Community
Grassroots, Evidence, and the Road Not Taken: Rethinking the Glastonbury TrainLink Debate
The Glastonbury Trainlink team were actively working to stimulate demand for bus usage, which is exactly the kind of approach we need, i.e. community grassroots driven. They also carried out valuable groundwork in community engagement, with Parishes, surveys etc. It’s not accurate to assume that a train link via Pilton village would fail. Rather, it…
Read MoreA Five-Year-Old’s Voice That Moved a Council
I’ve always taken the approach that communities should have a voice — and that those who can’t speak up for themselves still need to be heard. A child of just five was upset to discover that their favourite park furniture — two animal rockers — had gone. The family regularly visited their local park in…
Read MoreOur voice has been heard — First Bus U‑turns on Bus Cuts to the 174
I want to thank everyone who signed the petition and those who came to our 174 bus protest on Saturday Feb 14th. Our voice has been heard — working together with bus users, Somerset Bus Partnership, Somerset Council and our MPs: Anna Sabine MP and Tessa Munt MP. Following discussions with Somerset Council, First Bus have U‑turned…
Read MoreNo 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…
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