Jacob Rees Mogg MP writes:

Summer in Somerset is glorious. There is always an abundance of fetes, shows and events that, after long winters and cool springs, brings the community back together in appreciation of the true beauty of the county.

Every year, it is a great honour to open the Clutton Horticultural Society Show, better known as the Clutton Flower Show. The event not only showcases wonderful flowers, plants, cakes and children's creativity but it is also a day for families to attend with the lure of many attractions such as games, rides and sweets. The Show, as I have previously written about, is something I particularly value as my family has been involved with the event since it started over eighty years ago when my grandfather lived nearby.

Whilst Somerset is metaphorically baked in sunshine during the summer this year saw the rain but that did nothing to dampen the spirits of those in attendance. My youngest son, Sixtus, got soaked on the bouncy slide, which he loved and the man in charge generously allowed him the longest five minutes in history.

I was also fortunate, recently, to be invited to the Chew Valley Animal Park. There was a vast selection of animals for visitors to see including pigs, deer, camels and a porpentine whose quills, unlike Shakespeare's, were in a relaxed mode. 

The rangers are on site to answer all questions from the public and offer keeper talks and animal interaction experiences. People can also adopt any of the animals and the adoption package includes a certificate, a personal information sheet of your chosen animal, your name next to their enclosure for a year and a free day pass.

Whilst the summertime is always a draw for locals and tourists there are so many places to visit in Somerset all year round - come rain or shine.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me: www.jacobreesmogg.com / [email protected]