Communities in Combe Florey and Trebles Holdford are having defibrillators installed to help combat those who may suffer a cardiac arrests.

When individuals experience a cardiac arrest, their heart stops beating, and CPR is required urgently.

A defibrillator increases the chance of survival, however, for minute delay in receiving treatment via a defibrillator the chances of survival falls by 10%.

Assistant Community Responder Officer at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Jonathan Warren, said: “An important part of my role is to get as many, easy-to-use defibrillators, in as many easy to access locations as possible, and to help ensure that there are people trained to use them and to provide CPR when minutes matter. “I would like to thank the Combe Florey Defibrillator Group for fundraising for these devices, both defibrillators are now installed in unlocked cabinets and registered on The Circuit, a national database of defibrillators, so 999 callers can be provided details of their location and how to access them in an emergency.”

The Combe Florey Defibrillator Group has been working closely with the South Western Ambulance Service to deliver these life-saving defibrillators for community use in Combe Florey Village Hall and Trebles Holdford area.

Fundraising by the Combe Florey Defibrillator Group has paid for the life-saving devices, whilst the ambulance service has delivered training for members of the community.

Learn more about CPR here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/learn-cpr-in-15-minutes. 

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On Friday, April 26, Watchet Community Cinema will be showing "A Haunting in Venice.” In an eerie post-World War II Venice, Poirot, now retired and living in self-imposed exile, reluctantly attends a séance in a decaying palazzo, once a plague-ridden orphanage.  But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective once again to uncover the killer. This time, an emotionally numb Poirot must determine whether a psychic is a fraud as bodies continue to pile up and his sanity is tested to its limits. In this third of the Kenneth Branagh's trilogy of Poirot adventures, he is still endlessly entertaining as Hercule and the cast is still undeniably star studded too. Highlights include Tina Fey who, as a crime writer on the track of a good story, makes a great double act with Branagh's Poirot and Michelle Yeoh, as an army nurse turned medium, who is given her best role for a long time.  Branagh's direction is even better than before and his trademark canted angles have never been more at home.  Even though the film isn't massively scary, Branagh still crafts some effectively jumpy moments.

For more information or to make a reservation please call Anne on 07557 734795.

Andrew Harrison

This film will be shown at Watchet Community Cinema, Knights Templar School, Watchet TA23 0EX.   Doors open for refreshments at 6.30pm and the film starts at 7pm. Tickets at £4 are available on the door. 

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Each month volunteer drivers and helpers work together to break the harsh cycle of isolation and loneliness amongst older people in the community.

The latest re-engagment tea party took place on Sunday, April 7 at Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross and saw 30 older guest re-connect with eachother.

Renata, Local Co-ordinator, said: "Re-engage is a national charity that gives older people the opportunity to make new friends and break the cycle of isolation. It is a really important part of many of our guests lives, and we are very grateful for the support of the NFU Mutual Williton and Rooksbridge at this month's event - it meant we could all be together."

The event this month was hosted and sponsored by NFU Mutual Williton and Rooksbridge.

It also allowed for the opportunity to include guests from everyone on the local co-ordinator’s guest list.

During the past ten years, parties have been organised by Sally but has more recently assisted Renata in organising and hosting parties for volunteer workers.

Sally, said: "our guests have fantastic life stories to tell, and being able to get everyone together to socialise is wonderful. Those of us who volunteer as hosts and drivers get so much from the tea parties - who wouldn't want to spend an afternoon eating cake and chatting?! We are really thankful to Helen, Lily and Kirsty for their hard work and for putting on a brilliant afternoon."

To find out more information about the monthly tea parties, volunteering as an individual/driver, how your business can support the cause or to attend as a guest, please contact Renata on 07759 794063 or visit www.reengage.org.uk.

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Ahead of a summer exhibition which will feature grand panoramic landscapes, local journalist Jeff Cox is holding an exhibition at Dovery Manor museum.

Jeff will be discussing the back stories to paintings and delve into the past lives of artists, the talk will also be illustrated.

The exhibition will start with discussion on Porlock-born portrait painter Richard Phelps in the 1740s, with exhibition will also feature Acland family at Holnicote, rural and maritime scenes from the Victorian era.

There will also be works by celebrated visitors to the district such as J.M.W. Turner and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. 

Wednesday March 27, at 2.30pm and at 7pm.

Advance tickets are price £4 and are on sale at the Porlock Hardware Store and from the Porlock Information Centre.

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On Friday, April 5, Colin Skellett, CEO of Wessex Water, and CEO of YTL Industries UK, visited Monksilver to inspect the recently completed flood proofing of the Village pumping station. Wessex Water have installed floodproof culvert covers to all three main inspection pipes and floodproofed the walls and entrance door of the pumping station.

John Stace, Monksilver Parish Councillor, commented that Wessex Water had been exemplary in their mission to ensure that their facilities were fit for purpose and had safeguarded the operational integrity of the pumping station in the event of significant flooding.

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A 3 hour workshop is inviting people around the Exmoor area to come along and learn how to craft willow baskets from scratch.

The group uses natural locally grown willow from the grounds of Quince Honey Farm. You will be taught how to create the traditional stake and strand around basket.

You will be taught weaving techniques which will help you to craft the base, side and borders. You will have the option to turn your handcrafted willow basket into a hanging basket for outdoor plants at home.

There is also a ‘Planting for Pollinators’ workshop where you can book and bring your willow hanging basket along to, which takes places on May 14.

People who book both workshops will receive a 10% discount on the second one.

Come along and immerse yourself into the world of willow weaving and be proud you’ve crafted a handmade willow basket or hanging basket to take home with you.

The organisers suggest bringing secateurs with you if possible, and a notebook and pen to take down instruction notes. All other materials are supplied. It is also advised to wear comfortable clothing, and the ticket prices includes one hot/cold drink per person.

The workshop takes place at Quince Honey Farm on Wednesday April 24 and Wednesday October 9 2024. 10:00am to 1:00pm for both workshops. £40 per person.

You can make a booking online by visiting https://beyonk.com/uk/83c4d9nm/willow-basket-weaving-workshop?portal=true (booking fee applies) or you can book by telephone by calling 01769 572 401 or in person by visiting our shop.

Booking is essential, and the farm advises advanced booking to avoid disappointment.

For more information on ‘Planting for Pollinators’, visit: https://quincehoneyfarm.co.uk/workshop/planting-for-pollinators-workshop/