Monday 18th May

Monday, 18 May 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The RSPCA is investigating after eleven newborn puppies were abandoned in Snowdon Park in Chard. Major funding has been announced for a new two-year arts programme in Yeovil. Plans have been unveiled to improve sports facilities at Somerton Recreation Ground...and more

The RSPCA is investigating after eleven newborn puppies were abandoned in Snowdon Park in Chard. Three of the dogs, believed to have been only hours old, had already died when they were discovered by a member of the public, who took the surviving puppies to a vet. RSPCA Chief Inspector Lewis Taylor is appealing for anyone with information about the puppies, or the person responsible for abandoning them, to come forward.

Major funding has been announced for a new two-year arts programme in Yeovil. ‘Yeovil Reimagine’, led by Yeovil Art Space, has secured four hundred thousand pounds to bring inclusive arts and cultural events to the town centre. The project includes public art commissions, community partnerships and opportunities for young people to lead creative enterprises. Funding includes two hundred thousand pounds from Arts Council England, with additional support from Somerset Council and local partners. Organisers say the programme will help revitalise Yeovil’s high street and strengthen community pride.”

Plans have been unveiled to improve sports facilities at Somerton Recreation Ground. Proposals include a new pavilion, a sports hall and additional parking. Somerset Council is expected to decide by the autumn whether to fund the project.

A historic ship’s bell has been put back on display in Chard after undergoing a thorough restoration and polish. The bell, from HMS Campion, had been displayed in the Guildhall for more than forty years before being removed for cleaning after losing its shine. It was originally presented to the town after the vessel was decommissioned, in recognition of the people of Chard and their efforts in helping fund the ship’s construction at the beginning of the Second World War.

Four members of the same family from Crewkerne completed the London MoonWalk at the weekend. Evie, Chris, George and Rob took on the twenty-six-mile overnight challenge to raise money for cancer research. Rob said the cause is one that means a great deal to the whole family.

More from News

Friday 15th May

A fire that damaged two vehicles in Chaffcombe near Chard is being treated as deliberate. A road in Hardington Mandeville is set to re-open today after being closed for three days. Friends, family and colleagues of a Royal Navy officer based at RNAS Yeovilton are taking on a 630-mile coastal challenge in her memory... and more
Thursday 14th May

Somerset Council has defended spending nineteen million pounds on consultants over the past three years. A new clinic specialising in sexual health has opened in Yeovil. RNAS Yeovilton has been in the TV spotlight this week after featuring on Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr...and more
Wednesday 13th May

Concern's been expressed that too many of the 580 new council homes being built in Somerset will be clustered around Taunton and Bridgwater. Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman died following a crash on the M5. Haynes Motor Museum has been awarded £180,000 by The National Lottery to transform its Red Room gallery... and more
Tuesday 12th May

A member of Yeovil Town Council has appeared in court charged with two counts of assault. Health professionals in Somerset are urging people to take up the offer of a free NHS health check. Organisers of Somerset Day have welcomed the name Dunkery given to the dragon on the county flag...and more
Monday 11th May

New figures show a sharp increase in reports of drones interfering with critical air ambulance missions. The Liberal Democrats have retained the Mendip Hills seat on Somerset Council following a by-election. A woman from Chard has been recognised for her contribution to the community with an invitation to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace... and more
Friday 8th May

Police investigating a fire in Shepton Mallet are appealing for help to identify two people. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has called for more government support for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. This weekend sees the start of the Great Gardening Show at The Newt near Bruton...and more
Thursday 7th May

A disabled man has taken his case to the High Court, arguing that Somerset Council’s council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Bristol Airport says travellers planning summer holidays should not change their plans. Chard and Ilminster Amateur Boxing Club has launched a fundraising appeal,..and more
Wednesday 6th May

Pharmacists in Somerset say it's becoming difficult to get hold of some medications. The building used as Club Neo in Stars Lane in Yeovil has been put up for sale. Free gym memberships are being offered to people living with Parkinson's in Somerset...and more