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

Friday 18th July

EDF has completed another milestone in constructing the new 'Hinkley C' nuclear power plant near Bridgwater. The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire opens today with helicopters built in Yeovil on display. A road leading to Chard reservoir, shut two months ago for strengthening work to a dam wall, has re-opened...and more
Thursday 17th July

Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has serious concerns about plans that could see the closure of inpatient beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital. Ilminster residents are being asked to vote in a referendum on adopting a new neighbourhood plan for the town. An event in which people take part in a race against horses is returning to Somerset later this year...and more
Wednesday 16th July

A children’s play area in Ilminster has been closed on safety grounds after badger setts were found on the land. Somerset Council sold off £90m of property assets last year to help fight off bankruptcy. Crewkerne Community Hospital could be turned into a neighbourhood health centre...and more.
Tuesday 15th July

The fire service has blamed a discarded portable barbecue for starting a blaze at Ham Hill Country Park. A care home for people with autism and complex needs in Crewkerne has been rated 'good'. A seven-year-old Yeovil boy has set a new world record for completing the most number of consecutive sit-ups for his age group...and more
Monday 14th July

Somerset Council is warning motorists against scanning QR codes at its car parks payment meters. Chard Town Council is spending £10,000 on short-term youth provision over the summer months. Former Yeovil Town player Marcus Stewart says he wants to continue raising money towards finding a cure for motor neurone disease...and more.
Friday 10th July

A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.
Thursday 10th July

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Wednesday 9th July

Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.