Community news from around West Somerset

Judges had to pick prize-winners from 27 floats and walking competitors - the largest number for many years - at Porlock Carnival, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.

The winners were:

Adult Float: Only Fools & Horses (A Delwin Tribute) - Nick Lynn. Junior Float: The Trainee Cuckoo Clock - Graham Haw & Greer Family. Individual Adult: A Person From? Individual Under 16: RNLI Lifeboat – Arlan West. Adult Walking Group: Watchet Seagals. Junior Walking Group: Alice in Wonderland -Sherrie Fox. Trade/Pub/Hotel/B&B: Carnival Fever - Porlock Surgery. Visitor: Alice in Wonderland -Sherrie Fox. Best Topical Entry: Attenborough's Ark - St. Dubricius School. Best Comic Entry and Best in Carnival: Only Fools & Horses (A Delwin Tribute) - Nick Lynn.

For our carnival report and pictures see pages 14 & 15.

Danters Fair owner Leigh Danter welcomed a group of local young carers and their parents for their annual free rides at the Minehead fairground.

This is the fourth year Minehead Rotary Club has brought the youngsters aged 6-15 years to Danters for two hours of fun and respite on the rides amidst the flashing lights and loud music. Leigh Danter was thanked by appreciative parents for his kindness in allowing the visit, and they told Rotarians that they had all had a wonderful time.

CARHAMPTON Flower and Produce Show was held on September 5 with entries from club members and non-club members who lived in the parish of Carhampton and Blue Anchor. This year, the flower display section had been opened up to the members of the Carhampton Flower Club, which attracted some extra flower display entries

It had been an extremely difficult growing season with the hot dry weather. Despite some rain in the couple weeks before the show, it was too late to salvage most of the produce which resulted in the entries being down, the Village Hall where the show was held, looked colourful with the various classes.

On show day the weather was dry with the sun shining, and the show was well attended, with the tea room being full all of the afternoon

The club thanks the judges, exhibitors, stewards, caterers, and other helpers, without whom there would be no show.

Cup winners – Overall – D Troye; Landlords Cup for Fruit & Vegetables – G Lukins; Goron Perry Cup for Fruit – J Greenhow; Gerald Bellamy Cup for Vegetables – G Luykins; George Hensley Cup for runner beans – T Grant; Onion Cup – G Lukins; Flower Cup – D Troye; Rose Trophy – D Troye; Brett Jones Fuchsia Cup – J Greenhow; Louise Miles Pot Plant Cup – D Hutchins; David and Greta Thrush Floral Art – J Drake/M Kedward; Cookery & Preserves –

M Kedward; Photography – S Heesom; Handicrafts – K Chheeseman; Wines - I Albutt

Red Ribbon awards for best exhibit in class – Fruit – D Hutchins; Vegetables – D Troye; Flowers – D Troye; Flower Arrangement – C Mainwaring; Pot plant – M Kedward; Preserves – N Tickle; Cookery – M Kedward; Photography – J Greenhow: Handicrafts – K Cheeseman; Wines – N Tickle

FOOD critic, journalist, former editor of Waitrose food and judge in Masterchef, William Sitwell, who owns The White Hart Hotel and restaurant in Wiveliscombe, is giving a talk entitled 'The Sitwells' on Monday September 28 in the Methodist Church Hall, Minehead at 7.30pm.

He will describe the lives of his famous, literary, artistic and aristocratic forbears who were considered by some to have rivalled the Bloomsbury Group in the 1920s. The talk organised by Minehead Conservation Society is open to visitors.

For more details and to book a seat in advance email [email protected]

THERE were plenty of smiles at Williton Hospital recently as members of the Exmoor Squirrel Scout Group paid a special visit to learn more about caring for others and the important work our colleagues do every day.

The young Scouts, aged just four and five, spent time exploring the hospital, meeting colleagues, chatting to patients and learning about some of the equipment used to support patients. The Scouts also presented colleagues with a framed picture and Scout badge as a thank you to our NHS healthcare workers.

Williton Hospit ward manager Sharon Stone said: "The children brought so much enthusiasm, curiosity and energy with them. It was wonderful to see them learning about the different roles our colleagues play in caring for patients. Their kindness made a real difference to our patients, and we were incredibly touched by their thoughtful gift."

THE results of the dog show, antler show and skittles competition held at Hawkridge Revel and Gymkhana on Monday, August 31, were:

DOG SHOW

Fancy Dress - 1 Chloe Clark & Nala, 2 Tricia Hawson & Bonnie, 3 Izzy Poole & Bobby.

Best Terrier - 1 Vinny Webster & Gin, 2 Bruce Strawbridge & Murphy, 3 David Green & Fern.

Any Variety Sporting - 1 Nicola Johnston & Woody, 2 Olivia Short & Bobby, 3 Oscar Tarr & Twix.

Any Variety Non-Sporting - 1 Flore Scarlett & Selby Adams & Jenkins, 2 Pauline Avery & Klara, 3 Lucy Gill & Derek.

Best Child Handler under 8 years - 1 Jessie Stephens & Aero, 2 Bertie Latchford & Bumble, 3 Alex Chammings & Rollo.

Best Child Handler under 14 years - 1 Poppy Boon & Pebble, 2 Rufus Hallam Deakin & Tabitha, 3 Phoebe Latchford & Holly.

Any Variety Puppy under 12 months - 1 Fran Mitchell & Nora, 2 Sam Blackmore Biscuit, 3 Molly Boon & Olive.

Veteran 8 years & over - 1 Alice Frampton & Slug, 2 Ed Barlow & Scamp, 3 Janet Nicholls & Razor.

Matching Pair - 1 Gemma Webber Mabel & Derek, 2 Phoebe Latchford Holly & Pidge, 3 Sean Buick Teazle & Myrtle.

Most Handsome Dog - 1 Sophie Takle & Peanut, 2 Tish Brown & Zulu, 3 Mike Hillier & Herbie.

Prettiest Bitch - 1 Fran Mitchell & Uzi, 2 Emily Tapp & Bramley, 3 Olivia Shortt & Bobby.

Dog the judge would most like to take home - 1 Fran Bell & Freda, 2 Sam Blackmore & Biscuit, 3 Guy Pugsley & Bramley.

Champion of dog show - Nicky Johnson & Woody.

ANTLER SHOW

Best Autumn Pair 2026 - 1 Michael Fook, 2 Michael Fook, 3 Michael Fook

Best Autumn Single 2026 - 1 Michael Fook, 2 Percy Elston, 3 Wayne Barrow.

Best Autumn Pair Pre 2026 - 1 Michael Fook, 2 Isobel Follett, 3 Paul Beer.

Best Autumn Single Pre 2026 - 1 Paul Beer, 2 Gary Lancelle, 3 Michael Fook.

Best In-Between Pair Any Year - 1 Michael Fook, 2 Sam Blackmore, 3 Gary Lancelle.

Best In-Between Single Any Year - 1 Michael Fook, 2 Gary Lancelle, 3 Rob Follett.

Best Spring Pair Any Year - 1 Michael Fook, 2 Garth Latham, 3 Gary Lancellela.

Best Spring Single Any Year - 1 Liam Curtis, 2 Garth Latham, 3 Gary Lancelle.

Best Deformed Antler - 1 Michael Fook, 2 Pat West, 3 Tara Chilcott.

Champion of Antler Show - Michael Fook. Reserve Champion - Michael Fook.

SKITTLES

Children - 1 Arabella Selby, 2 Wilf Lewis, 3 Ella Crang.

Ladies - 1 Kathy Lock, 2 Rose Crossman, 3 Richenda Crossman.

Mens - 1 Mike Rawle, 2 Wayne Barrow, 3 Martyn Lock.

AN exciting new chapter has opened for longstanding Minehead business The Toybox, which was founded in 2013 by Mark Granger and Roz Smith.

The couple on Saturday (September 12) opened a new store nearby in The Parade, taking over the empty property vacated by Holland and Barrett.

The Toybox had been based in the Market House, further along The Parade, for more than 10 years.

Mr Granger said: “The new premises will provide a much-improved shopping experience, while continuing to offer the familiar range of toys, games, gifts, souvenirs, vinyl records, and much more.

“As part of our preparations for the opening, we have been delighted to work with, and support, many local tradespeople and businesses.

“We would like to thank our many loyal customers for their support over the years and look forward to welcoming everybody to the new store.”

A YEAR on from the rescue and relaunch of Taste of the West as a community interest company, its founding directors have presented their vision for the future of the food group, alongside a much-extended range of member benefits for food and drink businesses across the Westcountry.

Guided by a fundamental commitment to support, celebrate, and grow its members across hospitality, producers, and retail, a new set of tiered membership levels will provide practical support and guidance to take food and drink businesses to the next level.

Having preserved the widely recognised Taste of the West Awards, the organisation has now built a framework to help award winners build on their success.

THE Watchet Singers resumed rehearsals for the new season on Thursday (September 10) under the experienced leadership of Anthony Forester-Bennett.

They are accompanied by local musician Mark Russell.

The Singers are preparing for their annual Christmas presentation at the Watchet Methodist Church.

New members will always be welcome, no auditions needed.

Practices are held in the town’s Methodist Church schoolroom on Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm.

The combination of a new musical director and a new accompanist has provided a completely fresh start, so could be a perfect time for new singers to join.

More information can be obtained by emailing to [email protected].