TWENTY-seven members of the Monument Probus Club of Wellington gathered for its September meeting, held at the Beambridge Inn, Sampford Arundel.

They were welcomed by the president, Richard Williams.

Following a brief business section of the meeting, members enjoyed an engaging presentation with colourful slides on the Wildlife of Costa Rica, presented by Nick Thomas, from Milverton.

After briefly outlining the central American country’s history and geography, which gained its independence from Spain in 1938, widely-travelled Mr Thomas explained that Costa Rica had now gone on to become a popular destination for tourists, particularly from the United States.

Its incredible biodiversity and natural landscapes make it a particular location for wildlife tourism.

Its varied terrains, including mountains and rainforests, plus coastlines with both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean make Costa Rica a haven for a multitude of varied species of wildlife, ranging from tropical birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects.

Mr Thomas’ talk prompted a lively session of questions and answers, after which the speaker received a vote of thanks from the president, followed by a round of applause from the members.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 2, at 11 am in the Beambridge Inn.

The speaker will be Brian Fernley, who will give a presentation entitled ‘Hunting the Hunter – RAF Dunkeswell in World War Two’.

Monument Probus Club welcomes new members.

More information can be obtained from the honorary secretary via email to [email protected]

STAFF in the Wellington branch of estate agent Gibbins Richards, in High Street, have just won gold in The British Property Awards (BPA).

The team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, which focused on customer service levels.

The Gibbins Richards team have now been shortlisted for a number of national awards which will be announced later in the year.

The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional, and national competition.

Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with the BPA accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

A Gibbins Richards spokesperson said: “Our Wellington branch has just been awarded a gold award, first place, for customer service out of all the estate agents in Wellington.

“Naturally, we feel very proud of this.”

DESPITE the weather forecast, the morning stayed dry for the pet service held in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church, Hemyock.

Along with 45 people there were a large number of dogs, a chicken, and two guinea pigs, as well a number of cuddly toys.

During August, a paper quiz competition had been held for children asking them to find the answers in and around the church and churchyard, and during the service every competitor was presented with a prize.

The service was taken by lay ministers Liz and Piers Langdon assisted by Hazel Partridge.

During the service it was announced that the Rev Vanessa Cole had accepted the post of Rector of the United Benefice of Hemyock with Culm Davy, Clayhidon, and Culmstock.

This is a half-time post and it is hoped the licensing of Rev Cole will take place during November.

SOMERSET Sight, a local charity supporting more than 3,000 blind or partially sighted people across the county, held a very successful and informative technology open day for its service users on Wednesday, September 3, at its office headquarters in Taunton.

The charity’s low vision therapist Julie Dyer helped many people with magnifiers and techniques to use them, while technology officer Jenny Forbes was able to help people with all their digital needs and devices.

Humanware, Touchpoint Vision, Optelec, and Professional Vision Services attended to demonstrate their amazing products which are designed to enable people with sight loss to read print more readily.

Somerset village and community agents from the Community Council for Somerset were also in attendance and were able to help many attendees.

The open day was a great success and was attended by 70 people who were able to try out a huge range of technological support that is available to assist the visually impaired.

Forty-five people, some of whom had attended the open day, were served with a delicious lunch at Dave’s Diner, one of Somerset Sight’s 12 monthly social groups, which are held across the county.

Anybody who would like any further information or knows of somebody with sight loss needing help should call 01823 333818.

WILDLIFE lovers are being invited to sign up for the RSPCA’s autumn active fund-raising event ‘Walk on the Wild Side’.

The event invites people to complete a walking challenge throughout October.

The fund-raising challenge comes at a critical time for the charity as it reveals that last October was its busiest month for hedgehogs in the past five years, and also marks the beginning of ‘seal pup season’,when the RSPCA’s wildlife hospitals also typically see a spike in grey seals admitted as orphans, or struggling to feed and are weak and underweight.

The challenge offers two distance tiers to be completed over the month - 60 miles (96.6 km) or an ‘Ultra Wild Challenge’ of 120 miles (193.1 km).

Participants have the flexibility to choose their own location for the challenge, and a fund-raising target of £100 is suggested per person.

RSPCA mass participation manager Olivia Williams said: “Every hour, a wild animal needs our care, and we know that so many animal lovers want to help.

“That is why we are thrilled to be launching ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ as a way for people to really make a difference and support our vital work.”

Already this autumn, the RSPCA’s specialist teams have been called to care for hedgehogs.

Two tiny hoglets were taken in last week by the team at RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre, near Taunton, after being found orphaned.

They are now receiving round-the-clock care, including being hand-fed.

Those who sign up to take part in the challenge will receive a welcome pack upon registration, which includes an RSPCA T-shirt, a miles tracker, and a wildlife spotting sheet.

Early registrants will also receive a limited edition dog bandana, and those who successfully raise £100 by October 31 will be awarded an exclusive ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ medal.

Registration is done by completing an online form to receive the challenge welcome pack.

People can also join a dedicated Facebook group for fund-raising advice and peer support.

Participants are encouraged to undertake preparatory walks before October and then to complete their chosen distance during the month while using the provided spotter cards.

Ms Williams said: “We are excited to see people sign up for the challenge through this month, ready to begin on October 1, and we cannot thank people enough for joining us in this fantastic event.

“Every penny raised will directly contribute to the RSPCA's mission of caring for wildlife across England and Wales, and make a huge difference to animals.”

More information on fund-raising for the RSPCA is available on the charity’s website www.rspca.org.uk

RARELY has a u3a been so busy, buzzing around like at its recent meeting.

There were plenty of interest groups to join; some already running like current affairs, but also new ones forming.

Books, for instance, was so popular that a second ‘Book Group’ is being set up. A ‘Local History Group’ is also being setting up with around 40 potential members already signed in. A sewing group also had a very full sign-up sheet.

The u3a welcomed 64 members who were renewing their membership and exploring new interest group possibilities. There were also 44 visitors, an unprecedented number, who came along to find out what the group can offer and many of whom gave good, positive feedback.

The u3a website, www.wellington.u3asite.uk, on Tuesday, September 9, showed there were 31 visits with a massive 178 views as a result of leaflets taken and followed up.

A spokesperson said: “I hope that all of you who visited will join us and find a new expression for spare time.

“I would like to expect our next monthly meeting, that takes place in the Rugby Club, Corams Lane at 10.15 am on Monday, October 13, where our presentation will be the Tale from Wassail to the Glass, a talk on Cider and it's associated traditions, given by Mike Highfield, to be well attended. Here’s hoping. Positive thoughts…

“Our fee for the Year holds at only £15. Many groups are free to attend and a few charge only £1 per session if in a rented venue; very good value for money. We only ask you to bring along yourself, an open mind and a cup to enjoy coffee/tea and biscuits at your leisure. I look forward to meeting you."