Ilminster Press - Issue 24 - April 2020

ILMINSTER PRESS

AP 20 RIL 20

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Edition Number 24

FIND OUT HOW DAD AND DAUGHTER, PETER AND CHARLOTTE FOSTER, HAVE BEEN MAKING PEOPLE SMILE DURING THE CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN IN ILMINSTER >> 11 ILMINSTER’S VERY OWN ELVIS TRIBUTE ACT, BARRY PAULL, PERFORMS ON HIS DOORSTEP FOR HIS NEIGHBOURS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN >> 4 HELP IS AT HAND FOR THOSE SELF-ISOLATING IN ILMINSTER DURING THE CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN >> 4 & 6 THE AMAZING TEAM AT HAZELWELL LODGE CARE HOME IN ILMINSTER – JUST LIKE ALL OF OUR NHS EMPLOYEES, CARE HOME STAFF AND KEY FRONT LINE WORKERS – ARE DOING A FANTASTIC JOB DURING THE ONGOING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. WE THANK YOU ALL.

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CONGRATULATIONS GEORGE ‹‹ 3

Stay safe and well during coronavirus lockdown

By Steve Sowden ilminsterpress@gmail.com THE Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Philip Burton, has thanked everyone who has been “doing their bit” to help make life easier during these unprecedented times we find ourselves in due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Life has changed completely for everyone over the past month or so as everyone looks to make a difference and to try and stop this terrible disease from

spreading further.

“We are very grateful to the local networks that have been formed to help those isolating or who are now unable to shop for themselves,” said the Mayor.

“On behalf of the town council staff and councillors, I would like to wish you and your families the very best of health as we adjust to this new way of living.

“In many ways we are very lucky.

Ilminster is the friendliest of towns and we thank those who are already organised to keep an eye on neighbours

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who are isolating.

“Our local businesses have been as amazing as ever with delivery services established, order and collect systems in place, or still providing service with careful management of customers.

“We are also able to take our allowed daily exercise in the most beautiful countryside and parks and still ensure that we maintain appropriate social distance.”

And the Mayor added: “Do stay safe and well.”

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The Archie Gooch Pavilion is open to everyone! * Available to hire for parties or community events * * Become a member to receive cheaper drinks and hire costs * * Monthly events such as bingo, quiz nights and live music * Join The Archie Gooch Pavilion page on Facebook.

Archie Gooch Pavilion, Britten’s Field, Canal Way, Ilminster

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

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7 West Street, Ilminster TA19 9AA

01460 52576

– 24 Hour Service – Pre-payment plans available

We are open & offering a FREE delivery service to our self-isolating, elderly and vulnerable customers.

www.ajwakely.com Please contact Leah Wakely, or a member of our dedicated team for any advice or guidance.

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EDITOR'S NEWS IN BRIEF NOTE WELCOME to the April edition of the Ilminster Press community newspaper – the 2nd Anniversary edition of your favourite local free publication.

It is certainly not the edition I’d been hoping to produce because of the unprecedented times we find ourselves in with the ongoing threat of the coronavirus outbreak.

Please adhere to the advice and guidelines we are being given about trying to stay in as much as possible, social distancing and, difficult as it is, staying away from family and friends in the battle to try and beat this terrible disease.

We are all in this together and I know that great efforts are being made locally and across the county to ensure that those most at risk are being looked after.

Please keep an eye on your elderly neighbours in these worrying times. Perhaps you could even drop a copy of this newspaper through their letterbox or offer your help to them by cutting out the token below and filling in your details for them to get in touch.

I would like to thank the various outlets who have agreed to take copies of the Ilminster Press which can be picked-up for free by people and to James Healey, of JRH Media, for his fantastic help with design and layout.

A huge thank you once again to all the advertisers in this month’s edition – your support really is appreciated at this time.

Also special thanks to freelance photographer Christine Jones for all her encouragement – even though there hasn’t been much going on of late for her to take photos of.

The next edition of Ilminster Press will be out in the latter part of May 2020. So please keep in touch with your news and photos – drop me a line at ilminsterpress@gmail.com .

STEVE SOWDEN - Editor

Photo of the month

NEWS IN BRIEF >> IF any business would like to advertise in the next edition of Ilminster Press – out in the latter part of May 2020 - please get in touch by emailing ilminsterpress@ gmail.com or by phoning 0777319-8081.

It would be great to make the next edition even bigger and better again. >> MANY of the photos printed in the April edition of Ilminster Press are available to be bought.

Anyone wanting to buy photos included in this edition – please drop us a line at 0777-319-8081 or email yeovilpress@gmail.com .

TALENTED local performer George Souster (pictured centre) has picked-up a top award in the annual David Beach Youth Competition – part of the Somerset Fellowship of Drama – which covers the entire county for youth productions.

George, who is well-known locally for his performances with the Broadway Amateur Theatrical Society, received the Best Performer Under-13 award for his portrayal of Mole in the musical The Wind in the Willows performed by the Castaway Theatre Group at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil. The results were announced on April 4, but there was no awards ceremony as such because of the coronavirus outbreak, but George and his family – along with all the other award nominees - were able to watch online at home via a video link. Congratulations George! Photo: Christine Jones.

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>> KEEP up-to-date with the latest news going on in Ilminster by logging onto the Ilminster Press website at www.ilminsterpress. co.uk . >> ILMINSTER Press is published

by Steve Sowden, of Yeovil Press, and printed by Newsquest at Fleet House in Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, or at Newspaper House in Osney Mead, Oxford, Oxfordshire.

ILMINSTER PRESS YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

Pg 4: Coronavirus News | Pg 6: Coronavirus News Pg 7-10: Ilminster Press - 2nd Anniversary Pg 11: Coronavirus News | Pg 13: News Pg 14: Down Memory Lane | Pg 15: News Due to the coronavirus outbreak this month's Ilminster Press is a much smaller publication than normal because of events being cancelled and advertisements being withdrawn.

Thank you for your ongoing support and we hope that your support will continue into the future for the Ilminster Press and all of our independent shops and businesses within the town.

We hope that the Ilminster Press will be back to normal sooner rather than later.

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HAVE THE ILMINSTER PRESS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EACH MONTH Avoid missing out on getting your copy of the monthly Ilminster Press community newspaper by signing-up to our delivery service.

It will cost £25 a year to have the Ilminster Press posted to your home each month.

Email ilminsterpress@gmail.com or phone us on 07773-198-081 for further details.

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Supporting the Ilminster community during the virus lockdown THE Ilminster Covid-19 Mutual Aid group has a team of over 70 volunteers who are willing to collect and carry for those most in need that are unable to leave their homes during the coronavirus lockdown.

It was in early March when a number of local people got together to form the support group with the onset of coronavirus in this country.

Ilminster Town Council is a key part of the co-ordination team and Spark Somerset, the local body that supports community action like this based on the outskirts of Ilminster, has helped with advice and guidance in creating a group that operates safely and effectively.

A spokesman said: “Ilminster Mutual Aid is here for the duration and we are very grateful to all our volunteers for their help in stepping up at this time.

“They’ve already completed many requests for prescriptions and essential food collections since the lockdown began.

“We can also connect lonely people

with phone befriending and dog walking services.

If you or someone you know needs help please call Julie Earp at Ilminster Town Council on 01460-52149. The group is also on Facebook at Ilminster Covid 19 Mutual Aid. A number of traders are still operating under the coronavirus outbreak restrictions to provide essential supplies to people.

Ilminster Home Hardware is offering a free delivery service to its self-isolating, elderly and vulnerable customers, while Bonners the Butchers in Ilminster s also taking orders and making deliveries to people.

The Trading Post Farm Shop at Lopenhead has also been offering a delivery service for customers.

“We are closed to walk-in customers although we expect that this may change within the next couple of weeks with perhaps just a few days a week open and the rest doing collection and deliveries only,” said Kate Forbes, of Trading Post.

“We deliver to Ilminster on Monday every week and we’re loving all the support we are getting from our local community and will do everything we can to get food to where it is needed.”

Local NHS employees, ambulance paramedics, care home workers and other front-line staff have been putting in amazing efforts to try and keep coronavirus at bay.

“The staff at Hazelwell Lodge care home in Ilminster have been working flat out and some have been living on site since the outbreak of coronavirus,” said manager Claire Kingdon Wall. “As I’m sure you can imagine this is an uncertain time for residents, staff and family members.

“We are doing everything within our power to keep our residents and each other safe and well.

“We have the required PPE in place and further supplies on the way. This is a worrying time for all of us, however, residents and staff are coping well.”

And Claire added: “Thanks for all the support already received from the local community including all the kind words of thanks, thoughts and encouragement and the donation of much-needed supplies. It really is appreciated.”

The Hannah May Hair and Beauty Studio in Ilminster is on the lookout for a Lockdown Super Hero.

The hair studio in West Street wants to treat a hero to a special complimentary Makeover Day. “Tell us why you feel this person has been a lockdown hero,” said Kerry Stuart. “Are they a NHS or key-worker, lorry/delivery driver, have they been an active help in the community to you or

your family?”

More details about the fantastic offer – which can have a value of up to £150 – can be found on the studio’s social media Facebook page at Hannah May Hair & Beauty Studio Ilminster.

The Minster and St Mary’s Church at Whitelackington want to remind their communities that despite their church buildings being closed, church volunteers are still here and willing to serve.

Between the vicar and churchwardens, over 100 calls are being made on a weekly basis to keep individuals and families across Ilminster and Whitelackington connected and supported.

If you would like to receive a call from one of our volunteers, please contact the Church Office via email office@ ilminsterpc.org.uk and someone will get back to you.

Elvis tribute act Barry Paull has been performing live on the front doorstep of his home in Ilminster to entertain neighbours during the lockdown.

Barry is well-known in Ilminster for his fantastic repertoire to the King of Rock and Roll and he used the opportunity to test out some new equipment and to give neighbours some live entertainment in Summerlands Park Avenue.

Matt Sainsbury, meanwhile, better known in Ilminster as DJ Ginge, has been running successful online quiz nights on social media during the lockdown thanks to the Zoom conferencing technology.

Search on Facebook for further details.

So many people are “doing their bit” for the Ilminster community and we thank you all for your efforts.

THERE is a lot of love and care in the community at the moment during these unprecedented times where a simple “thank you” goes a long way. This sign was designed and painted by Janet Potter, of Victoria Court, Ilminster, as residents said “thank you” to the refuse and recycling teams which visit their homes.

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Council's well-being hub is up and running to support communities A POP-UP well-being hub has been launched by South Somerset District Council to ensure that local communities receive all the help they need during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

This support includes offering extra support in areas where residents in the district need it most.

A big addition to this extra support is the brand new pop up council-run wellbeing hub which has been set up to supply food parcels and other supplies to South Somerset residents in most urgent need.

The hub is up and running and deliveries have been made to residents who are shielding or who fit the criteria where they are recognised as vulnerable.

Many council staff have been redeployed to work around the clock to get the well-being hub in place.

The project has been led by managers from the council’s commercial services team who have worked alongside

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strategic planning specialists, partners including Yeovil Town Council, supermarkets including Tesco and Coop and many other suppliers who have offered help and donations of which we are so grateful.

Staff from the council-run closed venues at Westlands and the Ninesprings Café have used the authority’s catering kitchens to split down catering packs of pasta and rice to make more manageable packet sizes to go in the food boxes.

To cope with the ongoing need, many members of staff have now moved from their usual roles to help the council’s connect team handle the extra calls that will be coming in to request food parcels, while entertainment box office team will be processing the orders before environment service colleagues go out to deliver them.

A council spokesman said: “It’s all hands to the pump and everyone is doing their bit.”

So how will this help YOU if you need

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to use this service? Here some questions the council think might be asked.

How do I get a food parcel? Residents who are shielding who have NOT received a food parcel from the Government and residents who are assessed as vulnerable can now call 0300 790 6275 to find out if they are eligible.

How much do they cost? Shielded people (as identified by the NHS) will get their first food parcel free. Vulnerable people will pay a set fee depending on the size of parcel required. £26 for a single person, £30 for couples and £52 for families of four to five people. This service is non-profit and delivery is free.

What is in the food parcel? All goods are non-perishable and should give a broad choice of food needed to prepare balanced meals. The parcels also include toilet rolls, cleaning and hygiene products.

How long does it take to get a food parcel? Most food parcels will be delivered the next day between 10am

and 4pm.

If this self-isolating goes on for some time, what happens if I need a repeat order? You can email or phone an order through to the team. Your details will have been saved making ordering and paying quicker.

How often can I order? Box contents are built around a weeks’ worth of food, re-ordering shouldn’t be required under this time period.

Can I book a time slot? No, deliveries will usually be next day and between 10am and 4pm.

What if I have not received a shielding letter? Shielding letters come from the NHS. Your GP or hospital will have provided names of patients that they consider vulnerable and require shielding. If you have not received a letter and feel you should have one, then you should contact them.

If you need urgent medical advice, please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus .

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EDITION NUMBER 24 - CELEBRATING ITS SECOND ANNIVERSARY

Thank you for your fantastic support WELCOME to the April edition of the Ilminster Press community newspaper – it is Edition Number 24 meaning that this represents the publication’s second birthday.

It only seems like yesterday that Edition Number 1 was being produced and being distributed among various outlets in and around the Ilminster area.

Although I had been thinking about the idea for some time it was around a year ago when I got the “lightbulb moment” to actively pursue the project when I was asked to help promote the 2018 Ilminster Literary Festival.

Little did I know back then what I was starting – but I have to say that the past two years have been hard work, but extremely satisfying and a lot of fun.

It seems a huge shame, however, that due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak we won’t be able to look forward to this year’s literary festival with that and many other planned events having been cancelled.

But safety comes first and I am sure that once this terrible virus is defeated that life will slowly return to normal and community events in and around Ilminster will start to flourish.

The fact that I have been able to produce the Ilminster Press each month since May 2018 is testament to the town – the fact that traders have been able to support me with advertising and I truly thank all of them.

Even in these unprecedented times I have had the support of local businesses.

Although I know it is not easy for many traders and they have had to take the necessary action, I am proud to have

EDITION 1: MAY 2018.

continued to produce the Ilminster Press, albeit with a smaller pagination than normal.

There was never any doubt in my mind that I would ever find myself with the headache problem of “nothing to put in the paper” because Ilminster has always been a vibrant town – full of life, full of energy, a fantastic community spirit and plenty going on.

Ilminster Cricket Club, Ilminster Town Football Club, Ilminster Town Council, Swanmead Community School, Greenfylde First School, all the various clubs and societies within the town, the local traders and the public – it all makes for a terrific town and I’ve been proud to bring you Ilminster Press each month.

The success of Ilminster Press has led me to broaden my horizons further by starting a Yeovil Press community newspaper which is also now nearing its second anniversary.

But I could not have achieved any of this without some incredible support.

A special big thank you to freelance photographer Christine Jones, who

Let us know your family news COMING up from next month’s Ilminster Press community newspaper will be a new Family Announcements feature.

We will be delighted to publish your announcements – whether it is Births, Birthday Greetings, Congratulations, Marriages, Anniversaries and Good Luck Messages.

We will also hopefully be working closely with local funeral directors on the sad event of death announcements and possible obituary reports.

People can submit their Family Announcements by emailing the Ilminster Press at ilminsterpress@gmail.com.

Steve Sowden, editor of the Ilminster

Press, said: “Family Announcements are part and parcel of any local newspaper and I’m delighted to offer this service to the people of Ilminster and surrounding area.

“The Ilminster Press now has a printrun of 2,500 copies a month and these are distributed at various outlets within the Ilminster area where people can pick them up.”

Lineage announcements can be published for free, but if you would like to add a photo to your message there will be a charge of £5.

So if you have any Family Announcements that are coming up in 2020 – please let us know.

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EDITION 12: APRIL 2019.

some of you might know better as “the lady that takes the photos” – her pictures, hard work, enthusiasm and encouragement have been key to the success of Ilminster Press.

I would also like to thank James Healey, of JRH Media, for his superb help with design and layout each month and for putting up with my ditherings!

Plus I would like to thank the various outlets who have agreed to take copies of Ilminster Press each month; the

EDITION 24: APRIL 2020.

advertisers once again for their support; and, of course, the readers for your contributions and words of support.

The next edition of Ilminster Press will be out in the latter part of May. So please get in touch with your news, views and photos by emailing me at ilminsterpress@gmail.com - here’s to the next 12 months!

STEVE SOWDEN Editor

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Advertisers - Readers - Contributors Many thanks for all your support over the past two years Here's looking forward to many more years of bringing you the local news and events from in and around Ilminster Email: ilminsterpress@gmail.com Phone: 0777-319-8081 YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

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ILMINSTER PRESS: CELEBRATING ITS SECOND ANNIVERSARY TWO YEARS IN PICTURES: Here are those people who have featured each month for the past two years in our Front Page Cut-Out Picture which can be found in the top right-hand corner

May 2018

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of the Ilminster Press newspaper. You never know – you might feature in this slot in the months and years ahead of your favourite free local community publication.

July 2018

August 2018

September 2018

October 2018

November 2018

December 2018

January 2019

February 2019

March 2019

April 2019

June 2018

| SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT | | VIDEO EDITING| | PHOTO EDITING | DESIGN | | TRANSCRIPTION | | WEBSITE DESIGN | LOGO DESIGN | |BRANDING | PHOTOGRAPHY | james@jrhmedia.co.uk | 07881 237868 www.jrhmedia.co.uk 8

ILMINSTER PRESS

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ILMINSTER PRESS: CELEBRATING ITS SECOND ANNIVERSARY

ILMINSTER PRESS YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

June 2019

May 2019

March 2020

www.ilminsterpress.co.uk July 2019

Spetember 2019

November 2019

January 2020

August 2019

October 2019

December 2019

February 2020

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No matter how big or small We want to help your business grow Old Bank Building, East Street, Ilminster Phone: 01460-52666 Email: ilminster@handhaccountants.com www.handhaccountants.com

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ILMINSTER PRESS: CELEBRATING ITS SECOND ANNIVERSARY

ILMINSTER PRESS YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

FLASHBACK to May 2018 and some of the photos which appeared in the firstever edition of the new Ilminster Press community newspaper. Here’s looking forward to producing many more editions of the newspaper in the years ahead.

Children at Greenfylde First School in Ilminster look forward to the 2018 Ilminster Literary Festival. Photo: Steve Sowden.

There was plenty of baby talk at the Hannah May Hair and Beauty Studio in Ilminster after three of the team all gave birth within the space of just 26 days between February 20 and March 17. Photo: Christine Jones.

Members of the Ilton and Broadway Scout Group at the 2018 St George’s Day Parade in Ilminster. Photo: Christine Jones.

Legendary cricket radio commentator Henry Blofeld (second right) was the guest speaker at a wonderful nostalgic evening of cricketing anecdotes at the Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster pictured with Ilminster Cricket Club president Stuart Shepherd, event sponsor Jane Morgan and event organiser Julie Fowler. Photo: Christine Jones.

Junior members of the Broadway Amateur Theatre Society at a rehearsal for their Cinderella with Music production. Photo: Christine Jones.

The then Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Val Keitch, celebrates the official opening of the newlyrefurbished and newly-renamed Tony Rice Bar with some of the stalwarts of Ilminster Cricket Club. Photo: Christine Jones.

The Paddock, Southfields, Horton Cross, Ilminster TA19 9PG Phone: 01460-259066

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Cemetery reopens to public after virus closure ILMINSTER Cemetery has been reopened for people to visit the graves of loved ones following a period of closure due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ilminster Town Council opened the gates to the cemetery for public access on Monday (April 20) – much to the relief of those who had been upset that they had been denied the opportunity to tend to graves of those no longer with us.

Restrictions and advice over social distancing saw the cemetery closed to people and it did not go down well with Joss Joslyn who described it as a “knee jerk” reaction.

Mr Joslyn’s wife Viv died in 2015 and he said that he found it a comfort to “have a chat” with her at the graveside.

“I go up to see and have a chat with my late wife on a regular basis and also to tend the grave,” he said.

“It appeared to me that Ilminster Town Council’s decision to close the cemetery was a knee jerk reaction to the current crisis and had not been thought out rationally or sensibly.”

A town council spokesman told the Ilminster Press that the cemetery had been closed following advice taken from Somerset County Council and South

ILMINSTER dad Peter Foster and his daughter, Charlotte, have been helping to brighten the lockdown days with some Disney fun.

They have been taking their permitted daily exercise by walking round their neighbourhood dressed as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

They have been greeted with plenty of support from local people – especially

children and those adults who are still very much young-at-heart – who have enjoyed seeing the fabulous characters come strolling by their homes.

And although it has been tempting for people to go up and shake the hands of the Disney duo – the all-important social distancing requirements have been adhered to.

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to see Viv’s grave.

“The grass-cutters had been up with their strimmers. I always keep the grass around Viv’s grave short by use of my own shears and am the only one. There was no need for the grass-cutters to strim around Viv’s grave but they did.

As a result they cut through the flowers that had been placed in the vase by our children.”

The town council was made aware of Mr Joslyn’s upset and the Mayor, Cllr Philip Burton, sent his apologies for the error and instructed grass-cutters to be more careful in future.

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Somerset District Council who had been led by Public Health England guidance.

The spokesman said it had been a “difficult decision” to make, but confirmed that a new national directive from the Government had allowed the cemetery to reopen.

The public closure had also given the town council’s groundsmen and grasscutting team the opportunity to maintain the cemetery while abiding by the social distancing rules.

But Mr Joslyn said: “When the Government announced that they were opening the cemeteries back up, I went

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Ilminster businesses support each other in aid of NHS charity A MEMBER of staff at the Harper Dolman & West team in Ilminster – prior to the onset of the coronavirus outbreak – decided to run the Yeovil Half Marathon in aid of the fundraising efforts towards a new breast cancer unit for Yeovil District Hospital.

The £2million needed for the project is being co-ordinated through the Yeovil Hospital Charity and it was something that Paul Mullins, of HDW, wanted to support.

In a time where our health professionals are now, perhaps, more than ever in our thoughts, Paul’s commitment could not have been more relevant, playing his part towards the fundraising efforts for the new breast cancer screening and support unit.

To mark Paul’s achievement, Ilminster solicitors, Broomhead & Saul, whose offices are almost opposite HDWs, in East Street, decided to sponsor Paul £1 for every year that the firm has existed originally established in 1895, this year, in fact, marks Broomhead & Saul’s 125th anniversary.

Although the actual Yeovil Half

Marathon was cancelled, owing to the recent lockdown, participants were encouraged to complete their run and so Paul completed his half-marathon for the charity on March 24.

Many of the two firms’ clients and contacts have links to Yeovil and count the hospital as a vital resource; in addition, Broomhead & Saul is a legacy partner with Cancer Research UK and via the annual free wills scheme - operated through the charity - supports CRUK’s leading research and development into a better understanding of the disease.

Harper Dolman & West has been providing insurance services across Somerset for over 40 years and is another familiar name within Ilminster and, as such, both firms are pleased to be able to support each other and their clients during these difficult times.

Both Broomhead & Saul and Harper Dolman & West have been operating remotely during the lockdown with online meetings and discussions taking the place of face-to-face meetings with their clients and contacts and therefore remain available if they can help in any

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way.

As there was no doubt that Paul would successfully achieve his target, Richard James, one of the new partners at Broomhead & Saul, was delighted to hand over a cheque towards the Yeovil Hospital Charity before the lockdown came into effect.

“Having recently seen a presentation regarding the fundraising for the Yeovil Hospital Breast Cancer Unit and having had a close family member affected by this disease, I wanted to raise money for this fantastic cause,” said Paul.

He has raised well over his £500 target for YHC. And Richard added: “When we knew Paul was prepared to take on what isn’t a small challenge, by any means, we wanted to lend our support. Given our firm’s anniversary this year, we came up with the idea of sponsoring him £1 for each of our years in business, adding to his fundraising target for our local community.”

PHOTO: Richard James (left), of Broomhead & Saul, with Paul Mullins of Harper Dolman & West pictured before the onset of the coronavirus lockdown.

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DOWN MEMORY LANE In association with the Heritage of the Ile Trust

We must still commemorate 75th anniversary of VE Day PREPARATIONS for the big commemorations for the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day – to be held on May 8 – should have been nearing completion now in readiness for next month.

But, sadly, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has meant that those plans have had to be cancelled and one of the most important anniversaries in modern times could go unnoticed.

But in true British spirit – that is certainly not the case!

VE Day on May 8, 1945, marked the

end of hostilities between Britain and Germany and marked the end of the Second World War in Europe, although fighting continued for a few more months in the Pacific with the Japanese.

With the planned commemorations across the country being cancelled, people are now being asked to hold VE Day 75 parties at home – indoors or in their garden – and to hang up patriotic red, white and blue bunting.

The Ilminster Press would love to hear about your commemorations to include in next month’s paper – so please send

us your VE Day 75 party photos to ilminsterpress@gmail.com .

It seems fitting that this month’s Down Memory Lane feature looks ahead to that special anniversary.

The photos were provided by the Heritage of the Ile Trust which was formed in 1976 by a group of local Ilminster people who were concerned to preserve the past of the area for the benefit of the future.

The Trust is managed by an enthusiastic body of volunteers who collect and collate photographs that are given to them.

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The collection now totals over 4,000 images and the Trust also welcomes donations of other historical records relating to the area.

If you would like to find out more about the Heritage of the Ile Trust please go to the organisation’s website at www. heritageoftheile.co.uk .

The Ilminster Press would like to thank the Heritage of the Ile Trust and, in particular, Jim Sainsbury for sending us photos each month for the Down Memory Lane feature which has proved very popular with readers.

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1: VE Day celebration party at Strawberry Bank in Ilminster.

2: Party time for Mrs Male and the Edingtons at Seavington.

3: VE Day anniversary wreath-laying at the cemetery on the graves of three Polish airmen who were killed in a Liberator aircraft crash at Buckland in 1945.

4: Celebrations at the Royal Oak in Ilminster. Landlady Mabel Turner (centre, striped dress) is pictured with her husband and with children of the neighbourhood. Parents include Maurice Coombes (far right) and his wife Queenie who took over the license when his mother retired.

5: Party at the Winterhay Rec in Ilminster.

6: Welcome home dinner at the George Hotel in Ilminster for returning servicemen.

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We've had to re-imagine - a message from Rev Jo THIS hasn’t been quite the first Easter in Ilminster and Whitelackington I imagined back in September when we moved here as a family.

Mind you, I am not sure any of us spent the Easter weekend in ways that were ‘normal’ for us. The only thing that didn’t seem to change was the huge quantity of chocolate eggs around the house in various stages of consumption!

Apart from the chocolate, over the last month, almost every aspect of our lives has had to be re-imagined.

We have had to re-imagine how to do school, work, and family. And for some this re-imagining has been painful - as funerals have had to be held in vastly different circumstances and long planned days of celebration like weddings and baptisms have had to be postponed. It’s not overstating the case to say that the whole world is currently re-imagining its future.

With all our church buildings currently closed, the church too is finding itself ‘back-to-the-drawing board.’

I recently read an article by a Christian in Sri Lanka, who said that after the Easter Day bombings of 2019 when their

churches had to close, they came up with the slogan ‘The church has left the building!’

For many people not being able to pray or worship in these wonderful buildings that have stood at the heart of our communities for centuries is a huge loss.

I’m one of them! But it has challenged us to ask ourselves what it means to be the church and what it means to be a Christian not just when it’s easy or convenient, but in the hard times too.

Which brings us back to Easter; as the message of Easter is all about reimagining. Re-imagining a world in which the story of our lives is not a narrative dominated by death, but one that is changed and transformed by the message of the Resurrection.

As all around us Spring happens and new life emerges, I trust that even in the midst of this season of pain and loss we can hold on to hope.

A hope founded on the love for all people of the God of love whose son Jesus Christ came to help us all reimagine the future and invite each one of us to be a part of that story of love.

I pray that through this time of

enormous change, you can draw comfort from that unchanging and eternal love.

With my love and prayers for you all.

REV JO STOBART The Minster at Ilminster & St Mary’s Church at Whitelackington.

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Food bank support THE Ilminster Food Bank is here to support anyone who is finding themselves needing emergency food and support during this period of lockdown - maybe due to financial difficulties brought about by the current crisis.

The requirement to have a referral for Food Bank support has been temporarily lifted so that this service, providing free food and home essentials, can be made available to more people in need during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Ilminster Food Bank has also temporarily relocated to The Minster Rooms and is open between 10am and 12 noon on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. It is possible to arrange

deliveries of pre-packed bags of food to those who are self-isolating.

Details can be found on the website for The Minster and St Mary’s Whitelackington www.ilminsterpc.org.uk or via the Ilminster Food Bank Facebook page. You can also call Lydia on 07713 727605.

Ilminster Food Bank volunteers have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Ilminster and would like to thank everyone that has continued to donate food and money during lockdown.

Please continue to support the Food Bank by putting food in the trolleys at Tesco and Coop or giving a financial donation by emailing office@ilminsterpc. org.uk.

Minster Electrical Contractors Domestic and Light Commercial Works

Covering Ilminster and Surrounding Areas Mobile: 07921954669 | Tel: 01460 54479 Email: stucks3@btinternet.com www.minsterelectricalcontractors.com For more news check out www.ilminsterpress.co.uk

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For more news check out www.ilminsterpress.co.uk