In the absence of our chairman who is on holiday for one more week, Shepton Mallet Town Council didn't want you to not hear about the great things still going on.

So, for this week I'm still filling in - I'm the town council's marketing, communications and community engagement officer Conor.

As we move into the latter stages of August, our Summer in Shepton programme of free events is reaching its closing stages.

We've got an exciting theatre event in Collett Park on Saturday (August 21) – The Adventures of Madame Carol Sell and Mr Popsy by Tall Tails Theatre.

When Madame Carol Sell first encounters Mr Popsy, she wonders whether anything will ever be the same again.

The adventure begins when Mr Popsy, a hot air balloon, becomes the newest attraction in the Georgian gardens where the Carousel resides.

Driven by competition, the two spiral out of control, with acts of revenge, sabotage and the occasional dance-off, only to find themselves no better off than they were at the start.

A humorous pantomime exploring how respect, friendship and co-operation can overcome rivalry and jealousy.

We're also welcoming acclaimed tightrope walker, Chris Bullzini, to Shepton on Saturday, August 28.

Chris will be performing in Collett Park at 4pm as the closing finale to our summer events. Chris was recently the subject of a BBC programme Our Lives, Life on the High Wire, which is available on BBC iPlayer. Make sure you join us for a thrilling performance!

Lastly, we recognise the frustrations of residents whose bins have not been collected due to the nationwide shortage of drivers and the so-called "pingdemic".

Mendip District Council deals with recycling, rubbish and garden waste collections (although these are currently suspended) through the Somerset Waste Partnership.

You can find the details for Mendip District Council via their website to report any missed collections or phone on 0300 303 8588. We hope regular collections will fully resume soon!

Next week, Matt will be back!

Conor Ogilvie-Davidson