Thursday 25th January

Thursday, 25 January 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A motorist, found to be over the drink-drive limit, when he crashed his car near Castle Cary, killing his woman passenger, has been jailed. A new scheme has been launched in Somerset aimed at encouraging children to drink more water at school. A new teacher training centre could soon open in Yeovil...and more

A man, who was over the drink and drug drive limit when he crashed his car near Castle Cary, killing his woman passenger, has been jailed for seven years and nine months and banned from driving for ten years. Declan Jackson, aged 32, from Frome, crashed his car on the A371 on the outskirts of Castle Cary in March last year, killing Jossette Kemery. Jackson was also found to be driving whilst disqualified and without insurance.

A new scheme has been launched in Somerset aimed at encouraging children to drink more water while at school. The Health Team at Somerset Council is trying to persuade children to stop drinking fizzy drinks and to drink more water to stay healthy.

A new teacher training centre could soon open in Yeovil. Exeter University, who will deliver the training, aims to have the centre at Fiveways School in Victoria Road open by September.

A gun-maker in Somerton has been entered into the prestigious Guild of Master Craftsmen. Gareth Rule runs the business that was started by his father 60 years ago.

Somerset cider-maker Thatcher’s has lost a trademark court case against the supermarket chain Aldi. Thatcher’s claimed that Aldi's Taurus cloudy cider lemon drink infringed the trademark for its version of the drink but a judge at the High Court has decided there was no likelihood of the two drinks being confused.

Two local charities have benefitted from the generosity of Chard Freemasons. Cheques of £460 were presented to the Alzheimer’s Society and Chard and District Riding for the Disabled from money raised at events organised by members of the Prudence and Industry Lodge in Chard.

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