Friday 9th January

Friday, 9 January 2026 06:00

A Yeovil man has been arrested and then de-arrested after a collision in Dorset. A Somerset food manufacturer could be expanding its Wincanton base. A new dementia-friendly choir has been launched in Yeovil...and more.

A Yeovil man has been arrested and then de-arrested after a collision in Dorset. The incident occurred on the evening of December 18th and involved a white Range Rover and a blue Renault Clio on the A30, between Castle Town Way and Osborne Road. A man and a woman in their 30s, alongside two children, were taken to the hospital for treatment for serious injuries. They have since been discharged. Dorset Police have confirmed a man aged in his 40s from Yeovil was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and was subsequently de-arrested. He is continuing to assist officers with their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police.

A major Somerset food manufacturing company could be expanding its existing base in Wincanton and creating up to twenty local jobs. Jardox operates from Wincanton Business Park and has submitted plans to build a new warehouse west of its current building, with Somerset Council expected to make a ruling on the proposals in a matter of months.

Somerset Council is encouraging residents to add volunteering to their New Year's resolutions, as a rewarding way to give back, learn more, and connect with their community. There is a wide range of roles available, from helping children and young people to protecting and enhancing the environment and promoting arts and culture. Details are available on the Council website.

Ilminster Town Council is seeking people who deserve recognition for the difference they make in the town. Entries for the Ilminster Citizen’s Award 2026 and the Bradley Cullen Youth Citizen Award are now open. Nomination forms can be picked up from Council offices in the town, by phone, or by email.

Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue have announced the launch of a new dementia-friendly choir. The Octagon Memory Choir aims to support people living with dementia or memory challenges, alongside their family and carers, with weekly singing sessions, accompanied by live music and led by trained music specialists. The sessions are reported to create a sense of community, help reduce loneliness, unlock memories and ease anxiety. The choir will meet on Friday mornings starting at the end of this month.

More from News

Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more
Friday 16th January

The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more
Thursday 15th January

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.
Wednesday 14th January

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more
Tuesday 13th January

The Government says it won’t bring forward a decision on buying new helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels. Yeovil’s temporary police station on Horsey Lane is to close at the end of the month....and more
Monday 12th January

Leonardo is threatening to shut its Yeovil factory. Somerset Community Foundation says there's still time to donate money to its Surviving Winter Appeal. The Swan Theatre in Yeovil is staging a number of special performances to mark its 50th anniversary...and more.
Thursday 8th January

Adam Dance MP is welcoming developments in his campaign to support neurodivergent schoolchildren. Somerset was the star of the small screen last night, thanks to BBC comedy ‘Can You Keep A Secret’. A Yeovil gymnastics club has hosted a VIP guest...and more.
Wednesday 7th January

Somerset's Lib Dem MPs have described a one per cent rise in Council funding as 'profoundly disappointing'. A new independent cinema will open next month in Wincanton. We’re facing the chance of heavy snow with Storm Goretti hitting the region on Thursday...and more.