Senior figures in Somerset have been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth following her death aged 96 yesterday. All schools in Somerset are expected to become academies by 2030 under a new government policy. Families in Somerset could benefit from a new epilepsy specialist nurse...and more.
Senior figures in Somerset have been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth following her death aged 96 yesterday. Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw said the country had lost one of the greatest people of our age. She had set an exemplary example of devoted service and against so many odds her message had always been one of peace, unity and partnership. The nation has lost someone without whom life would never be the same. On behalf of the people of Somerset, the Chairman of Somerset County Council, Councillor Mike Best, offered his deepest sympathies to the Royal Family. In Yeovil, a book of condolence has opened at St Johns Church.
All schools in Somerset are expected to become academies by 2030 under a new government policy. The Department for Education outlined its plans for Somerset’s remaining council-controlled schools to become academies within eight years in a white paper. At the moment, Somerset has 130 academies that are run as multi-academy trusts rather than by Somerset County Council. Families in Somerset could benefit from a new epilepsy specialist nurse, based at Yeovil Hospital. Emma Christie has been appointed to the role, which is funded by ‘Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity’.
Former Somerset cricketer James Hildreth is getting a stand named after him at the county ground in Taunton. He retired last month, after playing for the club since 2003. The River stand will be renamed the James Hildreth Stand in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the club.
South Somerset District Council has launched a public consultation into the provision of outdoor play and youth facilities across the district. The Council says it wants to better understand the supply and demand of facilities, including their quality and availability. You can take part in the questionnaire, which is open to October 18th, via the South Somerset District Council website.
There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.