Dear Editor,
In my profession I come across many tragic and heart breaking events affecting families.   Seeing the families totally devastated at the burnt out remains of what was once their homes and the total, mind numbing grief when, with my crew, we bring out the lifeless form of one of their loved ones.
Most of us have had our own personal traumas and I am no exception but when you come across day to day events such as these, thoughts come to the fore of just how fragile we are and how lucky not to have suffered as have some others.
It is for this reason that you will see fire-fighters getting involved in charity work and the blanket coverage in the local papers of us doing one event or another in a genuine desire to help people less fortunate than ourselves.
Like any other village member, when I heard about Jack Goodland needing a portable dialysis machine I wanted to do something about it and felt really proud to live in this village when I heard of the many fund raising events going on to help Jack.  So I had a chat with Red Watch at Yeovil Fire Station and the watch  decided they would like to raise money by taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge.  This is an event where a team of five race to the summit of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 24 hours.  As well as the five competitors there are two drivers needed to get the team from mountain to mountain.  A vehicle has been kindly donated for this by Craig Vincent of S.M.V. Commercials.  Many thanks Craig.
All this madness takes place on 24th and 25th June and I have to admit that I am leaving the running to the younger lads - driving is more my line.  (You might however

in the big Kareoke Final on the 21st March in The Castle.
The night was 'brill' and everybody enjoyed themselves.  When I got on the stage I dedicated both my songs to my Grandpa who passed away on the 16th March.  I would just like to say well done to everyone who took part and a very big thank you to everyone who gave me their support.  I couldn't have done it without you.
See you all at the next one.
  Matt Neal.

Dear Editor,
A very BIG thank you to all the generous souls who turned up on 27th March to give West Coker its annual Spring clean.  Lanes, hedges and  ditches were cleared of a small mountain of rubbish.
I would also like to thank Ben Winwood who dragged his Mum and Dad around with a very large sack - well done Ben.
  The Head Womble.

PS. Anne would like to thank the person who very kindly disposed of the rubbish that she had removed from the area behind Burrells - this included a bundle of The Clarion!

Dear Editor,
There are now two empty allotments at Lakefields.  Can we suggest that the people responsible rent their own allotments and grow their own vegetables instead of stealing other peoples.

Name withheld. Ed.

Letters to the Editor may be left at the Village Post Office, 20 Manor Street or Email to:
nigel.leveridge@talk21.com