Local News Wednesday 8th September

Wednesday, 8 September 2021 06:00

The trial continues at Taunton Crown Court today of former Leader of South Somerset District Council Ric Pallister. People are being asked to use the camera on their smartphones to help paramedics assess a person’s injuries before being taken to hospital. Ilminster is gearing up to host one of the largest town crier competitions in England. The return of Somerset Armed Forces Day has been announced, with a new celebrity face at the forefront of the event...and more.

The trial continues today (08-09) at Taunton Crown Court of former Leader of South Somerset District Council Ric Pallister. Mr Pallister, who led the district council for seven years, faces a total of 36 indecency charges, including indecent assault and indecency with a child. He denies all the charges that date from 1983 to 2004 and include multiple alleged offences involving girls under the age of 16.

People are being asked to use the camera on their smartphones to help paramedics assess a person’s injuries before being taken to hospital. South Western Ambulance says having a photo of the person’s injury would help medical staff work out the best treatment to give before patients arrive at hospital.

Ilminster is gearing up to host one of the largest town crier competitions in England. Twenty-two town criers will be in the Market Square in Ilminster on Saturday, September 18th, competing for a number of awards and trophies.

The return of Somerset Armed Forces Day has been announced, with a new celebrity face at the forefront of the event. Dragons Den star Deborah Meaden is the event's new champion and has pledged to help raise the profile of the event. Postponed for the past two years due to the pandemic, Armed Forces Day will take place next year on Saturday, July 2nd.

Churches in South Somerset have the chance of winning a top prize for the help they provided during the pandemic. The insurance firm, Ecclesiastical Insurance, is asking for stories about the help churches gave local people during lockdown for ‘The Good News’ competition that has a first prize of £7,500.

Three people in Chard have been presented with ‘Outstanding Service Awards’ by Chard Town Council. Bruce Crabb has been recognised for 42 years of service at Chard Cricket Club. Jonathan Moore for producing a video diary of Chard during the pandemic and Christine Smith for her work with the Chard Watch project. Jason Hawkes has been given the Mayor’s Annual Award for setting up an emergency response team that provided direct help to people in Chard during lockdown.

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