THE first community event of 2026 by Porlock Information Centre was a highly-successful ‘Songs and Scones’ community afternoon, which brought together residents for an uplifting and memorable gathering.

On a rainy afternoon, Porlock Village Hall quickly filled with people eager to participate, who enjoyed scones served by Porlock Ladies, which set a warm and inviting tone for the event.

Following the refreshments, talented local singers led by Chris De Vere Hunt took the lead in a lively singalong session.

The singalong featured rousing and upbeat songs which encouraged everybody to join in.

Afterward, participants shared their enthusiasm, with comments such as ‘I really let my hair down’, ‘that was great fun’, and ‘when is the next one?’.

The remarks captured the genuine enjoyment and sense of togetherness experienced by all who attended.

The afternoon also included a heartfelt celebration for Denise Sage, the guest of honour, who marked a special birthday during the event.

Denise has been a driving force behind the information centre for many years, dedicating her time and energy to supporting the people and businesses of Porlock Vale.

Even in retirement, she continues to play an active role in the community.

Surprises for Denise included a special ‘town cry’ from Grant Dennis, heartfelt speeches, beautiful flowers, and a birthday cake - serving as a well-deserved acknowledgment of her outstanding contributions.

Deborah Stanyon, information centre manager and chief executive of Porlock Vale CIC, expressed her appreciation for the community’s involvement and support.

Ms Stanyon said: “We were delighted that so many people came to this new event, which we have been able to organise with financial support from the National Lottery Awards for All grant funding.

“We could not have managed to do this without lots of volunteer support, too, and we continue to be very grateful to all who make our Porlock community so vibrant.”

THERE was tremendous support from the village for a ferret racing evening on Saturday (February 7) in Timberscombe Village Hall which raised a ‘fabulous’ amount of £1,295.97 in support of St Petrock’s Church.

A sold out crowd went along to see Exmoor’s finest ferrets in action and enjoy home made cottage pies, and shepherd’s pie, and veggies, and really enter into the spirit of the occasion as they cheered on the ferret which were released by young people in Timberscombe.

There were lots of laughs and plenty of entertainment.

Marion Jeffrey and Kate Hart said a huge ‘thank you’ was due to the hard working members of the parochial church council who prepared and served all the food for the evening, to the Revs Nicola and David Butt, who had the idea in the first place and organised the ferret man.

Thanks also went o to Marion for dealing with huge amounts of pound coins and a lot of organising on the evening, and, of course, to the sponsors who sponsored each race and thereby ensured that profits were maximised for the maintenance of village church.

The generous sponsors were: The Great House, The Lion Inn, Ark at Wheddon Cross, Rob the Mechanic, Rob and Kath Blomfield Richards, Allan Sutton, Rev Nicola and David Butt, and finally Kate Hart and Marion Jeffrey as joint churchwardens.

The totally amount raised was a remarkable total for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Thanks and congratulations went to everybody who helped make it such a success.

THE Ven Anne Gell is to step down from her roles in the Bath and Wells Diocese in May after eight years as Archdeacon of Wells and Residentiary Canon of Wells Cathedral.

She temporarily stepped back from her archdeaconry role between February, 2023, and June, 2024, to serve as acting Dean of Wells.

Bishop of Bath and Wells the Rt Rev Michael Beasley said: “After serving us faithfully, generously, and gracefully for nine years, Anne has decided to move on to take on a new challenge.

“We are hugely indebted for all that she has given during her time in Bath and Wells.

“Anne has known, loved, and served people in churches and communities across the archdeaconry.

“She has also undertaken amazing work within Wells Cathedral, especially during the time Anne served as acting dean.

“Anne has been a much-loved member of our team and we shall miss her enormously.”

Anne said: “I have been in Bath and Wells for nine years, during which there have been many joys and challenges.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, met, and walked alongside some wonderful people, but it feels to be the right time to make some space to hear where God is calling me now, and perhaps to consider aspects of my vocation I have not recently had chance to explore.”

The Very Rev Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, said: “Through her ministry as residentiary canon, as well as her time as acting Dean of Wells, Anne has brought support, wisdom, and healing in times of change for many throughout the wider community.

“We will always remember with gratitude the strong foundations she has established here, on which we can now build confidently for the future.”

There will be an opportunity to say farewell to Anne at Wells Cathedral evensong on Sunday, May 10, before she leaves the diocese at the end of May.

THE dangers of ketamine use, and the help available to those who need it, are being highlighted by Somerset Council and its public health team.

Ketamine use has risen in recent years, not just in Somerset but across the country.

As ketamine use continues to rise, so do the risks to both physical and mental health.

The council, together with Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Service (SDAS), is taking a co-ordinated response to rising ketamine-related harm.

This includes:

Somerset’s director of public health Alison Bell said: “I am extremely concerned about the increasing trend of ketamine use, particularly among young people.

“We know the short‑term effects can involve dissociation, hallucinations, and reduced motor co-ordination, all of which increase the risk of injury to those under the influence of ketamine.

“The longer-term effects of ketamine can cause serious bladder damage alongside mental health problems and dependence.

“People do not realise the serious health consequences of taking ketamine.”

SDAS senior operations manager Joy Gamlin said: “SDAS works with a wide range of people from across Somerset who are seeking support for their substance use, and since 2020 we have seen an increase in those seeking help for ketamine use.

“We recognise that this is not an issue confined to Somerset, and, in common with other areas, we are seeing younger people seeking help, with nearly two-thirds being aged 25 or under.

“Ketamine can cause significant health issues, so we would encourage anybody who would like free and confidential advice or support for their substance use to get in touch.”

The council’s lead member for public health Cllr Graham Oakes said: “I would urge anybody needing harm reduction advice or who is concerned about their own ketamine use, or that of a friend or family member to get in touch with Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Service.”

The council has awarded SDAS a contract for a three-year period to provide specialist services to residents struggling with drug and alcohol use, with an option to extend for a further three years.

SDAS is a local, free-to-access drug and alcohol service commissioned by Somerset Council and delivered by Turning Point.

Visit www.turning-point.co.uk/services/sdas or call 0300 303 8788.

THIS month’s Amble not Ramble is on Wednesday (February 18), meeting at 10.30 am at Dunster Beach carpark, the near end as you drive in.

The group intends to walk along the seaside route toward Blue Anchor so they have the breeze and sound from the sea.

It is extremely wheelchair-friendly, the path is nice and smooth so wheelchair users will not feel the discomfort they usually have to endure while going over small stones

Amble not Ramble is a walking group specially designed for people with dementia, 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, which aims to help people and their carers live well with dementia.

It asks that vulnerable adults are accompanied by a carer.

For more information or directions to the start call Emily on 01643 821756 or email [email protected].

People can just turn up, and the group walks whatever the weather.