Chairman’s Column 19th July 2018

Shepton has been enjoying the England football team’s sterling efforts this summer.  It shows just how important and uplifting sport can be for all of us. We may not have won the World Cup this time round, but Gareth Southgate and his young team have given us a much needed boost at a time of great uncertainty for our country. In Shepton, we have a great opportunity to build on the national mood of support for football where the Somerset Football Association offers coaching and training. Go to www.somersetfa.com for more information.

The Town Council has been proud to work with FReSH (the Friends of Shepton Mallet Recreation) to improve the BMX track at West Shepton Playing Fields.  During this long spell of sweltering weather, the refurbished facility has already been used extensively. All the members of FReSH should be thanked for their successful fund raising activities. This community group are now working with the town council to raise money for new play equipment in Collett Park.

Your town council is here to support local groups and help them deliver for our community. Our town council officers respond to many offers of help and we are delighted to welcome a community-minded group of young people who are organising a charity Fun-Day in Collett Park.  Led by a Somerset Rural Youth Project worker, the group are participating in the National Citizens’ Service. The event takes place on Thursday 19th July between 4:30pm and 8:30pm and proceeds will be donated to the mental health charity, Mind.  All are welcome!

It was great to read in last week’s Shepton Mallet Journal that Mendip District Council’s Chief Executive, Stuart Brown, is raising money for Mendip YMCA and the Alzheimer’s Society.  Stuart is entering a 100 mile bike ride. I’m sure local people will want to help him raise funds for these very important charities. Please give what you can at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuartbrown2018

Lastly, don’t forget that the Royal British Legion is marking its 90th anniversary at the Bowls Club at 1pm this Saturday.  Also on the same day, the Friends of Shepton Hospital are celebrating the return of our local hospital beds. Come along to St Pauls School at 2pm to thank the team who protected this essential facility for our community.

Chris Inchley, Chairman, Shepton Mallet Town Council