Thursday 25th January

Thursday, 25 January 2024 at 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

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more