On Thursday, June 19, Wellington WI met at the Beambridge Inn for a very interesting talk by Dr Karen Stead-Dexter. Dr Stead-Dexter is an Animal & Natural Assisted Therapist and uses animals and nature to treat both adults and children with a variety of mental health issues, PTSD, anxiety and depression. Using her birds of prey and the natural environment around Somerset, she has witnessed the importance of nature in therapy and the grounding effect it has on her patients, who come from all walks of life, including military veterans. She brought along George, her 16-year-old and very handsome Barn Owl and Ela, her magnificent female Harris Hawk. It was incredible to see these beautiful birds at such close quarters.

We then had a round-up of our Club News, and members gave updates on the various clubs including the Gardening Club, Book Club, Creative Writing, Craft Group, and the Supper Club. Some of our members have taken up Pickleball which is proving to be very successful and great fun. No previous skill required and new members who would like to try it out are welcome to come along.

Following our usual break for coffee and some very delicious cake provided by our members, great fun ensued with an Animal Quiz, with members having brought photographs of their animals or, in the case of one member, a greatly treasured stuffed frog who sang ‘What a Wonderful World’! The meeting closed following the raffle.

Our next meeting is on Thursday, July 17, at the Beambridge Inn, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Anita Roy from Transition Town Wellington will update us about what they are doing. Visitors are always welcome. For more information about us, please contact us at [email protected], or check out our website: wellingtonwi.org.uk

A big thank you to everyone who supports our charities.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) hosted its fourth annual 5K Twilight Shift on Saturday 5th July, bringing together supporters from across the region for a wonderful evening of fun and fitness.

This year’s 5K Twilight Shift held extra significance as DSAA celebrated 25 years of service, providing critical care to people across Dorset and Somerset. The charity event saw families, friends, colleagues and solo challengers take on the 5K route around Henstridge Airfield, the charity’s operational base. Many participants took part for personal reasons, in memory of loved ones, or even as a personal challenge for a good cause. DSAA’s Critical Care Doctor, Ian Mew, even took to the track dressed as the charity mascot, Dasher!

Alana Hardy DSAA’s Event Officer said: “This year’s 5K Twilight Shift felt truly special, it was amazing to see so many people coming together, not just to raise funds, but to be part of something meaningful in our 25th Anniversary year. From first timers to seasoned fundraisers, everyone played a part in making it a night to remember, and we are so grateful to all those who joined us.”

DSAA extends hearfelt thanks to everyone who made the evening a success, from those who registered and fundraised, to the volunteers and supporters who brought energy and encouragement to the airfield.

The charity also expressed thanks to its valued event partners and sponsors, including Henstridge Airfield Clubhouse Café, HK Law, Events Crew, Life Support CPR, and DocBike.

The concerts began on June 1 and run through every Sunday afternoon from 2.30pm until 4.30pm until the end of August, the last one being on 31.

The first five concerts took place in June and were a huge success as was the first one in July. There are three more to come in July two of which are new to the park. The Birddogs on July 13 and Tom Brain on July 20, both of which have been highly recommended and on July 27 we have the very popular Sapphire with 60's plus music.

We always have a lovely audience of between 400 and 600 people, many of whom love to get up and boogie in front of the bandstand. Entry is free and refreshments are available from 2pm.

The Community Cafe in Milverton is open every Wednesday from 10.30am until 12.15pm for coffee and cake, with lunch available on the last Wednesday of every month. We meet in the Methodist Chapel in Silver Street.

On August 6, we shall be opening in the Victoria Rooms for coffee and cake and it is a free event, everyone is welcome from 10.30am until 12.15pm.

A bright and breezy afternoon saw crowds attend the annual parish church fete at Hemyock which was opened by well known resident Mary Hawkins. She spoke of her family’s long association with St Mary’s and thanked everyone who was involved with the upkeep and variety of services and events held there.

The highly enjoyable afternoon raised £1, 295 The Poppy Club hung a beautiful handcrafted Fall cascading from the church wall whilst around the churchyard was bunting and other various knitted and crocheted items including a couple sunbathing!

Plants, water or wine, raffles, cakes and savouries along with new/good quality secondhand items ,books and a wide selection of jams and marmalades could be found amongst the various stalls whilst many visitors enjoyed a game of skittles.

Back at Nicks - a trio of musicians - provided music throughout the afternoon whilst displays of dancing was given by two groups of youngsters.The long queue for cream teas and refreshments continued throughout the afternoon and was hugely popular.

The fete is a major fundraising event for the church and organisers David Bawler (Churchwarden) and Patricia Fuller thank everyone for their support.