Friday 13th September

Friday, 13 September 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Prime Minister has paid tribute to the Royal Navy officer from RNAS Yeovilton who died in a training accident last week. A public consultation is underway into plans to build a giant solar farm between Yeovil and Sherborne. A care home in Crewkerne has been celebrating the 100th birthday of one of its residents...and more.

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has paid tribute to the Royal Navy officer from RNAS Yeovilton who died in a training accident last week. Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon was killed when the Merlin helicopter he was flying was forced to ditch in the sea off the Dorset coast. Two others on board the aircraft were rescued.

A Somerset man is encouraging more men to come forward to have their prostate examined. Ram Patten underwent surgery this week after doctors discovered his cancer. He says if it wasn't for having a check-up then his cancer may never have been found.

A public consultation is underway into plans to build a giant solar farm between Yeovil and Sherborne. RWE Renewables propose installing solar panels on 32 acres of farmland that will provide renewable electricity to 20,000 homes. The company claims the scheme will save more than 1.8 million tonnes of CO2 compared to fossil fuel generation. A public session about the project is being held at Bradford Abbas Village Hall next Monday, September 16th.

Leonardo Helicopters employees have been provided a quiet space to reflect and commemorate former colleagues. Members of Holy Trinity Scouts and trainees from the Hub in Yeovil helped build the so-called reflective garden situated by the main entrance to Leonardo off Lysander Road.

A care home in Crewkerne has been celebrating the 100th birthday of one of its residents. Eva was surrounded by family and friends at the special party at The Orchards Care Home marking her century of life..

An East Coker woman will be raising money for Children’s Hospice South West this weekend. Holly Whetham is holding her annual Whetfest Music Fest in Halves Lane with proceeds donated to Children’s Hospice South West. Holly says at £10 a ticket, you won’t find a better day out.

More from News

Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more