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

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
Thursday 30th July

The Environment Agency has declared a drought across Somerset as the hot weather takes its toll on the county's water supplies. Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic accident near Crewkerne. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow...and more
Wednesday 29th July

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a series of moped thefts in Chard. A combine harvester has been destroyed in a farm fire at Forton, near Chard. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow... and more
Tuesday 28th July

The former Beales department store in Yeovil could be brought back into use as part of a wider masterplan for the future of the town. A yellow heat health alert is in place across Somerset from nine o’clock this morning until nine o’clock on Friday morning. A Somerset farmer says this year is the driest on his land since 1976... and more
Monday 27th July

Gooch and Housego, based in Ilminster and one of the town’s biggest employers, has been sold in a multi-million-pound deal to an American private equity firm. A father who shook his four-week-old baby to death at a house in Chard has been sentenced to life in prison. A doctor who works for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is one of five people to have jointly set a new world record for rowing around Great Britain... and more
Friday 24th July

Avon and Somerset Police are warning people to watch out for scammers posing as Amazon. The CEO of the company that provides Somerset's recycling is warning of a major incident if people continue to put used batteries in waste bins. A former Yeovil pub could be demolished to make way for a major hotel expansion.
Thursday 23rd July

The West Country is officially one step closer to being declared in drought. Somerset Council says it's remodelling its service after a children's home was closed following an inspection. A new McDonald's planned off the M5 at Bridgwater could create up to 120 local jobs... and more
Wednesday 22nd July

Two men have been jailed for stealing electrical items and cash from a property in Yeovil. Somerset Council has defended its use of Yeovil’s new performance area in The Triangle, in Lower Middle Street. Tintinhull Primary School, near Yeovil, has won a top national award for outdoor play... and more