Community news from across West Somerset

THE 35-mile-long West Somerset section of the South West Coast Path will be part of a unique religious event on Saturday (July 11) when an estimated 7,000 Christians will gather along the path’s 630-mile length for prayers as part of the annual ‘South West Awake’ ceremony.

A spokesman for the event said: “From Minehead to Poole in Dorset, participants from all denominations and backgrounds will line the longest national trail in the UK, in a vibrant demonstration of faith, unity, and hope.

“Normally a destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking solitude, the path will for half hour be transformed into a ring of prayer and praise to wrap around the South West of England.

“Now in its sixth year, with the number of participants growing year on year, South West Awake continues to grow in scale and vision, with all styles and sized of churches from across the region taking part. We believe that this year’s gathering will be the largest yet.”

On Saturday, between 10.30 am and 11 am, the regional act of prayer will involve local communities, charities, schools, businesses, emergency services, and churches, as well as those facing illness, hardship, or isolation.

A specially curated audio prayer guide will be available via headphones or loudspeaker.

“This is a movement of hope and unity,” said one of the organisers, Jason Ham of Rediscover Church, Exeter.

“Across the South West, churches are meeting real needs every day -running food banks, offering debt advice, supporting young people, and building communities.

“But, we also believe in the transforming power of prayer.

“South West Awake is an opportunity for thousands to lift their voices together, praying for the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of every person in our region.”

Churches, small groups, and individuals can register their participation and find resources at www.southwestawake.com.

VOLUNTEERS are needed by Plastic Free Exmoor to help with a clearance of tree guards near Croydon Farm, Timberscombe, on Saturday, July 18, from 10 am to 3 pm.

A spokesperson said” “We are looking for fit volunteers to help collect hundreds of old trees guards so that they can be recycled, reducing the amount of plastic in the environment.

“Our goal is to clear every plastic tree guard and cable tie from the trees within this section of mixed deciduous woodland.

“The tree guards will be left at collection points at the edge of the woodland.

“The owner of the woodland will be responsible for removing the tree guards from these collection points.”

Volunteers are asked to attend dressed for the weather conditions on the day and to take along food and a drink.

The spokesperson said: “Be aware that we will be working in undergrowth that may contain brambles, so old clothing would be best.

“We will be working on a slight slope, so sturdy footwear is advised.

“Please note that there is likely to be ticks in the woodland, so it will be important that skin surfaces are covered and that you wear gloves.

“A penknife can be useful for cutting cable ties and freeing up stubborn tree guards.”

Anybody who wants to help or you has any questions should email Peter at [email protected] or call 07927 921975.

The volunteers will be meeting and parking in the farmyard at Croydon House.

LOCAL charity PROMISEworks is urging people to rally behind its ‘Cash for Kids Community Challenge’ and help transform youngsters’ lives.

A spokesperson said: “Every child deserves the chance to feel safe, valued, and hopeful about their future.

“Yet, for many vulnerable children across Somerset, growing up is far from easy.

“Experiences such as neglect, poverty, or social isolation can have a lasting impact on their confidence, wellbeing, and future opportunities.”

The Somerset-based children’s charity works alongside some of the county’s most vulnerable young people, providing trusted adult mentors, specialist support, and life-changing opportunities which help children build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures.

Its work reaches children who often have nowhere else to turn, offering consistent support at a time when they need it most.

The spokesperson said: “The impact is profound.

“A child struggling with anxiety begins attending school again because they finally have somebody who believes in them.

“A young person facing loneliness develops friendships and confidence through positive activities.

“Families under immense pressure receive support that helps prevent problems from escalating.

“These are not just statistics, they are real children whose lives are changed through compassion, consistency, and community support.”

PROMISEworks is inviting individuals, families, schools, community groups, and local businesses to become involved in the challenge, which sees somebody choose a fund-raising activity during July and raise as much as possible for local children.

It could be hosting a coffee morning, organising a sponsored walk, holding a bake sale, taking on a fitness challenge, running a raffle, or bringing colleagues together for a fund-raising event.

The spokesperson said: “Every pound raised will help ensure vulnerable children continue receiving the support they deserve.

“The challenge is about more than raising money, it is about bringing communities together to make a lasting difference for local children.

“Every donation helps provide mentoring, emotional support, positive activities, and opportunities that enable children to overcome adversity and realise their potential.

“PROMISEworks believes that no child should face life’s challenges alone.

“With the community's help this July, many more children can receive the guidance, encouragement, and hope they need to thrive.

“If you have ever wondered how you could make a difference locally, this is your chance.”

More information abut the challenge and how to sign up or make a donation is available on the charity’s website.

DESCRIBED as a fun social ‘meet and mingle afternoon’, Minehead u3A is inviting people to attended the Baptist Church Hall in the town on Thursday (July 16) from 2.30 pm to 4 pm.

The group’s motto is ‘learn, laugh, live’.

A spokesperson said: “A warm welcome awaits everybody, the event is open to both members and visitors.

“It is a chance to come along, mingle, chat, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

“There will also be a tabletop quiz.”

Anybody who wants to know more about Minehead u3A can visit its website.

WEST Somerset Morris returns to double dating next week with dances in two locations on Thursday, July 16.

Members will be dancing in Duster by the Yarn Market at 8 pm and then moving along the A396 to Timberscombe to dance at the village’s Lion Inn public house at 9 pm.

THREE West Somerset pubs have been nominated for a national award by local MP Rachel Gilmour in recognition of what they do for their communities.

She has put forward the Carew Arms, Crowcombe, for UK community sustainability, the Bittescombe Inn, Upton, for community fund-raising, England, and the Butchers Arms, Carhampton, for community support, England.

All three have been entered in the Community Pub Hero awards, run by PubAid in partnership with the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group.

The Carew Arms works closely with the neighbouring Crowcombe Estate, sourcing lamb, venison, pork and beef from an estate that manages more than 2,100 acres, including 700 acres of ancient woodland, using low-input, high-welfare farming methods.

The pub brews its own ale through Brewery Yes, in Wiveliscombe, and returns the spent grain to Crowcombe Estate to feed its woodland pigs, keeping the cycle within a few miles.

Its garden beneath the Quantock Hills is a regular stop for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, and its annual beer festival raises money for local charities while showcasing the area's food and drink producers.

Grace Nuttall, development manager, said: “At the Carew Arms we believe a village pub should support the surrounding community, whether that’s serving local produce or working with local farmers, or encouraging people to enjoy the beautiful countryside.”

The Bittescombe Inn was nominated after hosting a curry evening in January which raised £860 for the Injured Jockeys Fund, when local cooks Philip Ghazala and Jane Walter took over the kitchen for the night.

Since re-opening after being closed for over a year, the Butcher's Arms has also become a village shop, reading room, and library, hosting everything from beekeepers and bellringers to the WI and the local heritage group.

Its weekly quiz draws up to 20 teams, the monthly bingo afternoon serves elderly residents with no way to reach neighbouring towns and it now employs eight people from the village.

Reacting to the nomination, Nick Moores, owner of the Butcher’s Arms, said: “Our pub and village hub has really brought the community together.

The shop has proved to be an enormous success and as a family we are so grateful for all the support we've received.”

Mrs Gilmour said: "I am very pleased to nominate some of the finest pubs in my constituency.

“Pubs have always been at the centre of rural communities and are so much more than somewhere to eat and drink.

“They are a meeting place, a champion for local producers and a gateway to the countryside.”