ILMINSTER Arts Centre has appointed a new manager.

Samantha Miller, who will be the new Arts Centre Manager, previously worked in publishing and as a senior designer for a strategic communications agency in London before moving to Ilminster to be closer to family.

Sam said: "Ilminster Arts Centre has a proud and distinguished pedigree. I'm pleased to be joining the charity at such an important time in its continuing development. "The job combines my passion for creative arts with my natural focus on good organisation and teamwork."

Sam, whose interests include pottery, drawing and printmaking, will be working closely with a team of volunteers, including the board of trustees, to develop the arts centre's activities and strengthen its close relationship with the community.

Tony Nares, chair of trustees, said: "We're delighted to welcome Sam to Ilminster Arts Centre. She'll play a crucial role in shaping the next chapter in our story.

“We have lots of exciting plans in the pipeline and Sam's energy, experience and expertise will help to bring them to fruition, as well as offer fresh ideas for improvement."

Ilminster Arts Centre was established almost 30 years ago. It offers a busy programme of daily craft workshops, weekly live music and monthly art exhibitions. Based on East Street in the heart of Ilminster, it also has a boutique shop, offering handmade gifts from local craft-makers, and a café.

As the arts centre’s website explains the Ilminster Arts Centre was founded in 1994 by artist & illustrator Mary Atherton and her husband Jim.

The centre - now a well-established, thriving multi-arts venue - operates as a registered charity.

It is based in a former Unitarian chapel, built in 1718-19, which welcomed worshippers until 1989 and became known as The Meeting House.

Over its long lifetime, the building underwent several changes. Initially, it was a chapel with a small congregation.

It developed into a much larger town facility with several hundred worshippers and a separate Sunday school, which became a full junior school. Each change involved major building extensions and improvements.

The arts centre is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 3pm.

For more information visit www.ilminsterartscentre.com