Honours go to local people helping their local community

LOCAL people from West Somerset have been recognised by the chairman of Somerset County Council for their work in the community.
The Chairman’s Awards for service to the community recognise individuals, partners and groups who have made a significant contribution to their local community.
Four nominees from West Somerset who received framed certificates in recognition of their efforts were Sue Hayes, of Winsford, John Lees, from Bicknoller, Enid Mantin, of Cutcombe, and Kevin Escott, who lives in Minehead.
The overall district prize went to Mr Escott for his support of the Minehead Lifeboat Station, where he has served as a crew member, shore helper, and fund-raiser during the past 60 years.
Mr Escott was presented by county council chairman Councillor Alan Gloak with an engraved crystal clock at a ceremony in Glastonbury Town Hall.
Youth service officers across the county were also asked to nominate young people who had made a significant contribution to their community or other young people, or who had successfully represented the young people of Somerset.
Each youngster received a framed certificate and an engraved glass trophy.
Among those recognised was Terri-Marie Joyner, of Minehead, for her commitment to developing the Norton Fitzwarren Youth Club during the past two years.
Councillor Gloak said: “This is an ideal opportunity to thank those people who give up their time and energy for the benefit of their communities.
“It is right that we should highlight and celebrate their work so that it does not go unnoticed.”
County health and well-being portfolio holder, Councillor Justin Robinson, said: “Somerset is a wonderful place to live and work, and is built on the strong communities that exist everywhere across the county.
“It is encouraging to see so many local people making a positive difference to community life in Somerset.”

Our photographs show Councillor Gloak presenting certificates to (from the top) Sue Hayes, John Lees, and Terri-Marie Joyner, and (BOTTOM) Enid Mantin with her certificate being congratulated by West Somerset district and Cutcombe parish Councillor Roger Webber (right) and other locals. Kevin Escott was unable to attend the awards ceremony. Photos submitted.

Exmoor pre-school children prepare to move into new home

CHILDREN in Dunkery Pre-School will be making a fresh start later this month when they finally move into their new room.
The pre-school has been operating for more than eight years in Cutcombe First School, Wheddon Cross.
Now, Ofsted has approved the pre-school’s new premises and most of the new furniture has been delivered, including an interactive whiteboard and library.
An outdoor area is shortly due to be fenced off and covered with soft rubber flooring.
The first day in the new location is planned to be Monday, October 13.
It is part of an extension at the rear of the school which will also provide extra space in which pupils can work and where class assistants can spend time with individual children or small groups from either class without being distracted by the other children in the class.
At the moment the pre-school children have the use of the school hall on three mornings a week, which restricts the time the school can use the hall for teaching purposes.
Pre-school children also have to either walk through a classroom or around the outside of the building to use the toilets.
New toilets which are part of the school extension have also been designed for pre-school age children.
The new room provides an opportunity for the pre-school to offer more opening times.
It is also ideal for running breakfast and afterschool clubs, which is a long-term aim of the school.
Groups could also use it during the day or in the evening, such as for parents’ coffee mornings, and adult education.
The pre-school was created in 2000 after Wheddon Cross Under-Fives, which had been running for more than 20 years, amalgamated with Exford Playgroup.
Any families who would like a nursery place should contact Sheralee Matravers on 07980423053.