About Us
Somerset Market Towns Forum promotes and supports community-based action to revitalise market towns.
SMTF was formed in 2003 and brings together representatives of market and coastal towns and larger villages across Somerset in a network, to share issues of common concern and help in the economic, social and environmental regeneration of local communities.
The Forum holds regular networking and information events and exchanges information and support to and between its members.
We also act as a voice for our members from across the County in discussions with other bodies and forums.
To find out more about our services, click here The Benefits of joining SMTF
Click here to see How SMTF fits into regeneration in Somerset
We now have 18 Member Towns and large villages and are keen to welcome more communities to the Forum. These members are community planning/regeneration groups, who often have a mix of local councillors and activists who volunteer their time to improve their towns.
Town and Parish Councils who have been involved in a recognised community planning process are now also welcome to join as voting members.
Single-issue regeneration groups (such as environmental or heritage groups) are also welcome to join as standard members. Transition Glastonbury have recently joined the Forum as standard members.
The Forum is funded by Somerset County Council and the South-West England Regional Development Agency. We would like to thank the Market & Coastal Towns Association, in particular Charles Coffin, for their support and guidance from 2003 to 2008.
SMTF is hosted by the Community Council for Somerset, and we work closely with other CCS staff.
The Forum currently has one paid Coordinator and a Steering Group.
Matt Day - Coordinator
Matt joined the Forum in March 07 as Information Officer and previously worked as a Regeneration Officer for South Somerset District Council. He became Coordinator in July 08, and coordinates the services and liaises with the Steering Group. He manages this website, produces the Email Bulletins, promotes the Forum and organises the Network Events, as well as looking for future funding and organising training for our members.
Steering Group
This comprises;
Carol Goodall (Chair)- Ilminster Forum
Jennifer Trotman (Vice-Chair) - Axbridge Town Council
Peter Berman - Wiveliscombe Area Partnership
John Marshall - Martock M3 Community Plan
Katherine Armstrong - Community Council for Somerset
Mandie Berry - Somerset County Council
For more information about the Forum contact Matt Day at matt@somersetrcc.org.uk or phone 01458 252005.