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.

MP launches Salvation Army Christmas appeal

LOCAL MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has officially launched a charity appeal to bring Christmas cheer to children in West Somerset.
Mr Liddell-Grainger announced the start of the Salvation Army’s annual Pass the Parcel collection appeal when he attended the launch in the Superdrug store, in The Avenue, Minehead.
Superdrug is partnering the Salvation Army for the 2006 appeal in West Somerset, which is running from November 18 to December 18.
Earlier, some of the WWE Wrestling stars appearing at Butlins, together with the holiday centre’s Redcoats, presented gifts to representatives of the Salvation Army to kick-start the appeal.
People are asked to take toys and gifts for children and young people to Superdrug, from where they will be collected by the Salvation Army for distribution to families in need.
Capt Steven Watson, Salvation Army minister in Watchet, said: “The generosity of people living in West Somerset is second to none and has allowed us to bring a little bit of happiness to many children’s lives over the last seven years.”

• Our photograph shows (left to right) Salvation Army minister Capt Steven Watson, MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, and Superdrug Minehead manager Mark Granger. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M1117023. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.