PRESIDENT Richard Williams, welcomed 25 members to the Monument Probus Club of Wellington’s first meeting of the new year, held at the Beambridge Inn, Sampford Arundel.

A brief business section of the morning touched upon arrangements for forthcoming social events including the president’s luncheon, scheduled for the Oake Manor Golf Club on Thursday, February 5.

Members were further reminded of the club’s 2026 autumn break, to be held in October at the Milford Hall Hotel, Salisbury.

The remainder of the meeting was given over to a talk by Brian Wright, entitled “West Country Witchcraft”.

Members were enthralled by the speaker’s knowledge of this dark subject, which revealed how various allegations – often outlandish – about various women in communities resulted in panic among local residents and individuals paying the ultimate price.

Mr Wright also explained that the West Country was the venue for some of the country’s first “Witch Trials” and the last location where some of women found to be guilty of the charge were executed.

After a questions-and-answers session, a vote of thanks to Mr Wright was proposed by the president.

With the president’s annual luncheon taking precedence in February, the club’s next regular monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, March 5, 11 am, at the Beambridge Inn, when the president, David Williams will give a presentation, entitled “The Last Confederate and First Canadian”.

The Monument Probus Club welcomes new members.

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

THE United Benefice of Hemyock with Culm Davy, Clayhidon, and Culmstock was delighted to again welcome Ad Hoc Voices to a service of Holy Communion held in St Mary’s Church, Hemyock, which was followed with refreshments.

The service, was attended by nearly 80 people and was taken by the Rev Vanessa Cole, with the choir conducted by Laurence Blythe, and guest organist Andrew Trewhella.

The service began with a solo introit with the choir singing various parts throughout the service and an anthem as the congregation took communion.

THE February and March dates have been arranged for the Wivey Folk Dancing group, which meets in Wiveliscombe Community Centre.

They are the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 8 pm to 10.30 pm.

February 10 will see Robert Blackborow with his own music and a short annual meeting will be held during the tea break.

On February 24 it will be club night, with club callers and a bring and share supper, which needs to be cut and plated ready to eat.

Zena Roberts and Chris Toyne will be there on March 10, and Simon Maplesom and Jeroka on March 24.

The £4 entry includes tea or coffee.

A spokesperson said: “We look forward to welcoming our regulars and anybody who would like to join us for an enjoyable evening of dancing to live music with experienced callers.

“There is always a good range of dances to suit all.

“No experience or partner needed.”

SOMERSET Council’s Tenant Social Value Group is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to making a difference in the wider community, and the group’s latest project is already boosting positive change for the Conquest Centre near Cotford St Luke.

Conquest Centre is an independent charity established in 1965, having operated as an RDA (Riding for the Disabled) centre for many years, it has evolved in response to changing client needs and funding requirements.

Today, Conquest Centre is an inclusive service offering therapeutic support to individuals of all ages and abilities. It provides a safe, natural, and non-judgemental environment that promotes emotional, social, physical, and mental wellbeing.

A key feature of the Conquest Centre’s inclusive environment has always been its sensory room - a crucial space for individuals with autism, anxiety, and sensory processing needs – which was in urgent need of refurbishment.

Lead executive member for communities at Somerset Council, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, said: “Social value is key to our commitment to our communities and as part of the Housing Revenue Service’s procurement processes, we invite contractors to include an element of ‘Social Value’ within their proposals.

“Thanks to these generous contributions, our Tenant Social Value Group is able to work with sustainable, targeted projects to provide invaluable additional support and resources that benefit not just our tenants, but our whole community.”

Jess Dixon, Conquest Centre manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected for funding by the Council’s Tenant Social Value Group. The impact of the transformation has been immediate. We’ve seen increased engagement, relaxation, and demand for the sensory room which is more than just a standalone feature; the room now integrates seamlessly with other therapies, really strengthening Conquest Centre’s holistic approach to wellbeing. Importantly, it is open to our wider community, helping to reduce stigma around mental health and neurodiversity.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been involved in creating this amazing space for our visitors and the local community – EEM, MD Group-Electric Heating, SENSational Spaces who designed and built the new space, the Tenant Social Value Group for their dedication in bringing the space to life and of course our wonderful volunteers, families and friends for their patience and enthusiasm.”

Cllr Smith-Robert added: “A huge thank you to our Social Value Group members led by Sharon Sloan and Sharon Yarde, for their passion and dedication in their efforts in bringing about this fantastic facility. The group is always on the look-out for sustainable, inclusive community-based projects which would benefit from financial support to make a real, lasting difference.”

Officially opened on December 19, 2025, by the Tenants Social Value Group, the newly renovated sensory space at the Conquest Centre is bright, welcoming and thoughtfully equipped with interactive light panels, tactile walls, calming furnishings, and sound/vibration features.

The design is flexible to accommodate the diverse needs of children, families, and individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress, and now provides a safe and soothing environment for all.

JOIN Wellington Folk and Custom Society for their annual merry and jolly Wassail this January.

At 7.30 pm on Saturday (January 17) the Wellington Folk and Custom Society will gather at The Cottage Inn on Champford Lane to participate in the ancient tradition of Wassailing.

Wassailing is a centuries-old custom full of community spirit, held in the depths of January to bless the orchards for a bountiful harvest.

Wassail gets its name from an old English term “waes hael” meaning “be well” which was shouted like a toast with the reply “drinc hael” meaning “drink and be healthy” at festivities in the darkest days of January as far back as Saxon times.

Lee Edmead, co-ordinator and founder of Wellington Folk and Custom Society, said: “We will have Wassail singers of 2026, the song-keeper, Mistress & Master of Ceremony, Wise-maiden, Piper & Drummer, Modred the dragon, BootStrap Border Morris Team, The Wellington Traditional Folk Musicians, Mr Double Danger the 2nd.

“Bring pots and pans, drums, whistles, bells, participate in scaring off the 'Maulscrawl' spirits, to enhance a good crop of Apples for later in the year.

“We will start at the Cottage Inn, then off to bless the apple trees, then return, for further celebrations with 'Bootstrap Border Morris team with their dancers and musicians, then a new addition this year a 'Mummers play' and then we will continue into the night with traditional folk music tunes & songs in the pub.”

THE Wellington Warm Welcome Cafe is looking for volunteers to help serve teas, coffees and lend a friendly ear to anyone in need.

Wellington Warm Welcome is a free, welcoming space in The Kings Arms Community Hub that offers hot drinks, hot food, activities and a warm place to connect.

The sessions take place on Mondays at 4 pm to 8 pm, Wednesday 11 am to 3 pm and on Fridays at 11 am to 3 pm.

Everyone is welcome to pop in for warmth, company, or a bit of extra support over the winter.

If you are interested in volunteering, email [email protected]

No referral is needed.

A SIXTH former at Wellington School represented England at senior international level in both singles and doubles at the Astana International Challenge in Kazakhstan.

Competing against seasoned professionals on the international circuit, Steve demonstrated outstanding maturity, resilience, and competitive spirit throughout the tournament.

As a result of his continued progress and strong performances on the international circuit, Steve has now broken into the top 500 men’s singles players in the World Rankings.

A spokesperson for Wellington School: “This milestone represents a fantastic achievement, particularly given that Steve is just 17-years-old and competing against fully established senior professionals.

His success at this level reflects his dedication, work ethic, and commitment to continual improvement.”