Morris men open their doors to potential new members

RESIDENTS of West Somerset are being invited to have a go at the traditional pastime of Morris dancing amid fears that it could die out within the next 20 years.
As fewer young people take up the activity, possibly because they are too embarrassed, the Morris Ring - the ‘trade association’ for Morris troupes - has warned the tradition could be lost forever.
Now, the West Somerset Morris Men are holding an open event for local people to get up close to the dancing and even have a go themselves.
The evening will include performances by professionals, a talk on the history of Morris dancing, and an opportunity to have-a-go at some of the moves.
It will be held on January 22 at Halsway Manor, near Crowcombe from 8 pm to 10 pm.
The Morris men practice at Halsway Manor every Thursday evening, followed by a visit to a local pub.
West Somerset Morris Men squire Joe Raucki said: “The recent coverage of Morris Dancing in the media has created an enormous interest from all parts of the community.
“To explain what it is and to demonstrate how it is done, we have organised an evening at Halsway Manor.
“The Morris men will demonstrate a variety of dances involving sticks and handkerchiefs interspersed with information about the history of Morris and the current UK and worldwide situation.
“Any men or lads who would like to have a go at doing Morris will be especially welcome.”

• Our photograph shows the West Somerset Morris Men on a visit to the Czech Republic. Photo submitted.

New Year deadline for next round of local arts grants

ARTLife, the arts agency for West Somerset, has grants of up to £1,000 to give away to community groups which undertake creative projects and events.
The activities must happen in West Somerset, or benefit the residents of the district, and must be accessible to the public and help contribute to the ongoing development of the arts in the area.
Recent grant awards have supported local students who wanted to make a film of their trip to Poland, concerts by international musicians at Halsway Manor, Watchet Kids Festival, and Stogursey Youth Club members working with a professional film maker and musician.
The funding application process has made as simple as possible, with help on hand to complete the form.
The next deadline for applications is January 12, and anybody with an idea for a project should contact ARTlife on 01984 635300 or email info@artlife-somerset.co.uk.
ARTlife is a consortium of nine member organisations, all of which have an interest in or remit to deliver arts and cultural activity in West Somerset.
It delivers an arts service in partnership with West Somerset Council.

Council holds free interactive workshop for district's ageing population

PEOPLE aged 50 years and over who live in West Somerset are being invited to a free, lively and interactive ‘Ageing Well’ workshop and lunch at Halsway Manor (pictured) on Thursday, October 9, from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm.
West Somerset Council housing and well-being portfolio holder Councillor Kate Kravis said: “We are hoping older people in West Somerset have a lot to say, and we want to hear it.
“The workshop is going to be friendly and informative but, most importantly, it is a great chance to get involved at a grass roots level to help develop a better future for everybody.”
An Audit Commission report published last month revealed that by next year, more than half of all West Somerset residents will be aged 50 years or older, compared to a national average of 34 per cent.
The workshop will feature wide-ranging discussions which will include service development, fear of crime and anti-social behaviour, health and well-being, and volunteering.
There will be a break at mid-day for a free lunch.
The council’s community portfolio holder, Councillor Neil Parbrook, said: “There will be some short presentations but plenty of opportunities for people to give us their views.
“We would like the event to be as lively and interactive as possible.
“People aged 50 or over tend to know their own minds and, as one of the largest and most vibrant sections of the community, we want to make sure that they have an equally active part in shaping the future so that it is increasingly positive, dynamic, supported, and fulfilling.”
The district council has teamed up to organise the workshop with the Somerset Primary Care Trust, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Magna West Somerset Housing Association, Somerset County Council, and the West Somerset Strategic Partnership.
There will also be exhibitions and information available on a wide number of initiatives which are already available in West Somerset.
Help with travel arrangements is available, and more information, including how to book a place on the workshop, is available from Gail Sloman or Sarah Wilsher on 01984 635208 or by emailing ageingwell@westsomerset.gov.uk.