Dear Editor,

Following the awful scenes of devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica. The Rotary Club of Minehead took to the streets to collect funds to help those affected.

A total of £339 was donated and the club would like to thank all those who gave. The money will be used to send a Shelter Box to Jamaica.

Each shelter box contains a 10 person tent; cooking utensils water purifying systems; torches; first aid kits and much more. Rotary Clubs from all over the country will be sending similar aid to help those in need.

Thanks,

John Baker

Rotary Club of Minehead

Dear Editor,

Dulverton and District Branch of the Royal British Legion are delighted to announce the figure of £4,668.41 for the collection of our 2025 Poppy Appeal, of which £2,713.46 was collected by 45 volunteers who bravely faced some inclement weather conditions over 15 days outside the Coop store.

We would like to pass on our most sincere thanks for the dedicated support of all our volunteers, local shops and businesses, door-to-door collectors in Brompton Regis and to the public for their generous donations.

Jan Ross

Dulverton and District Branch committee member

Dear Editor,

On behalf of Watchet Carnival, I am writing to thank everyone who supported our coffee morning and produce sale in The Phoenix Centre on Saturday, November 15.

We were very grateful to Somerset Larder and Glenmore Bakery and everyone who supported us by generously donating cakes and preserves or by donating raffle prizes. We couldn’t do it without you all.

Our thanks also go to Watchet Phoenix for allowing us to use their excellent facilities.

It was a damp morning and we appreciate everyone who came out to support us. The fundraiser made almost £700 towards the cost of next year’s Carnival Fiesta and Fayre which will be on July 25 and 26.

Next year we will be having our popular “Tea By The Ritz” - date to be announced so keep an eye on the carnival website www.watchetcarnival.co.uk or our Facebook page early next year for details of this and other fundraisers.

Yours faithfully,

Sandie Hornby

Watchet

Dear Editor,

The Friends of Minehead Library held their Winter Quiz and Raffle on the evening of Friday, November 14, at Minehead and District Social Club.

The weather on the evening was absolutely foul but 86 people braved the wind and rain to show their support, and appreciation, for our library, raising the magnificent sum of £605. This money will go towards supporting the range of activities, events and running of Minehead Library, a library that is such a central feature of our community.

Heartfelt thanks are due to all who braved that weather and to those individuals and businesses who contributed prizes for our raffle.

Tony Jones

Treasurer of the Friends of Minehead Library

Dear Editor,

Once again we see the hoary old myth of 'dangerous' roads (WSFP, November 14).

In point of fact, a road in a state of disrepair may well be described as unsafe and potentially hazardous if road users are not warned of its condition.

Other than that, any road is only as dangerous as those who use it. Accidents and incidents on the road are caused by poor driving and by that alone. There are no excuses - carelessness is the major cause of all road traffic incidents.

The answer is defensive driving, where those behind the wheel take the trouble to continually assess the road ahead at all times. Anything less is irresponsible.

Sadly, I see it dozens of times every day from stupid parking to outright lunacy. I probably notice it more than most due to my ten years of teaching people to drive buses.

The four tenets of driving are concentration, observation, anticipation and consideration. Anything less than the application of all four at all times leads, all too often, to incidents (not accidents) on the road and, sadly, fatalities.

Alan Bond

Watchet

Dear Editor,

Over half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis. It is the deadliest common cancer. The disease has vague symptoms that are associated with common, less serious conditions, and no tests currently exist to help doctors detect it. As a result, 80 per cent are not diagnosed until after the cancer has spread.

For World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 20, I’m writing to highlight the symptoms, which include: tummy and back pain, indigestion, unexplained weight loss and changes to your poo. If you experience any of these symptoms for more than four weeks and are unsure why, please contact your GP. If you are jaundice (yellow tinge to skin/eyes), go to A&E straight away.

Early diagnosis saves lives. Please talk about pancreatic cancer and its symptoms with your loved ones: www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/information/signs-and-symptoms-of-pancreatic-cancer

Anyone affected by pancreatic cancer can call our Specialist Nurses for support and information on our confidential, free Support Line (Freecall: 0808 801 0707).

Thank you,

Nicci Murphy

Pancreatic Cancer UK Specialist Nurse

Dear Editor,

As temperatures plummet, we urge people to keep a caring eye on stray and abandoned cats without access to shelter or food. For them, the risk of hypothermia or painful frostbite is real. 

In the past 12 months, Cats Protection has taken in more than 26,000 cats left behind by life, including over 3,000 kittens from unwanted litters. 

Our winter fundraising and awareness campaign (cats.org.uk/alfie) aims to provide food, shelter and care for neglected cats.  

Yours faithfully,

Daniel Warren-Cummings

Central behaviour officer, Cats Protection