Llama on the loose

AFTER visiting the parish exhibition in Pitminster to show off the plans for the planned new village hall, I was able to put in my longest canvassing stint so far and came across the strangest sight yet - a llama galloping along the road.
I suppose I should not be too surprised, as these days there are all sorts of exotic creatures being reared on the Blackdowns, llamas, alpacas, bison, and so on, as well as more traditional ones returning, like longhorn cattle.
The llama (pictured), though, did catch us unawares as we turned out of one road and must have startled it into galloping toward us.
I jumped out of the car to try to usher it to the side of the road so I could perhaps call the police for advice, and again I was surprised at its turn of speed as it raced past before I could do anything and disappeared around a bend in the distance.
All we could then do was alert a nearby farmer, who had a good idea to whom the animal belonged and promised to pass on the alert.
Earlier, the village hall plans attracted around 100 Pitminster parishioners to the Queens Arms to look at some of the detail of what is being proposed and to have their say on it.
The village hall committee have worked wonders to progress the project and it is a great example of a community working together to achieve something which will bring benefits to many.
There are, naturally, issues about which some people will not be happy, such as the impact of a large new building on nearby residents and it is something which will need to be given some extremely careful consideration.
But the bottom line with the village hall plans is that this is a desperately-needed community facility for which everything possible needs to be done to ensure it is provided.
I was pleased to meet some of the committee members and I am looking forward to being able to do my little bit to help them be successful.
The photo shows me looking at the plans, with in the background Chris Robinson, who used to be the ward councillor and who has played a big part in the community consultation.
The opportunity was also taken at the same time to allow people to have their say on the war memorial issue in Blagdon Hill – should it stay, or should it go?
Quite a lot of comments have been made by people, some in favour of keeping it where it is and perhaps doing more to encourage people to use the area, some wanting it moved to a more accessible location, and some wanting a bit of both with a new memorial in the village while leaving the existing one as it is.
Afterwards, I continued my safari canvassing around some of the more remote areas of the ward, where you drive half-a-mile or more between properties to meet residents who have not seen a local candidate for many years, if ever.
There are as diverse a range of people living on the hills as there are animals being reared on them.
But many of them have shared values and concerns, with worries about how they can afford Council Tax, fear of crime, complaints about the state of the roads and speed of traffic, and delight that the Conservatives are bringing in plastic and cardboard recycling.