Community news from around West Somerset

THE Combe Florey Defibrillator Group (CFDG) has helped make its village more heart-safe by fund-raising for and installing a new public access defibrillator, alongside taking part in CPR and defibrillator awareness training for the local community.

The group joins Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s growing network of local organisations, businesses, and communities dedicated to making people safer, and have now placed three defibrillators across the Combe Florey parish.

The latest defibrillator has been hosted by the Farmers Arms, in Nethercott, with the other two in the village hall and Holford House, in Trebles Holford.

CFDG founder Jean Starr said: “We started the group in January, 2023, after a parishioner called 999 to report a suspected heart attack and was advised to collect the nearest defibrillator while waiting for an ambulance.

“At that time, the closest device was 2.6 miles away, approximately a six-minute drive.

“Following discussions and with the support of Combe Florey Parish Council, grant applications and donations were sourced and fund-raising began.”

With successful grants, donations, fund-raising events, and ‘fantastic community support’, the group purchased two defibrillators in October, 2023, the CFDG from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s rental scheme.

Then, in February of this year, the parish council used community infrastructure levy funds, which are paid by housing developers, to meet the cost of another defibrillator.

The donation enabled the group to reach its aim of purchasing a third defibrillator from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) because the parish is split into three areas, each with its own access to and from the A358.

Ms Starr said: “The project would not have been possible without the ongoing support of our defibrillator host sites.

“The group remains committed to maintaining the defibrillators, ensuring they are listed and remain registered on The Circuit database, providing ongoing training opportunities, and securing the long-term sustainability of the project.”

DSAA supporter engagement officer Charlotte Humber delivered a successful community CPR awareness session in the Farmers Arms, equipping the attendees with the skills and confidence they need to act quickly in an emergency.

Ms Humber said: “It was fantastic to meet members of the CFDG and their community.

“Their passion for keeping their community safe was inspiring.

“A huge thank you to everybody who attended the session and to the CFDG for placing such a vital piece of equipment in their community.”

PCSOs Harriet James and Sammie Virgin, from the Minehead Neighbourhood Policing Team attended a session of the town’s balance and safety group alongside occupational therapists and volunteers from Minehead Hospital to deliver an informative talk on fraud prevention and keeping the communitysafe.

During the session, attendees learned about common scams and fraud tactics, how to spot the warning signs, and the simple steps they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming victims.

The community talks given by the policing team empower people with the knowledge and confidence to recognise fraudulent activity and take action before harm is caused.

They also provide an opportunity for people to ask questions, share experiences, and learn about the support available to them.

A spokesperson said: “By working together with healthcare professionals and community groups, we can continue to raise awareness, reduce vulnerability, and help make Minehead and West Somerset a safer place for everybody.

“If you would like a crime prevention, fraud awareness, or community safety talk to your community group, organisation, or club, please get in touch with your local team.

“We are always happy to support local groups and help keep our communities informed and safe.”

The 80th Hawkridge Revel and Gymkhana was held on 31 August.

SHOWJUMPING

Nursery Stakes (led) - 1 Pip Moody on Tyrone, 2 Harry Harding on Molly, 3 Edith Burge on Queenie.

Nursery Stakes (not led) - 1 Edie Plume on Minnie, 2 Alfie Rawle on Shadow, 3 Grace Nicholls on Nellie.

Novice Jumping - 1 Greta Griess-Nega on George, 2 Raffles Plume on Polly, 3 Freya Hallam-Deakin on Solar.

Junior Jumping 70cm - 1 Raffles Plume on Polly, 2 Freya Hallam-Deakin on Solar, 3 Greta Griess-Nega on George.

Open 80cm - 1 Imogen Berry on Archie, 2 Raffles Plume on Polly.

SHOWING

Leading Rein Pony - 1 George Muir on Gibby, 2 Edith Burge on Queenie, 3 Daisy Crang on Picolo.

Best Childs Pony - 1 Archie Muir on Thistledown Royal Lustre, 2 Hugo Partridge on Pippa, 3 Pip Moody on Tyrone.

Small Hunter - 1 Rose Hicks on Acorns Pet, 2 Chloe Long on Pearl, 3 Freya Hallam-Deakin on Solar.

Hunter - 1 Claire Wyatt on Ronnie, 2 Imogen Berry on Archie, 3 Evie Muirhead on Loxley Echo.

Champion of Show - Claire Wyatt on Ronnie. Reserve Champion - Archie Muir on Thistledown Royal Lustre.

Mountain and Moorland Youngstock - 1 Ella Alford with Liddymore Jinx.

Mountain and Moorland 4 years & over in hand - 1 Eleanor Stephens with Jake, 2 Catlyn Boyles with Mr Tantastic.

Champion Mountain and Moorland - Eleanor Stephens with Jake, Reserve - Ella Alford with Liddymore Jinx.

Mountain & Moorland, Ridden - 1 Eleanor Stephens on Anchor Kryptonite, 2 Clare Phillips on William, 3 Gwenda Bassett on Gerifach Dafyd Du.

Exmoor Youngstock - 1 Thomas Prideaux with Westmilmer Hazel, 2 Lloyd Parry with Sweetworthy Rowan.

Exmoor 4 years & over in hand - 1 Charlotte Matravers with Tawbitts Aurora, 2 Vanessa Moody with Anchor Kryptonite, 3 Gemma Parry with Hawkwell Clementine.

Champion Exmoor Pony - Charlotte Matravers with Tawbitts Aurora. Reserve - Thomas Prideaux with Westmilmer Hazel.

Family Pony - 1 Pip Moody on Tyrone, 2 Clare Phillips on William, 3 Hugo Partridge on Pippa.

Veteran - 1 Gwenda Bassett on Gerifach Dafydd Du, 2 Imogen Berry on Archie, 3 Clare Phillips on William.

Mounted Fancy Dress – 1 Edith Burge, 2 Hazel Richings, 3 Cara Griess-Nega, 4 Pip Moody.

GYMKHANA

Bending Race 8yrs and under - 1 Isobel Cole, 2 Lacey Binding, 3 Harry Harding.

Bending Race 12yrs and under - 1 Caleb Neate-Burke, 2 Angus Neate-Burke, 3 Alfie Rawle.

Bending Race Open - 1 Maya Thomas, 2 Raffles Plume, 3 Nicola Quick.

Mug Race 8yrs and under - 1 Isobel Cole, 2 Harry Harding, 3 Lacey Binding.

Mug Race 12yrs and under - 1 Caleb Neate-Burke, 2 Angus Neate-Burke, 3 Alfie Rawle.

Mug Race Open - 1 Raffles Plume, 2 Maya Thomas.

Bran Tub 8yrs and under - 1 Max Amory, 2 Edith Burge, 3 Sydney Hicks

Bran Tub 12yrs and under - 1 Caleb Neate-Burke, 2 Angus Neate-Burke, 3 Alfie Rawle.

Bran Tub Open - 1 Maya Thomas, 2 Raffles Plume.

Potato Race 8yrs and under - 1 Lacey Binding, 2 Edith Burge, 3 Harry Harding.

Potato Race 12yrs and under - 1 Caleb Neate-Burke, 2 Angus Neate-Burke, 3 Lacey Binding.

Potato Race Open - 1 Maya Thomas.

Egg & Spoon 8yrs and under - 1 Sydney Hicks, 2 Max Amory, 3 Lacey Binding.

Egg & Spoon 12yrs and under - 1 Caleb Neate-Burke, 2 Angus Neate-Burke, 3 Lacey Binding.

Egg & Spoon Open - 1 Maya Thomas.

Gymkhana Points Cups 8yrs and under - Lacey Binding. 12yrs and under - Caleb Neate-Burke.

Open - Maya Thomas on Taran.

More results next week.

The new season of Gardening Club talks kicks off with a return visit from Lady Christine Skelmersdale, who will be talking all things tulip - their origins, history and how to grow them. She will show us how tulips evolved, from the Central Asian steppes via the courts of Constantinople to the bulb fields of Holland. She will also be advising on how best to use them, from containers to borders, and offering pointers to the more perennial varieties.

As the former owner of Broadleigh Bulbs, Christine is a mine of information on the topic and a lively speaker. It’s the ideal time of year to plan your spring displays, so come along and be inspired! Free entry for members. Guests are welcome for £3. Doors will open at 7.00 for tea and biscuits before the talk starts at 7.30pm.

The Rotary Club of Minehead is to hold a Race Night on Friday 25th September at the Minehead Rugby Club. This is in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance – our chosen charity for this year – and all proceeds including those from our raffle to be held on the night will be donated to that very worthy cause.

Tickets are £15 per person which includes entry for a fun filled evening of 8 races and a Ploughman’s supper.

Parking is available on site. Teams, couples or individuals are encouraged to pre-register as the event is expected to be well attended. Please see the details on the Rotary Club of Minehead’s website: www.mineheadrotaryclub.co.uk.

Don’t worry if you have never attended a Race Night – all will be explained before we start the evening. Doors will open at 7pm for a 7.30 start.