Friday 17th October

Friday, 17 October 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A new £7 million primary school and nursery is to be built in the grounds of Holyrood Academy in Chard. A public consultation has opened into plans to merge the parishes of Ansford and Castle Cary. The nomination papers that paved the way for Margaret Thatcher to become Britain's first female Prime Minister have been uncovered in a Somerset garage...and more

Holyrood Academy in Chard is to get a new seven-million-pound primary school and nursery built in its grounds as part of a major new housing development. Somerset Council says the new school could be open by 2028.

A public consultation has opened into plans to merge the parishes of Ansford and Castle Cary. Residents are being asked to comment on dissolving the two parishes and creating one parish to cover both areas. The consultation, available on the Somerset Council website, runs until December 8th.

The nomination papers that paved the way for Margaret Thatcher to become Britain's first female Prime Minister have been uncovered in a Somerset garage. The documents were among a collection of historic items discovered in a cardboard box belonging to the late Sir Edward du Cann, a former Taunton MP. It’s estimated that the papers, which are being sold at auction in January, could fetch up to £100,000.

Brympton Golden Oldies, a twice-monthly coffee morning held in Brympton for residents, has been presented with a Somerset Unsung Community Hero Award. The award, given by Somerset Council, is in recognition of the tireless efforts of organisers Bob and Sandra Brooks, Cheryl Collins, and Liz James, to make every coffee morning memorable with quizzes, bingo, and social interaction.

The Yeovil Literary Festival begins today and will run for the next 10 days, featuring presentations from over 60 authors and celebrities, including Michael Palin, Alison Steadman and Mary Berry.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more