Community
No notice, no way home: Has First Bus’s withdrawal of the 174 early‑evening service put jobs, childcare and community safety at risk?
First Bus’s decision to withdraw the 174 Wells–Bath service after 5pm, with almost no notice, will sever vital travel links for residents of Wells, Croscombe, Shepton Mallet, Midsomer Norton, Radstock and other communities on the route, and will have immediate, serious consequences for workers, families, young people and vulnerable people across the region. The route…
Read MoreCommunities United: How Somerset Is Fighting Floods Together
Today I spoke with GWS Local Community Radio about the remarkable community-led efforts underway to prevent floods and strengthen local preparedness. Local groups, parish councils and Somerset Council are coming together to plan, share resources and act when river levels rise. A key facilitator is the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) — a unique, county-wide partnership…
Read MoreNew Year’s Day Rewind: Vintage Buses Roll into Wells Bus Station!
This morning, ten magnificent vintage buses graced Wells, igniting a wonderful wave of nostalgia and community spirit. Lovingly owned, maintained, and treasured by dedicated volunteers, these classic vehicles offered a special New Year’s Day service – a welcome sight when all other bus services were shut down. Running a route from Street to Bristol, they…
Read MoreNew Year Honours Celebrate Remarkable Individuals from Somerset
A number of outstanding individuals from Somerset have been recognised in the New Year Honours list for their significant contributions to the community and their respective fields. Richard Clothier, managing director of Wyke Farms in Wyke Champflower, received an MBE for his innovative work in sustainable agriculture and food production. In 2025, I organised an…
Read MoreReflections on Community and Council: A Vision for Somerset’s Future
Recently, I was asked by Somerset Council to reflect on my experiences and views regarding the incredible communities we serve and the role of the council, both now and into the future. It was a pleasure to answer these thought-provoking questions, allowing me to express my deep appreciation for our region and the inspiring work…
Read MoreIn 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…
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