Wednesday 13th November

Wednesday, 13 November 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A South Petherton man has appeared in court charged with four counts of assaulting police officers. Public Health officials in Somerset have welcomed the news that an improved anti-smoking pill will be available locally on the NHS. A Royal Navy Commander, based at RNAS Yeovilton, has raised £4,000 for Help the Heroes with a world record attempt...and more

A South Petherton man has pleaded guilty to four counts of assaulting police officers, two offences of causing criminal damage to police vehicles, and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. Appearing before magistrates in Yeovil, Matthew Reyland was also charged with a string of previous motoring offences, including driving while disqualified and without insurance. Reyland was remanded in custody for the preparation of pre-sentence reports, ahead of his next court appearance on December 13th. (story courtesy of Chard and Ilminster News).

A Yeovil man who was more than three times over the drink-drive limit when stopped by police has been given a 16-month driving ban. A member of the public reported Jason Waller after suspecting that he had been drinking because of the manner of his driving. Waller, of Abbots Meade, in Yeovil, pleaded guilty to driving after consuming excess alcohol and was also told to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work by magistrates in Yeovil.

Public Health experts in Somerset have welcomed the news that an improved anti-smoking pill is being made available on the NHS locally. It’s claimed the pill is more effective than nicotine patches or gums in helping people to quit tobacco. Around sixty thousand people smoke in Somerset and it’s hoped the drug could prevent thousands of smoking-related deaths each year.

A new care home has opened in Hatch Beauchamp with a communal allotment space where residents can grow their own fruit and veg. Beauchamp House, a Grade-2 listed property that has been under refurbishment for the past two years, is run by Care South and provides residential respite and nursing care.

A retired RAF pilot in Somerset has been speaking about being a foster parent at the age of 88. Nigel, who is believed to be the oldest foster carer in the County, has been providing a home for children awaiting long-term adoption for the last four years and has even been known to take those in his care to Glastonbury Festival. He says although it's hard work at his age it's still fun.

A Royal Navy Commander based at RNAS Yeovilton has raised £4,000 for a charity with a world record attempt. Rob Guest of 815 Naval Air Squadron raised the money for Help for Heroes attempting to set a new world weightlifting record.

More from News

Thursday 8th October

Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally. Wells market has received national recognition...and more
Wednesday 7th October

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more
Tuesday 6th October

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more
Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.
Thursday 1st October

765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Wednesday 30th September

Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Tuesday 29th September

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.