Unitary protest MP sells 'Somerset County Council' for charity

WEST Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger (pictured) has sold off ‘Somerset County Council’ on eBay for charity.
A three-figure sum was raised by Mr Liddell-Grainger’s internet auction of the name
The stunt was organised to highlight opposition to the Liberal Democrat-run county council’s bid to become a unitary authority and take over all local government services in Somerset.
There was fierce bidding on eBay from across Britain and even abroad, with the reserve price exceeded in just two hours.
Mr Liddell-Grainger eventually accepted a private offer from a Bridgwater area man whose identity has not been revealed but whose initials were ‘DM’.
He said: “Every single penny will go to a local charity for the benefit of the people of Somerset.
“I do not own the name Somerset County Council, but now that the county council is determined to become a huge new unitary authority, this important piece of heritage could soon become redundant.
“So, I offered it on eBay on the strict condition that all the money raised would go to charity.”
Mr Liddell-Grainger said ‘DM’ shared his belief that the idea of scrapping Somerset County Council was ‘absolutely crazy’.
He said: “What will he get for his money? Just a name. But a name with a proud history that the current rulers of the county council seem quite happy to chuck on the scrapheap.”
Photo submitted.

Village hall installs hearing loop with district council support

A HEARING loop is being installed in Bicknoller Village Hall thanks to financial support from West Somerset Council.
The hall committee has received a grant of £649.35 from the council’s much-praised Rural Initiative Fund to help with the cost of the project, which totalled £865.80.
The loop will help local residents or visitors to the hall listen and take part in community events held in the hall.
The hall can accommodate up to 200 people and also has a committee room with a capacity of 50 people, and is used for a variety of activities including local dramatic productions, meetings of the Women’s Institute, the village flower show, table tennis, charity fund-raising events, and community group activities.
District council ward member, Councillor Barbara Child presented the cheque to hall secretary Mrs Mary Ter Braak.
Councillor Child said: “It gives me great pleasure to support and encourage the initiatives of my parishioners.
“This is yet another successful venture that benefits the community and is a good example of what the Rural Initiative Fund was designed to assist.”
The Rural Initiatives Fund makes available grants of up to £10,000 to help community groups start new initiatives which will benefit residents in rural areas of the district.
It is aimed at voluntary community organisations and parish and town councils, which can qualify for funding by helping the district authority meet its objective of ‘providing a good service to the community’.
More information about the fund is available from the council’s rural facilitator Angela Lamplough on 01984 63531 or email at alamplough@westsomerset.gov.uk.

• Our photograph shows (left to right) Kees ter Braak, Councillor Barbara Child, Clive Raisey, and Mrs Mary ter Braak.
  Photo submitted.

Lib Dem council power bid 'to be dropped by public demand'

WEST Somerset Council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence, has expressed her confidence that Liberal Democrat plans to create a super-size council to run all local government services in the county would soon be dropped.
It follows a decision by the Department for Communities and Local Government to put the plans by Somerset County Council leader Councillor Cathy Bakewell out to consultation during the next three months to test how popular they were.
A recent public opinion poll conducted in Somerset by the national YouGov polling organisation showed opposition to the Lib Dem-run county council’s take-over bid at more than three-to-one against, with opposition particularly strong among women and older people.
Councillor Lawrence said: “It is not surprising that the Government decided to consult with the people about the county council’s plans, indeed I welcome consultation provided it is fair, impartial, and involves all sections of the community.
“The Government has made it clear that a mammoth, unitary authority can only proceed if it has popular support.
“Plainly, these proposals do not have public support.
“In addition to the opinion poll conducted by YouGov there have been no fewer than nine surveys of public opinion, including several run by local newspapers and a number involving parish councillors.
“Not one of them has indicated support for the county council’s plans.
“I am confident the Government will realise the county council’s plans for a vast bureaucracy centred on Taunton are not appropriate for West Somerset.”
All five district councils in Somerset would be abolished by the Lib Dems if the plan for a unitary authority was to go ahead.
An independent assessment of the plan has shown it would cost council taxpayers about £7 million, rather than saving money as claimed by Councillor Bakewell and her Lib Dems.
In April, the five district councils will begin a county-wide programme of events to ensure the public voice is properly heard during the consultation period and will begin the process of enhancing two-tier working to ensure the districts and the county authority work together effectively once the unitary scheme has been dropped.
Among parish councils in West Somerset opposed to the county unitary bid is Bicknoller, which is writing to the Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly to express its feelings and to show support instead for an enhanced two-tier option in which West Somerset would work more closely with neighbouring Taunton Deane and Sedgemoor districts.

West Somerset pupils helping police foil distraction burglars

POLICE are recruiting schoolchildren in West Somerset as part of the latest crime-fighting initiative to tackle distraction burglars.
Officers and Police Community Support Officers are handing out greetings cards to pupils in primary schools in Minehead.
They want the children to give the cards to elderly and vulnerable relatives, neighbours, and family friends.
The cards are also available for schools and youth organisations to download and print from the force website at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.
They are pre-printed with crime prevention advice and useful contact numbers, with a blank space for children to decorate and add their own personal message.
Supt Sandy Padgett, who heads the Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s response to distraction burglary, said: “Thankfully, this sort of crime is infrequent, but the impact can be significant.
“We have anecdotal evidence of people suffering illness and stress after such a burglary.
“We hope this initiative will remind the more vulnerable members of our community of the simple security steps they can take to deter these thieves.
“It also aims raise awareness of the issue among the wider community, and help people play their part to protect their elderly and vulnerable friends and relations from these callous criminals.
“The simple message is ‘if in doubt, keep them out’.”
Supt Padgett said a few simple steps could help deter would-be burglars.
He said people should make sure good quality locks were fitted to their home, and they should secure the doors and windows of rooms when they were not in them.
A door chain should be used, and ID should be requested before anybody was allowed in.
All genuine callers from the utility companies would expect to have their ID checked and many offered special password schemes so people would know callers were who they said they were.
Supt Padgett said people should not leave the door open when they expected visitors. He said: “If you have mobility problems, ask the council, Age Concern, or other agencies for advice on having an intercom door buzzer fitted.
“Keep the back door and windows locked so there is no chance of an accomplice sneaking in while you are occupied at the front door.
“Do no't leave strangers alone in your home. If you are at all unsure, call the police. If you do not feel able to call the police, tell somebody immediately so they can report any incident, even if you feel embarrassed - you do not want this to happen to anybody else.
“I would also ask people who have elderly relatives, friends, or neighbours to play their part.
“Check on them. Make sure their homes are secure, and if not, help them get in touch with the police or other agencies like the council and Age Concern to get improvements in place.
“Once they have security measures in place, keep encouraging them to use them.
“Each time you visit, remind them how important it is to use the door chain or intercom.
“Warn about the risks of keeping large quantities of cash at home and help with trips to the bank or Post Office.
“Help them become less of a target by helping them get work done to the frontage and gardens of their homes.”
Anybody with any concerns about their home’s security can find more information on the police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk, or by calling their local crime reduction officer on 0845 456 7000, who can offer advice and refer vulnerable people to the Bobby Van scheme, in which a police-employed workman will call and carry out security improvements for free.
These include:

• Checking and upgrading door locks
• Fitting door chains/door restrictors
• Fitting door viewers
• Installing window locks
• Fitting battery alarms to doors and vulnerable areas
• Supplying personal attack alarms

Young pupils safer on roads thanks to hi-vis jackets initiative

YOUNG schoolchildren in West Somerset can now be heard and also seen, thanks to an initiative by the West Somerset Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
High-visibility jackets are being given to all primary school and first school pupils in the district to make them safer on the journey to and from their homes.
The initiative began after Police Community Support Officer Luisa Skinner visited Watery Lane pre-school last November.
She accompanied the children on a walkabout in the town and was surprised to find the children and teachers did not have any high visibility tabards or equipment to ensure they were all safe when out and about on school trips and outings.
Funding was then sought from the crime and disorder reduction partnership to purchase a supply of high-visibility jackets.
Now, PCSOs are involved in distributing the jackets to schoolchildren.
West Somerset Council’s community safety officer, Pete Hughes, said: “For a while we have heard from parents and teachers who are worried about children crossing rural roads.
“Often, they say the roads are unlit or there are no pavements, or both, which obviously puts children at higher risk.
“We are delighted to be able to provide children in West Somerset’s first schools with fluorescent high visibility jackets so that drivers, cyclists, and other road users are aware of their presence.
“This is a really positive aspect of our jobs, and we are really pleased to have been able to help children in the rural and urban areas of West Somerset.”

• Our photograph shows PCSOs Sue Hurley (left) and Rachel Cutler with Pete Hughes and Cutcombe First School pupils (left to right) Tom Nancekivell, Hannah Thompson, Harry Delve, Aaron Kendall, Ellie Abraham, and Charlotte Matravers. Photo submitted.

Continental market brings European produce to West Somerset

WEST Somerset is going cosmopolitan in the food stakes over the weekend with the launch of a Continental market in Minehead.
Fine food from a 40-strong contingent of European producers joins the regular weekly West Somerset Farmers’ Market in the town.
Continental market specialist, Amber Markets Ltd, is working with West Somerset Council on a four-day trial period running from March 29 to April 1.
West Somerset Council economic development portfolio holder, Councillor Nick Messarra, who helped to mastermind the market initiative, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to sample the best local and foreign produce.
“We hope residents and visitors will enjoy not only the flavours, but also the atmosphere that this brings to Minehead.
“We are aiming to bring a wider range of produce to local residents and encourage visitors to stay in Minehead longer, which means they will spend more money in district.
“The local economy will also receive an extra boost because the Continental stall holders and their helpers will need accommodation in the area.”
The Continental market is open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.
The regular West Somerset Farmers’ Market is also open for business as usual on Friday, March 30, from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm in The Parade.
A representative of West Somerset Council will be on site or in the immediate vicinity of the market throughout the four-day trial, as will a market co-ordinator from Amber Markets.

• Our photographs show a Continental market held in a different venue. Photos submitted.

Police appeal for help after Dulverton burglary

POLICE in Dulverton are appealing for witnesses and information after a man carried out a burglary at a house in the town.
The theft happened overnight on Saturday, March 24, and Sunday, March 25, at a house in Jury Road.
The offender stole a handbag and its contents before making off.
He was described as a white male, aged 20 to 30 years, of medium build, 5 ft 6 ins to 5 ft 8 ins tall, and with dark hair.
The man was wearing a white top and dark trousers.
Police believe the man may have been seen in the area trying the doors of neighbouring properties at around 2.30 am on the Sunday.
They would like to speak to anybody who may have seen him or may have any other information about the burglary.
Anybody who can help should contact the police through the secure Crimestoppers contact form at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx.
Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers on the free number 0800 555 111, where they do not need to give their name and where they could receive a reward for their help.

Lib Dem county council told to consult on power bid

A LIBERAL Democrat bid to abolish West Somerset Council has passed its first hurdle with the Government putting the plan forward for public consultation.
The scheme by Somerset County Council leader Councillor Cathy Bakewell would see all five districts in the county axed and all local government services taken on by her council.
Although the Government wants to look at plans for unitary councils which would save money, Councillor Bakewell’s ambitions have been independently calculated to cost ratepayers £7 million.
The county council has so far refused to consult the public on its plans, but now the Government has said it has to undergo 12 weeks of consultation.
The Government will then take a final decision in July on whether to allow Somerset to be ruled by one super-size council, which would be formed by April, 2009.
Somerset was one of 16 areas shortlisted by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for consideration for unitary local government.
West Somerset Council leader Councillor Christine Lawrence has campaigned against the unitary bid, although she is also a county councillor for the Dunster ward.
Councillor Bakewell said: “We will be working closely with DCLG in the forthcoming months to ensure that Somerset is one of the authorities selected for unitary status in July.
“We are confident that the wind is blowing in Government in favour of unitary status for Somerset and I hope that our colleagues in district councils will now work with us to play an equal part in helping to shape a system of government fit for the people that we all serve.”

Fierce Antarctic storms force adventurer to head home

ADVENTURER Hannah McKeand (pictured), who was raised in Watchet, where her mother still lives, has told how she was forced to abandon her most recent Antarctic exploits.
Hannah, aged 33, who now lives in Newbury, was attempting to sail from Hobart, Tasmania, to Commonwealth Bay and Cape Denison, an isolated spot on the coast of King George V Land, which is known as the windiest place in the world.
On the way, she would have passed the Magnetic South Pole, currently located on the ocean.
The journey was being made on a 20-metre, schooner-rigged, aluminium, expedition sailing yacht Blizzard owned by Hannah and partner David Pryce, who is a master mariner. They had a crew of 10.
But almost from the start of the five-week adventure they were hit by terrific storms peaking with 100-knot waves smashing into their yacht.
One of the crew was knocked overboard after the force of the storm broke the three steel lifelines.
He was quickly rescued from the sea, the temperature of which was just 2.6 degrees C, but suffered hypothermia.
Then, the prop shaft pulled out of the hull, damage which could only be repaired by taking the boat out of the water.
Without the ability to manoeuvre through pack ice and into and out of anchorage, Hannah was forced to turn the boat around and head back to Tasmania just 24 days into the adventure.
“We have had some rotten luck on this trip,” said Hannah in her log. “We know and accept that this is an incredibly hard journey to be trying to make.
“Strangely however, since we turned for home the weather has become calm and benign.”
Hannah and David have founded a new high latitude sailing company called Blizzard Expeditions which up to 10 people can join as an integral member of the team, sleeping in shared cabins and sharing responsibility for all aspects of sailing and logistics, and being rewarded with a truly intimate experience with the landscape and wildlife of the deep south.
More information is available from the website www.blizzardexpeditions.com.

In December, Hannah became the fastest person to walk alone and unsupported to the geographic South Pole, making the 690-mile trek in 39 days, nine hours, and 33 minutes - almost two days faster than the previous record, also held by a British woman.

• Photos of Hannah McKeand (top) and her aborted sailing expedition to the Antarctic courtesy of her websites.

Successful weekend for West Somerset golfers

THE past weekend was a busy and generally successful time for the golfers at Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club.
It began on the Saturday morning when a squad of five ‘A’ team players entertained a team from Enmore Park in a closely contested match in the second round of the Mail On Sunday National Golf Club Classic.
The Minehead team of Dave Bosley (4), John Freeman (5), Callum Knight (6), John Fisher (6), and captain for the day Keith Babb (3) played well and were unlucky to find themselves behind early on in most of the games.
Freeman suffered the most, having to give away five shots, and he failed to recover the early losses.
The other members of the team, however, did manage to overhaul their opponents and the final match score was four wins to one with Dave Bosley winning two-up, Callum Knight one-up, John Fisher two-and-one, and Keith Babb two-and-one.
At midday, the club team entertained the Stragglers, from Mendip Golf Club, in a fixture resurrected after quite a few years.
In his first fixture as captain, Denis Compton fielded a side including a number of past captains and the strength of the team proved too much for the visitors with Minehead winning all seven of the better ball games.
The highlight of the match was the win of seven holes with six still to play by Peter Clements and Gerry Mason.
The result was: Captain D Compton and S Gay won two-and-one, W J Perkins and M Gilbertson won four-and-three, D Scott and H Kneeshaw won two-and-one, R Thresher and A Ridgway won one-up, G Troman and G Wells won three-and-two, R Stevens and M Thresher won two-and-one P Clements and G Mason won seven-and-six.
In the afternoon, John A’Court and Warren Knight took on a strong pair in the first round of the Daily Mail Amateur Foursomes Golf Tournament.
Despite a gallant effort, the Minehead pair went two holes down on the front nine. The highlight from the Burnham pair was the second shot to the ninth hole which pitched and stayed only feet from the hole.
The early deficit was too much to haul back against a pair playing at such a high standard and the Minehead pair eventually lost two-and-one.
On Sunday morning, 20 pairs competed for the Day Dewdney Foursomes Cup.
In favourable weather conditions, the golf was predictably of a high standard and the first four places were competed for sportingly.
Eventual winners were N Grabham and C Knight with 67.5 points from K Babb and K Storey 69, G Hampshire and J Gunter 71.5, and G Mason and P Rees 72.5.
In the afternoon, Nigel Grabham and Gerry Mason were in action again with their respective partners in the final of the Tipper Trophy.
A mixed foursomes knock-out competition played over the winter months concluded on a bright spring day in good golfing conditions.
The early lead went to Mrs Carole Mason and G. Mason, who missed a putt on the third to go three holes up.
Some fine driving and approach play by Mrs Nancy Marshall and N. Grabham brought them back into the game and by the turn it was all square.
Nancy and Nigel won both the eleventh and twelfth holes, where they received shots and although the Masons pulled it back with one down with the eighteenth to play, Nancy and Nigel held their nerve to halve the last and win the match.
Also in the afternoon, the Club team travelled to Oake Manor Golf Club to defend the Challenge Cup and in a wonderful start to Denis Compton’s captain’s year came away with a five wins to one victory.
Oake members made the Minehead team most welcome. The golf was played in an excellent spirit on a drying course in good condition for the time of year.
The result was: D Compton and D Oatridge won one-up, T McGann and G Whalley won five-and-four, D Scott and G Latham won two-up, D J Coles and J Littlewood won four-and-three, R Thresher and H Greswell won five-and-four, and H Compton and D Stevens lost two-and-one.
The next fixtures at the club are on Saturday, when the ‘A’ team takes on Cheddington in the Avalon League, and there is a members’ ladies mixed invitation.

• Our photograph shows the jubilant Tipper Trophy winners Nancy Marshall and Nigel Grabham. Photo submitted.

Spring gala is huge success for heritage railway

THE West Somerset Railway’s six-day Spring Steam Gala event was another highly successful ‘launch’ to the main season for the award-winning heritage line.
Passengers flocked over two weekends to travel behind an array of steam locomotives working an intensive train service between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard.
General manager Paul Conibeare said: “We had a very pleasing first weekend with over 3,000 people travelling over the two days, and the second weekend also saw good levels of business.
“The sunshine on the second Saturday brought out both the enthusiasts and the general public and we had one of our busiest days ever.
“We were also pleased to welcome 395 visitors who travelled on an excursion train from Sheffield and had an enjoyable afternoon either on the railway or in Minehead.
“It will take us a couple of days to finally ratify the passenger figures for the gala as a whole, but we are delighted with the results.”
Apart from the line-up pf historic engines, which included seven ‘guests’ hired-in especially for the gala, there were plenty of other factors which brought the visitors to the railway and the surrounding area.
Amongs them was a Virgin Trains ‘Voyager’ which ran a shuttle service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard, while a free vintage bus service also linked Dunster Station with the village and its castle.
Artist Alan Ward put on an exhibition of his work at Bishops Lydeard, and four new railway books were on sale for the first time, including ‘Return Ticket To Minehead’.
Taunton Model Railway Group also opened its clubroom to visitors, and there were special openings of the locosheds and workshops at Williton and Minehead.
Mr Conibeare paid tribute to the WSR workforce: “Our volunteers and staff put in a lot of hard work in the three months leading up to the gala and during the actual operating days the first workers are on duty at 4 am and the last make their way home around 10 pm.
“It is rewarding to see their efforts producing such satisfactory results for the railway.”

• Our photographs show (top) a steam train preparing to depart Bishops Lydeard and (bottom) a Virgin Voyager alongside Great Western pannier tank number 6412, the first working Great Western steam locomotive purchased by the West Somerset Railway Association. Photos submitted.

Long service award for three decades with heritage railway

TWO servants of the West Somerset Railway present on the day the heritage line reopened on March 28, 1976, are returning for duty at Minehead Station more than 30 years later on March 28 this year.
Don Spencer was on duty in Blue Anchor signal box on the opening day, and on March 28 this year he will be receiving a long-service award before the 10.15 train departs for Bishops Lydeard, running for 20 miles rather than the four which the very first train covered from Minehead to Blue Anchor, five years and two months after the branch line fell victim to Beeching’s ‘Axe’ and was closed.
He brought a wealth of experience to the safe operation of the train services and has since trained many volunteer signalmen who have served the WSR well down the years.
The 10.15 train will be headed by Great Western pannier tank number 6412 (pictured), the first working Great Western steam locomotive purchased by the West Somerset Railway Association.
The 6412 is a ‘Pannier Tank’ of a type which worked lightly loaded branch lines and suburban trains until the 1960s.
It was a mainstay of the WSR into the late 1980s, but as numbers of passengers on the West Somerset have grown, peak-season trains are now too heavy for it to haul.
However, it does its share of work in the early and late seasons, is often hired out to other steam lines for the summer, and has been a popular engine for the railway’s footplate experience courses, giving enthusiasts an opportunity to learn something of the driving and firing skills involved in handling steam engines.
Another regular duty for the engine is the ‘Quantock Belle’ dining train.
Railway general manager Paul Conibeare said: “After the hectic weekends of our Spring Steam Galas which bring thousands of visitors to West Somerset and Taunton Deane it will be good to look back on how the WSR adventure began over three decades ago and to mark Don’s pioneering contribution.
“We also will have time to reflect on the other early volunteers, some of whom are still contributing now and some of whom have passed on.
“Without them and the machines they have lovingly worked on and cared for there would be no West Somerset Railway today.”
Photo contributed.

Denis drives-in golf club's 125th anniversary year

DENIS Compton has been elected to captain the Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club for the 2007-08 season, which is the club’s 125th anniversary year.
Denis, who joined the club in 1978 as a junior, said he was delighted and honoured to be asked to be captain for the anniversary year.
He was looking forward to a full year which would include raising money for his chosen charity the Musgrove Leukaemic Group Somerset.
The Martell Cup, the last competition of outgoing captain Roly Thresher’s year, was played on the day of the annual meeting, and the winner was Gareth Latham.
A bogey competition, the challenge was to beat the par on each hole, and on a blustery day any plus score against par was a good round.
Result: 1 Gareth Latham +2 (level on the back 9), 2 Bruce Baker +2 (-2 on the back 9), 3 Gordon Whalley +1, 4 Tony Bowden 0, 5 Warren Knight –1, 6 Denis Compton –1, 7 Trevor John –1, 8 Andy Atkins –1.
The day after the annual meeting saw the captain’s drive-in, and new Captain Denis Compton braved the blustery conditions to hit three balls down the first.
To mark the occasion of the 125th anniversary year, Denis chose to drive from the old first tee at the side of the clubhouse.
Watched by his dinner guests, he used three different clubs to record distances of 134, 182, and 220 yards, which pleased the three members who won prizes for correctly forecasting the distances.
The Brown Cup competition had been called off earlier that morning because putting was made impossible by strong winds blowing the golf balls off the greens.
The competition was re-arranged for Monday, April 8.

• Our photographs show: TOP –Denis Compton (right) receives his captain’s tie and blazer from retiring captain Roly Thresher. MIDDLE – Martell Cup winner Gareth Latham with the trophy. BOTTOM – New captain Denis Compton driving-in in blustery weather to mark the club’s 125th anniversary. Photos submitted.

Exmoor affordable homes for rent to local people only

SIX new homes being built on Exmoor by Magna West Somerset Housing Association are expected to be completed by mid-June.
The development in Pixton Way, Dulverton, is part of Magna’s commitment to providing more affordable housing to communities across West Somerset.
The six properties will be made available for rent and provide a mixture of family homes, flats, and a bungalow.
They will be let in accordance with Exmoor National Park Authority’s planning policy, which aims to help local communities with their housing needs.
To be successfully nominated as a tenant, residents will need to meet local connection criteria set by the park authority.
The criteria includes 10 years’ continuous residence in the parish or an adjoining one in the national park, or needing to live in the parish to care for somebody who has lived there for 10 years, or a need to live in the parish as an essential part of employment.
Anybody interested in finding out further details about how they could be considered for one of the Pixton Way homes should contact the park authority’s rural housing enabler, Colin Savage, by telephoning 01398 322249.

East Wharf regeneration plans now stretch to nearby areas

RESIDENTS of Watchet are being invited to attend one or both of two community events organised to provide them with up to date information on enhancements to a planned multi-million pound regeneration of the town’s East Wharf.
Homes, offices, retail, and community units are due to be built on the West Somerset Council-owned East Wharf site by developers Urban Splash, with work starting next year.
But now the council and Urban Splash want to extend the scope of the regeneration to include Harbour Road and even the nearby Watchet Boat Museum.
The community participation events are being held in Watchet Methodist Church Hall from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday, March 30, and from 12 noon to 5 pm on Saturday, March 31.
Council corporate director Adrian Dyer said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to see the development’s design details and to discuss the project with representatives from the scheme’s developer, Urban Splash.
“The new enhancements will enable the residential, commercial, and retail elements of the development to function independently of, but in harmony with, the day-to-day activities of a working marina.”
The enhancements, which will be funded by Urban Splash, include:

• Provision of new flexible boat storage and car parking arrangements in Harbour Road car park


• Improvement works to the current boat museum building to allow it to be converted as a boat workshop


• Demolition and relocation of the taxi kiosk at the entrance to Harbour Road


• Purchasing associated installation site works for a fixed boat hoist, including a tractor and trailer/cradle


• Works to reconfigure and enhance Swain Street car park, including the proposed demolition of existing garages and public conveniences


• The provision of a new bus stop, coach parking, and a new taxi kiosk and associated taxi rank


• Replacement public conveniences

The multi-million pound scheme is scheduled to start in the spring of 2008 and is set to transform the East Wharf.
The scheme includes 86 one and two-bedroom apartments, commercial space designed to accommodate a bistro and retail units, and community space which could be used to accommodate a museum/cultural area, meeting rooms, and town council and tourist information offices.
There will be some retail space and enhanced facilities for the marina, including offices, a laundry, and changing rooms.
Artist's impression submitted.

Gala weekend steams to early success for heritage railway

THE first weekend of the West Somerset Railway’s Spring Steam Gala saw 3,295 passengers riding on the trains over the 20 miles of line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, making it a huge success. A dozen steam locomotives were in action, ranging from the small tank engine ‘Kilmersdon’ shunting at Washford Station to mighty express locomotives, including 34007 ‘Wadebridge’ and Great Western ‘Castle’ class 5051 ‘Earl Bathurst’.
Four new books were launched at the gala, including a collection of memories of the Minehead line pre-1971 titled ‘Return Ticket To Minehead’, a volume of cartoons by railway artist Alan Ward, who had a temporary gallery at Bishops Lydeard Station, and new editions of the West Somerset Railway’s own ‘Stock Book’ and ‘Stations and Buildings Book’.
These helped to make sure that the shops along the line had a busy time and many travellers also took advantage of the buffet and catering facilities on offer, including the railway’s new buffet coach at Minehead.
Many visitors travelled to the gala by the free bus service operating to Bishops Lydeard from Taunton Railway Station and the park and ride car park at Silk Mills, while others used the Virgin Voyager train shuttle rail service.
The WSR also ran a free vintage bus service between Dunster Station and Dunster village.
West Somerset Railway general manager Paul Conibeare said: “Our 2006 Spring Gala marked the passing of the much-loved Somerset and Dorset line and set records that we thought we might struggle to match.
“So, to find ourselves with what is shaping up to be an even more successful event is very pleasing and a great reward for all the volunteers and staff who put so much effort into making the galas attractive for both enthusiasts and the public.”
The gala continues on Thursday, March 22, through to Sunday, March 25, the Thursday and Friday being ‘quieter' days without the Virgin Train or the Dunster Bus links, and operating and ‘only’ nine trains each way rather than the 14 which run on the Saturday and Sunday.
Fuller details can be obtained by telephoning 01643 704996 or visiting www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.
Photos submitted.

Villagers' willow project to go on show in Brompton Regis

RESIDENTS of Brompton Regis will be showing off newly-acquired skills in working with willow on Good Friday, when the whole village is being invited to celebrate the completion of a special project which has been taking place during the past few months.
ARTlife, West Somerset’s arts consortium, working in partnership with West Somerset Council, has organised three village community arts projects across Exmoor recently, thanks to funding from Arts Council England South West.
More than 30 people have taken part in workshops, led by Joolz Doncaster, each making various pieces.
Project co-ordinator Jan Ross said: “We have been delighted with the response from so many members of the community.
“Young people have been involved, as well as some of the more senior members of the village.
“The children started by making boats, to learn the basic techniques of creating a base and then weaving willow onto their frame.
“They then progressed to three dimensional pieces, and now come along each Saturday afternoon, having decided themselves what they want to make - they have shown great creativity and ingenuity with their creations.”
The adults have been attending weekday or Saturday morning sessions and many have recently tackled making animals, including several pigs and a badger.
Those who have taken part will be working on special pieces using living willow, outside on the village’s Millennium Green from April 3.
A bower and a tepee are planned and the whole village has been invited to a special celebration on the green on Good Friday, when the new structures will be unveiled and to view an exhibition of all the pieces made during the project.
Hot cross buns and an Easter egg hunt will also be on offer.
“We hope as many people as possible will join us to look at all the wonderful work created in the village,” said Joolz.
“Even if the weather is against us, we will have all the pieces on show in the village hall.”
Photo submitted.

Council gives £280,000 for low-interest local home improvement loans

A FURTHER £70,000 has been pledged by West Somerset Council to a partnership offering low interest home loans for local people, making a total investment of £280,000 this year.
The loans are available via council partners Wessex Home Improvement Loans to local homeowners on low incomes who need to make essential repairs or improvements to their homes, but who cannot afford to borrow at high street interest rates.
Council environmental health manager Ian Timms said: “Specialist advisers help borrowers select the scheme that is most suited to their circumstances.
“They look at people’s income and expenditure and discuss how much they can comfortably afford to borrow.
“As well as support from a specialist adviser from Wessex Home Improvement Loans, an officer from West Somerset Council will inspect the finished work to confirm the work has been completed to an acceptable standard.”
There are three possible loan products - a capital repayment scheme, an interest-only scheme, and an interest roll-up scheme.
The maximum loan available is £15,000 and the loans are offered at a fixed rate of three per cent.
People borrowing £5,000 on an interest-only basis would have a monthly repayment of only £12.50.
Melanie Allen, an adviser with the council’s partner 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.
“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 is 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 the £280,000 cheque being presented by West Somerset Council Environmental Health Manager Ian Timms to Somerset Coast Home Improvement Partnership home improvement officer Judy Ernest (left) and Wessex Home Improvement Loans adviser Melanie Allen. Photo submitted.

Unsung parish champions honoured by district council

SOME of the unsung heroes of West Somerset have been honoured at a ‘Parish Champions’ award ceremony organised by West Somerset Council.
Parish Champions were nominated by local people and parish councils in recognition of the significant or outstanding contribution they had made in improving the lives or environment of others.
They were presented with framed hand-written scrolls and presentation pens by district council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence, and council chairman Councillor Pam Driver.
They will also receive individual photographs of their presentation.
Councillor Lawrence said: “I am delighted that we have been able to recognise the excellent services these people have given to their communities.
“They really are our local heroes.
“They have improved the lives and the environment around them for the benefit of others.
“I am proud of, and humbled by, their selfless dedication.”
The Parish Champions for 2007 were:
Donald Parsons, of Withycombe.
Kevin Escott and Georgina Charnock, of Minehead.
Allan Searle, of Stogoursey.
Jean Howe, Betty Penny, and David Wilkins, of Watchet.
David Lamacraft, and Judy and Robin Hewison, of Dunster.
Joe Westerdale, of Porlock.
Shirley Dee, Eddie May, and Roger, Liz, Katherine, and Megan Peeks, from Williton.
The Dulverton Co-responders, from Dulverton.
There was also a special presentation of flowers and chocolates to the directors of Westlabb Ltd, for its services to the district.
The not-for-profit organisation has provided IT training to more than 300 local residents at venues in their own parishes via the Exmoor Community Computer Centre, and provided wireless broadband to Crowcombe, Brompton Regis, and Luxborough.

• Our photograph shows Councillors Pam Driver and Christine Lawrence seated, front centre, with the Parish Champions. Photo submitted.

Lib Dem power grab bid 'shockingly unpopular'

PLANS by Somerset County Council leader, Councillor Cathy Bakewell (pictured), to abolish West Somerset Council and for all local government services to be taken over by her Liberal Democrat group have been given a massive vote of no confidence by the public.
Across Somerset, people opposed Councillor Bakewell’s plans for a new super-size council by more than three-to-one, according to a public opinion poll conducted by the YouGov polling company.
The survey showed that for every person who thought the scheme wouldl lead to lower Council Tax bills, a staggering 10 people believed it would actually lead to higher council taxes.
The result compares with one of Councillor Bakewell’s main arguments in favour of the super-size council, which she says would save money.
Key findings from the YouGov poll included:

• 67 per cent of respondents thought it was a bad idea to create a large, single unitary authority for the whole of Somerset
• 61 per cent thought local services (such as street cleaning, road maintenance and refuse collection) would be worse under the county council’s plans
• 63 per cent thought the county council’s plans would weaken democracy in Somerset
• 74 per cent thought council tax would go up if there was a unitary council

The poll findings dealt a serious blow to Councillor Bakewell’s power grab ambitions as the recent Government White Paper on local government reform said any proposals for change had to carry popular support.
Given the likelihood Councillor Bakewell’s proposals would lead to a migration of jobs away from smaller towns in Somerset towards the regional centre of Taunton, respondents were also asked if they thought the plans would be good or bad for the economy of Somerset outside of Taunton.
Seventy-one per cent of respondents 4thought the plans would be bad.
West Somerset Council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence, who is opposed to the unitary bid, said: “This poll is the most comprehensive and independent test of public opinion that has been held in Somerset.
“It shows quite clearly that the county council’s plans are shockingly unpopular.
“You really would have to try quite hard to come up with proposals that were more unpopular than this.
“Against this background, I simply cannot see how the Government could allow the county council to proceed with these reorganisation plans.” Photo submitted.

Bus and car vandals leave trail of damage across Minehead

WITNESSES and information are being sought by police after a series of cars and buses in Minehead were damaged by vandals.
It happened on the town’s Mart Road industrial estate and in nearby residential roads some time between 12 midnight and 4.45 am on Saturday, March 17.
The offenders entered a compound in Brunel Way, where buses were parked overnight and stole emergency hammers from the vehicles.
Three buses then had their windows smashed and the same culprits are believed to have gone on to damage cars which were parked along Hawksworth Road, Fownes Road, Alcombe Road, Field End, and Whitegate Road.At the time of writing, 18 vehicles had been reported to police as damaged.Police have been carrying out house to house inquiries in the area, but are keen to hear from anybody who may have witnessed any of the damage taking place, or who might know the offenders involved.
Anybody who can help should contact police through the secure Crimestoppers contact form at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspxOr, they can call the Crimestoppers freephone line on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name and where they could receive a reward.

• Our photo shows the Mart Road industrial estate. Photo submitted.

West Somerset Railway wins travel trade award

THE West Somerset Railway has won a travel trade award after attending the British Travel Trade Fair, held in the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.
The exhibition helped the railway to make new contacts in the travel industry and allowed useful face-to-face conversations with management and representatives of existing customers of the line.
The railway’s stand also won the exhibition’s award for best overall participation, which was given on the basis of the quality of the stand, the staff’s approach, and the amount of work carried out before the show to make contacts and seek new business.
WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said: “Given the size and resources of some of the participating companies and organisations it reflects very well on the WSR and the commercial department that they should be so highly thought of by a gathering of hard-headed tourism trade professionals.
“Apart from the certificate, we are confident that this will lead on to more business coming to Somerset in the future.”

• Our photograph shows railway commercial manager Martyn Snell and tours officer Samantha Minter at the Minehead Station with the certificate.
  Photo submitted.

Quaker banner reminds people slavery exists 200 years after abolition

A BANNER is going on display in Minehead’s public library during April to commemorate the 200th anniversary of a Parliamentary Bill being passed to abolish the slave trade in the British colonies.
It has been made by a number of Minehead Quakers, who chose words to represent the human right to a life of freedom and then made panels to illustrate them.
An embroidered section is based on pictures drawn by children to show some of their favourite activities, which would have been denied to children in slavery.
The project was the idea of Angela Birch, of Watchet, and will normally be displayed in the Quaker Meeting House, in Bancks Street, Minehead.
It will also be exhibited in other places during the year, and postcards of it will be for sale from the Under the Rainbow shop, in Friday Street, Minehead.
The bicentennial is on March 25, but, 200 years on, Chris Lawson, co-clerk of the Minehead Quaker Meeting, said: “Many forms of slavery still exist.
“It is hoped that the banner will help people want to work for freedom and human rights today.”

• Our photographs show the banner itself, and the banner being held outside the Quaker Meeting House by (left to right) Maggie King, who helped to make it, Jamahl Cummings, one of those whose pictures is at the foot of the banner, and project originator Angela Birch. Photos by Chris Lawson.

Sir Ranulph conquers Eiger North Face for charity

EXMOOR-based explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who admits to suffering vertigo, has scaled the North Face of the Eiger after a five-day climb of one of the most difficult and dangerous mountains in the world.
The mountain in the Swiss Alps is 6,000 ft of mainly sheer rock face and ice, giving it a daunting reputation among the world’s climbers.
Sir Ranulph, aged 63, who lives near Exford, only took up climbing two years ago and has already also attempted to climb Mount Everest in a fund-raiser for the British Heart Foundation.
He undertook the Eiger challenge to raise £1.5 million for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Delivering Choice Programme.
He said: “This will revolutionise end-of-life care in the UK and aims to double the number of terminally ill people who can be cared for and die in their own homes.
“I have watched my nearest and dearest die of cancer and I understand the huge difference this choice can make.”
With Sir Ranulph on the Eiger Challenge were UK climber Kenton Cool and mountain photographer Ian Parnell.
They followed the classic route which was pioneered by members of a German-Austrian expedition who were the first to conquer the Eiger’s North Face in 1938.
On his MySpace blog, Sir Ranulph wrote: “It felt pretty good to reach the summit. We started yesterday with the Traverse of the Gods.
“Had I known that ‘it’ was part of the thing, and that it was, I won’t use a rude word, but ‘bloody’ difficult, I don’t think I would have done it. Not even for Marie Curie.
“I knew it was going to be a difficult climb. But I thought it would be more like the practise climbs I have been doing with Kenton around Chamonix and the Alps - just a more difficult version of that. Not the nightmarish thing that it actually was.
“So, much as I am very pleased that we succeeded in getting to the top, and I am really hoping for big money for our charity, to be honest it is more than I would have wanted to have taken on.
“I think I will have nightmares for a long time over the Traverse for the Gods. My policy of not looking down just was not possible. There was nowhere but down. I had to look down to find the next foothold because it is so totally vertical.”
Ian Parnell said he was particularly proud of Sir Ranulph’s achievement.
He said: “It is quite inspirational for somebody who, when he was first interested in the project two years or so ago, you would not call a climber in any way.
“For him to then do a route like the North Face of the Eiger, which by any climber’s reckoning is one of the big tough routes of the climbing world, it is impressive.”
Anybody who wants to support Sir Ranulph’s Eiger challenge can go to www.mariecurie.org.uk/eigerchallenge or http://www.justgiving.com/EigerChallenge.
His Myspace blog is at http://www.myspace.com/ranulphfiennes.
The Eiger Challenge was made possible by the following sponsors: HIGHSTONE Group Ltd, Motorola, Mountain Equipment, Grand Regina Hotel in Grindelwald, Swiss International Airlines, Switzerland Tourism, ARA (Artists Rifle Association), Europcar, Air Glaciers, Jungfrau Railways, The Met Office (UK), Meteotest, The Swiss Weather Bureau, Sutter Druck AG, and Grindelwald Tourismus.

Photo submitted.

Modern-day 'pitchfork rebellion' goes to Westminster to save West Somerset

WEST Somerset Council was among a delegation of councillors, trades unionists, and chief executives who lobbied MPs in London on Wednesday, March 14, as a campaign was stepped up to defeat Somerset County Council’s unitary authority plans.
Liberal Democrats at County Hall, Taunton, want to abolish local district councils in Somerset and take over all local government services in a move which would see their ‘salaries’ jump enormously to match the extra responsibilities.
But the political move by Lib Dem county council leader Councillor Cathy Bakewell, who already earns more than £40,000 a year from her role, has attracted strong criticism from people who fear planning decisions in, say Porlock, would be made by councillors in Frome.
Councillor Bakewell, who has so far failed even to secure the support of all of her Lib Dem members, would head one of the largest unitary authorities in England if the Government approved the reorganisation.
Local Conservative MP Ian Liddell-Grainger and Euro MP Neil Parish are among those who oppose creating a super-size council.
Representatives from all five of Somerset’s district councils joined forces with members of the local government union UNISION for the delegation trip to Westminster.
They delivered a dossier of evidence against Councillor Bakewell’s proposals to Ruth Kelly, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
The delegation was met by members of the Sealed Knot, light-heartedly invoking the spirit of the ‘Pitchfork Rebellion’ of 1685.
The rebellion, which was led by the Duke of Monmouth and supported by the county’s farmers and peasants, was, in some senses, the first battle for democratic rights in Somerset.
Councillor Bakewell’s proposals follow a decision by the Department for Communities and Local Government to explore the development of more unitary authorities around the country.
The government favours unitary authorities if they save money and have popular support.
In Somerset, however, Councillor Bakewell’s super-size council ambitions have been independently calculated to cost ratepayers £7 million.
West Somerset Council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence, said: “The county’s plans are ill thought out and badly timed.
“A single unitary authority for Somerset would be bad for local democracy, bad for local services, and bad for the local economy.
“These plans really ought to be withdrawn immediately. Rural areas will not get the representation that they clearly want, need, and are used to.”
Nigel Osborne, from UNISON, said: “It is clear from the county council’s proposals that many jobs will be lost and many more will move from local towns into the regional centre at Taunton.
“My real fear is that a single, super-size council in Somerset would have no alternative but to cut council services as it fought to pay the huge costs of becoming a unitary authority.”
A Government announcement on which unitary proposals will be allowed to proceed to the next stage of the process is expected by the end of March.
Photos submitted.

Top-performing recycling centre in sudden closure for revamp

THE household waste recycling centre in Minehead - one of the top-performing in Somerset - is closed for three weeks.
Residents who use the centre in Mart Road from time to time suddenly found a printed notice attached to a bin outside the gates this week announcing the closure.
But Somerset County Council, which runs the centre, denied it had failed to keep the public informed of the impending closure.
The site is undergoing safety works and will have a new lay-out when it reopens.
In the meantime, however, there was no information available to the public on where to take their waste.
County council spokesman Jan Hookings told The Crier the closure was so ‘essential safety works can be carried out and a new site layout introduced’.
Mrs Hookings said: “Notices have been up on site for the past month and visitors over the past three weeks have been given flyers when visiting the site.
“Efforts are being made to keep disruption to a minimum.
“Local recycling banks for cans, paper and glass will remain available at Alexandra car park and Tesco car park, and at similar sites in the town.
“We have made every effort to try and keep people informed of this disruption and apologise for any inconvenience caused to people who only visit the site occasionally.”

• Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010106. Order image reprints online at http://www.tcpbymtp.co.uk/.

'Purple Alliance' poll bid to take over district council

A CO-ORDINATED bid to wrest control of West Somerset District Council from the present Conservative administration will be launched at the quadrennial elections due to take place in May.
Around 20 ‘Independent’ candidates will stand for election in a co-ordinated campaign echoing the television comedy-drama The Amazing Mrs Pritchard.
In the television series, a supermarket manageress decides to run for election as an Independent MP, then suddenly finds herself leading a Purple Alliance party, and becomes the Prime Minister.
The parallel West Somerset scenario is being led by retired Dulverton shopkeeper Keith Ross (pictured), who is a sitting district councillor, with the backing of Minehead shopkeeper Graham Sizer.
They have rallied people to put up as ‘Independents’ at the May elections, although the group is closely linked with the Liberal Democrats.
Mr Sizer was formerly chairman of the Lib Dem-created pressure group Direct, and he also nominated the Lib Dem candidate, Ian Galloway, in the controversial Somerset County Council elections of 2005 when sitting Conservative councillor Colin Hill was ousted from his Minehead seat.
Councillor Ross admitted to The Crier that the ‘Independent’ group of candidates had been called together for a first meeting which had been hosted by a Liberal Democrat.
However, Mr Sizer denied being involved in any interviewing of potential ‘Independent’ candidates or screening of them to select candidates in order that they did not stand against each other in a particular ward and split the vote.
Mr Sizer said:” It has been blown up out of all proportion. There is no politics involved.
“There is a group just like any other group of politicians. There are a lot of people out there who are fed up with how the council is being run at the moment.
“They are good people. They just need a help in getting around the protocols of things. There has never been any screening. It is a hell of a broad platform.
“There has been no agenda in anything as far as bringing the ‘Independents’ together under one umbrella.”
Mr Sizer said he did not know how The Crier columnist Dudley Seale had formed the impressed that he had been asked to go before a ‘selection panel’ when he expressed an interest in standing for the council.
Councillor Ross said the next ‘Independent’ group meeting would be on neutral ground at the Queens Hall, Minehead.
However, the premises are owned by former Labour councillor Marcus Kravis – and Labour members at County Hall have helped to keep the Lib Dem administration in power.
Councillor Ross said the meeting on March 21 was for anybody ‘with a mind of their own’, which meant ‘somebody who is not led by a political party’.
He said: “We will give them our support to get them elected, ‘we’ being the existing members of the council who are Independent.
“There is help readily available through the Independent group at the Local Government Association, which is there to help councillors and candidates to get a foot on the ladder.
“They do not become an Independent political party. There are no group meetings. All decisions are made in open debate in front of the community, not behind closed doors as political parties do, and it will include all members of the council in that initial debate.
“Many of the people I have been talking to will be quite happy not to be a controlling group. They are happy for the best person to do the job.
“If that means Roger Webber (Conservative) is the best person to run finance, then that will be his job – if he gets re-elected.
“We have about 20 candidates at the moment. It will be interesting to see if another 11 come out of the woodwork on the 21st and we can cover the whole district.
“We are also keen that people represent the community in which they live. Somebody living in Dulverton, for instance, would not do justice representing the Quantock Vale ward.”
Photo submitted.

Red Nose Day needs you on March 16

Taste of the Continent comes to Minehead market

A TASTE of the Continent is coming to West Somerset with up to 40 French and European stallholders joining the Minehead Farmers’ Market to offer a feast of fresh produce to local gourmets.
West Somerset Council has liaised with Amber Markets Ltd, a specialist organiser of markets for French and other European traders, and has arranged a four-day trial running from Thursday, March 29, to Sunday, April 1, inclusive.
The council’s economic development and business portfolio holder, Councillor Nick Messarra, said: “The local farmers market has been very successful and we hope that by offering local people a wider choice of produce, the markets will attract even more shoppers to Minehead.
“People will be able to buy superb local food and enjoy a new range of excellent Continental foods in one big market.
“If this trial is successful, we hope to run more of these joint markets on an occasional basis.
“We hope it will continue to encourage people from the surrounding villages, as well as tourists, to come into Minehead to shop.
“Extra customers will boost sales for local traders and that is great news for the local economy.”
The market will take place from 8.30 am to 5.50 pm daily in the middle section of The Avenue, which means closing the road from the Summerland Avenue car park entrance to the corners of North Road and Tregonwell Road between 6 am and 7.30 pm.
Traffic will be diverted and residents’ parking made available in the North Road and Summerland car parks, while the bus stop outside Woolworth’s will be temporarily relocated to Blenheim Road.
The council’s market towns regeneration officer, Pete Vallance, said, “We are aiming to bring a wider range of produce to local residents and encourage visitors to stay in Minehead longer, which means they will spend more money in our local shops.
“The local economy will also receive a boost because the new stall holders and their helpers will need accommodation in the area.
“We are working with highways, the police, private and public transport providers, Minehead Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses to minimise any traffic flow problems, and we hope to work with local residents to see how we can minimise any disruption to them.”
Pedestrian access to all properties in the area will remain and it is proposed to make residents’ parking available in North Road and Summerland car parks.
Deliveries for traders and businesses will be accommodated, and although there is scope to temporarily relocate the bus stop outside Woolworth’s to Blenheim Road, the Bancks Street bus stop will be unaffected.
The proposed alternative route for traffic from the eastern end of the closure would be to divert it along North Road into Blenheim Road, and back to The Parade, and vice versa.
Mr Vallance said: “Taunton has a pedestrianised area that naturally lends itself to these markets.
“We do not have that luxury in Minehead but we are sure that by working together, we can minimise disruption and provide all the benefits that these markets bring to our local residents in West Somerset.”
A representative of West Somerset Council will be on-site or in the immediate vicinity of the market throughout the four-day trial, as will a market co-ordinator from Amber Markets.

Photos of Minehead Farmers' Market submitted.

Extraordinary Kevin shows how to overcome challenges

A CALENDAR for 2007 from the Supporting People Partnership illustrates the tales of 13 extraordinary Somerset people - but none from West Somerset.
The ‘Supporting Extraordinary People Calendar 2007’ features people from across all the other areas of Somerset and describes how they overcame great challenges to achieve their goals.
However, details of West Somerset’s extraordinary residents were received after the print deadline for the partnership, which is led by Somerset County Council.
Now, though, The Crier can reveal the story of one such extraordinary person, Kevin (pictured), who lives in Watchet and has learning and concentration difficulties, which in the past has caused him to rebel.
With support, Kevin is now happy with his life, and he attends craft sessions with other tenants in his extra care housing community, which has helped with his concentration.
He makes cards which are sold at a Christmas fayre the residents organise each year to raise money for the scheme’s social fund and for outings.
Kevin enjoys this challenge and says he wants to make the most of his skills. He feels relaxed and at home in his extra care housing, which provides additional support to that which would be received in sheltered accommodation.
Kevin’s story is just one among many which the Supporting People Partnership comes across.
The problems faced by Kevin and other ‘extraordinary’ people include homelessness, significant illness, and family breakdown.
With the help of Supporting People services, they have rebuilt their lives and now look forward to a happier future.
The partnership all five of Somerset’s district councils, the NHS and the Probation Service, ensuring the right balance of support services is available for people across the county who are experiencing difficult times in their lives.
Supporting People services help people remain independent and live fulfilling lives, enabling them to reach their potential.
Copies of the calendar have been sent to local MPs, councillors, GP surgeries, and to representatives of the police, health and social services.
It is intended to help raise awareness of Supporting People services and show how, with support and a secure home, people can turn their lives around and fulfil their potential.
More information about Supporting People services in Somerset is available by visiting the website www.spdirectory.gov.uk or by telephoning Somerset Direct on 0845 345 9133.

Photo submitted.

Exmoor community art project reaches Winsford

A START has been made on a new and exciting stage of a community arts service developed over the past six years by ARTlife, the West Somerset arts consortium which works in partnership with West Somerset Council.
The ARTLife community arts development service is run for and by the people of the district, working in many different ways.
Residents of Wheddon Cross and Brompton Regis have already taken part in the project.
Wheddon Cross residents held a series of stained glass workshops during the autumn and contributed their ideas for a larger piece of work - a stained glass window for their recently refurbished village hall, which is currently being created by arts worker Avril Silk with help from local people.
In Brompton Regis, residents have recently started on a series of willow workshops to learn the skills needed to make individual small pieces with arts worker, Joolz Doncaster.
They will shortly begin to design and create a larger willow structure for their Millennium Green over the Easter holidays.
Now, residents of Winsford, led by the village hall committee, have spent time considering all the possibilities and have decided to look at making a tiled wall mural for the village hall, which is currently undergoing major refurbishment.
An introduction to the project is being held in the village hall at 10.30 am on Saturday, March 17, when anybody who is interested can attend and meet Simon Wyard and Anna Fraser to see a demonstration of their work and ‘have-a-go’ with some clay.
Following the first session, people in Winsford will then have the opportunity to attend further sessions during the next few months, to start on their own small mural for their home, and, at the same time, plan the larger village hall mural.
Project co-ordinator Jan Ross said: “We hope people will come along to the first session so that we can involve as many as possible, whether by just giving us their ideas for the final piece, learning the skills involved in making small pieces, or assisting Simon and Anna with the final mural.
“We have had a staggering amount of interest in the project so far, with 27 people
taking part in Wheddon Cross and 25 people in Brompton Regis, far more than we were expecting.”
Further information is available from Jan Ross by telephoning 01398 323818, or emailing janaross2003@yahoo.co.uk.
Image submitted.

Marco launches Jive Bar dance club in Minehead

FORMER national jive dance champion Marco Grove is to launch a regular Thursday evening club called The Jive Bar, based in The Hobby Horse public house, Minehead.
Marco, who moved to West Somerset two years ago, gave a demonstration of the country’s fastest-growing partner dance during the recent West Somerset Business Fair.
Together with a partner who had received just eight hours’ tuition, he presented a choreographed piece of work which fused many different dance styles into one.
The Jive Bar opens on March 15 and is designed for people who have never danced before, using all styles of music from 40s swing to the latest chart hits.
Marco, who previously taught jive in the Midlands, said: “It is easy to learn and it is a really good social evening out.
“The whole thing about the dance is about creating a really good feeling within people so they can achieve things and be inspired and build confidence.”

More information is available on 07970 718358.

• Our photograph shows Marco with partner giving a demonstration at the business fair. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M010114. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Mignon's vindalho becomes an English favourite

TRADITIONAL steak and kidney pudding has been beaten as a favourite English dish, by a pork vindalho from West Somerset.
The choice of an Indian recipe from Mignon Johnson was unanimous by all five judges of a cook-off broadcast on UKTV Food prime time television.
The pork vindalho was cooked by celebrity chef Antony Worrall-Thompson for the show, The People’s Cook Book, which is a nationwide hunt for favourite family recipes best reflecting British contemporary food culture.
Mignon, who runs The Saffron Kitchen from her home in Lydeard St Lawrence, was up against a steak and kidney pudding cooked by another TV chef, Paul Rankin.
Said Mignon: “Everybody thought the steak and kidney would be a natural winner, and even Antony Worrall-Thompson said we would never get the vote of the Women’s Institute judge.
"But the judges all loved it, even the WI lady, and they commented on the delicious range of flavours and how they were surprised that it was not too hot.
“It was great to meet Antony Worrall-Thompson, he is a really nice person with a great sense of humour and is so knowledgeable about food, but I think we surprised even him.”
Mignon’s pork vindalho recipe can be downloaded from the UKTV Food website and it is also planned to be included in a book of the series, which celebrates home cooking.
Publicity surrounding the show has already produced an upsurge in orders for The Saffron Kitchen’s range of traditional home-cooked Indian food, which is available to suit any budget for weddings, dinners, banquets, parties, and corporate entertainment.
Mignon, who is an Indian national, said: “We have added pork vindalho to our regular dishes to meet demand at the farmers’ markets we attend in Minehead, Cotford St Luke, Wellington, Taunton, Crewkerne, Glastonbury, and Exeter, and we have also put it on our standard dinner menu.
“We are also finding more and more retailers want to stock our products.”
The pork vindalho recipe was handed down by Mignon’s mother, who cooked it at home in India whenever a celebration was held.
Mignon said: “I chose pork vindalho for the television programme because I know people think Indian food is blisteringly hot and I wanted to show that it can be can be quite mild enough to be eaten by all the family and what really matters is how you blend the flavours.
“Every dish we prepare at The Saffron Kitchen is real authentic Indian food with each of our sauces individually prepared with a combination of spices blended to recipes handed down through generations of my family so that they taste just as they would in India.
“We cater for all tastes, from the very mild right through to blisteringly hot if that is what people want, and we use as much locally-sourced produce as we can.”
The Saffron Kitchen now supplies select retail shops and delicatessens with its range of authentic home-cooked ready meals, including the SPAR shop, in Wiveliscombe, Bicknoller Village Stores, and the village shop in Stawley.
More information about The Saffron Kitchen and the pork vindalho recipe is available from Mignon and husband Andrew Johnson by telephoning 01984 656931 or emailing to enquiries@thesaffronkitchen.co.uk or by visiting the website www.thesaffronkitchen.co.uk.
They are also attending the Exeter Festival of South West England Food and Drink on March 30 and 31 and April 1.
The Saffron Kitchen is supported by the Exmoor and Quantocks Food Links and also by the European Regional Development Fund.

• Our photograph shows Mignon Johnson with some of the range of food products she uses for The Saffron Kitchen. Photo by Anita Corbin.