Friday 26th July

Friday, 26 July 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Olympic Rower, Helen Glover, will be carrying the Team GB flag, together with diver Tom Daley, at this evening's opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Work has been completed building a new mental health ward in Yeovil. Martock Library is reducing its opening hours after losing funding from the Parish Council...and more.

Somerset Olympic Rower, Helen Glover, will be carrying the Team GB flag, together with diver Tom Daley, at this evening's opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Helen competes in her fourth Olympics and says leading Team GB at the opening event will be a proud moment.

Work has been completed building a new mental health ward in Yeovil. Patients under treatment at St Andrews in Wells will now be transferred to the new unit on Preston Road. Despite strong objections, NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group voted to close the mental health ward at St Andrews in Wells and relocate all patients to Yeovil.

Wildlife charities in Somerset are struggling to keep up with high demand due to an increase in domestic animal cruelty cases. According to the RSPCA, animal cruelty is rising more quickly in Somerset than in other parts of the country.

Martock Library is reducing its opening hours after losing its funding from the Parish Council. Martock Parish Council had been giving the library £5,000 a year to help operate its normal opening hours but has now removed the funding. The library will open on Tuesday and Saturday from 9:30 am until 1 pm and Wednesday from 1:30 pm to 5 pm. On Monday and Friday, it will be open between 9:30 am and 5 pm but will stay closed on Thursday and Sunday.

Two local men, who’ve raised over £750,000 for military charities, have been presented with a top award. Benn Laidler and Steve Shaw of Torque Events were given the Sir James Gildea Global Award at the annual meeting of the armed forces charity, SSAFA. Their latest fund-raising event, Driving Force for SSAFA, starts on July 30th, with fifty vehicles taking part in a 10-day driving challenge to Gibraltar.

A school lollipop lady in Milborne Port has retired after 30 years doing the job. Cora Pinkawa, who’s 85, received a thank-you gift on the last day of term at Milborne Port Primary School to make her retirement.

A picture framing business in Martock has been named the Best Family-Owned Art Gallery in the South of England. Martock Gallery on Water Street was named in the SME News UK Enterprise Awards.

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