THE outstanding success of a whole‑school production of ‘High School Musical’, performed to two sold‑out audiences, is being celebrated by Danesfield Middle School, Williton.

More than 40 pupils took to the stage, showcasing exceptional singing, dancing, and acting with confidence and energy.

The production was directed by headteacher Jo Smith, along with French/drama and early career training mentor Andrew Pearce and year six teacher Nick Booty, who have been working with the cast over the past few months to bring the show to life.

Mrs Smith said: “When I arrived in September, I was keen to get the school show going again.

“The impact on pupils’ confidence and the experience it gives them is invaluable.”

The cast delivered two nights of outstanding performances to packed audiences of 140 each evening, with staff, families, and community members praising the pupils’ talent, hard work, and commitment.

Mrs Smith said: “We are so proud of them.

“They have shown dedication, teamwork, and real courage on the stage.”

Danesfield Middle School looks forward to building on the success with future opportunities for pupils to shine in the performing arts.

A VOLUNTEER recruitment drive has been launched by St John Ambulance to find people willing to step forward and become lifesavers in their communities.

Its volunteers play a vital role in supporting the NHS, providing First Aid at community events, and helping people feel confident to act in an emergency.

A series of interview and induction events will take place at various locations, including one in Taunton on May 24.

County volunteer experience officer Ollie Beasley said: “Volunteers are the heartbeat of St John Ambulance, and this recruitment drive is a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved in something truly meaningful.

“Whether you want to be on the frontline providing First Aid, or prefer to support your community in other ways, we have a role to suit you.

“You do not need any previous experience, just a willingness to learn and a desire to help others.

“The skills you gain could one day save a life, and you will be joining a friendly, supportive team that makes a real difference every day.”

Anybody interested should email to [email protected].

MORE than 450 Freemasons from across Somerset and visiting provinces gathered on Thursday, April 2, for the annual meeting of Somerset Freemasons, led by Ray Guthrie, to celebrate achievements, recognise contributions, and outline future charitable ambitions.

A key part of the meeting was the appointment and promotion of members to senior roles, recognising their contribution and the important role they will continue to play in supporting Freemasonry across Somerset.

The meeting also highlighted the significant charitable impact of Freemasons across the county, including a grant of more than £43,000 awarded to Young Somerset by the Freemasons’ charity to support young people and families in the region.

A major announcement of the day was the launch of a new charity appeal aiming to raise £2.5 million to support charitable causes, with a significant portion set to directly benefit good causes in Somerset.

Speaking following the meeting, Mr Guthrie said the organisation remained committed to supporting both its members and the wider community through charitable giving and local engagement.

The meeting concluded with a well-attended luncheon, reflecting the strong sense of community across Somerset Freemasonry.

THE second meeting of Timberscombe Gardening Club will be held on Monday (April 13) when James Penny will enlighten members on ‘Honey - 400 million years in the making’.

The club is looking forward to welcoming new members and old, as well as visitors and guests.

The gardening club’s first outing is to Court House, in East Quantoxhead, and will be on May 11. Entrance is £7, which goes to the National Garden Scheme charity.

A cream tea can be enjoyed afterward in the Windmill Inn for £8.

Anybody who wants to go on the trip can sign up for it during Monday’s meeting with payment at the meeting appreciated.

The other event in May is the annual cream tea and plant sale on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25.

Donations of plants, scones/cakes are always appreciated.

More information about the club can be found on the gardening club page of the Timberscombe village website.

A THREE-year partnership has been formed between Somerset Council and Citizens Advice, which has been awarded a contract to help and support residents using the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund.

The council has received £22.661 million from the Government to provide vital assistance to residents facing financial hardship and cost-of-living pressures in the county.

The money is to be distributed over the next three years via the community sector and direct payments.

The funding, called the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), is designed to offer targeted help to people facing sudden financial difficulties.

The support is provided in three ways:

The CRF is being co-produced and delivered by a range of partner organisations across Somerset called the Crisis and Resilience Fund Alliance.

Citizens Advice Somerset has been appointed as the CRF Alliance lead to help deliver support to Somerset communities using the funding.

It will work with the council and other voluntary and community sector partners such as Age UK Somerset, SASP, Somerset Community Foundation, and Thrive, to deliver targeted support, strengthen community resilience, provide crisis intervention, and ensure access to wellbeing and financial assistance for vulnerable residents.

Citizens Advice Somerset chief executive Angela Kerr said: “Citizens Advice Somerset is thrilled to have been confirmed as the alliance lead for the CRF across Somerset.

“We are looking forward to building on our existing work with VCFSE partners and Somerset Council, to make sure help and support is easily available at a local level.

“Combining crisis payments with preventative and wraparound support will make a real difference.”

THE topic chosen for our next ‘Thinking Allowed’ session in Wootton Courtenay is ‘As big business and multinationals increasingly dominate the market place, do we in society find we have less choice?’

The meeting, at 7 pm in the Villagers’ Stores, is on Monday April 13).

Behind the question is the impact of the cultural and economic dominance of big business and multinationals - do they enable us to flourish as human beings or do they enable only some of us to flourish?

The bar will be open from 6.30 pm and as well as friendly company, there will be stimulating conversation and poetry.

Everybody will be welcome to take part.

ACHIEVEMENTS of UCS College Group students have been celebrated through the latest ‘Value Added Awards’, recognising the progress, determination, and personal growth shown across colleges in Cannington, Bridgwater, Taunton, and Strode.

The awards shine a light on the resilience the students demonstrate every day, whether it is overcoming personal challenges, building confidence, making consistent progress, or supporting others within the college community.

They recognise the often unseen efforts which play a vital role in shaping success.

UCS College Group believes every student’s journey is unique, and success looks different for everybody.

The value added awards reflect that belief by celebrating not just outcomes, but the commitment, character, and perseverance shown along the way.

From stepping outside comfort zones to contributing positively to college life, each award represents a story of growth and determination.

This term’s award recipients embodied the values the group champions across all of its colleges - resilience, kindness, and a willingness to keep striving for improvement.

Their achievements have made a meaningful impact not only on their own development, but also on the wider college communities of which they are a part.

By recognising such accomplishments, UCS continues to foster a culture where every student is valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed, both academically and personally.

UCS College Group executive principal Louise Rowley said: “These awards represent what education is truly about growth, resilience, and character.

“Across our colleges, we see students overcoming challenges, supporting one another, and striving to be their very best.

“I am incredibly proud of everything they have achieved and the positive example they set for others.

“Their hard work, determination, and positive contributions continue to inspire those around them and highlight the strength of our college communities.”

More information about the courses offered in the colleges is available on the group’s website or by calling the information and advice team on 01278 441234.