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.

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