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

Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more
Tuesday 2nd June

Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group says a decision not to introduce mass screening for prostate cancer is the wrong one. A Martock woman has been banned from driving for 28 months. Somerset Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking the volunteers who help deliver council services... and more
Monday 1st June

People in Somerset with Football Banning Orders are being reminded they must surrender their passports by the end of today ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. A road in Yeovil will close for nine days later this week. Farmers from Somerset were among the winners of this year's ITV Britain's Got Talent final...and more
Friday 29th May

South Western Ambulance Service is struggling to cope after a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke says a shortage of rental homes is making it harder for rural employers to attract workers. The National Trust is warning that changing weather patterns are making it difficult to maintain the Cerne Abbas Giant... and more
Thursday 28th May

People are being asked to take extra care in parks and open spaces as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fire. Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Yeovil can now go ahead after a High Court challenge by Mudford Parish Council was dismissed. A Somerset bakery chain has sparked a reaction after it stopped making iced buns... and more