In the absence of our chairman who is on holiday for two weeks, the town council didn't want you to not hear about the great things still going on.

So, for this week and next, I'm going to fill in. I'm the council's marketing, communications and community engagement officer – Conor. Matt introduced me some weeks back in one of his columns.

Last weekend was very busy for Shepton, with Woodland Tribe helping Shepton's children design and build their very own temporary playground.

Two towering wooden structures were present in the park all day having been designed and built (under supervision and with some help!) by the folks at Woodland Tribe.

The structures were adorned with doodles of "the flag of happy" and messages of "long may this climbing frame last!" – so I think it's fair to say the kids enjoyed themselves!

Then, once the children were tired out from designing, building and using their temporary play structure, the Fairy Godmother held another storytelling session in the bandstand. I can tell you that the children and a puppy alike were absolutely enthralled by the story!

On Sunday the Market Place was buzzing with more than 20 local artisan food and drink producers thanks to the Little eat:Festival which was in residence from 10am to 4pm.

A whole range of goods were on offer around the Market Cross from local ciders and preserves to delicious, fresh street food from across the world.

It was lovely to see this event supplement the town's usual Friday market and to see the town centre so busy on a Sunday.

The town council are also offering support to a regular Sunday Market which we hope to see return soon.

Speaking of supporting a regular Sunday market, the Arts, Culture and Tourism Committee recently awarded their community grants to organisations from across the town.

The committee made just under £7,000 available to support organisations including that responsible for reviving a local Sunday Market.

Additionally, Shepton Mallet Bowls Club, the Mendip School and several locally run and focussed community interest companies received funding to deliver a range of projects to benefit the town.

The town council were delighted to support these organisations and look forward to highlighting their progress and amazing work in the near future!

For this week and next,

Conor Ogilvie-Davidson