The Somerset Leveller - Issue 164

Big step in Shoemakers Museum build

WORK on a museum celebrating the famous shoemaking tradition of Street and Somerset is underway.

The foundations of the new Shoemakers Museum building have been laid at The Grange, at Clarks Village, site of the landmark factory of the brand.

To mark the work, a new pear tree has been planted in the orchard at The Grange, by veteran shoemaker Howard Burch.

Mr Burch, now retired, worked at the large Junitor factory at Clarks for 17 years before moving to Clarks HQ for a further 23 years.

He first learned the shoemaking trade at The Grange, when it was a training centre for the Clarks Factory.

His return marked a landmark step in the creation of the museum, which will celebrate Somerset’s shoemaking heritage.

The tree also holds a special secret, in the form of a wooden 'last' - an insert used in the making of shoesburied beneath the apple tree.

Director, Rosie Martin, said: "Lasts will be familiar to many local people who worked in the shoemaking trades in Somerset and beyond.

"These wooden, foot-

shaped molds are iconic pieces of shoemaking equipment, and so are a fitting symbol of the industrial heritage of the area and the stories the new museum will be sharing."

She said the museum, set to open in summer 2025, will make the most of the beauty of the setting surrounding The Grange.

"The Grange includes some beautiful outside areas, including a walled orchard that is part of the heritage of the site," Rosie added.

"We are delighted to make this new addition to the orchard, and to provide a vibrant habitat to support the urban wildlife we share The

Shoemakers Museum is inspired by the Alfred Gillett Trust's vast collection of more than 150,000 objects, ranging from ancient 200-million-year-old fossils to 200 years of shoemaking and Clarks shoes.

The foundations have been laid and the creation of a new building by Rigg Construction is well underway.

Along with a shop, café, and educational spaces, the new visitor centre will display the history of Clarks

CONTACTS

Ruth White - Advertising Manager ruth@somersetleveller.co.uk tel: 07973 758728

Juliet Barber - Ad Sales Executive juliet@somersetleveller.co.uk tel: 07544 737860 Advertising

01963 401177

Grange with."

The

Homes plan for former pub site

A GLASTONBURY pub could be converted into five flats, if plans are approved.

The scheme would see the Waggon and Horses pub, in Wells Road, converted into four one-bedroom flats, with a one-bedroom coach house also built on the site.

A planning application has been submitted to Somerset Council by Hill Reading Architects on behald of Mr D Pritchard.

The scheme would see the current pub building converted into four flats, with the coach house built on part of the current car park.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search for application reference 2024/0829/FUL.

Market break-in

POLICE are tracing a potential witness to a burglary at the Cornhill Indoor Market in Bridgwater.

The incident unfolded at around 12.25am on Wednesday, May 29, when two people are believed to have broken in, before stealing jewellery, watches and cash.

Officers are especially keen to speak to a man and women who interrupted the burglary at around 12.35am and challenged them.

The male witness was wearing cream trousers and carrying a pizza box.

Call 101 and give reference 5224137117.

Murderer jailed for 20 years

MURDERER

Adam Bowers has been jailed for life after killing Nick Bryan in a Weston-superMare flat.

Bowers attacked 46-year-old Nick in November 2021 after a night of drinking, causing fatal injuries.

The victim's family said they hope people remember him for being a "wonderful person" and a "larger than life character".

Bowers had been drinking with two women at an address in Rydal Road on November 15, 2021, when the two women decided to go out to a convenience store in Weston to get more alcohol.

There, they met Mr Bryan who was in the shop at the same time, who they invited back to the flat.

However, after a number of hours together, an argument ensued and Bowers, a former boxer, conducted a violent and sustained attack on Mr Bryan by punching and kicking him.

He then left the scene with one of the women.

Police were called to the property by paramedics in the early hours of the following morning, where Mr Bryan was found unconscious.

He was taken to hospital, but sadly died on November 17.

A post-mortem revealed Mr Bryan, who used to live in Leicestershire, had died after sustaining significant head injuries.

A murder investigation was carried out and led to 35-yearold Bowers being charged in November 2023.

He pleaded guilty in February.

Bristol Crown Court was told Bowers confessed to a fellow prisoner in 2022 –

while serving a sentence for an unrelated offence – that he punched Mr Bryan repeatedly and also used a hammer in the sustained attack.

Judge Martin Picton handed Bowers a life sentence and told him he will serve a minimum of 20 years before he can be considered for release.

He said Bowers’ confession amounted to a "boast" of what he did and showed no remorse. He said Bowers had no reason to attack Mr Bryan, or keep attacking him in a "sustained and savage fashion", adding the level of violence was "grotesque".

Judge Picton said Mr Bryan was a "gentle soul" loved by family and friends.

Anne Bryan, Nick’s mother, said: "He was funny, he was kind, he was clever and a bit of a daredevil.

"He did bungee jumping, and white-water rafting; he loved stuff like that, swimming in the sea when it was cold."

Nick’s sister, Holly, said her brother’s "hysterical laugh" would be something everyone associated with him.

"I’d definitely like him to be remembered for how wonderful a person he was,"

she added.

She also said Nick loved anything Wonder Womanrelated, so much so he was bought a themed blanket one Christmas.

In his honour, she wore a Wonder Woman costume to his funeral and her graduation.

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Doxsey, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "It is clear Nick was a much-loved son and brother, who brought laughter to the lives of those who were close to him.

"He died in November 2021 and we recognise a long time has passed since then.

"While we were always confident Bowers was the man responsible, this has been a complex investigation to ensure we secured a murder conviction.

"During that time we’ve not always had all the answers that Nick’s family would want, so I want to thank them for their patience and understanding.

"Ultimately we are relieved and satisfied this investigation has concluded with a life sentence. Bowers is a dangerous man, who is now behind bars, and will be for many years to come."

Nick Bryan, pictured with siister Holly, left, was brutally attacked by Adam Bowers, inset

Pictures: Avon & Somerset Police

Bridgwater school gets Ofsted boost

ABRIDGWATER school has been ranked as ‘Good’ – and outstanding in three categories – after an Ofsted inspection.

Somerset Bridge Primary School achieved the strongest Ofsted outcome of any local authority maintained primary school in the county after a visit from inspectors in March.

The report said: “Pupils flourish at Somerset Bridge Primary School. The school’s exceptional pastoral care helps them to feel safe and valued.

“As soon as they start in the early years, children and families feel that they belong to the school community.

“Pupils who have recently joined the school feel welcome and settle in quickly. These positive relationships set pupils up well for learning.”

It said the school’s “vision for excellence is visible in school life”.

“The academic curriculum is designed to give every pupil the knowledge they need to succeed in the future,” it went on.

“The wider curriculum for pupils’ personal development, is extensive. The school has thought carefully about its pupils’ local context and needs. This is particularly the case for those who are disadvantaged.

“The school’s offer broadens pupils’ experiences and aspirations, building cultural capital for all.”

It praised the school’s work with pupils with SEND, who “learn well”, because “their needs or barriers have been accurately identified”.

“Teachers then ensure that these pupils have the right support across the curriculum. The school works well with parents and external agencies to review

pupils’ progress and targets to help them to reach their potential,” the report added.

Responding to the report, headteacher Kevin Bryant, said: “We are immensely proud of the positive outcomes highlighted in our recent Ofsted inspection.

“It affirms our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional education and support for all of our children, which is made possible through the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the support of our parents.”

Amelia Walker, service director for education at Somerset Council, congratulated the school.

“At Somerset Council, we aim to give every child the best start in life, which means ensuring our education settings are meeting the needs of our young people,” she said.

“Congratulations to Somerset Bridge school on this fantastic achievement. To come so close to an Outstanding rating is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the staff. Somerset Council looks forward to continuing its partnership with the school and celebrating future successes.”

Under the current Ofsted framework, there have previously only been eight Outstanding judgements awarded in the county – The Castle School, Enmore Church of England Primary School, Fiveways Special School, Huish Primary School, Kingfisher Primary School, Richard Huish College, Preston Primary School and Primrose Lane Primary School.

Fiveways Special School, in Yeovil, which is also overseen by Somerset Council, was awarded an Outstanding rating last year.

Parents' tribute to Baltonsborough stab victim Henri

THE parents of Henri Kekkonen - who died after being stabbed at a house in Baltonsboroughhave paid tribute to a "kind, warm and special" son.

The 41-year-old passed away after an incident at a property in Dunford Terrace on Thursday, May 9.

His family are being supported by specially trained officers, Avon & Somerset Police said.

Now his parents, Arja and Olavi, have paid tribute to their

son on behalf of the family.

"Our beloved son, sibling and friend Henri has been taken from us too soon, at the age of 41," they said.

"We remember you as a kind, warm and special person with great passion for music.

"Your spirit will forever live on in the memories we cherish and the love we share."

Christine Kekkonen, 36, has been charged with Henri’s murder and remanded in custody.

9

Henri died after an incident on Thursday, May

Expert Probate Advice

Quick news...

Biker killed on A303

A BIKER was killed in a crash on the A303 near Horton on Saturday, June 1.

The incident happened at around 7pm, police said, with the rider of a motorcycle - a man in his 20s - sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"His family have been notified and our sympathies are with them," an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.

"We will ensure they have access to support through a specially-trained family liaison officer."

Anyone who witnessed what happened and has not yet spoken to police, should call 101 and quote reference number 5224140973.

Ilminster D-Day beacon lighting event called off after 'medical emergency'

A BEACON lighting in Ilminster to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings was called off due to a “medical emergency” after a spectator became ill.

Ilminster Town Council, which organised the event, thanked spectators after the ceremony was called off on Thursday evening, June 6.

A spokesperson said: “As many of you may now know last night’s Beacon Lighting, in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, was called off due to a medical emergency.

“Sadly, one of our spectators took ill at the top of Beacon Hill and the emergency services had to be called to attend.

“Understandably, it was felt by everyone involved that it would be inappropriate for the event to carry on under such extreme circumstances.

“We would like to thank the spectators that had gathered who dispersed quietly and with dignity for their cooperation and understanding.”

The council thanked “the quick thinking and rapid response of all those involved in assisting with the situation”, including the Carnival Marshal team, the Ilminster Cadet Force, council staff, Dillington Estate team and a man who ran to grab the defibrillator from Market House.

“The amazing response by the ambulance crews to the situation and their tenacity to get to the location is testament to their dedication to our service,” they added.

The condition of the person involved is not known.

SECURE SELF STORAGE

Appeal after fight in Frome street

AMAN suffered a broken jaw after being punched outside a pub in Frome.

Police are appealing for information after an incident in Market Place at between 12.30am and 1am on Sunday, April 21.

After going to hospital, police said he had suffered a broken jaw.

Now, officers investigating the incident have released CCTV images of three people they would like to speak to in connection with the attack.

The men are described as follows:

Male 1 – white, 6ft, mid 20s, slicked back black hair, clean shaven, wearing a rugby-style shirt with white

stripes on the front. Spoke with an Irish accent.

Male 2 – white, 5ft 6ins, bald, mid-to-late 20s, light beard, wearing a grey jumper. Spoke with an Irish accent.

Male 3- white, 5ft 8ins, light brown hair slicked back, early 20s, wearing a black tracksuit top with white detailing down the arms. Spoke with an Irish accent.

“If you recognise any of them, or witnessed the assault, please contact us,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and give the call handler the reference 5224101977 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Biker killed in A303 crash

A BIKER was killed in a crash on the A303 near Horton on Saturday, June 1.

The incident happened at around 7pm, police said, with the rider of a motorcycle – a man in his 20s – sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“His family have been notified and our sympathies are with them,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.

“We will ensure they have access to support through a specially-trained family liaison officer.”

The driver of the silver Ford Fiesta helped police with their enquiries after the incident.

“The A303 was closed for a number of hours to allow collision investigation work to be carried out,” the spokesperson added.

“It was reopened overnight and we are grateful for road users’ patience and understanding while emergency crews responded to this incident."

Witnesses should call 101 and quote reference 5224140973.

Finalist in the 2023 International Opera Awards

The home of Country House opera in South West England featuring renowned soloists, a full orchestra and a large chorus of emerging young artists

World Première

An opera in four seasons Composer: Paul Carr

Librettist: Euan Tait (After Thomas Hardy) 23, 25 July at 19.00 | 27 July at 14.00

Marking 100 years since the composer’s death… Giacomo Puccini 22, 24, 27 July at 19.00 | 25 July at 14.00

The Golden Anniversary Friday 26 July at 19:00

Coade Theatre, Bryanston, Blandford Forum Box Office: dorsetopera.com 07570 366 186

Police want to speak to these people after an incident in Frome Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

Tom to stay on as leader in Taunton

TOM Deakin will continue as the leader of Taunton Town Council for the coming year.

Last year, Cllr Deakin (Lib Dem, Obridge) became the first ever leader of the new council, formed after the abolition of Taunton Deane Borough Council when the unitary Somerset Council came into being.

And he was re-elected to the role at a meeting of the full council on May 21.

Cllr Amber Packer-Hughes (Lib Dem, Vivary) was elected as the new deputy leader, taking over from Cllr Martin Straus (Lib Dem, Halcon & Lane), who has become deputy mayor of Taunton.

Leader, Cllr Deakin, said: “It is an honour and privilege

to have been unanimously elected leader of Taunton Town Council for another year by my fellow councillors.

“We have achieved so much in the past year and will be able to deliver so much more for our community in the coming 12 months.”

New deputy, Cllr PackerHughes, said: “I feel so honoured to have been elected as deputy leader of Taunton Town Council, supporting Cllr Deakin in his second year as leader.

“I stood as a councillor because I feel passionate about making positive changes for Taunton.

“As deputy leader and chair of both the Personnel and Grants committees, I have the opportunity to harness this passion for both the residents

of my ward and the wider community.”

The elections came after Cllr Vanessa Garside (Lib Dem, Wilton & Sherford) became the new mayor of Taunton during the council’s Annual Meeting, at Taunton Minster, on May 14.

Cllr Garside said: “The future looks promising for Taunton. I, with the help of

the civic team and the council, will do my utmost to promote Taunton and its residents.

“Unity, inclusion and creativity are important, which is why I am delighted to have Diversity Voice as the Mayoral charity for this year.

“The upcoming Taunton Together event at the end of September will also promote these crucial values.”

Mayor Vanessa Garside, left, with deputy Martin Straus and outgoing mayor, Nick O'Donnell. Inset, Tom Deakin Pictures: TTC

Arts hub plan for Ilminster building

ANEW hub for artists and makers could be developed in Ilminster if plans are approved.

A scheme has been submitted by Summerfield Planning Ltd, on behalf of Mr P Kerr, to redevelop a building at 39 East Street.

Currently used as a storage site, the scheme would see studo space and some office space created, building on the "arts reputation of Ilminster", the application said.

The new use would be as a "hub for artists and makers as a studio, gallery and co-working design and ground floor workshop, while maintaining an office element", it went on.

"Works to the front elevation are largely works of repair and maintenance," the application added.

"New front entrance doors are proposed that will be concealed behind painted timber doors when the building is not in use.

"Internally, and not requiring planning permission, a new staircase will be constructed. Two conservation style roof lights are proposed to be inserted into the

rear/north roof slope enabling more (north) light to penetrate this pre-existing space.

"The proposed windows look north and do not change the appearance from the street or any vantage point. They are essential for providing north light into the studio space.

"The use of the rooflights means that there is no need to introduce new fenestration elsewhere, or to change the existing solid door openings which are visible to the highway."

it could look

Pictures: Google/ That's The Plan/ Somerset Council

The application said the building was currently "unsuitable for modern purposes", other than storage, but has "significant potential to provide an active use at the edge of the town centre".

"The proposed mixture of gallery studio design office and light workshop is not readily available in the locality," it added.

For more details on the proposals, and to comment, log on to www.somerset. gov.uk and search for application reference 24/01115/FUL.

A new arts hub has been proposed at 39 East Street, Ilminster, and, inset, how

Folk star's shock after being shot in the face during Frome drive-by attack

FOLK star Cara Dillon was "hit in the face several times" in a driveby shooting with an airsoft or BB gun.

The singer, who hails from Northern Ireland but lives near Frome, said she was heading to dinner in the town at around 7pm on Wednesday (June 5) when the incident unfolded.

She said she was left "really, really shocked" by the incident, which happened on the corner of Bath Street and Cork Street.

She said she was walking with another person when "a vehicle drive past with the window down".

"We both heard an

Folk singer Cara Dillon PICTURE: Bryan Ledgard

automatic BB or Airsoft gun fire about eight to 12 shots and I was hit in the face several times," the 48-year-old said.

"My left eyeball was hit, my cheek and around my eye.

"It felt like someone had thrown a handful of stones at me, it was very painful.

"Anyway, I was in tears,

couldn't pen my eye, a nice lady helped and it took us all a minute to realise what had happened."

She said they recovered around seven pellets from the ground, which were "gel-like and not solid plastic".

"The police were on the scene very quickly and were looking at CCTV from the town centre," she added.

"They were very helpful and considerate."

She said although she has suffered bruising and a "sore eye", there appeared to be no lasting damage to her eye.

"Thanks again for all the kind comments and rest assured I'm fine, just a little

shaken up," Cara added.

Avon & Somerset Police said it is investigating three reports of shootings in the town.

"Officers are investigating three reports of individuals being hit by a suspected BB gun pellet in Market Place and Rodden Road in Frome," a spokesperson said.

"Thankfully, we do not believe anyone has been seriously injured or required any medical treatment and enquiries into the incident are ongoing. We are asking anyone with any information to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting reference 5224144931 to the call handler."

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13 years in prison for Bridgwater rapist

AMAN who raped a woman on a green in Bridgwater has been jailed for 13 years.

Stefan Bolohan, of no fixed address, was jailed on Friday (May 24) at Taunton Crown Court – sitting at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court – after a jury found him guilty in March to one count of rape.

The court heard how on June 3, 2022, 39-year-old Bolohan, pictured, attacked a woman on the green opposite Clarks Road.

The incident was reported to police the following day (June 4) and detectives carried out a CCTV trawl of the area to collect evidence.

After a public appeal to identify a suspect in CCTV footage, Bolohan was identified and arrested.

Detective Inspector Claire Millington described Bolohan as a “danger to women” and

said she was grateful this was recognised in his sentence.

“I want to thank the public for sharing our media appeal which ultimately assisted us in identifying Stefan Bolohan as the offender,” she added.

“The CCTV in this case showed that Bolohan was calculated and predatory, following the victim and, when she was isolated and in an area of darkness, he took the opportunity to attack her and subject her to a horrific ordeal.”

life for my family. But this is easier said than done.

has shown in not only coming forward to the police, but supporting the police investigation and giving evidence in court.”

Judge Cook sentenced Bolohan to 13 years behind bars, with an extended period of three years on licence.

Along with the sentence, Bolohan was ordered to sign onto the sex offenders’ register. The judge also granted a life-long restraining order against Bolohan not to contact the victim.

* If you are a victim of rape or sexual assault, it is never too late to report offences to police.

In a statement read out in court, the victim said: “Since the night it happened, I have tried my best to continue with

“There are constant reminders, and even without those reminders, I struggle to block out the awful fears, anger, anxiety and questions.”

DI Millington added: “I cannot put into words the courage and bravery the victim

n Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year. Visit their website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk, or call 0117 342 6999.

Law firm scoops awards success in its first year

A LANGPORT estate management firm has achieved huge success since forming just a short time ago.

After having support from Somerset Council when starting out, Confidence Wills has gone on to be shortlisted in a number of national awards in just the last year.

The firm has been named Best Family Law Firm for Growth, British Wills And Probate Awards winner and twice shortlisted, shortlisted twice in the Modern Law Awards and shortlisted in the Private Client Awards, with results announced in july.

"The legal firm was founded by people with a background in older adult issues, such as dementia and prioritises client care and family values, with the result that half of the employee base are related to at least one other member of the team," a spokesperson said.

Founder, Simon Pearce, said: "We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering exemplary service to our clients, and these nominations serve as validation of our efforts."

For more information on Confidence Wills and its services, visit www.confidencewills.co.uk.

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TWO weeks into the 2024 general election campaign and it seems

Rishi Sunak and his Conservatives cannot buy good news.

Polls are beginning to emerge showing the UK public's reaction to the first few weeks of polling.

And, despite some headline-grabbing policy announcements, the Tories do not seem to be making any serious headway in tackling Labour's lead.

First came an Electoral Calculus (EC) survey of 10,000 UK residents, which asked how they intended to

the last general election.

Then came the Sky News/ YouGov poll, which surveyed 53,334 people in England and Wales, and 5.541 in Scotland.

That put Labour on 422 seats, with the Conservatives on 140. Though better than the EC poll, it still predicted a 232-seat drop for the Tories.

Wells & Mendip Hills: Conservative win Yeovil: Liberal Democrats win

The result was disappointing for the Prime Minister, with the Conservatives predicted to drop to an eye-watering 66 seats - down from 376 after the 2019 vote.

In Somerset, there was some good news for the Tories, with a number of under-threat seats predicted to stay blue.

Results in the county predicted by the poll included:

Bridgwater: Labour win

However, the new North East Somerset & Harnham constituency - being fought for the Conservatives by Jacob Rees-Mogg - is predicted to go for Labour, as is Weston-super-Mare, being fought by long-time Tory MP, John Penrose.

Tactical voting has hit the headlines during the campaign so far, with activists such as former Countdown numbers guru Carol Vorderman and formr vote.

One thing that could change everything in Somerset, however, is tactical voting.

Labour, on the other hand, were forecast to win 485 seats - an increase of 288 on

Frome & East Somerset: Conservative win

Glastonbury & Somerton: Conservative win

Taunton & Wellington: Liberal Democrats win

Labour supporter Owen Jones calling on people to employ the tactic.

Tactical voting is when voters in specific constituencies vote against their preferred party in a bid to force a chosen result.

For example, a Conservative voter may live in an area where the Tories have never won.

In a bid to prevent a Labour victory nationwide, that Conservative may chose to vote for the Liberal Democrats, depriving Labour of the seat.

If that tactic was repeated across the country, it could have a major impact on the overall result.

In Somerset, tactical voting could play a big, big role in the final results.

A host of seats in the county have historically, bar a few, been a battleground between the Liberal Demcorats and the Conservative Party.

Labour have consistently

failed to perforn in the county.

Therefore, Labour voters who oppose the Conservatives and who don't think their party can win may choose to vote tactially, supporting the Liberal Democrats, to ensure the Tories do not gain the seat.

And likewise, for example, Reform UK voters who would prefer a Conservative MP to a Liberal Democrat may choose to 'lend' their vote to the Tories, if they feel Reform UK have little chance of victory where they live.

Here in Somerset, tactical voting could swing several seats.

But election campaigns remain wonderfully unpredictable. Anything can happen.Who would have thought a fall on Brighton Beach would be the memorable image from Labour's 1983 campaign? Or

deputy prime minister John Prescott would punch a protestor in 2001?

In 2024 we have our own unpredictables - including what impact will Nigel Farage have? And will Brexit ever be mentioned?

These things are never as straightforward as they may appear. Campaigns have ebbs and flows, ups and downs.

The only way to have an impact is to vote on July 4.

Make sure you are registered to vote before June 18. It takes five minutes online at https://www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote.

Other key dates t remember are:

June 19: deadline for postal vote and postal proxy vote applications

June 26: deadline to apply for free Voter Authority Certificate

June 26: deadline for proxy vote applications

July 4: polling day 7am to 10pm

July 4, for the first time at

a general elelcton, you will need photo ID before casting your ballot.

To give you the chance to find out more about all of the candidates on the ballot on July 4, we asked them all to submit 500 words on why you should vote for them.

We didn't stipulate what they said, we didn't ask any questions, we just offered them the space to talk about their ideas, their values, their beliefs - to put forward the reasons they are asking you to vote for them as your representative in Parliament.

Some didn't respond.

In those cases, we scoured the internet to find out some information, but it is not submitted by them directly. We have noted where that was the case.

Our deadline was also pre-deadline for nominations, so if some names are missing, we can only apologise.

Politics: Bridgwater

'Change starts with small and independent MPs'

SUPPORT small business, environment, farmers, fairness/equality, and change has to happen.

If, like me, you have had enough of the big three parties repeatedly letting down the country, now is your chance for some real change.

The new constituency deserves a new candidate with a new approach.

At 30 years old, I am the youngest candidate who can actually relate with young and working people (I run my own

PELE BARNES Somerset Unionist Party

small independent businessGouda Karma - selling cheeses at market days across Somerset and am an ex-Royal Mail postie).

Fresh new blood is needed here in Somerset and in Parliament.

I believe true change cannot be achieved by remaining with

the same parties/MPs.

Greed and corruption have crippled the country with the current political parties and MPs. I can't be bought out, and stand by what I believe in.

We can start with making MPs wages reflect the minimum wage in a show of public service, leading by

example. It would start showing who's only in Parliament for the wrong reasons.

Focusing on support for small businesses, fairness/ equality and the environment are a must for me. Rebuilding the high streets with a variety of new and upcoming businesses that are currently struggling with high rents and unfair bills.

Huge change must come and can only start here by voting across the country for small and independent candidates.

'I stand for control of our borders and strong defence'

IWILL be an active MP and will always put my residents first. I will answer every letter and email I receive, hold regular surgeries and visit every part of this new and diverse constituency of Bridgwater.

I stand for strong defence, control of our borders, support for the police, low taxes and sound public finances, the rule of law, personal freedom and responsibility, and excellent public services.

On the doorstep, many residents have raised the issue of anti-social behaviour, especially in Bridgwater and

ASHLEY FOX Conservative Party

Highbridge. They are also worried about the illegal traveller encampments which afflict Burnham every year. This harms local businesses and stops our young people using their playing fields.

I want the police and the council to take robust action to clear these illegal encampments immediately.

I support our NHS, so I’m pleased the government is spending £19.7m to transform

the old Bridgwater hospital into a health and social care training facility. This will help provide the carers we need in the future.

I know people are concerned with the time it takes to get GP appointments. Access to NHS dentists is another key issue. It is clear the NHS dental contract isn’t fit for purpose. I want it changed to ensure more dentists undertake NHS work.

The state of our roads and the huge number of potholes we suffer from is also regularly brought up on the doorstep. People understand this is Somerset Council’s responsibility. It is unfortunate that Lib Dem incompetence has brought the council to the brink of bankruptcy.

We must ensure new developments are built with the right infrastructure to support them, such as new schools, GP surgeries and transport links.

We also need to protect our precious green spaces. I will campaign against EDF’s plan to create a saltmarsh in Pawlett Hams.

I will work with farmers and our rural communities to ensure that their needs are not forgotten. I want to see increased dredging and flood defences to protect them from the dangers of flooding.

I was delighted when Bridgwater was awarded £23.2m from the government's Town Deal Initiative. This will help regenerate our historic docks, refurbish the arts centre our town hall theatre, as well as supporting the carnival.

Many local people I have spoken to have said Burnham’s seafront and High Street and Highbridge’s Market Street need to be made more attractive places to visit and spend time in. We can make this happen with a successful bid for funds.

I am a former solicitor and served as Somerset’s Member of the European Parliament. I have worked in both the private and public sectors.

I will be a powerful advocate for Burnham and Highbridge, North Petherton, the town of Bridgwater itself and all the many villages and hamlets that make up this great Somerset constituency. I will work from day one to ensure all residents are well represented in Parliament.

Politics: Bridgwater

'Together, we can work together for real change'

IFIRST stood as a General Election candidate for Bridgwater & West Somerset in 2005 and now, for the new Bridgwater Constituency.

After a career as a fruit grower and HGV lorry driver with local companies, I have been a lifelong Bridgwater area resident, served as a parish councillor, secondary school governor and an environmental awareness campaigner.

I am familiar with and share the everyday budgeting difficulties most of us, working or otherwise, are experiencing.

I can assure voters, there is not a more powerful electoral message at the present time, than to vote Green, to ensure that the business and community solutions to today’s challenges, including climate and nature, are fair and affordable.

When I look back, I see I’m highlighting the same issues

CHARLES GRAHAM Green Party

faced as a candidate 20 years ago. I despair at the main parties’ increasingly resorting to distortions of reality in their proclamations, the mythical economics of their policies and the alienation of people from politics.

The Green Party’s policies have always been designed to enhance, prioritise and reconnect to local business and community issues.

Greens in local councils have been able to provide real, sensible, fair and helpful solutions to our current problems. Our influence in Parliament would ensure the establishment of a national sustainable framework, under which local solutions would be prioritised and enacted.

Government at all levels have declared 'climate

emergencies', yet responses, with few exceptions, have been lack-lustre, inadequate and without urgency.

It is vitally important people and businesses are assured of the benefit to them of taking up the policies and opportunities required to tackle climate change, for them, their families and neighbours, in a way that is fair to everybody.

In Parliament, we will push for a properly-funded NHS to bring down hospital, GP and dental waiting times.

We could look forward to ending the housing crisis, protecting renters through rent controls, and to end no-fault evictions. We could transform the planning system so new developments come with the highest sustainable standards and great community services, build social housing and remove the 'right to buy' them.

I would push for water companies to be brought back

into public hands to stop the harm being caused to our beautiful rivers and coastlines.

Practical, common-sense steps to ease the cost of living, like increasing universal credit by £40 a week and bringing up the minimum wage to £15 an hour for everyone over 16, balanced by other cost-of-living reduction measures, such as a national program of retrofitting home and business insulation and renewable energy devices, to reduce energy costs. Ensuring safe and healthy production and retailing standards for our food.

As Greens, we recognise that every single habitat on the planet is now polluted with plastic, pesticides and radiation.

We recognise how much people value and need the natural world, their access to it and the protection of it.

There is no overnight fix, but together, we will work for real change that’s better for all.

'Vote local to end 14 years of Tory neglect here'

Now that the general election has been called, Bridgwater, Burnham, and the surrounding villages and towns will have a clear choice when they vote.

Polls are showing a two-candidate race; you can vote for change in the truly local candidate, Leigh Redman, or get four more years of a Tory MP.

It is time for change.

It is time this constituency had an MP that works hard to represent your interests in Westminster, who makes sure your voices are heard and who is committed, hard-working and approachable.

Putting Burnham, Bridgwater and the surrounding villages first will be my full-time job.

I believe the local residents know best.

LEIGH REDMAN Labour

I am local, living just a mile from where I was born, in the centre of the new constituency.

My offer to residents is simple; I will listen.

As leader of a small group on Somerset Council, I have listened to residents and had to work tirelessly to get things done.

You've seen what good I can do as a local councillor, imagine the possibilities that come with having Leigh Redman as your elected MP.

Nothing is decided, not a vote has been cast, I’m going to spend the weeks before the election working hard to earn the trust of the people of our constituency, the people of my community.

It’s not a task I take lightly but I truly believe that with my track record locally, and

by hitting the ground and meeting the voters, I can prove this constituency can put its faith in me.

I know the community here well. I know first hand how the area has been let down by 14 years of Tory neglect at a local and national level.

If you elect me on July 4, I will work to get proper regeneration and investment for the every corner of the area.

I want to see a thriving business community with empty shops being filled to draw people to our towns and villages.

I have a vision for sensible infrastructure development; there is no point having more affordable homes if there are no doctors or dentists, schools or nurseries to serve the populations who live and work here.

Young, old, working or retired, there needs to be

something for us all.

The area is a wonderful caring community, it just needs a little help to make us great again.

This election is about getting things rebuilt: the NHS, education, crumbling schools, dentists and GPs, social care facilities for old and young, and proper SEND provision.

This is your chance to turn the page on 14 years of Tory mismanagement and to chart a new course for the constituency and the country. Their chaos has cost the country and our community dearly.

Policy swings, wasted money, reckless economic decisions.

The Tories crashed the economy, and left you to pay the price.

In the general election, when you vote, vote local, vote Leigh Redman.

Politics: Bridgwater

'A

vote for me is a vote for decency and integrity'

IAM standing to prioritise people. Decency and integrity, traits which should be the very minimum requirements of holding public office, will be at the forefront of everything I do.

If we want better politics, we need better politicians, an MP who will listen and stand up for their constituents, get the best for our towns and villages.

I have a proven track record of delivering for communities and individuals, often when no one else would. I have saved crucial funding for the Burnham RLNI, stood with a village community in Pawlett Hams against proposals that would destroy natural environments, while I am working hard to bring economic investment to the region, securing local jobs for local people.

This, regardless of the colour of my party, is what

CLARE SULLY Liberal Democrats

will set me apart from any other candidate standing at this election.

On a personal level, I am first and foremost a mum to my daughter. We all want a brighter future for our children, and this is one of the many factors which drive me to stand as an MP.

As a successful business owner for more than 20 years, I understand the needs of local business in enabling them to thrive, while I am a keen runner and musician.

I have lived in Somerset my whole life and met many wonderful people within our communities who are doing great things.

It would be a privilege to support them as the next MP

for Bridgwater.

This new Bridgwater constituency is the most exciting in the country.

From award-winning golden beaches, to a bustling arts scene and the potential to be a world leader in the renewable energy industry, Bridgwater, Burnham, Highbridge and surrounding villages can have the brighter future we all deserve after 14 years of chaotic Conservative failure.

But it requires an active MP to fight hard for its residents.Bridgwater is a new constituency and the political landscape is completely changed.

Now, the Liberal Democrats are the principal challengers to the Conservatives, a fact starkly illustrated through the 2022 Somerset Council elections which, for votes cast within the boundaries of the new Bridgwater constituency, resulted in the Liberal Democrats (15,006) finishing a close second to the Conservatives (19,541), with Labour a distant third (7,052).

A respected YouGov MRP

poll suggests this is a close race, while influential tactical vote website tactical.vote advocates a vote for the Lib Dems in Bridgwater to defeat the Conservatives.

A new constituency requires a new voice and a new direction.

In Bridgwater, foodbank usage has risen by more than 250% since 2013; homeowners have had hundreds of pounds added to their mortgage payments each month; energy prices have continued to rise while oil and gas company profits soar; and sewage dumped in our waterways has more than doubled in the last year.

For better politics, we need better policies.

The Liberal Democrats have real solutions to real problems.

From £300/month in relief for those affected by significant mortgage increases, a pledge to recruit 8,000 more GPs to ensure you can see a doctor within a week and the most ambitious and deliverable climate policies of all parties, the Liberal Democrats are on your side.

I have been active in the community, getting stuff done; see my website Clairesully.com to see how much I have been doing.

Politics: Frome & East Somerset

'There may never be a better time to vote Green'

The new Frome and East Somerset constituency presents a fantastic winning opportunity for the Green Party in the general election.

The Frome area elected four Green councillors to Somerset Council in 2022, leaving only one seat each for the Lib Dems and the Tories.

Frome is, at last, at the centre of a constituency which includes our near neighbours Radstock and Midsomer Norton in the Bath and North East Somerset council area.

Our towns have much in common. We have all had to deal with regeneration following the closure of traditional industries and have a significant commuter population into Bristol and nearby Bath. We share schools and colleges, health services, bus services and entertainment provision.

Last year I stood in the

MARTIN DIMERY Green Party

Somerton and Frome byelection. While our Green vote held up well in the Frome area, we simply couldn’t compete in the traditional Lib Dem and Tory heartlands of central Somerset. Both Lib Dems and Conservatives declared over £90,000 in election expenses in that by-election, gleaned from wealthy donors.

How could we, the Greens, afford to draft in canvassers from all over the UK and post daily leaflets on a budget of £4,500?

But that didn’t stop us from coming third with the highest by-election result ever recorded for a Green candidate.

In the general election there is a more level playing field, with election expenses limited to targeted seats, and a much smaller geographical area to

cover.

Neither Tory, Liberal or Labour are really targeting the Frome and East Somerset constituency.

Furthermore, those MPs who covered parts of the new constituency- Sarah Dyke and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg - have chosen neighbouring seats to contest instead. I wonder why?

The Green Party has been canvassing in our new constituency since January and we are finding huge support for our ground-breaking policies.

We are not afraid to say that we will tax the extremely wealthy and stop corporate and personal tax loopholes in order to help recover our depleted health and education services.

We believe in renationalising our water industry, which has been despicably exploited and under resourced by the owners.

We would resolve the housing crisis by building more

houses for rent. We believe in the right houses, in the right place, for the right price.

That means ensuring all are built in the most sustainable and climate friendly manner.

We would also seek to re-negotiate the appalling Brexit deal which has betrayed farmers, in particular.

It’s time to re-build our ties with the EU.

When I was elected as the first Green councillor on Somerset Council, other parties began to recognise Green policies really mattered.

That’s why, with more Green seats in the new Parliament, we can really make a difference.

With the Tories out of contention, the Greens are in the leading pack.

We know that if everybody who wants to vote Green does so, we will win in the Frome and East Somerset constituency. There may never be a better or more important time.

Politics: Frome & East Somerset

'Party politics has let us down for too long'

ACOUNCILLOR from north east Somerset has announced his intention to stand for parliament at the upcoming General Election on Thursday, July 4.

Gavin Heathcote will stand as an Independent Candidate in the brand-new Frome and East Somerset Parliamentary Constituency.

Gavin Heathcote, who already sits as an Independent Councillor on Bath & North East Somerset Council for Peasedown St John, has been behind some of his community’s biggest projects over the last couple of years.

As well as being a B&NES councillor, he runs a local charity, organises one of the district’s biggest community festivals, and has been instrumental in the campaign to plant over 500 trees in public

'Vote

IGAVIN HEATHCOTE

Independent

and open spaces.

Gavin said: “Party politics has let us down for far too long!

"While politicians in the major parties squabble over the next newspaper headline, it’s the hardworking people in towns and villages up and down the country that lose out.

"While those of us who work hard and pay our taxes struggle to make ends meet, we have a political establishment that has no idea how those of us in the ‘real world’ struggle to put food on the table and ensure the household bills are paid."

Gavin wants to do more to support the middle earners, those that are ‘just about managing’.

He wants to see reforms to the tax system that support those ‘in the middle’ and much more help for small businesses who are being priced out by large companies.

The prospective MP has already laid out his plans for parliament, which include:

1. A fair taxation system –Raise the 40% tax bracket so hardworking people keep more of their own money. Lower the 45% tax rate so more people at the top pay their fair share.

2. Providing more help for small businesses – Ensuring national and local government prioritise support for small independents over large corporations.

3. Tackling Britain’s housing crisis – Make affordable housing, affordable.

4. An NHS that prioritises people’s health - People suffering from one of the top 5 killers in the UK should be prioritised on waiting lists.

5. Think local to make a global difference - Our environment matters – parks and open spaces should be protected in law and a national tree planting initiative needs to be implemented across the country to plant 1 million more by 2030.

To keep up-to-date with Gavin Heathcote’s run for parliament, follow him on Facebook at www.facebook. com/GavinForFES as he travels around the constituency.

Readers can also get in touch with Gavin by emailing gavinforfes@icloud.com.

for me to continue the Conservatives' plan'

AM Lucy Trimnell and I am standing to be the next MP for the new constituency of Frome and East Somerset.

I am standing for the Conservatives because I believe that politics should be about improving people's lives by giving them the tools they need to succeed but then stepping back to allow them to achieve their goals in their own way.

Fundamentally, I am looking to serve my community and make it the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

Public service is something I have dedicated much of my life to. Whether it be from my time as an Aircraft Engineer in the Royal Navy or leading Maths Intervention in a large Somerset secondary school, I am driven by a sense of duty to others.

Understanding people’s needs and working to improve the lives of local people has been a driving factor in the

LUCY TRIMNELL Conservative Party

things I have done.

Politics is about people, and if you aren’t in it to work towards improving people’s lives, you should not bother.

I am an experienced councillor, having represented at district, county, and now unitary levels. I have worked hard for my area and done my utmost to serve the needs and issues of my electorate as well as scrutinising and holding Somerset Council to account.

This combination of experience and sense of duty means I will be quick to pick up the responsibilities of an MP, fully representing the residents of Frome and East Somerset from day one.

I have a plan for Frome and East Somerset. I want to see

better broadband for all areas because I understand how poor digital connectivity can impact businesses, education and even getting online at home.

I want to see better access to medical services such as GP appointments and am pleased that we are offering an expansion of GP provision and the Pharmacy First service.

I want to see improvements to the safety of our roads and a reduction in rural crime in the area.

I want to secure funding for improvements to our High Streets to attract more businesses and visitors.

I want to support our farmers to continue to produce high-quality food sustainably, while receiving fair prices for

their products.

Finally, I want to work with schools to see improved outcomes for children at all stages of their education.

With inflation having fallen faster than forecast, cuts in National Insurance, doubling of free childcare for parents, investment in improving digital access, and innovative diagnostic centres supporting the reduction in NHS waiting lists, the Conservative's plan is working. We have a bold vision for the country, which will deliver a brighter future for everyone.

A vote for me, Lucy Trimnell, will be a vote for a dedicated local MP serving our wonderful constituency, representing the people of Frome and East Somerset and working to continue to deliver on the Conservative's plan to cut taxes, reduce illegal immigration, support local businesses and reduce the cost of our energy bills.

Politics: Frome & East Somerset

'I want to offer voters some hope for the future'

ANNA Sabine is a local business owner, and a mum.

She knows first hand the struggle which our local high streets face, and what is needed from government to help them thrive. Juggling childcare and navigating the education system has given her great insight into how caring roles can be undervalued, and how the best childcare provision especially at Early years benefits the child, the parents or carers, and ultimately society.

Having spent a lot of time talking with residents throughout the constituency long before an election was called, Anna is confident that she knows what matters to most to residents.

The state of the NHS, the underinvestment over the past decade leading to failings

ANNA SABINE Liberal Democrats

throughout the system.

The dental desert in Frome and East Somerset is especially close to her heart as her grandfather was a dentist.

The state of our waterways comes up often in conversation, where bathing or drinking water quality can no longer be taken for granted.

The public transport system is not fit for purpose. Continuing bus cuts have made it impossible for many to get to work, leisure activities, or medical appointments reliably, economically and efficiently.

Finally, the cost of living crisis is always lurking, where food bank usage is rocketing,

even amongst those with jobs, and many are anxious about the capability to pay their mortgage, rent, and bills.

Anna is the person who understands these issues, and is very capable of ensuring her constituents voice is heard.

As a Lib Dem, Anna fully embraces the need to take action now to preserve our environment for the future, that the climate and nature emergencies are real, and that we owe it to the world and future generations to leave it better than we found it.

The momentum for Anna to stand for Frome and East Somerset grew as she found she

could not stand idly by and watch from the sidelines as the government pursued increasingly extreme, illthought-through, desperate and dangerous policies.

Anna will be a powerful local voice, with a great contribution to make at a national level.

Anna is getting rapidly increasing support from all sections of the local area, people who see in her hope for the future: someone who knows what’s important, who has a reliable background of delivering for the community, and who they like and trust.

The election prediction sites have Anna as one of the only two candidates who can win this election, and she hopes you will vote for delivery, hope and optimism by giving her your support.

'Courage and common sense to resolve challenges'

IGREW up in the village of Oakhill in the Mendips and have spent most of my adult life living and working in this cherished area.

Today, I reside here with my partner, Claire, and our two loyal dogs, as we embark on the journey of renovating our first home.

Over the years, my involvement in local politics has been driven by profound frustration with the major parties. Their persistent inability - or unwillingness - to address the critical issues confronting our nation and our communities is a betrayal of public trust.

It is not just the grand national challenges that are neglected but also the pressing local issues in our towns and rural areas. These problems demand nothing more than courage and common sense to resolve.

Imagine the potential of our high streets revitalized with

DAVID SWAIN Reform UK

strategic investment, invigorating our local economy.

Envision our farmers receiving the support they deserve, recognized for their vital contributions, equal to those of our nurses and teachers.

These are not lofty dreams but attainable goals, requiring a steadfast commitment to our values and our people.

I seek to be the Member of Parliament for Frome and East Somerset to be a true advocate for the residents of our oftenoverlooked rural communities.

This campaign is about more than just politics; it’s about standing up for those who have been left behind, speaking truth to power, and having the courage to make necessary changes.

Frome boasts a vibrant high street and a strong local identity that we should celebrate, setting an example for others to follow.

We have a core community in Midsomer Norton and Radstock, an area with a rich mining and industrial heritage in need of significant investment to rejuvenate and reach its full potential.

Between these urban hubs lies a vast rural expanse, making up the best county in the nation.

However, its villages and hamlets are often overlooked in Westminster. As the MP for Frome and East Somerset, I intend to change that, ensuring the next government is kept up at night by our relentless push for growth and rural investment in Somerset.

Furthermore, we must tackle rural crime and county lines drug trafficking, which disproportionately affect our younger demographics. This must stop, now.

A vote for me is a vote for a strong, unwavering voice. A voice that will not shy away from ruffling feathers, a voice determined to act decisively and push for the changes essential to steer our country back onto the right path.

Together, we can build a future that honours the promise of our past and fulfils the potential of our present.

Politics: Frome & East Somerset

'Our housing and health services are collapsing'

IAM proud to have been selected as the Labour candidate for Frome and East Somerset.

I’ve been a Labour member for over 30 years, I live in Radstock, where I’m chair of a local regeneration company, I’m a parish councillor and community activist, and in 2011 I was elected to Bath & North East Somerset Council, where I am leader of the Labour opposition.

My career has taken me from being a carpenter to an advice worker; most recently setting up and managing a number of local advice and support charities for young people.

Frome and East Somerset is a unique constituency, a mix of towns and villages with a heritage including wool, cloth production, mining, printing, agriculture, bell casting and much, much more.

ROBIN MOSS Labour

Our unique voice needs to be heard in government, to make sure communities like ours get the support we need and deserve.

But times are not good at the moment. Public services have been neglected and are at breaking point, there is a cost-of-living crisis affecting many.

Talking to residents, they are telling me what their main problems and concerns are.

• Top of the list is housing, for themselves and their families. So-called ‘affordable’ housing is out of the reach of most incomes and most new housing is not what we need. Labour will plan to build the right houses at the right prices

in the right places.

• Prime agricultural land should not be used for housing and development. I will continue to put pressure on the Lib Dem administrations at Somerset & BaNES councils, Enterprise Zones and big housing development proposals must listen to local residents' views and concerns rather than be imposed.

• There is an environmental crisis. Labour’s Great British Energy proposals will prioritise using renewables. Old mine workings in the Somer Valley, the north of the constituency, could be used for heat transfer and mine shaft energy storage with investment, providing green jobs as well.

• We need a properly funded and supported NHS. Working in partnership with local residents the regeneration company I chair invested £250,000 into our new health centre and I meet regularly with health

professionals to discuss what are the local issues and how we can help. It is vitally important that government listens to professionals and patients about what they want and need, to guide investment and policy.

I have a track record as a community activist as well as a local councillor, working with residents to bring about real change.

That includes big investments, such as in the health centre, but also smaller but equally important projects supporting existing and new allotment sites, funding outdoor play and forest school equipment for schools, and during the Covid crisis, organising hot meal deliveries. And much more.

As your local MP I will continue to work with local residents, to make our communities better, but also to make our voices heard inside government.

Politics: Glastonbury & Somerton

'We need to focus on what we have in common'

MY name is Tom Carter and I have lived in Somerset for all my life.

After serving in the British Army, I returned home to teach and raise a family.

In these last 25 years I have seen this country get worse. Under Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat governments.

With my boys going out into the world, what state is this country in as I pass it over?

I feel a sense of shame that housing, university, energy and food are all too expensive.

We need more affordable housing built with the latest technology on brownfield sites.

We must raise the tax threshold to £20,000, lower fuel by 20p a litre, reduce energy bills by removing VAT and renewable subsidies.

We must reform public services management that has

TOM CARTER Reform UK

become bloated and inefficient. We must recruit more on the front line: carers, nurses, teachers, police, doctors and dentists.

We can do this by increasing training and offering tax breaks to those that have left the service to come back.

Where you are able to afford private education and health, you must be encouraged to do so. This will help ease the strain on the public services, along with a pause in population growth and controlling immigration.

We must grow more than 50% our own food, by supporting farmers and buying British!

Farmers must be able to

negotiate fair contracts with the supermarkets. Selling straight to the public with zero business rates.

We must strive for food, energy and border security for a prosperous future for all.

British-built small Nuclear power stations can make us a carbon free, energy independent country, not one that is dependent on world events.

They would also provide a much needed boost to British industry. Wind overtook gas last winter in energy production and can provide some of our needs. We must realise the potential of our natural resources as every other country does.

Society needs to start to show some common sense to

find practical solutions to the problems we face.

We need to start looking at what we have in common rather than focusing on our differences. To not be offended by the slightest thing. Regardless of age, race or religion we need to find a way forward together, where we regain our sense of community and humour.

We cannot make the world free of upset and offence, when we all know the real world is anything but.

Vote for change, vote for Reform!

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Politics: Glastonbury & Somerton

'What is there to show for 14 years of government?'

THIS election is about change.

After 14 years of this Conservative Government, what is there to show for it?

Apart from record-high taxes, sky high cost of living, and a crumbling NHS, of course.

Have our lives improved? Is the country working better, or even working at all?

After 13 years of the last Labour Government, nobody was in any doubt about the millions lifted out of poverty, the NHS that had been saved, and a country that not only worked for everybody, but had improved drastically.

Locally, we are driving on pot-hole ridden roads, languishing on NHS waiting lists and unable to see a dentist, while families are ripped apart by unaffordable house prices. You don’t need me to tell you that we deserve better. This is my home. I come from Bruton, in the east of the

HAL HOOBERMAN Labour Party

new Glastonbury and Somerton constituency. I was born at Yeovil Hospital, went to state school in Bruton, and my family is here.

I think of my family, my neighbours, and those I've grown up with right here –Labour in Government will transform our lives for the better.

We have done it before, and we will do it again.

Labour’s fully-funded plan for Government will:

- Get Britain building again with a plan to build the new social and affordable homes we need whilst protecting the green spaces in our beautiful part of Somerset, with first-time buyers given priority on new homes.

- Turn on Great British Energy to drive our green

energy transition, bringing 61,000 new jobs to the South West with our plan for clean power set to save £300 for the average annual household energy bill by 2030.

- Get the NHS back on its feet with 40,000 more evening and weekend appointments each week, meaning faster treatment and shorter waiting lists with more doctors, nurses, and technology. Labour will get NHS service and satisfaction levels back to the heights of the last Labour Government.

- Crack down on antisocial behaviour with 13,000 more police officers and PCSOs, a new network of youth hubs, and guaranteed patrols in town centres to ensure that we tackle the scourge of fly-tipping, rural crime, and burglary.

- Break down the barriers to opportunity with free breakfast clubs in every primary school, 6,500 more teachers in key subjects, a modernised curriculum, and better training and apprenticeship opportunities.

Here in Glastonbury and Somerton, you have the chance to vote for turning the page on the past 14 years.

This is a new constituencyit is an opportunity to start afresh and vote how you really want to.

Do you want a local Labour Member of Parliament with a seat at the table, or do you want another opposition MP who’s very job will be to oppose a Labour Government?

I will be a committed, passionate champion for our beautiful part of Somersetfighting for us so that we can benefit from the change that a Labour Government will deliver.

'Locals have had enough of the same old thing'

BORN in Somerset, Jon Cousins has lived and worked in Glastonbury for over 20 years. In that time, he’s helped to establish a number of local groups, charities and social enterprises, including Avalon Community Energy, Plotgate Community Farm, and Glastonbury Information Centre.

A seasoned community activist and organiser, he’s a board member of the Glastonbury Town Deal and works as the Project Lead with the Woolavington and Puriton Big Local.

A ‘Green’ town councillor since 2011 and a Mendip district councillor from 2019-23, Jon has been Mayor of Glastonbury four times, and is the only person in Glastonbury’s history to have been mayor three years in a row.

A strong advocate for local

JON COUSINS Green Party

resident participation in council decisions, as a prominent Glastonbury councillor, he’s shown the difference Greens can make when elected – proposing and supporting motions to: adopt a ‘Charter for the Environment’ in 2012; become a ‘Frack Free Council’ in 2013; ban the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides on council-owned land and public spaces in 2015; commit to be ‘singleuse-plastic free’ in 2017; to declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ in 2019; become the second ‘Earth Protector Town’ in 2019; declare an ‘Ecological Emergency’ in 2021. purchase Glastonbury Town Council’s first electric vehicle in 2021; successfully

reduce the town council’s carbon footprint by 39% in 2023; cutting annual running costs by more than £4,000.

When the banks were closing in Glastonbury, Jon actively supported ‘The Last Bank Standing’ campaign, and – as Mayor – Jon was key to the nationwide opening a new branch in the town.

Jon’s pledge: “Glastonbury and Somerton Constituency encompasses an area that holds much creative potential and possibility – and together, we have the opportunity to harness this energy, enthusiasm and entrepreneurialism. As part of our community, I understand the value of unity and collaboration. In serving as your MP, I pledge to

champion these values, working alongside you to secure a bright future for our villages and towns.

"I commit to being a diligent and present representative for you. Unlike others, Green MPs are not subject to party whips, meaning my dedication is based entirely on the needs and aspirations of our communities. My commitment to you is unwavering; I cannot be swayed by external pressures, nor will I compromise my principles for political gain. My sole aim is to represent your voice, making decisions for the common good; decisions that reflect our collective conscience and best interests.

"I will work tirelessly on your behalf, ensuring that integrity is restored to the heart of our political discourse."

Politics: Glastonbury & Somerton

'I will continue to work tirelessly to fight for Somerset'

Since being elected as an MP last year, I have worked tirelessly to give my constituents the strong representation that they deserve. I have always put their interests first and fought consistently for a fair deal for Somerset.

Our county has been taken for granted by the Conservatives. Hard-working families have been ignored for far too long.

We have seen our vital public services run into the ground by 14 years of Conservative government. On the doorsteps, I’ve heard from many residents who are suffering in agony because they can’t get an appointment to see a GP or a dentist. Shockingly, in 2023, nearly two thirds of adults were not able to access a dentist in Somerset, a significant increase since 2018. I have made campaigning on this issue a priority and have consistently held the Government to account over dentistry provision, including

SARAH DYKE Liberal Democrats

the £8m underspend on dental services in Somerset. Just think how many extra appointments would have been available if this money had been distributed appropriately.

GP services are in an equally bad state. We have 56 fewer fully-qualified GPs across the county than in 2016, while the average GP in Somerset now has more than 2,100 patients. The community pharmacy sector needs urgent additional funding and places such as Glastonbury and Wincanton have seen pharmacies close.

This election is our opportunity to bring about much-needed change and put our public services on the right track. The Liberal Democrats have pledged to deliver an extra 8,000 GPs and 65 million more appointments a year.

The Conservatives have also shown appalling wilful neglect

of our environment. Under their watch Wessex Water, which covers Somerset, discharged sewage 41,453 times in 2023. There were 5,501 sewage spills in the River Parrett area alone.

I have spoken up about this in Parliament on numerous occasions, calling for Ofwat to be replaced with a stricter regulator and a ban on bonuses for water company bosses responsible for sewage dumping. Yet the Conservatives have consistently voted against measures that would have helped tackle the crisis.

Improving our natural environment will continue to be a major priority if I am re-elected to represent you. In Parliament, I have led debates on eliminating single-use plastics, called for more flooding protection and spoken up about biodiversity loss.

Glastonbury and Somerton is home to hundreds of farmers and agricultural businesses. I am from a farming family and have proudly spoken up for the

agricultural industry in Westminster. I’ve led a debate on UK food security, called for more protection for farmers affected by flooding, and argued for greater fairness in the food supply chain.

I will continue to champion the issues that matter to farmers to ensure we have good quality food for our tables.

Sadly, 110,000 farms have been forced to close since 1990 and recent NFU surveys show farmers’ confidence at an all-time low. It is crucial that we put our agricultural sector back on the right path as a matter of urgency. The Liberal Democrats would do this by adding an extra £1bn to the farming budget to help our farms thrive.

If I have the honour to be re-elected to Parliament, I promise I will stand up for Glastonbury and Somerton, make our voices heard, and ensure we are never taken for granted again. I promise to fight for a fair deal for everyone.

Politics: Glastonbury & Somerton

'I have the skills to deliver results for Somerset'

IAM a Somerset girl through and through. I grew up in Yeovil where my father oversaw the apprentice programme at Normalair Garrett and thenWestland Helicopters.

However, in my mid-20s, I realised that in order to reach my full potential, I needed to move away from Somerset.

It was tough leaving my family and our beautiful county, but like many young people I felt left behind due to a lack of opportunities.

I attended the local comprehensive school and sixth form college in Yeovil while working at a local shop from the age of 13. My first significant job was at a publishing company in Somerton.

After a brief stint at Leonardo Helicopters, I pursued a career overseas, launching and enhancing businesses around the world.

FAYE PURBRICK Conservative Party

My experiences have equipped me with the skills needed to deliver results for our area and country.

After nearly a decade abroad in the Middle East and some time in London, I returned home, to Somerset, to be closer to my family.

One of my primary motivations for seeking a parliamentary position is to create an environment where young people can build careers and succeed without having to move far away.

For me, politics is about public service and the desire to actually improve people's lives.

I am a Conservative because I believe in creating opportunities, celebrating success, protecting the vulnerable, and delivering

positive change for local communities.

I have been a Somerset Councillor for seven years, so I know about local challenges, I’ve listened to the issues people care about, and I understand how to tackle them.

I’ve championed increased education funding, led new schools being built, and always fought for value for money for local taxpayers.

As a country, we must create opportunities that enable people to thrive, continue cutting their taxes, and help give them a renewed sense of safety in an increasingly uncertain world. And locally, I’ll be that safe pair of hands.

If elected as the first MP for the new Glastonbury and Somerton seat, I am committed

to listening to local concerns and urge people to judge me based on my actions and record.

My focus will be on tangible goals such as more investment for our area, effective delivery of the Glastonbury Town Deal, and securing Wincanton regeneration funding.

I also aim for lower taxes, quality job opportunities, increased prospects for young people, and improvements to our transport and healthcare systems.

In this election, the choice is clear. A vote for anyone other than me as a Conservative is a vote for higher taxes, bigger government, more red tape, and less investment for Somerset.

It is essentially a vote for a Labour government, and if you think Labour might win, it's time to start saving now.

Politics: Taunton & Wellington

GIDEON Amos grew up in Somerset and lives in Taunton. He is married to Caroline, and they have four children.

Gideon set up a small business working on nationally significant renewable energy projects, such as offshore windfarms, and has helped deliver affordable new homes for local families, and was awarded an OBE for services to sustainable development.

He has built a strong reputation as a hard-working campaigner for Taunton and Wellington.

Gideon cares passionately for the local area and says: “We need a positive plan for our country like the Liberal Democrats’ fair deal which will put the NHS and social care as our number one priorityfunded by restoring the tax on bank profits which the Conservatives cancelled.

“We need MPs who stand for

values people can trust – basic standards have been lost and need to be put back.

“Sadly, the Conservatives have broken trust with people in Taunton and Wellington and across the country.

“They have broken trust with those who care about our rivers and environment, with those struggling to keep our NHS going, with young people with mortgages and with older people who can’t get a doctor’s appointment or to see a dentist.

“I would be an MP who stands up to the government for people here, rather than just doing what someone in Number 10 tells them.

“It’s time for a new start –it’s time to put an end to the self-serving politicians in Westminster and to bring back

people we can trust.

“I want to be that MP for this, my community.”

Gideon is campaigning on a range of key issues.

The NHS - The Conservatives have failed to build the new hospital in Taunton they promised people at the last election and it’s now increasingly difficult to access GPs and dentists. Lib Dems would start to recruit and train 8,000 more GPs so everyone can get an appointment within seven days.

Cost of Living - Reckless handling of our economy has caused mortgages and prices to shoot up higher and higher for people across our community.

Liberal Democrats would tax the super profits of energy companies, rebuild our relationship, and trade with Europe, and stabilise our economy.

Environment - The Conservatives have allowed

water companies to dump dirty sewage in our rivers and streams.

Liberal Democrats would ban bonuses for the bosses responsible and replace their firms with public interest companies with a duty to protect our environment.

Gideon has a record of standing up to the government.

He led a successful campaign which won a U-turn on Conservative government proposals to close the Royal Marines’ Norton Manor Camp.

Working with Friends of his local park, he has helped achieve a new status for a bathing area in the River Tone, making its water quality public for the first time and securing measures which will now need to be taken to clean it up.

“People just want a fair deal from those in charge,” he added.

“That’s what I’m standing for in this election.”

Politics: Taunton & Wellington

'There is no difference between the main parties'

REFORM UK have announced that Charles Hansard will stand as candidate for Taunton and Wellington in the General Election on July 4.

A Wellington resident for over 20 years, Charles has a long-held affinity with the area and its people, not least having brought up his own family here.

A local small business owner, supplying ship engine filtration systems to the UK Marine Industry, Charles spent 12 years in military service as an Army officer, later retraining with a degree in Environmental Studies and working on industrial projects ever since.

Already an experienced campaigner, Charles stood as a Conservative candidate for Bristol in the 2001 general election.

CHARLES HANSARD Reform UK

When asked why he was now standing as a Reform UK candidate, he said: "I left the Conservatives in disgust in 2023 as the party moved away from true conservative values.

"Frankly, there is barely any difference between the three main parties now; Reform UK became my natural home.

"Stopping illegal immigration and setting legal immigration to net-zero will allow only those people into our country who add real value.

"For too long, mass immigration has driven wages down, reduced growth and increased reliance on benefits. We will cancel the drive to

Net-Zero carbon, issuing licenses for fracking and the extraction of North Sea oil and gas.

"Here in Taunton and Wellington we have many issues that reflect the national picture.

"Every day we swerve potholes or regularly have to spend money repairing suspension units on our cars or replacing or fixing our cars.

"We are required to have our vehicle in good mechanical order – councils need to keep the roads in good order.

"I get approached by so many in Taunton and Wellington telling me that they

cannot get an NHS dentist. Oral hygiene is vital to our society and our health – the issue with dentists needs to addressed immediately.

"Last both not least – school funding. There is a crisis in education and only yesterday a head teacher approached me about the financial issues in her school.

"If the next government is Labour, the state schools in Taunton and Wellington will see a flood of pupils and there are no places – only making the situation worse.

"This isn’t about photo opportunities, it is about local people and their daily lives.

"Whether potholes, dental services, school funding or any other concern, I will represent my constituents by always putting them first."

'Vote for me based on my record of delivery'

SINCE 2015, I've worked tirelessly as our MP in the community that is my home and where I have raised my family. I’ve been Taunton and Wellingtons’ strong voice in Westminster and I’m proud of my record of delivery.

I’ve played a key role in improving services at Musgrove Park Hospital, including the £11.5m surgical decision unit, and the £87m surgical centre being built now. Securing commitment for the complete upgrade of the whole Musgrove site by 2030 is a game-changer and I’m prioritising the Maternity Unit upfront.

I said I’d upgrade Taunton rail station and with the £5m I secured this has happened and my pledge to deliver a rail station for Wellington is on track.

Significant for Wellington too has been the restoration of the iconic Wellington Monument, kickstarted with the initial £1m I secured and I worked with the community to

REBECCA

POW Conservative Party

see it open once again.

Important for SEND provision locally is the complete rebuild of our valued Selworthy Special School which I’ve secured.

The delivery of this project, the new Wellington Rail Station and the hospital upgrade could potentially be jeopardised by a change of government which is why electing me as the next MP is so crucial.

Retaining our precious Royal Marines at Norton Manor Camp in Taunton is a campaign I’m especially proud of.

Contrary to leaflets being put out, this was not achieved by my political opponents and was acknowledged in writing by Lt Col Paul Maynard who was in charge of 40 Commando RM at the time.

I’ve secured unprecedented

investment for our town centres, art and sport venues, charities and the environment including seeing some largescale peat restoration schemes implemented by farmers and the local Wildlife Trust on the Somerset Levels. And my role as a government Environment Minister has brought added attention to the area.

We need our economy to be in safe hands and the Conservatives have demonstrated we have a plan. Inflation is down dramatically, thousands of businesses have been saved by the furlough scheme and despite the £400bn cost of the Covid pandemic, and the Ukraine war and the ensuing energy crisis, people are seeing more money in their pockets, this is thanks to the recent tax cut of £900 for the

average worker. Indeed, the average earner in the UK has the lowest effective personal tax rate since 1975, lower than any other G7 country.

And for pensioners under the Conservatives, the state pension has risen by £3,700 and it’s going up by £900 this year and the 'Triple Lock Plus' announcement will give them added security.

With the Conservatives I’ll be focusing on giving people security at all levels: financial security, defence security, energy security and food security in a sustainable environment.

A vote for the Lib Dems is a vote for Labour who have no plan and risks a retirement tax, less energy security and increased immigration.

A vote for me gets a trusted pair of hands with a track record of delivery focusing on you and your priorities.

If you honour me by electing me as your next MP this is what you'll get.

Politics: Taunton & Wellington

'Vote Green for politics with you, not just for you'

IHAVE been involved in small-‘p’ politics for most of my life.

At primary school, I was on the eco-committee. I volunteered with the Cleft Lip and Palate Association, working with medical professionals and other charities to improve medical literature for children and young people affected by cleft.

I was a student rep while studying sociology at university during the UCU industrial action. I have stood alongside lecturers on the picket line, supporting their fight against cuts to universities.

I work at Bridgwater and Taunton College as a photography and media technician.

I joined the UCU (University and College Union) as soon as I

RYAN TROWER Green Party

could, where I became the Just Transition Rep. Here, I have been working with the committee and union to create a robust climate action plan that does more than pay lip service.

Joining the Green Party in 2023, I knew it was time to get more involved in bigger politics.

fairer and greener, where the voice of the people is not just heard, but listened to.

Where you are represented fairly and proportionally at all levels. Where you can live, not just survive.

I was inspired by their results in that year’s local elections. I knew that they were the ones with the bold ideas that stood out against the other parties'.

I believe in a country that is

At the time of writing, there are six candidates standing in Taunton and Wellington, and that’s before any independent candidates have been announced. That must be a sign that people are crying out for change.

We all should be doing

'Change is needed to fix broken Britain'

AS a former local councillor and Deputy Mayor, the unanticipated role of Labour Parliamentary candidate for Taunton and Wellington feels like a daunting prospect.

I’m a native Tauntonian. In my early years I enjoyed the security of a council house in north Taunton. My mother was a cleaner at County Hall, my dad a labourer on the railway. I had a wonderful primary school education from teachers whose commitment got me into grammar school. On leaving Bishop Fox’s at 16, my working life began at County Hall - where my mother had worked.

I joined Taunton Labour Party in 1981, prompted by the Thatcher government’s condemnation of lone parents as ‘scroungers’. I quickly discovered how harsh life can be as a lone parent on the claimants’ side of DSS office screens. More fortunate than many, I soon landed a job, once

BRENDA WATSON Labour

more at County Hall, with the trade union NALGO - since named UNISON - and secured a Council nursery place for my son.

Thanks to encouragement from me, NALGO employers and Somerset College lecturers, I graduated, aged 36, from the University of Bristol with a 2.1 Honours Degree in Social Policy, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Research. I was soon offered work with the University’s Social Policy Department, undertaking research that included an England-wide data-gathering exercise on the impact of council house sales.

A year later I received an ‘Adult Learner of the Year’ award from the National Organisation for Adult

politics. That is why I’m standing for the Green Party in Taunton & Wellington in this general election.

A vote for the Green Party is a vote for real hope and real change.

It is a vote in defence of the NHS, with proper funding to bring down waiting times and ensure that everyone can see a GP and dentist.

It is a vote for affordable homes for everyone, in the right place. It is a vote for the protection of our seas and rivers, with public ownership of water companies.

It is a vote for the defence of nature to urgently tackle the climate emergency.

More importantly, a vote for me is a vote for someone who will do politics with you, not for you.

Learning, with a presentation from Willy Russell, writer of ‘Educating Rita’ at the House of Lords.

After winning a county council by-election in 1995 I became the leader of a Labour Group (of three). Losing my council seat by a whisker in 1997 was extremely painful, but soon afterwards I was employed to set up and run a social policy research unit at Somerset College. From there I undertook commissioned research for public service agencies, including the county council and local NHS bodies.

Fast forward to a policy role with a regional equalities charity – Equality South West. This opportunity was unexpected and hugely rewarding. We benefited from the input of advisors who

represented each of the equality groups and helped us develop training materials for public bodies. Soon after the Equality Act was passed, the Coalition government began dismantling regional bodies that had supported us, and the funding dried up.

Until recently I have represented south west constituencies on Labour’s National Policy Forum for over two decades. I worked to shape policy ideas alongside shadow front-bench MPs and representatives from other UK regions. I cannot wait to see them on the Government benches. Political activism, equality and social justice issues have pervaded my adult life. I’ve held various political roles, none more rewarding than that of a local councillor. Public services have been decimated at the hands of successive governments since 2010. This election must bring the change that’s needed to fix our broken Britain.

Politics: Wells & Mendip Hills

'Vote Reform to sort this 'shambles' of a country'

LET'S not beat about the bush, this country is a shambles and it doesn't take a genius to work out why.

Of course successive governments blame each other, they blame wars, they blame viruses, they blame foreign courts, they blame the climate - in fact they blame everything except themselves.

A 'conservative' administration has, during 14 years, presided over a steady decline in our country: Their increasingly authoritarian government abandoned pandemic planning, locking down the country three times, closing schools unnecessarily and trying to mandate experimental vaccines.

Untold damage was inflicted on our economy and society as a result. Labour and the Lib Dems were calling for even harsher restrictions.

This government is actively imposing calamitous 'Net Zero'

'Vote

IHELEN HIMS Reform UK

policies, sending energy prices soaring, making driving intolerable and farming unsustainable, while outsourcing virtually all our manufacturing to hostile, totalitarian China - the world's greatest polluter, and increasingly our reliance on imports to feed the nation.

Labour and the Lib Dems would push these policies harder and faster.

Record mass immigration has damaged our country. The small boats crisis threatens our security. Brexit has been betrayed. Multiculturism has imported separate communities that reject our way of life.

Labour and the Lib Dems would leave our borders wide open.

Furthermore, a total failure to address the 'woke' agenda which has taken root across society, eroding freedom of speech, re-writing our history, threatening our culture - indeed our very identity as a nation.

Law and order has broken down, and intolerant minority groups have been allowed to seize control.

Labour and the Lib Dems pander to these groups and ideologies.

There is so much anger and dismay across the UK, but let's face it, this election will almost certainly produce a Labour or Lib-Lab coalition, so we can expect all of the above 'on steroids'.

Rishi Sunak has haplessly handed the keys of No 10 to Kier Starmer.

We all know the Conservatives can't win this election, so this is your golden opportunity to send them a very clear message about how

betrayed you feel by their calamitous governance, policies and betrayals of the last 14 years.

The more votes they lose by, the more powerful that message will be!

I've lived and worked in the Wells & Mendip Hills constituency for over 30 years and have a great affinity for this beautiful part of the country and the wonderful people who live in it.

Our rural communities have been hit very hard by the incompetent management of this country over the last few decades.

Reform is essential in the way our country is run and managed, so it works properly for the people of Wells and Mendip Hills by enacting common-sense policies to rebuild our damaged nation.

Please vote for your Refrom UK candidate - Helen Hims - on July 4.

for the first elected independent female MP'

AM an elected independent councillor on Shepton Mallet Town Council.

We have intentionally removed destructive party politics on our council. We now work together for the benefit of our community.

ABI MCGUIRE Independent

I have been a police officer and worked in the NHS, social services, housing, homelessness and education.

I have direct experience of the challenges these services face and know what is needed for positive change.

I have spent the last 18 months networking across the newly-formed Wells and Mendip Hills constituency both in Somerset and North Somerset.

I have visited every parish council and door knocked in every area, over 21,000 homes.

I have directly heard all of the local issues in our communities.

This puts me in a strong position to represent the Wells and Mendip Hills

straight away and support our communities where needed.

You have told me these issues include, but are not limited to, intensive housing developments without consideration given to our environment and flood risks. Lack of supporting infrastructure including schools, shops and other public services. Limited bus service and public transport and limited access to health care and dentistry. You have told me you no longer know how to vote and you have lost faith in the political parties.

I would be the first elected female Independent MP into Parliament.

My election will shock the

system. I will advocate for Parliament to debate in a healthy and respectful way so we can plan for long term and sustainable solutions. I will be a catalyst for evolving our politics to a new way of working. As I am independent from all political parties, I am free to represent you and vote authentically and with integrity in Parliament.

I am hosting 'Ask Abi' events across the constituency, where you can come and let me know your thoughts and hear mine.

Wells Town Hall, Sunday, June 16: 7pm to 8.30pm.

Shepton Mallet Baptist Church, Tuesday, June 18: 7pm to 8.30pm.

Cheddar Community Pavilion, Sunday, June 23: 7pm to 8.30pm.

You can find out much more at abimcguire.co.uk.

'I'm

JPolitics: Wells & Mendip Hills

aiming to restore honesty and integrity'

OE grew up in MidSussex. He joined the RAF aged 19. As a Mobile Air Movements Team Leader, he served on Ascension Island during the Falklands conflict.

His RAF career spanned 23 years including roles in logistics and air transport.

He was selected for a Defence Fellowship at the University of Bath, researching Defence Environmental Strategy.

His final operational tour, as a Squadron Leader, was in Iraq in 2003.

He moved to Glastonbury 25 years ago and is a councillor on St Cuthbert Out Parish Council.

In his ‘second career’, Joe is a shepherd and environmental trainer. He qualified as a shepherd at Kingston Maurward agricultural college, became a Chartered Environmentalist and went on to teach Countryside Management at Cannington.

His Wiltshire Horn sheep

JO JOSEPH Labour

grazed Glastonbury Tor for a while and he is now specialising in rare breed Portland Sheep.

Since 2008 he has also been delivering a wide range of environmental training courses, most recently to Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales officers.

Joe only became politically active in 2019 after his wife told him to stop shouting at the telly and do something about it. So, he did.

His search for ‘a political home’ took him to the Cooperative Party, sister party to Labour.

As a member of both parties, which are in an electoral alliance, Joe holds several roles, his favourite being as Convenor of the West Country Labour and

Co-operative Farming, Fisheries and Food (3F) group.

He was a commissioner on the Co-operative Party Rural Policy Commission and is a self-confessed ‘policy geek’.

Joe is only one of three candidates in the South West standing on a Labour and Co-operative ticket, the other two being Luke Pollard in Plymouth and Jayne Kirkham in the Labour battleground seat of Truro and Falmouth.

His style of campaigning is very much ‘boots on the ground’, getting out and about on the Mendip hills, at the coast, and on the moors. Meeting people where they are. Listening rather than leafleting. Less graphs and more graft. Shorter speeches and longer conversations. Replacing

political sniping with problem solving. His is a very cooperative campaign, built on a very co-operative vision for the countryside.

Joe’s policy priorities draw on the values and principles of the ‘Rochdale Pioneers’ (founders of the modern co-operative movement in 1844). Like them, he sees a brighter future for his country and his constituency, underpinned by principles of food sovereignty, economic democracy, ecological sustainability and the devolution of political power to communities.

Joe stands for sovereignty over our food and farming, fair trade, and a right to healthy affordable food.

He will safeguard standards in public life, restoring honesty and integrity. And he wants to achieve a co-operative green economy, in which wealth and power are shared fairly.

'It's time for real hope. Time for real change.'

IAM proud to have been selected by local members as the Green Party MP Candidate for the newly formed Wells and Mendip Hills constituency.

Standing for a party that promotes societal and environmental justice offers me the privilege to campaign across our beautiful area. I will engage with individuals, families and groups to better understand their priorities and concerns.

I have lived in Wells since 2008 and my wife and I have two children in local schools. I work as a NHS Mental Health Practitioner so am acutely aware of the pressures caused by a poorly funded NHS on patients and staff alike. 14 years of attritional damage caused by this Conservative Government to the NHS will take some

undoing.

PETER WELSH Green Party

In my view its time the 'big two' local political parties budge up a bit and I will invite Wells and Mendip Hills to vote for real hope and change. Issues such as the NHS and social care crisis need urgent action. Green MPs will push for a properly funded NHS to bring down hospital waiting times and stop getting to see your GP or dentist feeling like such an uphill struggle.

Affordable and available housing is so important across our constituency. Housing should be built in the right places protecting vital biodiversity and new developments must come with

great community services.

I will bring energy and compassion to my interactions with local residents as I am aware of the impact of the cost of living crisis on our lives.

Juggling finances and stress in such an uncertain world builds pressure on all of us in one way or another.

It certainly does to me! Protecting our seas and rivers from the sewage dumping caused by water companies is a priority for the Greens.

Indeed, just a few weeks ago I myself inexpertly steered my paddleboard into position during the Surfers Against Sewage paddleout at

Lyme Regis to protest against our awful fluid situation in the UK.

Dryrobes should have pockets for goggles not sick bags and I will fight for water to be taken back into public ownership.

If Labour do form the next Government, Green MPs will tirelessly push them to be braver and more ambitious to get our country back on track.

I understand some will be tempted by tactical voting to get Tories gone fueled by real feelings of fear and wanting revenge.

But I know any decisions I made on these emotions never worked out that well for me and voters remorse often follows vote lending if nothing changes.

Time for real hope. Time for real change.

Time for Green.

Politics: Wells & Mendip Hills

'As your MP, I'll always be there when you need me'

AFTER 31 years at work, I went into politics to use my voice to stand up for you and our local area.

Somerset is my home, my children went to the schools here, and for over 20 years I’ve campaigned on issues facing our community - it’s safe to say I know the area like the back of my hand.

In 2010 I was elected as the MP for Wells - the first non-Conservative MP for 87 years.

As your MP I worked every hour I could and over a period of five years navigated Westminster to create positive changes for you, from securing £51 million in funding for cancer care in the South West – making Bristol a centre of excellence - to being instrumental in strengthening anti-corruption laws to prevent human rights abuses, tax

TESSA MUNT

Liberal Democrats

avoidance and money laundering. And lots in between!

During this time, I also helped over 27,000 local people with problems they faced and held a record number of MP ‘drop-in’ surgeries.

My commitment to being available when you need me has not changed and local people have continued to come to me when they haven’t been able to get the support they needed from the retiring Conservative MP.

When I lost the seat in 2015, I didn’t stop speaking up for people. In 2017 I was elected to Somerset County Council and spent the first five years opposing Conservative

mismanagement which led to a dramatic slashing of services in our area.

Two years ago, my colleagues and I started to run the council and began picking up the pieces from the near bankruptcy caused by local Conservatives.

I’ve worked hard to make it possible for things to begin to get better.

I am standing again at this General Election because I believe the West Country deserves a fairer deal.

Our economy has been run into the ground, housing is unaffordable, the NHS is broken, our farming community is being ignored and our natural environment is being damaged

'I have a track record of delivery

MY name is Meg Powell-Chandler, and I am honoured to have been chosen as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for the newlyformed Wells and Mendip Hills constituency.

Being a proud native of the West Country, I am deeply committed to delivering for local communities and being a strong advocate for the wonderful city, towns, villages, and rural areas that make up this new Wells and Mendip Hills constituency.

I have spent over a decade working in the heart of government, and have helped to deliver increased school funding and the world-leading vaccine rollout. I know how to get things done.

I have spent the last few weeks knocking on doors across Wells, Shepton, North Somerset and the Mendips and listening to what you want from your MP.

MEG POWELLCHANDLER Conservatives

If I am elected I will make sure I use my experience in government to deliver for you.

I will champion our hardworking farmers and businesses, making sure neither is burdened with bureaucracy and both are supported to thrive.

I will fight for our fair share of investment from local and central governmentwhether that is to protect families and businesses from flooding or upgrading the roads in our towns and villages.

I'll work with the NHS to improve local access to healthcare services for you and your family. I want to see more community diagnostic centres, like the ones in Taunton and Yeovil, opened in our area, meaning local

by a failure to protect it from those who treat it irresponsibly.

The Conservatives are not going to change any of thisthey’ve held power for 14 years and constantly break promises, are chaotic, and have run out of steam and ideas.

What I hear on the doorstep is that you need change, and we need to start fixing the mess the country is in.

Because of the way the voting system works, only I can beat the Conservative in the new seat of Wells & Mendip Hills.

With your support, I’ll use my voice and experience to try and fix the national issues facing us all and the local concerns you tell me matter to you, your family and neighbours.

I’ll always be available when you need me.

Please consider voting for me at this election.

in government'

people can get better care nearer to their homes.

As a mother of two, I know how important it is to be able to access high-quality healthcare.

Things have been tough over the last few years with families and pensioners feeling the squeeze.

It’s good news that inflation is back to normal, but I know finances are still a huge worry. I’m someone who believes that a pound in the pocket is better spent by the person who earned it so I’m pleased there has been a £900 cut to National Insurance, letting keep working people more of their money.

The Conservatives will also introduce the Triple Lock Plus, which will see all pensioners receive a £300 tax cut by the end of the next Parliament.

I firmly believe that those who have worked hard all their lives should have peace

of mind and security in retirement.

For me, politics is about actual tangible delivery, not idle talk. And delivery is based on having a clear plan.

The Liberal Democrats have shown locally they lack the leadership needed to address the financial mess at Somerset Council.

Nationally, their sewage plan requires a new tax that would take over 300 years to raise the necessary £120 billion.

Just like the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats continue to snipe from the sidelines without offering a real plan.

By voting for me, Meg Powell-Chandler, people across Wells, Shepton, and the Mendips AONB can rest assured they will have a hardworking MP who will champion this wonderful area while delivering tangible results for you in Westminster.

'I

have campaigned for the community since I was 16'

ADAM Dance, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Yeovil, has been committed to standing up for his local community since the age of 16, when he successfully fought the closure of his local youth club.

He was a South Somerset Councillor, and is currently a Somerset Councillor.

Adam says: "The Yeovil constituency has not had the strong voice that it needs for many years now. I want to make sure that local voices are heard both here and in Westminster.

I grew up in South Petherton and have worked in the local area setting up my own business as a landscape gardener.

"I have been canvassing across the constituency for many months and have heard at first hand the concerns of thousands of people from Yeovil to Chard, Ilminster to

ADAM DANCE Liberal Democrats

Crewkerne and the villages in between.

"I have been left in no doubt that many are facing real difficulties in their daily lives:

• the lack of access to dentists and doctors

• about impossibly long waiting lists for children and adults waiting to receive mental health services

• poor action by water authorities in dealing with sewage entering our waterways

• businesses struggling to survive in our communities

• the daily anxieties suffered by hard pressed families and individuals dealing with constantly rising costs.

"I am determined to ensure that our people’s voices are heard and will campaign on their behalf both locally and nationally.

"You can trust me to always

Additional Candidates

The following candidates for the upcoming general election were officially confirmed on Friday June 7

Bridgwater

• William Fagg - (Reform UK)

• Gregory Tanner - (Workers Party)

Frome and East Somerset

• Shaun Hughes (Independent)

Taunton and Wellington

• Rochelle Russell (Communist Party of Britain)

Wells and Mendip Hills

• Craig Clarke (Independent)

Yeovil

• Steve Ashton (Independent)

• Laura Bailhache (Reform UK)

put our communities first.

"Over the past months I have actively campaigned to save the HASU stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital.

"I have a record of action and I promise more action when elected.

"As a Liberal Democrat, I am proud of our party’s priorities:

• an NHS which works for us all, and in particular supports those most in need: the elderly, the young or those with mental health concerns

• support for local businesses, both those on the High Street and our national companies such as Leonardo

• care for our natural environment, especially holding our water companies to account for the state of our rivers and waterways.

"I will ensure as your MP that I remain accessible to the people of Yeovil.

"I will hold regular surgeries

across the constituency, and will continue to visit local projects and charities which contribute so much to local life.

"We need change in this constituency of Yeovil. But I can only deliver that change, and the fair deal we all need, with your support on Thursday, July 4.

"As your MP I can provide the strong voice we all need."

To vote in the July election, you need to be on the electoral register (www.gov.uk/registerto-vote the deadline is June 18) and either have requested a postal vote (https://www.gov.uk/ apply-postal-vote by 5pm, June 19) or have appropriate ID for the polling station - a passport, driving licence, some other limited forms of ID, or apply for a voter ID certificate free of charge (https://www.gov.uk/ apply-for-photo-id-voterauthority-certificate by 5pm on July 26).

Politics: Yeovil

'Vote for an MP who will deliver on what matters'

IKNOW things are tough at present. Election fever has come to town and political parties are campaigning hard. There is a lot of noise about national issues but this election is about more than that.

The one thing local people are saying is that they want an MP who will actually deliver results for our area and that’s what they will be voting on at the election in the Yeovil constituency.

For local progress to occur I know we need more of the actions the Conservatives and I are taking.

I have a track record of delivery and I’m determined to make lives better for local people. This isn’t easy. We need a local MP with skill, vision and experience who will use them to focus on our area’s real needs that are large and complex, day in, day out. That’s exactly what I will do if privileged to be re-elected as your MP.

These are the issues you’ve

MARCUS FYSH Conservative Party

told me matter to you and your family:

- Investing in transformative local transport - such as the A303 dualling and pushing for the return of a railway station in Chard.

- Fighting for local NHS facilities - by getting the new Diagnostic Centre at Yeovil Hospital funded and continuing to get more for local NHS dentistry & GPs and Yeovil’s stroke care.

- Regeneration - having got nearly £20 million for Yeovil town centre & Octagon transformation I need to stop the Lib Dems in charge of the projects and their planning diverting it, frittering it away and leaving a big mess.

- Backing local business and farmers - I’ve put local business led by Leonardo in pole position to supply the MoD’s

new medium helicopter by helping ensure the budget for it and getting exportability and local design and skills sustainment included as key criteria for the bid’s assessment. I’m the only candidate with real business knowledge and understanding of how to incentivise and deliver more local opportunities. And I am pushing hard for more local food production and marketing support and other value adding opportunities for local farmers and rural businesses.

- Improving education - I’ve got Conservative Ministerial sign-off on a huge £70 million investment in Yeovil College which adds to the £7.8 million I’ve secured for them over recent years for things like digital transformation and becoming an Institute of Technology. This step change in skills development opportunities locally is critical.

This is what the election is all about. It’s about protecting these projects to deliver you

and your family a better future, by voting for me.

We can’t risk our future with the Lib Dems. Locally, their incompetence has already brought Somerset Council to the brink of bankruptcy, threatening key services, while messing up regeneration of Yeovil’s town centre and the Octagon and jacking up council tax. And Labour would take our priorities’ resources to its client cities, setting us back decades.

A vote for me is the only vote not to put these crucial projects at risk of delay or cancellation, such as happened before when Labour and Lib Dems ensured that A303 dualling wasn’t taken forward in the 2000s. I am not complacent, I know the election in the Yeovil constituency is going to be close. But this one really matters.

This is your chance to vote for an MP in me who will deliver on things that really matter to us locally and get results.

'I will hit the ground running and bring a fresh start'

AFTER 14 years of failure from the Conservatives, it’s time for a fresh start in Yeovil.

Only Labour can offer the change Britain needs. Change that can deliver for residents across Yeovil, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Chard and the surrounding villages - and a strong voice for Yeovil at the table in a Labour government.

I care deeply about this part of the world.

I grew up in Somerset, and attended local state schools, before going on to be the first person in my family to go to university.

My family have lived locally for generations. My dad and his family are from Yeovil, and my uncle and grandad are both big Yeovil Town fans!

I haven’t taken the decision to stand lightly. I know all too well that politicians make decisions with real world

REBECCA MONTACUTE Labour

consequences.

In 2018, I lost my mum after failures in mental health care in Somerset.

I successfully fought for lessons to be learnt from her death, both here in the West Country and nationally.

After the investigation into her death - when government failed to do so - I took those failures back to the mental health trusts involved, and successfully secured changes to make those services safer for everyone here in Somerset.

And in my campaigning work after my mum’s death, I’ve brought her story to thousands of people - including telling her story on BBC News, BBC Radio 4, and in national papers like the Daily Mail, as

well as in local papers like Somerset Live.

I know how to campaign and get media attention for the issues impacting residents here.

Everyone deserves high quality public services they can rely on, whether it’s health care, social care, childcare, or local public transport.

I fought hard for justice for my mum - I will fight just as hard for you as your voice in Westminster.

As your MP, my priorities will be reducing the cost of living, bringing local NHS services back from the brink, re-invigorating our high streets, tackling climate change and improving local public transport (including fighting to re-open the toilets at Yeovil bus station).

And I’ve got the experience to hit the ground running as your MP.

I’m the head of research and policy at a major education

charity, and I have experience working on policy at a national level.

I’ve successfully fought for change in Westminster to benefit the most disadvantaged children.

I have a PhD in Neuroscience, and have worked as an expert advisor to MPs on scientific issues in Parliament.

We need change here, change none of the other parties can deliver.

The Liberal Democrats propped up the Conservative’s for five of the last 14 yearsthey too hold responsibility for the mess the country finds itself in today.

And while the Greens may talk the talk on the climate, again and again across the country, the party has blocked green policies.

Vote for change and for a fresh start for Yeovil – vote Rebecca Montacute on July 4.

'A chance to vote for the candidate who will serve you' Politics:

IWAS chosen to be the parliamentary candidate in 2020 because of my experience both as a business owner, former assistant head of a special needs school, and being extremely active across the constituency supporting and leading community groups.

I live in the constituency, which I believe is important for any person looking to be elected. My life experience, both in the UK and overseas, demonstrates my ability to handle any situation.

My voluntary work over the last seven years has taken me around South Somerset, working with various groups and charities.

I aim to continue being visible around the constituency if elected because I am aware that residents presently feel neglected and rarely see their MP, this must change.

My campaign has seen support flooding in from right

SERENA WOOTTON Green Party

across the political spectrum, which confirms that my message and priorities are reaching the full depth of the electorate.

Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Independent and Labour voters are all stating they feel comfortable backing me. They are telling me that it is not only my qualifications and life experience that are reassuring, but also the key areas that I will focus on if elected: The NHS, housing & developments; The local economy, transport & farming; Crime, education & the environment.

These priorities are not just my wishes, they have been gathered after speaking to thousands of people on doorsteps, at dozens of drop-in

clinics held across South Somerset and from meetings with numerous local businesses and community groups.

The difference between myself and some of the other candidates is that, while I stand for a national party, my focus will remain on the constituency.

My campaign leaflets reflect this rather than pushing a national party message.

While people do care about the national picture, it is clear that the MP elected here is unlikely to be in government and the pledges made must be relevant to this constituency, these are the issues that are impacting our lives.

The people of our constituency need and deserve a hardworking, honest and trustworthy MP with a proven track record of putting people and community first. An MP who understands what the constituency needs and will make sure their voices are heard

in Parliament. An MP who will always vote in the best interests of their constituents and who will never be forced to vote along party lines.

It is clear the support for the Conservative Party has collapsed both locally and nationally. This means you are free to vote for the candidate who you feel will best serve you, an MP who is a truly committed community individual who will confidently represent you in Parliament. There is simply no need to vote tactically, which the Liberal Democrats are pushing.

All those canvassing on the doorsteps are getting the same message, people are looking for change and this will not come by voting for one of the same three parties.

You can vote for me and be sure that you will remove the incumbent and elect a strong and dedicated person in their place. Real Hope, Real Change.

Plan for Yeovil pub Euros 'fanzone' approved despite police objections

PLANS to create a 'fanzone' at a Yeovil pub for punters during the Euro 2024 football tournament have been approved - despite objections from the police.

Landlord Michael Krzyzanowski, of the Great Lyde pub, in Cavalier Way, applied for licenses to host up to 200 in several areas of the pub grounds, including the car park.

The fanzone would feature big screens, an outside bar and outdoor food trucks.

The full list of Temporary Event Notices (TEN) applied for by Mr Krzyzanowski was:

June 14 to 16: the sale of alcohol and live music from noon to 11pm

June 19 to 25: the sale of alcohol and live music from noon to 11pm

June 29 to July 2: the sale of alcohol and live music from noon to 11pm

July 5 to 7: the sale of alcohol and live music from noon to 11pm

July 9 to 10: the sale of

alcohol and live music from noon to 11pm

The applications were discussed at a meeting of Somerset Council's Licensing Sub-Committee (South).

Councillors heard objections from Avon & Somerset Police.

In a submission to the committee, the police said the fanzone would open four hours before matches, with live music on offer two hours before.

"If the outdoor 'Fanzone' is not trading until four hours prior to kick off, why is a licence required from noon to 11pm and, if only operational for England matches, why is the TEN required for June 14, 15 and 16?" the force wrote.

"The application makes no mention of live bands or a dedicated stage area," the submission added.

Police said the pub "continues to experence sporadic disorder related to excess alcohol consumption".

"The common denominator of many of these incidents is

they take place outside of the pub itself, namely in the car park area," the police said.

"On most of these occasions, CCTV has not been available, or the licensee, staff or victims have not been forthcoming in providing police with the information required to secure a prosecution."

The force opposed the granting of licences.

"Unfortunately, these types of events do suffer with outbreaks of crime and disorder which can also result in having a detrimental effect on neighbouring properties, communities, promotion of the licensing objectives and police resources," it said.

"While we strive to support all events in the area, the police believe that on this occasion, should this notce be authorised, then it will undermine the licensing

objectives of the prevention of crime and/or disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm."

However, the committee decided to approve the notices, saying the events could have been staged regardless of their permission - so the licences gave more control over the events.

"The Sub-Committee have considered the objections made by the police and Environmental Protection," the committee said.

"However, they were mindful that the applicant could hold the event without the licensable activities that had been applied for and felt that the granting of the TENS ensured there were better measures in place for the event to satisfy that the licensing objectives would not be undermined."

Mendip Mobility: Taking pride in offering comprehensive aftercare

AS one of the south west's leading mobility specialists, Mendip Mobility have been supplying the public directly with a vast range of top quality, competitively-priced mobility scooters, wheelchairs, beds, riser recliner chairs, stairlifts and daily living aids.

As a family-run business, Mendip Mobility pride themselves on their aftercare service, offering a comprehensive after-sales service, including repairs and maintenance.

With stores in Yeovil, Street and Trowbridge, you can be sure there's a showroom near you, but if you're unable to travel, in-home demonstrations of larger items such as riser recliners and mobility scooters can be arranged at your residential address.

Please contact your local store if you wish to arrange a suitable time and date to view larger products.

Mendip Mobility are proud to be partnered with the Motability Scheme, which allows you to exchange some or all of your enhanced-rate motability allowance for a scooter or powered wheelchair.

To be eligible for the scheme you must be in receipt of one of these benefits:

• Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance

• Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment

• War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement

• Armed Forces Independence Payment

Your lease will be paid directly by the DWP, saving you any time and stress with bills or payments. Your lease lasts for three or five years depending on your product choice, at which point you return your product and receive a brand-new product to replace it, should you wish to renew.

Contact Mendip Mobility today for all your mobility needs. Find out more at mendipmobility. co.uk.

Making everyday life easier

DO I need a stairlift? –If you have difficulty getting up and down stairs you are not alone.

The decision to install a stairlift is sometimes a difficult one to take but, when compared with the alternative of moving or living on only one level of their home, many people have found a stairlift to be their preferred solution.

Why choose us? – Suttons Stairlifts aim to provide an ethical, reliable and prompt service to their valued customers. We have worked hard to establish an affordable, dependable and honest service to be proud of. Thanks to personal recommendations from satisfied customers referring them to their friends and relations Suttons Stairlifts is now a well-established company committed to providing expert advice with a no-pressure selling policy, guaranteed!

Peace of mind – As Suttons Stairlifts are approved dealers for Handicare, you can rest assured that you are also

choosing an ISO Quality Approved product that conforms to the ethical business practices required by the British Healthcare Trades Association.

Our Products and Services – We offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts for either straight or curved stairs in Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset & Devon. We also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts.

We offer fast and efficient maintenance and repairs on all supplied stairlifts, as well as an annual service and safety check to keep your stairlift running as smoothly as the day it was installed.

What happens next? – We will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time.

With our inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty you can be assured of a first-class and personal service from Suttons Stairlifts.

Kesv,1 ick1:abric

Wearing today’s hearing aids to keep you young!

IT is estimated that there are approximately 6.7 million people in the UK who could benefit from wearing hearing aids, but only about 2 million people do.

There are various reasons why this gap exists, including a stigma around hearing aids making you old or showing a weakness and a general lack of awareness about the amazing benefits and advancements in hearing technology.

by SIMON SWINDELLS Director and Clinical Lead Audiologist at South West Hearing Care

conversations, participate in activities you enjoy, and rekindle connections with loved ones.

Boost brainpower: Studies suggest a

As an Audiologist with many years helping people to improve their hearing, I firmly believe that wearing hearing aids is not a sign of old-age, weakness, or decline. In fact, wearing hearing aids keeps you young, keeps you involved, keeps you interested and interesting to others. They are a choice to have a richer life, empowering you to live life to the fullest.

Hearing aids are a powerful tool that can help you to:

Reconnect with the world: Untreated hearing loss can allow social isolation to creep in and a feeling of being disconnected from your surroundings. Hearing aids allow you to re-engage in

link between unaddressed hearing loss and cognitive decline. Hearing aids can help stimulate your brain by allowing you to clearly hear and process sound information. This can potentially improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function, contributing to a sharper and

more engaged mind.

Embrace an active lifestyle: Hearing clearly allows you to participate fully in activities you enjoy, whether it's dancing to your favourite music, attending fitness classes, or exploring the outdoors. This physical and social engagement keeps you active, improves your mood and contributes to a sense of well-being.

Have a positive outlook: Addressing your hearing needs can significantly improve your overall well-being. By regaining control over your ability to hear and engage with the world, you can cultivate a more positive outlook on life and feel empowered to live life to the fullest.

If you'd like to speak myself or the team for further advice or to book a free hearing assessment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Street: 01458 555533 | 7 The Bayliss Centre, High Street, Street Westbury: 01373 823076 | 2 High Street, Westbury

www.swhearingcare.co.uk

Electric Powerchairs

Scooters

UK Removals

All

Storage

24-hour

European Removals

Our

Country House Moves

Armishaws

The Langport Saturday Markets

Local Food - 6th July and the first Saturday of every month until Dec

Vintage - 13th July and the second Saturday of every month until Dec

Artisans (New) - 20th July and the third Saturday of every month until Dec

In Memoriam - Deborah Speed

Alongside telling testimony from her family of her loving life as a wife, mother and grandmother, I was invited to say a few words about the work of our beloved clerk Deborah Speed at her funeral.

“Town clerk”. It doesn’t sound very inspiring, does it? A bit Dickensian maybe? A bit secretarial? Actually, it is a small term for a big job.

A good clerk is the engine-room of any parish or town. Councils meet every month or so and, as men or women of a certain age do, they generate an enormous amount of hot air.

It is for the clerk to turn that into actions that make things better. Some overstep the mark, some can’t keep up, some hide in the vagaries of ambiguous intention.

What is called for is a cool head, a list that never gets lost, and patience with people.

The best ones also have a quiet certainty that they can guide other souls with without ever forcing anything. The very best of them all was Deborah Speed.

Deborah took over the clerk’s job in Langport from the dazzling David Mears,

by SEAN DROMGOOLE

now town clerk to the mighty Bridgwater.

As well as the complex business of running our nation’s smallest market town, we had just landed hundreds of thousands of pounds of European money so Langport could develop its river front. Promises had been made - all of which now had to be delivered. And deliver them Deborah did.

I became chair a couple of years later and Deborah and I were in harness together. Politically, I suspect we came from slightly different tribes, but it never occurred to either of us that this might be a problem. It only came up once, when I accidentally described myself as council leader rather than chair. She wondered if that wasn’t a little Stalinist? I never did it again.

With Deborah, we got the markets going again, we got a Community Plan written, and we have taken the prosect of merging with our neighbouring parish from a pipe-dream, to a probability.

Because of Deborah’s caring guidance, Langport thrives.

Deborah was patient, determined, kind, and a very good listener. She was always brilliantly prepared. She took such pride in things that to do any less would be to let her down. She would also always make sure, that if anyone was experiencing difficulty, those who needed to know, knew.

Deborah also had the heart of a lioness. Nothing became her so much in life as the courage with which she left it. I spoke to her two days before her passing. There was town business to attend to. Get that merger done! Sort out that Town Hall staircase! Yes, Deborah. Then I told her what I had really gone to say. That it has been one of the great privileges of my life to work with her and that the convivial, productive council she had so worked to create, would continue long after her.

We shall see that it does.

Somerton ready for a summer of music and art!

SOMERTON is all set for a summer of music and art.

Tickets for events running as part of the 36th annual Somerton Music & Arts Festival are selling out fast.

Tier Two tickets for Somerstock are already gone and Fleetwood Bac looks set to be a sell-out.

There are plenty of free events too, including the Live Music Weekender on Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6, when the town’s pubs will play host to seven live bands.

Friday: The White Hart: Fiddleback – An alt-folk duo singing popular folk rock covers, classic favourites and foot stomping folk tunes.

The Globe: Open Mic Night - Whether you’re a singer, comedian, musician or something else, here is your chance to perform!

The Etsome Arms: Lonely Tourist – A guitar duo and writers of one of Steve Lamacq's all time top ten Indie singles.

The Royal Oak: Craig and Alex Priddice - Unlike the Gallagher brothers, Craig and Alex Priddice are two brothers

who can sing, play guitar, write songs and get along!

Saturday: The White Hart: DJ Bacchus Deluxe - Experience the ultimate in filtered mixes and mesmerizing turntablism. A live set of curated playlists across various genres and music categories

The Etsome Arms: Fly Yeti Fly - Songs and stories about connection, community and the seasons, with a sound that is reminiscent of the late 60s folk scene.

The Royal Oak: Jay Anderson – A singer-songwriter based in Glastonbury. His musical influences include John Martyn, Jeff Buckley and Ben Howard

Other events to look forward to include talks, a walk through Somerton’s history, various children’s events and a string duo evening. The grand finale is of course Somerstock on Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13. This hugely popular music festival was sold out last year so get your tickets now!

Go to somertonartsfestival.co.uk for full details and to book your tickets.

VIEW FROM LANGPORT

Business, legal & finance

Broadband boost for 70,000 properties

WELLS, Brent Knoll and Radstock are among locations set to benefit from super-fast broadband as part of a new rollout.

Around 70,000 homes and businesses, in 18 cities, towns and villages, will be able to connect to full fibre, according to Openreach.

The firm has announced the upgrades in Somerset as part of its commercial investment in digital infrastructure across the UK.

New locations will join more than 140,000 homes and businesses across the county which already have access to full fibre, the company said.

Martin Williams, Openreach’s regional director for the South West, said: "This is a huge infrastructure success story across the region. No company is building faster or further in Europe, that we’re aware of.

"We won’t be stopping either. We plan to build even further across the region, to more cities and towns, and our most rural

communities.

"And our engineers, of which 3,100 live in the region, are doing this at a rapid pace - despite this being a hugely complex engineering project.

"Our fibre checker has the latest information about our work in your area, but only 38% of premises across Somerset which can order a new ultrafast service have done so, as upgrades aren’t automatic.

Once Full Fibre is available where you

CINEMA PRODUCTION FACILITIES company invites interest from Cast & Crew. Training and Expenses availabletotalvision.org.uk@btinternet.com

live, you’ll need to place an order with a provider of your choice to get connected and we’ll do the rest.

"Openreach’s network offers the widest choice of providers such as BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone and Zen – which means people have lots of choice and can get a great deal."

The work is part of Openreach’s £15 billion project to upgrade the UK’s broadband infrastructure - making gigabit-capable technology available to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026, including 6.2 million in harder to reach more remote and rural areas, such as Somerset.

The full list of locations in Somerset soon to get full fibre: Axbridge, Brent Knoll, Burrowbridge, Chiselborough, Churchill, Combe Down, Kingsmead, Marston Magna, Meare Heath, Milverton, Nailsea, Priddy, Radstock, Temple Cloud, Templecombe, Timsbury, Wells, West Coker.

20 years of service

SOMERTON Computing is celebrating a significant milestone this year, marking 20 years of service to the local community.

What began as an internet café in 2004 has grown into a trusted high street shop offering comprehensive computer sales, repairs and business support.

Over the past two decades, Somerton Computing has adapted to the rapid pace of technological change, meeting the evolving needs of its customers.

The business, which now serves as a local hub for IT solutions, prides itself on delivering personalised service and fostering a strong community connection.

A notable achievement for Somerton Computing is its expansion into IT support for local businesses.

Recognising the crucial role of reliable technology in business operations, the company offers tailored

support packages at fixed and affordable monthly prices.

This approach ensures businesses can maintain smooth operations without facing unexpected costs. Services range from network security to regular system maintenance, all designed to help businesses thrive.

As they celebrate this 20-year milestone, the team at Somerton Computing extends heartfelt thanks to the community for its unwavering support and loyalty.

This support has been a cornerstone of the company’s growth and success.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to visit Somerton Computing to explore their wide range of services. From quick repairs or reliable business IT support. the expertise of Somerton Computing is readily available.

Somerton Computing thanks the community for two decades of trust and partnership.

Legally speaking, with Siobhan Thompson

IHAVE spent more than a decade of my life practising family law in the areas of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.

I have always specialised in representation of children in Public Law Proceedings. This involves representation of children where Care Proceedings have been taken by a local authority due to concerns about the experiences of children in parental care. I have also had the honour of acting for parents in such Care Proceedings.

Undertaking this sort of work has always been harrowing and challenging. However, it has also been extremely rewarding and has given me an opportunity to put roots down in the communities in which I used to work and have a real impact of the lives of the children and families.

I decided to make the big jump and move down to Somerset, and became Head of Family, Director of Pardoes on the 22nd of April 2024. The reason I made this move is because, having had a deep love a passion for Somerset for some time, it became apparent to me that there does appear to be a crooner in legal

by SIOBHAN THOMPSON Pardoes Solicitors

services for parents and children involved in these sorts of proceedings in the Somerset area. That is a gap I would like to fill.

There are so many organisations focusing on supporting parents and children who have been involved with social services and have had the misfortune of there lives or families mar by domestic abuse, drug /alcohol addiction or indeed heighten needs of family members.

However, I have found that people’s knowledge of what organisations are out there are limited. But it is something I want to address while setting up a new Public Law Family Department for Pardoes solicitors to enable us to get legal aid to represent children, parents and other family members in proceedings involving social services.

We hope to be able to commence work under a legal aid contract as of September 1, 2024.

Prior to that time however, I don’t want to rest on my laurels and such free legal advice clinics are going to be set up in Bridgwater and Glastonbury and the surrounding areas.

Watch this space for details of such clinic’s will be taking place.

In the meantime, I would invite any young adult, child, parent, or any other family member who are experiencing any of the issues detailed above to reach out to me and Pardoes solicitors for help and assistance.

I can ensure that anyone who makes contact that they will be in good hands and I would invite you to look at my profile on the Pardoes solicitor’s website www.pardoes.co.uk, or you can contact me directly at Siobhan.Thompson@ pardoes.co.uk, or my direct work mobile number 07955 269201.

nFor more information visit our website www.pardoes.co.uk or call 0800 062 0442

Funeral Services

Road, Ashcott, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 9QT Telephone: 01458 210627 or 01458 860157

Email: mfranksandsons@gmail.com Website: www.mfranksandsons.co.uk

and vegetation management

Email: info@arbortech org uk

Tel: 07946179722

Web: www arbortech org uk

-Tree surgery -Surveying -Planting

maintenance

30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

Brendon Hill Stoves, Leigh Barton Farm, Roadwater, Watchet, Somerset TA23 0QN. Tel. 01984 640238

Email. info@brendonhillstoves.com www.brendonhillstoves.com or find us on Facebook

Summer has finally arrived and Lizzie Price

shading solutions

ADVERTISING FEATURE

SUMMER has finally arrived and at Lizzie Price Shading Solutions we can enhance your outdoor living areas with glass or polycarbonate roofed Verandas as well as folding arm motorised or manual awnings.

They offer shaded areas on patios or to shade the sun’s rays from your home, substantially reducing solar gain.

External roller blinds provide protection from the sun’s rays and are one of the most effective way of reducing solar gain into your home, ideal on large windows and doors.

Our huge range of internal blinds to provide shade, privacy, and blackout to your rooms.

We offer a complete professional service from our home visit to installation of your new blinds, plantation shutters, awnings, verandas and so much more.

Visit our website for more details by scanning the QR code or www.lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk. For site survey and no obligation quotation contact us on enquiries@ lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk or phone 07879 992000.

Clearance sales - Somerset offers low-risk opportunity to try reselling for all

OWNED and run by Dave Coombs, this is a small business located near Brent Knoll that supplies entrepreneurs with brand new stock from bankruptcies, closing downs, surplus, etc.

appointment only so you are not disturbed by other people and I can give you 100% attention.

To view, simply give me a ring and we can get together.

I have been doing this for more than 30 years and supply people across the country with new stock to sell at bargain prices on eBay, at boot sales, markets and more.

One of the advantages of using me is that I have no minimum spend, so if someone is just trying out reselling, they can keep their financial risk to a minimum.

Viewing at any time is by

My other line is rugged plastic storage boxes, ideal for a host of uses.

I have lots of various sizes and they are used for lots of different things; Clearing out the loft, clearing the garage, keeping car boot stock in!

The beauty of these is that if no longer need them in the future, you can sell them and get your cash back!

Call Dave on 07955 166658.

• Friendly, patient, and knowledgeable help

• Keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues for free over the Internet

• Sell online easily, quickly and reliably

• Buying advice, setup and installation

I’m Phil Hudson, your local tech expert and trouble-shooter. I’ll come to you and sort things out, at a time that suits you. Or you can drop off your machine at my workshop for quick, efficient care and maintenance.

Farming

Ingenious solutions to deal with pollution

MUCH has been written about the problems of pollution in recent times, and inevitably this has a bearing on all farming activities.

I don’t think anyone would disagree with the fact that the impact of farming activities on pollution needs to be carefully monitored and controlled.

However, this does stick in the throat somewhat when one sees what Wessex Water and the like are seemingly able to get away with, apparently with little or no censure.

In previous times I used to regularly swim in the river Parrett with no ill effects. I would hesitate to do so again now.

One major source of farm pollution in the past has been when concrete yards have been washed down, and the resulting water and slurry allowed to disappear down the nearest ditch.

This was particularly the case with dairy farms, where the milking parlour has to be

OVER THE FARM GATE

by HELEN WALKER

washed down as well.

Seventy or eighty years ago, when many milking herds consisted of around 20 cows, this was not such a great problem, as the environment seemed able to deal with low level pollution.

As herd sizes grew during the 1970s and 80s, to typically up to 200 cows, this became much more of a problem, and controls and legislation were definitely needed.

Here at School Farm we have had no dairy cows since the early 1960s. During the last 25 years, Helen and I have kept a small beef herd, of about 10 suckler cows raising their own calves. They have always been allowed to graze in the fields when possible, and housed during the winter. The building consists of a covered area with straw bedding, and an open yard with round feeder where they feed. The resulting dung in the yard area was

scraped up into a spreader, and then spread on a convenient field.

The problem now is that it is illegal to spread dung or slurry during the winter months. The conventional answers to this problem are to either roof over existing open yards, or instal slurry handling and storage systems, capable of holding up to six months worth of slurry.

Both of these options are hugely expensive.

Government grants of around 30% are available, but when you are talking of the odd million pounds or so, that still leaves a vast sum to find.

There are other options. If it is possible to leave your cattle outside all year round there is not a lot the Environment Agency can do about it. This is where hill farmers score, leaving cattle out on marginal land that is stony underneath.

In the autumn I noticed a field near Dorchester with three rows of round bales, on end and all arranged very neatly. I was puzzled until the winter, when the farmer put cattle on the field with round feeders over the first bale in each row, and an electric fence to stop the cattle going any further.

As the bales were consumed, so the round feeders and fence were moved on to the next three bales. A very neat solution which keeps the Environment Agency happy and does not damage the field too much.

As for us at School Farm, with retirement just around the corner, from next year sadly, we will no longer be keeping cattle.

Asian hornets - what should you do if you find one?

EVIDENCE has been discovered confirming Asian hornets survived the UK winter.

Genetic analysis by Fera Science Ltd on samples collected by APHA’s National Bee Unit found three Asian hornet queens trapped last month in Sussex are the offspring of a nest that was destroyed in November 2023. However, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the discovery is "not considered to be strong evidence of an established population".

Defra said that for a species to be considered as 'established', there should be "evidence of a reproducing population having been present in the wild for a significant number of generations and which is considered to be viable in the long term without any human intervention".

The department said 2023 saw a record number of Asian hornets found in the UK.

Last month, the UK’s chief plant health officer, Professor Nicola Spence, issued a warning urging UK

beekeepers and the public to be increasingly vigilant to the presence of Asian hornet and report any sightings.

Last year, the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit attended every credible sighting, locating and destroying 72 nests in 56 locations, with the majority of nests found in Kent.

The National Bee Unit continues to stand ready to respond quickly and effectively to any further possible sightings.

If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you should report it using the iPhone and Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’, or by using Defra's online report

form (https://risc.brc.ac.uk/ alert.php?species=asian_ hornet). People can also email alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk and should include a photograph if possible.

Defra said it is important to take care not to approach or disturb a nest. Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards people except when they perceive a threat to their nest, they added.

The Asian hornet has survived the UK winter, it has been shown

Response from The Light reader

I WOULD like to reply to your two-page spread on the Light newspaper. I and many of my family and friends read this newspaper and unlike most papers, it is passed on to other readers, so one copy is read by countless people.

This paper was born as a reaction to the Covid crisis, when we were bombarded by the media with endless fear, such as "kiss or see your granny and you will kill her", and many even worse comments.

The media ran wild and even celebrities jumped on the bandwagon, and the voice of reason was buried under the relentless attacks. The few medical experts who were brave enough to question the response were in many cases fired from their jobs and their research disappeared from view.

The hardest attacked were the many who chose for whatever reason not to take the injection. They lost jobs, family and friends, and were threatened with being put in camps, or as one celebrity said hunt us down and throw us to

the ground and forcibly inject. He like so many has now admitted that was wrong.

The on-going worldwide Covid enquiries are now showing the reaction to the crisis went too far, and the safety of the jab is being questioned. (ED: Not of this is factual. We publish merely as an example of views developed by The Light)

The author of the two-page analysis touched on many articles in The Light, too many for me to comment on, but one thing stood out to me was "combat the agenda of hate being spread by The Light, and other right-wing agendas which are promoted, both here and elsewhere".

Funny that the left wing can say what they like, if you don't agree you are far-right.

I expect to be attacked for this letter, but unlike those who attack The Light, I believe in freedom of speech.

BARRY BAILEY

Shepton Mallet

I HAVE just read the article you wrote in the most recent edition of The Leveller.

I am curious to know why you consider yourself the arbiter of truth and what should and

Sky Diary with Paul Adamson

MOON PHASES

Full Moon June 22 / Last Qtr June 28

New Moon July 5 / First Qtr July 13

PLANETS

As the summer months progress the bright planets rise ever earlier, Mars and Jupiter before 2am and Saturn around 11pm during July.

CONSTELLATION

Low on the Southern horizon late evening during June and July, the Stars of Scorpius the Scorpion can be seen. The Stars seem to form the tail

shouldn’t be published. Despite saying that you don’t want to ‘cancel’ The Light, you go on to call it mis/ disinformation.

That’s your opinion, obviously, and I find The Light a refreshing change from the government/corporate narrative that is fed to us by mainstream media (all bought and paid for), including The Leveller. Long live the truth.

GILL WYLES via email

ED: Thanks for the letter. I won't get into every point you raise, but would like to address your claim The Leveller is 'bought and paid for'. None of the editorial in The Leveller is paid for, unless marked as such (ad features). Our news is completely independent and free from corporate influence. I would encourage you to ask if the writers/editors of The Light can say the same...

Keep an eye out for Asian hornets!

WE need the help of our local community in Somerset and the surrounding areas to keep an eye out for yellow-legged

and stinger of the beast and here you will spot the red supergiant Star Antares, the name of which translates from

Asian hornets and, if you see one, to report it via the Official Asian Hornets Watch App, available from the App Store, by logging any sightings along with a photo if possible.

Each branch of the Somerset Beekeepers Association has an Asian Hornet Team ready to assist the National Bee Unit in verifying the authenticity of credible sightings.

The yellow-legged Asian hornet (not to be confused with other native species such as the European hornet) is a destructive and potentially dangerous invasive insect poised to establish itself in the UK.

It threatens to wreak havoc on wildlife in the UK through the destruction of our honey bee colonies and other insect species with the knock-on consequences to pollination of our food chain.

If in doubt, it’s better to report than not to.

TIMOTHY TROOD

Debate lies were embarrassing

the Greek the rival of Mars, as it does resemble the red planet.

A GENERAL election is supposed to be the one point where we, the British people, get a chance to have our say on who governs us for the next five years. It is hugely important and can dictate the future direction of our country and our lives, and those of our families.

CELESTIAL EVENTS

The summer Solstice falls on June 20, when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky and we have our longest day and shortest night.

SOMERSET LEVELS STARGAZERS

Meet on the last Wednesday of the month, except December, in Othery. Contact somersetlevelsstargazers@ hotmail.com for details.

Part of the duty of those standing - asking us for our votes - is to take part in good faith. If they don't, democracy falls apart.

Therefore, it was sad, heartbreaking, to hear one of the party leaders outright lie during a recent debate. Shame on them.

NAME & ADDRESS SUPPLIED

Send your letters to Paul@ blackmorevale.net

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku Pro

Across

1 French novelist recalled hint in enclosure for play? (7)

5 Some group reprimanded for homework (4)

10 Upset bird fluttering around boss, mostly (7)

11 Very intelligent person gets support at home (5)

12 Difficulty about extremes of day in pastoral poem (5)

2 Test a soprano maybe (5)

3 Insincere person adorning type of bus (6-6)

Very intelligent

4 Independent writer carrying athletic vest gets drink (6)

6 Feel strongly about India amid terrible zeal

7 Long for portion of soup in eatery (4)

13 Show vocal disapproval of soldier with energy in dance (6)

15 Regular day set for swimming (6)

17 Large dish for all to see among wooden articles (6)

19 Sound resounding again in three choirs (2-4)

20 Hide in hole electrical connection (5)

23 Origin, we’re told, in course (5)

24 Provide too many staff in rickety Rome van (7)

25 Competitive former Irish footballer by the sound of it (4)

26 Fall into ruin – as a snooker player by table might do? (2,2,3) Down

Killer Sudoku Pro Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

8 Get side panicky and most nervous (7)

9 Unlimited zone bringing up valuable stuff and minimum temperature (8,4)

14 Delight titled English actress first off with worker (7)

16 Carry out economy in middle of week in wake of former partner (7)

18 Florid rubbish largely supported by two counties (6)

21 Amorous man more excited when holding Oscar (5)

22 Flag I removed close to park in long journey (4)

St Giles animals looking for forever homes

Kenny

Kenny is a one-year-old Bull lurcher that has come here from another shelter. He was due to be put to sleep but now has a place here.

He is a friendly, happy chap and loves people and dogs alike.

He is a lurcher breed so may have possible high prey drive, therefore, needs a home with no cats or small furry animals. He has not been introduced to young children, so could live with adults.

Breed: Lurcher

Sex: Male

Age: 1 year Colour: White/black

Can live with dogs: Sociable

Nessa

Nessa is a timid but gorgeous young girl who has had a bad start in life. She wasn’t treated well by people in the past, so needs a loving understanding owner.

Lulu

Lulu is in search of her forever home after her owner moved away and couldn’t take her. She has been an amazing mum to Scampi, Pip and Noodle. She was nervous to begin with but has really come out of her shell. Lulu is an affectionate girl and could potentially live with one of her kittens or with children of 10+ years.

Breed: Domestic SH Sex: Female Age: 3 years Colour: Tortie

Size: Small Live with cats: Interested

She can be nervous meeting new people, but is a sweet, loving girl. She can be a little reactive at times, especially when experiencing different situations, but this is due to lack of socialisation as a puppy.

She would prefer to be the only dog in the home.

Breed: Mastiff

Age: 10 months

Sex: Female

Size: Large

Can live with dogs: Excitable Cats: Unknown

Thistle

Harley

Harley is a gorgeous young girl who came to us with her four siblings and her mum.

She loves playing with her toys or anything he can find and he could potentially live with another cat after suitable introductions, or with one of her siblings.

Harley could also potentially live with a cat savvy dog and children.

Breed: Domestic SH Age: 2 months

Can live w/dogs: Unknown Sex: Female

Size: Very small Colour: Tortie white

Thistle is a gorgeous chap rescued terrible conditions and neglect. We believe he is around two years old. He is very nervous but has made good, slow progress.

Thistle could potentially live with another cat after suitable and steady introductions. He will need someone that will give him his time and space to settle in.

We don’t believe Thistle has ever been around dogs so we are looking for a dog free home, and children of 16+ years.

Breed: Domestic SH

Sex: Male Age: 2 years Colour: Tabby Size: Medium

family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners.

• Collection Service • Farewell Room

• Out of Hours Service provided Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border

Are you up to scratch on flea treatments?

ARE you up to scratch with fleas?

What are Fleas?

Fleas are insects with a flat body and powerful legs for jumping.

The adult fleas live on mammals and birds. They bite for a blood meal and can cause scratching and severe irritation to pets and their owners.

Some pets can be allergic and develop skin conditions.

Some small pets can develop severe anaemia from the blood sucking fleas.

Fleas can also spread tapeworm as our pets swallow fleas that contain cysts and can develop into adult tapeworm in cats and dogs.

The most common type of flea is the cat flea called ‘Ctenocephalides felis’ these are the fleas mainly found on cats and dogs.

Life cycle

by EMILY MUNDAY DVM MRCVS Vet and owner of Hamstone Vets, Crewkerne

Fleas can survive in the environment for 90 days.

This is why they can be very difficult to eradicate from the household once they have been introduced.

The adult fleas live on the hosts (mammals including our pets and us!), The female fleas lay up to 30 eggs per day. The eggs fall off into the environment when pets are laying down. These eggs develop into larvae. Larvae feed on adult flea faeces and debris in the house. The Larvae pupate and change into adult fleas.

This doesn’t have to happen immediately and can be several weeks before the adults emerge from the pupate case. Warmth, humidity and

vibration can initiate this.

Treatment and Prevention.

Treatment for pets come in spot on topical application, oral tablets and flea collars.

The prescription products prescribed by Vets are the most effective treatment for fleas. They target adult fleas on your pets.

in the environment, all pet bedding and bed linen should be washed on a hot wash.

Some fleas can be resistant to certain flea products found on the market and if you notice your pets scratching we would advise to contact your vet for further advice.

Spot-on treatments include Bravecto, Advocate. Oral tablets include Bravecto, Simparica trio and nexgard. Flea collars include Serresto and Scalibor.

To treat the immature stages

All soft furnishing, carpets and cars should be vacuum cleaned and an insecticide aerosol used on all soft furnishing to eradicate the larvae, and pupal stage this should be repeat monthly to break the flea life cycle.

If your require any further information or have any questions we would recommend you contact your Vet practice for guidance.

Health & Wellbeing

Embracing Memories: The Heartfelt Journey of Forever Kept

STARTING Forever Kept came from a personal experience. When I had to end my breastfeeding journey with my second child earlier than expected, I needed something to hold on to, so I made a keepsake - a Tree of Life necklace from my children's baby hair. It wasn't just jewellery; it was a way to celebrate the ongoing tree of life and hold onto that special time. This little project turned into Forever Kept in 2022 because I wanted to share that same sense of comfort and celebration with others.

The things I make - rings, necklaces, earrings - aren't just accessories. They are personal stories, set in sterling silver or gold, capturing moments of joy and sorrow. I use materials like ashes and breast milk, treating each with care and respect.

I work closely with clients to make sure their memories are captured just right. It might be mixing the ashes of a beloved pet with a colour that reminds them of their pet's energy, or preserving a lock of baby hair in a clear locket.

Every piece tells a story, and those stories keep me inspired. Forever Kept is more than a business. It's about preserving the important moments in people's lives. It's a mix of memory, love, and legacy — things I try to weave into every piece of jewellery, making sure they're not just seen but felt.

I also understand that receiving these keepsakes can be emotional and sometimes difficult for people. That’s why I offer the option of delivering them in person, providing a personal touch and support during such meaningful moments.

When you trust me with your memories, I help keep them preserved — not just in your heart, but as a part of your everyday life.

'There really is something special about the comradery of working in the NHS'

LONG-serving chaplain at Yeovil Hospital, Linda Hann, has retired after helping patients and staff for more than four decades.

Linda began her career at Yeovil Hospital in 1977 and now, 47 years later, has stood down.

She has had many roles at the hospital over the course of her career, from nursing and managerial positions, to her most recent job as lead chaplain.

She has lived and worked in Somerset and neighbouring Dorset all her life, and admits she actually had no clue what she wanted to do after leaving school.

"When I finished school at the age of 16, I began working for a building society and stayed for five years," she said.

"In 1977 a friend suggested that I consider a career as a nurse, so I became a student nurse, and apart from five years at Yeovil College, I’ve been working for the NHS locally ever since.

"I qualified as a state registered nurse at the hospital in 1980, and I spent a few years in staff nurse posts, before being promoted to a ward sister post on one of the two surgical wards at Yeovil Hospital.

"I then became the medical

and outpatient manager, after which I took up the post of matron at South Petherton Community Hospital for two years.

"Following that was matron of St Margaret’s Hospice in Taunton for two years until I took a five year break from the health service and became a lecturer at Yeovil College in the health and care division, where among the groups I taught, was an Access to Nursing course.

"Years later I noticed that it was a real joy to see that many of the wards at Yeovil Hospital actually had ward sisters who I’d taught on the access course, which showed how successful it was.

"I then spent eight or nine years doing a variety of different projects for the hospital, including managing the on-site nursery for a year."

She said the skills she gained through her career meant she could take on a variety of roles.

"Throughout my career I’ve become convinced that the skills we gain along the way are very transferable, and it’s possible to do a range of wonderful jobs using those similar skills," she went on.

"One of my biggest challenges was taking a team onto two struggling wards at Yeovil Hospital for a year, to

turn them around.

"One of the two ward sisters that I took with me was our current service group director for patient flow, Mandy Carney. I’ve worked with so many wonderful colleagues over the years.

"I became the patient experience manager in 2012, overseeing PALS, complaints, bereavement, volunteers, and our wonderful ‘front desk’ team. It was during those five years that I grew to appreciate the enormous contribution that our volunteers make.

"I’ve been the lead chaplain for seven years, the last eight months of that being Somerset NHS Foundation Trust-wide.

"One of my favourite things about the chaplaincy role is that it has given me contact with so many people, both colleagues and patients throughout the hospital, I can't walk down a corridor without a friendly face saying ‘hello’."

Linda says there have been so many highlights during her long career and that she’s enjoyed every single role, finding them all hugely rewarding.

"There really is something special about the comradery of working in the NHS, and I’ve made so many wonderful life-long friends," she added.

"One of the funniest and most random days of my

career has to be the first day I became matron at South Petherton Hospital, having only worked in only an acute hospital before.

"On that day, the meat freezer in the kitchen broke down and two cows from the farm next door decided to break down the fence – they clearly wanted to welcome me.

"In some ways I’m sad to be retiring, particularly leaving the team at Yeovil Hospital who I’ve worked so closely with over the years, and latterly the Musgrove Park Hospital and community mental health service teams, who I’ve gotten to know well too. Even so, I can’t wait to put my feet up.

"The first thing I’m going to do once I’m retired is to make my own hummus instead of buying it ready made.

"Lots of people have told me not to make any decisions about retirement for the first three months. I’m surrounded by people with lots of suggestions, but I’ll see what evolves.

"My parting message to colleagues is to continue to do what I see you doing so well, look after each other because what you do is challenging and very hard work, also take time to celebrate every one of your successes."

Street food fest set for July 12-14

STREET food to tickle the tastebuds of foodies will be on offer at a Somerset festival this summer.

The Somerset Street Food Festival is set to take place at the Lake Grounds in Portishead between July 12 and 14.

More than 25 street food traders are set to be at the event, with free entry.

A spokesperson for the event said: "This summer, enjoy three days of great food, entertainment and family fun, with over 25 top street food traders coming together to serve up a diverse range of delicious dishes.

"The unique thing about the Somerset Street Food Festival is that no two traders offer the same cuisine.

"You could feast on anything from Indian to Vietnamese, Thai to Moroccan, Mexican to Afghan, Caribbean to Uzbek, with food to suit every dietary requirement and plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth. "Whether you’re looking to try something new, or just want a banging burger to go with an ice-cold lager while listening to some live music, we’ve got everything you need.

They added: "Residents of Somerset and beyond, get ready to feast upon some of the top street food that the UK has to offer.

"It will be a great food-fuelled weekend, full of refreshing drinks, entertainment and fun for all the family. It’s going to be a weekend to remember."

For more details, log on to www.streetfoodwarehouse.co.uk/ somerset.

PENDRA’S FISH & CHIPS

1 Parrett Close, Langport, TA10 9PG Tel 01458 250519

All parties order catered for Opening Hours

Tuesday: 11.45am - 2pm 4.30pm - 8.30pm

Wednesday: 11.45 am - 2pm 4.30pm - 8.30pm

Thursday: 11.45am - 2pm 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Friday: 11.45am - 2pm 4.30pm - 8.30pm

Saturday: 11.45am - 2pm 4.30pm - 9.00pm

Sunday: Closed Monday: Closed

Bank Holiday Mondays: Closed

Mushrooms for everyone (particularly during menopause)!

COBBS CORNER

The menopause is as individual as the women who enter into this new phase of life.

Thankfully, we can now discuss openly rather than keeping silent and suffering the many symptoms thrown at us at random by the good old "change of life"!

From hot flushes, aches and pains, to memory fog, insomnia and exhaustion (usually from night sweats!), mood swings and more, the menopause can at times seem relentless, alienating and downright depressing.

There are many supplements available to ease symptoms with varying degrees of success. Keeping your body in balance as much as possible is one of the key issues.

Taking natural supplements high in plant oestrogen is a good start. This helps keep hormones balanced as much as possible.

Also keeping the adrenal glands toned is vital for regulating hormone secretion as well.

One way of addressing this is in the form of mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms, anyway! The good news is they are safe, nutrient-rich and extremely effective at balancing our stress levels and hormones.

Lions mane

The go-to remedy for brain fog, one of the most frustrating symptoms. Sudden memory lapse and forgetting a sentence halfway through.

Lions mane, known as the smart mushroom, really will help to improve cognitive and mental function.

Rich in isoflavones, genistein and daidzen, it helps balance progesterone and oestrogen, thus helps calm night sweats and hot flushes.

Cordyceps

Balances progesterone and oestrogen and supports adrenal glands. This helps alleviate anxiety and insomnia.

Maitake

A really important one. Often during menopause our

glucose levels can also be turned on their head. Maitake helps regulate blood insulin levels, preventing sudden sugar rushes and dips.

Balanced blood sugar prevents sudden hunger, energy crashes, insomnia and the accumulation of belly fat.

Reishi

A fantastic mood lifter, helping lift us out of the doldrums! Adrenal calming, it also helps control the amount of cortisol released from our adrenal glands. This is the fight or flight hormone we produce for basic survival. Unfortunately we seem to short circuit during menopause and produce excess cortisol at random!

The results can be sudden

hot flushes, anxiety, mood swings, short temper, and unwelcome weight gain where our waistlines once were! Not to mention really annoying insomnia, followed by sudden bouts of fatigue.

The best way to get the full benefits of these mushrooms is in powder form.

I have found by taking half a teaspoon daily of any mushrooms you fancy in coffee or a smoothie once daily is all you need to do!

We have individual mushrooms powders available, or a really popular mushroom blend that enhances the flavour, it has a speedy effect, so we can feel the benefits much more swiftly!

MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER

CLARE WARBURTON

Dip. CFHP, MPSPract, Covering South Somerset, West Dorset & East Devon 0787 543 6789

Coins and Coin Collections Call Nick 07754058850 / trimoneta@hotmail.com

AIR RIFLES AND AIR PISTOLS wanted, by very keen collector. Any make or model. Any condition. Tel: 07970-742741

Items For Sale

BESPOKE WINDSOR-TYPE CHAIR, Handmade of light Oak by local craftsman: £50. Tel: 01934 853382,

3 X 12BORE CARTRIDGE BELTS. 2x 12bore Gun Slips. £30.00 Tel: 07536-183064

PROFILING BED WITH MATTRESS £250 plus wheelchair £75. Both excellent condition. Wincanton area. 07809765330

Classified Ads adverts@somersetleveller.co.uk

One ad per contact number. Please limit to 15 words or less. Our FREE ADS cover items up to the value of £50.

To advertise online: adverts@somersetleveller.co.uk

SOLUTIONS FROM PAGES 64-65

Motoring with David Young

New Sorrento: Spec up, price down

WHICHEVER car you happen to be driving at the moment, I’m pretty certain that if someone offered you basically the same car, with more ‘stuff’, and for less money, you’d probably bite their hand off.

The recent unveiling of the updated Kia Sorento range does exactly that - a fact that might be making Kia employees slightly concerned for the safety of their fingers.

Alongside the incredibly practical seven-seat layout, the updated range features a refreshed design inside and out, a new and highly specified line-up, and a price tag that is actually smaller than the model it replaces.

The Kia Sorento celebrates its 21st birthday this year, and it has been one of the brand’s most consistently popular models for many of those years.

The Sorento is one of Kia’s most popular models in the UK, and it’s unlikely you need me to explain the appeal of a big comfortable SUV with seven seats and a high driving position.

The current model is the fourthgeneration and, having first gone on sale in August 2020, it’s now been updated. To keep the Sorento fresh and contemporary, the new model takes a lot of design inspiration from Kia’s flagship SUV, the all-electric EV9.

grille, black sills and wheel arch mouldings, and a light dusting of chrome details to give the updated models a more premium and refined feel.

That means new vertical headlights, new daytime running lights, new alloy wheel designs, and a rugged and chunky bonnet to match the Sorento’s rugged and chunky look. There’s also a redesigned gloss black front

In the UK, the new Kia Sorento will be finished in striking Mineral Blue as standard. Five other colours appear on the options list: White, Black, and Grey will probably prove most popular, but you could also choose the Cityscape Green previously only available on the Kia

Niro, or a completely new Volcanic Sand option.

The interior of the Sorento has also been updated to bring it into line with Kia’s newer SUV models.

The Kia Sorento was already one of the best-equipped models in its segment, but apparently that wasn’t enough. Updated models feature several new premium features, such as fingerprint recognition, dual curved 12.3-inch displays, ambient lighting, and a customisable head-up display. The new Kia Sorento also benefits from artificial leather and recycled PET cloth throughout the cabin and upholstery.

The Kia Sorento model line-up has also been refined and simplified, and now features just three trim levels:

‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4’ variants.

Regardless of trim level, the new Sorento offers an exceptional level of standard equipment. Automatic LED lights, rain-sensing wipers, dual zone air conditioning, heated front seats, and keyless entry are all there. In terms of technology, you also get a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth and voice recognition, six USB-C sockets, and reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors.

That is by no means the entire list, but it should be enough for you to get the idea.

On top of that, each of the three trim levels builds on that impressive base with a range of alloy wheels, privacy glass, Bose speaker upgrades, panoramic roof, head-up display, and a whole host of safety and driver assistance systems.

In line with the simplified trim range, the new Kia Sorento keeps the engine options equally straightforward too.

As already mentioned, Kia will offer the new Sorento in three grades and each will come with a choice of three powertrain options.

If that’s starting to sound a bit complicated, don’t worry. Regardless of your chosen trim-level you’ll actually be choosing from the same list of engine options: a diesel, a petrol hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid.

Each powertrain delivers power and performance while maintaining optimum fuel efficiency. Each one is also fitted with all-wheel drive as standard.

The entry-level option is the 190bhp, 2.2-litre diesel engine coupled to an eightspeed dual-clutch transmission. The hybrid option combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with the electrical system to generate a total of 212 bhp. The plug-in version uses the same 1.6-litre petrol engine but offers a little more power with 249 bhp. Both hybrid systems are connected to the wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Kia has yet to reveal the specifications for the electric part of the hybrid system so unfortunately I can’t share the finer the details at the moment.

I’d rather not take a wild guess at battery capacity or recharge times because I’d

probably be completely wrong but given Kia’s recent success with its range of EVs I’m willing to bet it’ll work out quite well.

Kia has already revealed the pricing and specifications for UK versions of the new Sorento range and order books are already open.

The new Kia Sorento is on sale from £41,995 - £3,030

less than the current entrylevel Sorento - with the list price rising to £55,995 for the range-topping Sorento ‘4’ Plug-in hybrid version.

Yes, you can add a bit more to the price if you start dipping into the options list, but generally speaking you’ll still getting more car for less money than with the outgoing model. And you’ll get considerably more for your money than some of Kia’s competitors are offering.

Add in the seven-year warranty and it’s easy to see why Kia UK recently sold its 1.5-millionth car, and why it easily makes it into the nation’s top five car brands.

Ikea jobs - online...

FURNITURE giant Ikea is recruiting new staff for its latest store - in the digital world.

On June 24, the chain is launching The Co-Worker Game on virtual platform Roblox, an online community that allows players to immerse themselves in their own digital world.

The game is Ikea's first foray into gaming, with staff now being recruited for 10 paid roles.

Successful applicants will be able to flex their skills, help customers, and get promoted to move departments, just like in the real world, the company said.

Visitors to the online shop will be able to venture to Ikea’s famous Swedish Food Market and Bistro and serve up endless amounts of meatballs, or stop over at the various showrooms

and use famous products to organise the space.

"We’re excited to be the first brand to launch paid work on Roblox to showcase how we do careers differently, bringing our unique careers philosophy to life," said Darren Taylor, country people and culture manager, Ikea UK and Ireland.

"At IKEA, there is no set route to career progression. Our co-workers are able to change roles, switch departments, and grow in any direction they choose, both in the game or in the real world."

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Property Property site says general election could lead to a boom in the property market

ALMOST all people planning to sell or buy a home in the coming weeks say the upcoming general election will not change their plans.

After a survey of thousands of people, property website Rightmove said 95% told them the election would not alter their plans.

Tim Bannister, from Rightmove, said: "With the date now set for a summer general election, we anticipate that housing market activity will remain steady in the lead-up to the election based on previous patterns.

"This is further supported by the current attitude among home-movers, with the majority indicating that the election will not affect their plans.

"Over the past four years, home-movers have faced numerous challenges, including a global pandemic, a

shortage of housing supply, and rapidly changing prices.

"For many, 2024 is finally the year to make their move, and they’re determined to proceed with their plans to secure their next home."

Meanwhile, the firm said previous general elections had led to a boost in the property market.

In 2015, demand from buyers was consistent leading up to the election, which was held in May, before demand then increased the following month - 18% higher than the year before.

And in 2019, demand remained stable in the months prior, and saw an annual

increase of 13% in the December election month.

That was followed by an annual increase in buyer demand of 14% in January 2020.

Tim added: "Previous elections would indicate we may be set for a particularly strong summer once the election is over, especially if interest rates start to fall.

"However, every election is different, and it would depend on whether any significant housing policies are also introduced, so we’ll need to wait and see what happens to have a better view of activity for the rest of the year."