THE annual West Somerset Family Dog Show organised by the West Somerset Hunt was hailed as the best in years, bringing together the local community, canine enthusiasts, and country life lovers in a joyous celebration.

Held on the Cowlin family estate, the event drew record crowds and saw dogs of all shapes and sizes compete in a range of fun and friendly categories.

The family dog show was sponsored by Skinners, with Wiveliscombe Country Feeds supporting the terrier section and Wychanger Country Store sponsoring the lurcher section.

The show was not just about the dogs, delicious handmade venison burgers, donated by Graham Davey Game Supplies and expertly cooked by the chairman of the hunt, were a standout favourite.

A well-stocked bar, hot drinks, and a tempting array of homemade cakes, courtesy of the local community, kept everyone refreshed.

All winners who come from Cornwall, mid-Wales and the Midlands now qualify for the prestigious national championships, bringing pride to the West Somerset region.

Organiser Mike Lane said: “The sense of community was at the heart of the day.

“From the generous sponsorships to the homemade contributions, every aspect of the event reflected the area's deep-rooted rural spirit.

“It is not just a dog show, it is a real community event. Everyone chips in, and that’s what makes it so special.”

In the lead-up to the event, members of the hunt also took part in a Countryside Clear-Up in May.

Fifteen volunteers walked through local villages including Carhampton and Withycombe, picking litter and tidying up the countryside.

The effort was warmly received by local residents and capped off with a celebratory barbecue back at the kennels.

Rosanne Coates, chairlady of the West Somerset Hunt, said: “It wasn’t just about tidying up, it was about showing pride in where we live.

“The support and thanks we received from locals made it all worthwhile.”

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NANCY Harman, the new chair of Minehead and District u3a welcomed some of the recently joined members over an informal lunch.

With other committee members, the meeting was an opportunity for new members to find out more about the organisation.

Currently, M&D u3a has a membership of more than 300, with 40 different groups meeting regularly.

Groups range from nature ambling to lunch club, different types of book and music groups, mahjong to walking cricket.

There is a coffee morning on the third Thursday of each month for all members.

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NOMINATIONS have opened for the 2025 Youth Parliament Elections in Somerset.

Young people aged 11 to 17 years who live and go to school or college in the county are encouraged to apply.

It is an opportunity to campaign on issues that matter to young people, to represent peers, and Somerset, on a national stage.

Three Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) will be elected with support from schools, colleges, and the community.

Each will lead a campaign of their choice and work alongside local services, organisations, and decision-makers to platform young people’s voices.

MYPs are also supported by an advisory group of young people aged 10 to 25 years from a range of backgrounds.

The group develops campaigns, takes part in consultations, interviews, presentations, promotions, and contributes to planning.

Somerset Youth Parliament is a space for young people to learn new skills, grow confidence, share their views, get involved in current issues, and make a difference.

One current MYP Emma Brown said: “As an MYP, I’m able to connect with people across the county and really push for positive change.

“Standing for election isn’t just about you, it’s about everyone you’ll represent.

“Campaigning teaches you loads of useful skills and helps you think differently.

“Even if you don’t want to stand, make sure you vote.”

Somerset Cllr Heather Shearer said: “It’s so important that young people feel heard and have the chance to shape the world around them.

“The Youth Parliament gives them a real platform to speak up and make a difference.

“I’d really encourage anyone who’s passionate about change to get involved, whether that’s standing for election or simply casting a vote.”

The deadline for nominations is Monday, November 3, and elections will take place in December.

Young people in schools, colleges, and youth clubs across Somerset will be eligible to vote.

Anybody aged 11 to 17 years can register to nominate themselves for election at:https://somersetyouthparliament.org.uk/elections.

The Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group is free to join and open to anyone aged 10 to 25 years who lives, works, or studies in Somerset.

Find out more information here https://somersetyouthparliament.org.uk/about/join-us.

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THE garden at Elworthy Cottage is open for the National Gardens Scheme on Tuesday, June 24, and Tuesday, July 8, from 11 am to 4.30 pm.

Many of the hardy geraniums are in full flower along with astrantias and companulas plus trees and shrubs.

This year, as well as several house martin nests occupied on the house, it has been a delight to have swallows back after a two-year absence.

Many of the usual garden birds also have nests in the garden.

This year seems a particularly good year for bees and other insects helped by the wild flowers in the areas of grass that have been left to grow long.

There will be tea, coffee, and cake available in aid of the Children’s Hospice South West. Admission £5, children free. Dogs are welcome on short leads.

Further details available on 01984 656427 or see the garden website.

Mike Spiller

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THE Forget-me-not Cafe recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a party in the Esplanade Club, Watchet, and a birthday cake decorated by Sam, of Chives Cafe.

Margaret Tatham, of Watchet and the Quantocks Dementia Action Alliance, thanked all those people who have supported the charity over the years, particularly Chives Cafe, the Esplanade Club, the Harbour Community Bookshop, Watchet Baptist Church, and Watchet Town Council, as well as the many individual fund-raisers and volunteers.

There are too many to name, but a big thanks goes to all.

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PARTICIPANTS are being recruited for the GRACEFUL study, which is looking at patient attitudes to location of care for people with, or who have been, investigated for a gynaecological cancer.

Diagnosis of a gynaecological cancer can have a major impact on psychological wellbeing.

Previous studies have shown that where care is given is important for fostering a sense of support.

The quality of consultation can be improved by reducing the stress caused by a patient’s surroundings.

However, nobody has formally looked at the views of people investigated for, or with a diagnosis of a gynaecological cancer.

A gynaecological cancer can result in loss of fertility or sense of identity.

Preliminary work shows that services being located insensitively can have a major impact on many people.

GRACEFUL wants to understand this impact in more detail from a wide range of people.

The information gathered can ensure gynaecological services are centred around patient needs.

Anybody over the age of 18 years who is at risk of a gynaecological (womb, ovaries, vulva, vagina, or cervical) cancer can take part.

This includes those who have been referred to cancer exclusion, rapid access, or colposcopy clinic or those with a diagnosis of a gynaecological cancer.

An online survey is available here https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=vpHsmOeNo0iegA8BgO2SGa8juqJmpsJAjznDmuf5HDtUQldENkpUQTNHQ1lEMzcxOFdBVVQ5SThXSy4u until August 29.

More information by emailing [email protected].

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THE Regal Theatre was buzzing with excitement as Oasis Youth Theatre brought the classic musical Annie Jr to life in a vibrant, exciting production that captivated audiences across its run.

Set in 1930s New York, Annie tells the timeless story of a plucky orphan who dreams of finding her parents.

Against the odds, and with a little help from billionaire Oliver Warbucks, Annie escapes the clutches of the villainous Miss Hannigan and discovers what it means to find family in the most unexpected of places.

This production of Annie Jr was a shining testament to what young people can achieve when given support, encouragement, and guidance through positive community activities.

The talented cast of performers dedicated countless hours to learning lines, songs, and dance routines, which they performed with confidence, charisma, and joy.

Scenery was imaginatively crafted, and a big thanks and recognition must go to the dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes, including choreographers, the production crew, and the many volunteers who brought the show to life.

The response from the audience was nothing short of overwhelming:

‘Brilliant show - what amazing talent’, ‘What a great show tonight! What talented children - thoroughly enjoyed it, it was amazing well done to all that made this happen’, ‘We went tonight, and it was absolutely tremendous - well done to everyone involved’.

The Regal Theatre is proud to support youth productions like Annie Jr, which showcase the extraordinary talent and enthusiasm of local young people. We look forward to many more memorable performances from Oasis Youth Theatre in the future.

Georgina Charnock