Community
In Quiet Reflection: Honoring Pilton’s Remembrance
I was proud to represent Tessa Munt MP, to lay a wreath, to stand united with the community of Pilton, remembering those who lost their life, those who bravely put themselves in harm’s way, for others, for us all. It was expressed as the “eloquence of silence”, in the service after. Where “words do not do”, with…
Read MoreHarnessing Community and Creativity: The Future Potential of The Amulet in Shepton Mallet
I was delighted to attend the inaugural business and arts networking event at the Amulet this morning, organised by the dedicated group working to revitalise the building and ensure its future. It was a great opportunity to connect and support their inspiring efforts. Here is what I said: I stand here today with a passion…
Read MoreBeyond the Festival: Somerset Life Dives Deep into the Spirit of Pilton Village
Often, in the big narrative of the festival, Pilton, the village, and its story take a back seat. But that shouldn’t be the case. For me, Pilton and Glastonbury Festival are truly inseparable—one creates the other, and vice versa. There’s an unmistakable creativity, ingenuity, and independent spirit that drives something so unique and extraordinary in…
Read MoreCommunity hospital beds could be closed or relocated, questions need to asked and answered by NHS Somerset
As Vice Chair of Somerset Council’s Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee, I am calling for urgent transparency from NHS Somerset regarding proposed changes to our community hospitals. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has shared its plans only internally with staff, without engaging or informing the wider community. This raises concerns, especially as these plans include potentially…
Read MoreMy Unique Role with Glastonbury Festival – Being the Elected Councillor where the Largest Greenfield Music and Performing Arts Festival in the World is held
Not many elected councillors in the country can say they oversee a community that welcomes over 200,000 visitors in one weekend—especially in a village of fewer than 1,000 residents! As the Councillor for Pilton in Mendip South, I have the unusual privilege (and sometimes challenge) of representing a small community that transforms into the world’s…
Read MoreIt’s not AI, it’s you!
During our secondary school leaving ceremony, we shuffled in line to shake hands and exchange brief niceties—congratulations and good luck for the wide-open future. I don’t remember the exact wording of the pivotal question I was asked, but I recall my reply vividly: I said I wanted to be a writer. I sensed that the…
Read MoreExciting News: Joining the National Lib Dem Mental Health Group to Shape Policy
I am delighted to announce that I have been selected to join the newly established Mental Health Policy Group by the National Liberal Democrats party. This initiative presents a vital opportunity to address the pressing mental health challenges faced by our communities in Somerset and across the UK. As a Parliamentary candidate and Deputy Chair…
Read MoreCommunity Bank Holiday!
Sun shining on the wonderful community events over the bank holiday. Huge gratitude to all the communities and the volunteers, who put in the hard work year after year to make it all happen.
Read MoreAccolades for Alhampton
When the Alhampton Inn was closed abruptly in November 2022 a spirited local community were having none of it. Utilising the skills and determination of villagers, they reopened the pub in just a matter of months. Fast forward to the summer of 2024, the Ally has received national recognition: being awarded the prestigious 2024 Prince…
Read MoreWe must maintain a clean and healthy environment for the generations to come.
Over the bank holiday I enjoyed a magical 4 mile walk in and around Bawdrip (a village 4 miles from Bridgwater). I joined the local community for Rogation Sunday to “beat the bounds”. This is an old tradition where local people walk their village boundaries together. It started off sunny, then we had rain, followed…
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