THE recent climate fair run by West Somerset Green Forum in Minehead asked the question ‘What can I do to make a difference?’

This was answered by a showcase of the many responses that local people are making to the urgent threats of climate change and loss of nature and biodiversity.

As Paul Rutter, the originator of Green Blueprint for West Somerset said at the fair: “No Nature: No People.”

Communities across Somerset are working together to make the many changes needed to shift the baseline of deterioration, which can come to seem normal to us over time, to a positive and constructive one.

Some aims, among many, include increasing green spaces, reducing emissions from improved homes and transport, providing secure and healthy food, and flood prevention.

To join the discussion, everybody in West Somerset is invited to attend West Somerset Green Forum’s 2025 annual general meeting on Wednesday, November 26, in Minehead Community Hall, in Alexandra Road.

The formal meeting is at 6.30 pm and non-members are welcome as observers.

Refreshments will be available from 7.15 pm.

The discussion session will be from 7.30 pm and it is a public meeting, so everybody is welcome.

Zara Aitkin, from Minehead and Coast Development Trust, will speak on the ‘Act to Adapt Plan’ being formulated by local residents.

This will be followed by an open question and answer session and discussion.

For more information about the meeting, or to become involved with West Somerset Green Forum or add an item to the West Somerset Together newsletter, email Hester Watson at [email protected] or call 01643 821768.

The forum’s website is www.westsomersetgreenforum.com.

RESIDENTS and visitors to Minehead are invited to take a rare step back in time as Townsend House, the town’s oldest surviving building, throws open its doors for a special open weekend on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23.

Nestled in the heart of Minehead, Townsend House is a treasure trove of local heritage.

This Grade Two starred listed building dates back to the 16th century and has stood witness to centuries of change, conflict, and community life.

Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved interior, rarely open to the public, marvel at Civil War-era cannon, a relic of turbulent times, discover the hidden priest’s hole, a secret refuge from religious persecution, and admire the original 16th-century roof beams, a testament to Tudor craftsmanship.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a curious local, or simply looking for a unique weekend outing, Townsend House offers a glimpse into Minehead’s rich past.

Volunteers will be on hand to share stories and answer questions about the building’s fascinating features and its role in the town’s history.

On view will be rare books, paintings relating to Minehead’s past, historic artefacts, and many second-hand books for sale.

Admission to Townsend House, which is next to the Valero fuel station, is free from 10 am to 4 pm on both days.

A spokesperson said: “Do not miss this chance to walk through centuries of history in one of West Somerset’s most remarkable buildings.”

THE ever-popular Dunster Village Society annual Christmas Bazaar makes its return this year, much to the delight of the local community.

This long-established event has become a highlight on the village calendar, eagerly anticipated by residents of all ages.

It promises to be an occasion not to be missed.

The free entry Christmas Bazaar will be held in the Dunster Tithe Barn Community Hall on Saturday, November 29, from 10 am to 4 pm.

Highlights include

• Christmas Café: Enjoy a variety of festive homemade cuisine and warming hot beverages available throughout the day

• Santa’s Grotto: Santa himself will make a special visit to meet the children in his grotto, adding a magical touch to the celebrations

• Stalls: Explore a diverse range of stalls, including charity stands, all offering a selection of gifts, baked goods, and seasonal decorations – it is the perfect opportunity to find unique Christmas presents while supporting the local community

A spokesperson for the Dunster Village Society said: “We are pleased to welcome everybody back to our annual Christmas Bazaar.

“This event provides an excellent opportunity for our village community to unite, support local talent, enjoy the festivities, and officially begin the Christmas season.

“With free entry and something for everybody, the Christmas Bazaar is set to be a wonderful start to the festive season.

“All are welcome to attend and join in the festivities.”

WATCHET Community Cinema will be showing ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’ on Friday, November 28.

The film revolves around Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery-winning widower who lives alone on a remote island.

He dreams of getting together his favourite folk band, a now long defunct and bitterly estranged duo.

His fantasy turns into reality when the former lovers Herb McGwyer and Nell Mortimer (Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan), separately accept his invitation to play a private show at his home, each unaware their ‘ex’ is also coming.

What Charles has also omitted to reveal is, just how small the audience will be - just himself and perhaps a few puffins.

Old tensions quickly resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.

This droll British picture is a bittersweet, cardigan-clad treasure of a film and a balm for battered souls.

It will be screened in Knights Templar School with doors opening at 6.30 pm and the film starting at 7 pm.

Tickets at £4 are available on the door and more information is available by calling Anne on 07557 734795.

ST Margaret’s Hospice is welcoming in the festive season by inviting the people of Somerset to come together at two brand-new Christmas events – the inaugural Taunton Tinsel Trot in the town centre, and the cosy Christmas Fayre at the Bishops Hull hospice.

Both events promise family-friendly fun while raising vital funds to help the charity continue providing compassionate, specialist care to patients and families across the county.

Launching the festive season, St Margaret’s will host its Christmas Fayre on Sunday, November 30, transforming the Taunton hospice into a hub of local creativity, seasonal music, and festive celebrations.

From 2 pm to 5 pm, visitors can enjoy local artisanal stalls with handmade gifts, crafts, and Christmas treats, a live brass band playing festive favourites, mince pies, hot chocolate, mulled wine and other refreshments, a raffle, and a silent auction with some fabulous prizes.

There are also children’s activities and an opportunity to meet a friendly festive donkey, Santa visits with each child receiving a special gift and a magical moment with Santa (booking essential).

Entry is £1 per adult, which includes a free entry into a Christmas hamper draw. Children go free.

The following weekend, on Sunday, December 7, the Taunton Tinsel Trot promises a morning full of cheer, festive spirit, and community fun, with hundreds expected to take part in support of local hospice care.

Starting and finishing at Castle Green, Taunton, participants can choose between a 3K route for ages 11 years and older, or a 1K mini trot for younger children and families - pushchairs welcome. Participants are encouraged to fund-raise for the hospice.

Organised for the first time in collaboration with the Taunton Carnival Committee, the Tinsel Trot is a joyful, non-competitive way to celebrate the season while making a difference for local people facing life-limiting illness.

All entrants will receive a free festive hat, Santa hats for adults and older children, and elf hats for the little ones.

Registration costs £15 for the 3K route and £5 for the 1K children’s run, with the mini race starting at 10 am, followed by the full 3K at 10.30 am.

Funds raised from both events will help St Margaret’s continue providing free specialist care for people across Somerset living with a life-limiting illness, whether that is out in people’s homes and living areas, through the Sunflower Centre Day Hospices in Yeovil and Taunton, or on the hospice’s in-patient unit.

To register, volunteer, or find out more, visit the hospice website.

THE village hall in Wootton Courtenay has achieved Hallmark 1, a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme which is open to any village or community hall management committee in England.

Following a rigorous external assessment over the summer, the village hall committee was delighted to announce the award.

Committee treasurer Barbara O’Keefe said: “This is an entirely voluntary scheme that is beneficial in a number of ways.

“It demonstrates that our village hall is fully compliant with the requirements of its charitable status.

“It provides funders and other interested organisations with a benchmark for a well managed hall.

“It gives village hall volunteers confidence that they are running the hall in the correct way.

“By achieving the award we can access a discount on our insurance premium.”

Any villagers with queries about the running of the village hall or the Hallmark scheme can contact chairman Alan Rowe or Ms O’Keefe.