MP setting up dyslexia group in House of Commons

A PARLIAMENTARY dyslexia group is being formed by West Somerset’s MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger (pictured), who is himself dyslexic.
The all-Party House of Commons group will help MPs, parents, and others to work together to address the issue.
Mr Liddell-Grainger said it was high time people with the condition were given a louder voice.
He said: “There are some excellent organisations, such as the British Dyslexia Association, which is active in West Somerset.
“But I and a few other MPs thought it would be useful to set up an official, non-political group in Parliament so that we can speak out.”
Mr Liddell-Grainger is also holding a meeting in London with the local dyslexia association.
He said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to discuss what is or is not being done in the county for people with dyslexia.
“I am very impressed with the feedback I have been given when making inquiries in Government.
“Given that, and the strength of feeling at grass roots level, I feel we are in with an excellent chance of raising the profile of dyslexia.”
Anybody who wants to contact Mr Liddell-Grainger about dyslexia or any other relevant issue can write to him at his constituency office, 16 Northgate, Bridgwater TA6 3EU.
Mr Liddell-Grainger also has a website at www.liddellgrainger.org.uk.
Photo submitted.

West Somerset going bananas for Fairtrade Fortnight

RECORD Fairtrade sales figures have been announced, just as Fairtrade Fortnight in the UK starts.
The sales of Fairtrade products reached £300 million in the past year with 2,500 retails and catering products now so-branded.
The news came as The Co-operative also celebrated the beginning of Fairtrade Fortnight with news that for the first time all 3,000 of its food stores will stock Fairtrade bananas.
As part of the celebrations,, Co-op staff in Minehead, Alcombe, Watchet, and Williton took part in the largest-ever simultaneous banana-eating bonanza in the UK.
As well as taking part in the record-breaking event, local Co-op staff were also ‘monkeying around’ with giant inflatable bananas and monkey masks and costumes, to highlight the good news to shoppers.
The Co-op, which introduced the UK’s first Fairtrade banana back in 2000, currently sells around 22 million Fairtrade bananas, and this is expected to jump to more than 43 million within a year as Fairtrade bananas go on sale in its stores nationwide.
At the same time, Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King announced a 100 per cent switch to Fairtrade bananas.
Tesco is also extending its range of Fairtrade nuts to five items ranging from brazil nuts to a peanut, cashew, and mango mix, while Threshers is launching a range of Fairtrade wines, and Waitrose is switching its banana range to 100 per cent Fairtrade and introducing a range of Fairtrade roses.
Expanded ranges of fresh produce will be the focus of in-store promotions in Morrisons and Asda.
The Fairtrade Foundation’s message for Fairtrade Fortnight 2007 is that, while sales of Fairtrade products continue to soar, change was still not happening quickly enough for millions of the world’s poorest farmers, who remained trapped in ‘trade poverty’.
The Foundation believes 2007 will be the year when people define themselves by their attitude to fairness in society.
It expects a surge of support for real values, such as those enshrined in Fairtrade, which will create a momentum allowing significant change to become possible.
Fairtrade Foundation executive director Harriet Lamb said: “The road signs for tomorrow’s Fairtrade world are out there.
“Up and down the country, the public are knocking on doors from the town hall to the local supermarket asking for more engagement with Fairtrade, and this is driving companies, large and small, to respond.
“And all of this means more farmers are able to sell more of their produce under Fairtrade terms, strengthening their organisations, building long-term relationships, and increasing benefits to their communities.
“But the road to our destination is still long and hard.
“Fairtrade is beginning to move from being an ‘optional extra’ to a ‘must-do’.
“Way too many companies have yet to wake up to the public’s changing expectations.
“We need people to shout even louder, and we need companies to respond with genuine engagement.
“Otherwise, millions of farmers will remain consigned to poverty.
“Fairtrade must become an everyday part of the way this nation thinks and shops.
“Fairtrade has achieved a paradigm shift that has popularised the link with the farmers who grow the food on our tables that puts people - the producers and consumers - at the centre of trade, and is redefining what is acceptable behaviour for all of us, from consumers to business to governments.
“Fairtrade is a powerful idea, showing that you can and should manage markets for social and development goals.
“It is a powerful idea and it is rapidly triggering changes.
“The challenge now is to capitalise on the current momentum and take Fairtrade to the next level.”

• Pictured going bananas in the Williton Co-op store during their lunch break are (top) West Somerset Free Press advertising sales executive Michelle Kemp, photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010012; and (middle) Ben Bryant, from Lloyds Pharmacy, photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010003. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

April start for £2.9 million centralised district council offices

FULL planning approval has been given for West Somerset Council’s new £2.9 million centralised offices to be built in Killick Way, Williton.
Work is set to start on site in April and should be finished early in 2008. An artist’s impression of how the offices should look, is shown here.
The scheme involves demolishing the majority of the existing collection of ageing council buildings on site, which have been declared ‘not fit for purpose’, and replacing them with a two-and-a-half storey T-shaped, modern building at the northern end of Killick Way car park.
The new offices will feature a metal ziplock roof, which gives the appearance of traditional lead, with render, glass panel, and brickwork walls.
Two floors of the building will consist of meeting rooms and open-plan offices with a part-mezzanine executive officers’ suite in the roof space above.
The floor space will total 21,800 square feet.
Council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence, said: “We are delighted we have gained permission and look forward to centralising our workforce.
“It is a big investment for West Somerset, good news for the local economy, and a really positive step forward for Williton.”
Chief executive Tim Howes said: “We have put in considerable effort to ensure the building’s orientation, layout, and design maximise the use of natural light, climate control, and energy conservation.
“There will also be a formal garden adjoining the main meeting room for staff and members to take breaks in, and for use by anybody at functions taking place in the building.”
A design by Exeter-based contractors Mansell plc has been chosen for the new offices following public consultation last November in which more than 70 per cent of people who responded felt it was the one most suited to the site.

Wedding fayre success means another is to be held in the autumn

THE first wedding fayre to be held in Minehead for several years proved to be a resounding success for all those who took part in the event on Sunday, February 25.
So successful was the free one-day event, that plans have been put in hand to repeat the occasion during October.
The fayre was organised by The Crier, in association with bridal shop Treasured Moments, of Friday Street, Minehead, and Minehead Football Club, which hosted the event.
Around 70 visitors took advantage of the free one-day event, which featured exhibitors displaying a whole range of items which West Somerset brides and grooms might require for their special day.
There was a chauffeur-driven limousine, hand-made cards, bridal favours, flowers and decorations, cakes, music, and a selection of food and drink for the wedding breakfast.
The day even included a fashion show to display bridal gowns, dresses for bridesmaids, and outfits for the groom and page boys.
The Crier’s marketing and promotions consultant, Dudley Seale, said: “It was a great success with a really good atmosphere which made the whole place buzz.
“Although it was only a small, local show because of the geography of West Somerset, it had all the contents required for a wedding.
“The general feeling was that not only did all of the exhibitors meet potential customers during the day, but they were also able to network among themselves as well.
“I was asked straight away if we would do another one, so we are now looking forward to holding the next wedding fayre in October.
“It is good that Minehead has its own wedding fayre again, as there used to be a regular one up until a few years ago.
“When Treasured Moments approached The Crier with an inquiry about starting up another wedding fayre, it was something we were pleased to do as we like to support the community we serve and work closely with them.
“Minehead Football Club, through chairman Bryan Leaker, worked really hard to ensure the venue looked 100 per cent right for the occasion, for which we are extremely grateful.”
One exhibitor to confirm a booking, for a wedding to take place in a month’s time, was Nichola Sutcliffe, from Taste of Exmoor, who said: “The wedding fayre was a good idea, and it was well organised and very friendly.”
Co-organiser Helen Hazel, of Treasured Moments, said: “We were delighted with how successful the wedding fayre was for a first-time effort for Minehead and we are looking forward to repeating the event in the autumn and making it even bigger and better.”
Exhibitor Porche Marchant, from Finishing Touches, said: “For a first-time show, it has been worthwhile and I am looking forward to being part of the next one.”
Another exhibitor was Tracy-Anne Fraser, of The Frock Exchange, who said: “I am delighted with the way the day has gone.”

Wedding fayre images by Mark the Photographer, ref (top) M010092, and (middle) M010031, and (bottom) M010114. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

WSR unveils second railway of the year award

A CEREMONY has been held on Minehead Railway Station to unveil a plaque commemorating the Independent Railway of the Year 2006 award to the West Somerset Railway.
It was the second time in three years that the steam railway had received the prestigious title, having previously won it in 2004.
In between, the Bishops Lydeard to Minehead line was also voted Heritage Railway of the Year 2005.
Among those attending the unveiling of the plaque were West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Granger, West Somerset District Council chairman Councillor Pam Driver, district council leader Councillor Christine Lawrence, who is also a county councillor for Dunster, past district council chairman Councillor Barbara Child, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Minehead Councillors Ann Foxhuntley and Stephen Dear, and National Railway Heritage Awards committee chairman John Ellis.
Guests were able to travel to the ceremony steam train from Williton, and returning from Minehead afterwards.
The independent panel of award judges cited reasons for the giving the title to West Somerset, including the railway’s contributions to the local economy along its route and its high standard of customer care.
WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said the railway was now looking ahead to its spring steam gala which has reached a level of popularity where it will run over the weekend of March 17 and 18 and then continue during the four days of March 22 to 25.
Among the gala’s featured attractions will be up to 14 steam engines in action, a Virgin Voyager train linking Taunton and Bishops Lydeard, vintage buses between Dunster Station and Dunster village, and museums and workshops opening along the route.
Mr Conibeare said: “The gala makes a major contribution to the economies of West Somerset, Taunton Deane, and the surrounding area with guest houses and hotels seeing bookings from all over the country.
“As the year progresses, we are due to welcome 21 excursion trains to and from the mainline network, and are looking to build on this aspect of our business in the future.”

• Our photograph (top) shows the plaque being unveiled by (left to right) David Allan, chairman of award sponsors Ian Allan Publishing, WSR general manager Paul Conibeare, and WSR chairman Chris Austin, watched by guests including MP Ian Liddell-Grainger (right). Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010021. Order image reprints online at http://www.tcpbymtp.co.uk
• Our photograph (below) shows (left to right) National Railway Heritage Awards committee chairman John Ellis, WSR general manager Paul Conibeare, David Allan, chairman of award sponsors Ian Allan Publishing, and WSR chairman Chris Austin. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010035. Order image reprints online at http://www.tcpbymtp.co.uk/.

Pupils help celebrate community's £250,000 store revamp

A £250,000 revamp of the Co-operative food store in Alcombe has been marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony carried out by pupils of Minehead Middle School.
The Alcombe store is one of the first of the Co-op Group’s 3,300 national outlets to feature the consumer-owned business’ new identity – The Co-operative, which aims to highlight improved service standards as well as the firm’s commitment to supporting local communities and ethical trading policies.
The schoolchildren were thanked for taking part in the celebrations by way of a £200 cheque for their school funds presented to them by the store manager, Paul Kingdon.
Mr Kingdon said: “As a community retailer, it is appropriate that we involve the community in our special events and we are delighted our local school is playing a central role in the relaunch of our shop.”
The Alcombe Co-op has been updated with modern décor, new flooring, shelving, and refrigeration, plus a more shopper-friendly layout.
An emphasis has been put on chilled and fresh foods with an increase in the range of products.
There is also an improved selection of chilled beers and wines, while the popular PayPoint service has been retained.
As a leading supermarket supporter of Fairtrade, the Co-op is also featuring Fairtrade products, plus the store is carrying the retailer’s own brand health and beauty range with products which are not tested on animals.
Shoppers also benefit from the Co-op’s policy on ‘honest labelling’ to give them more facts about the ingredients in food and drink products, and they can also take their shopping home in 100 per cent degradable bags.
Mr Kingdon said: “We provide a much-valued service in the area and I am confident our shoppers will be delighted with our improved store and wider selection of goods which will better meet all the community’s daily grocery needs.”

• Our photograph shows Mr Kingdon with Minehead Middle School pupils Harry Mouzouri (left), aged 13, and Brendan Husebo, aged 12. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M03220204. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

£1.75 million business units development underway

WORK has started on redeveloping the former Wrigleys factory site, on the Roughmoor Industrial Estate, in Williton, into 14 new workspace units.
Members of West Somerset Council were on hand to watch the start of the £1.75 million regeneration project, which will create opportunities for start-up businesses and those which want to expand.
The council’s economic development portfolio holder, Councillor Nick Messarra, said: “West Somerset Council has invested over a million pounds in this project, which we believe will transform opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises in the area.
“It is one of a number of workspace developments in West Somerset that will benefit local businesses, residents, and the economy.”
The new workspace has been designed to allow a high degree of flexibility in layout in order to accommodate a wide range of tenants over a prolonged period.
The premises will be serviced, meaning somebody will be on hand to deal with visitors.
There will also be meeting rooms, and all tenants will have access to the Connecting Somerset IT support grant scheme.
Units ranging in size from 495 to 2,260 square feet are being provided in the redevelopment, and estate agent Alder King is putting together a lettings package for prospective tenants.
The development is being carried out for the council by Taunton-based builders Rok, whose area director, Chris Hyde, said: “This is a significant contract for Rok and we are delighted to be bringing our refurbishment and new build expertise to the project.
“It will create much-needed high quality workspace in West Somerset and set high environmental standards by regenerating a brownfield site.”
Williton ward Councillor Eddie May said: “The site had been deteriorating over the last few years and we are delighted that, by refurbishing some parts of the site and demolishing and rebuilding others, we will be able to provide businesses and the local economy with the boost it needs.
“Our contactors, Rok, will be meeting BREEAM energy efficiency standards, which means the project will use sustainable building materials and minimise any impact on the environment.”
The balance of the Wrigleys project funding comes from the European Regeneration Development Fund South West Objective 2.

• Our photograph taken on the Wrigleys site shows (left to right) Atisreal project manager Nathan Heavens, Hugh Davies, Councillor Eddie May, council market towns regeneration officer Pete Vallance, Rok contract team leader Colin Ayres, and Councillor Nick Messarra. Photo by Steve Guscott.

Supermarket staff going bananas for Fairtrade

CO-OP supermarket staff in Minehead, Alcombe, Watchet, and Williton will be going bananas on Monday, February 26, at the start of Fairtrade Fortnight.
They will be celebrating the consumer-owned retailer’s announcement that for the first time it is selling Fairtrade bananas in all of its 3,000 food stores.
More than 25,000 Co-op store staff across the country are taking part in the largest-ever simultaneous banana-eating bonanza in the UK as part of the celebrations, starting at 10 am on the day.
As well as taking part in the record-breaking event, local Co-op staff will be ‘monkeying around’ with giant inflatable bananas and monkey masks and costumes, to highlight the good news to shoppers.
The Co-op, which introduced the UK’s first Fairtrade banana back in 2000, currently sells around 22 million Fairtrade bananas, and this is expected to jump to more than 43 million within a year as Fairtrade bananas go on sale in its stores nationwide.
Co-operative Group chief executive of food retail, Guy McCracken, said: “The Co-op has led the way in making Fairtrade mainstream and with more people than ever looking to buy Fairtrade and help producers and their families in the developing countries, this great news means that all our shoppers, from Shetland to Penzance, in rural, island, and urban communities, and in our smallest convenience stores, can support Fairtrade by buying the UK’s favourite fruit.”
The Co-op move also signals a breakthrough in the campaign to support small, independent producers and bears testament to the relationship the Co-op has built with such producers in Ghana, Equador, Costa Rica, and the Windward Isles.
Williton Co-op manager Phil Leat said: “We don’t mind making monkeys of ourselves if it helps to promote this ‘a-peeling’ initiative and encourage many more shoppers to support Fairtrade.”

Pledge to tackle global warming in Somerset

THE 'Nottingham Declaration', a voluntary pledge which commits to actively tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions, is being signed on behalf of Somerset County Council today, Wednesday, February 21.
The leader of the council, Councillor Cathy Bakewell, is syumbolically signing the document at a meeting of the full council, an act which she says puts Somerset at the forefront of efforts to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change in the county.
At the same time, the council is revealing predictions of the significant impacts of global warming and sea level rises in Somerset.
Applying data from climate and flooding experts, it is predicted that:

• The chances of a severe tidal flooding event, large enough to overwhelm current defences and threaten the M5 and railway links through Somerset, could increase from 200/1 in any given year to 17/1 by 2060
  
• The threat posed to 32,500 properties across 2,394 square miles of the county currently vulnerable to flooding from a combination of coastal and river events could rise markedly
  
• Average July temperatures will have risen by four degrees Celsius in Somerset by 2080 if emissions remain high, with more damaging extremes of temperature and prolonged drought
  
• By 2080, there could be a net sea level rise of 3.1 inches per year in the South West if emissions remain high

The authority is also announcing a stakeholder and public consultation for a ‘Climate Change Adaptation Strategy’ (SCCAS) which is now in preparation, and which sets targets for the council to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its service areas and encourage and help partners to do the same.
Together, they will form a countywide approach to protecting infrastructure and services from climate change and reducing emissions, co-ordinated by the council.
The authority already has a range of award-winning projects and initiatives to reduce emissions and promote renewable energy, including the Somerset biofuels project, a ‘Watts On’ energy efficiency campaign within County Hall, and biomass heating schemes.
There are more to come this year, including the landmark ‘Rising to the Challenge’ climate change communications project and the rolling out of the pioneering Somerset Wind Energy Initiative.
As well as supporting the Environment Agency in its prioritising of flood defence works, the council will develop a countywide response through a water management partnership.
This will involve all stakeholders, regional and national agencies in developing a co-ordinated approach to combat future rising flood risk challenge.
Councillor Bakewell said: “Global warming will seriously affect Somerset. Our announcements today put into place initiatives to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change in Somerset. We must lead the way and help others to follow.”

• Our illustration above shows areas of Somerset, highlighted in mauve, at risk of tidal flooding, which include Minehead, Dunster Marsh, and areas near Blue Anchor and Watchet. Image submitted.

Hunts claim deer and fox numbers falling because of ban

A CONTROVERSIAL survey has suggested that the numbers of deer and foxes on Exmoor are falling as a result of the Government’s hunting ban.
Hunts had previously claimed in particular that it was their management of deer which maintained the herd and that the numbers would drop dramatically without hunting.
Now, a survey carried out among the 184 hunts which are registered with the Masters of Foxhounds Association appears to support the claim.
Some hunts said the number of foxes in their area had fallen by more than a third since hunting was banned.
At the same time, they said more foxes were suffering sarcoptic mange, a fatal disease caused by parasitic mites which results in hair loss and lacerations.
Research by the Exmoor and District Deer Management Society has also pointed to a 20 per cent fall in deer numbers during last year, whereas in the decade before the hunting ban there had been steady annual increases.
Countryside Alliance chief executive Simon Hart said: “In the two years since the Hunting Act came into force it has been exposed as illogical and unworkable, and this research shows it has also had a negative impact on the status and welfare of both the fox and deer populations.
“It is shocking to think 700 hours of Parliamentary time were spent, supposedly in the interests of animal welfare, devising a law which has failed at every level.
“The case for the repeal of the Hunting Act is unanswerable and its eventual demise increasingly inevitable.”
However, the League Against Cruel Sports refused to accept the findings of the survey on the grounds that it was carried out by the hunting lobby.
League spokesman Barry Hugill said any such figures had to be taken with a pinch of salt.

• Our photograph shows a meet of the Minehead Harriers held in Porlock. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M01010181. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Hinkley C is favourite for next UK nuclear plant

WEST Somerset has become the hot favourite to site the first of Britain’s next generation of nuclear power stations.
British Energy has confirmed it is already looking for potential partners for new nuclear plants – and Hinkley Point, near Stogursey, is high on its list of prospective sites.
Planning permission was given for a Hinkley Point C station in the 1990s following a lengthy public inquiry into the plans, but the consent lapsed in 1997.
However, British Energy confirmed to The Crier that it still owns the land at Hinkley which was earmarked for the C station.
Company spokesman Martin Pearce said, however: “Any company seeking to build a new nuclear station would need to obtain completely new planning consent which would include a new public inquiry.”
British Energy also owns the Hinkley B station, where 650 people are employed, but it has been closed since last year for repairs to cracked boiler tubes.
Although Hinkley B is planned to be back online by the end of March, it will only run at 70 per cent capacity during a year-long trial to avoid further damage to the boiler tubes.
The station is currently scheduled for decommissioning in 2011.
The neighbouring Hinkley Point A station is already undergoing decommissioning, having closed seven years ago.
British Energy chief executive Bill Coley, in launching the search for partners to help build new nuclear power plants, said: “Construction of new nuclear power stations is critical to meeting the UK’s security of supply and climate change objectives.
“Electricity is essential to continued economic growth, jobs, and quality of life for the people of the UK today and into the future.
“As the major UK nuclear generator, British Energy has capabilities and assets important to providing the electricity we need.
“British Energy can make a valuable contribution to the country through a new nuclear generation programme and, in the process, create more UK jobs and drive shareholder value.”
Hinkley Point B photo submitted.

Doubts over £25 million new hospital start date

MORE news on the future of West Somerset’s planned new £25 million hospital could be revealed at a board meeting of the Somerset Primary Care Trust on February 21.
Although the trust has said it hoped the hospital could be open by the summer of 2009, the board will hear that it could be up to five years before work even starts.
And even though Government funding has been secured for the capital element of the hospital, the trust has yet to confirm it can fund the revenue side - the day-to-day running costs - of the scheme.
Minehead is one of three new community hospital projects planned by the trust in the next five years, the others being in Bridgwater and South Petherton.
The programme will run alongside an investment in a new cancer centre and surgical facilities at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.
The new Minehead hospital will have only 20 inpatient beds as against the 34 in the present wards – 28 of which are medical beds and the other six surgical.
There will also be a clinical assessment unit for urgent care, expanded diagnostic and outpatient services, a drop-in treatment centre, and a patient support centre.
The hospital will be part of a larger, £32 million multi-agency development off Seaward Way, Minehead, called ‘New Horizons’.
Somerset PCT chief executive Ian Tipney said ahead of the board meeting: “These proposals represent a very exciting and ambitious future for community hospital services in Somerset.
“They are exactly in line with the new models of care set out in the White Paper ‘Our Health, Our Care, Our Say’ last year, enabling more people to access services in their local community.
“The new hospitals will work in a very different way, with fewer beds than we have generally had in the past, but with more patients using the services.
“This will be achieved by increased staffing levels, more intensive rehabilitation, expanded diagnostic facilities, outpatient services, and one-stop shop clinics.
“The proposals will obviously be subject to detailed scrutiny, but we are giving a very clear service direction over the next five years.”
The trust board is being recommended that all three community hospital developments should go ahead within the next five years.

£750 million project spin-off benefit for West Somerset Railway

THE West Somerset Railway is benefiting with the spin-off from a £750 million programme to improve the track on Network Rail’s Western Route.
Network Rail has created a specially-designed operations base in Taunton to house a high output track relaying system (HOTRS) and high output ballast cleaner (HOBC).
The world class, award-winning equipment equipment, worth more than £50 million, equipment works three times faster than conventional renewals systems and will bring major improvements to the Westcountry’s railway lines during the next few years.
It reduces the need for lengthy line closures during engineering work ands also improves passenger comfort by making the track smoother and preventing the need for speed restrictions in coming years.
As work progresses, Network Rail is providing used ballast to the West Somerset Railway as construction material for the building of additional WSR facilities near Taunton, avoiding the need for many lorry movements in the local area.
WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said: “We are delighted to be working with Network Rail in this unique partnership, re-using the ballast to construct the triangle for turning locomotives and coaches, enabling steam-hauled charter trains to visit Somerset as a new and exciting destination.”
Network Rail high output programme engineering manager Colin Ness said: “The HOTRS does the work of several machines simultaneously.
“One system removes old rail and old sleepers, levels the ballast bed, lays new sleepers, and installs new rail all as one continuous process.
“The other system deals with the ballast.
“This means that we can replace up to 500 metres of track, sleepers, and ballast each night.
“We successfully used the HOS in the recent three-week closure of the railway between Taunton and Highbridge and Burnham.”

• Our photographs show the Network Rail equipment in use in the Fairwater Yard, Taunton. Photos contributed.

Trail watchers can help look after the Coleridge Way

A SCHEME which encourages local residents to help look after public rights of way is being extended to include the Coleridge Way through West Somerset.
The Coleridge Way stretches 36 miles across the Quantock and Brendon Hills over Exmoor, linking Nether Stowey with Porlock.
It celebrates the landscape which inspired the works of one of England’s best-known poets, Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Coleridge wrote works such as Kubla Khan, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and Frost at Midnight while living in Nether Stowey.
His presence attracted other poets, such as William Wordsworth, to the area and inspired the film Pandemonium, directed by Julien Temple, who lives in Holford.
Residents of West Somerset can now ‘adopt’ their favourite section of the Coleridge Way and help Exmoor National Park Rangers and Somerset County Council’s rights of way team to look after it.
It is part of the county council’s Trail Watchers scheme which was launched last summer on the River Parrett Way.
County council community and volunteer development officer Grant Turner said: “We ask Trail Watchers to walk the section they have adopted three or four times a year and let us know if they come across any problems such as a broken stile or gate, missing signposts, or overgrown paths.
“We can then work with landowners to quickly resolve any problems and make sure the trail remains open and easy to use for everybody to enjoy.”
County portfolio holder for planning, transport and waste, Councillor Hazel Prior-Sankey, said: “The Coleridge Way has attracted a huge number of visitors to the county from far and wide since opening in 2005, and has helped support a number of small local businesses.
“It is a jewel in Somerset’s rights of way crown and, thanks to the Trail Watchers scheme anybody can now get actively involved in helping to look after it.”
The Coleridge Way is supported and funded by a partnership including West Somerset Council, Exmoor National Park Authority, Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and ARTlife.
A survey of businesses along the route has shown more than 60 per cent were experiencing significant economic benefit from walkers.
On the back of the success of the walking route, one new B&B has set up, baggage transfer services have been established, and several companies and hotels offering walking packages now include the Coleridge Way.
Anybody who wants to join the Coleridge Way Trail Watchers scheme should contact Grant Turner on 01823 356156 or visit www.somerset.gov.uk/rightsofway.
The Coleridge Way also has its own website at www.coleridgeway.co.uk.

• Our photograph shows ‘Trail Watcher’ Ian Thompson (left) receiving his Coleridge Way Trail Watchers pack from county rights of way community and volunteer development officer Grant Turner, watched by Coleridge Way trail officer Alan Martingell. Photo by Heather Lowther, ENPA.

Wedding fayre returns to Minehead - and it's free

IT is back by popular demand after a gap of several years.
The Crier has teamed up with bridal shop Treasured Moments, of Friday Street, Minehead, and Minehead Football Club to arrange a wedding fayre in the town.
The free-to-attend day-long event takes place at the football club premises, off Alexandra Road on Sunday, February 25, from 10.30 am to 4 pm.
It features businesses which provide everything a West Somerset bride and groom might need for their special day, from chauffeur-driven limousines to flowers to dresses to Indian cuisine for the reception, and details of venues for weddings.
The Crier’s marketing and promotions consultant, Dudley Seale, said: “There used to be a regular wedding fayre in Minehead but it stopped a few years ago.
“So, when Treasured Moments approached The Crier about sponsoring its return, we were only too pleased to help as part of our on-going work to support the community we serve.
“I made a call to the football chairman, Bryan Leaker, who is helping to revive their fortunes, and he quickly gave his support for hosting the wedding fayre.
“We have about 30 exhibitors taking part.
“Entry is free and there are refreshments provided and also a fashion show for visitors to enjoy.”
As well as churches, there are nine approved premises in West Somerset where weddings can be conducted, and a nearby recent addition to the list is Oakhampton Park, a Georgian family property not far from Brompton Ralph.

Name the inflatable and win a year's Aquasplash membership

YOUNG swimmers are being offered an opportunity to win a year’s general membership of the Aquasplash leisure pool, in Minehead.
The West Somerset Council-owned pool has a brand new fun inflatable to replace its old ‘Mars Attacks’ and is offering the prize in return for giving the inflatable a name.
Council leisure services manager Janice Malarkey said: “The new inflatable is an assault course on water ending in a waterslide.
“It is good fun as well as a new challenge for our younger users this half-term.
“The inflatable currently has no name and it would be great if one of our customers could name it.
“Hopefully, they will be inspired once they have tried it.”
The competition runs for the whole of half-term week, from Monday, February 19, to Saturday, February 24, when the inflatable will be available from 12 noon to 3pm.
To enter the competition, swimmers need to be under 16 years of age. Entry forms are available from the Aquasplash reception.
After half-term, the new inflatable will be available every Saturday from 12 noon to 3pm.

• Our photograph shows the old 'Mars Attacks' inflatable in use at Aquasplash. Photo submitted.

Cable damage leaves hudreds without phone and internet

HUNDREDS of businesses and homes across a large area of West Somerset were left for several hours without telephones and internet access on Thursday, February 15.
It happened after the main optical fibre cable bringing services into the district suffered what BT described as ‘third party damage’.
In plain English, a contractor is believed to have cut through the cable while carrying out works near Taunton.
Massive disruption resulted for businesses in Minehead and Watchet and the surrounding area as they were unable to make or receive telephone calls, nor access broadband or dial-up internet services.
Email systems were also inoperable and some mobile phone calls were affected because they are often routed along underground cables between masts.
Even the emergency 999 telephone system was brought down by the damaged cable and more police had to be out on the streets in case they were needed.
A BT spokeswoman told The Crier the exact cause of the incident was yet to be determined.
She said 999 calls were always a priority in such a situation and the service was restored ‘almost immediately’.
However, she said it took about three hours before all telephones and internet access were properly restored.
The incident served to highlight the vulnerability of modern businesses to sudden technology failures.

Triathlon needs a £700 business sponsor

SPONSORS are being sought by West Somerset Council’s leisure team for one of the district’s top sporting events, the Minehead Triathlon, which is to be held at Aquasplash on July 22.
Leisure officer Matt Stevens, who organises the event, said: “This year we are offering a great package for a main sponsor as well as our usual packages for support sponsors.
“The main sponsor’s name will be used in conjunction with the event name in all publicity linked to the triathlon and will also feature on the front of the athletes’ shirts so it is a fantastic opportunity - all for a very reasonable £700.”
It is the third year the council has organised the popular event, which centres around the Aquasplash pool and gym complex.
The triathlon combines a swimming challenge, a cycle race to Porlock and back, and running to and from Dunster Beach.
Mr Stevens said: “There is still plenty of space for our other sponsors with prices ranging from £50 to £400 with businesses’ logos appearing on the back of athletes’ shirts.
“All sponsors get mentioned on the website, in advertising, and in the race pack handed out to competitors on the day.”
The council’s leisure, culture, and recreation portfolio holder, Councillor Keith Ross, said: “This is great value-for-money advertising for local businesses.
“The triathlon has gone from strength to strength. It had 156 entrants two years ago, 186 last year, and we are pretty sure we can secure a capacity field of 200 competitors this year.
“Not only does the triathlon bring these competitors, who may never have otherwise visited the area, to West Somerset, it also brings their families and supporters so it is fantastic for the local economy.
“I hope local businesses will support this event because it brings a lot of good publicity and custom to Minehead.”
Anybody wanting to sponsor the triathlon should contact Matt Stevens on 01643 703704 or email mstevens@westsomerset.gov.uk.

£174,000 bequest funds steam train overhaul

AN unexpected £174,000 bequest to the West Somerset Railway has virtually completed the funding needed to finish an overhaul of an important steam engine.
The heritage railway bought the Great Western Railway-designed steam locomotive 7828 ‘Odney Manor’ and its tender three years ago and set about raising the £600,000 needed to cover the purchase and the overhaul.
Now, the legacy by railway enthusiast Derek Stephens has brought in the remaining funds which will see the engine working trains over the 20 miles of line between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard.
WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said the railway was grateful to the late Mr Stephens and ‘a little moved that he should think of us when making his will’.
Mr Stephens’ connection with the railway was that he had travelled on the line and found his visits enjoyable and impressive enough to make a major gesture of support.
Mr Conibeare said: “Together with the generous support of our shareholders and other well-wishers we have reached our target ahead of the planned timescale.
“The ‘Manor’ class engines are ideal for our line, being designed to work passenger trains of 250 tons over secondary mail line routes and we look forward to welcoming ‘Odney’ back to heading our trains when overhaul is complete in a couple of years’ time.”
Two ‘Manor’ class engines are being hired in by the WSR as part of the ‘guest list’ for its spring steam gala, which runs on March 17t, 18t, 22, 23, 24 and 25.
Number 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ is being hired from the Severn Valley Railway, while 7822 ‘Foxcote Manor’ is coming from Lllangollen.
Visitors to Minehead on the Saturdays and Sundays of the gala will also be able to look around the locomotive shed and workshop at Minehead to see for themselves the progress on ‘Odney’.

• Our photographs show 'Odney Manor' before the overhaul began (top) and some of the work in progress. Photos submitted.

More help to find a way of owning your own home

MORE help has been made available by West Somerset Council for people looking for affordable homes to buy in the district.
The council has joined the Government-led Westcountry agency Home2own to provide more options for local people.
The agency provides affordable housing information for residents across Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall on everything to do with low-cost home ownership.
Councillor Mary Crowley, who holds the portfolio for housing, health and welfare, said: “Home2own is designed to help first-time buyers and people without enough money to buy a suitable home on the open market.
“It is a great opportunity for young people, key workers such as nurses and teachers, and local people on low incomes get on the property ladder.
“The scheme is a one-stop solution because it unites a variety of buying options and people who may not qualify for one scheme, may well find another to suit their needs.
“We are delighted the council has raised the income threshold so that households with an income of less than £35,000 per annum can apply for affordable housing if they are able to secure mortgages and also meet the local connection criteria.”
Anybody who believes they may qualify for affordable housing in West Somerset can contact Home2own’s experienced advisers, who can explain the options available.
More information is available on the website www.home2own.org.uk or by telephoning 01803 217600.

• Our photograph shows an affordable housing development at Gillams Close, Watchet. Photo submitted.

From the slopes of the Quantocks to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

WEST Somerset publican Pam Middlemast (pictured) is in training to become fit enough for the biggest challenge of her life, travelling from the Quantock Hills to climb the world’s highest free-standing mountain, the 5,685m Mount Kilimanjaro.
Pam, who runs the Bicknoller Inn, will travel to Tanzania in June to join 30 other people taking part in the hike to raise money for Scope, the charity for people with cerebral palsy.
To ensure she is fit enough for the adventure, Pam is running three times a week, practising yoga, and has invested in a cross-trainer to help build her strength and stamina.
She said: “I look forward to the trek with some sense of trepidation, but also with much excitement. I am sure this promises to be an experience of a lifetime.”
Pam’s first challenge, however, is to raise sponsorship money, which she has been doing through a number of events at the Bicknoller Inn, including a sponsored head shave, a table top sale, and a jazz night with ‘Gentle Jazz’.
Her husband, Paul, has agreed to have his legs waxed in public, and her yoga teacher, Tria, will be running a yoga lesson in Bicknoller Village Hall and giving all the proceeds to the cause.
Pam will also be giving a talk on Friday, March 23, in the village hall, on her experience of conservation in the Seychelles, which will be accompanied by a finger buffet and drinks.
She said: “I would like to thank everybody who has given me their help and support in raising money, and welcome any new ideas as we still have some way to go, as I have pledged to raise £3,000 for Scope.”
The trek to the summit Mount Kilimanjaro will take six days, with the route taking in cultivated farmland, lush jungle, alpine meadow, and, finally, barren lunar landscape.
Pam said: “An average day’s walking will be about seven hours, with the most challenging day being the day we will reach the summit. This day will start shortly after midnight and entail 14 hours’ walking.
“I am taking this challenge very seriously and know that I will have to be very fit if I am to succeed.”
Pam would like to hear from anybody willing to make a donation or help in organising a fund-raising event.
Readers of The Crier can sponsor Pam by visiting her fund-raising website at www.justgiving.com/pamm and clicking on ‘sponsor me now’, or contact her via her email at pam@bicknollerinn.co.uk, or by telephone on 01984 656234.
More information on events run by Scope is available on 0800 019 1200 or from www.scope.org.uk/adventures/.

Photo submitted.

Sir Ranulph aids children's heart research

SIR Ranulph Fiennes (pictured), the Exmoor-based explorer and adventurer, has officially opened a £2 million MRI scanner unit in Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London.
The scanner, which will only be used for heart research, was funded partly with sponsorship raised for the British Heart Foundation by Sir Ranulph’s unsuccessful attempt at climbing Mount Everest in 2005.
Sir Ranulph, who lives near Exford, attempted the climb despite having suffered a heart attack and undergoing a double by-pass operation two years earlier.
During March, he is part of a team attempting an ascent on the famous North Face of the Eiger to raise £1.5 million for the Marie Curie Delivering Choice Programme, which supports care for the terminally ill.
Sir Ranulph said: “I am so proud to be a part of the BHF’s achievement.
“I know first-hand the life-changing difference research makes - my own heart by-pass saved my life and has allowed me to carry on doing the things I love.”
Sir Ranulph’s attempt to conquer Mount Everest was marred by bad weather and ill-health.
Despite reaching above 28,000 feet, the intrepid explorer was forced to turn back only hours from the summit after experiencing intense breathing difficulties.

Photo submitted.

Teenage thugs film attack on their mobile phones

A TEENAGE girl has been attacked in Minehead by a gang of youths some of whom used their mobile phones to video the assault taking place.
The shocking incident happened as the 16-year-old girl was walking in The Parks area at about 5.15 pm on Thursday, February 1.
She was set upon by a gang of around 15 youths said to be aged between 13 and 16-years-old.
They forced the girl to crawl through mud and repeatedly say: ‘I am Goldilocks, where are my bears?’ while some took humiliating pictures.
It marks a dramatic escalation of anti-social behaviour by the gang, who for some months are said to have engaged in petty vandalism, theft, intimidation, and assaults in the town.
The random attack is also thought to be the first time local youths have adopted the unpleasant practice seen in some urban areas of using their mobile phones to take photographs and film of an assault to show to their friends.
The gang included boys and girls from local schools and the ringleader was said to be a girl pupil of the 24/7@peritonmead special school who was also alleged previously to have used a stiletto heel to attack another girl.
The gang included a number of students from the West Somerset Community College, Minehead, and at least one youngster said to have previously been excluded from the college.
Police confirmed to The Crier that a 16-year-old girl had later been arrested on suspicion of common assault and would be dealt with through the youth court system.
The arrested girl, whose name cannot be revealed because of a law which protects the identity of juvenile criminals, is understood also to have been removed with immediate effect from 24/7@peritonmead.
Staff at 24/7@peritonmead were praised by the parents of the victim of the attack, who has since made a good recovery, for facing up to the situation and taking swift and appropriate action.
However, they were less impressed with the response they received when they spoke with staff of the community college.
The college’s principal, Nick Swann, would not talk to The Crier when we called to ask his views on whether anything could be done about the behaviour of students off the campus.
Mr Swann instead relayed a message through his personal assistant that he ‘is unable to comment on it because he knows nothing about it’.
The manager of 24/7@peritonmead, Craig Fletcher, told The Crier he had nothing to add to what had already been told to the parents.

Young carers learn life-saving skills

YOUNG carers in West Somerset are being honoured for adding life-saving First Aid to their array of skills.
The 15 youngsters, aged between 11 and 16 years, have completed a Basic First Aid course with the support of the Somerset Young Carers Project.
Now, they are to receive certificates at a presentation in the Vennland Centre, Minehead, on Saturday, February 10.
The course was run in November with the help of the Somerset Youth Service and the Breaking the Cycle community initiative.
Young Carers Project co-ordinator Jo Sylvester said the skills learned on the day could be priceless.
She said: “For everybody, basic First Aid is something that could make the difference between life and death for a loved one.
“But for these youngsters the training is even more relevant.”
Somerset County Council funds the Somerset Carers Project with the help of voluntary groups.
It offers vital support to youngsters aged between eight and 16 who, usually due of family illness or disability, take on caring responsibilities for their parents or siblings. The project works with young carers and parents, helping them access community resources, and offering occasional breaks from their caring role.
County council portfolio holder for strategic services for children and young people, Councillor Pauline Clarke, said: “Although hugely important, the work of young carers is often overlooked.
“I am glad we have been able to support these youngsters with projects like this.”

Awards for £300,000 county council PR team

THE public relations team at Somerset County Council has picked up four regional honours in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ annual PRide awards, reflecting the authority’s commitment to communicating its services to residents.
It follows an increase in spending on council PR staff salaries of almost £100,000 to £311,000 a year, including the addition to the 10-strong team of one officer just for climate change issues.
Somerset won a finalist certificate for its regular newsletter ‘Your Somerset’, a silver award for its campaign to promote biofuels, a gold award for its ‘Bringing Domestic Abuse into the Light’ campaign, and it was also awarded ‘Best In-House PR Team of the Year’.
The CIPR awards recognise excellence in the public relations industry.
County council chief executive Alan Jones said: “These awards are recognition of Somerset County Council’s continuing excellence in communicating its services to Somerset’s taxpayers.
“Letting residents know what services they can access and the achievements of the council is core in learning how we can improve our services and I am delighted that the CIPR have recognised the strides that we are making in delivering communications excellence.”
Portfolio holder for communications and marketing, Councillor Paul Buchanan, said: “Being recognised for outstanding excellence by one’s industry is a fabulous achievement and I am delighted for our staff, who have contributed to these awards.
“I am delighted that Somerset County Council can say that we have the best communicators in the South West, who are helping to tell Somerset’s residents all about the excellent services that we provide.”

• Our photograph shows the county council PR team outside County Hall, Taunton, (left to right) back row - PR and communications officer Robert Booth, media analyst Alex Bacon, PR officer Elizabeth Kulh, PR and media relations officer Mark Ford , climate change communications officer Ruth Baker. Front - PR officer Jan Hookings, access and communications manager Robert Gunning, access and communications manager Deborah Porter, PR and communications officer Claire Cullen. Photo submitted.