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.

More from News

Friday 26th July

Somerset Olympic Rower, Helen Glover, will be carrying the Team GB flag, together with diver Tom Daley, at this evening's opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Work has been completed building a new mental health ward in Yeovil. Martock Library is reducing its opening hours after losing funding from the Parish Council...and more.
Thursday 25th July

A crowdfunding appeal has been launched raising money to help find a Chard man missing for almost two weeks in Sardinia. Somerset Council is to sell off some of its buildings to help balance the books. Building work on the UK's biggest electric vehicle battery factory near Bridgwater will begin next month...and more.
Wednesday 24th July

Drivers at Buses for Somerset are involved in a second day of strike action today. Police in Yeovil confiscated a motorbike that was being ridden without insurance. This year’s Charter Fair in Crewkerne will take place over three days from the 6th to the 8th of September. The main road through the cliffs at Cheddar Gorge is closed again today for filming...and more.
Tuesday 23rd July

A sub-postmistress from Wells, falsely accused of stealing by the Post Office, is celebrating after finally being paid compensation. An amateur jockey from near Sherborne is in hospital after sustaining a serious back injury in a fall. A man who became violent towards staff at Hollywood Bowl in Yeovil has been jailed...and more.
Monday 22nd July

The RSPCA in Somerset has reported a big increase in cases of animal cruelty. The mother of a Chard man, missing for more than a week in Sardinia, has launched a desperate plea to find him. A book detailing the life of one of Stalbridge’s most famous sons, the author Douglas Adams, has been gifted to Stalbridge Town Council...and more.
Friday 19th July

Glovers Walk shopping centre in Yeovil is to be demolished. The Rock and Ribs music festival starts at Wincanton racecourse today. A mobile clinic, part of the UK’s largest-ever health research programme, is coming to Chard and Yeovil. A new community magazine has been launched in Sparkford...and more.
Thursday 18th July

Plans have been submitted to build 650 new houses in Wincanton. Farmers in Somerset have criticised Avon and Somerset Police for re-deploying four officers from the rural crime team. Glastonbury and Somerton MP, Sarah Dyke, has written to the new Transport Secretary asking for a meeting about restoring a rail link between Langport and Somerton...and more.
Wednesday 17th July

Work to upgrade the gas network on Preston Road in Yeovil begins later this month. Somerset Council has been given the go-ahead to deliver the final phase of the Yeovil Refresh project. The wet weather is being blamed for a big drop in visitor numbers to Somerset this summer...and more.