Mayor's column: Bev Fernandes previews Taunton Carnival

Over the years, my family and I have enjoyed watching the incredible entries in Taunton Carnival, marvelling at the sheer number of light bulbs and the hard work that goes into creating each one.

I am really looking forward to seeing you all at Taunton Carnival on Saturday, October 17, at 7.30pm.

Taunton Together 2026 was another highlight.

The sun shone, and it was brilliant to see families enjoying the activities and Independent Market.

I even had a go at Greek dancing with the fantastic Yiannis, which was great fun!

I was hugely impressed by the Taunton College students modelling clothes during the Fashion Fiesta in the Orchard Centre.

A big thank you to everyone at Taunton Town Council, Arts Taunton, TYCA, Go Create, Taunton Theatre Association, CICCIC and Thrive Somerset who helped organise such a wonderful day.

Supporting our community also means recognising those who help people through difficult times.

I recently visited Taunton Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust, which has supported people in crisis for more than 14 years, including those facing debt and hardship, homelessness, job losses and physical or mental health challenges.

I met the staff and volunteers who give their time to help others and learned how the Foodbank supports people beyond providing emergency food.

Agencies such as Somerset Council, Citizens Advice, Village Agents, Job Centres, health services and charities refer clients to the Foodbank, where staff signpost them to further support to improve their circumstances and reduce their need for food parcels in the long term.

Citizens Advice Officers and Village Agents also work on site to offer guidance.

Last year, the Foodbank distributed 3,060 food parcels to more than 6,300 people, including over 2,000 children.

Donors gave 55 tonnes of food to help provide these parcels.

I join the Foodbank in thanking everyone who donates food, volunteers or otherwise supports this vital service.

The power of people supporting one another was also evident at the first ever South West Recovery Walk, organised by the Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS).

People in recovery, their families and friends, professionals and community partners came together to celebrate achievements, promote hope and raise awareness of recovery from alcohol and drug dependence.

I officially started the walk at Victoria Park and walked alongside peer mentors, listening to the experiences of people in recovery and those supporting them.

At French Weir, we heard further stories from people who had turned their lives around and were now helping others as peer mentors.

It was emotionally powerful to hear how they were using their experiences to make a positive difference.

I was reminded of the value of community spirit again during a recent visit to Aspen Court Care Home, where I joined residents for a cuppa and cake to raise funds for Macmillan.

Richard, the activities lead, organises something different every week.

This time, we paid tribute to Dolly Parton, and the consort and I joined residents in trying on wigs and posing for photographs beside a cardboard cut-out of the late and great Dolly herself.

We had a lot of fun supporting such a worthwhile cause.

Volunteers also make many of Taunton's biggest events possible.

As mayor, I was delighted to start the annual Taunton 10k and watch runners cross the finish line, some just a little over half an hour after the start.

I had the pleasure of handing out medals and witnessing the immense sense of achievement among those taking part.

Many people may not know that the Taunton Carnival Committee organises the Taunton 10k.

As mayor, I serve as president of the committee and attend its monthly meetings, where I see first-hand the incredible work that goes into ensuring both the race and Taunton Carnival run smoothly and safely.

Volunteering means giving your time, skills and energy to help others.

From supporting people through the Foodbank to organising events such as the Taunton 10k and Carnival, volunteers make an enormous difference.

Without them, many of the services, activities and celebrations we value simply would not happen.

Continuing this theme, the week of October 5 to 11 marked the first ever National Cadet Week, celebrating the UK's cadet community.

One of the country's most effective youth organisations, it brings together 137,000 cadets and 28,000 adult volunteer instructors across five Cadet Forces: the Sea Cadet Corps, Volunteer Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force.

Cadet forces help young people develop skills, confidence and teamwork, while adult volunteers make these opportunities possible.

If you have some spare time and would like to make a difference to young people in our community, I encourage you to contact our local cadet forces to find out more about volunteering.

Looking back on these recent events and visits, I am reminded how much of what makes Taunton special comes from people giving their time and energy to help others and bring our community together.

Thank you to everyone who continues to make Taunton a town we can be proud of.

See you on Saturday at the Carnival!