Local News Wednesday 8th September

Wednesday, 8 September 2021 06:00

The trial continues at Taunton Crown Court today of former Leader of South Somerset District Council Ric Pallister. People are being asked to use the camera on their smartphones to help paramedics assess a person’s injuries before being taken to hospital. Ilminster is gearing up to host one of the largest town crier competitions in England. The return of Somerset Armed Forces Day has been announced, with a new celebrity face at the forefront of the event...and more.

The trial continues today (08-09) at Taunton Crown Court of former Leader of South Somerset District Council Ric Pallister. Mr Pallister, who led the district council for seven years, faces a total of 36 indecency charges, including indecent assault and indecency with a child. He denies all the charges that date from 1983 to 2004 and include multiple alleged offences involving girls under the age of 16.

People are being asked to use the camera on their smartphones to help paramedics assess a person’s injuries before being taken to hospital. South Western Ambulance says having a photo of the person’s injury would help medical staff work out the best treatment to give before patients arrive at hospital.

Ilminster is gearing up to host one of the largest town crier competitions in England. Twenty-two town criers will be in the Market Square in Ilminster on Saturday, September 18th, competing for a number of awards and trophies.

The return of Somerset Armed Forces Day has been announced, with a new celebrity face at the forefront of the event. Dragons Den star Deborah Meaden is the event's new champion and has pledged to help raise the profile of the event. Postponed for the past two years due to the pandemic, Armed Forces Day will take place next year on Saturday, July 2nd.

Churches in South Somerset have the chance of winning a top prize for the help they provided during the pandemic. The insurance firm, Ecclesiastical Insurance, is asking for stories about the help churches gave local people during lockdown for ‘The Good News’ competition that has a first prize of £7,500.

Three people in Chard have been presented with ‘Outstanding Service Awards’ by Chard Town Council. Bruce Crabb has been recognised for 42 years of service at Chard Cricket Club. Jonathan Moore for producing a video diary of Chard during the pandemic and Christine Smith for her work with the Chard Watch project. Jason Hawkes has been given the Mayor’s Annual Award for setting up an emergency response team that provided direct help to people in Chard during lockdown.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more