Local News Wednesday 8th September

Wednesday, 8 September 2021 at 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.

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Friday 30th October

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Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more