St Petrock’s Patronal Feast was celebrated on Saturday, May 31.

St Petrock’s Church in Timberscombe was fortunate to benefit from a grant from the Choral Evensong Trust allowing us to provide a service with talented professional singers to sing sacred music which hasn’t been heard in the church for many years. Attracting a stellar quartet, two of whom travelled from London for the service, Olivia Hugh-Jones – Soprano and Thomas Elwin – Tenor, and sang alongside Nicola Semple – Alto and Richard Smith – Bass, from Kilve. The service was lead by Archdeacon Emeritus Elwin Cockett and assisted by Rev Nicola Butt. The organist was Kate Hart, assisted by church organist Sue Donovan. The church was absolutely full with many people keen to experience high quality singing from all over Exmoor and beyond, as well as villagers and their families. The post service reception with prosecco and delicious canapes, was a wonderful finale to an exceptional day.

Earlier in the day the church field at the rear of the church had been decorated with abundant bunting and plenty of gazebos, whether for rain or shine. In the event, the weather was mostly perfect and the turn out for the bbq and family entertainments was excellent. As an example of co-operation within the village it was textbook. Gazebos and BBQs arrived by trailer, the field was topped and strimmed, the tables and chairs were shipped in from other locations, and considerable amounts of food and drink were organised and prepared by a small army of volunteers.

An aim of any village event organised by the church has a serious element of fundraising involved, because without locally raised funds, the church cannot function and thrive. Here the focus on a patronal feast day is what makes Timberscombe a village community where everybody is welcomed and where help is given freely and with good intent. Binding a village together where there is common ownership of the tremendous asset which the church and its churchyard provides, and an understanding of the responsibility that brings, is a demonstrably positive goal to benefit all. Nearly £900 was raised to assist the church with everyday running costs.

Our thanks go to everyone involved and we look forward to welcoming everybody next month to our summer fundraiser at Bougham Farm on Saturday, July 19. More details to follow, but tickets will be available from next week at the Timberscombe Post Office. Admission is by ticket only.

The Minehead Dementia Action group’s June Amble is on Wednesday, June 18, meeting at 10.30am at the car park right at the far end of North Hill (follow the road till it runs out).

The views from North hill are just lovely, Porlock Vale , Bossington Beach and of course across to Dunkery. The bell heather and cross leaved heath is just coming out and we might even have sun. Of course if it is misty then there is a whole new set of gorgeous and subtle sights and smells. Definitely a walk to be recommended. There is also a specially designed wheelchair friendly path, again highly recommended.

Amble not Ramble is a walking group specially designed for people with memory loss, lack of mobility and or just loss of confidence or indeed anyone who enjoys a relaxed pace when walking. The walk will be a maximum of one hour. We are a very friendly group and always end the walk with tea and coffee.

Amble not Ramble walks are run by Minehead Dementia Action Alliance which aims to help people and their carers live well with Dementia. We ask that vulnerable adults be accompanied by a carer. For more information or directions to the start ring Emily on 01643 821756 [email protected] or just turn up. We walk whatever the weather… see you there.

The 23rd West Somerset Folk Festival will be held at Carhampton Village Hall from June 20 to 22.

There will be singarounds, music sessions, workshops, a Folk Club and on the Saturday evening a concert will be given.

A spokesperson said: “A weekend of song and music in an outstanding setting, supporting Sure, a local Taunton Charity. Camping available.”

For more information visit www.westsomersetfolkfestival.co.uk