Roofing firm wins first Quaywest business awards

THE winner of the first Quaywest Business Awards, as voted for by listeners of West Somerset’s only commercial radio station, was Chapel Roofing and Building Services Ltd, of Carhampton.
The station received nearly 2,000 valid votes for the awards, which attracted 27 entries from all over West Somerset.
The award was presented to Jason and Emma Cobbett, of Chapel Roofing, at a special presentation evening held in Minehead Football Club, when local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger was the guest of honour.
The presentation evening was also one of West Somerset’s largest networking events for local businesses.
The occasion was compered by Quaywest presenter Drew Haddon, and a charity auction was conducted by auctioneer John Addicott which raised several hundreds of pounds to be shared between the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance, and the Somerset Fire Service benevolent fund.
Everybody who registered a vote for their favourite local business was entered into a draw to win a murder mystery evening with the West Somerset Railway, while guests on the night were in with a chance of winning a meal for two in Reeves Restaurant, in Dunster.
As well as the Quaywest award, Jason and Emma Cobbett also received a 30-inch plasma screen Panasonic television, a month’s free advertising on the radio station, and a year’s advertising on the boarding around Minehead’s football pitch.
Other businesses which entered the awards were Aquasplash Leisure Centre, Webberbus, The Lighting Company, Minehead Computer Services, Stuart Lowen quality butcher, Natalie Poat travel counsellor, Ekos Kitchens, Dunkery Beacon Hotel, Penny Pine Ltd, Glenmore Café, Blondies, Chives delicatessen, Alan Harman Car Sales, Morris Carpets and Beds, Minehead Glass, Babys First, Corner House Stores, Willows Café and Gifts, Friday Print, West Somerset Motors, Trenz, The Shoe Centre, Cream, Blue Anchor Bay Garage, Cornerstone Projects, and Antlers Pet Supplies.
Quaywest sales executive Gerry Baxter told The Crier: “It was a brilliant night and enjoyed by everybody, including the senior management from our parent company Laser Broadcasting who attended.
“The awards help to support the businesses we have here in the Quaywest 102.4 and 100.8 fm catchment area and they give some recognition to those which do well and are highly regarded by their customers.”

• Our photograph shows (front) MP Ian Liddell-Grainger flanked by award winners Jason and Emma Cobbett, with (left to right) Stuart Linnell, of operations director of Laser Broadcasting, and Chapel House Roofing workers Karl Priddle and Chris Thorne, and (rear, left to right) Quaywest presenter Paul Green, sales staff Gerry Baxter, Berny McLoughlin, and James Taplin, and station manager Dave Englefield. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref TCP0059. Order image reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk.

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.