Christmas lunch at Hinkley

Group of people sitting at a table indoors, smiling, with water bottles and napkins on a red tablecloth.

Several charities were invited to Christmas lunch hosted by Hinkley Point, to show their appreciation for their work in the community. Ewen Huffman, one of the chaplains at Hinkley, kindly extended the invitation to The Besom in Taunton and several of our time-givers were able to attend. Those taking part were Taunton Food bank, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Taunton Open Door, Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, Taunton Area Debt Advice and On Yer Bike. Each had a couple of minutes to describe their activities and we all enjoyed a lovely meal. Thank you Hinkley!

The Besom in Taunton Annaul General Meeting was held at Cotford St Luke Community Centre and we welcomed core team members, previous core team members and trustees. Thank you to all who attended and gave valuable input. Looking back on the year we praise God for all that He has done, and how he has enabled our work to continue.

AGM 18 November 2024

Visit of the Rev. Suzy Kirkham to the warehouse

It was great to welcome Rev. Suzy to the warehouse on Thursday 14 November. Rev. Suzy was interested to see all aspects of our work, and was happy to join in, helping to clean and sort. Rev Suzy is vicar of The Vale Churches benefice covering the parishes of Bradford-on-Tone, Heathfield with Cotford St Luke, Hillfarrance, Nynehead and Oake. Two of our time-givers attend Cotford St Luke church in Cotford St Luke Centre. Thank you Rev. Suzy for your support.

A building facade with a large cross mounted on beige siding, adjacent to a brick wall and glass door.

Visit of YWAM Mazatlan, Mexico

Five people standing and sitting near an open car boot, holding mugs and snacks, outdoors in a residential area.

A group of 11 young people from Mexico was hosted by churches in the town during October. They were involved in different aspects of ministry across the town, including taking part in a decorating and gardening project with Besom. They experienced the work of Besom first hand and had good fun too.

The team accomplished a huge amount for a recipient and their help was much appreciated.

Outdoor scene with garden waste bags and a lawnmower. The bags are filled with grass clippings and are on a grassy area next to a brick wall. A lawnmower is nearby. Several parked cars are visible in the background.
Person painting a wall green with a roller brush in a room with blue and white walls.
Two people working on a DIY project outside, with one person sawing a large board while the other watches. Tools and equipment, such as a saw and extension cord, are visible on the ground. A brick wall serves as the backdrop.

Visit of Mr Peter de Groot

A group of six people standing in a storage space with furniture and various items, including a large white drawer. The interior has a concrete floor and shelves with tools and supplies.

This week we welcomed Mr Peter de Groot to the warehouse for a morning. He  has been visiting this country from the Netherlands, and volunteers for Present Nederland. The  Present Network was founded by someone inspired by Besom in the UK! There are 70 Presents across Holland and Peter is the local co-ordinator in Utrecht. On a very busy morning, Peter joined in enthusiastically, generally helping, asking questions and generally getting a flavour of what we do. We trust his visit was really useful and that he and his family will be blessed as they look to God’s leading for the future.

Very successful fundraiser

On 8 June some of our time-givers who attend St George’s Church, Wilton, held a fundraising event. We displayed art and crafts by St George’s members, and some of the items were for sale.

It was a very successful event raising more than £300 for the work of Besom. Many thanks to all who donated, helped, manned the kitchen, served coffees and cake, and contributed crafts.

Colorful poster with text reading "Coffee Morning and Craft Exhibition Thank You" in a splash of vibrant colors.
Two men in formal attire standing outdoors with a garage or workshop in the background. One wears a plaid blazer, red sweater, and red glasses, while the other wears a light grey overcoat and patterned tie. A wooden chair and shelving are visible behind them.

Roger Habgood with the High Sheriff

Group of people standing indoors in casual attire

Time-givers and core team members

Open morning

On 8 February we welcomed the vicar, Rev Dr Nick Griffin, and members of St George’s Church, Wilton, to our warehouse to see what we do.

We also welcomed the High Sheriff of Somerset, Mr Robert Drewett, who was most interested the in the work of Besom and chatted to various time-givers and core team members. He also outlined the history of the position of High Sheriff and what he does now. Mr Drewett was hosted by Roger Habgood, chairman of the trustees of The Besom in Taunton and chairman of The Besom Network trustees.

Gift basket with assorted snacks and holiday items, including Pringles, chocolates, and a drink, wrapped in festive "Merry Christmas" paper.

It was a joy to welcome volunteers from churches across Taunton to help with packing the hampers. The hampers were delivered to families and individuals to help make their Christmas brighter. Everyone enjoyed some fantastic food afterwards!

Christmas Hampers

Group of people seated around a long table enjoying a shared meal in a cozy room.

Annual General Meeting, 7 November 2023

We held our AGM on Tuesday 7 November. Thank you to all who attended and contributed. It was a very positive meeting and we look forward to the coming year, continuing with our core vision to be a bridge between Christians wanting to serve and those in need. We thank God that we have been able to help many families and individuals throughout the past year. Thank you too to all who contribute financially to the work of The Besom in Taunton.

Group of people standing together indoors, smiling at the camera.
Person smiling with short hair and glasses in a group setting.

Thank you, Ruth, for taking the group photograph.

Thank you Madeleine

Three elderly people in a cozy restaurant setting, one holding a bouquet of flowers, with a cheerful atmosphere.

Our Core Team met to host a lunch and say a huge thank you to Madeleine and Colin who are stepping down, having faithfully served the local community through Besom for nearly 20 years.

Madeleine shared some great stories of shifting furniture and doing projects in the early days with Nesta, who started The Besom in Taunton.

In recent years they did a great job of looking after the Crisis Food Box provision and have always had such hearts and compassion for local families and individuals in need.

We wish them well in their retirement and know they will always keep Besom in their prayers.