AN ‘incredible day’ is how organisers described this year’s Porlock Duck Race held on Sunday (May 24).

A spokesperson said: “With glorious sunshine overhead and the river running perfectly, the setting could not have been better.

“People came from far and wide to take part in this wonderful community event, and the atmosphere throughout the day was absolutely fantastic.”

All 11 races were completely sold out 75 minutes after opening, by 1.15 pm, to show how much support there was for the event.

The fund-raising event saw crowds keeping it busy all afternoon, with drinks and a barbecue also selling out.

One of the highlights of the day was in the 11th race, when young Theo Harley secured his place in the ‘Champions Race’ and in an exciting final, his duck powered its way past the competition and raced home to victory, earning him the trophy, a big rosette, and the winner’s prize, a moment he certainly will not forget.

Importantly, the event raised valuable funds for the village football club and also generated support toward the 40th anniversary Porlock Carnival, which this year will take place on Saturday, September 5.

The spokesperson said: “A huge thank you goes to everybody who attended, volunteered, sponsored, bought ducks, and helped make the day such a tremendous success.

“We cannot wait to do it all again next year.”

A TOTAL of £237 was raised for Watchet Hedgehogs from an evening with the group’s Jane Sharp held in Wootton Courtenay Village Hall on Tuesday (May 26).

Ms Sharp highlighted the important work of the local hedgehog rescue programme and its dedicated volunteers.

She explained how injured, sick, and orphaned hedgehogs were cared for, beginning with initial assessment and treatment at the rescue centre before being transferred to specialist premises in Wootton Courtenay for further rehabilitation and care, ready for release back into the wild.

Ms Sharp shared practical ideas on how people can all make their gardens safer and more welcoming for hedgehogs, helping the much-loved animals to survive and thrive in the local area.

West Somerset Morris dancers also performed on the road outside the village shop during the evening.

AN appeal has been made by Somerset Council to help keep open spaces safe from fire in the soaring temperatures, which, coupled with an absence of rain, has left green areas and parkland tinder dry.

The council is warning people to take extra care not to spark a blaze.

A spokesperson said: “It only takes a discarded barbecue, smouldering cigarette stub, or glass bottle to start a fire, putting wildlife and property at risk.

“The council is asking people not to take portable barbecues into our parks during the scorching weather.

“Open spaces teams have had calls from people worried after finding discarded barbecues, so are asking people to take a picnic instead.

“Glass bottles also pose a risk when the sun’s rays are magnified through the glass, so please dispose of litter responsibly.

“If there are no facilities nearby, then pack up your litter and take it home, rather than have it lying around.

“Hot ash and embers from fires and barbecues can easily start a blaze in your rubbish bin, rubbish truck, or waste depot.

“To stay safe and cut risk, drench embers and ash or let them to cool down completely before bagging up and binning.

“Cigarette ends are also hazardous, so, if you must smoke, make sure the cigarette is put out properly and do not throw them out of car windows.”

AN exciting new initiative is being led by Porlock Vale CIC in the heart of the community to help people live well, stay strong, and remain independent with support from the Accelerating Reform Fund, from Somerset Council.

A spokesperson said: “We are passionate about making sure everybody feels supported, has real choice, and can access high-quality care and advice whenever it is needed.

“With one of the most ageing populations in the UK, and as an area facing real challenges, this work matters more than ever.

“Our aim is simple, to make sure everybody in Porlock Vale has the support they need to live confidently and independently at home and in the community.”

the initiative will kick-off on Friday, June 12, when people are invited to join a day full of conversation, connection, and learning, with ‘a sprinkle of fun’.

Porlock Vale CIC is teaming up with Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership, NHS Somerset Foundation Trust, and the Living Better team to bring he community a friendly, welcoming event where people can explore the many ways to stay active, healthy, and independent.

It will also be launching its new community support services, including:

The spokesperson said: “Come along and meet our caring and knowledgeable partners, who will be on hand to chat, answer questions, and offer support, whether you need it now or just want to plan for the future.

“Everybody is welcome.

“Drop in anytime between 10.30 am and 4 pm, no need to book.

“We are delighted to be joined by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset and the High Sheriff of Somerset and Rachel Gilmour MP, along with local guests and our wonderful community champions.

“And, of course, it would not be a Porlock Vale gathering without a warm welcome and refreshments available all day, lovingly prepared by the Porlock Vale Chef and served by the fantastic Porlock Ladies.

“Come along, say hello, and be part of something special, we would love to see you there.”

More information about the event is available by calling Porlock Information Centre on 01643 863150 or emailing [email protected].

TWO events are coming up as part of Minehead Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) 125th anniversary celebrations.

The first is a crazy golf tournament at the town’s Jubilee Café on Saturday, May 30, from 3 pm to 6 pm.

Teams of four will compete for the honour of winning a trophy and there will be lots of other prizes on offer.

All children will receive a prize.

The Jubilee Café is offering a special pizza menu and the bar will also be open.

Then, on Saturday, June 6, there is the annual ‘Lifeboat Day’ at Minehead RNLI.

This year, to celebrate 125 years in Minehead, the station will have entertainers, lots of stalls on the harbour, face and glitter painting, and lots of games for children, as well as the usual raffles, homemade cakes, and, of course, a lifeboat launch and demonstration.

PARENTS in Timberscombe are being asked to make sure their children take care of new nets that have been put up on the goalposts in the village football field.

The money for them was donated by a local family.

The parish council has decided for the moment to keep up the nets rather than leave them unused in storage.

Councillors appreciate the nets will eventually wear out or become damaged, but hope they can be used for as long as possible.

They hope nobody will spoil them, becaue they will not be replaced.

Anybody who is seen misusing the nets should be reported by emailing the parish clerk at [email protected].

WEST Somerset Morris will be dancing in two locations in Watchet on Thursday, June 4.

They will first perform the town’s Star Inn at 8 pm, and will then move on to the Esplanade, next to Watchet Marina for a second performance starting at 9 pm.

NUCLEAR engineering degree apprentices and students in the University Centre Somerset were given advice and insight into their future careers by a former Royal Navy Sea Lord at a recent nuclear engineering conference held in Cannington.

Retired Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, former Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of the Royal Navy, spoke about leadership, resilience, and the future of the UK strategic deterrent, taking time to talk to his audience about their ambitions and future careers in the engineering and defence sectors.

He said: “I have had the opportunity to speak to apprentices who will go on to work in the civil nuclear field as well as the defence nuclear field.

“There are thousands of highly skilled jobs that we need to generate and sustain and places like this are setting the foundations for those skilled people that we need as a nation.”

Apprentices and students also heard from senior professionals from organisations including EDF and BAE Systems.

The conference highlighted the industry links available to learners in Somerset through nuclear programmes at the on-campus National College for Nuclear.