THIS weekend will see the launch of a new project bringing together the generous people of Ilminster to make more events in the town possible.

The brand new Team Ilminster has been in the pipeline since last year, and is now coming to fruition thanks to Michael Fry-Foley.

Mike is best known in the town for his work organising the Victorian evening and IMEx.

Team Ilminster will be launched at this year’s Party on the Park, which is being held on Sunday, August 26.

Mike said: “ The idea is that, on the one hand there are many events and organisations that need promotion, and some of them require volunteers to make them happen.

“On the other hand, there is a latent willingness of many people to help local good causes but they are unaware how they can help.

Through Team Ilminster Mike is hoping to resolve this mismatch by using social media, including a Team Ilminster events calender on Facebook, open to anyone to post their event.

This can be logged days, weeks or months in advance, Mike added: “So that people can find out, for example when the Children’s Carnival is happening this year, or can check out what is happening this weekend or next week.

“Event organisers will also be able to plan when future activities are happening to avoid clashes with similar events.

“They will also be able contact Team Ilminster to ask for volunteers.”

There will also be a second page for members, which Mike hopes can grow to around 50 or 60 people who will be available to help out.

He said: “Typically this would be on an ad hoc basis, for example four people needed to help run a fundraising stall in the Market House on Saturday week, or act as marshals for an event.

“But, it might be longer term such as to help run a website, do the accounts for a charity, design posters, distribute flyers, or any of the thousand things it takes to make events and good causes happen.

“Where necessary members would be provided with branded safety wear, and would receive training for event and/or road marshalling, first aid, and have the opportunity to be DBS checked.

As well as launching Team Ilminster on Sunday, Mike will be distributing posters to all homes in the TA19 area over the next few weeks.

For more information, visit facebook.com/IlminsterEventsAndVolunteers.