Legion’s centenary

Earthquake appeal

WRINGTONRoyal British Legion celebrated their 100th anniversary by having the new pennant for their standard dedicated at the Family Communion service in All Saints' Church, Wrington by the Rector, the Rev David Gent.

Later a Sunday lunch was held at the Mendip Spring Golf Club attended by 28 members and guests, including Robert McDonald, the Somerset County chairman.

Mr McDonald proposed a toast to the legion and to Wrington branch, including to the success of their standard bearer, John Gallop, winning the recent South West Regional competition, from which he will progress to the national competition in May. It was a very happy occasion tinged with sadness for the loss over the past two months of their President, Albert Owers and past Standard Bearer and fundraiser, Mike Wool. A spokesman said: “They had both given so much time and energy to the branch over the years that they will be greatly missed.”

Churches combine

THE 500-year-old church and parish of St Nicholas, Radstock and its 70-yearold neighbour, St Peter’s Church and parish of Westfield, have combined to become the Waterside Benefice.

The Rev Ian Rousell, who has been the priest-incharge of St Peter’s for the last six years, was licensed as the first Rector of the Waterside Benefice.

The service was conducted by the Rt Rev Mike Hill, the retired Bishop of Bristol, who is pictured with the area dean and church wardens of Radstock and Westfield.

Belly dancing

BANWELL WI proved they are always up for something new to learn by having a lesson in belly dancing and members aged from their 40s to 93 all took up the challenge!

Next up is a barn dance –so more dressing up and fun to be had.

It was all about the village at Crispin Hall

STREET Parish Council hosted a Discover your Community event which saw a gathering of community groups which support residents of Street and the surrounding areas. Visitors were able to find out what services the groups offer with many of the organisations represented keen to attract more volunteers.

The event, at Crispin Hall, was opened by local writer Alison Knight. Alison is currently researching a saga about the lives of Clarks workers during WWI.

Organisations taking part in the day ranged from Street Quakers and the Salvation Army to Merriman Park Community group which is fundraising to improve facilities at the open space. The park celebrates its centenary in 2033.

Also present were a team from the Alfred Gillett Trust, which is planning to build a new museum – with education and community spaces – looking at the history of the Clarks shoe empire.

Awards for “dedication, hard work and selflessness”

LOCAL heroes from across Somerset have been recognised at the latest Somerset County Council Chair’s Award for Service to the Community.

The 43 recipients were nominated by their parish and town councils in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their communities and were presented with a signed certificate and gift by the chair of Somerset County Council, Councillor Mike Best.

Amongst those celebrated was Compton Dundon’s “great friend to the village”, Leslie Taylor, who passed away recently and whose grandson, Harvey, accepted the award on his grandfather’s behalf. Les was an active member of the community and formerly the chairman of the parish council, village hall committee and cricket club.

Amongst the other award winners were: Claire Chettoe (Wells), Vanessa Clarke (Bruton) Rosie Darlaston (East Brent), Andraea Dawson-Shepherd (Lullington), Geoffrey Francis (Mark), Lyn Goodfellow (Cheddar), Jennifer Newton (Evercreech), Matthew Paul (Chapel Allerton), Christine Steadman (Godney) and Iona White (Babcary).