TINY Timberscombe has again shown its community spirit and big heart as the village scooped two awards from the Community Council for Somerset.

The village hall was awarded ‘Hallmark 3’ for the 12th year in a row – the only one to hold such a record throughout West Somerset.

It represented the highest possible level of recognition for good management and practices, with the assessors noting the well-maintained and scrupulously clean building.

Timberscombe was also one of just three halls in Somerset to receive a special certificate of excellence.

The good quality facilities of the hall, such as free wi-fi, cycle racks, and a hearing loop were among the reasons the assessors were impressed, along with the committee’s determination to improve the hall further following recent access and energy audits.

Parish clerk and hall treasurer Lesley Webb said: “What was noted as unique was the level of community collaboration and communication within the village, with so many village organisations working together to offer a variety of events alongside social and emotional support.

“Credit for this must go to the whole village with the church, Orchards Social Club, the school, the mill, the pub, and Timberscombe Good Neighbours supported by so many.”

Mrs Webb said the village website and email system were highlighted as ‘real positives’ thanks to the work of Bill Hodgson in setting it up and the six village editors who regularly posted notices and updated pages to keep the site vibrant.

For those without internet, Dunkery Tidings and regular leaflet drops all helped to keep the village connected.

The assessors also noted that the parish council was using the website for its village survey about speeding traffic and the most popular means of tackling the issue, a speed indicator device near Duddings.

Mrs Webb said the parish council and hall committee wanted to use the survey method in future to develop other areas.

She said: “Of course, all of this work relies on volunteers in the village, so if you are now feeling inspired why not volunteer for one of the many village organisations and help us to keep Timberscombe the very special place that we all know it is.”

Anybody who was interested in filling one of the vacancies on the hall committee could contact her via the website.