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Author: ParishClerk

Big changes to modernise marriage registration

Big changes to modernise marriage registration

New legislation coming into force this week is set to modernise marriage registration for the first time since 1837.

The Marriage Schedule System will move away from the current paper register (the traditional book which is signed by the couple and their witnesses) to a more secure system for keeping marriage records.

The electronic register will also allow for the names of multiple parents of the couple to be included in the marriage entry and on marriage certificates – previously only fathers’ names were included. This move brings the system in line with the one already used for registering Civil Partnerships.

Couples will notice two main differences when it comes to their ceremonies. Firstly, they will not sign in an old-fashioned register book, but instead they and their witnesses will sign a single sheet of paper called a ‘Schedule’ that is unique to the couple.

Secondly, it will no longer be possible to provide a marriage certificate on the day of the ceremony. Couples will be legally married from the moment they say their vows, but certificates will now be posted to them within five working days.

Couples who have already given notice do not need to take any special steps. Somerset County Council’s Registration Service will take care of all the changes to paperwork and will give couples the option of adding extra parents to the schedule on their big day.

The new changes will present a technical hitch for some couples. Some honeymoon offers require proof of marriage to validate a special offer, or the couple may be travelling to a country where couples must be legally wed to share a room. As the certificate will not be available for up to five working days, couples are advised to check in advance what other proof businesses or travel destinations will accept.

Genevieve Branch, Somerset County Council Service Manager for Registration Services, said: “Registrars across the county are being prepped for the new changes, and our Somerset team are excited to start implementing the new, more inclusive system. With more streamlined paperwork behind the scenes and a better representation of modern families on couples’ landmark documents, this really is a welcome move for the wedding industry.”

 

Somerset young people invited to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Following the recent death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Somerset’s Duke of Edinburgh Award team have set themselves a challenge to find 100 young people of any ability aged 14-24 to take part remotely in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

Young people inspired by the recent media attention about the DofE charity are encouraged to get in touch to learn new skills, take part in physical activities and gain an award at the end.

The Somerset DofE team is experienced in working with young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to create an individual and flexible plan to support any young person to achieve their award.

Those who started an award at a school, college or in a group such as Guides or Scouts, but didn’t finish are also encouraged to get in touch as the team can help them locate their old account details and provide support to achieve an award.

Carol Authers, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Operations Manager at Somerset County Council, said: “We want to acknowledge the Duke’s amazing legacy and inspiring impact on generations of young people by ensuring that every young person in Somerset has the opportunity to take part.

“The awards have a strong commitment to inclusivity, so we encourage all young people to apply regardless of background, circumstance, culture, religion and ability. The valuable skills that they learn equip them to succeed in life.”

A Somerset Bursary Fund offers grants to enable disadvantaged young people in Somerset to complete a DofE programme.

Those aged between 14-24 living in Somerset who would like to know more are encouraged to get in touch by emailing DofE@somerset.gov.uk

Since the DofE Awards began in 1956, over 6.7 million young people in the UK have participated.  Young people do DofE programmes at one of three progressive levels. When successfully completed, this leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For more information about the scheme, visit: www.dofe.org

One year on – a day to reflect and remember – 23rd March 2021

One year on – a day to reflect and remember

A minute’s silence will be held by Somerset County Council to mark a National Day of Reflection, remembering those who sadly lost their lives during the pandemic and to show support for everyone who has been bereaved.
Initiated by end of life charity Marie Curie, the National Day of Reflection is due to take place on Tuesday 23 March – the anniversary of the UK going into the first national lockdown.
The flag at County Hall will also fly at half-mast as a sign of respect for all those taken before their time by Covid-19 and for the bereaved they have left behind. County Hall will be lit up in blue and green in the evening to honour the emergency services.
An online ‘Covid reflection’ page has been made available for members of the public to share their own personal reflection messages – which will remain as a permanent reminder of the last year.
Anyone who wishes to take part and would like to add their own reflection message, photo or poem to the ‘Covid reflection’ memorial page can do so by emailing communications@somerset.gov.uk. Messages may also be shared via the County Council’s social media channels on the day.

Register in time to have your say

On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in Somerset West and Taunton will have their say on who represents them at the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner election. Residents must be on the electoral register in order to vote for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) who oversees the local police force and ensures they are prioritising what matters to you.

Somerset West and Taunton Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April.

It takes just five minutes to apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote.

Please don’t feed the Ponies

Quantock Farmers ask ‘Please do not feed the ponies’

Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic there has been an increase in people feeding the ponies on the open hilltops of the Quantocks.  These ponies thrive on the grasses, heathers and plants on the hilltops and do not need extra food.

Some horses have special dietary considerations and can be intolerant to foods such as carrots and apples and cannot have too much sugar.  Giving them “sweets and treats” can result in stomach ulcers, which are very painful, and colic which can kill them.  Many fruit and vegetables may seem like “healthy” or “normal” horse treats, but they are not suitable for many horses including the ponies which graze the Quantocks.

As many of these ponies roam wild over the open hills people are unable to know how many “treats” they have been fed and people are making the mistake of saying “just one won’t hurt”.  A further issue of feeding the ponies is that they associate people and cars with food. They become more tolerant and will actively approach people and cars which increases the risk of people being bitten or kicked or the ponies being injured by vehicle collisions.

Ranger Andy Stevenson said, “Although they are beautiful to look at, the ponies are pretty wild and certainly not pets so keeping a little distance from them and appreciating them from a far is the best for everybody’s wellbeing”.

Ponies on the Quantock Hills:

  • Quantock Common is a large block, over 1,800Ha, of unenclosed heath and woodland on the hilltops of the Quantock Hills. It is a special habitat and is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Quantock Common is managed by the active Commoners (local farmers who have rights of Common), landowners and the AONB Service. Part of the required management is grazing by sheep, ponies and cattle. This mix of grazing promotes the different heathland species such as heathers and bilberry.
  • The majority of ponies that graze the unenclosed hilltops of Quantock Common are owned by farmers / landowners who have rights of common to graze animals on the common.
  • The farmers / landowners are known as ‘Commoners’ as they are exercising their rights of common. They regularly inspect the ponies and any issues reported to the AONB Service are passed onto the relevant farmer / landowner to rectify.
  • If people see a pony they believe is in distress or hurt they can report it to the AONB Service, who will ensure it is communicated to the most appropriate farmer / landowner.
  • Other locations also have grazing stock such as Lydeard Hill and Cothelstone Hill. These are not commons and the ponies that graze these hills are owned by the landowners.

 

Food Offers for the Parish

Stogursey Community Network has been offered a regular supply of food for distribution to the Parish such as dried pasta, rice, cereal, tinned foods etc.
This is provided by Fareshare Bristol (you can read about their work here: https://faresharesouthwest.org.uk), basically they prevent waste by redistributing food that would otherwise be thrown away. All the food provided is in date and perfect.
Before they accept this generous offer and undertake to store and distribute this food in our community they would like to check that there are people who would take up this opportunity.
  • If you are finding finances rather tight at the moment, this could help you,
  • If you have children at home all day, ‘eating you out of house and home’, this could help you,
  • If you know of anyone else who you think would benefit from a regular bagful of food supplies, this could help them.
Please let SCN know.
They can, and do, deliver food safely to people’s homes, or you could collect (and choose) food items yourself, by prior arrangement.
This is a wonderful offer, but they do NOT want waste!
Get in touch with them by Facebook Messenger –  Stogursey Community Network
or phone us on 01278 732149, in total confidence.
They need to hear from you ASAP!