Thursday 8th January

Thursday, 8 January 2026 06:00

Adam Dance MP is welcoming developments in his campaign to support neurodivergent schoolchildren. Somerset was the star of the small screen last night, thanks to BBC comedy ‘Can You Keep A Secret’. A Yeovil gymnastics club has hosted a VIP guest...and more.

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, is welcoming developments in his campaign to support neurodivergent children in schools, after his Screening and Teacher Training Bill was published and scheduled for its Second Reading in the House of Commons next week. Intended to provide universal, ‘light touch’ screening for neurodivergent traits, alongside statutory guidance for teachers, the Bill is receiving support from Dance’s fellow MPs, including Lib Dem Leader, Ed Davey.

Somerset was the star of BBC1 TV last night, with Dawn French’s comedy ‘Can You Keep A Secret’ premiering on the channel, filmed in Axbridge last year. And next week, Netflix will bring shots of the West Somerset Railway to the small screen with the release of Agatha Christie’s ‘Seven Dials’ streaming on the service. Screen Somerset assisted with arranging locations for both shows. Film and TV production brought an estimated £4.2 million to the county’s economy last year.

Yeovil’s Orchard Gymnastics Club have been hosting a VIP guest after being named the IGA National Community Champion Club of the Year. Saskia Servini, a member of the Great Britain team that won gold at the 2023 Tumbling World Championships, visited the club to see more than 50 young tumblers showcasing their gymnastics skills and presented medals to the competitors.

A Chard man received a Christmas surprise, just three days before the big day, when he received a letter and Christmas card from a former friend with whom he’d been out of touch for 75 years. Roger Galpin, who is now 86, hadn’t heard from Mary Trulock since their days at High Street Junior School. He described receiving the card three-quarters of a century after their last contact as the “biggest surprise”.

Meanwhile, hundreds of children in Somerset who might otherwise have gone without received Christmas presents this year, after Tesco’s Christmas Toy Donation campaign collected more than 800 gifts. Generous shoppers across the county, including Yeovil, Shepton Mallet and Ilminster, dropped off presents at local stores across the area.

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