scheme should contact Julie Payne on 01643 703704.
  • Our photograph shows Stephanie Witherick (left) in her new bathroom with loans adviser Melanie Allen. Photo submitted.

£30K refurbishment for Aquasplash despite closure plans

THE doomed Aquasplash leisure pool, in Minehead, is to undergo a £30,000 refurbishment of its gymnasium facilities.
West Somerset Council plans to close the loss-making pool and replace it with a new facility as part of a £32 million New Horizons health, leisure, business, and housing development nearby.
But first, it is spending £30,000 on sprucing up the centre and modernising some of its equipment.
The gym at Aquasplash is closing for two weeks to allow the work to be completed, from Friday, February 23, to Friday, March 9.
The council’s leisure services manager, Janice Malarkey, said: “As well as replacing all the carpets and redecorating, Aquasplash users will find all the television screens replaced and brand new X bikes installed.
“We are delighted we will be able to offer local fitness fans new and refurbished facilities.”
While the walls and woodwork will receive a new coat of paint, AG Flooring will be laying new carpets throughout the gyms and function rooms.
The gym machines are being re-upholstered and the health suite showers will be re-grouted.
Aquasplash supervisor Chris Gibbs said: “X bikes are similar to exercise bikes, but much better.
“Whereas exercise bikes are ‘fixed’ and only give a lower body workout, the handlebars on X bikes move from side to side so clients also get an upper body workout.
“Television screens will be installed in front of the bikes, so X bikers can watch DVDs which appear to take them on cycle rides or tracks, so it is as close as you can get to the real thing.
“Bikers can change the resistance on the bikes as the DVDs take them ‘uphill’. X bikes are great for full body workouts and the DVDs make it a lot more fun.”
Photo submitted.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Steam railway celebrating tourism milestones

THE West Somerset Railway, one of the district's most important tourism businesses, is celebrating passing three important milestones during the past year.
For the first time in its 30-year history, the railway’s turnover exceeded £2 million in 2006, while for the second successive year the number of passengers topped 200,000, and, for a third time, it won a prestigious national railway award, this time as Independent Railway of the Year 2006.
With the figures for the year now in, the growth in passenger revenue was matched by increased receipts from catering and shop sales.
Railway general manager Paul Conibeare said: “For the railway, 2006 was a great year.
“We are being successful in developing the attractiveness of our line with more than train rides, and people have flocked to our special events and activities, such as steam engineman courses and other areas of the business.
“We have been delighted to be able to support the local community by providing services for Dunster by Candlelight, the RNLI raft race, beer festival, and many other events, including the railway’s own steam rally in August.
“However, the demands on our finances are also growing continuously.
“High costs are inherent in running a business whose core operation revolves around the regular use of vintage machinery, and at the same time the demands of the modern world, such as rising fuel bills, insurance costs, and the like cannot be ignored.
“We also have a series of expensive commitments to meet in order to see further successful development of the railway’s business, the most readily visible being the overhaul of steam locomotive 7828 Odney Manor and our contribution to the installation of the new turntable at Minehead.
“As always, the hard work of our staff and volunteers is the key ingredient in developing our income, but the hard fact of the outgoings cannot be avoided either.”
Photo submitted.

Monday, January 22, 2007

Pole success for Antarctica expedition

A BRITISH-led Antarctic expedition raising money for an Exmoor charity has celebrated making history by becoming the first people to reach the continent’s Pole of Inaccessibility without mechanical assistance.
The pole marks the centre of Antarctica and is the point on the continent furthest from any coast and was only previously reached by a Russian team in 1958, who took a year to make the journey using tracked snow vehicles.
The British team, called N2i, reached the pole after 49 days using only skis and kites to help pull themselves and their 18 stone/120 kg pulks (sledges) on the 1,100-mile journey in temperatures down to minus 52C.
They were approached to raise money for the Exmoor-based Calvert Trust by the trust’s council president, the Countess of Arran, who is a family friend of some of the explorers.
It is hoped they will raise £150,000, which will meet the cost of a new sports hall for the charity, which provides specially-adapted facilities to enable people with disabilities and of all ages to experience outdoor adventure activities.
On reaching the pole, the team was met by a giant bust of Lenin (pictured) which had been left by the Russians who set up a meteorological station before abandoning the base.
Team N2i comprises Henry Cookson, aged 31, Rory Sweet, aged 39, and Rupert Longsdon, aged 34, all from Gloucestershire, and guide Paul Landry, who is Canadian.
In a log entry sent from the pole, the team said: “It is hard to believe we not only travelled to the centre of a continent which easily envelops Australia, but with the vast majority of our 1,100-mile adventure being in temperatures averaging below -20 degrees Celsius and at an altitude over 3000m.
“What is even harder to get our heads around is the endurance of the human body.
“We are not superheroes, nor any different from the average person (well maybe a touch stubborn).
“We merely had the inclination and the right set of circumstances which enabled us to set out on our journey.
“The comfort of Western modern life does not seem set the human body the tasks of which it is potentially capable.
“What we do know, is that four people of very different physiques and personalities endured in those last 25 hours of travel temperatures consistently below -45 degrees C with 18 hours hard, solid kiting, covering 250 km at an altitude equivalent to over 4,200m (14,400 ft). It certainly does make one wonder…”
The expedition began at the start of December from Novo, and they have now been picked up by an aircraft to be taken to the Vostok research station - the location of the world’s lowest recorded temperature - from where they will travel to a Russian base on the coast, Molodezhnaya, and leave on a scientific ice-breaker called the Akademik Feodorov.
They will be taken to Cape Town, in South Africa, and expect to fly back to Britain early in February.
Further information about the expedition at http://www.teamn2i.com/ and about the Calvert Trust at www.calvert-trust.org.uk.
  • The team photo above taken at the pole shows (left to right) Rory Sweet, Henry Cookson, Paul Landry, and Rupert Longsdon. Photos submitted.

A snapshot of Victorian West Somerset

A NUMBER of West Somerset scenes are among a collection of 50 fascinating images of Victorian Somerset which has gone on display at the Somerset County Museum, in Taunton.
‘In a Good Light – Holidays in Victorian Somerset’ includes images from a collection containing more than 300 glass plate and celluloid negatives.
They were taken in the last two decades of the 19th century by the Rev John Derrick, who spent holidays with his family visiting Kilve, Porlock, Bossington, East Quantoxhead, and Tarr Steps, among other places.
The visits were all captured in his photographs, a collection of which was recently donated to Somerset County Council’s heritage service, which conserved and digitally copied them.
John Derrick was born in 1852 and grew up near Weston-super-Mare, where his family were farmers. In 1877 he became a curate in Cheltenham, where he met his wife Edith.
The couple had three children and it was through his third child, Freda, that the precious negatives were saved.
He bought his first camera in 1887 and when he took his young family on holiday to West Somerset, the camera and equipment went too.
His interests were varied, and he took images not just of his family but also scenes showing Somerset landscapes, agriculture, churches, craftsmen, villages, and local people - examples of which are contained within the exhibition.
The exhibition will also include vintage cameras from the heritage service collections and information about early photography.
The exhibition started last August at the Somerset Rural Life Museum, in Glastonbury, and was painstakingly researched by members of the Friends of the Somerset Rural Life Museum, supported by county council staff.
Research involved travelling around the places seen in the Derrick photographs and matching them to the modern landscape and buildings.
The exhibition proved so popular that it has now travelled to the County Museum in Taunton and will be there until March 17.
County Councillor Justin Robinson, portfolio holder for adult and community services said: “This is a fascinating time-capsule of late Victorian rural life in Somerset.
“The images are shown in extremely clear and rich detail and will be of considerable interest to photographic enthusiasts, local historians, Somerset residents, and visitors to the county alike.”
  • The photographs above show the bridge at Allerford, near Porlock, taken by John Derrick (monochrome) and how it looks in the present day (colour). Photos submitted.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Exmoor charity benefits from Antarctic expedition


AN Exmoor charity stands to benefit from £150,000 sponsorship which is being raised by a British expedition on the verge of making history by becoming the first people to reach Antarctica’s Pole of Inaccessibility without mechanical assistance.
The four men who make up Team N2i are currently about 150 miles from the pole, after trekking for 44 days and covering almost 1,000 miles.
They hope by the weekend to reach the Pole of Inaccessibility, which marks the centre of Antarctica and is the point on the continent furthest from any coast.
Team N2i comprises Henry Cookson, Rory Sweet, and Rupert Longsdon, from Gloucestershire, and guide Paul Landry, who is Canadian.
They are raising money for the charity because the Calvert Trust Council’s president, the Countess of Arran, is a family friend of Henry Cookson and Rory Sweet.
Rory told The Crier: “Lady Arran approached us about fund-raising six months ago and we liked what the trust was doing and thought it tied in quite well with what we were doing, ie extreme sports.
“We really like the idea of helping people with disabilities to participate in challenging outdoor sports.”
Henry said: “Most of us are fortunate enough to have to the opportunity to participate in sports and activities unaided - extreme or not.
“Unfortunately, for nine million people in the UK - that is one-in-seven people - this is not a realistic possibility.
“The Calvert Trust offers those with disabilities a chance to participate in a variety of adventure-driven outdoor activities that will help develop a sense of achievement that will carry through into their every day life.
“For us, this expedition, despite the hardships we will inevitably face, will be the adventure of a lifetime.
“It would be great to be able to facilitate giving something back and enable those not so capable a chance to experience a taste of their own individual adventure.”
The expedition began at the start of December from Novo, on the coast, and they are using only skis and kites to pull special sledges known as pulks, which weigh 18 stone (120 kg).
They have had to face wind chills lower than -50C (-58F) while working at altitudes of 12,500 feet.
The only other people to reach the pole was a Russian team using tracked snow vehicles in 1958, who set up meteorological observation equipment and left a bust of Lenin before abandoning the outpost.
The Calvert Trust runs a 40-acre outdoor activity centre on the edge of Exmoor for people with disabilities.
Its specially-adapted facilities aim to challenge disability through outdoor adventure and enable people of all ages and with all types of disability to benefit from the ‘Calvert Experience’, an opportunity which leads to real personal achievement.
Activities such as horse riding, carriage driving, abseiling, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, archery, and orienteering are offered, together with caring qualified staff to ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Team N2i's fund-raising target of £150,000 will cover the cost of a new sports hall development for the charity.
Further information about the expedition at http://www.teamn2i.com/ and about the Calvert Trust at http://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/.
Photos submitted.

Free blood pressure checks to avoid strokes

FREE blood pressure checks are being offered at Williton Community Hospital on Wednesday, February 7, between 11 am and 4 pm.
The sessions are being organised by The Stroke Association, which is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages.
Organiser, Carol Clifford, said: “The reasons are simple - high blood pressure can lead to strokes and many other health problems.
“In fact, it is the number one risk factor for strokes.
“A third of adults in the UK have this condition, yet many of them are unaware of it because there are no symptoms.
“That is why high blood pressure is called the silent killer.”
For more information, contact Carol Clifford on 01984 634276, or just turn up on the day.
The Stroke Association funds research into prevention, treatment, and better methods of rehabilitation.
The charity also helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services, which include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications, and leaflets.
It also campaigns, educates, and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society, acting as a voice for everybody affected by stroke.
A stroke is the brain equivalent of a heart attack and can be diagnosed by using FAST:
Facial weakness
Arm weakness
Speech problems
Test all three.
If any of these symptoms is present, an ambulance should be called straight away.
The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the public and is open between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday on 0845 3033 100
More information on The Stroke Association can be found at http://www.stroke.org.uk/.
Photo submitted.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Council wants to honour parish heroes

UNSUNG parish heroes are to be honoured by West Somerset Council with an awards presentation in March.
The council is seeking nominations by February 23 of groups or individuals who have worked to improve their local communities.
Council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence (pictured), said: “We would like to acknowledge the time and effort that many local people put into making their parishes better places for people to live and work in.
“We are organising an event to celebrate their achievements and to thank them for their work.
“We are asking for councils or residents to nominate people or groups that have made a significant or outstanding contribution to improving the lives or environment of others.
“We appreciate that a lot of people put in a lot of effort to bring about benefits to the whole community.
“We would love to help celebrate the contribution of these people or groups and acknowledge the positive impact they make on the lives of others.”
Examples of nominations could be people or groups which have enabled others to achieve a better quality of life, or tended open spaces for the benefit of the environment, or who have overcome hardship to contribute to their community.
An awards ceremony will be held in the council’s Williton chambers on March 15.
Anybody who wants to make a parish champion nomination should send their own contact details, together with their nomination and the reason for the nomination, to Wendy Bass, West Somerset Council, 20 Fore Street, Williton, TA4 4QA by February 23.
Photo submitted.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Business fair places are still available

MEMBERS of the West Somerset Community College band will be performing at the opening of the West Somerset Business Fair.
The fair will be held in the Queens Hall, Minehead, from 11 am to 6 pm on Wednesday, February 28.
It will be the district’s largest business networking event of the year.
Special offers are available to any exhibitor who wants to book one of the remaining stands, details of which are available oin application.
The West Somerset Business Network, which is organising the fair, has also arranged free parking permits for exhibitors and visitors.
Network chairman Sandra Wilson said there were still some places available for exhibitors and people who wanted to hold seminars at the event.
A free prize draw will also be held on the day.
The fair provides an opportuinity for business owners and managers to showcase themselves to each other and find out more about the range of products and services available locally.
Face-to-face marketing is recognised as the most effective method of gaining new orders and contracts.
The business fair offers a wide range of marketing opportunities for those taking part, including:

  • A choice of 2m or 3m display stand spaces

  • Half-an-hour seminar slots

  • A rolling PowerPoint screen presentation

  • The display of company pull-up banners

  • A business village for exchange of business cards

  • An exhibitor directory

The cost of taking part ranges from £25 to £195, and exhibitors will receive breakfast and lunch.
There will be a pre-event training session for exhibitors, and the business fair package also includes a pre-opening networking hour on the day.
All the trading businesses and networking activities will be concentrated on the ground floor..
More information and booking details are available from business fair administrator Lesley Marriner on 01398 322000 or email lesley.marriner@ylem.com.


PLEASE NOTE THE CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER WAS WRONGLY STATED IN THE PRINTED EDITION OF THE NEWSPAPER. THE NUMBER GIVEN HERE IS CORRECT.

New kitchen is finishing touch for village hall

THE final stage of the refurbishment of Timberscombe Village Hall has been completed with the installation of a fully-equipped kitchen.
It includes two ovens and a commercial dishwasher, meaning the hall is now able to cater for a wide variety of public and private functions, including weddings and parties.
Timberscombe Village Hall Committee thanked West Somerset Council’s Rural Initiative Fund for a grant of £7,749 which made the project possible, and H.D.Lynch, of Minehead, for designing and fitting the kitchen to a high standard.
District council ward member, Councillor Roger Webber said: “The council is delighted to help community projects like these.
“As well as providing modern facilities so that halls can build on their successes, it also gives local people a social centre at the heart of their rural villages.”
  • Our photograph shows village hall committee chairman Tony Webb (left) and former chairman Mrs Wendy Hellewell receiving a cheque for £7,749 from Councillor Roger Webber. Photo submitted.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Public sessions to discuss Carhampton eco homes


A PUBLIC meeting is being held in Carhampton Village Hall on January 18 to allow local residents to view plans and have their say on the proposed development of eco-friendly, carbon neutral, affordable homes at Townsend Farm.
There will be an informal session between 3 pm and 5 pm, followed by a formal presentation between 7 pm and 9 pm.
West Somerset Council wants to develop the scheme in partnership with the Somerset Trust for Sustainable Development, a charity set up to promote sustainable construction and design.
A community land trust would be set up to allow land to be taken into the ownership of the local community and managed by a board of local people, including parish councillors, local residents, and tenants.
The trust would have a responsibility to protect community assets, re-invest any proceeds, and ensure the homes remained affordable.
District council housing, health, and welfare portfolio holder, Councillor Mary Crowley, said: “We could build 30 homes, 20 of which will be affordable homes to rent and buy, with the remaining 10 to be sold on the open market to off-set costs.
“If we can take it forward, this will be a groundbreaking project, with homes built to a carbon neutral specification that will be affordable for local people on low wages.
“The aim is to derive 20 per cent of the homes’ energy from micro generation like solar or wind power, or ground source heat pumps.”
Somerset Trust for Sustainable Development director Charles Couzens said: “We are looking forward to working with the local community and the council to create new homes which meet the need for affordable housing and have a vastly reduced global footprint.”
The presentation from the Somerset Trust for Sustainable Development will explain how community land trusts can work for the benefit of the community, as well as the benefits of carbon neutral housing.
Following the presentation, representatives will be available to explain more about the development and to answer questions.
Photo submitted.

Round the world yacht race challenge for Tiina

WEST Somerset schools project co-ordinator Tiina Huovinen (pictured) is set for the adventure of a lifetime after being selected to take part in the world’s longest ocean yachting race.
Tiina, 33, who works with the West Somerset Strategic Partnership, will compete in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race.
She heard about the race from a past competitor.
Tiina said: “I have done some sailing before, but nothing like this. I thought it sounded like just the sort of challenge I would like to take on, so I applied.
“I am looking forward to learning new sailing skills and the mental challenge of finding out what I can cope with.
“I am keen to win, but it is also about your own personal experience and doing the best you can.”
Tiina, who is originally from Finland, will set out on the last two legs of the Clipper 07-08 with a crew of people from all walks of life.
Together, they will race through the Panama Canal, and on towards the finish in Liverpool.
It’s still not too late for others to apply to take part in the race. And Tiina, whose job involves co-ordinating a learning partnership strategy for schools in West Somerset, said: “I would encourage others to take on something like this.”
Competitors receive intensive training before they race across thousands of miles of ocean aboard 68-foot yachts.
Crew members take turns to cook, clean, and carry out repairs, as well as sail the yachts.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was established a decade ago by highly-respected sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, currently racing solo around the world in the VELUX 5 OCEANS event.
He was keen for amateur sailors to experience the adventure and rewards of ocean racing, previously only enjoyed by the privileged and the professional.
Sir Robin said: “Tiina will be joining more than 1,400 people who have made the Clipper experience a turning point in their lives.
“We want people to finish the race thinking that it is the best thing they have ever done.”
Anybody over the age of 18 years can enter, and there is no upper age limit. Competitors who have already signed up for the race - 40 per cent of whom have not had previous sailing experience - include a vicar, a housewife, and a postman.
The Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race starts from Liverpool, in September, and lasts 10 months and takes in 35,000 miles of ocean racing.
The overall race is divided into seven legs and a total of 15 individual races.
Points are accumulated according to each race position, and the yacht with the highest total at the finish (Liverpool, 2008) wins the race trophy.For more information on applying to become a crew member in the sixth Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, contact Clipper Ventures on 02392 526000 or email crew recruitment manager David Cusworth at dcusworth@clipper-ventures.com.
Photo submitted.

Limo driver Beresford looking for karting sponsors

WEST Somerset’s answer to Jensen Button is appealing to the local business community to help him in his race to reach the podium and fulfil his true potential.
Limousine chauffeur Beresford Mandley, who lives and was brought up in Minehead, is looking for sponsors to fund his next step in motor sport after becoming the 2006 National Karting Association champion.
The 29-year-old, who runs Limo Express in the town, is now ready to get behind the wheel of a more powerful kart for his next challenge, and wants to work his way up through the karting series.
Beresford said: “I have always been interested in motor sports from a young age and like to try out anything with an engine.
“Until last year, it was just a hobby. I went to a karting event in Avonmouth and ended up setting the fastest lap time.
“Then, I went to the Newport regional finals and took part in the grand prix and won there and became regional champion.
“The national championship was in Warrington and I raced against 54 karters from all over the country.
“We had five qualifying heats and I ended up in pole position in the final and left the others standing by winning by six or seven seconds.”
His prize for winning 2006 NKA Championship was a pro-train course with an expert instructor to further improve his racing skills and secure a motor sport association licence, which he is hoping to achieve on January 17 when he travels to Wilton Mill Circuit, in Northants.
“Gaining an MSA licence will enable me to get into the next stage of karting where I will be racing at speeds of 100 to 110 mph,” said Beresford.
“It is much more difficult but I am confident I can do well.”
To progress to the next level, Beresford, who also runs a yellow cab business in Minehead, is looking for £4,000-a-year towards his equipment and race suit and he is hoping the prestige of having sponsors’ names across his kart and suit will prove alluring to local businesses.
Beresford said: “I want this to be as much about the local community and I have already received some interest in sponsorship but would like more interest from local businesses and help give them more coverage.”
He already receives great support from his family with his car-building father as his pit crew and his mother helping to run his companies when he is busy on the track.
Beresford is also no stranger to publicity, after being awarded runner-up Chauffeur of the Year 2005 and voted a top 10 Chauffeur in Europe in 2006 and being featured in national motor magazines, including as the face behind the Peugeot E7, the model of yellow cab he drives.
Beresford is also allowing people who fancy trying their luck on the karting circuit to race against him in a ‘chauffeur challenge’ with an opportunity to receive a bottle of bubbly and a trophy he is beaten.
However, he assured cab and limo customers that race practise was purely on the circuits, and not while he was working.
“I will be sticking to the speed limits and doing my racing on the track rather than the streets in Minehead,” he said.
For more details, visit Beresford’s website http://www.limoexpress-uk.com/ or telephone him on 0786 3241507.
  • Our photograph shows Beresford Mandley in kart racing gear with his limousine. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010019. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Patagonia expedition finds 1741 shipwreck

WEST Somerset adventurer Major Chris Holt (pictured) has successfully helped to lead an expedition to Patagonia to find the wreck of a sunken English warship after 265 years.
The team discovered what is believed to be part of the hull of HMS Wager, a warship which sank off the coast of Chile in 1741.
The story of the Wager shipwreck remains important in the modern world, because it was influential in the formation of what is now the Royal Marines.
Major Holt is the son of Tim and Eileen Holt, who live in Tivington. He retired from the Army in 2005 after serving 10 years in the Royal Engineers, mostly in bomb disposal, which saw him awarded the Military MBE.
During his Army career, Major Holt saw operational service in the Balkans and Iraq, and he was also an Army diver.
It was his diving skills which were required for the Patagonia expedition, which was mounted by Scientific Exploration Society (SES), headed by world-famous explorer Col John Blashford-Snell.
They travelled to the remote and uninhabited Wager Island, off the coast of South America, with a team of 10 divers to try to locate and survey the wreck.
The last British attempt to find the Wager was in 1829 by the Beagle, with Charles Darwin on board, which was unsuccessful.
Working in severe weather the diving team under Major Holt found wreckage in a river bed, and not, as expected, under the sea.
Major Holt said it was probably the result of a huge earthquake in the 1960s which raised the coastline by about 23 feet in one event and caused a tidal wave which struck Japan.
He said: “The island turned out to be exactly what we were expecting, which was a fascinating place and pretty weather-torn.
“All in all, it definitely felt like an expedition as we were completely isolated for a month and battered by the weather.
“We were hit by two phenomenal storms. You could barely stand up for three-and-a-half days and it was some of the worst weather conditions I have ever experienced and we were nearly washed away.”
The extreme weather conditions in the area made the operation dangerous and at one time the camp was flooded after three days of continuous of rain, and food was almost exhausted as the re-supply boat was unable to reach them.
A British archaeologist on the expedition, Andy Torbet, said: “Subject to scientific confirmation, a five-metre square wooden section of the hull of an 18th century ship appears to be part of the Wager.”
He said a musket ball found in the hull could indicate the ship had been in conflict.
The expedition was supported by the Chillean Navy, and Chilean marine archaeologist Diego Carabias also examined the discovery and said he believed it was part of the ill-fated Wager.
The story of the HMS Wager wreck and the incredible survival of some of its crew, who took five years to reach England, was recorded by survivor Midshipman John Byron, later Admiral Lord Byron and grandfather of the legendary poet John Byron.
Photo submitted.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Public opinions sought on Seaward Way development plans

AN informal information evening is being held on January 17 to give local residents an opportunity to have their say on a proposed of health and well-being development planned for a site off Seaward Way, in Minehead.
The proposed development includes a £24 million replacement for Minehead Hospital and a leisure centre which will encompass a replacement for the Aquasplash swimming pool as well as a range of other health facilities, plus business services, and some housing for local people.
The information evening is open to the public and takes place from 5 pm to 7:30 pm in the West Somerset Community College.
The public meeting is being arranged in order to inform local residents about the current proposal for the site and to consult on the leisure facilities which should be included in the proposed learning and leisure centre.
The evening will include full graphic displays demonstrating all aspects of the project, known as New Horizons, and the project steering group members will ask attendees about the specific facilities they want to see in the new leisure centre.
Evidence gathered at the information evening will help to influence future design proposals.
A strong attendance will also help to demonstrate local support for the project, which is critical for the securing the remainder of the funding for the project.
District council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence, said: “This ambitious project is all about positive partnerships.
“It will demonstrate the power of effective partnership working between organisations coupled with the positive partnership forged with local people interested in securing first-class health, learning, and leisure facilities for the residents of West Somerset.
“We actively encourage everybody to attend this meeting because it is their opportunity to see what we are offering, and their chance to influence this development to ensure that it meets the needs of the whole community.”
Community college principal Nick Swann said: “Local people, including college staff, have worked for years to secure this groundbreaking project.
“Close community involvement will continue to be essential to its success. We welcome all local people who would like to give their views on the proposals.”
Minehead ward county Councillor Ian Galloway said: “This meeting will explain the exciting developments that we hope to bring to the site and will give local people a chance to have their say.
“That is absolutely vital in this project and we need to have facilities that meet the requirements of local people.”
County council portfolio holder for economic development, Councillor Paul Buchanan, said: “Engaging the public is an absolute priority for Somerset County Council with regards to this project.
“Demonstrable public support will have a positive effect on gaining future project-critical funding streams, so I hope many people turn out to have their say and influence the future of the Seaward Way site.”
New Horizons is a partnership between West Somerset Council, Somerset County Council, Somerset Primary Care Trust, and the West Somerset Community College.

Dulverton community being asked to help combat anti-social behaviour


RESIDENTS of Dulverton are being invited to a community meeting on January 17 to help come up with a solution for a wave of anti-social behaviour which has struck the town.
West Somerset Council is co-ordinating the meeting, which is being held at 7 pm in Dulverton Town Hall.
The council wants to build on the positive action taken so far in response to the anti-social behaviour which was experienced last autumn.
The council’s community safety officer, Pete Hughes, said: “Although the incidents were of a relatively minor nature, the council has met with Dulverton Town Council, Avon and Somerset Police, the county youth service, and local housing providers to take positive action to help ensure incidents do not become more serious or more frequent.
“At the meeting, we will be reassuring local people and asking them if they would like to form a community group to help ensure our recent achievements turn into long-term solutions.”
A town council representative is already working with local agencies to deal with the problems.
Steps taken so far include an increased police presence, better signposting to youth activities, and action by housing providers against nuisance and anti-social behaviour.
Mr Hughes said: “By and large, this sort of behaviour is uncharacteristic of Dulverton.
“In line with all parishes in West Somerset, Dulverton is one of the safest places to live in the country.
“However, we do not expect local communities to have to put up with anti-social behaviour which is why we have acted swiftly to address issues.
“So far, the reaction to our initiatives has been very good, with a significant drop in anti-social behaviour in the area.
“However, our achievements are more likely turn into long-term benefits if the community is part of the solution.
“With this in mind, we are appealing for as many local people as possible to contribute time and energy towards achieving the shared goals for Dulverton.
“We are hoping that the community will show its commitment to the future social well-being of the town and come to the meeting next week to decide how it would like to see our recent efforts taken forward.”
  • Our photographs show Dulverton Town Hall, in The Square, and also the Lorna Doone statue which stands beside the Exmoor House Lawns. Photos submitted.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Railway beats the 200,000 passengers mark again


DESPITE an especially challenging 2006 season for tourism businesses, the West Somerset Railway has again broken its 200,000th passenger milestone.
The achievement was reached on December 30 when Wayne Cochrane, a Serviceman on holiday from Milton Keynes, arrived at the window of the booking office at Minehead Railway Station.
He received a festive season surprise as he was greeted by railway general manager Paul Conibeare.
Wayne, who is based in Windsor, was visiting the railway to give his nine-month-old daughter her first train ride.
He received free tickets for his train journey as a small token of the occasion.
Mr Conibeare said: “We carried 200,000 passengers for the first time in our 30-year history in 2005 and we are very pleased to have passed the same landmark again in 2006, especially as the trading conditions for tourism in Somerset were difficult in the first part of the year.
“With this in mind and the ‘bar’ being set at 200,000 passengers a year now, we will be doing a lot of work over the next few weeks when our trains are not running to make sure that we press ahead in 2007.
“Apart from the engineering work on locomotives, coaches, track, and signalling, we will be mailing information to coach companies and group organisers, timetables to hotels and guest houses, and also getting information out about our spring gala weekends in March.”
  • Our photographs show West Somerset Railway steam trains during the festive season. Photos by Claire Rickson.