Tuesday 11th June

Tuesday, 11 June 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Around one in ten cats in Somerset still aren't microchipped despite a new law making it compulsory. A survey has ranked Somerset among the UK's top destinations to visit by camper van. Members of Yeovil Freewheelers have completed a one thousand-mile fundraising trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats... and more.

Around one in ten cats in Somerset still aren't microchipped making it difficult to reunite them with their owners if they go missing. A new law, that has taken effect this week, means owners could be fined five hundred pounds if their cat is found without a microchip.

A survey has ranked Somerset among the UK's top destinations to visit by camper van. Somerset was measured on the number of motorhome parks it provides, attractions to visit, and several online searches for campervan hire in Somerset. The County was ranked sixth with a score of 6.67 out of 10, thanks to its beaches, walking trails, and available activities.

A Somerset woman has set up a charity to help young girls leaving the care system. Louise Allen grew up in care and has started the charity ‘Spark Sisterhood’ inviting young girls leaving or who have left the care system, to call her if they need help and support.

A Yeovil man who raised more than £3,500 after his mum died of a brain tumour has sponsored a day of research in her memory. Simon Ross lost his mother, Denise Ross, in 2018 at the age of 60. Simon, with other family members, spent a day at the Centre of Excellence at the University of Plymouth seeing how their fundraising is supporting scientists researching low-grade brain tumours.

An art gallery in Somerton is putting on a display of an embroidered dress that for the past 14 years has been touring the world. The dress has been created by people in fifty-one countries, expressing their identity and culture through embroidery.

Members of Yeovil Freewheelers, who supply medical items to local hospitals, have completed a fundraising trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The bikers took just 24 hours to finish the 1,000-mile journey.

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Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more