Friday 13th September

Friday, 13 September 2024 at 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

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more