On Wednesday, October 9, there will be an illustrated talk focussing on the history of Killerton House and the Acland family who lived there and also locally at Holnicote.

Presented by the collections and house manager Tom Coombe and organised by the West Somerset National Trust Association.

The talk is open to all (£4 admission) in the Methodist Church Hall, The Avenue, Minehead, starting at 2.30pm.

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Thanks to the generosity of the supporters of The West Somerset Morris who watch performances come rain or shine, 2024 charity donations totalled £1050, the RNLI, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Wheels, each receiving £350.

Pictured is Wheels chairman, David Hosegood, centre, WSM Squire Joe Raucki, right, and WSM Bagman Steve Griffiths left of picture. David Hosegood thanked the Morris for their extremely kind donation which he said will help the voluntary organisation to keep fares affordable for older people who no longer have mobility.

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On Friday, October 11, Watchet Community Cinema will be showing The Fall Guy.

This film is a much-needed and loving tribute to the stunt people who drive cars at death-defying speeds, fall from dizzying heights, and get set on fire, all in the service of the fantasy of movies. There are spectacular stunts aplenty with no CGI effects anywhere, but its biggest selling points are its two leads: Ryan Gosling as a once-swaggering stuntman struggling to make a comeback after an almost career-ending accident, and Emily Blunt as the fledgling director he’s trying to romance.

At the same time our working-class hero is trying to track down a missing movie star and solve a conspiracy, so what could possibly go right? Charm is in short supply at the cinema nowadays but Gosling and Blunt give us every reason still to believe in it.

Call Anne on 07557 734795.

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Summer trips are always popular, and are an important part of SIAS’s year-round programme of activities. This year, and led by our President, members explored Somerset’s towns and harbours looking at mills, railways, museums, and past and present industries. A visit to the West Somerset Railway included a tour of the museum at Bishops Lydeard Station, and locomotives at all stages of repair and restoration could be seen close-up in the workshops at Williton. In Devon a party enjoyed a cruise on the last paddle steamer on the River Dart.

Anticipation now turns to the Autumn series of live and online talks. The first live event is on Monday, October 7, at Silver Street Baptist Church Hall in Taunton. Vanessa Ruhlig, an Architectural Heritage Practitioner, is heavily involved in the restoration of Tone Works, Wellington. These works are an exceptional example of a textile finishing mill and dyeworks, and contain perhaps the best-preserved collection of this kind of industrial machinery in the country. At their height Tone Works and Tonedale Mill employed some 5,000 people.

Tone Works was acquired by Somerset Council in 2020 with contributions from Government, Historic England and Wellington Town Council. By protecting the buildings new uses can be explored and a meaningful future secured for this iconic local landmark.

Did you know Somerset once had coalmines? On Monday, October 21, an online talk on Zoom will look at the development of sources of power needed by the mines. Future speakers will describe the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site, and Somerset Transport.

Having both live and online talks caters for members and speakers from further afield, and for those who enjoy getting together. All meetings start at 7.30pm, and non-members are most welcome, with a small charge. Full details on how to take part here: website atwww.sias.me.uk

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A cornucopia of delicious traditional apples will be on sale in Carhampton Community Orchard, opposite Carhampton Stores, from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, October 12, as well as freshly-pressed orchard apple juice. Morning coffee and cake will be on sale from 10.30am in Carhampton Village Hall, with soup and pudding lunches from 12pm plus cake and produce stalls.

Carhampton’s bargain bookshop and Carhampton Heritage Centre (both in Carhampton Rec, opposite the orchard) will also be open from 10.30am to 3pm. All sites are within easy walking distance of each other, with plentiful parking available at the Rec and the Village Hall.

Please bring your own bags for all your purchases! And if you’d like your own pre-schopped apples juiced (12pm to 1.30pm only) please bring your own bottles! (Note: we may not be able to juice more than one bag/bucket of pre-chopped apples per family, depending on availability of time.)

For more information email [email protected] or ring Emily and Elizabeth on 01643 821756.

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This weekend the Jubilee Café and Crazy Golf, The Esplanade, is thrilled to be hosting a series of special events in support of Breast Cancer Awareness, as part of the nationwide Wear It Pink campaign. Bring your friends, family, and even your four-legged companions for an unforgettable weekend full of fun activities, delicious food, and an opportunity to support an incredible cause.

The weekend kicks off on Saturday (October 5) at 10.30am with our highly anticipated Wear It Pink Walk along Minehead Beach, starting from Jubilee Café. Whether you’re walking on two legs or four paws, join us for a leisurely stroll along the sandy beach to show your support for breast cancer awareness. It’s the perfect opportunity to don a sash and wear your pinkest attire while enjoying the fresh sea air and mingling with the community.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can try their luck at the Tombola, from 10am marvel at the creative Bra Arch and bunting crafted by the talented local WI ladies, and don’t miss the chance to see the traditional hobbyhorse at 1pm! If you're feeling peckish, we’ve got you covered with burgers and hot dogs for just £5.

But the excitement doesn't end there! On Sunday (October 6), we’ll be continuing the celebration with even more fun activities for all ages.

“We’re so excited to be part of the ‘Wear It Pink’ initiative and bring the community together for such an important cause,” said Gillie from the Jubilee. “Whether you’re coming for the walk, the food, or the fun activities, it’s all about supporting breast cancer awareness and enjoying the weekend together.”

Whether you're a local or just visiting, we invite you to stop by, enjoy the fun, and contribute to this worthy cause. All proceeds from the weekend’s events will go to support breast cancer research and awareness.

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Porlock Community Library is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a community-led library and holding a Coffee Morning on Thursday, October 10 (10.00am to 12.00pm) to say thank you to our current volunteers, past volunteers, Parish and Somerset Councillors who were involved in setting it up, Somerset Library Service with whom we are in partnership and most importantly, the people of Porlock who week in week out visit the library to borrow books, obviously, but also to support the various regular and one off events the library holds.

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Spotted on social media: the poor condition of the Cloutsham Gate Historic Signpost.

Our Minehead Historic Signpost maintenance team have taken it in hand and have now cleaned it ready for painting.

Our team will soon repaint it, returning it to its pristine condition.