SOMERSET Council was proud to join the global celebration of International Volunteer Day (IVD) on Friday (December 5), a day dedicated to recognising the incredible impact of volunteers everywhere.

Somerset Volunteering has more than 1,400 volunteers supporting 20 different services.

Their contributions range from volunteer drivers and countryside conservation to supporting young people through programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh and Route1 Advocacy.

IVD has grown into a worldwide movement which supports the spirit of volunteerism - locally, nationally, and globally.

This year’s theme, ‘Every Contribution Matters’, was a reminder that Somerset volunteers play a vital role in creating stronger, more connected communities and driving positive change across the county.

Somerset executive Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts said: “This IVD we would like to show our appreciation to our incredible volunteers.

“We are so grateful for them giving up their time to benefit others.

“Every hour volunteered makes a real difference, not just to the services we provide, but to the lives of people across Somerset.”

Here are just some of the ways people are becoming involved through Somerset Volunteering:

Volunteers receive full induction, role-specific training, and ongoing support from dedicated volunteer managers.

With so many ways to be involved, there is something for everybody, whatever their interests or availability.

Anybody who would like to start their volunteering journey should explore opportunities at Somerset Volunteering or email [email protected] to express interest or ask questions.

CONTRASTING late autumn weather greeted the traders and visitors to the Christmas Fair held on the platform of Minehead Railway Station over the last weekend of November, with long spells of rain on the Saturday and bright, albeit low, sunshine the following day.

However, there were plenty of visitors to the event, taking the chance to browse and purchase items from independent crafters based in West Somerset and Exmoor.

The station shop and cafe were open, as was the Friends of Minehead Station’s Reader’s Halt second-hand outlet.

Watchet Town Band played at the station on Saturday morning, adding to the seasonal atmosphere and drawing an appreciative audience.

The West Somerset Railway (WSR) ran special steam trains from Bishops Lydeard for the fair, calling at Williton and Watchet along the way, allowing passengers to spend time in Minehead as well as at the fair.

Saturday was a busy day at Bishops Lydeard as it was also the last day of the visit of the Railway 200 ‘Inspiration’ exhibition train.

On Sunday, the WSR’s programme of festive trains got underway with the first ‘Fish and Chipmas’ operation and the ‘Quantock Belle’ dining car train offering festive food from chef Sam le Roux. The full festive programme will include the traditional ‘Santa Express’ outings for families and another ‘Bad Santa’ journey, which is for adults only.

Looking ahead, there will be two anniversaries to mark in 2026 which will see 30 years of fund-raising and work by the Friends of Minehead Station in order to maintain the main building, dating to 1874, and the wider environs of the WSR’s northern terminus.

It was from there that the late Lord Montague flagged away the first train for a round trip to Blue Anchor on March 28, 1976.

A FESTIVE workshop is being run by the Exmoor Game School Workshop’s Darren Sherwood with a focus on the preparation and respectful consumption of seasonal, local game.

Depending on availability, it may cover rabbits, pheasants, grey squirrels, and pigeons.

Each session will include game preparation and cooking, learning how to skin, gut, butcher, and cook game animals under expert supervision.

The ecological context will be explored to learn why certain species may need to be culled for environmental balance, and there will be an open discussion and a tasting session for those who want to try the meats.

The game school is a not-for-profit community interest company which believes in the ethical, sustainable, and nutritious value of game meat.

Its mission is to promote the intrinsic value of food, emphasising its ethical and nutritional significance over cost.

The workshop will be held on Thursday, December 18, on the Lillycombe Estate, Porlock, and booking will be essential for catering purposes by Monday, December 15, by emailing [email protected].

NEW fuel-efficient refuse collection vehicles are being introduced across West Somerset by contractor SUEZ to replace lorries which are nearing the end of their serviceable lives.

The new Dennis vehicles are loaded with emission-reducing technology and smartly dressed in a bold new livery carrying the message that it is better to reduce, reuse, or recycle waste than send it for costly disposal.

The speech bubble designs on the vehicles show that even lorries can be outspoken about making Somerset more sustainable, with one saying: “I hate the taste of food waste.”

It is intended as a playful reminder for people to make the most of their food waste recycling containers, which help make green energy and soil improvers for local farms.

Somerset executive Cllr Richard Wilkins said: “I encourage everybody to make the most of their recycling containers and join us in our efforts to build a greener, more sustainable future for our county.”

A NEW resident will shortly be sought by Quirke’s Almshouse Charity, in Minehead, which has a fully refurbished bijou almshouse in the centre of the town available from late January.

The self-contained unfurnished home comprises one bedroom, bathroom, porch area, and open plan kitchen/lounge.

There is no parking or outside space available.

Applicants must be a resident of Minehead or Selworthy and Minehead Without parishes, on a low income, in financial need.

The home would suit either a single person or a couple.

The property is unsuitable for children or pets.

Application forms can be collected from Greenslade Taylor Hunt estate agents, in The Parade, or Quirke’s Almshouse Charity, based in Minehead Town Council’s offices, in Summerland Road, or can be downloaded from the town council website.

Completed forms should be returned and marked ‘Quirke’s Almshouse Charity’ to the town council office by Tuesday, December 23.

Anybody who has not been called for interview by Friday, January 19, will have been unsuccessful.

THE historic tradition of Mummers Plays is returning this year to the Yarn Market , in Dunster, on Boxing Day at 11 am as the West Somerset Morris prepare to perform their lively, family friendly folk play.

Rooted in centuries old British custom, the Mummers Play combines humour, music, colourful costumes, and larger-than-life characters such as St George, the Doctor and the Turkish Knight.

This year’s performance promises plenty of laughs, comic battles and good natured mischief.

As well as the Mummers Play, West Somerset Morris will be performing traditional dances with the opportunity for any in the audience to join in the finale.

Everybody is invited to go along, enjoy the festivities, and support this vibrant piece of local heritage.

NEARLY £100 was raised for St Petrocl’s Church, Timberscombe, from the fifth year of welcoming Advent to the village, which was arranged by Allan Sutton with a fabulous arrangement of music, poetry, readings, and good humour for the enjoyment and reflection of all.

The Moor Harmony singers were a delightful and impressive addition, conducted by Claire Stronach, and added to the range of entertainment for everybody.

With a decorated and warm church, a lit Christmas tree outside, and mulled wine and nibbles to keep everybody hale and hearty, it proved to be a lovely event.

Thanks went to everybody who took part and made it so enjoyable.

THE annual ‘Singing in the Ring’ Christmas carol service in Cutcombe Market, Wheddon Cross, will be held on Monday (December 15) at 6.30 pm.

It is organised by the Exmoor Hill Farming Network and Exmoor Churches and will be led by the Revs David Weir and Miles Wellborn, of West Exmoor, and a complimentary stew will be available for anybody who has booked to attend.

A RECENT music quiz in the Watchet Royal British Legion Club raised £150 for the Forget Me Not Cafe Dementia Group.

The quiz, run by popular Watchet DJ Mick Cleveland, was great fun for all.

The winners of the wooden spoons were the Sing for Joy team with a score too low to remember.

For more details about events and advice for people living with dementia or their friends and families in the Quantocks area, contact Margaret Tatham 07973638030 or email [email protected].