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

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more