AS CHRISTMAS and 2017 draw ever nearer, it is this time of year when we think about the good and the bad of the previous 12 months, and what we hope to achieve in the coming year.

According to both the Mayor of Chard, Cllr Dave Bulmer, and the Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Val Keitch, 2016 has been the year of the volunteer in both South Somerset towns. Both leaders took time to reflect on 2016, and what next year might have to offer.

Cllr Val Keitch, mayor of Ilminster, said: “It’s been an interesting first half of my Mayoral year.

“Ilminster has staged some wonderful events – Ilminster experience, Party on the Park, the Victorian evening and the inaugural Ilminster Literary festival.

“All of these events were successful and helped showcase what Ilminster has to offer.

“It is humbling to attend many events and meet volunteers who give so much of their time to ensure many organisations thrive.

“It was heartening to see so many young people at the Remembrance Sunday service ensuring that such services will continue.

“People often tell me that public service is dying out, I disagree.

“The hundreds of volunteers in Ilminster are testament to that. How fortunate we are to have the Arts Centre and Warehouse Theatre in our town, both kept going by volunteer groups.

“There are too many groups to mention by name, but thank you for all the work you do.

“Sadly we had an act of vandalism when the toilet block was set alight. However, that Sunday morning exemplified the Ilminster community spirit with many people coming down to offer help.

“I was asked what my hopes for Ilminster are for the year ahead.

“It is really very simple – to continue to thrive and grow as a town, to be an inclusive town where all are valued for the contribution they make.

“I would like to wish you all a happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.”

Cllr Dave Bulmer, mayor of Chard, added: “I have always felt that the people of Chard are by far the most important and valued asset to our town.

“In August, Tatworth Amateur Pantomime Society kindly performed a murder mystery evening to help raise funds for my Mayor’s charities this year.

“This took a considerable amount of time to organise, I would like to thank all those helped with this.

“I have always felt it important that we maintain and encourage our relationships with our twin towns Helmstedt in Germany, and Seica Mare in Romania.

“Behind the scenes there are committees that undertake a considerable amount of work that make all this possible.

“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Chard Rotary Club for all the work they do in Chard.

“Anybody who knows me will understand that I always like to have a positive outlook on life.

“With a new year rapidly approaching I remain optimistic that Chard is in a strong position to move forward.

“People are well aware that there is a strong possibility that the town could expand within the eastern development area.

“While there is definite need for development of new homes, we must ensure that we have the right type and quality of development that fits with the existing locality.

“We must also ensure that Chard is not deprived of vital infrastructure that is needed with any development.

“Finally once again may I wish everybody within the Chard and Ilminster area a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”