'Watchet Gardening & Flower Show' will be taking place at the Memorial Ground at the end of this month. Save yourself a queue on Sunday, July 20, not like back in the 1960s (see photo).

Entry forms must be posted in the boxes at Albert's 'Ardware, Co-op Liddymore and Visitors Centre by July 16. It costs 50p to enter per class or bring an entry form on the day and pay £1 a class. 42 classes including for vegetables, flowers, food, arts and crafts, children's classes and our new mini Chelsea garden display class.

Payment for classes on the day of show will be where you can pick up your entry cards 10.30am to 12pm. Then enjoy listening to West Somerset Brass Band and view the charity and trade garden related stalls open from 10.30am.

Minehead Male Voice Choir is preparing for the final concert of the season.

A busy and varied year of performances by the choir will have been achieved when the choir returns to St Andrew’s Church on Saturday, July 19, for its annual fundraiser concert, prior to taking the usual August summer break. The concert begins at 7.30pm and the choir is preparing some new items to hopefully have ready to perform at the concert.

In the calendar year from October 2024 to October 2025 the choir will have supported fundraising events at local churches in Brompton Ralph, Alcombe and Williton, while also enjoying joint concerts with choirs from Cwm Rhondda, Ilminster and Corby. Supporting local charitable efforts and community actions has seen the choir in action at Minehead’s VE80 celebration and fundraising for St Margaret’s Hospice in Winsford Village Hall. Fundraising is an important part of any Male Voice Choir’s ‘raison d’etre’ and this time around Minehead MVC has helped to raise close to £2,000.

Finally, the choir was asked to sing at a wedding in the beautiful setting of St Audries Park while on another occasion supporting the family at the funeral of a choir member. The choir also had a part to play in Minehead Town Council’s summer of music in Blenheim Gardens

Plans are already in hand to produce the 2026 programme, where the main event will be another visit to the Cornwall International Male Choir Festival, over the May Day Bank holiday weekend when the choir will join with other choirs from across the world performing in beautiful Cornish churches and iconic visitor attractions

Singing is known to be good for mental and physical health and the choir is always looking for new members. No auditions are necessary, merely the ability to hold a tune. The choir rehearses every Monday evening at Alcombe Methodist Church beginning at 7.15pm. All are welcome to come along one Monday evening to listen and get a taste for what happens in the rehearsal room. If you love to sing, we would love to have you with us.

The West Somerset Morris will be dancing outside Dunster Yarn Market from 8pm on Thursday, July 17, and outside The Lion Timberscombe from 9pm the same evening, followed by more music inside The Lion as dusk falls. Do join them for a traditional fun evening.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) hosted its fourth annual 5K Twilight Shift on Saturday, July 5, bringing together supporters from across the region for a wonderful evening of fun and fitness.

This year’s 5K Twilight Shift held extra significance as DSAA celebrated 25 years of service, providing critical care to people across Dorset and Somerset. The charity event saw families, friends, colleagues and solo challengers take on the 5K route around Henstridge Airfield, the charity’s operational base. Many participants took part for personal reasons, in memory of loved ones, or even as a personal challenge for a good cause. DSAA’s Critical Care Doctor, Ian Mew, even took to the track dressed as the charity mascot, Dasher!

Alana Hardy DSAA’s event officer said: “This year’s 5K Twilight Shift felt truly special, it was amazing to see so many people coming together, not just to raise funds, but to be part of something meaningful in our 25th Anniversary year. From first timers to seasoned fundraisers, everyone played a part in making it a night to remember, and we are so grateful to all those who joined us.”

DSAA extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the evening a success, from those who registered and fundraised, to the volunteers and supporters who brought energy and encouragement to the airfield.

The charity also expressed thanks to its valued event partners and sponsors, including Henstridge Airfield Clubhouse Café, HK Law, Events Crew, Life Support CPR, and DocBike.

The July Amble is on Wednesday, July 16, meeting at 10.30am at Dunster beach carpark, the near end as you drive in.

We intend to walk along the Seaside route towards Blue Anchor so we get the breeze and sound from the sea….. gorgeous. It is extremely wheelchair friendly.. ie the path is nice and smooth so wheel chair users will not feel the appalling discomfort they usually have to endure whilst going over small stones and even one awful time, cobbles!

Amble not Ramble is a walking group specially designed for people with memory loss, lack of mobility and or just loss of confidence or indeed anyone who enjoys a relaxed pace when walking. The walk will be a maximum of one hour. We are a very friendly group and always end the walk with tea and coffee.

Amble not Ramble walks are run by Minehead Dementia Action Alliance which aims to help people and their carers live well with Dementia. We ask that vulnerable adults be accompanied by a carer. For more information or directions to the start ring Emily on 01643 821756, email [email protected] or just turn up... We walk whatever the weather … see you there.

The classic steam locomotive, the Flying Scotsman visited the West Country once again, writes Sophie Leith.

The train arrived on Saturday, June 28, and will be staying until July 14. It will be running services between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead.

The Flying Scotsman is visiting Somerset on a tour of the UK’s heritage railways to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.

It was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and was built in Doncaster. It was officially the first locomotive to reach 100mph. In 1969 the train travelled to the US on a tour to promote British exports. Then in 1988 it travelled to Australia to take part in the Aus Steam 88 festival.

All West Somerset railway stations will be closed to the public during the Flying Scotsman’s visit with ticket access only at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard.

The Community Cafe in Milverton is open every Wednesday from 10.30am until 12.15pm for coffee and cake, with lunch available on the last Wednesday of every month. We meet in the Methodist Chapel in Silver Street.

On August 6, we shall be opening in the Victoria Rooms for coffee and cake and it is a free event, everyone is welcome from 10.30am until 12.15pm.