Last Saturday saw the culmination of the Pumpkin Walk in Collett Park organised by Gill Sakakini from St. Peter and St. Paul's Church.

It was fantastic to see the seasonal creativity on display and I hope this becomes a regular fixture in our events calendar. Well done to the winners and everyone who took part. It was also great to see so many families out 'trick or treating' on Sunday evening and the generally convivial atmosphere around the streets in the evening.

Talking of events in the park, it's at this time of year that the Town Council's attention starts to focus on the single biggest celebration of town life; Collett Park Day. With a Covid-enforced gap of two years, we really want to make sure 2022 will become a special celebration of our town. A few days prior to the normal Collett Park Day also marks HM the Queen's Platinum Jubilee (the first British monarch to ever serve for 70 consecutive years). We are therefore considering all sorts of plans but would appreciate thoughts from the community as early as possible so look out for our consultations on what our celebrations should look like soon.

Regarding the Queen's Jubilee, to mark a lasting legacy of her reign, communities across the UK are being encouraged to plant trees to create 'The Queen's Green Canopy'; in the week the COP26 conference started with worrying forecasts of the effects of climate change, it's widely considered that planting trees is one of the most effective ways of improving our environment both locally and globally. The Town Council, as custodians of Collett Park, have therefore agreed to work with the Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society to plant a copse at the east side of the park that will both complement and enhance the existing flora. This will of course complement our existing bio-diversity enhancement work we are undertaking in the park to secure its health for future generations.

Until next time,

Matt Harrison