Dear Editor,

I was interested to read John Thorne’s report ‘Speed indicator device not necessary’ in the November 7 issue of the WSFP, following Porlock parish council’s consideration and dropping of plans for SIDs.

During the recent Dunster by-election campaign I was a frequent visitor to Carhampton and Washford, delivering leaflets and canvassing on both sides of the increasingly busy A39 through road. I became strongly aware of how a West Somerset main arterial road bisecting the villages through which it passes, makes pedestrian movement particularly hazardous when there’s a lot of traffic.

The speed indicator displays at either end of Carhampton are, I believe, effective in getting motorists to reduce their speed as they enter the village. A further road safety improvement would be a reduction of the speed limit to 20 mph. Carhampton has very narrow or non-existent pavements along the A39, notably just to the west of the junction with High Street.

Pinch-points and bottle-necks are common on roads everywhere, inevitably slowing through traffic. I would argue that it would be no great inconvenience to the drivers of cars, commercial vehicles and buses to ask them to limit their speed to 20 mph when passing through villages like Carhampton and Washford.

Yours etcetera,

Ian Scott

Minehead

Dear Editor,

What is so impressive about our NHS is the teamwork.

West Somerset Health Centre Williton raised some alarm bells about my heart after I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation earlier this year.

That led to a referral to a cardiologist consultant at Musgrove. Recently my symptoms got worse. An appointment to fit a pacemaker was brought forward.

Within a month or so the cardiology department informed me that a pacemaker was to be fitted on October 29.

The procedure took about one and a half hours but I was monitored for further four hours afterwards. I was also issued with a home wireless heart monitor that can monitor my heart rhythm in the cardiology department.

Musgrove Hospital is absolutely amazing, particularly the cardiology department. They are real life savers.

What particularly impressed me was the teamwork. It was a joy to see all the staff at the hospital being so cheerful and clearly enjoying what they do for us all.

I must have been seen and been attended to by about 20 staff members during my short stay. All of them looked totally committed, caring, highly skilful and highly competent. I felt totally safe in their hands.

What is also impressive is the level of high tech equipment in modern hospitals. It's not difficult to understand why efficient health care costs so much. What an awesome inspiring concept to provide free health care to all regardless of income. Remember, the NHS was created in 1947 by Nye Bevan a health minister in a post war government.

The NHS is, I think, the best public health service in the world. It is still free to everyone regardless of means. That is a precious service which should and must be preserved for future generations.

Good Public Health and Public Education are prerequisites of a healthy and thriving society. Let's keep it that way please!

Well done and a big thank you NHS, you are life savers pure and simple. You should be so proud of what you do, at whatever your job there.

Peter Joe Hull

Stogumber

Dear Editor, 

We’re encouraging the local community to take on Sue Ryder’s December Daily Dash, a fundraising event my husband and I created in memory of my dad, and in gratitude to the incredible Sue Ryder Nurses who cared for him in his final days.

We lost my dad to cancer in 2015, just 18 months after we lost my mum to the same illness. During this difficult time, the Sue Ryder team went above and beyond, from bringing him a comforting hot chocolate before bed to ensuring he felt dignified and cared for in every moment. Their care made an unbearable time just that little bit more manageable, and we wanted to give something back.

The challenge is simple, either walk, jog or run 1k, 3k or 5k every day throughout December. It’s a chance to take time for yourself and boost your wellbeing. Plus, the money you raise will provide nursing care for people with a terminal illness, just like my dad, and also provide free bereavement support for people this Christmas.

What began with just the two of us and 11 friends has grown into a community of over 3,800 “Dashers”. Over the past ten years, “Dashers” have covered thousands of kilometres and raised over £650,000 to support Sue Ryder’s work.

This year, we’d love even more people to join us. Whether you dash outdoors or on a treadmill, solo or with friends, family or your dog, you’ll be part of a community making sure no one has to face death or grief alone this Christmas. 

To sign up for free, visit: decemberdailydash.com. 

Jackie and Mark Smith

Founders of the December Daily Dash and Sue Ryder fundraisers

Dear Editor,

Many readers will have seen the utter devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa across multiple island nations in the Caribbean - like Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. It’s left families without homes and in urgent need of support.

At the disaster relief charity ShelterBox, we're sending an emergency response team to the region.

Right now, we've launched an urgent appeal to support people affected by Hurricane Melissa and other disasters. It can be hard to know how to support after disasters of this scale, but every donation - however small - makes a real difference to disaster affected communities.

Dave Raybould

Head of emergency responses, ShelterBox