SIR — Townsend House, next to the Esso petrol station in Townsend Road, Minehead, has been used by many local societies, clubs and individuals for regular meetings and special events since it was saved for the people of Minehead by the Townsend House Trust in 1983.

But there is now a very real danger of it being closed due to lack of helpers.

Many of those who use the house are completely unaware that it is run entirely by a very small and dwindling number of volunteers who desperately need more help if they are to continue to maintain this much loved house and gardens as an amenity for local people.

It is now nearly 30 years since the Townsend House Charitable Trust was formed to save this historic piece of Minehead's heritage and most of those who have given so much time and energy to restoring and administrating it are now unable to take an active role in its present and future.

If the house is to remain open, new volunteers are sought to join the management committee which looks after the day to day running of the house and organises fund raising events to finance ongoing restoration work.

Also required are people to join the Monday morning stewards' rota and to help in the delightful walled gardens.

Anyone who may be able to help or is interested in joining the Friends of Townsend House is asked to leave a message on 01643 706258 or call into the house on a Monday morning (10am— noon).

We shall shortly be advertising for a bookings clerk/secretary to undertake a few hours paid work per week.

Kate Gage,

Townsend House Management Committee.