Town council looks at housing scheme for football club

TOWN councillors are discussing the idea of building housing on the Minehead Football Club site, almost a year since The Crier revealed an indicative scheme had been drawn up for redeveloping the area.
The talks follow the on-going issue of the club’s financial position and its inability to pay rent to the council, which owns the Irnham Road recreation ground.
Councillors recognised some residential development of the area might help to
football continued to be played.
They looked at the section of the site which presently housed garages and the clubhouse, and considered the possibility of building a new facility which could include residential units.
Councillor Simon Stokes, who is also deputy leader of West Somerset Council, said the district council might be able to find a developer for the area.
He said in return for sourcing a suitable developer, the garages and clubhouse could be given to the district council, which would enable construction of a purpose-built clubhouse managed by the district authority, which would have the resources to handle it.
Councillor Doug Ross, who is the district council’s finance portfolio holder, agreed with Councillor Stokes and said long-term plans for the site were needed to raise income to support the playing of sports.
Councillor Ross said some residential development would also provide security in the area.
He pointed out the town council had received many complaints about noise and vandalism from residents living near the football club and the council had a responsibility to them to address such problems.

• Image above shows how The Crier reported on its front page on plans for developing housing on Minehead Football Club's ground in August of last year.

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

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

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

Wedding fayre returns to Minehead - and it's free

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