Thursday 28th August

Thursday, 28 August 2025 06:00

A Marston Magna man who fell ill on holiday has died. A film of Yeovil’s fundraiser for famine relief is being screened tonight, forty years on. A South Somerset contestant has been ranked fifth place at the World’s Strongest Man (Natural) contest...and more.

A Marston Magna man who fell ill on holiday has died. Alan Kirby, who was 67, passed away at a hospital in Athens after being diagnosed with a chest infection and suspected cancer whilst on holiday at the beginning of July. He was unable to return home for medical treatment as he hadn’t declared a benign tumour on his travel insurance form, believing it not to be relevant. Alan’s family raised £9,500 in the hope of flying him back to the UK. They say the money raised will now go towards his cremation.

Forty years on from Live Aid, and 17 bands coming together that summer to create Yeovil’s own fundraiser for famine relief in Ethiopia, a film of the event is to be screened at the town’s Quicksilver Mail tonight. The film, which hasn’t been seen in four decades, serves as a time capsule of the day, held at the then Johnson Hall, now the Octagon Theatre. Band members who took part in 1985 will be in attendance.

An Ilminster taxi service is expanding its business after a successful launch at the beginning of the year. West Country Cabs was started by Crewkerne-born Dan Runcieman and as the business has grown, he has taken on four new staff members, including a new driver and three assistants for SEN (Special Educational Needs) school runs. Mr Runcieman has ambitions to grow the business further in the coming months and years.

A Chard man is set to row 100 km to raise funds for the town’s community hub. Andrew Webb’s challenge will take place at LIFT Gym in Crewkerne in November but Webb will be hosting live training sessions at Chard Tesco this Saturday from 10 am and again in October. The funds raised will support the hub’s services, including food support, groups and activities, and community care.

It’s official, one of the world’s strongest men comes from South Somerset. Gareth Penn ranked fifth place at the World’s Strongest Man (Natural) contest in Galway at the weekend. The competition differs from others in that its focus is on healthy eating and strength training over extended periods, with no use of drugs allowed. Penn worked as an Avionics Electrician for 18 years before following the dream of running his own gym with his wife, Linsay. GMP Fitness Strength on Yeovil’s Pen Mill Trading Estate.

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Wednesday 28th January

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Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more