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

Wednesday 17th June

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more
Tuesday 16th June

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas has been put up for sale... and more
Monday 15th June

People in Somerset are being asked to take part in a new survey about alcohol use. Yeovil's MP Adam Dance will lead a debate in Parliament today on NHS dentistry. A Yeovil runner has been selected to represent England at a national endurance championship... and more
Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.