“WHAT a glorious event,” was the consensus following Dunster Horticultural Society’s flower show.

Despite months of dry weather and near drought conditions, the Tithe Barn was overflowing with exhibits ranging from fruit and vegetables to displays of colourful flowers, as well as home craft entries.

New exhibitors were welcomed and entries were nearly double those of last year.

A spokesperson said: “The whole event had a really joyful feel and seemed to encapsulate a celebration of life in our lovely village.

“There were so many varied opportunities to exhibit in art, craft, photography and needlework and the standards across all sections were extraordinarily high.

“The children's section was equally enthusiastically supported.”

Trophies were awarded by the society chair Sarah Griffiths and president Mary Fay.

Trophy winners

Produce Challenge Cup, Best Exhibit in Vegetable Classes — Matt Griffiths

Merry Meadow Trophy, Best exhibit in Fruit Classes — Alexander Noad

Les Griffiths Cup, Best Exhibit in Flower Classes — Sarah Griffiths

Jubilee Cup, Best Exhibit in Decorative Classes — Linda Puxley

Priddle Salver, Best Exhibit in Homecraft Classes (Baking) — Ruth Webber.

Foljambe Cup, Best Exhibit in Homecraft Classes (Preserves) — Linda Puxley

Luttrell Cup, Best Exhibit in Art Classes — Alfie Dehez

The Crafters Cup, Best Exhibit in Craft Classes — Alison Hall

Stanford Salver, Best Exhibit in Photography Classes — Cindy Hill

Nicholson Diamond Jubilee Trophy, 2025 ‘People’s Choice’ of Best Exhibit in Class 57 — Linda Puxley

Dunscombe Cup (in memory of Syd Dunscombe), Highest Points in Vegetable Classes — Matt Griffiths

Coronation Challenge Cup, Highest Points in Fruit Classes — Jo Clinch (Jessica)/Jonathan Greenhow

Richard Hutchins Cup, Highest Points in Dahlia Classes — Sharne Hawkins

Vice President’s Rose Bowl, Highest points in Flower Classes — Kath Moon

Luttrell Arms Trophy, Highest points in Decorative Classes — Linda Puxley

Hornby Trophy, Highest Points in Homecraft — Linda Puxley

The Ruth Fox Rose Bowl, Highest points in Art — Alfie Dehez

The Craft Salver, Highest Points in Craft Classes — Bridget Bale

Julian Luttrell Cup, Highest Points in Children’s Classes — Billy Stone

Vaulter Cup, Second Highest Points in Children’s Classes — Robin Stone

The RHS Banksian Medal, Highest Points in Horticultural Classes 1-32 — Matt Griffiths

Jimmy Griffiths Shield, Red Ribbon Award and Gardening Voucher, Highest Total Points in Show — Linda Puxley

After the show, Sarah thanked Dunster Women’s Institute for serving teas and cakes, judges for giving up their time, committee members and volunteers for making the show happen, and the public,who attended in droves in support of the village event.

She added: “Even the weather was glorious!”

Next year, the show will be held earlier in the year, Saturday, August 1.

MINEHEAD Rotary Club is hosting a community volunteer and recruitment coffee morning on Saturday, October 18, in Minehead Methodist Church Hall from 10 am to 12.30 pm.

The event, which first took place in 2023, is intended to enable interested members of the local community to go along and find out much more about the wide variety of community groups and charities operating in West Somerset.

All organisations are in need of volunteers or additional members, so it will provide an opportunity to meet some of the people involved and ask lots of questions .

A spokesperson said: “Who knows, you may find out about something new that you might wish to get involved with.”

A DISABLED woman from Williton was delighted to receive a wheelchair to aid her mobility.

Minehead and District Lions Club, the Community Council for Somerset’s village agents, and others were pleased to get together and provide the chair for her, with the help of Mark Ollernshaw, from Independent Living, Minehead.

The wheelchair will enable the resident to enjoy getting out and about with her family.

For more information on Minehead and District Lions Club, the work it does in the community, and the fun members have, contact Veronica Whittle on 0345 833 9572.

MINEHEAD freemasons from Exmoor Lodge, in Bancks Street, donated £1,000 to Williton and Surrounding Parkinson Support Group (WASPS).

This is an exceptionally well-run self-help group for all people with Parkinsons disease, which proves to be a great benefit to all local people suffering thisdebilitating disease.

The group is totally self-funded and organised by volunteers.

They meet in Sampford Brett village hall with a great community atmosphere where exercise, games, and a chance to chat, with tea and biscuits, is on offer.

This month’s Amble will be on the old Mineral Line on Wednesday (October 15), meeting at Washford Village Hall car park, at 10.30 am, before ambling up the line, now a beautiful public path where we it is hoped to see some autumn colours.

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 anybody who enjoys a relaxed pace when walking.

The walk will be a maximum of one hour.

A spokesperson said: “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.

It asks that vulnerable adults ae accompanied by a carer.

For more information or directions to the start ring Emily on 01643 821756 or email [email protected] or just turn up.

The group walks whatever the weather.

TWO regional businesses from leading housebuilder Persimmon Homes have saddled up to support one of Somerset’s most unusual and inspiring endurance events - the Man v Horse race.

Persimmon Homes South West and Persimmon Homes Severn Valley have each given £1,000 through the company’s Community Champions scheme to help stage the event, which returns to the Quantock Hills on Saturday, October 18, for its second year.

The gruelling 23-mile race sees runners take on horses over challenging countryside terrain.

Beating a horse may seem an impossible task, but in the race’s short Somerset history, and in its Welsh predecessor, runners have managed to do so.

Last year’s inaugural event in the county ended in a dramatic tie.

Beyond the spectacle, Man v Horse carries a deeper purpose.

It raises funds for Project Pegasus, a Somerset-based therapy programme which helps children and young people affected by drug and alcohol use within their families.

The initiative, run by Equi-Librium Coaching and Therapy, uses horses to help young people rebuild trust, confidence, and connection.

Severn Valley sales director Carly Spear said: “Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme is about supporting the people, charities, and causes that make our local communities special.

“Man v Horse is a brilliant example, it is fun, challenging, and rooted in community spirit, but it also has a real and lasting impact through the work of Project Pegasus.”

Westcountry sales director Stacey Harris said: “Events like Man v Horse bring people together and celebrate what makes Somerset unique, its landscape, its people, and its passion for helping others.

“Persimmon is thrilled to contribute toward such an uplifting and meaningful occasion that champions both endurance and empathy.”

Equi-Librium Coaching and Therapy co-founder Philip King, organiser of Man v Horse, said: “Very often, traditional therapy is not the right fit for the children and young people we work with, but being outside, working alongside horses, helps them rebuild trust and connection.

“The race is all about hopefulness and joy, and knowing that local businesses like Persimmon believe in what we are doing makes all the difference.”

COMMUNITY efforts to tackle fuel poverty and keep people in Somerset warm this winter are being offered free financial support from National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED).

Money is available to run warm spaces and improve the energy efficiency of community buildings, such as village halls, that are hosting them.

The company is also looking to support groups that are:

Individual grants up to £5,000 are available for registered charities or non-profit companies from NGED’s Community Matters Fund, which is open for applications until 5 pm on October 24.

NGED’s social impact business partner Ellie Patey said: “We want to support grassroots organisations looking to help people stay warm this winter, particularly those facing cost of living pressures.

“We are keen to back projects delivering a legacy of support beyond the initial funding.”

Constituted charitable organisations without a charity number can apply for up to £2,000.

It is part of National Grid’s ongoing commitment to energy affordability through a range of community support including year-round partnerships with trusted organisations via the ‘Power Up’ and ‘Affordable Warmth’ schemes to help tackle fuel poverty, targeted assistance delivered in collaboration with Kidney Care UK and the Fuel Bank Foundation, and increased access to warm, welcoming community spaces through a partnership with the Warm Welcome campaign.