ILMINSTER Mayor Emma Jane Taylor joined the Monks Yard conference centre and cafe for its second monthly ‘MY Community Day’ in aid of local charity Vaughan Lee House.

October’s event raised more than £700 for the local branch of Macmillan Cancer Support and the enthusiastic response encouraged the Monks Yard team to hold another day.

They invited the Mayor as guest of honour for November and she nominated Vaughan Lee House, Ilminster’s non-profit elderly care facility.

Monks Yard manager Dean Holling said: “Mrs Taylor is involved with many charities and could have chosen from any number of worthy causes to support, but Vaughan Lee House is a place much loved by her mother.”

Monks Yard has also committed to give a generous share of cafe takings one day a month to the selected local cause.

In November, a cheque for £362 was given to Vaughan Lee House committee members Carole Willett and Sheena Hellier.

Carole said: “Your contribution will go towards the purchase of a lifting cushion, a useful piece of equipment.

“If a resident has a fall and cannot get up unaided, they are transferred to the cushion which lies flat on the floor and is inflated until the resident can just step off at a normal seat height.”

Mr Holling thanked regulars and visitors for supporting the MY Community Day.

He added: “Our staff and customers have given us great support over the years and we are pleased to be able to give something back to the community.

“Local charities looking for a chance to promote themselves and get a little support are welcome to get in touch.”

This month’s MY Community Day is on Wednesday, December 17.