Cult band Portishead to make Christmas comeback at Butlins

BUTLINS has pulled off an entertainments coup at its Minehead resort with the announcement that cult band Portishead will be playing their first full live concert for nearly 10 years.
The British band will be the next curators and will be performing exclusively at ‘All Tomorrow's Parties, Nightmare Before Christmas’, which takes place on December 7, 8, and 9.
‘All Tomorrow's Parties’ was started in 1999 as an alternative to festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading, and previous curators have included indie bands Mogwai and Sonic Youth in the UK, and Simpsons creator Matt Groening, in the US.
Portishead said in a statement on their Myspace page: “We have always loved the All Tomorrow's Parties set up and we're happy our first shows will be there.
“It is great to have the opportunity to introduce bands we love or have influenced us.
“We have chosen a diverse collection of artists to play with us and we are really looking forward to it.”
The band said details of the All Tomorrow's Parties line up would be announced on its Myspace page and also on the website http://www.atpfestival.com/.
Portishead were pioneers of tri-hop music and their debut album Dummy won the Mercury Prize in 1995.
A follow-up album, Portishead, came out in 1997, after which little happened until an unannounced acoustic performance in Bristol in February of this hear, when they said they were close to finishing a third album on which they had been working for some years.
Details of tickets and available accommodation can be obtained via http://www.atpfestival.com/.
Photos submitted.

New look to leadership of West Somerset Council

WATCHET Councillor Jenny Hill has been elected chairman of West Somerset Council, succeeding Councillor Pam Driver, who lost her seat in this month’s elections.
Councillor John Walker, who represents Minehead South, was elected vice-chairman.
Councillor Hill said: “I would like to thank Pam for the work she has done for the council as chairman over the last year.
“I am delighted to be taking on the role and look forward to working with all councillors.
“Over half of the council is newly elected and we are looking forward to training so that we are up to speed with the systems, and ready to move issues forward.”
Dulverton and Brushford Councillor Keith Ross (pictured) was elected as leader of the council, and Councillor Simon Stokes, who represents Alcombe East, was appointed deputy leader.
Councillor Ross said: “I am looking forward to serving the communities of West Somerset, and will take heed of their wishes.
“We will continue with the capital programme although there will be a review of projects and some elements of the corporate plan to ensure that the projects we deliver are of high quality and meet the needs of local people and businesses.
“I am looking forward to working with the other 30 members of the council, and value the contribution that all councillors can make to achieving the best for West Somerset.
“We aim to bring improvements that will benefit the social and economic well-being of local people, and increase business opportunities for prosperity and growth wherever possible.”
Cabinet Portfolio Holders appointed were:

• Housing, Health and Welfare - Peter Humber
• Finance - Doug Ross
• Economic Development and Tourism - Mike Downes
• Leisure, Culture, and Recreation - Neil Parbrook
• Environment - Jon Freeman
• Youth and Community - Eddie May
• Internal Resources - Simon Stokes

Photo submitted.

£5.4 million vocational education centre to open in autumn of 2008

A HUGE increase in learning opportunities is on the way for West Somerset with the final go-ahead being given for a new £5.4 million skills and enterprise centre based in the West Somerset Community College, Minehead.
The final element of funding required to create the new centre has been confirmed, which means the first students can expect to enrol for courses as soon as September of next year.
The skills and enterprise centre will give young people and adults in West Somerset an opportunity to access high quality vocational education and training, leading to qualifications and skills which will help them succeed in the future.
The new facilities will be used to provide training in subjects including automotive engineering, construction, health and beauty, hospitality and catering, health and social care, and land-based skills.
The centre has been funded by the Learning and Skills Council and the European Regional Development Fund.
It is the first part of a New Horizons Project which newly-elected Independent councillors on West Somerset Council were campaigning against during the run-up to this month’s elections.
However, the new leader of West Somerset Council, Councillor Keith Ross, said: “Children and adults will benefit from the learning and training opportunities that the new centre will provide, and local businesses will benefit from being able to recruit qualified local people.
“Better career opportunities lead to higher wages which will improve social and economic standards in West Somerset, so we welcome the confirmation of funding for the new centre.”
The project is a partnership between the district council, Somerset County Council, Somerset Primary Care Trust, and the community college.
It aims to create opportunities for people to lead healthy lifestyles and raise their skills levels, which in turn will contribute significantly to the economic development of West Somerset.
College principal Nick Swann said: “This national flagship project represents another major breakthrough for the college.
“For several years, staff have been working with other training partners and potential funding bodies to develop more innovative approaches to the delivery of specialist vocational courses.
“This state-of-the-art centre, with the excellent facilities it will provide, will enable us to extend our curriculum to meet the individual needs of many more students, as well as the wider community.
“The outcome will be a much broader range of career opportunities for learners in West Somerset.”
Minehead’s Somerset county Councillor Ian Galloway said: “The skills and enterprise centre will provide an important and much-needed resource. I am proud that it is set to be built in Minehead.”
County council education portfolio holder, Councillor Gloria Cawood, said: “Currently, students from this area hoping to study subjects such as construction have to travel to Bridgwater or Taunton.
“That is a challenge to their learning and the extra miles travelled increase pollution. I am very pleased that we have secured significant new educational opportunities in West Somerset.”
Photo submitted.

Table top sale helping to stop Chinese moon bears cruelty

MOON Bear Rescue kicks off its next 12 months of fund-raising events in West Somerset with a table top sale in Holford Village Hall on Sunday, May 27.
All proceeds from the event go directly to help the Animals Asia Foundation free Chinese Moon bears from horrendous coffin cages on bear farms and to negotiate with the Chinese government to ban the cruel trade in bear bile.
The table top sale, which includes a teddy tombola, giant raffle, and refreshments, starts at 2 pm.
AAF says 7,000 moon bears farmed in China for their bile in the most horrendous conditions are relying on animal-friendly people all over the world to raise enough to help the charity achieve its ambitious goal of closing down the bear farms forever.
Jill Robinson, who founded AAF and is its chief executive, said next year’s Beijing Olympics could herald a new life for the farmed moon bears.
She and the AAF team have been working for the past 14 years toward the day when the Chinese legislate against bear bile farms and, she hoped perhaps the Beijing Olympics next summer could be the catalyst to make it all come true.
Moon Bear Rescue organizer Lee Gibbins said: “It is vital that AAF receive enough funding to continue its work right up to the opening day of the Olympics.
“AAF will continue liaising and negotiating with Chinese officials at all levels, fund-raising globally, and telling the true story about bear bile production to the Chinese people, a majority of whom do not know of the existence of bear farms, nor that bear bile in medicine can be replaced by synthetic and herbal alternatives - at least 54 different kinds - and are appalled when they discover the pitiful lives to which the animals are condemned.”
More information about the table top sale and other fund-raising events being held by Moon Bear Rescue, including an annual Quantock sponsored walk, and to find out about Jill Robinson’s UK Roadshow, telephone Lee Gibbins on 01278 741648, or AAF UK director Dave Neale on 07764 161981, or contact Animals Asia Foundation by email at info@animalsasia.org.
Photo submitted.

Supporting action to reduce noise in West Somerset and Exmoor

WEST Somerset Council's environmental health team is working to keep the peace across the district and on Exmoor by supporting Noise Action Week, which runs from May 21 to 25.
The week aims to promote practical solutions to everyday noise problems.
Council environmental health manager Ian Timms said: "We do not want to be kill-joys, especially now summer is on its way and people like to entertain outdoors, but we would encourage people to take simple steps to make sure that nearby residents are not disturbed.
“Most people do not mind occasional parties, especially if they are informed beforehand. Even better - why not invite the neighbours to join you.
"Keep noisy DIY projects within reasonable working hours, as nobody can relax in the evening with loud hammering on a regular basis.
“Again, if you have a special project to complete in a short space of time, explain to your neighbours what is happening."
The council has published a range of fact sheets on its website to advise people and businesses on how to respect their neighbours' right to a peaceful life.
Mr Timms said: "Our website has tips for people who may need to complete noisy projects, and perhaps have not thought about how much this might distress neighbours.
“There are simple courtesies which, if followed, promote neighbourly understanding.
“There is also a section for business-related noise situations.
"Noise nuisance in West Somerset is low compared to other areas.
“However, if you are suffering from continual problems, there is guidance on how best to deal with it.
“Our officers are also here to help people whose lives are being disrupted by noise, and we would urge people to seek their advice if the situation cannot be sorted out amicably.
“In the first instance, we work with other agencies to access excellent mediation services that really can help."
For more information log on to www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk and type 'noise' or go to 'N', in the council's A - Z of services.
Alternatively, telephone customer services for a fact sheet, or to seek further guidance from one of the council's environmental health officers on 01643 703704.

Diesel and steam mix bringing back memories for Father's Day

MEMORIES should come flooding back in West Somerset this year for fathers and grandfathers who took an interest in the railways of the Westcountry during the 1960s.
For the West Somerset Railway is turning back the clock on its 20-mile line to 1965 for Father’s Day, June 17.
The heritage railway is holding a ‘Mixed Traffic Weekend’ from Friday, June 15, to Sunday, June 17, and will be reliving the period when British Railways was converting from steam to diesel power.
With this in mind, the majority of the trains will be hauled by vintage diesel locomotives, although there will also be two steam engines in action.
The diesel locomotives in service will be drawn from those in the collection of the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group, at Williton, and some guests hired in from other lines.
The ‘guests’ will include a ‘Warship’ Class D832 ‘Onslaught’, ‘Hymek’ D7076, and a Class 14 locomotive number D9520.
In addition, on the Saturday only, ‘Western’ Class D1015 ‘Western Champion’ will work an excursion train from Paddington on a tour by Past-time Rail and, before it returns home, will run a WSR service train between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard.
The home fleet will include ‘Western’ D1010 ‘Western Campaigner’, Class 14 D9526, Class 25 D7523, and the Class 47 locomotive D1661 ‘North Star’.
Shunting locomotives will also operate some shuttle services.
Among the museums which will be open along the line, the Diesel Heritage Centre, in Williton, will give an insight into the history of the development of diesel locomotives.
WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said: “We will have seven diesel hauled trains and four headed steam locomotives travelling over the line on Father’s Day and there is plenty of opportunity to alight at one of our stations and take in a walk and a lunch in a pub or restaurant along the way as well as riding the trains.
“And, for anybody who really remembers the 60s, there is the chance to alight at Crowcombe Heathfield for the site where Ringo rode the bicycle along the station platform in the Film ‘A Hard Day’s Night’.”
Full details of the Mixed Traffic Weekend can be obtained by telephoning 01643 704996 or visiting www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/mixedtraffic.html.

• Our photos show (top) a diesel engine and (below) a steam train which will be working on Father's Day. Photos submitted.
  

Woman in custody for alleged arson in Watchet house

A WATCHET woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a house in the town on the night of Wednesday, May 16.
Firemen wearing breathing apparatus had to rescue a woman trapped by the blaze in the terraced house in South Road after being alerted at about 10.20 pm.
They were called to the property after neighbours were alerted by the sound of a smoke alarm.
The kitchen of the house was ablaze and smoke was billowing from the first floor of the property, where a woman was found to be still inside one of the bedrooms.
She was rescued but not found to have suffered any injuries.
The firefighters used four sets of breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to put out the fire and ventilate the property. The incident was brought under control within about half-an-hour.
Later, police took a 28-year-old woman into custody at Taunton Police Station to be held on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Three fire engines attended the incident, two from Williton and one from Minehead, plus a command support vehicle from Wiveliscombe.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said there was fire damage to the kitchen and the dining room floor, with 20 per cent smoke damage to the remainder of the building.

Promises made for CLOWNS and HomeStart charity auction

AN auction of promises is to be held at Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club on Friday, May 18, to raise funds for West Somerset charities CLOWNS and HomeStart.
CLOWNS needs the funds to replace its aging blue playbus.
The auctioneer for the evening will be John Addicott, of Chanin and Thomas.
Some of the promises which have been donated include bull semen, a car wash, a day with an Exmoor Ranger, 12 months of advertising in The Crier, and an offer to sell a house without charging any commission.
CLOWNS provides a service for parents and/or carers and also children in rural isolation and areas of need within West Somerset.
A double deck bus has been converted for play and is used to offer recreational and educational facilities as it travels around the district.
There is also a smaller vehicle which takes equipment for Tumbling Toddler sessions to village halls and is used during the school summer holidays to run play schemes in villages and to take toys from the charity’s toy library to isolated communities.
It also collects clean, safe, salvaged materials from businesses for use in the CLOWNS Scrapstore.
The Playbus also carries information on a range of related services, and helps to maximise the impact of visits by working with other agencies which require rural community access.

• Pictured above at the Dunster Castle launch of the CLOWNS promises auction are (left to right) Kathy Morton, local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, auctioneer John Addicott, and The Crier’s sales and marketing consultant Dudley Seale. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M030030. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Free lessons planned for junior golfers

MINEHEAD and West Somerset Golf Club side entertained Enmore Park in the first of this season’s competitive encounters.
The match between these two well-established clubs is always tense, but always played with the camaraderie expected of two ‘old friends’.
Minehead won the tie eight games to two, but the real winner on the day was the spirit of friendship enjoyed between two fine and well-established clubs.
The ‘A’ team entertained Wheathill in division seven of the Avalon League and enjoyed another strong victory with only the pairing of D. Oatridge and M. Vickery not being victorious.
The victorious pairs were club captain D. Compton and P. Clements, R. Poirrier and S. Plenty, D. Hillier and K. Murrell, G. Whalley and J. Fisher.
The victory gained Minehead another 10 points to place them at the top of the table.
The Somerset Golf Union County Foursomes competition was held at the Club with 80 golfers from all over Somerset competing.
Minehead was represented by the pairings of D. Oatridge and D. Hillier, and P. Fullbook and D. Bosley, the latter winning with the best net score over the 36 holes.
The foursomes champions with the best gross score over 36 holes were J. Palmer and P. White, from Wells, who scored a gross one over par playing off a scratch handicap allowance.
Teams of three players entered a Dawn Chorus Shotgun Bowmaker competition. With all 22 teams starting at 7.30 am from different parts of the course, they all finished within minutes of each other in time to walk in and enjoy a breakfast served in the clubhouse.
Winners on the day with one score to count on each hole were: 1 - D. Compton, D. Oatridge and M. Swallow (nett 57); 2 - P. Davies, R. Lewis and N. Grabham (nett 59); 3 – G. Yeates, C. Sidley-Adams and G. Wells (nett 60).
Minehead’s ‘A’ team also entertained Farrington in division seven of the Avalon league and again won the tie by four games to one.
Another 10 points were welcome in the club’s efforts to progress to division six after only one season in the league.
There were wins for K. Babb and G. Yeates (5&4), D. Hillier and M. Vickery (2&1), K. Murrell and C. Knight (2&1), P. Fullbrook and D. Oatridge (4&3) and the only defeat by pairing D. Compton and P. Clements (2&1).
It was pleasing to see two junior members - Knight and Yeates - being blooded in the league side, and the fact they were not out of their depth boded well for their future.
On the same day, the Elizabethan Cup took place. Played as a foursomes pairs competition, the pairs took alternate drives and alternate shots to record a net medal score played off one-half of their combined handicaps.
Winners on the day were M. Rutley and P. Salter with a net score of 69.5, playing off a handicap of 10.5, closely followed by G. Yeates and D. Oatridge 79 (9) nett 70.0, and T. John and D. Shambrook 86 (15) nett 71.0.
Atrocious weather on Sunday, May 13, put paid to the running of the Centenary Trophy and Tankard competitions and although some hardy players ventured out, the competition was abandoned. It has been rearranged for Sunday, June 24.
Saturday, May 19, sees the club take on the seniors in their annual confrontation. On Sunday, the club has a match at Saunton, while back home in Minehead players compete in the Simplicity Box, a competition played with a maximum of seven clubs.
After the school half-term, the junior section receive quite a lot of attention with a junior club night starting on Tuesday, June 19, with free coaching and a round of golf.
On Thursday, June 21, free lessons for junior non-members begin. A series of six free lessons are planned to introduce youngsters to the game. More information can be received from the club.

• Our photograph shows some of the Minehead team who entertained Enmore Park (left to right) back row - S Clarke, R Philips, G Troman, J Fisher, D Oatridge, G Wells, D Stevens, M Vickery, M Thresher. Front - B Gliddon, M Gilbertson, D Singleton, G Whalley, D Compton (club captain), W J Perkins, R Thresher, G Pugh, R Stevens. Photo submitted.

Helping residents stay warm and well

A TOTAL of £100,000 has been invested by West Somerset Council this year to bring local homes up to high energy efficiency standards.
The council is now extending its funding of the Somerset Warm and Well scheme to allow more people in West Somerset to benefit from free or discounted energy-saving home improvements.
The council works in partnership with the Bristol and Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre to help people carry out home improvements such as loft and cavity wall insulation.
Council environmental health and licensing manager Ian Timms said: “The Warm and Well scheme is now offering free insulation to people of all ages who are on low incomes or on qualifying benefits, as well as people over 70.
“Residents can phone friendly experts at the centre to see if they are eligible.
“Local people can save money on energy bills, stay warm and well in their homes, and help the environment by cutting down on energy use.”
Tenants or landlords of rented properties can also apply for free or discounted insulation.
Mr Timms said: “We would encourage anybody who thinks they may be eligible to come forward to see if they qualify for free loft and cavity wall insulation through Somerset Warm and Well.
“People who do not meet the criteria may find they can still receive a considerable discount on this sort of work.”
Residents who would like to know more about the scheme can telephone the Bristol and Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre free on 0800 512 012.

MP presses Minister for better school transport and special needs education

WEST Somerset mp Ian Liddell-Grainger is pressing the Schools Minister, Lord Andrew Adonis, to improve school transport in the district and also the provision of special needs education.
Mr Liddell-Grainger was meeting the Minister for face-to-face talks on the issues on Wednesday, May 9.
It was Mr Liddell-Grainger’s second meeting with the Minister (pictured, top) to discuss education issues in the constituency.
Mr Liddell-Grainger said the meeting was a follow-up to a recent visit to the Bridgwater and West Somerset constituency by Lord Adonis.
He said: “We will be looking at the proposals for four brand new secondary schools (in Bridgwater) and the provision for children with special needs.”
Mr Liddell-Grainger said he would discuss education provision in the West Somerset area of the constituency ‘where things are less rosy’.
“I am very concerned about special needs provision in West Somerset, where the very tough measures brought in by the county council are failing the children,” said Mr Liddell-Grainger.
“I also intend to bring up the subject of transportation.
“I know it is a big area, but the way children are being transported around the district cannot be right.”
M Liddell-Grainger is also pushing for a debate with Communities Minister Ruth Kelly (pictured, below).
He wants a better deal from the Government for the county, as he says the present level of funding is ‘awful’.
“Somerset is still the poor relation, and that is so unfair,” said Mr Liddell-Grainger.
“I am asking for a meeting with the Minister - who, by the way, went to school in Somerset, so she knows the county and its needs - and I am pushing for a debate with her in the House of Commons.”
Photos submitted.

Conservatives ousted by Independents at district elections

THE Conservative administration on West Somerset Council has been spectacularly dumped by voters who went to the polls on Thursday, May 3.
The elections saw a grouping of candidates under an Independent banner emphatically sweep to overall power on the district council.
Independents took 16 of the 31 seats, against 13 for the Conservatives, one Labour, and one Liberal Democrat.
It was a similar story on Minehead Town Council, where the Tories were reduced to just five of the 15 seats.
Dulverton Councillor Keith Ross, who, alongside Minehead shopkeeper Graham Sizer, coached and organised the Independent candidates in the run-up to the district elections, said: “I am very pleased with how it has gone tonight, because this has broken the party stranglehold, which is what I have looked for over seven-and-a-half years since we went political, which was probably the worst night in West Somerset politics.
“What I want is 31 councillors to work together for the benefit of West Somerset because it has not happened, and it has not happened because of party politics.
“It does not matter wherever you go in the country, where there are adversarial politics it does not work.”
Councillor Ross said he did not yet know who would become leader of the council nor who would receive portfolios.
“I do not know how it will work out,” he said. “We will have to have a meeting of those in the leading group to select a leader.
“The council will be looking seriously at the way forward.
“Of course, we have a big struggle on our hands for the people of West Somerset with the unitary council bid by the county council over which we have little control.”
The declaration of election results started badly for the Conservatives with former council chairman Barbara Child losing her seat in Quantock Vale to Independent Councillor Mitch Wicking, who has previously campaigned to have the council’s chief executive sacked.
It was followed by defeat in Alcombe East for Tory Jamie Anderson, who lost out to Independent Councillor Ian Melhuish, who is a close friend of Mr Sizer.
Disgraced Independent Councillor Hugh Davies - who was previously suspended by the Standards Board after a vendetta against the council’s chief executive - then topped the poll in Williton.
Former deputy council leader Councillor Bryan Leaker held his seat in Dunster for the Conservatives, and there was a brief turnaround in fortunes when popular Watchet Town Council chairman, Councillor Dave Westcott, topped the poll in Watchet to gain a seat for the Conservatives.
But it was short-lived as housing, health, and welfare portfolio holder Mary Crowley lost her Conservative seat in Quantock Vale ward, and then current council chairman Pam Driver was defeated in Old Cleeve by Queens Hall, Minehead, owner Councillor Kate Kravis for the Independents.
In the key battleground of Minehead and Alcombe, Independent candidates took five of the 10 available seats, to the Conservative’s four, and one for Labour.
Other Conservative setbacks included the loss of Mike Padgett in Porlock, where a conversation secretly recorded in News of the World-style by opponent Jon Freeman and Watchet councillor David Banks for publication in the West Somerset Free Press appeared to have swayed voters.
Meanwhile, first-time candidates Dudley Seale and Tony Berry (Minehead South), Jeremy White (Minehead North), Brian Jenkinson (Carhampton and Withycombe), Loretta Whetlor (Quantock Vale), and Paul Chamberlain (Dulverton) all failed to win.
Council leader Councillor Christine Lawrence held her Minehead North seat for the Conservatives and increased her vote, but fell from first to second place behind the Labour Party’s Doug Ross standing under the Independent flag.
Economic development portfolio holder Councillor Nick Messarra (Alcombe East), deputy leader and finance portfolio holder Councillor Roger Webber (Aville Vale), and internal resources portfolio holder Councillor Angela Palmer (Porlock) also held their seats for the Conservatives.
It could have been even worse for the Tories, as Councillor Norman Hercock gained a seat for them in Alcombe West by just seven votes and only after a recount.
The Independents lost David Gliddon, in Brompton Ralph and Haddon, where parish council chairman Councillor Keith Turner made another rare Conservative gain.
And in Watchet, long-serving councillor David Banks, who turned Independent after quitting Labour some years ago, also lost when he trailed fourth in the three-seat ward.
They also failed to win the vacant Crowcombe and Stogumber seat, where newcomer Councillor Tim Taylor retained the Conservative’s hold.
In Quarme ward, the Conservative’s Councillor Christopher White, another newcomer, also beat off an Independent challenge.
Councillor Leaker, who is the West Somerset constituency Conservative Association chairman, said: “If you do not get your voters out, you do not get elected.
“I think there are some stark lessons to be learned for the Conservatives in West Somerset tonight.
“It is a night they should not forget - and I will not forget it - in a hurry.
“It tells the town and district councils that we need to work together to get success, and, quite frankly, I do not think we have worked together and we have quite plainly not got the success.”
Councillor Lawrence said she was disappointed and slightly surprised at the scale of the electoral defeat.
She said: We had some very good candidates, and while I am very grateful to everybody who voted for me, I am disappointed for the other candidates and grateful for all the hard work they put in.”
Councillor Lawrence feared the council could find it difficult to achieve anything in the short-term because so many new and inexperienced councillors had been elected.
Mrs Driver said she had enjoyed her eight years on the council and was philosophical about her defeat.
She said: “I am sad in as much as we are not able to finish what we have started, and we are being superseded by a group who have no experience, but I hope all goes well for them for the sake of the people of West Somerset.”
Councillor Westcott attributed his success to the people of Watchet recognising his positive ‘can-do’ attitude over many years of service to the town.
He said: “I think over the years people have recognised that I always do my best for them, and I will continue to do that. Watchet comes first for me every time.
“I always believe in being positive and not negative and I think that has come through.”
Councillor Westcott said he was slightly disappointed that Mr Banks had lost his seat as he had been a good councillor for the town.
He said: “I was surprised. I do not think it was an East Quay issue, it was just unfortunate for him that I came in and made that difference to the vote.”
Councillor Freeman said: “I am gobsmacked. Porlock is a strange place, a small place where everybody knows everybody – and there is me, 12 miles away.
“The party machine was working so well with little Conservative ladies scurrying around everywhere, I thought there was no way I was going to do this.”
Councillor Walker said he was delighted to be back on the council at the age of 82 and after an eight-year absence.
He said: “Things have changed since I was in there, so I will have to play myself in gently.”
West Somerset Council Election Results as they were declared by Ward:
West Quantoxhead – Barbara Child (Con) 216, Mitch Wicking (Ind) 301 elected.
Alcombe East – Jamie Anderson (Con) 157, Ian Melhuish (Ind) 323 elected, Nick Messarra (Con) 201 elected.
Williton – Ian Aldridge (Ind) 269, Hugh Davies (Ind) 616 elected, William Gulliford (Ind) 31, John Holden (Ind) 214, Eddie May (Ind) 298 elected, Rose Woods (Con) 246.
Carhampton and Withycombe – Peter Humber (lib Dem) 417 elected, Brian Jenkinson (Con) 164.
Dunster – Julie Harvey Smith (Ind) 125, Bryan Leaker (Con) 186 elected.
Watchet – David Banks (Ind) 425, Tony Bowden (Lib Dem) 359, Jenni Hill (Ind) 441 elected, Tony Knight 505 elected, Peter Murphy (Lab) 323, Ann Snelling (Con) 300, Dave Westcott (Con) 768 elected.
Alcombe West – Norman Hercock (Con) 255 elected, Marcus Kravis (Lab) 248, Simon Stokes (Lab) 479 elected.
Quantock Vale – Mary Crowley (Ind) 335, Chris Morgan (Ind) 424 elected, Paul Tipney (Ind) 420 elected, Loretta Whetlor (Con) 243.
Quarme – John Bray (Ind) 142, Christopher White (Con) 347 elected.
Old Cleeve – Pam Driver (Con) 302, Kate Kravis (Ind) 532 elected, Neil Parbrook (Ind) 479 elected.
Crowcombe and Stogumber – Roy Harbour (Ind) 228, Tim Taylor (Con) 315 elected.
Aville Vale – Aaron Cody-Boutcher (Ind) 252, Roger Webber (Con) 313 elected.
Porlock and Oare – Jon Freeman (Ind) 427 elected, Mike Padgett (Con) 273, Angela Palmer (Con) 656 elected.
Dulverton – Paul Chamberlain (Con) 341, Mike Gammon (Ind) 451 elected, Keith Ross (Ind) 684 elected.
Brompton Ralph and Haddon – David Gliddon (Ind) 149, Keith Turner (Con) 255 elected.
Minehead North – Christine Lawrence (Con) 580 elected, Doug Ross (Ind) 822 elected, David Sanders (Con) 453 elected, Jeremy White (Con) 415.
Minehead South – Tony Berry (Con) 571, Michael Downes (Ind) 706 elected, Dudley Seale (Con) 442, Stan Taylor (Con) 331, Terry Venner (Ind) 822 elected, John Walker (Ind) 631 elected.
Exmoor – Steven Pugsley (Con) returned unopposed.

Vintage buses take to the roads for Bank Holiday weekend services

AN historic bus and coach extravaganza is being hosted in West Somerset during the Bank Holiday weekend courtesy of Steve Morris, a director of Quantock Motor Services.
A fleet of 20 vintage vehicles will make regular pick-ups at the main-line train station at Taunton to drive passengers through the lovely local scenery to Watchet, Minehead, and over Exmoor to Lynmouth on Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, 6, and 7
Mr Morris said: “I am delighted to commemorate my 30 years in bus and coach restoration by holding a three-day celebration of vintage travel that stretches from Taunton to Lynmouth with a special focus on the historic port of Watchet and the West Somerset Railway station at Minehead.”
Most of the buses and coaches date to the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, bringing the elegance of a bygone age to local roads.
West Somerset Council has also allowed 15 buses and coaches to be parked on its land at East Quay, in Watchet, from 9 am to 5.30 pm on Sunday, May 6, for the public to view a variety of vintage vehicles at close quarters, and chat to the owners.
Mr Morris said: “Visitors will be able to catch a train to Taunton and then reach destinations across West Somerset and North Devon without bringing their own cars.
“This is good for the environment and will also help boost local tourism.
“We have kept ticket prices to a minimum so that as many people as possible can experience the buses and keep up the enthusiasm for this working history.”
A day ticket for a family - two adults accompanied by two children - is £14, while an adult day ticket is £8.
Services will run regularly from the main train station at Taunton, Watchet’s East Wharf, the West Somerset Railway station in Minehead, and Lynmouth.
Tickets are available at bus stops on the day.
For more information on the event including timetables, go to www.quantockmotorservices.co.uk and click on the 'bus rally' tab, or telephone 01823 251140.
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Free offer to use Aquasplash facilities this weekend

AN opportunity to sample the Aquasplash, Minehead, leisure pool’s newly refurbished facilities free of charge is being offered to residents and visitors at the weekend.
People can try out the facilities between 11 am and 3pm on Saturday, May 5, without having to pay.
The centre’s health complex has recently undergone a £30,000 refurbishment, while the pool area will be hosting live music from 'Strawberry Jam', a bouncy castle, and Quaywest fm will broadcast live from the event.
Aquasplash operations manager Paul Morgan said: “Sports enthusiasts and amateurs are welcome to sample some of the new equipment, such as X bikes which, unlike usual ‘'fixed’ exercise bikes, offer a full body workout while cyclists watch the ‘route’ they take on a television screen.”
The swimming pool with its new inflatable, 'Big Blue', will also be open, and there will be gym workouts, demonstrations, and competitions, while the health suite will be open to people aged 16 years and older.
More information is available by telephoning Aquasplash on 01643 708000.
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Appeal for information after rare riding carriage is stolen

A RARE horse cart valued at £2,000 has been stolen from a yard in Shurton, where it was parked on grass.
The four-wheel riding carriage was taken during the night of Sunday-Monday, April 22-23.
However, details of the theft have only just been published by the police, who are appealing for information about the crime.
The 18-month-old carriage was built in Poland and is bright purple and cream in colour with black seats and tyres and has lights on the undercarriage.
The maker's name, 'Julian Talbot', is written on the side of the carriage.
Police would like to speak to anybody who may have witnessed the theft, or who may have been offered the carriage for sale, or who might know the offenders involved. 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 the freephone Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give a name but could receive a reward.
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