THE Porlock-based Exmoor Coastal Group, which raises funds for local projects, has made a £500 donation to the League of Friends of Minehead Hospital.

Presenting a cheque to the league of friends’ chairman Mandy Chilcott and secretary Fay Dyke, coastal group chairman Phil Kenward said the group was proud to contribute to a cause that directly impacted on the wellbeing of local residents.

A spokesperson for the league said the contribution highlighted the ongoing commitment of local organisations to supporting Minehead Hospital and enhancing the services it provides to the community.

The league expressed its gratitude for the donation, noting that such support played a vital role in funding equipment, patient comforts, and improvements which benefit both patients and staff.

Mr Kenward said the partnership of the two organisations reflected the strength of community ties across the Exmoor and the Minehead area, demonstrating how collective efforts could make a meaningful difference to local healthcare services.

ONE of the Westcountry’s longest-established and respected firms of estate agents, chartered surveyors, and auctioneers, Stags, has announced that it will be supporting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) throughout 2026.

With a network of offices across Somerset, Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset, Stags has deep roots in not only rural but coastal communities.

Supporting causes which make a meaningful difference across the region has long been central to the firm’s values, and the RNLI’s lifesaving work strongly aligns with that commitment.

The RNLI operates a 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service alongside seasonal lifeguard patrols across the UK and Ireland, offering vital protection for coastal communities, including many throughout the Westcountry.

Since its formation, the charity has saved more than 146,000 lives, supported by donations which ensure its volunteer crews and lifeguards are always ready to respond.

Throughout 2026, Stags will build on its strong track record of community fund-raising, having raised more than £100,000 for local causes in recent years, including its 150th celebration year.

Previous initiatives have included beach cleans, walking challenges, a 420‑mile Westcountry cycle ride, sporting events, online auctions, and much-loved charity bake sales.

That same enthusiasm and creativity will now be focused on raising funds in support of the RNLI’s essential lifesaving work for this year.

One of the first fund-raising events of the year will be a Stags charity bake sale, taking place across all Stags offices throughout the Westcountry on Friday, May 29.

All Stags staff will contribute a cake or sweet treat, with every penny raised going directly to support the RNLI.

A competition will run alongside the event, with the overall winner awarded a coveted ‘Stags Bake Off 2026’ apron.

Members of the local communities are invited to visit their nearest Stags office on the day, enjoy a homemade cake, and make a donation.

Stags senior partner Andrew Luxton said: “Supporting the RNLI is something that feels genuinely meaningful for all of us at Stags.

“Many of our clients, colleagues, and communities live and work close to the coast, and the RNLI’s presence is something we all recognise, rely on, and value.

“Their crew risk their lives to protect others, often in the most challenging conditions, and that dedication deserves our wholehearted support.

“We are incredibly proud of the efforts our offices and teams make each year to raise funds for good causes, and the charity bake sale is a perfect example of how we bring people together, staff, clients, and local residents alike, to support something greater than ourselves.

“We are looking forward to a year of positive fund-raising that reflects the spirit of our communities and helps the RNLI continue its vital work.”

Established in 1874, Stags continues to provide trusted property expertise throughout the Westcountry, offering residential sales and lettings, farm, and land agency services, valuation and commercial advice, property and agricultural auctions.

Its longstanding regional presence, specialist knowledge, and dedication to community initiatives remain central to its identity.

SIR David Attenborough is not just a national treasure, but a global icon, and as the planet celebrates his 100th birthday last week, the RSPCA is urging the public to ‘give David the best birthday present’ by becoming involved in its ‘Summer of Kindness’ and doing seven kind acts for animals, which everybody can do.

A spokesperson said: “Sadly, the summer months can be a tough time for animals, including wildlife.

“The RSPCA receives more reports of deliberate cruelty to both wildlife and pets than at any other time, and last summer, the charity took 34,401 cruelty calls to their emergency line, up by a third from the year before.”

LAST week’s planned talk in the Thomas Poole Library, in Nether Stowey, about New Stowey Farm was postponed at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances.

The talk, by Iain Porter, manager of the Quantock Hills National Landscape (QHNL) team, will now be given on Wednesday, June 10.

New Stowey Farm, which is owned by Somerset Council, is now being managed by the QHNL team as a demonstrator farm.

Mr Porter’s talk will cover the current state of the farm, its aims, and how the farm will be managed into the future, including potential for regenerative agriculture, nature, climate, and as a showcase for how relatively small farms can be economically sustainable.

Tickets can be booked via the website or by calling the library on 07734 968940 during opening hours.

THE first car boot sale held on Watchet War Memorial Recreation Ground to raise money for repairs on the old pavilion was held on Sunday (May 10).

There was a reasonable turnout and the event raised about £200.

The next three car boots are scheduled for June 14, July 12, and August 9, with no need to book, as people can just turn up and follow the signs off Doniford Road.

Recreation ground chairman Lori Lee said: “We were very pleased with our first one, with the support of Somerset Association of Local Councils (SALC) and the town council we now will be able to do more next year, continuing to raise money for the old war memorial pavilion.

On Sunday, May 17, the war memorial ground will host the Watchet Dog Show with the first class at 11 am.

THIS month’s Amble not Ramble event is on Wednesday, May 20, meeting at 10.30 am in the car park right at the far end of North Hill, Minehead, which means following the road until it runs out.

A spokesperson said: “The views from North hill are just lovely over Porlock Vale, Bossington Beach, and, of course, across to Dunkery.

“We might have sun or there again we might have mist.

“Either way, we will have the gorgeous awareness that we are out in the open.

“If it is sunny, we may hear skylarks.

“Definitely a walk to be recommended.

“There is also a specially designed wheelchair-friendly path, again highly recommended.”

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 and it is a friendly group who always end their 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.

The spokesperson said: “We ask that vulnerable adults be accompanied by a carer.

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

“We walk whatever the weather.”

IT is that time of year again, when West Somerset Morris will be dancing in Minehead, on Thursday, May 21.

Members of the Morris will be dancing on the sea front by the clock at 8 pm and then strolling along to the Quay, outside The Old Ship Aground, to dance again at 9 pm.

As always, the group welcomes audience participation in its farewell dance, should the urge be felt by spectators.

THE now-traditional bi-yearly Carhampton Repair Café has been held again.

The repair café works by people taking along ‘stuff’ that needs mending, or sharpening, and local volunteers fix it for a donation, to stop it from being thrown away.

Or, if they cannot mend the item, then they will give good advice on where to take it.

The donations go toward the insurance and the hire of the hall, so the repair café eventually become self-financing.

People were generous and gave a total of £175 in donations, and 40 kg of items were saved from going to landfill.

Homemade cake was for sale in the café, so everybody had a good time, while doing their bit to save the planet.