Monday 9th December

Monday, 9 December 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Preston Church of England School has been named one of the best-run state schools in the country. Councillors have delayed a decision on plans to build 30 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Original film footage of King Charles’s christening in 1948 is being offered for sale at auction in Chard...and more

A Yeovil primary school has been ranked one of the best-run state schools in the country. Preston Church of England School was named the second best in the South West and the 25th in England by The Sunday Times. The Parent Power Guide also named Countess Gytha Primary School in Queen Camel the region's third-best school, and the 47th best in England.

Councillors have delayed a decision on plans to build 30 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Developers, Galion Homes, want to build the homes to the north of Church Street, with the demolition of an existing bungalow on the site to provide access. Members of Somerset Council’s Planning South Committee voted to defer a decision on the application after concerns were raised about over-development, road safety, and the loss of green space in the heart of the village.

Original film footage of King Charles’s christening is being offered for sale at auction in Chard. It shows King Charles being held by his mother, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Queen Mary and King George the Sixth. Dated December 15th 1948 and described as in mint condition, it will go under the hammer at Courtyard Auctioneers in Chard, on Thursday, December 12th.

Seven newly qualified Wildcat helicopter aircrew have completed their training at RNAS Yeovilton's 825 Naval Air Squadron. The presentation of their Wings marked the culmination of weeks of study and practical assessments. The sailors are due to join 825's sister squadron, 815, on frontline operational tasks.

A number of local holiday businesses have been recognized in the 2024 Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards. Knowle Meadow Camping in Chard won gold in the New Tourism Business Awards category. Croftview – Hinton Park Holidays, Hinton St George, took silver in the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year category, with Hadspen Glamping of Castle Cary awarded Bronze in the Glamping Business of the Year category.

Radio Ninesprings has joined with local charity, Help for Homeless, to support their Christmas Shoebox Appeal. It asks for donations of essential items like warm socks, toiletries, and treats to give to men and women who, this Christmas, will sleep rough in Somerset. If you would like to donate to Help for Homeless, please put your items in a shoebox-size box and take it for collection to Dandelion Cotton in the Quedam or, the Gateway Church on Addlewell Lane in Yeovil.

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Somerset Council says a government review of adult social care could cause the Council to go bankrupt. A pilot scheme in Somerset aimed at cutting hospital admissions to A&E by the most vulnerable patients has shown a 50 per cent reduction in visits. Somerset celebrity chef Josh Eggleton is converting a double-decker bus to help promote healthier eating in schools...and more.
Friday 17th January

Bruton Primary School is the latest to have a barrier installed outside the school to stop parents parking when dropping off and picking up children. A man has appeared in court charged with being drunk and disorderly at Yeovil Hospital. A veteran of World War Two in Castle Cary has been awarded France’s highest military and civil distinction...and more
Thursday 16th January

A Chard woman has appeared in court after driving her car towards a crowd of people who, she claimed, were causing a disturbance. Crewkerne residents will soon be provided with a new banking hub. Work has started removing 14 trees along the embankment of Chard Reservoir...and more
Wednesday 15th January

A Yeovil man has been arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child. A Community Fridge in Shepton Mallet says it saved ten tonnes of unwanted food from going to landfill in the run-up to Christmas. Somerset Council has started collecting empty toothpaste tubes for recycling at the kerbside for the first time...and more
Tuesday 14th January

Police are appealing for witnesses after two people died in a car crash near Shepton Mallet. A new passing loop could be introduced on the rail line between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill stations. St Margaret’s Hospice has thanked the public for making this year’s Christmas Tree Recycling project their most successful ever...and more
Monday 13th January

Plans to build forty-six new homes in Castle Cary have been rejected for a third time. Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has no plans to step down from his dual role as a member of Somerset Council. Rug Ratz in Yeovil is closing permanently today, leaving the town without a children's soft play space...and more.
Friday 10th January

Yeovil Hospital has declared a critical incident due to a sharp rise in flu admissions putting pressure on bed spaces. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, joined campaigners and colleagues in Downing Street this week to hand in a petition calling for action to tackle the shortage of NHS dentists. Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been replaced as England's Red Roses captain for 2025 season... and more
Thursday 9th January

Police say three children, missing from their home in Essex, have been found safe and well in Wincanton. Yeovil Hospital is asking visitors to A&E to wear facemasks to help avoid the spread of infection. Long traffic queues can be expected in Chard over the next nine months. A new arts and music performance space has opened in Crewkerne...and more.