Christmas Lights Switch-On

The Mayor was in town on the first weekend of December for the Christmas lights switch-on and festivities and enjoyed seeing hundreds of people enjoying the atmosphere, music and fairground rides.

The Mayor visited the Save the Children Fund Christmas Tree Festival held from 5-10 December at The Avenue Methodist Church.  There were over 50 Christmas trees, including one by Minehead Town Council, which were a beautiful sight to see and reflected the wide range of organisations and interests within Minehead.

On 20 December the Mayor hosted the Minehead Town Council staff Christmas Lunch at Brewer's Fayre Restaurant, taking the opportunity to thank all the staff for their hard work and support for the Council during the year. 

On 13 December the Mayor attended the Write for Rights Campaign coffee morning and letter-signing organised by Minehead's Amnesty Group at The Avenue Methodist Church.  She enjoyed meeting their supporters and hearing of the work they did on behalf of prisoners of conscience worldwide before signing letters are part of their Campaign.

On Monday 11th November the Mayor attended a St. Margaret’s Hospice Tea and Information Afternoon at The Hub in Alcombe where she enjoyed learning about the work of the Hospice and the services it provides.  The afternoon particularly focused on the work of the volunteers and how more, and younger, volunteers are needed.  

On Sunday 3rd November the Mayor was present in Wellington Square for the dedication of the Garden of Remembrance and on Sunday 10th November she and the Deputy Mayor and a number of Councillors were present for the Remembrance Day services.  A wreath was laid at Alcombe War Memorial at 12 noon and in the afternoon, following a service at the Sacred Heart Church, another wreath was laid at the Minehead War Memorial.  

On Friday 1 November the Mayor had the pleasure of attending the re-launch of the Fine Dining experience at Wyndham House Care Home in Minehead which offers the experience of an expertly cooked and presented three course menu at a reasonable price specifically for those who have a loved one or friend who suffers from dementia or who is elderly or vulnerable in some way.  It provides a supportive and caring environment where small groups enjoy a good meal in pleasant surroundings without the pressures which may come from taking a loved one to a crowded restaurant.  The Mayor said "I and my companion enjoyed an excellent meal, served by friendly and helpful waitresses in a beautifully presented room.  The whole evening was a real treat and one which I would wholeheartedly recommend to others.  I feel we are extremely fortunate to have such a service on offer here in Minehead "

On Tuesday 17 September the Mayor visited the Cancer Research Shop in The Avenue, Minehead to join them in celebrating their award of a Highly Commended in the National ‘Light Up a Flame’ competition for the Best Cancer shop in the U.K and presenting awards to the Cancer Research Shop Volunteers.  After congratulating them on doing so well in the Competition, she presented each volunteer with a badge to mark the occasion before joining them for a celebration tea.

​On Saturday 14 September the Mayor attended the Chairman of County Council’s Civic Service at St. Peter’s Church, Williton where she joined Councillors, Mayors and Chairs from West Somerset for a very thought-provoking service followed by light refreshments.

On Wednesday 4 September the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors attended the opening of the Leigh Danter Funfair at Marshfield Common.  The Mayor welcomed the return of a Funfair to Minehead after a gap of many years and thanked Councillors, particularly Paul Bolton and Toni Bloomfield, for all their hard work in making this happen.  She then declared the Funfair open and wished everyone a very happy and enjoyable time on the rides.

On Thursday 15 August the Mayor and Deputy Mayor attended the Burma Star Association's Commemoration of VJ Day + 74 in Blenheim Gardens.  Over forty people gathered to remember those who died in the Two Great Wars in other countries, particularly remembering those who served, suffered and died in conflicts in the Far East.  The service was led by Rev John Thorogood and, as the standards of the Burma Star Association, Royal British Legion and Air Cadet Squadron were lowered, and the notes of the bugle playing the Last Post filled the Gardens, wreaths were laid at the Memorial there.