Monday 9th December

Monday, 9 December 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Preston Church of England School has been named one of the best-run state schools in the country. Councillors have delayed a decision on plans to build 30 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Original film footage of King Charles’s christening in 1948 is being offered for sale at auction in Chard...and more

A Yeovil primary school has been ranked one of the best-run state schools in the country. Preston Church of England School was named the second best in the South West and the 25th in England by The Sunday Times. The Parent Power Guide also named Countess Gytha Primary School in Queen Camel the region's third-best school, and the 47th best in England.

Councillors have delayed a decision on plans to build 30 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Developers, Galion Homes, want to build the homes to the north of Church Street, with the demolition of an existing bungalow on the site to provide access. Members of Somerset Council’s Planning South Committee voted to defer a decision on the application after concerns were raised about over-development, road safety, and the loss of green space in the heart of the village.

Original film footage of King Charles’s christening is being offered for sale at auction in Chard. It shows King Charles being held by his mother, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Queen Mary and King George the Sixth. Dated December 15th 1948 and described as in mint condition, it will go under the hammer at Courtyard Auctioneers in Chard, on Thursday, December 12th.

Seven newly qualified Wildcat helicopter aircrew have completed their training at RNAS Yeovilton's 825 Naval Air Squadron. The presentation of their Wings marked the culmination of weeks of study and practical assessments. The sailors are due to join 825's sister squadron, 815, on frontline operational tasks.

A number of local holiday businesses have been recognized in the 2024 Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards. Knowle Meadow Camping in Chard won gold in the New Tourism Business Awards category. Croftview – Hinton Park Holidays, Hinton St George, took silver in the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year category, with Hadspen Glamping of Castle Cary awarded Bronze in the Glamping Business of the Year category.

Radio Ninesprings has joined with local charity, Help for Homeless, to support their Christmas Shoebox Appeal. It asks for donations of essential items like warm socks, toiletries, and treats to give to men and women who, this Christmas, will sleep rough in Somerset. If you would like to donate to Help for Homeless, please put your items in a shoebox-size box and take it for collection to Dandelion Cotton in the Quedam or, the Gateway Church on Addlewell Lane in Yeovil.

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Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has serious concerns about plans that could see the closure of inpatient beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital. Ilminster residents are being asked to vote in a referendum on adopting a new neighbourhood plan for the town. An event in which people take part in a race against horses is returning to Somerset later this year...and more
Wednesday 16th July

A children’s play area in Ilminster has been closed on safety grounds after badger setts were found on the land. Somerset Council sold off £90m of property assets last year to help fight off bankruptcy. Crewkerne Community Hospital could be turned into a neighbourhood health centre...and more.
Tuesday 15th July

The fire service has blamed a discarded portable barbecue for starting a blaze at Ham Hill Country Park. A care home for people with autism and complex needs in Crewkerne has been rated 'good'. A seven-year-old Yeovil boy has set a new world record for completing the most number of consecutive sit-ups for his age group...and more
Monday 14th July

Somerset Council is warning motorists against scanning QR codes at its car parks payment meters. Chard Town Council is spending £10,000 on short-term youth provision over the summer months. Former Yeovil Town player Marcus Stewart says he wants to continue raising money towards finding a cure for motor neurone disease...and more.
Friday 10th July

A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.
Thursday 10th July

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Wednesday 9th July

Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.
Tuesday 8th July

Adam Dance, MP has challenged the Government over a "failure to tackle rising levels of child poverty" in South Somerset. A man in Chard has been evicted from a property in the town. Temporary changes are being put in place at Yeovil Bus Station... and more