THE St Margaret’s Hospice to Hospice Ultra Hike has been hailed a resounding success, with more than 100 participants walking over 30 miles from the Yeovil Hospice hub to the Taunton Hospice hub on Sunday, September 21.

Together, the hikers raised an incredible £52,000 for the hospice.

Sponsored by Westcountry Windows, the endurance challenge saw walkers set off early in the morning, able to watch the sunrise as they trekked through scenic Somerset countryside. Along the way, well-stocked check-in points kept spirits high with snacks, drinks, and a hearty pasty lunch, before participants were welcomed at Taunton Hospice with prosecco, jacket potatoes, and a specially designed medal celebrating the hospice’s 45th anniversary. Supporters lined parts of the route, waving signs of encouragement, good luck, and thanks –lovingly created by patients at the hospices Sunflower Day Centres.

The day was filled with smiles, camaraderie, and emotion. Kath Langridge her son, Jack were the first to cross the finish line, arriving nearly two hours earlier than expected. Their achievement was particularly poignant, as Kath’s husband and Jack’s father – Rob, had been cared for by the hospice both through the Community Nursing service and in the In-Patient Unit.

Participants continued arriving at the finish line right up until nightfall, sharing hugs, tears, and laughter as they completed the challenge. Despite blisters and aching muscles, the atmosphere was one of triumph and pride. For many, crossing the finish line was both a celebration and a moment of remembrance.

The event could not have been such a success without the dedicated efforts of the staff and volunteers who supported the day. For many, it was their first time volunteering with the hospice, and their dedication – from marshalling to serving food and drinks – was appreciated by everyone involved.

Merle Harrison-Croft, event manager for the hospice said: “We are absolutely thrilled by the success of the Hospice to Hospice Ultra Hike. The determination and generosity shown by our walkers and their supporters has been truly inspiring. Every pound raised helps us continue providing compassionate care for our patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. We are incredibly thankful to all who walked, donated, volunteered, and cheered on along the way.”

The Hospice to Hospice Ultra Hike has been a landmark success in the charity’s calendar – a fitting tribute to 45 years of hospice care, and a celebration of community spirit at its best.

ALTHOUGH storms stopped the show back in September the Ferne Animal Sanctuary on the Blackdown Hills is delighted to announce the return of its 31st annual dog show, digitally.

Ferne has launched its ‘Online Dog & Cat Show’ to make up lost fundraising due to cancelled event.

This year’s dog show is generously supported by Mount Vets Veterinary Hospital Wellington.

When the skies turned, so did plans; but not spirit! After losing this year's in‑person dog show to storms - and the sanctuary's biggest annual fundraiser - Ferne Animal Sanctuary invites pet lovers to join its Online Dog & Cat Show 2025, combining community fun with much‑needed fundraising for its rescue animals.

With entries open until October 10, the digital show features 10 themed classes, including: Loveliest Lady – Sponsored by Yarcombe Woodland Products; Most Handsome Male – Debonair Dogz; Cutest Youngster (under 12 months) – Alro Services Ltd; Best Veteran (10-plus) – Wiggle Tails Dog Paddock; Best Rescue – Letells Accountants; Best Sleeping Place – Walpole Dunn Chartered Certified Accountants; Best Bedhead – Coombefield Veterinary Hospital; Best Tongue Out – Minster Veterinary Surgery Wellington; Best Friends – Pawsome Fun Paddock; Best Action Shot – WBW Solicitors; Best in Show – Sponsored by Blackdown Hills National Landscape.

Winners receive rosettes and a feature in Ferne Magazine - and all proceeds go toward helping Ferne bridge the £5,000 funding gap left by the weather-related cancellation of this year's dog show.

Emma Purnell, chief executive officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: “Our annual dog show is a real celebration of our four-legged friends and a chance for the community to come together. It’s always a highlight of the year for us at Ferne, not only because it’s such an enjoyable day, but also because it helps raise the funds we need to continue providing a safe haven for animals that need us most."

For full details and to sumbit an entry: www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/online-dog-and-cat-show-2025

AN exhibition has opened in the Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury, offering a new appraisal of the work and life of writer and artist Hope Bourne.

Running until January 10, ‘A Life Outside: Hope Bourne on Exmoor’, is created in partnership with the Exmoor Society which cares for The Hope L. Bourne Collection.

This exhibition considers Bourne’s status as one of the Westcountry’s most significant nature writers, whose work and way of life are especially prescient in this time of advancing environmental crisis.

It draws on new research by writer and Guardian Country Diarist Sara Hudston, whose book ‘A Life Outside: Hope Bourne on Exmoor’ will be published next year.

Sara is co-curating the exhibition with Kate Best, for the South West Heritage Trust.

Hope Bourne (1918–2010) was a writer and artist who spent almost 60 years recording the landscape, wildlife, history, and changing rural traditions of Exmoor.

Fiercely creative and resolutely independent, she led a self-reliant life that gave her the freedom to write, draw, and paint.

For nearly 40 years, Bourne occupied a series of dilapidated cottages and caravans on the Somerset side of Exmoor, living off the land as much as possible.

Writing provided a small and precarious income, and she exchanged drawings and watercolours for meals with friends.

Bourne was a prolific creator.

She made thousands of drawings and paintings, wrote and illustrated books, authored pamphlets and newspaper columns, as well as keeping a daily journal.

She bequeathed her entire estate to the Exmoor Society, of which she was a founder member.

Lisa Eden, from the Exmoor Society said: “The Hope L. Bourne Collection consists of over 700 books and pamphlets, more than 2,000 sketches and drawings, published and unpublished manuscripts, a mass of cuttings and jottings, photographs, and other personal belongings.

“This vast and fascinating collection offers a window on the life of this remarkable woman and is an irreplaceable record of a place in time.”

Among the objects on loan for the exhibition are Bourne’s paraffin lamp, her Roberts radio, compass, binoculars, and Swiss Army knife.

There are displays of the detailed landscape sketches she made, sometimes on the backs of envelopes and cereal packets - testament to her frugal way of life.

Her personal journals and published works also feature.

To further explore Hope Bourne’s legacy and connection with the Exmoor landscape, a series of events are taking place, including a guided walk on Exmoor and a talk about the Bourne archive with Lisa Eden from the Exmoor Society.

Writer and co-curator Sara Hudston will be hosting a nature writing workshop and an ‘In Conversation’ evening exploring ‘Women Outside’ with journalist and author Meg Clothier.

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. More information on its website.

SOMERSET Sight, the local charity supporting more than 3,000 visually impaired people across the county, recently held a fund-raiser to help it continue providing vital support to those living with sight impairment.

The fund-raiser took place at the beautiful Yarlington Country House, near Wincanton, and featured a car boot sale and country fair, making a fantastic family day out with traditional games, entertainment, classic cars, a fun dog show, and much more.

A spokesperson said: “We were fortunate with the weather, and the event was well supported by enthusiastic sellers, buyers, and lots of wonderful dogs

“A huge thank you to everybody who came along, braving the elements, your contributions truly make a difference.

“If you would like to learn more about how you can help Somerset Sight, or donate, then please contact our office on 01832 333818 or email [email protected]”

ELIGIBLE people are urged to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to help protect themselves and their families this winter.

Dr Vinay Takwale, NHS England’s South West medical director, said: “Getting vaccinated is vital to help keep yourself and those around you Stay Well this winter – while also helping to reduce the pressure seasonal infections can have on our healthcare service.

“Flu is a highly infectious disease which can cause symptoms much worse than a heavy cold and getting flu or COVID-19 can be very dangerous for those most at risk. Vaccines provide the best protection against these infections which is why we are urging everyone who is eligible to vaccinated as soon as possible.

“You can book an appointment through the National Booking System, by speaking with your GP, or at some local pharmacies for those aged over 18. In addition, this year for the first time ever, parents will also be able to get their children aged two to three years old vaccinated against flu at many pharmacies across the region.”