Community News published in the County Gazette on Thursday, August 9, 2018.

Taunton Classic Motorcycle Club

THIS Sunday, August 12, toes crossed the weather will be better than the forecast for the Taunton Classic Motorcycle Club’s 26th glorious annual Exmoor Run, raising money for the Air Ambulance and the Freewheelers Blood Bikes.

The run starts and finishes at Sheppy’s Cider, on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington.

You can book your motorbike in from 8am, buy a cuppa and a bacon butty before departure at 9.30am.

There will be coffee stops and lunch stops throughout the day.

Bikers will then return in mid-afternoon for a prize giving, raffle, more cuppas and cake.

We already have 100 bikes booked in - help us make it more.

So get polishing, fill up your tank and get to Sheppy’s Cider by 9am on Sunday. The cost to enter is £15 per bike.

Amnesty International: Minehead Group

MEMBERS of the Minehead Amnesty group braved wind and showers to take their stall to Roadwater Fete on July 28 (pictured).

The group secured scores of signatures on a petition to the Home Secretary asking him to change the restrictive rules which prevent child refugees in the UK sponsoring a close relative to be allowed to join them.

It also called for the Government to reintroduce legal aid to help families negotiate the complicated process.

Children are denied the right to bring their parents, parents have to leave their children behind and grandparents are left to fend for themselves in areas where they face conflict and persecution.

Earlier this year a Bill to assist family reunions was overwhelmingly supported by MPs at its second reading; this petition supports the next step.

Dunster WI

MEMBERS and guests, Carolyn Mainwaring and Gill Wickes were welcomed to the meeting by president Pat Curling and the evening began with the singing of ‘Jerusalem’.

Discussions took place in preparation for the forthcoming flower display for St George’s Flower Festival in July and details were given for the Somerset County Quiz along with SCFWI AGM to be held at Yeovil in October.

A letter from county chair, Julia Statton, was read out which covered questions raised in connection with the possible sale of County Headquarters, Wilton Lodge.

Birthday greetings were passed onto Jill Demirtges and Angela Webber and then it was time to introduce the speaker for the evening, Julie Bolton, who was going to explain to us about the origins and benefits of Tai Chi.

Julie, who works for Age Concern UK, then took us all through a series of exercises which everyone joined in with and enjoyed, so much so, that is is hoped to be able to arrange a Tai Chi weekly class at the Tithe Barn.

She was thanked by Wendy Perry and a most enjoyable evening finished with Pat thanking Sally Priddy who, although unable to attend, had baked a delicious cake to be enjoyed at refreshment time.

President Pat Curling welcomed members to their July meeting including Pam Messenger, Secretary of Williton WI who, as chosen delegate, had attended the National Federation of Women’s Institute’s AGM which had taken place at Cardiff in June.

Pam then gave a brief report of the meeting, the speakers and the Resolution results, which were unanimous for Mental Health Matters.

The coffee morning for the Flower Festival was mentioned along with a Marie Curie Afternoon Tea being held at Timberscombe and organised by Carol Wheeler.

Also, there was to be a Picnic in the Park in Blenheim Gardens in August to celebrate the Somerset Centenary and also in August, members were going to serve teas at the Dunster Horticultural Flower Show at the Tithe Barn.

Then it was time for Pat to introduce the speaker for the evening, Richard Reeves, from the Freewheelers EVS Charity accompanied by his trusty motorbike.

Richard then explained just what the charity does. In this area they keep four bikes on the road and are all volunteers who, trained to Police Regulations, operate 365 days per year, being on call from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and 24 hour call at weekends.

They deliver blood and platelets to Air Ambulances. Breast milk from Southmead Hospital goes to local Neo-Natal Units and medicines to the homes of patients who have had a late discharge from hospital.

A team of 120 plus volunteers including three lady riders, give their time to co-ordinate, fund raise and deliver this wonderful service which is provided absolutely free and which in 2005 received The Queen’s Award for Services.

Last year they overtook 5,200 jobs covering just over 178,000 miles. After lots of questions from members, there was then the opportunity to examine the bike and have photographs taken.

Richard was thanked by Jean Davies for giving us such a thrilling insight into Freewheelers, a subject which everyone had thoroughly enjoyed.

This was followed with refreshments served by Jill Dyer, Helen Sellings and Jill Demirtges, the raffle run by Carol Wheeler and Sheila Ridd was drawn and birthdays were mentioned for Jessica Clinch, Joyce Harper, Brenda Moore and Maureen Waters.

Pat thanked everyone for coming including Chris Oliver for giving us a demonstration of how to do our ‘high-heeled shoes flower arrangements’ for the forthcoming Church Flower Festival.

Watchet WI

ON Wednesday July 25th, Watchet WI Wavemakers took part in the WI County Quiz.

The area venue was at the Windmill Inn, St Audries. Nine teams took part and Watchet won with flying colours, being 12 points ahead their rivals. Team members were Elaine Preston, Jan Martin, Ann Binding, Geraldine Malin, Anne and David Horsey.

On July 28, the Wavemakers won the WI Shield at the Bicknoller Flower Show. The Small Table entry was ‘A Country Garden’.

On August 4, the Wavemakers won the Carter Cup for the WI Competition at the Taunton Flower Show. The Large Table entry was ‘Gardeners’ World’. Team members were Elaine Preston, Anne Horsey, Jan Martin, Veronica Dance, Millie McDonald, Fay Ross, Shirley Williams and Val Marshall.

The Wavemakers also did a WI Promotion Entry at the Watchet Carnival celebrating the WI involvement in the Suffragette Movement, Women’s Rights and the WI’s Future Outlook (pictured).

Somerset Dyslexia Support Group

VISITORS to the July drop-in meeting received a warm welcome and were able to enjoy hot drinks and a chat, discuss concerns, explore coping strategies and browse through the resources.

Drop-ins are held on the first Saturday of each month in the Meeting Room at Taunton Library, Paul Street, from 10am to noon.

Meetings are run by a group of local, friendly volunteers who all have considerable experience of dyslexia, including parents experienced in supporting children, adults with knowledge of dyslexia and specialists who can advise on assessments, tutoring and IT support. Membership is not necessary, all are welcome and there is no charge.

Initially set up by a group of concerned parents 34 years ago, Somerset Dyslexia Association has grown to be one of the most active local dyslexia associations in England.

It supports children and their families, students and adults who are experiencing difficulty with reading and writing and works to raise public awareness and understanding of dyslexia.

Helpline numbers for further information and any concerns about family members who may have dyslexia are 01749 675139 and 01823 672271. Or see www.somersetdyslexia.co.uk.

St Mary’s Summer Fair

DESPITE televised competition from the World Cup and Wimbledon St Mary’s Summer Fair attracted a steady stream of visitors throughout the afternoon raising £1,350 with the local Scout Group raising a further amount for their funds. Recognising this was a special day for football fans some stalls were decorated in national flags and bunting.

Stall holders would like to thank the various individuals and businesses who helped make this year’s fair a great success.