MENDIP Male Voice Choir has launched a new campaign to find 20 men willing to sing with the choir at its 2026 annual Christmas Concert, while raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

The aim is to find 20 men who will rehearse with the choir during its autumn/winter season, starting on September 21. Each of the 20 will be asked to raise at least £50 in sponsorship for Prostate Cancer UK, for taking on and completing the challenge. Those joining the choir will rehearse with the Mendip Men for their autumn and Christmas concert series and sing with the choir at its annual Christmas Concert, to be staged at St John’s Church Midsomer Norton in December. No singing experience is necessary, nor is the ability to read music. Since the choir does not audition new members there will be no auditions either. The choir rehearses on Monday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Midsomer Norton Methodist Centre, High Street Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DR.

The choir ran a similar campaign three years ago which raised over £4,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. Many of those who joined for the 2023 Challenge have stayed with the choir ever since. Among them, Nick Milton, said, “I thought I’d show willing by attending just one practice. One was enough; I was hooked!” Another, Paul Evans, said, “Singing with the choir has proved a great pleasure. Learning the words and music can be hard work but the outcome and audience reaction make it all worthwhile”. Colin Bennett got lots of help and support from members of the choir: ‘I immediately felt welcomed into a big family and my family and friends were happy to encourage me with sponsorship”.

One in eight men are likely get Prostate Cancer in the U.K, mainly affecting men aged 50 and over. For black men, the risk is doubled. NHS data shows that prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK. “We think it’s an important charity to support as it is a cancer that is increasingly prevalent in men”, explained Chairman Richard Luscombe.

“Research has shown that singing is really good for health and wellbeing, offering a range of benefits affecting singers from the heart to the brain, particularly for those singing in groups”, added Richard, “So the challenge will benefit individuals as well as the good cause. Last time we set this challenge eighteen men responded. Most of them enjoyed the experience and chose to continue singing with the Choir afterwards”.

Over 64,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, the last year for which NHS data is available. Prostate Cancer UK recently launched its TRANSFORM campaign, as the UK National Screening Committee consults on its recent decision not to recommend screening for most men at risk, based on current evidence. TRANSFORM will use techniques such as blood tests, genetics, and MRI scans to determine the best way to improve early diagnosis of the disease.

Further information about the campaign and details of how to join it can be found at www.mendipmen.co.uk/20mendipmenneeded

THE annual pavement sale held raise funds for St Mary’s church, West Harptree had to be moved inside the church due heavy rain and strong winds.

This did not deter supporters at all with strong footfall throughout the morning and a welcome addition was tea, coffee and homemade cakes.

The organisers raised £700, a much-needed addition to church funds.

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Chew Valley Gadget Busters are holding face to face sessions, thanks to The Queens pub in Chew Magna and the Stoke Inn, Chew Stoke. So do visit Gadget Busters who are here to help, on July 8 at The Stoke Inn, Chew Stoke, or on August 12 at The Queens, Chew Magna.

Either book an appointment by emailing [email protected], or turn up on the day. We hold one, two-hour sessions each month, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on a Wednesday, alternating between Chew Magna and Chew Stoke. It costs £3 per appointment, all of which will go to charity.

THIS year’s fete will be held on Saturday, July 4, 3pm to 6pm.

There will be stalls, a BBQ, teas, tug of war, and more. Free parking. Entry £2 (free with a £1 program bought in advance from the village shop). No dogs.

The theme this year is ‘Vintage Transport’ and participants will bring vintage bicycles, motorbikes, cars and tractors, as well as all the regular activities.

A spokesperson said: “If you can come along do make yourself known on the gate, where I’ll be flogging raffle tickets again!”

For more details see the Instagram page @chewtonmendipfete

SUMMER fun is set to fill the gardens of The Bishop’s Palace in Wells on Saturday 6th June, as the popular Garden Fete returns with entertainment, music and activities for all ages.

Set within the Palace’s stunning 14 acres of RHS Partner Gardens, the event promises a relaxed and joyful summer day out in the heart of Wells, with visitors invited to enjoy everything from artisan market stalls and live music to family activities, garden-inspired entertainment, delicious food and drink and of course the ever popular petting farm and dog show. There is also a Craft and Produce competition with classes for both adults and children to enter, in partnership with Wells Tuesday Group WI.

A ticket includes full access to the medieval Palace and gardens, so visitors can take time to explore this beautiful historic site, while soaking up the fête atmosphere. Our resident swans have recently hatched five new cygnets are always lovely to see on the moat, which also receives regular visits from egrets and kingfishers.

Activities and entertainment will take place throughout the day, and visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs to take part in the dog show – including the have-a-go agility course! The petting farm, in partnership with Puxton Park, is always a popular spot where miniature ponies, guinea pigs, giant rabbits and (weather permitting!) reptiles will be waiting to greet visitors.

Merryn Kidd, CEO of The Palace Trust, said:

“We’re delighted to bring the Garden Fete back to The Bishop’s Palace for what promises to be a fantastic summer day out. There’s something wonderfully joyful about a traditional fête and, set against the backdrop of the Palace gardens, it becomes a really special experience for families, friends and visitors of all ages.

“As a registered charity, events like this also help support the ongoing conservation and care of this extraordinary historic place for future generations to enjoy.”

The Garden Fete takes place on Saturday, June 6. Advance tickets are recommended and available via the Palace website.

For tickets and information visit: www.bishopspalace.org.uk

DOROTHY House Hospice in Winsley held an Open Day on June 1 to showcase volunteering opportunities at the Hospice both within the physical hospice site at Winsley, near Bath and across the community in the 800 square miles where they help to ensure that everyone who needs help has access to outstanding palliative and end of life care.

The event operated on a drop in basis so anyone wishing to find out more about the volunteering opportunities the hopsice offers was able to turn up any time between 2.30pm to 8pm. There was also an optional short presentation at 3pm and 7pm.

A spokesperosn said: “Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. In fact, over 50 years ago the Hospice was founded by a small group of volunteers. We cannot run any of our services without the help of volunteers. Today, more than 1,200 people give their time in over 50 different volunteer roles involving skills such as gardening, clinical tasks, administration, fundraising, counselling and driving.”

For further information on volunteering with Dorothy House contact [email protected], 01225 967 460 or www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

SOMERSET-born chef Mark Tuttiett, now head chef of two Michelin-starred Da Terra, swapped the precision of fine dining for a construction site in rural Malawi this May alongside eight other hospitality professionals.

Raised in the West Country and recently seen representing the South West on Great British Menu, Mark joined a group of leading UK hospitality professionals travelling to Malawi to build a school from the ground up alongside a local community.

The project saw Mark step far outside the world of Michelin-starred kitchens, working side-by-side with families in rural Malawi who contribute land, labour and long-term commitment to building their own schools.