MEMBERS had a good time at the March dinner at The New Mill, Bathpool.

At the April meeting they enjoyed a talk by Teresa Wort, who came from the Conquest Centre at Norton Fitzwarren and explained what happens there.

The centre provides help for people with physical or learning disabilities and this is achieved mainly using the 13 horses there. One of these called Dylan is a star of television, having played alongside actor Martin Clunes. The centre also has lots of other animals.

The horses are assisted by eight members of staff and about 70 volunteers. They offer service for about 180 clients each week providing a diverse range of equine and other activities such as horseback riding, carriage driving, sensory and groundwork, and falconry. The charity has been operating for about 50 years.

The centre has the motto Community Family Nature and aims to be inclusive in its approach to clients and their families. Development of social skills and increasing self-confidence are key aims of the work. The clients come from all over Somerset and may acquire skills later useful in opening employment opportunities.

Teresa said the services provided mean in excess of £124,000 in funding needs to be raised each year mainly from donations.

This was a very interesting talk punctuated with happy anecdotes and members were encouraged to visit the centre to see one of the client sessions in progress, an invitation open to all comers.

NHS retirees are all welcome to join the fellowship from any branch of the service. Full details can be found at www.nhsrf.org.uk then click on Branches in the left hand menu. The branch is called Taunton & District and membership costs £24 a year. The group embraces Wellington, Taunton and Bridgwater.