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The Olympic Torch has brought Games fever to Shepton Mallet. Thousands of you lined the streets and really got the party started.
Keep on celebrating. Start planning your Opening Night In party to watch the Opening Ceremony now.
Save the date. Send out the invites. Think about your fancy dress. Make your bunting and get everyone ready to crowd round the TV to watch the London 2012 Games begin.
Sign up to be a London 2012 Local Leader and you will get save the date cards, posters, recipes and party ideas from London 2012.
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- Opportunity to put your celebration on the London 2012 Join In listings Millions of people will be viewing the listings. Your local celebration can be featured if you want it to be open to the public.
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Hundreds of eager onlookers are expected to congregate at the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore near Shepton Mallet, Somerset on 7th July to watch Ben Harmon attempt the 120ft railway jump.
A part of Riders in the Sky (RITS) 2012 (the main event of which took place in Glastonbury on Sunday 20th May 2012 see here), the jump will be aiming to raise money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, in memory of local fire-fighter Lee Baker, who tragically died in November 2010 following a motorcycle accident between Wells and Shepton Mallet.
The jump, which was last completed by Eddie Kidd in 1979 for the film Hanover Street, will be 36 year-old Harmon's second death defying venture. In May 2011, Harmon successfully jumped 95ft over the River Brue in Glastonbury, Somerset on his KTM350, raising over £3,000 in sponsors and donations.
Harmon is a lifelong motocross racer who first rode a bike at the tender age of six. From there on he progressed through club racing to national events, where he attracted Honda UK as a sponsor. Twice runner up in the BSMA Finals in 1983 and 1992, Harmon continued to race into adulthood.
Taking a short break from his racing to recover from injuries, Harmon picked up where he left off to become the South West Champion in the MX2 class in 2004 and then competed in a number of British Championship meetings.
"I am feeling good about the jump" says Harmon, "I am looking forward to recreating an Eddie Kidd moment and raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance"
I'm trying to stay positive and get as much practice in as I can. The weather could cause concerns but hopefully the sun will shine like last years' jump. The distance? I am not that worried about the length of the jump.......yet!"
The jump will be taking place at 1:00pm and already the sponsors and donations are pouring in. If you would like to make a donation or sponsor Ben, or if you'd like more information about the jump, you can do so by contacting Scott Baker on 07866 510781 or Richard Sutton on 07880 598375 Alternatively visit www.ritsday.co.uk.
This will be an un-missable event so come and help make it a moment in local history.
A video of last year's River Brue jump can be viewed here.
With attendance from TV star Martin Roberts, newly appointed leader of Somerset County Council John Osman and local MP Tessa Munt, the Scrapstore consultation day on Saturday has produced some good results.
Held to help determine the charity's future, which is under threat due to a lack of core funds, the community were invited through the door to examine what potential solutions could be found to help support the running of the organisation, which provides recycled resources to the community at low cost.
By asking questions to local schools, businesses and the local authority to see what support there is, highlighting the good work the charity already does, the day also centred around what could be done in the future to improve the business model and make the Scrapstore better self-funded.
Newly appointed leader of Somerset County Council, John Osman arrived early at the Scrapstore to meet Manager Laura Kavanagh and discuss the issues.
"I was really pleased to see John through the door" said Laura "He knows of our work already but it was good that he took the time to come and speak to me. He is aware of our difficult circumstances and while he can't promise any quick solutions, he is prepared to help explore possible ways to improve the chances of long term sustainability of the Scrapstore, for which I am really grateful. He understands what we do and has seen it for himself first hand so has a good grasp of the concept and service delivery. He took time to listen to me, and that was really important."
And the Scrapstore also had the backing and support of TV presenter Martin Roberts from 'Homes Under The Hammer'. Martin, who lives locally, came to support following a trip to the store to buy materials for his children, and learning of the charity's plight.
"Martin was brilliant" said Laura "He is so warm and engaging and it was fabulous to have him and his family come along. He spent time chatting to customers and also the MP, and other organisation staff, signing autographs and having photos taken. Having that moral support is so important to us and the publicity which helps raise our profile is precious."
"I can't thank him enough for giving us his time, it has certainly helped in attracting much needed attention to our situation"
Tessa Munt MP came along in between community surgeries to see for herself the Scrapstore and learn more of the work.
'Tessa was lovely' said Laura 'She was really keen to know all about the work we do and understand the principles of the operations, from the landfill issues through to the use of resources. I hope she will become an extremely good ally who can add some weight to our need to raise the profile of Scrapstores within central government. I'm looking forward to finding out how we may be able to achieve this'.
Representatives from local schools and organisations also attended including from Mendip Community Support, Stoberry Park School, Aster Homes and Crispin School. Scrapstore volunteers served cider, apple juice, cheese and pickles to customers which had been donated by Roger Wilkins, Hecks Cider and Tincknells.
The day was also sponsored by Local People, who host local community websites wellspeople.co.uk, glastonburypeople.co.uk and sheptonmalletpeople.co.uk.
'The Local People sites are great in helping organisations such as ours plug our services and publicise events in the community, completely free of charge. Many people found out about our event via these websites which is really positive"
"It was a great day" said Laura "and I'd like to thank everyone, including all our volunteers, for all their support and involvement. While we're not out of the woods yet, there is at least a glimmer of hope that we can save the Scrapstore. And that's the main thing".
Burning Man Festival
