Olympic roadshow to attend Exmoor Ironman contest

AROUND 1,500 international athletes will be competing on Exmoor this month in the gruelling UK Ironman 70.3-mile triathlon.
The event centres on Wimbleball Lake and takes place on Sunday, June 17.
The athletes will be aiming to be included in the 100 places available in the Florida, USA, world championships next November.
The triathlon includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run, and as it is now an Olympic sport, the London 2012 Roadshow double-deck bus will be attending Wimbleball as part of its summer UK tour to inspire and motivate people of all ages to participate in sport.
More information is available by logging on to www.half.ironmanuk.com or http://www.activeexmoor.com/.
Exmoor Canoe Club is looking for volunteer kayakers to support the triathlon swim in the lake for about an hour-and-a-half from 6 am. Anybody interested should email info@exmoorcanoeclub.org.uk.
The UK Ironman 70.3 Triathlon is one of several global contests, six of which also carry slots for the Ford Ironman World Championship held in Hawaii every October when the distance is doubled to140.6 miles.

MEP bemoans Europe's barmy ban on barometers

WEST Somerset Euro MP Neil Parish has bemoaned a European Union ban on the traditional British barometer.
Mr Parish said it was believed the battle had been won last November when a majority of MEPs supported a Conservative amendment to exclude the 400-year old tradition of barometer-making from a ban on using mercury in measuring devices.
However, since then EU countries – including Britain – have separately considered the issue and Governments have voted for the ban.
Mr Parish argued that appropriate safety warnings and careful controls would allow the continuation of barometer manufacturer and repair, thereby safeguarding many jobs and small businesses in the UK and the rest of Europe.
Now, however, the issue has come back to the European Parliament for a Second Reading, and with the support of Labour MEPs the amendment was overturned.
Mr Parish said the full Parliament would now need a so-called ‘qualified majority’ to reverse the decision by national governments, which seemed impossible.
The ban was proposed because as a heavy metal mercury can be toxic to humans, ecosystems, and wildlife.
Mr Parish said: “Today is a sad day for our traditions. Mercury does need to be controlled, but banning the barometer is the wrong way to go about it.
“With appropriate product safety warnings and carefully controlled usage barometers would be perfectly safe.
“We have used them for centuries without a major threat to the environment or to public health.
“The British Government has sold an ancient maritime practice down the river.
“Everybody with a barometer in their house should ask them why they supported such a ludicrous decision. It is this kind of nonsense that gives the EU a bad name.”

• Our photograph shows MEP Neil Parish (right) with internationally-renowned barometer specialist Philip Collins and a hand-built barometer during a visit to Devon company Barometer World, which is a major manufacturer, restorer, and exhibitor of the instrument. Photo submitted.

Grant kick-starts new football era for girls

A NEW era of girls football has kicked off in West Somerset thanks to a £300 grant from the district council.
Minehead Football Club now has a new under-13s girls team, as well as the existing under-nines mixed side, and has new equipment to help them reach match-fitness in time for next season.
Hayley Green, who manages the under-13s girls, said: “The girls have been keen on forming a side for some time.
“Thanks to West Somerset Council, they, and our other youth sides, will benefit from new speed ladders, hurdles, footballs, cones, and other training equipment funded by the grant.”
The council’s portfolio holder for leisure, culture and recreation, Councillor Neil Parbrook, said: “It is great that we have been able to help.
“These young people have tremendous enthusiasm for the game and it is a good start to fitness and healthy living.
“I will be following their progress and I hope they make it to the top of the league tables next year.”
Minehead Football Club wants to hear from other young people in the area who would like to go along to training sessions or who wants to join in playing football.
Anybody who is interested should visit the website www.mineheadfc.co.uk or contact youth team trainer Dale Diplock on 07810 353773 or 01643 821619.

• Our photograph shows (left to right) back row - young footballers Milan Hill, Gemma Bradbury, Carmen Willicombe, Chloe Ahmet, Toby Rogers, Poppy Hurley, Katie Beecham, and Jade De Ste Croix: Front – under-13s manager Hayley Green, youth team trainer Dale Diplock, and Councillor Neil Parbrook. Photo submitted.

Laptop computer win starts Beryl on the internet

A WEST Somerset woman has won a laptop computer after reading a free publication explaining to people in rural areas why and how to go online.
The booklet was published by Connecting Somerset, which has hailed it a huge success as nine out of 10 readers said they were now ‘much more likely to use the internet than they were before’.
The guide was distributed to individuals and communities in rural areas of the county, including West Somerset, the Blackdown Hills, and the Mendips.
Titled ‘Internet and Me’, the booklet was written in plain English to help anybody who felt they were being left behind by computers and the internet to catch up.
Three readers won computers to help start them off with the internet as part of a special prize draw which featured in the publication.
The top prize of a new Dell laptop computer was presented to Beryl Priddle, of Minehead, at a special winners’ presentation.
And high-specification refurbished desktop computers, donated by Community Computers UK, were presented to the two runners-up, Martin Smith, of Wells, and Pauline Gillard, of Glastonbury.
Connecting Somerset project leader Dave Cornish said: “We are absolutely delighted with the impact made by ‘Internet and Me’, as many people in more rural areas were starting to feel excluded and intimidated by the internet revolution.
“It is great to see so many new internet users getting on-line in rural communities right across the county - particularly our lucky prizes winners, thanks to the generous support of Community Computers UK.”
Community Computers UK is based in West Monkton, near Taunton, and refurbishes computer equipment donated by businesses and individuals, for subsequent use by youth clubs, schools, playgroups, charities, students, and anybody who receives State benefits.
Connecting Somerset is funded by Somerset County Council, the South West of England Regional Development Agency, the European Social Fund, and Business Link Somerset.

• Our photograph shows Beryl Priddle receiving her new laptop computer from Connecting Somerset’s Matt Ballard. Photo submitted.

Council putting £1.85m into low-cost homes for local people

UP to £1.85 million is being made available by West Somerset Council in its corporate plan this year to help provide low-cost affordable homes for local people to rent and buy.
The council is currently working on five schemes across the district to fulfil the need for affordable homes, including Clanville Grange, in Minehead, where 11 affordable homes will be sold to local people if the Secretary of State approves the council’s discounted purchase scheme.
Outline planning permission has also been granted for 20 to 25 homes off Marshfield Road, in Alcombe.
A development of homes and small workshops to rent or buy on a former field study site owned by the council in Simonsbath is also being worked on.
And an eco-friendly development in Carhampton will deliver affordable homes which are also as near carbon-neutral as possible.
The council is also continuing to support its housing association partners’ provision of additional affordable homes to rent and buy.
Support may take the form of direct subsidy, and also giving backing to bids for Government funding through the Housing Corporation.
In contrast to the last financial year, when there were no supported bids from the Housing Corporation, this year 17 potential bids have been made which could provide more than 140 affordable homes throughout the district.
A report on the subject is being considered by the council’s cabinet on June 12 to update members on progress.
The register for people wanting affordable homes at Clanville Grange has now closed, but local people who want to register for future affordable rented housing should contact the council on 01643 703704.
Anybody who wants to register for future low-cost home ownership initiatives can do so via Home2own by telephoning 01803 217600 or logging on to the website http://www.home2own.org.uk/.

• Our photograph shows Roxanne Sargent (second from right) and her baby Jaydon moving into a Caractacus Homes property in Dulverton last year in a partnership with the council. Photo submitted.

Water inspires wave of green energy projects on Exmoor

FIVE waterside locations on Exmoor are poised to become power stations producing green energy.
The micro-hydropower projects, including two historic watermills, will be awarded a share of £50,000 from EDF Energy’s Green Fund to help tap into stream power.
Together they will generate up to 230,000kWh per year, enough to power 50 local homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 100 tonnes annually.
The money will go to Exmoor Renewable Energy Group (EREG), which was founded last year by a group of micro-hydropower site owners on Exmoor whose aim is to help inspire and install renewable energy using the power of water.
The group was formed with the support of Exmoor National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.
More than 90 other sites on Exmoor have been identified as having the potential to generate micro-hydropower, and more than a dozen other stream owners have expressed an interest in installing the equipment.
The five sites to win funding are part of a first wave of hydro-electric stations costing £160,000 in total.
The work will be funded by the EDF Energy grant, £50,000 each from EREG and the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, and £9,000 from Exmoor National Park Authority.
The first five micro hydro-electric turbines will be installed at:

• Cowbridge Sawmill, Minehead – where a water wheel will be restored to power a woodworking museum in the 18th century mill


• Parracombe Mill, in Parracombe – a restored historic mill dating from 1543 with its own working water wheel


• Lee Abbey, in Lynton – a conference, retreat, and outdoor centre set on the Exmoor coast


• Holwell Farm, in Parracombe – steeped in history and home to Holwell Castle, a Norman motte and bailey castle


• Deercombe, near Lynmouth – this project will provide a model for power generation from a small moorland stream on Exmoor

The first EREG members plan to support a second wave of projects by providing guidance and project support to the next group.
The first five schemes will also be turned into a hydropower trail to stimulate wider interest in green energy.
Students from local schools will be encouraged to follow the projects from design to delivery.
EDF Energy sustainable future director Peter Hofman, said: “In the UK there are thousands of historic mills and natural streams which could be suitable for micro-hydropower schemes.
“There is plenty of potential for micro-hydropower projects on Exmoor and we are delighted that EREG members plan to support a second group of renewable energy projects.
“Considered as a group, these projects cannot be underestimated and will make a significant contribution to the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
One of the first mills to go live will be Parracombe Mill, which could be generating electricity as early as this autumn.
Nick White, secretary of EREG, purchased the mill in 2002 with his partner Beatriz Castro.
Mr White said: “We are absolutely delighted with EDF Energy’s support. It has been a big boost for us and a big boost for the projects and we are thrilled to be moving forward with our plans.
“There is the potential for Exmoor to generate a considerable amount of electricity and, provided we are successful, a second wave of micro-hydropower schemes will come on line.
“This could be the small stone that starts the ball rolling and this is very much down to EDF Energy for the contribution it has made.
“We are very excited about the prospect of generating our own electricity.
“Although our project is on a small scale, we hope it will act as an incentive and encouragement for others who are a stage or two behind us.”
Exmoor has a strong tradition of hydropower, proven by the 300kW prototype marine current generator situated off Lynmouth and a 300kW hydropower scheme in Glen Lyn Gorge, Lynmouth. Pictured is a typical watermill. Photo submitted.

MP demands debate on threat to close West Somerset sub-Post Offices

A PARLIAMENTARY debate to try to save some of West Somerset’s sub-Post Offices from being closed by the Government is being demanded by the district’s MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger.
Mr Liddell-Grainger is leading cross-Party calls for the debate after failing to obtain a list from the Government of local sub-Post Offices which could be doomed under plans to close 2,500 in the next 18 months.
He said: “I do not know whether the Government does not have a list, because the Post Office is drawing it up, or if it does have one but will not release it.
“Either way, MPs across the political divide are saying it is scandalous – we want to know where the losses will be.
“Any loss of rural Post Offices is absolutely unacceptable, so I have asked for a debate.”
Mr Liddell-Grainger said the issue had been debated in the Chamber but not in the Westminster Hall ‘where we have a better chance of bending the Minister’s ear’.
He said: “It is an unfolding disaster that started when the Government refused to allow Post Office to sell its facilities as first choice – they come after banks and building societies.
“Margaret Beckett promised there would be ongoing funding for rural Post Offices until after 2010. That promise been broken.”
Mr Liddell-Grainger is now writing to postmasters and postmistresses in the constituency ‘to keep them up to speed’ with the issue.
Our photograph above is for illustration purposes only and does not imply any direct threat of closure to the sub-Post Office concerned. Photo submitted.

Entertainments committee folds after new councillors refuse to serve

A CHEQUE for £50 has been presented to Home-Start West Somerset as a result of fund-raising by the former entertainments committee of Minehead Town Council.
It could be the last time such a donation is made to a local charity becaue newly-elected Independent councillors who have taken control of the town council have refused to serve on the committee.
The council has therefore had to abolish its entertainments committee, which previously organised events such as tea dances and children’s activities.
Home-Start West Somerset is a voluntary organisation which helps families at home with children under five-years-old by offering support, friendship, and practical assistance.
It aims to develop parenting skills and provide activities for young children and is a particularly valuable service in rural areas where isolation adds to other social difficulties.
Volunteers are always needed and anybody who might be interested in helping can contact Home-Start by telephoning 01643 707304.
It is holding its annual meeting in Alcombe Methodist Church at 10.30 am on Wednesday, July 11, when people will be welcome to attend to hear more about the charity and what it has achieved during the past year, followed by coffee and cakes.

• Our photograph shows Councillors Norman Hercock (left) and Dave Sanders with Home-Start West Somerset organiser Ros Owen. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M030002. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

Tesco introduces 'localchoice' milk to benefit local dairy farming families

FARMERS across West Somerset and Exmoor are set to benefit from a new milk product being sold by Tesco supermarkets.
The company has launched ‘localchoice’ milk in its stores in England and Wales, including its Minehead supermarket.
In partnership with Dairy Farmers of Britain, it is offering shoppers milk which is sourced from local farms.
Somerset is one of 14 country or regional variants of the milk which are available in what is a first for any national supermarket firm in Britain.
The ‘localchoice’ milk is available alongside standard milk, but at a slightly higher price - which means smaller, local producers can make returns more in line with the proportionately higher cost of running their business.
Tesco will also pay a premium to these farmers over and above the rate it pays to farmers who supply their standard milk, meaning ‘localchoice’ suppliers receive up to 23p per litre, one of the highest prices paid to producers anywhere in Britain.
Tesco chilled food director Kari Daniels said: “Many of our customers have told us they want us to make it easier for them to be able to buy food which is genuinely local to their area.
“Localchoice will not only reduce food miles but will also provide confidence to shoppers that if they buy a local product, they are helping their local economy and local suppliers, particularly small, independent family farmers.
“This milk does cost a bit more than our standard milk but shoppers will know that small and family farmers local to them are directly benefiting from this extra income.
“In this way, we are giving our customers the choice to be able to support, through their own buying decisions, the type of farming they want to sustain into the future.”
Dairy Farmers of Britain group commercial director David Potts said: “Consumers can support small and family owned farms from their region through purchasing ‘localchoice’ milk.
“The product will be sold at a relatively small premium to standard milk and will initially be available in the four-pint size carton priced at £1.23.
“This new initiative is right in line with what consumers tell us they want – which is to support quality local foods.”
Localchoice is part of a £25m annual investment by Tesco to support the British dairy industry.
As well as bringing a higher price to local producers, ‘localchoice’ also means Tesco can enjoy closer relations with its dairy farmers.
Localchoice farmers should be closer to the Tesco dairy team to share knowledge and understand consumer trends.
They will also be able to take part in Tesco local marketing initiatives, such as sampling in stores.
Photo submitted.

New councillors order eleventh-hour East Wharf rethink

NEWLY-elected Independent councillors on West Somerset Council look set to do a U-turn on aspects of plans to develop Watchet’s East Wharf.
Despite one of the council’s most extensive-ever public consultation exercises, it has now ordered a rethink following an eleventh-hour protest campaign by some town residents.
Together with developers Urban Splash, the council is giving ‘further consideration’ to design aspects of the £12 million scheme.
Objectors were about to force a parish poll to be held on the subject, which would have cost Watchet council taxpayers around £2,000.
However, they have now agreed to postpone the move while the council looks again at the proposals for development.
The development is due to start next spring and at the moment 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 also be some retail space and enhanced facilities for the marina, including offices, a laundry, and changing rooms.
Council corporate director Adrian Dyer said: “As we have said, consultation with the public and stakeholders is an ongoing process.
“We have had some constructive meetings in recent weeks and we are going to take some time out to consider new information that has come forward.
“The planning application will not be put to the planning committee for determination before the end of June at the earliest, which will give us time to reappraise certain elements if it proves to be in the best interests of the public, marina users, and the development itself.”
Watchet ward Councillor Tony Knight said: “There has already been extensive consultation regarding the development, and we feel it should be recognised that even at this late stage, the council and developers are still willing to listen to ideas that may further improve the viability of the scheme.
“We have been disappointed because it appears that misleading information regarding the development has been circulated.
“However, recent discussions have been able to allay some of the misconceptions.
“It is positive for the project that the council and Urban Splash are continuing to consult with us and other stakeholders over the various issues raised.”
Artist’s impression of the East Wharf development submitted.