Dear Editor,

Anyone familiar with Midsomer Norton High Street at the end of the last Millennium will no doubt remember the charismatic face of Terry Towler who, together with his wife Pauline, ran Mrs Pickwick’s, a popular cake shop and tea-rooms situated at the top of the High Street. Opened in 1977, the popular Dickensian style shop earned itself a place in the prestigious ‘Just A Bite’ guide book curated by Egon Ronay, a famous food critic of the time.

As well as running the business, Terry dedicated himself to local affairs. He joined the Midsomer Norton Chamber of Commerce, and having been appointed President of the organisation, helped to organise the ‘Norad ’80’ enterprise exhibition, an event designed to promote new business to the area. Terry’s interest in local politics continued when he served on Norton Radstock Town Council.

After retiring from the business in 1995, Terry joined Timsbury Parish Council. There, he went on to chair the Village Millenium Committee who published ‘The Timsbury Book’ and oversaw the erection of boundary stones leading into the village to mark the new Millennium.

Very well known and liked in the local community, Terry passed away peacefully on February 11 aged 90 years.

Paul Towler (son)

Dear Editor,

The first Sunday service in Lent was led by Rev David Musgrave. The old testament readings were taken from Genesis and Romans. The reading from St Matthews Gospel was entitled "The Temptation of Jesus"

Our Pancake event held at coffee morning and Shrove Tuesday raised £305 for Shelter Box. Thank you everyone who supported us.

Saturday coffee from 10am will be a bacon buttie and hot dog morning. Lilly will be dropping in with her wonderful fresh fruit and veg ready for the weekend.

Sunday morning worship at 10.30am will be led by Rev Simon Topping. All are welcome.

For more details about our church life please contact [email protected]

Sue Tandy

Radstock

Dear Editor,

Our worship on this the first Sunday in Lent was led by our Minister Rev Andrew Prout, our worship included Holy Communion and was on the theme of Temptation from Adam and Eve until the present day.

Wednesday is our coffee morning to which you are all invited.,, we open from 10.30am for an hour.

Next Sunday, March 1, we are pleased to have Valerie Parker coming to lead our worship, worship commences at 10.30am. We hope to see you at one or both occasions.

Jean Auckland

Radstock

Dear Editor,

The coffee morning at Tabor during half-term was a great success with adults and children alike. The adults were able to relax over tea/coffee and cake whilst the children enjoyed various crafts and playing games. The most popular feature of the morning was the pancakes!

On March 1 at 3pm, Mr Eric Barge will preside over a shortened service, including Holy Communion. This will then allow time for a Members’ Meeting to be held after which they will sit down together to enjoy a Faith Tea.

All are welcome to any of our Services or events, details of which are on the noticeboard outside of the church in North Road, Timsbury.

Dianne Carter

Timsbury

Dear Editor,

The Christian Women of Nigeria are have created a service that speaks to our need for peace and solace, drawing on their faith and experiences in a world filled with struggles and anxieties. The day is a powerful demonstration of global soliardity. It begins in Samoa and moves across the world in a continuous wave of prayer, finishing 38 hours later in American Samoa.

The Midsomer Norton and East Mendip Benefice Group Service will be held at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church at 2pm on March 6.

All are welcome to share this special time with the people of Nigeria.

Kathy Dymond

Midsomer Norton

Dear Editor,

Stalking is a devastating crime that leaves victims living in fear, often for years. Yet too often it is not treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.

While I welcome the funding the government has announced, charities on the frontline supporting victims are clear that demand is rising and resources are stretched to breaking point. Victims in Bath need certainty that specialist stalking services will be properly

funded for the long term.

The government must ensure that tackling stalking is a central pillar of its strategy to end violence against women and girls.

Wera Hobhouse

Liberal Democrat MP for Bath

Dear Editor,

CATS Protection is calling on the public to sign its open letter after the government’s new ‘Animal Welfare Strategy’ failed to include any regulation of cat breeding - a decision that puts cats at growing risk of harm.

Harmful and extreme breeding practices, including the emergence of breeds such as the so-called Bully cat, are increasing.

Without regulation, anybody can breed kittens with no welfare standards, leading to serious health, behavioural and welfare problems.

We are dismayed the government has chosen to leave cats behind.

By failing to address harmful breeding practices, the government has effectively sanctioned the continued escalation of dangerous trends, allowing sick and suffering cats to be bred.

It sends a troubling message, that cats do not matter enough to receive the same protections as other animals.

We urgently need public support to demand meaningful action.

Please help us advocate for cats by adding your name to the open letter here – www.cats.org.uk

Madison Rogers

Associate director of advocacy and campaigns

Dear Editor,

A big thank you to players of People’s Postcode Lottery in the South West for their commitment to improving global health.

Since 2019, they’ve helped raise an incredible £16.6-million to support Sightsavers' work in Africa and Asia.

Your kindness is vital at a time when global health systems face immense financial pressure.

It helps us work with Governments and partners to improve access to eye care, glasses, and sight-saving surgery.

Dr Caroline Harper

Chief executive, Sightsavers