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.

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