Thursday 28th August

Thursday, 28 August 2025 at 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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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