News in Shepton Mallet

PCC Mark Shelford supported Weston & Mendip Advanced Motorists' Group in the launch of their Young Advanced Driver (YAD) initiative after the organisation received funding from Avon and Somerset Police Road Safety Fund.

The Weston & Mendip Advanced Motorists' Group was formed in 1983 to improve the standard of driving in North Somerset and the surrounding area, and is affiliated to the charity IAM RoadSmart. The group provides driving advice and guidance through its team of volunteer observers to help drivers improve their concentration, observation and planning skills, which improves their overall safety on the roads.

National Highways is advising motorists to plan their journeys along the A303 ahead of this week's Winter Solstice at Stonehenge.

Subject to changes in public health advice and Government guidance, Stonehenge will be open to solstice visitors on the morning of Wednesday, 22 December, although English Heritage will be livestreaming the sunrise and, with limited parking on site, they are also urging visitors to use public transport.

A popular Somerset cycling route will be extended in the new year after plans were unanimously approved by Mendip councillors.

The Strawberry Line is intended to provide a car-free travel route between Clevedon and Evercreech, with different sections being added over time.

Somerset's bin collection dates will change over the festive period, with most collections happening a day later the usual.

The Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) has published information outlining changes to its recycling and refuse collections over the Christmas and New Year period.

Shepton Nub News has seen at least two local events cancelled in the last day due to rising numbers of coronavirus infections.

Yesterday (December 16) it was revealed that the R rate of transmission of the new Omicron variant has been estimated as between 3 and 5, Susan Hopkins, the chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency, told MPs.

A tribute has been issued to a man who died in a collision on the A361 Park Hill, Pilton, overnight Thursday 9 to Friday 10 December.

The family of Harry Brooksbank, 27, of Shepton Mallet, said: "We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of Harry, a wonderful warm, fun loving son and brother. We will miss him dreadfully. We would like to thank everyone for their love and support."

There are lots of activities happening in and around town this weekend, and all will surely help you get into a festive spirit! Our friends at Make the Sunshine are hosting a new group aimed at the over 55s to help people make new friends and try new skills. Held today at the Paul Street community centre between 10.30am-12.30pm, simply turn-up, no pre-booking required. Make the Sunshine are also hosting a pop-up Christmas Disco at tomorrow's market; the children at St. Pauls practised their disco moves in the pouring rain on Monday so if you're around please go along and join in! Saturday sees our popular Park Run take place in fancy dress form and of course later on in the evening, our park plays host to our fabulous Lantern Parade. Gather by the pond at 5pm to be mesmerised by the colours and shapes; it's one of the most visually spectacular events in our town's calendar.

And Sunday sees a welcome return to the Sunday market; Victorian themed for this one, it'll provide a great opportunity to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts. Straight afterwards at 3pm. St. Peter and St. Paul's church has its annual Christingle service. A calmer way to end the weekend!

Shepton Mallet branch of the Salvation Army, is helping the local community this year by providing over 100 food and toy hampers to families in need at Christmas.

"There are many more families struggling this year, since the pandemic. People are also being hit by a double whammy of benefit cuts and increased energy bills. Local churches, Social Services, the Citizens Advice Bureau and voluntary organisations have been working together to reach out to those most in need" said Heather Bryson-Banks, a volunteer.

Come along to Shepton Mallet's Friday Market this week for a fun Pop-Up Disco with Disco Queen Cheryl Sprinkler as part of Shepton Mallet Town Council's Winter Events Programme.

Bring your funky festive moves, your dad dancing, and a good dose of Santas-sillyness!

Some 100 traders set up stalls in Wells and enjoyed success with hundreds of shoppers visiting the 'Christmas in Wells' festive market.

Stalls stretched through the Market Place and on the Bishop's Palace Green, offering a feast of festive food and drink and great gift ideas. Plus there was music and entertainment on offer too.