Wednesday 5th June

Wednesday, 5 June 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

World War Two veterans, including 99-year-old Stan Ford from Somerset, have arrived in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. A project to encourage more sustainable travel for school children is underway in Somerset. Strawberry growers say the season's been delayed by around two weeks due to a lack of sunshine...and more.

World War Two veterans, including 99-year-old Stan Ford from Somerset, have arrived in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Each of them is carrying a commemorative torch from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission that will form the centrepiece of a vigil at Bayeux War Cemetery. Stan Ford served with the Royal Navy during D-Day and was badly injured when his ship was torpedoed.

A project to encourage more sustainable travel for school children is underway in Somerset.

Strawberry growers in Somerset say the season has been delayed by around two weeks due to a lack of sunshine this year.

People eligible for a Spring Covid jab are being told they only have until the end of this month to get one. The vaccination booster is available to those aged 75 or over, along with older adult care home residents, and people with a weakened immune system.

A new adventure garden has been opened at Shepton Beauchamp Church School. Children at the school were involved in designing the new play area, with parents raising £8,000 to pay for it.

A ‘Pride in Parks’ five-star award has been given to Ninesprings Country Park in Yeovil. It’s the fourth time the Park’s been given the award by The Royal Horticultural Society. The judging panel singled out the park rangers and volunteers for maintaining the appearance of Ninesprings Country Park.

Firefighters at Yeovil Fire Station will embark on cycling 270 miles in just two days for charity later this month. Members of Yeovil Red Watch will be cycling to every fire station in Somerset, plus one in every neighbouring county, starting on Thursday, June 20th, raising money for The Little Princess Trust and The Firefighters Charity.

More from News

Tuesday 11th August

Wessex Water says a hosepipe ban is possible if customers fail to cut their water usage. A record number of illegal dog fights were reported in Somerset last year. Yeovil Town's Mason Obeng has won the traditional sack of potatoes, given to the player who scores Yeovil's first goal of the new season, as a lucky omen... and more
Monday 10th August

A local councillor claims anti-social behaviour is putting people off coming into Yeovil town centre. South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban in the Chard area. Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stuck at one of its stations... and more
Friday 7th August

Chard's biggest employer, Numatic International, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has announced job cuts. A new Neighbourhood Plan for Hatch Beauchamp has officially been adopted. Two historic artefacts taken from Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years ago have been returned...and more
Thursday 6th August

A local man and convicted former neo-Nazi, selected by the Conservatives to stand in Crewkerne South in next year’s local elections for a seat on Somerset Council, has pulled out after a backlash against his candidacy. A charity that runs children's homes in Somerset is terminating its contract early following a critical report by Ofsted...and more
Wednesday 5th August

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner is backing the wider use of police drones in towns like Yeovil to help tackle crime. Visitor numbers at Somerset's tourist attractions are down by around sixty per cent so far this year. A gardening expert says it'll take much more than the occasional shower to revive Somerset's parched lawns, parks and open spaces...and more
Tuesday 4th August

A Somerset doctor is calling for better community eye care. People in Glastonbury and Street are benefiting from a new bus service to Castle Cary railway station. A sailor from South Petherton is celebrating after sailing around the world... and more
Monday 3rd August

A yellow Heat Health Alert is in force across Somerset today. The swimming and leisure centre in Street remains closed following last Thursday's flooding in the plant room. Plans for a new primary school in Chard have been delayed until at least 2030... and more
Friday 31st July

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says July has been its busiest month ever for emergency calls. Police have recovered a 1970s Austin Mini pick-up stolen in Shepton Mallet. A specialist spinal injuries service at Yeovil Hospital has treated three hundred patients in its first year... and more