The Mayor's invitation to sign Christmas Cards for Amnesty International came as a surprise to him as he had never had any contact with this organisation before. The Mayor Cllr Leslie Smith had heard of them but had never really thought about what they did, however he was pleased to be able to assist them with their endeavours.

This is the 3rd invitation that Minehead Town Council has received from Active Plus and the 2nd event that the Mayor has attended.  The Mayor is still of the opinion that Active Plus helps those that are out of work and need a confidence boost and they provide other skills that may help them to achieve their objective. The Mayor was very pleased to present the certificates and felt privileged to do so.

On the 6th December at 4.45 pm the Christmas Festive Lights were switched on in Wellington Square by Father Christmas with the Mayor Cllr Leslie Smith in attendance. This year the Christmas tree in Wellington Square was sponsored by Webbers and the tree outside the Old Hospital was sponsored by Butlins.  Minehead Town Council paid for the small lit trees above the shops.

There was a full programme of events which started at 12 noon and festivities carried on to 5 pm which was helped by free parking between 12 noon and 5 pm 
in the Alexandra Road and North Road car parks, there was also a land train operating on the day.


There were various charity stalls and children's rides in The Parade and The West Newton Jazz band did an excellent job entertaining shoppers outside the Town Hall. Further down the high street, The Regal Showband was also playing just off the balcony area at the Regal Theatre and other entertainment was dotted around the town.  

Minehead Methodist Church was also open for their Christmas Tree Festival. Many shops and local businesses joined in the festivities providing refreshments of mince pies and mulled wine. The Reading Room provided craft work, story telling and face painting for the children which was a great success and was well attended. 

Through-out the day the Town Crier, Cllr David Archer spent his time touring the town broadcasting to the public about the various activities that were taking place in Minehead.

In the above photographs from left to right are Cllr Anthony Berry , in the middle photograph helping to marshall the event were Cllr Roger Thomas and Cllr Anthony Berry and in the photograph on the right hand side is Cllr David Archer dressed in the regalia of a Town Crier.

The Mayor Cllr Leslie Smith attended the Light Up a Life Service at St Andrew's Church. This was a very moving service and was well attended. The event was organised by St Margaret's Hospice.