Friday 10th May

Friday, 10 May 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard says it needs an immediate injection of £100,000 to keep going. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has returned to Yeovil Rugby Club where she began her rugby career 20 years ago. Twenty-five Town criers from across the South will be in Ilminster tomorrow competing in the annual Ilminster Town Criers' Competition...and more.

The CEO of the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard has been speaking about the deepening cash crisis facing the charity that could result in it having to close. Kevan Hodges says their vet bills alone are now running at over £80,000 a year and that they need an immediate injection of £100,000 to stay afloat. Kevan says in their 85-year existence, this is the biggest financial challenge they've ever faced.

Somerset Day is on tomorrow with everyone encouraged to celebrate all that’s good about living in our fine County. Somerset Day is inspired by Alfred the Great’s call to arms and the gathering of ‘all people of Somerset’ to march against the Vikings. The day is not like that anymore, of course, with organisers saying just meeting with friends for a drink and flying a Somerset flag will suffice.

Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been on a visit to Yeovil Rugby Club where she began her rugby career 20 years ago. Fresh from winning the Six Nations, the Captain of the England Roses and World Player of the Year Marlie was at Yeovil Rugby Club’s ground off the Dorchester Road, helping with training.

Yeovil Town’s ground Huish Park is the venue tomorrow for the Yeovil Beer Festival with all profits from the event going to Children’s Hospice South West.

Town criers from across the South will be in Ilminster tomorrow competing in the annual Ilminster Town Criers' Competition. The competition will comprise two cries, a Home Cry followed by a Themed Cry with the usual restrictions of no mentions of religion, party politics and sex being applied.

More from News

Friday 6th September

A man has died after a Yeovilton-based helicopter crashed into the English Channel. A major A-road through Somerset was closed yesterday, due to multiple fallen trees. Somerset Council describes itself as ‘breathing slightly easier’ after balancing its books for the last financial year... and more.
Thursday 5th September

Somerset Council say last week’s Yeovil Dunelm fire won’t impact the Glovers Walk regeneration. A Government review could delay the decision on a defence contract that would benefit Leonardo Helicopters. It’s been announced that the Yeovil & District Business Awards are returning... and more.
Wednesday 4th September

Yeovil’s Leonardo Helicopters appear to be the only remaining bidder for new MoD helicopter projects. A major Castle Cary employer will be able to expand its operations, following the backing of local councillors. The donations to Yeovil’s MP Adam Dance have been revealed... and more.
Tuesday 3rd September

Maternity services at Yeovil and Taunton hospitals have improved according to Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. A collision near Cricket St Thomas has left a man with serious injuries. The finalists in the 2024 South West Farmer Awards have been announced...and more.
Monday 2nd September

The Government is ending the practice of badger culling, ten years after the Somerset trial began. Yeovil Town continue their good run of form after beating Boston away by three goals to one. The South Petherton carnival is scheduled for its return in a couple of weekends...and more.
Friday 30th August

A mother from Chard has praised the work of medics who detected a heart defect in her unborn baby. Somerset residents are being encouraged to take part in a "test-a-thon", raising awareness of high blood pressure. Ferne Animal Sanctuary is looking for volunteers...and more
Thursday 29th August

People in Somerset are calling on the government to think again about the expansion of new solar farms across the county. A well-loved Yeovil taxi driver is being mourned in the town. Essential road closures will affect the A37 between Barwick and Stoford next week...and more
Wednesday 28th August

Somerset Council have begun the 'biggest road resurfacing programme' in four years. Investigators have started their probe into what caused a fire that seriously damaged the Yeovil Dunelm store. A Somerset tourism boss says this summer has been disappointing for accommodation providers...and more