THE Nynehead Parish Council convened its regular monthly meeting at the Memorial Hall on Monday, December 17.

The gathering began with a festive atmosphere, as the Nynehead Carol Singers sang traditional carols while collecting for the Children’s Hospice Southwest.

Members of the parish council also enjoyed seasonal treats, including mince pies and stollen, setting a cheerful tone for the proceedings.

During the meeting, councillors discussed the draft budget for the financial year 2026/27.

After clarifying expected costs for some items, all councillors reached an agreement on the final figures.

This approved budget forms the basis for the parish council’s precept demand to Somerset Council.

It was noted that the precept for the upcoming year will see a modest increase of 4.73 per cent compared to last year.

The parish council then moved on to discuss developing a comprehensive Emergency Plan for the village.

As part of this effort, members agreed to rename the “Emergency Monitors” to “Community Emergency Contacts” (CECs).

It was also decided to organise a meeting at the Memorial Hall, where these volunteers will have the opportunity to meet and learn more about the Emergency Plan.

To aid communication in times of emergency, the council acknowledged the value of Nynehead Now, the village’s community WhatsApp group and digital noticeboard, which is managed by Mr Jeremy Toye.

The council agreed that Mr Toye should add a second SIM card to his mobile phone, dedicated to Nynehead Now, at a cost of £6 per month.

Mr Malcolm Vest has continued his collaboration with Somerset Council traffic engineer, Kate Brown, working on the placement of new flood depth gauges.

The process has involved producing long sections to more accurately identify suitable locations for these markers.

However, challenges remain in finding positions where the gauges are visible to motorists before they enter floodwaters, without significant portions of the signage being buried.

The council noted that an ideal solution would involve a digital depth sensor connected to illuminated displays.

The meeting concluded with the usual administrative matters of the parish council.

The next meeting of the Nynehead Parish Council is scheduled for Monday, January 19, at the Nynehead Memorial Hall, beginning at 7.30pm.

For additional information, including dates of future parish council meetings and minutes from previous meetings, residents are encouraged to visit the village website at www.nyneheadparish.gov.uk

Nynehead Parish Council is committed to serving the needs of the community.

Residents are warmly invited to share ideas, raise concerns, or suggest new initiatives either in person at a parish council meeting or by contacting the clerk via email at [email protected]

THIS year has been very busy for the Wellington Rotarians.

The Rotary Club of Wellington, Somerset raised more than £10,000 to support many local good causes including the Air Ambulance, SURE, Reminiscence Learning, EpiPens for schools, sports kits for disability football, netball and rugby teams, minibus for the Scouts, various school projects and the Royal British Legion.

A spokesperson from Wellington Rotary Club, said: “None of this would be possible without the wonderful support we've had from our Wellington community and surrounding areas, so we'd like to say thank you to everyone that helped, donated and supported our various projects.”

RESIDENTS of a specialist dementia care home in Wellington, Somerset, were among more than 30 groups to exhibit a decorated tree at the annual Christmas Tree Festival hosted by St Mary the Virgin Church in West Buckland.

The popular festive event saw the church filled with beautifully decorated trees from local groups, as well as other creative displays of work by talented locals, plus a chance to enjoy festive refreshments and support the church.

Harriet Burraston, activities co-ordinator at Camelot House and Lodge, said: “The West Buckland Christmas Tree Festival is great for community engagement, with local schools, businesses and a variety of other groups taking part, each creating their own unique tree.

“Our residents had such fun making their tree decorations out of salt dough and then painting them once they were cooked.

“Our tree also had wooden decorations which were coloured in by our talented ladies and gents.

“Once all the trees were up on display in the church, we took Liz Blatchford and Joan Smith, who both live with us at Camelot House and Lodge, over to see the final exhibition.

“They were really impressed by all the beautiful displays and were also most appreciative of the festive mince pies and hot chocolate, as well as having a great time doing a bit of shopping at the craft stalls that were there.

“It was lovely for our residents to be involved in this local community project, and we’d like to say a special thank you to Heather Bailey from the church who invited us and made our visit so wonderful.”

Camelot House and Lodge is run by award-winning dementia care provider Camelot Care who also runs other specialist homes in Bridgwater and Yeovil in Somerset, and Holsworthy and Plymouth in Devon.

FOUR students from Wellington School have been accepted one of the most prestigious training programmes for young performers in the world.

The Wellington School pupils, Arthur, Auralia, Annabelle and Charlotte have been accepted onto the highly competitive Acting Pathway at Stagebox.

Stagebox attracts thousands of applicants each year, with only a limited number of places available.

The Acting Pathway provides award-winning, intensive training in acting for screen, dialects, improvisation and performance technique.

Students are taught by industry-leading professionals who play an active role in shaping screen careers in both the UK and the United States, offering unparalleled insight into the professional performing arts sector.

A spokesperson from Wellington School, said: “Acceptance onto the programme marks a significant milestone in the students’ creative journeys and is a testament to their exceptional talent, dedication and determination.

“We also congratulate all students who auditioned for the programme. The audition process itself requires courage, commitment and resilience, qualities that are essential for success within the performing arts industry. The school is proud of every student who embraced the challenge and pushed beyond their comfort zone.

“We look forward to supporting Arthur, Auralia, Annabelle and Charlotte as they embark on this exciting next chapter and to celebrating many more creative successes in the future.”

The opportunity will the students to develop advanced performance skills while gaining valuable exposure to professional creative and production teams from the West End, Broadway, Hollywood and beyond.

AN organisation that provides support for people going through or who have recovered from substance abuse is inviting more people to attend their coffee and chat sessions after a successful Christmas fair.

Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) host coffee and chat sessions in the Kings Arms Community Hub every Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm.

The coffee and chat session is a non judgemental space where professionals from SDAS provide confidential advice and support for anyone using alcohol or drugs.

Everyone is welcome to attend the coffee and chat sessions and no appointments are needed.

SDAS hosted a Christmas fair on Tuesday, December 16, which saw bauble painting, Christmas wrapping and handmade Christmas cards on sale.

People from all walks of life were in attendance and encouraged to join in with the festive celebrations.

Joseph Olubodun, manager for the volunteers payments in the aftercare team for SDAS, said: “We aim to break down the stigma of addiction and reconnect individuals who have gone through substance abuse with the community. We are all human and addiction does not discriminate.”

SDAS is commissioned by Somerset County Council and delivered by Turning Point.

For more information, visit: www.turning-point.co.uk/services/somerset

COURT Fields School art department is looking for materials that students can use in their creative projects.

The school is appealing for magazines, costume jewellery, buttons, trinkets, small children’s toys, figurines and lego.

A spokesperson for Court Fields School, said: “Our art department are in need of some help.

“We are kindly asking that if you have any of the items, please donate it to the art department as we are running short.

“We use these materials a lot so if you do have any going to charity, please send them our way.”